Neil Pryde Nazare 2 review

Based in Hong Kong, NeilPryde is a relatively recent addition to the road bike market, having only entered it with two models back in 2010. But the company’s historical base in carbon sailing and windsurfing masts has meant that it has enjoyed a quick rise to respectability. Sitting alongside the lightweight BURAsl and more comfort-orientated Zephyr bikes, the Nazaré and Nazaré 2 mark NeilPryde’s aero contingent. 

Frame

The original Nazaré was called the Alize, but after an altercation with a certain rival manufacturer, NeilPryde was forced to change the name in 2014 (Note: the ‘UCI approved’ sticker on our frame still shows the code NPR-ALIZ-RD). Later on in the year, a younger, lighter and faster sibling appeared with the launch of the Nazaré 2. The bike has been redesigned and rebuilt from the ground up, and has resulted in a frame that’s claimed to weigh just 920g, light for an aero bike, with up to 20% less drag than its predecessor (a claim we are alas unable to substantiate, or find out how it compares with its rivals). 

NeilPryde has been strategic with tubes and placement, incorporating traditional aerofoil shapes on clean, wind-breaking tubes such as the head tube, seatpost and seat tube, and more complex features elsewhere. The down tube has been lowered, for example, and pairs with the fork seamlessly to reduce drag between the rotating front wheel and the frame. Kamm-tail tubing (a truncated teardrop) has then been used elsewhere, for example on the lower stretches of the down tube. NeilPryde believes this effectively tricks the air into behaving like the down tube and seat tube are one object, and steers the air past both – an approach we’ve not come across with other brands for this section of the bike.

Components

When we asked for an aero road bike for less than £3,000, NeilPryde informed us that the model they would be sending would be equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace, and the result is – as you would expect – a delight. Dura-Ace has the deft performing capabilities that would complete any bike, and takes a good experience to a great one. The shifting is just that bit more precise and light; the braking just a fraction more powerful and controllable – something which is only enhanced on the Nazaré 2 by the fact that both front and rear brakes are direct mount, improving stiffness and aerodynamics.Although the Rotor 3D+ chainset is likely not quite as high performing as Dura-Ace, it’s still a strong, stiff and entirely plausible inclusion, and NeilPryde’s own CF Matrix handlebar has a comfortable, ergonomic shape. If we really want to split hairs, the in-house saddle feels a little cheap, but it’s the only anomaly in an otherwise impeccable build. 

Wheels

The Fulcrum Racing 3 wheelset aren’t marketed as being aerodynamic, but they are a decent race-worthy wheel that can be ridden in any situation. We commend NeilPryde’s decision to dress the hoops with wider 25mm tyres for less rolling resistance and improved comfort. 

The ride

When out on the road the Nazaré 2 feels very efficient when the gradient inclines, with both in and out-of-the-saddle climbing negotiated with a feeling of stiffness and forward momentum. But back down on the flat during speedier sections there was an equally impressive adroitness. A stiff front end and well-designed geometries make for confident and controlled handling, but more impressive are the road-damping qualities that the Nazaré 2 possesses, ironing out road buzz with ease. As with other bikes on test, the Nazaré 2 seems to have that ability to maintain a relatively high speed, as though it wants its rider to be going as fast as possible. But we feel that this may be down to the bike being so good as a whole; the combined effect of a light, comfortable frame, a faultless groupset and acclaimed wheelset, rather than its aero qualities.

Geometry

Spec