Pearson Minegoestoeleven 2022 review

The Pearson Minegoestoeleven sits as top-dog aero racer in the UK brand’s stable. Updated for 2022, it features redesigned tube shapes for more watt savings and lighter-weight Toray carbon fibre that helps a bike shed up to 400g, says Pearson.
Here the build is cutting edge, from the wide 32mm tyre clearance to the Classified Powershift system, which replaces the front derailleur with a two-speed rear hub which is operated wirelessly.

New integrated bars round off this package, which at just under £7,000 is very keenly priced in today’s top-end bike market.
‘The Minegoestoeleven is now in its fifth generation, much like the business,’ says Will Pearson, joint-owner with brother Guy of Pearson, officially the world’s oldest bike shop.
‘This time around we’ve reduced weight by 400g by using lighter Toray carbon fibre. The seatstay bridge and seatstays have been redesigned to be more angular and aerodynamic, so too the fork.’
The MGTE is designed at Pearson’s UK HQ and is manufactured in Asia by a factory ‘whose engineering team suggests tube forms, which are run through programmes to account for the aerodynamic effects of design tweaks.’

Thus this isn’t an aero bike in the truest no-holds-barred wind-tunnel sense, but it does use proven aero tube shapes and aero components such as the 50mm deep wheels and Pearson’s integrated bars, which have been stiffened and made available in a broader range of sizes.
This last point is key, because Pearson puts fit above most other things, using data gathered from its in-store bike fits to inform its geometry choices.
Will Pearson once explained that most riders he sees need a taller position, as an aggressively low pro-rider position is neither necessary nor often possible.
So although the MGTE has a diddy 135mm head tube (size 54cm), stack height is a relatively generous 555mm (a similarly sized Specialized Tarmac, for example, is 534mm), while reach is a middling 382mm.
The result is a much more relaxed position than the bike looks like it offers, and one that helps make the MGTE one of the most comfortable aero bikes out there.

Riding the Pearson Minegoestoeleven

In terms of aerodynamics, the MGTE isn’t in the realm of a Canyon Aeroad, say, but it does possess a pronounced lick of speed, and I belted around quite happily, especially on the flats and descents.
Yet strangely for an aero bike, the star turn here is ride quality. The MGTE glides along sublimely like one of those squirrels with the flappy armpits.
Even weight distribution from the ride position helps this feeling, but most valuable players here are the tubeless-setup Continental GP5000 S TR tyres in a whopping 32mm. At 320g (claimed) they are heavy, but their huge volume offers incredible cushioning and masterful grip.
That said, given the width the tyres just make a lightbulb profile on the rim, and when run at 45/50psi they can squirm in sprints, detracting from a frameset that’s otherwise stiff.
I’d drop to 30mm for the best of all worlds, but the point remains: this is an edifyingly smooth bike due in large part to its tyres. Oh, and its saddle.
This Fizik Argo gets the ‘Adaptive’ moniker as it’s 3D-printed, which Fizik says allows it to better tune saddle cushioning. I wanted to think this was a gimmick, but dammit if it doesn’t work really well, further adding to the MGTE’s plush ride.

Classified Powershift drivetrain

This is a custom MGTE with Classified Powershift wheels, which feature a two-speed, wireless-shifting rear hub that provides shift ratios akin to a 52/36 crank.
Crucially, though, Powershift negates the need for a front derailleur, aka the worst part of a bike, and swaps it for hub-shifting that is absolutely perfect, every time, under load. Seriously, Powershift just works. But for now, it won’t be for everyone.

The current shift button is an unsatisfactory addendum to handlebars, the system begging to be controlled by the otherwise redundant Di2 shift lever (this is something I’m told will soon happen), and then there is the weight.
The full wheelset weighs a claimed 1,910g plus there’s around 200g for the shifter and thru-axle, which houses the wireless receiver. This build is heavier than a full Shimano Ultegra Di2 build by about 300g, and that bumps weight to 8.7kg.
In another world that would be a big mark against the Minegoestoeleven, but here I’m going to defend it toothandnail.
That’s because the weight disguises itself well thanks to frame stiffness that breeds acceleration and the extra mass’s low position in the rear hub, which aids stability.
Plus I was distracted by that ride quality, time and again, and it’s this that leads to me really liking this bike. Riding it is a joyful experience, from the satisfying glide of tyres to the near-silent shifting of the rear hub.
Yes, in an ideal world I’d like it to weigh less, but this is a custom build. Changing parts will shed grams, and a change to full Ultegra Di2 and Pearson’s own carbon deep sections drops the weight to 8.3kg and the price to £5,850. In today’s market, that sounds like a steal.

Pearson Minegoestoeleven specs

Photography: Mike Massaro

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Pick of the kit: Limar Air Pro Mips

When Limar’s latest helmet dropped into the office last month I made sure I was first in line to test it, mainly because it was white and I reckon white is currently the on-trend helmet colour and I am fickle.
Also, I’m increasingly picky about vents, especially given the global warming-induced heat we’ve just experienced.
The Air Pro has 20 large vents and does an excellent job of helping my head lose its heat. It also has Mips to keep me old bonce safe, but thanks to carbon reinforcements weighs a satisfactory 236g for a medium.

• Price: £264.99

Pearson Minegoestoeleven alternatives

Pearson Hammerandtongs

The Hammerandtongs (from £5,650) borrows a lot from the MGTE – the tall, aero tube profiles, wide clearances and geometry – but it changes the position and shape of the stays for added compliance.

• Buy now from Pearson 

Pearson Objectsinmotion Di2

A comparable Ultegra Di2 spec sheet will cost £7,250, but the extra buys a titanium frame that’s built for long, comfy miles thanks to a more upright riding position and slightly more relaxed geometry.

• Buy now from Pearson

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