Viner Maxima RS 4.0 first look

What is it? 

As part of its new top-of-the-range, super-lightweight collection, the Viner Maxima RS is Planet X’s answer to the all-day climbing bike. Equipped with an arsenal of weight-saving gizmos such as Shimano RS81 C24 carbon-alloy wheels that’ll help any rider climb up walls, and an FSA SL-K Carbon Seatpost that not only keeps things light but adds flex for a comfy ride. Despite being designed for the hills, ol’ Blighty isn’t exactly rammed with them but fear not as this Viner ensures all-day comfort riding, perfect for those sportives and relaxed Sunday rides. Coming in at 7.23kg (for the size M), Viner’s spiel about the bike’s weight rings true and with the smooth rolling wheels, no energy will be wasted. 

Who is Viner?

Viner is one of the in-house brands that belongs to online bike retailer Planet X. Dave Loughran’s Planet X brand has taken on many forms. Originally starting out in 1988 as a way for him to buy triathlon kit for himself and sell on extras to his friends, he then began selling dirt, jump and trial bikes to off-road and stunt riders, before recently returning to the road. Focused on building grassroots racing in the UK, the company has used expertise from the likes of Kevin Dawson, Wayne Randle, John Tanner and Mark Lovatt, who dominated the UK road scene in the ’90s.

OK, back to the bike. Tell us about that frame. It looks interesting… 

That’s because it is. With a claimed weight of 795g, the frames on these beauties are sent over to Italy to be hand finished and painted. Using an incredibly stiff monocoque carbon lay-up, the bike can maintain a low weight without losing out on power transfer. This is particularly noticeable when you start climbing out of the saddle. 

Ooh, sounds like it’s going to be expensive. How much money are we talking?

Being one of the biggest online retailers in the country, Planet X offers a wide range of good value bikes and this Viner is no exception. Fitted with Ultegra Di2 and an array of other up-to-date tech the Maxima RS 4.0 comes in at £2,499. However, if money’s too tight to mention, there’s also a mechanical Ultegra version that brings the price down to £1,999, which for this incredibly light frame is none too shabby. 

Spec