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How does the BICI Assietta carbon gravel bike perform in the real world? Czech cycling magazine VELO put it to the test. But issue 6/2026 was not just about the bike itself. It also featured an interview with BICI founder Michal Martinek about how the brand started, how frames and components are selected and the journey that ultimately led to BICI.
VELO tested the BICI Assietta in real-world riding conditions, looking closely at the frame, carbon wheelset, shifting, brakes and overall ride quality.
The lesser-known electronic groupset raised some questions before the test, but on the road it impressed the reviewer with fast, precise shifting and extensive adjustment options.
The same issue also featured an interview with founder Michal Martinek about his accident, the long recovery that followed and how the idea of creating his own bike brand began.
Assietta under the microscope at VELO
VELO gave its BICI Assietta review a title that roughly translates as “Carbon on a Budget”. The article focused on a question that also sits at the heart of the BICI philosophy: does a well-specced carbon bike really have to cost well over CZK 100,000?
The Assietta tested by VELO featured a carbon frame, WheelTop EDS GeX wireless electronic shifting and a BICI Wave carbon wheelset.
Reviewer Matěj Stejskal went well beyond first impressions. He assessed the bike's frame construction, cockpit, wheelset, drivetrain and brakes, as well as how the Assietta actually behaved out on the road and gravel.
Carbon everywhere you look
One area that received particular attention in the review was the quality and finish of the bike's carbon components. The reviewer looked closely at the frame junctions, internal cable routing, cockpit and details around the seat cluster.
The BICI Wave carbon wheelset also received attention. The test highlighted the accurate wheel build, the absence of noticeable runout or play and the overall stiffness of the wheels.
The combination of a carbon frame and lightweight carbon wheelset plays a major part in the way the Assietta accelerates and carries speed.
WheelTop: the biggest question mark before the test
A major part of the test bike was the WheelTop EDS GeX wireless electronic drivetrain. This was also the component the reviewer approached with the most caution before riding the bike. WheelTop does not yet have the same level of brand recognition among European cyclists as Shimano or SRAM.
According to the review, however, the system delivered fast and precise shifting in real-world use. The ergonomics of the shift levers and the ability to customise the system through the mobile app were also rated positively.
The app allows riders to fine-tune the shifting, monitor battery status and change the functions assigned to individual buttons. Battery life did not present any issues during the test period either.
What surprised the reviewer about WheelTop?
Fast and precise electronic shifting without conventional shift cables or cable housing.
Fine adjustment and button customisation through the mobile app.
Real-world performance that helped overcome the reviewer's initial reservations about a less familiar brand.
And how does the Assietta actually ride?
Technical specifications are one thing. A gravel bike still has to ride well. And this is where the Assietta performed particularly strongly in the test.
The reviewer described it as a lively, responsive and easy-to-handle bike with a stiff frame. It feels quick, responds well to changes in pace and much of its fast character was also attributed to the carbon wheelset.
The Assietta felt at home on tarmac, gravel and rolling terrain. According to the review, its character sits somewhere between a fast gravel bike and an endurance road bike.
That reflects exactly what the Assietta was designed for: riders who want one fast bike for both tarmac and unpaved roads without giving up a sporty, responsive ride.
An independent test should not be all praise, of course. The reviewer also pointed out a longer brake bed-in period, the bike's firmer ride character and the stock saddle, which he would personally replace. Feedback like this matters to us just as much as the positive comments.
The verdict: a fast and versatile all-rounder
One of the most interesting parts of the test is its conclusion. The reviewer openly acknowledges his initial scepticism towards some of the lesser-known components but came away with a positive impression after actually riding and testing them.
Overall, the BICI Assietta came across as a successful blend of fast gravel bike and endurance road bike — a versatile option for riders who want broad usability without the heavy, sluggish feel sometimes associated with more adventure-focused gravel bikes.
A brand born from a hospital bed
The same issue of VELO also featured an interview with BICI founder Michal Martinek under the headline “A Brand Born in Hospital”.
And in this case, it was not a marketing metaphor.
The idea of creating his own bike brand began during a long hospital stay following a serious cycling accident. Michal collided with a tractor that failed to give way, resulting in a severe leg injury, a long period of treatment and a gradual return to cycling.
But giving up cycling altogether was never the plan. During his recovery, he began thinking about other ways to remain part of the sport. Gradually, the idea of creating his own bicycle brand began to take shape.
Why should a good carbon bike cost so much?
It started with researching manufacturers, frames and components. That was followed by direct contact with suppliers, samples of individual models, testing and eventually a trip to China to meet manufacturers in person.
The goal was never to find the cheapest possible frame and simply put a BICI logo on it. Geometry, stiffness, comfort, ride quality and overall build quality all play a role when selecting a frame for the BICI range.
Our frames and components come from specialist manufacturers, but samples are also tested by us before a particular model is added to the BICI range.
Every model has its own character, geometry and intended use. One universal frame for every rider simply does not make sense to us.
We source frames and components directly from specialist manufacturers without a long chain of distributors in between.
You choose the model, frame size and colour and, depending on the bike, the drivetrain and other components too.
One bike for everyone? That does not make sense to us
The VELO interview also explains why the BICI range is not built around a single gravel frame offered in several different colours.
Each model has a different focus. Finestre is built primarily around speed and aerodynamics, Assietta is a versatile all-rounder sitting between road and gravel, Laune puts more emphasis on low weight, playful handling and comfort, while Nomad is designed for bikepacking and long-distance adventures.
Alongside gravel bikes, BICI also offers carbon road bikes and mountain bikes.
Your bike, your build
Another important part of the BICI concept is the ability to choose your own configuration. Your complete bike does not have to come with exactly the specification chosen by a manufacturer for one mass-produced build.
Some riders want proven mechanical Shimano. Others prefer wireless WheelTop or SRAM. Some want a carbon wheelset, while others would rather put more of their budget into another part of the bike.
That is why we do not pre-build hundreds of identical bikes. Most BICI bikes are configured to order and then individually assembled and set up in Olomouc.
BICI is not a story about building the cheapest bike
Our goal is not to claim that we have discovered some miraculous form of carbon fibre or that every expensive bike is automatically overpriced.
What we do believe is that there is a lot of room between an anonymous budget bike and a carbon bike costing several hundred thousand Czech crowns.
A quality frame. Sensible components. A configurable build. Hand assembly in the Czech Republic. And a price where as much of your budget as possible goes into the bike itself.
Thank you, VELO
For a young brand, an independent review can be more valuable than any advertisement we could create ourselves. That is why we appreciate the fact that VELO spent proper time with the Assietta, described both its strengths and the details that did not suit the reviewer personally, and also gave space to the story behind BICI.
Thank you to VELO magazine for testing the BICI Assietta and for the interview with Michal Martinek.
This article is based on the independent BICI Assietta review and interview with Michal Martinek published in VELO 6/2026.
Discover the BICI Assietta
A carbon gravel bike for riders looking for a fast and versatile setup for tarmac, gravel and long-distance rides. Choose your frame size, colour and component configuration.
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