Gravel bikes have changed considerably over the past couple decades. While some modern gravel bikes are essentially road bikes with more tire clearance, others are optimized for bikepacking with lots of gear. Because there are so many options, finding the right gravel bike can be a challenge. So we put in hundreds of miles of testing to bring you the top tier of gravel bikes available right now. Our list below is the result of testing bikes from the most popular bike brands down to the small builders.

At a Glance

• Editor’s Choice:
• Smoothest Ride:
• Best Technical Climber:
• Best Handling at Speed:
• Best Quiver Killer:
• Best Dirt-Focused Ride:
• Best Custom Bike:
• Best Budget Bike for its Quality:
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Tester
• How to Choose a Gravel Bike

All the bikes in this guide were tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Editor’s Choice

Enve Mog

Build: The Mog includes the Chassis (which consists of a frame, fork, seatpost, handlebar, and stem)
Frame Weight: 950 grams (Minus the hardware in a painted size 56)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely well-balanced handling
⊗ Very premium price

Enve Composites is no stranger to what makes a good bike, having shown its expertise in making lust-worthy carbon wheels, handlebars, and accessories since 2007. For its first entry in cycling’s hottest category, the Ogden, Utah-based company knew it had to make a bike with its own unique vision. It had to be different in an increasingly crowded market, and that’s exactly what the Enve Mog gravel bike is.

The Mog feels like the complete package. It can handle a maximum of 700c x 50-millimeter tires, whereas 45-47 millimeters is the maximum for most other brands, and often much less than that. There are mounts all over the place: three on the fork for cargo, three sets of bottle mounts on the frame, and another at the top tube, too. Further, two roll bags fit in the downtube, plenty for a repair kit, some snacks, or even an emergency wind jacket.

Enve has done the hard work of ensuring every size receives similar handling characteristics, which is uncommon on most gravel bikes. Somewhere in the middle of road-centric handling and more laid back, the result is a bike that makes you far more confident and comfortable than you should be on washed-out descents. At the same time, testers were still able to keep up with the fast group at a local gravel race.

Of course, all of this comes at a price, one that is unabashedly premium. But for how well-rounded the bike feels everywhere, as well as the polish shown in its build specs, Enve is partly justified.

Smoothest Ride

Revel Rover

Build: GRX
Weight: 18 lbs (S)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Great tire clearance
⊕ Eager handling on dirt
⊗ 1x-only drivetrain compatibility can be limiting

Remember all those folks saying that gravel bikes are just mountain bikes from the 1990’s? They’re probably talking about the Revel Rover gravel bike. Not only does the Carbondale, Colorado-based company find most of its notoriety from its mountain bikes, but its behavior— particularly on single track and double track—reveals that this is far from just your standard sporty gravel bike.

The Rover won’t feel the fastest on pavement, but add a bit of dirt and the Rover starts to come alive. It’s a fantastic climber, particularly on more technical terrain. Acceleration is on the snappy side, and its geometry lets you point and shoot through rock patches rather than having to find a tight line. Above else however, the Rover rides much smoother than the average carbon gravel bike, a testament to its smart frame design.

l considered the details when testing here, too. The guided internal cable and hose routing is a breath of fresh air against complicated fully-internal setups. The threaded bottom bracket is also a nice touch. Space for 700c x 50 millimeter tires abounds despite stubby 420 millimeter chain stays. The bike may lack a bolt-on top tube bag mount, but it makes up for it with up to four frame bottle cage mounts and a SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) that standardizes derailleur hanger replacements.

There is one small caveat with the Rover: until recently, every bike came with a 44-centimeter handlebar, regardless of size. Wider bars mean improved control and leverage according to Revel, but smaller-size riders likely will want to consider swapping for a different-width handlebar. The bars themselves are easy to swap, fortunately, but it is the one caveat to an otherwise phenomenal gravel bike.

Best Technical Climber

Chapter2 Kaha Frameset

Weight: 2.4 lbs (frame), 0.9 lb (fork)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Customizable
⊗ Chapter2 only offers framesets

Chapter2 might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of high-performance cycling, but the Pryde family—better known for their NeilPryde kite sailing and windsurfing business—knows their way around high-performance carbon components, and the Kaha is an excellent example of that.

This bike loves technical, steep climbing. The short rear end allows riders to keep much of their weight over the rear wheel, ensuring the rear tire has grip even when things get loose on the trail. And when the road or trail points downhill, the Kaha feels manageable, agile, and plenty responsive.

The word Kaha, which means ‘power and strength’ in Maori, covers every base you’d expect for a gravel bike. 700c x 47-millimeter tire clearance, loads of mounts for gear on the frame and fork, useful downtube internal gear storage, and space for 1x and 2x drivetrains means you can build and ride the bike exactly as you want to.

On that note, Chapter2 only offers frame sets—there are no complete bikes are here. According to Chapter2, selling only frame sets and a few select components allows the company to stay hyper-focused on the core of the cycling experience, while allowing the customer to choose the build that best fits their needs.

Best Handling at Speed

Liv Devote

Build: Advanced Pro
Weight: 17.5 lbs (XS)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Progressive geometry
⊗ Finicky seat post cluster

The Liv Devote gravel bike range includes the all-new, lightweight Devote Advanced Pro, as well as upgrades to both the Devote Advanced and Devote series, with redesigned geometry across all models. In the three years since the Devote series was launched, gravel riding and racing have evolved, and Liv says this latest generation features updates to reflect the times.

Handling upgrades errs toward additional stability for the Devote series. This was managed with a redesigned geometry that puts the rider in a more aggressive position, increases traction and stability, and allows more control at speeds and on descents.

One important upgrade to the Devote Advanced series is the new integrated down-tube storage. It consists of a latch found just under the downtube water bottle revealing a weather-resistant bag, with space for essentials like an inner tube, a CO2 canister, tire levers, or a multitool. Frame-bag happy riders will be pleased to see a range of frame mounts, including bottle cage mounts, a top tube bag mount, fork mounts, and fender mounts, as well.

From the progressive geometry to the great fit to the excellent proprietary components like the saddle and tires, this is a great bike for a gravel rider who likes to go fast. Testers also found that the Devote offers room to grow for someone who is newer to gravel riding but plans on sticking with it.

Best Quiver Killer

Ventum GS1

Build: Custom Build with SRAM Red
Weight: 18 lbs (XS)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely stable handling
⊕ Arrives in a ride-ready box
⊗ Very premium price

The Ventum GS1 is an update of the GS1 gravel bike that launched in 2021. When it launched, it was too early for us to test ride in the Rockies, so testing happened on a March trip to Patagonia, Arizona, and later to the Flint Hills gravel roads of Unbound Gravel. On all of those surfaces, the GS1 came pretty darn close to “quiver killer” status: it has the stiffness and snappiness of a performance road bike but also the necessary stability when conditions became sketchy on loose dirt.

This latest iteration of the GS1 adheres to the performance orientation that ties all Ventum bikes together, even on gravel. Like many performance-oriented gravel bikes, it has 420-millimeter chainstays for a nice, snappy feel when accelerating and moving fast, but the extended reach and wheelbase keep those characteristics in check when conditions are unruly. The result is a whole lot of stability when going fast, regardless of whether you’re on the tarmac or something much rougher.

The value of Ventum’s bikes and their direct-to-consumer depends on how you customize it. Everything from the drivetrain, wheels, tires, and even touch points can be customized to ensure you have the right bike from the start. And when the bike arrives to your house, the GS1 is designed to show up in a ride-ready box; you put on the seat post and wheels and the bike is ready to go.

Ventum GS1 framesets start at $2,599, but $2,999 nets you a complete bike with SRAM Apex AXS electronic shifting. There’s no limit to how nice the GS1 can be equipped, however, and the build options go all the way up to $9,900.

Best Dirt-Focused Ride

Giant Revolt

Build: Advanced Pro 0
Weight: 21.16 lbs (XS)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Suspension makes handling technical dirt a breeze
⊗ Very premium price

Giant really went for it with their Revolt Advanced Pro 0 gravel bike. Their Revolt gravel bike was already quite good for riding gravel roads and being a general all-around drop bar bike. But what if you want a bike that’s far more dirt-focused? One that feels settled on washboard descents and single track that a gravel bike has no business being on? That’s the Revolt Advanced Pro 0, which offers a 40-millimeter suspension fork and a suspension seat post out back.

The idea of adding suspension to a gravel bike isn’t entirely a new one, but Giant has one of the best versions of it. Geometry is adapted to match the added capability that comes with suspension, with high-quality components that match that added capability. Even the tires are wider and knobbier in this version to take advantage of all of that bump-taming suspension. The added suspension here makes those chunky, rutted, and rocky roads that rattle your fillings out considerably smoother. In these situations, the Advanced Pro 0 still feels plenty responsive when you get up and pedal.

The Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0 is different than the Revolt, which comes in an array of models with aluminum or carbon frames. But regardless of which Revolt you choose, you’ll receive a bike with suspension up front and a dropper post out back, a wide-range 1x drivetrain, and more mounts than you could need.

Best Custom Bike

Scarab Paramo

Build: Paramo frameset (T1 paint scheme)
Weight: 19.9 pounds (~52 cm custom)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Hand-built, custom steel bike
⊗ Very premium price

Velo Tech Editor Alvin Holbrook’s . Scarab isn’t a household name, which is no bad thing. You wouldn’t expect hand-built, custom steel bikes made in the Andes Mountains of Colombia to grow from a tree, would you?

Scarab makes a range of road, gravel, and even mountain bikes. They offer different models, though these are more suggestions for starting points. If you explain your riding style, your preferred riding characteristics, and where you hope to go, Scarab’s reps will take it from there. You can even choose from a wide array of paint themes. Riders can adjust the geometry ot be tailored to your riding preferences, providing that perfect balance of comfort, stiffness, smoothness, and compliance in all the right places. The result is a bike uniquely suited to your needs.

The Paramo we tested is set up for fast gravel rides, with just a three-pack fork mount for when you want to load up your bike for a long trip. I found that it felt plenty quick in the local road group rides. Holbrook went with a design based around their Campesinas scheme and built it with the latest Shimano GRX 12-speed groupset. While they have several themes to base your custom paint upon, Holbrook wanted one that best embraced the fact that the bike hails from Colombia.

Best Budget Bike for its Quality

Decathlon Triban GRVL

Build: 900 Ti
Weight: 20.8 lbs (M)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lower price point than most brands
⊗ A few spec sacrifices on the build to keep the price down

French sporting goods company Decathlon isn’t all that well-known in North America. They’re a veritable giant in Europe, however, with all the resources to make bikes that compete with the big brands in the industry. Further, they’re able to do it at a price point lower than most other brands.

The GRVL 900 Ti frame is made in conjunction with legendary Italian bike frame and tubing manufacturer Dedacciai. Titanium frames, though expensive, tend to ride smoother, are more comfortable, and don’t rust like their steel counterparts with the same tubing profiles.

The GRVL 900 Ti isn’t just about the titanium frame however. It’s titanium frame and carbon fork impart a sense of smoothness over chip seal roads and gravel paths, but the handling and feature set is inherently good, too. Plus, the addition of bottle cage mounts on the fork make the bike ready for some light-duty bike packing or all-day gravel rides.

How often do you find a titanium gravel bike under $5,000? Rarely, but we’ve found one here. Decathlon has had to make some spec sacrifices to keep the price point down, but the key bits—the Shimano GRX drivetrain, and the aluminum Fulcrum wheels—ensure the bike still feels good.

There’s just one version of the Triban GRVL 900 Ti, with the aforementioned Shimano drivetrain and Fulcrum wheels. Even still, the in-house branded crankset, handlebars, and seat post are easy to use and seem reliable.

How We Test

• Number of Testers: 5
• Number of Products Tested: 33
• Longest Testing Bike Ride: 280 miles (450 km)

These gravel bikes—ranging from entry-level to top-spec bikes with weights matching high-end road bikes—were chosen to be a well-rounded preview of the best bikes on the market today. Sure, we tested gravel bikes from all of the major bike brands, but we also made sure to test the small brands as well.

Our reviews were performed all over the world by five dedicated testers, with a vast majority of those miles on roads and trails we know best, from Dallas to Patagonia to Arizona. Riding across such varied terrain by riders of different skill levels and needs means we’re well-suited to understanding what parts of a gravel bike can frustrate, what makes a bike good, and what makes a bike truly stand above the competition.

Testing includes riding local loops, big days out, group rides, and everything in between. It means living with them day-to-day, maintaining them, and building them to learn more about their ins and outs.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Alvin Holbrook is a tech editor for Velo. He covers road, gravel, and e-bikes after nearly a decade in the bike industry. In addition, he uses his background in urban planning to cover stories about active transportation, policy, tech, and infrastructure through the series. He currently lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife and an ever-growing stable of bikes and kitchen utensils.

How to Choose a Gravel Bike

What Is a Gravel Bike?

A gravel bike is designed first and foremost to be at its best when riding on a variety of surfaces. That doesn’t just mean gravel, but dirt roads and pavement as well. A large percentage of gravel bike riders will take their bikes on singletrack which might be better suited to a mountain bike as well. In short, a gravel bike needs to be a lot of things to a lot of people.

Sure, a gravel bike might look a whole lot like a road bike, as they both have drop bars and relatively compact frames. But a gravel bike will have a gravel tire, typically ranging from 38 millimeters all the way up to 50, with some gravel bikes going even wider than that. Gravel tires vary in tread, though most gravel bikes will have some sort of tread on them in an effort to balance rolling resistance and grip in loose conditions. An increasing number of gravel bikes come with damping or suspension. Most of the time, that comes from an extra flexy seat post or handlebar, but some gravel bikes feature a suspension fork to add traction, grip, and comfort too.

Finding the right gravel bike for you can be a challenge with so many varieties. Here are our tips to ensure you find the right bike.

What Should I Look For on a Gravel Bike?

A gravel bike isn’t just a road bike with wider tires. The geometry is quite a bit different, favoring straight-line stability through the bumpy surfaces of dirt and gravel roads. Rider positioning is going to be more upright as well. The result is a bike that can roll through just about anything you may encounter on a road.

Gravel bikes typically have a number of mounts. Two water bottle cage mounts are certain, with a third at the bottom of the bike nearly guaranteed. Most gravel bikes will have a pair of mounts for a top tube bag to carry snacks on rides. Many will have fender mounts, while other will have rack mounts to carry gear.

Most gravel bikes will feature a shorter stem and wider drop handlebars that flare out. Further, most gravel bikes will come with a 1x drivetrain. A 1x drivetrain has a single chainring up front and a wide-range cassette out back. This ensures riders are quickly able to find the right gear simply by hitting the upshift or downshift levers.

The latest gravel bikes have started to split into two categories: performance gravel bikes and adventure gravel bikes. Performance gravel bikes ditch most of the rack and pack mounts, shed weight, and tend to have quick er handling. șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű gravel bikes double down on bike packing, with more mounts, wider tires, a more stable ride, and a focus on durability.

What Exactly Do I Need to Budget For?

Most of the bikes we’ve tested qualify as high-end bikes, costing as much as a decent used car. However, the trickle-down effect is very real, and so there are some fantastic gravel bike values at a more affordable price point. Knowing what you can spend will give you a great idea of what’s available to you on the market today.

Buying a gravel bike isn’t just buying a bike—you also need the right accessories. At a minimum, you’ll need a quality set of bike lights and a well-fitting helmet in the name of safety. Further, you’ll need to budget for a decent set of pedals, and matching shoes if you want to use clip-in style pedals rather than a more accessible flat pedal.

The clothes themselves also make a difference. and a jersey can make your ride that much more comfortable if you decide to wear them. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg: repair kits, maintenance items, and more are worth budgeting for.

How Do I Choose The Right Size of Gravel Bike?

Your typical gravel bike will come in a range of sizes to fit riders of all heights. Most new gravel bikes will come with a size range to help you figure out what size of bike you need. This size range is usually expressed in centimeters, though some brands use a XS to XL.

Once you figure out what size of gravel bike you need (we recommend going to your local bike shop—more on that below), you’ll want to give the bike a test ride. That means standing over the top tube of the bike (sometimes referred to as a crossbar) comfortably with both feet flat on the ground. The top tube can touch you, but it’s better if it doesn’t.

The right size of gravel bike will place your torso and arms at roughly a 90-degree angle from your torso without feeling uncomfortable. Your knees will have a slight bend to them at the bottom of your pedal stroke. Most importantly, the bike will feel comfortable to maneuver around.

Of course, all of this advice is only amplified by going to a trusted bike shop. Having another set of eyes to help you find the correct size bike will ensure your money is well-spent. They’ll help you determine the right bike for you based on your riding experience, flexibility, and needs, and they’ll help you determine proper sizing for things like handlebars, saddles, and even your frame.

The post The Very Best Gravel Bikes Available Today appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

What makes for a great road and gravel e-bike? The formula is simple: familiar handling, comfortable positioning, and the right amount of assistance to make the rider feel connected to the bike. How a bike approaches that formula is very different, however.

These bikes have come a long way over the past few years. The best e-bikes are hard to distinguish from a non-assisted road or gravel bike at first glance, with motors tucked away in the hub of the rear wheel and slim batteries housed in the down tube. Not only do they help you ride farther, but they also look phenomenal, too.

Our list of the best road and gravel e-bikes of 2024 comes from a wide array of bike testing over the last year, including bikes from top bike brands down to the small builders. How else are you going to find the right bike for you if not for us to obsess over it?

Be sure to check out our guides to the best enduro bikes and our many other bike guides.

At a Glance

• Editor’s Choice:
• Best for Both Road and Gravel:
• Most Customizable E-Bike:
• How to Choose a Road and Gravel E-Bike
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Tester

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Editor’s Choice

Cervélo Rouvida

Build: Rival XPLR AXS 1 Road
Weight: 33.7 lbs (small)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Premium features and very fast
⊕ The app is extremely intuitive
⊗ The Fazua Ride 60 motor isn’t as powerful as a Bosch or Shimano motor

Believe it or not, Cervélo now has an e-bike. It turns out that having some electric assist in your bike ride is fun. Who knew? Thankfully, Cervélo is here with the Rouvida, an e-bike that can be set up both as a road bike and a gravel bike based on your needs. And better still, the brand sweat the details to ensure it feels like a Cervélo every step of the way.

The Rouvida has a Fazua Ride 60 motor that offers 60 Nm in torque, which we found to be exceptionally smooth and fast. Its Class 3 classification (with assist up to 28 miles per hour) means assist doesn’t cut out during typical group ride speeds, though that 60 Nm torque isn’t quite as powerful as what you’d find from Bosch or Shimano. Assist is controlled by a top tube-mounted controller that shows the different assist levels. Its USB port doubles up to charge accessories or lights if you prefer.

Even though this is an e-road or e-gravel bike, CervĂ©lo’s high-end features are still here. The pair of flip chips to optimize the bike for road tires or gravel tires, and the 430 Wh battery resulted and quick handling that had us thoroughly enjoying the ride. In our testing, we got roughly 35 miles of range out of the bike, though that was solely when riding the Rouvida at its highest assist setting. Be a bit more cautious with your assist and you can expect closer to 50 miles.

The Rouvida’s drive system largely succeeds in feeling like a regular bike, just with a friendly bit of help. Some of these lightweight e-bike systems make you feel like you have a tailwind; the Fazua system feels as if you’re riding with a tailwind while hitting the highest power numbers you’ve seen in 15 years.

Like most of these lightweight e-bike systems, power here from the torque and cadence sensors comes from a combination of speed and pedaling cadence. Loafing about results in minimal power, while pedaling at a high RPM results in the motor being more eager to give up all of its assist.

Of course, all of this is adjustable through Fazua’s own app. It’s cleaner than just about any other system I’ve used in recent memory, with graphical charts showing how assist builds as the rider changes their pedaling input. Want the bike to use less energy in the lowest of its three settings? Simply slide the graph left and right to adjust how quickly the power comes on, and down to change its max power input.

The Cervélo Rouvida has four models: two built for gravel, and two built for road. All feature the same carbon frame and fork, with a choice of drivetrains from Shimano and SRAM.

Best for both Road and Gravel Riding

Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo 2

Build: Turbo Creo 2

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely seamless assist transition
⊕ Versatile for both road and gravel riding
⊗ Very pricey

Most e-road and e-gravel bikes have a bit of a delay after you start pedaling to when you feel the assist kick in. However, we didn’t need to pedal far on the Specialized Creo 2 to recognize that it almost perfectly blends e-bike assistance with drop bar cycling. That is until you hit the next hill, at which the assistance helps maintain a power output few can dream of.

The second generation Creo 2 features a fully redesigned frame with updated geometry, and uses Specialized’s new SL 1.2 motor system. While the original Creo came in a road and gravel build, the new Creo 2 leans heavily toward gravel. However, on the road, the large tires and gearing combined with the assistance is very good. Overall, the specs might make this bike look more gravel, but the new 29 x 2.20-inch tire clearance ad the Future Shock 3.0 make it perfect for road imperfections, abrupt transitions between different surfaces, and anything we encountered on a paved or unpaved road.

All Specialized Creo 2 models use 1x drivetrains only, but that’s no bad thing. With three different drivetrain options—all using SRAM’s AXS wireless electronic shifting—it’s rare you’ll run out of gears. There’s more than enough power too, at 50 Nm, that can pair with the bike’s 320 Wh battery and 160 Wh range extender.

Most Customizeable E-Bike

Orbea Gain

Build: M10i

Pros and Cons
⊕ Smooth assistance
⊕ Customizable
⊗ Motor isn’t very light at 1,399 grams

Orbea launched the first generation of its Gain e-road bike back in 2019, and now, just four years later, the Basque brand is launching its third generation of the platform. Things are obviously evolving quickly in the e-bike world, but they also seem to be settling down a bit, and what Orbea has arrived at this time around may be a surprise.

Contrary to the other bikes on the list, the Gain is based around a lightweight hub-driven motor from Mahle. The Mahle X20 offers exceptionally smooth assistance to its 20 mph assistance cutoff. And even there, the bike is so smooth that you almost don’t notice that cutoff after you exceeds those speeds. At that point, we were o focused on the bike’s confident handling, the surprisingly good comfort, and its sleek looks. But when we looked down at the top tube, noticed the small e-assist display just behind the stem, and we were reminded that we had some extra electric assist on tap.

Orbea’s ace in the hole isn’t just that the Gain is a plain good bike, the customization options are the cherry on top. Their MyO custom ordering program allows you to choose your gearing, handlebars, and saddles. And certain models get the full experience, with custom paint options available at no extra cost. Component customization start at just $3,199 for an alloy Gain, though you’ll need to spend $5,599 for a carbon frame Orbea Gain with custom paint access.

It can be hard to make your bike truly unique in a sea of same, but the Gain lets you do just that. Few brands if any can compete with that proposition.

How to Choose a Road and Gravel E-Bike

What Is the Difference Between a Road and a Gravel E-Bike?

There a number of differences between a standard, non-assist road bike and a gravel bike. Road bikes are lighter but less comfortable, while gravel bikes are more versatile but not quite as fast on the road. Road and gravel e-bikes though? There are a number of similarities, at least as of now.

The vast majority of e-bikes with drop bars from one company will use the same frame, fork, and motor. In the case of the Cervelo Rouvida above, the difference between the road and gravel bike is how it is built. Road bike builds will receive a 2x drivetrain (with a front derailleur), while gravel bike builds will receive a 1x drivetrain (without a front derailleur). Road e-bikes will have narrower tires and standard road bike handlebars, while gravel e-bikes will have gravel-centric tires and flared drop handlebars.

That said, some road e-bikes and gravel-ebikes are designed specifically for one discipline. Those will follow the same build guidelines as mentioned above, but their handling will be tuned specifically for riding on one specific terrain.

Even still, finding the right road e-bike or gravel e-bike can be a challenge. Here are our tips to ensure you find the right ride.

How Much Do I Need to Spend on a Road or Gravel E-Bike?

Most of the bikes we’ve tested qualify as high-end bikes, costing as much as a decent used car. However, the trickle-down effect is real, and so there are some fantastic gravel bike values at a more affordable price point. Knowing what you can spend will give you a great idea of what’s available to you on the market today.

Budgeting to buy a a road e-bike or a gravel e-bike isn’t just buying a bike of course. Getting the most out of your road bike requires having the right accessories. At a minimum, you’ll need a quality set of bike lights and a well-fitting helmet in the name of safety. Further, you’ll need to budget for a decent set of pedals, and matching shoes if you want to use clip-in style pedals rather than a more accessible flat pedal.

The clothes themselves also make a difference. and a jersey can make your ride that much more comfortable if you decide to wear them. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg: repair kits, maintenance items, and more are worth budgeting for.

How Do I Choose the Right Size of E-Bike?

Your typical e-bike will come in a range of sizes to fit riders of all heights. Most new e-bikes will come with a size range to help you figure out what size of bike you need. This size range is usually expressed with an XS to XL size range, but some bikes will be measured in centimeters.

Once you figure out what size of e-bike you need, you’ll want to go and give the bike a test ride. That means standing over the top tube of the bike (sometimes referred to as a crossbar) comfortably with both feet flat on the ground. The top tube can touch you, but it’s better if it doesn’t.

The right size of bike will place your torso and arms at roughly a 90-degree angle from your torso without feeling uncomfortable. Your knees will have a slight bend to them at the bottom of your pedal stroke. Most importantly, the bike will feel comfortable to maneuver around.

Of course, all of this advice is only amplified by going to a trusted bike shop. Having another set of eyes to help you find the correct size bike will ensure your money is well-spent. They’ll help you determine the right bike for you based on your riding experience, flexibility, and needs, and they’ll help you determine proper sizing for things like handlebars, saddles, and even your frame.

What Is the Difference Between Electric-Bike Systems?

All road and gravel e-bikes consist of the frame, its components, a motor, a battery, and a controller. However, not all electric components on an e-bike are made equally. Here are the differences between e-bike motors and batteries.

Electric road and gravel bike motors and batteries tend to be smaller, sleeker, and lighter than ever before. Batteries are typically tucked away in the downtube, with a range extender sitting where a water bottle might otherwise be placed. While the typical e-bike features a handlebar-mounted controller, most road and gravel e-bikes feature a singular button in the top tube to turn the bike on and off, and no accompanying display.

As a result of all of these systems being paired down, these smaller systems are typically less powerful than what might be found on a typical e-bike. They’re meant to accompany your efforts, rather than outright supplement them.

All road and gravel e-bikes adhere to the popular e-bike class system, which differentiates between the top assisted speeds of different bikes. Most of these bikes are rated as Class 1, offering pedal assist up to 20 miles per hour (32 kph). A growing number of these bikes, however, have motors powerful enough for Class 3 operation, providing pedal assistance up to 28 miles per hours (45 kph).

Many of these e-bikes use a hub-driven electric motor, offering a compact size and a look that is hard to distinguish from a non-electric bike. Mahle is the most common option here.

Other e-bikes will use a mid-drive electric motor, placing the motor where the crankset is. These systems tend to be a bit more powerful than a hub-driven electric motor at the expense of weight and sometimes, drag when the motor is off. Fazua is a popular motor option here, though Shimano, Bosch, TQ, and Yamaha are popular options too.

How We Test

• Number of Testers: 2
• Number of Products Tested: 18
• Longest Testing Bike Ride: 77 miles (123 km)

Bike reviews require a whole bunch of work. These road and gravel e-bikes—ranging from entry-level to top-spec bikes with weights approaching that of a non-assisted bicycle –Ìęwere chosen to understand which bikes are best on the market today. Sure, we’ve tested bikes from all of the major bike brands, but we’ve also made sure to test the small brands to ensure we find the best gravel bikes.

Our reviews were performed all over the world by five dedicated testers, with a vast majority of those miles on roads and trails we know best. Riding across such varied terrain by riders of different skill levels and needs means we’re well-suited to understanding what parts of a gravel bike can frustrate, what makes a bike good, and what makes a bike truly stand above the competition.

Testing includes riding local loops, big days out, group rides, and everything in between. It means living with them day-to-day, maintaining them, and building them to learn more about their ins and outs.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Alvin Holbrook is a tech editor for Velo. He covers road, gravel, and e-bikes after nearly a decade in the bike industry. In addition, he uses his background in urban planning to cover stories about active transportation, policy, tech, and infrastructure through the series. He currently lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife and an ever-growing stable of bikes and kitchen utensils.

The post Go Faster and Farther with These Road and Gravel E-Bikes appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

The electric bike category is by far the fastest-growing category of bikes on the market—and that’s for good reason. Not only are they fun to ride, but the electric assist means riders can travel farther, more comfortably, and with more capacity. If you find the right commuter e-bike, it might just replace your car.

We tested 17 bikes in the category over the past year in the city, on bike trails, and carrying everything from groceries to people. Here are our favorite four.

Be sure to also check out our guides to the best road bikes and our many other bike guides.

At a Glance

• Editor’s Choice:
• Best Compact E-Cargo Bike:
• Best Car Replacement:
• Best Budget Bike:
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Tester
• How to Choose a Commuter E-Bike

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Editor’s Choice

Canyon Precede:ON 5

ÌęCurrently Unavailable

Weight: 52.6 lbs
Maximum Assisted Speed: 28 mph

Pros and Cons
⊕ Nimble ride feel
⊕ Quiet, fast electric assist
⊗ Accessories are expensive

Canyon, the direct-to-consumer brand better known for its performance-oriented bikes may not be the first name you think of when it comes to commuter bikes. But the Precede:ON 5 is such a blast to ride that we found ourselves looking for reasons to take it out, be it for our daily commute, a jaunt to dinner with friends, or on a weekend ride on the bike trails. The heart of this bike is its Bosch Performance Line Sport drive system—the motor is tuned for Class 3 pedal assistance up to 28 miles per hour, making it an excellent fast commuter. Size medium and large bikes use a removable 625-watt-hour battery, but even the size small bike with its 500 watt hour battery offers 50 miles of range. The 27.5-inch wheels get up to speed quickly and help the bike feel far more nimble than you’d expect.

Aluminum fenders kept the bike clean in the rain, although the bike’s premium-looking champagne colorway wipes off easily. Thanks to its flashy looks, this bike earned more compliments from passersby than any other e-commuter we tested. Ultimately, the Precede:ON 5 is a solid choice, offering stable handling even with loaded panniers on either side of its integrated rack.

Best Compact E-Cargo Bike

Tern Quick Haul D8

Weight: 50.3 lbs
Maximum Assisted Speed: 20 mph

Pros and Cons
⊕ Easy to navigate in cities due to its size
⊕ Large carrying capacity for its size
⊕ One of the few cargo bikes that fits easily in the back of a midsize SUV or wagon.
⊗ Not as large as a typical cargo bike if you need to carry a lot of items

It’s been a few years since Tern introduced its first small-wheeled cargo bikes, but the Quick Haul D8’s new compact design is a real standout amidst the competition. The 20-inch wheels mean it’s the same size as an average commuter bike, but it’s much easier to get on and off of. Navigating narrower streets in a city takes less effort than a traditional cargo bike, too, while its Bosch motor provides plenty of power to carry a whole lot of gear. It doesn’t have the same carrying capacity as a larger cargo bike, but with a weight limit of 331 pounds, it’s integrated rear rack and optional front rack can accommodate groceries, commuter gear, and even small kids on the back. For a quick-handling e-commuter bike, it has a large capacity for its size and comes at a price point that is significantly more accessible than other e-cargo bikes.

The Quick Haul is versatile, too—its one-size adjustability makes the bike easy to share within a household and easy to store vertically if you need some extra space in the garage. If you’re looking for a part-time e-cargo bike, part-time commuter bike for multiple uses, this is your best bet.

Best Car Replacement

Specialized Globe Haul ST

Weight: 77 lbs
Maximum Assisted Speed: 28 mph

Pros and Cons
⊕ Carries up to 419 pounds of gear with a compact frame
⊕ Assist goes up to 28 mph
⊗ Your car might start collecting dust

The Specialized Globe Haul ST is a smartly designed compact cargo e-bike that comes at a fair price without skimping on quality or safety. This class-3 e-bike features a rear hub motor that powers the bike up to 28 miles per hour. With five different assist levels, you can conserve the battery when cruising along on the flats, then crank it up as needed when hauling gear or climbing steep gradients. It offers a compelling alternative to the highest-end models in this category as it offers lots of cargo capacity, plenty of power, and a name brand to back it up at a reasonable price point..

The Globe Haul ST is made for hauling a serious amount of gear—up to 419 pounds (including rider weight), which makes carrying groceries, child seats, and other cargo a breeze. It even has enough space to carry an additional adult. Available in one size that fits riders from 4’5” to 6’4”, its compact frame is about the length of a standard bicycle, and includes a telescoping seat post and a quill stem to ensure proper fit for a range of rider heights. The frame’s low center of mass, coupled with smaller 20-inch wheels, beefy 3.5-inch tires, and wide handlebars, provides a very stable ride, even when loaded down with gear or passengers. Out of all the e-cargo bikes we tested, this one is the most likely to replace your car.

Best Budget Bike

Flyer L885

Weight: 73 lbs
Maximum Assisted Speed: 20 mph

Pros and Cons
⊕ Above-average carrying capacity
⊗ 20 mph assist isn’t as fast as other bikes we tested

Believe it or not, there are a few differences between this e-bike and the wagon Flyer we rode in as children. This Flyer is a class two e-bike that offers pedal assist to 20 miles per hour as well as a throttle to get you going from a stop light. The bike also claims 500 watts of power from a hub-driven motor, which brings the price down compared with mid-drive-equipped e-bikes. Plus, it offers a range of accessories that allowed us to carry a week’s worth of groceries or children, and it does so without costing an arm and a leg.

The Flyer L885 is a bit of a blank slate, as the bike only comes with a rear rack integrated into the frame. Want a basket? You’ll have to add it for an additional cost. The same goes with carrying children. But the result is a bike that can be tailored to your specific needs.. The Flyer L885 is available with a range of child carriers, battery range extenders, a fixed front cargo rack, and more customizable features. Bonus: The Flyer L885 also meets UL 2849 certifications, which ensures electrical and fire safety for all of the bike’s electrical components—a crucial certification for something that will likely replace your car.

How to Choose a Commuter E-Bike

What’s the Difference Between a Commuter E-Bike and a Cargo E-Bike?

A cargo e-bike is a sub-category of a commuter e-bike. Specifically, it’s designed to carry more than just the rider. Cargo e-bikes can be accessorized to meet your specific needs. Some are designed to accommodate child seats, while others can be outfitted with bike bags (panniers), crates, racks, and baskets with ease. Longtail cargo bikes are probably the most common, which place all of the carrying capacity behind the rider. Mid-tail cargo bikes are more compact than a long-tail cargo bike, but still longer than a standard e-commuter bike. These are more maneuverable and lighter than a traditional cargo e-bike at the expense of not being able to carry kids, pets, or other loads as easily.

A front-loading cargo bike (sometimes called a bakfiets, Dutch for “box bike”) places the rider behind the main cargo area. These bikes feature a a low-slung box or container up front to carry anything you might need. These typically are the biggest bikes, and are incredibly stable as a result. The downside: they’re so big that they take up quite a lot of storage space.

What’s the Benefit of a Cargo E-bike?

Data shows that the majority of vehicle trips in North America amount to less than six miles. A cargo bike can easily cover that distance, plus they can carry everything you typically need. Being able to skip traffic and the hassle of finding a parking spot—and getting a small workout as you go— makes a cargo bike an easy choice for commuting.

How Do I Choose the Right Size of Commuter E-Bike?

Many commuter e-bikes will come in a range of sizes to fit riders of all heights. This size range is usually expressed with an XS to XL size range, but some bikes will be measured in centimeters.

A correctly sized bike will place your arms at roughly a 90-degree angle from your torso without feeling uncomfortable. Your knees will have a slight bend to them at the bottom of your pedal stroke. Most importantly, the bike will feel comfortable to maneuver.

Visiting a trusted bike shop is your best bet for finding a bike that fits. Having another set of eyes to help you find the correct size bike will ensure your money is well-spent. The pros will help you determine the right bike for you based on your riding experience, mobility, and needs, and they’ll help you determine proper sizing for things like handlebars, saddles, and even your frame.

Finally, you should give the bike a test ride. That includes standing over the top tube of the bike (sometimes referred to as a crossbar) comfortably with both feet flat on the ground. The top tube can touch you, but it’s better if it doesn’t.

What Is the Difference Between Electric Bike Systems?

All e-bikes adhere to the popular e-bike class system, which differentiates between the top assisted speeds of different bikes. Most of these bikes are rated as Class 1, offering pedal assist up to 20 miles per hour. The fastest e-bikes have motors powerful enough for Class 3 operation, providing pedal assistance up to 28 miles per hour.

Most of the bikes we tested are Class 2, particularly those at lower prices. These models offer pedal assist up to 20 miles per hour, but they also have a handlebar-mounted throttle that can propel the bike up to 20 miles per hour without needing to be pedaled.

Many of these e-bikes use a hub-driven electric motor, offering a compact size and a look that is hard to distinguish from non-electric bikes. Other e-bikes use a mid-drive electric motor, placing the motor where the crankset is. These systems tend to be a bit more powerful than a hub-driven electric motor, but they’re heavier.

How to Best Avoid an E-Bike Battery Fire

The dramatic increase in news around e-bike battery fires means that people are more concerned than ever about whether the e-bike they’re purchasing is safe. Currently, the best way to know that your e-bike’s electric components have been tested for safety is by looking for bikes with certification from Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

There are two main UL certifications to look for: UL 2271 and UL 2849. UL 2271 certifies that the battery itself meets safety and performance standards which ensure that an electrical design is robust and sufficient enough for regular use.

UL 2849 is the more common, and much more comprehensive, standard. This standard outlines a set of required guidelines for bicycle motor manufacturers, including construction, environmental conditioning, performance testing, and thermal cycling. This isn’t just for the battery either: the testing includes the motor, its controller, all of its wiring, and even the charger too.

Not every bike meets these standards, as certification (and the engineering required to meet these standards) is expensive. But just about all of the best e-bikes adhere to these standards, even at more entry-level price points.

How We Test

• Number of Testers: 2
• Number of Products Tested: 17
• Longest Testing Bike Ride: 55 miles

Two riders tested 17 commuter e-bikes, with a vast majority of those miles pedaled on local loops in San Antonio, Texas, picking up a week’s worth of groceries and hauling gear to and from work. Testers specifically looked at carrying capacity, safety certifications, how stable the ride was, and the amount of power each bike had. It was important for us to feel like the bike was making our lives easier, rather than inconveniencing ourselves to hop on a bike rather than take our cars instead.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Alvin Holbrook is a tech editor for Velo and has been in the bike industry for nearly a decade, covering all kinds of riding machines. When he’s not riding or writing about riding, , he uses his background in urban planning to cover stories about active transportation, policy, tech, and infrastructure through the series. He currently lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife and an ever-growing stable of bikes and kitchen utensils.

The post Our Favorite Commuter E-Bikes Might Just Replace Your Car appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Shopping for a new road bike can be as fun as it is nerve-wracking. There are hundreds of options, from practical picks to WorldTour-level bikes ridden by the pros. The sheer number of builds, features, and specifications can confuse even the most avid riders.

Fortunately, we have a team of experts who spend their days obsessing over what exactly makes the best road bike for racing, recreation, and endurance. We tapped them to test this year’s crop of 42 bikes all over the world to help you make the right decision.

At a Glance

• Editor’s Choice:
• Best High-End Performance Race Bike:
• Best Value:
• Best Fast Road Race Bike:
• Best Endurance/Performance Hybrid:
• Best Versatile Aero Bike:
• Best Sequel:
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Tester
• How to Choose a Road Bike

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Editor’s Choice

Cannondale SuperSix EVO

Test bike: SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod 2 (56 cm)
Weight: 16.1 lbs

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ Comfortable
⊕ Relatively aerodynamic
⊗ The rider will feel more small bumps and vibrations at the saddle in comparison to the previous generation bike

The SuperSix Evo is Cannondale’s updated lightweight racer. It’s not quite as aerodynamic as the American brand’s aero-at-all-cost SystemSix or as smooth as the Synapse all-road bike, but it is far more comfortable, lighter, and still offers agile handling considering its extremely fast pace. Though this new iteration doesn’t represent the same performance leap as the first model, the upgrades to this version make the bike easier to work on and generally more aerodynamic.

Much of those aero gains are found at the front end. On the previous SuperSix, Cannondale made the well-intentioned decision to route the cables largely internally but in front of the headset bearings, which added bulk to an otherwise slim-tubed bike. It also limited just how much the bars could turn left or right. In the latest system, the cables are routed through the headset bearings using a triangular steerer tube. This allowed Cannondale to make the headtube area much more slender, making for a trimmer, more aerodynamic (and therefore faster), profile.

There are three different tiers of carbon frame construction within the SuperSix Evo family. Most riders will be happy with the standard carbon option, though the Hi-Mod and Lab71 frames are even lighter (and more expensive). We tested the SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod 2, which featured a Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain, Hollowgram R-SL 50 wheels, and a Vision aero carbon handlebar. One small downside: in our 51-centimeter test model, we found the bike to be a touch less compliant at the saddle than the previous generation. Swap from the stock 25-millimeter tires to 28 millimeters or wider, however, and you’ll get one of the best fast road bikes you can buy today.

Best High-End Performance Race Bike

Specialized Tarmac SL8

Test bike: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 Dura-Ace Di2
Weight: 14.72 lbs

Pros and Cons
⊕ Energetic on the uphill
⊕ Stable on the downhill
⊗ Pricey

There’s no denying that there’s a lot of hype surrounding the Tarmac SL8 race bike —you’re just as likely to see it at the group ride as on your favorite influencer’s Instagram account—and we’re here to report that the hype is real.

The eighth generation of Specialized’s Tarmac comes with all the customary claims of being lighter, smoother, and stiffer. What makes this bike stand out from the competition is how it rides. Its low weight makes it feel eager up punchy climbs, and the frame’s stiffness provides direct, confidence-inspiring steering. As a whole, this bike will make you want to ride farther than you have before.

Specialized offers the Tarmac SL8 in an ultra-lux S-Works model (with their lightest-weight 12R carbon frame) and a range of build kits using a less expensive 10R carbon frame. Both are available in myriad drivetrain configurations from SRAM and Shimano and a range of colorways that we noticed invoked jealous commentary from cycling friends. While our test bike was a top-spec S-Works model—which nets a top-tier drivetrain and wheels alongside their best frameset—the standard Tarmac frames are still among the lightest road bike frames available.

All of this comes at a price—$14,000, to be exact, which is the biggest drawback to the new Tarmac. But if you’re willing to shell out, we recommend models with the less-costly 10R carbon frame, as it offers the same stiffness, compliance, and ride quality as the ultra-luxe S-Works. Those start at $6,500 and still net you a race-ready bike with electronic shifting. Trust us—your bank account will thank you.

Best Value

Trek Domane AL

Test bike: Domane AL 4 Gen 4 (56 cm)
Weight: 22.8 lbs

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely affordable
⊕ Versatile
⊗ Heavier compared to other options

The aluminum Trek Domane (pronounced ‘dough-MA-knee’) is the brand’s least expensive way to get into road cycling. It is also one of the most popular first road bikes out there, thanks in part to its ability to wear several hats. Some cyclists will use this endurance road bike as a swift recreational ride, while others might use it for commuting. For the fair price of $1,699, the iteration we recommend—the Domane AL 4—does both competently.

Much of the Domane’s long-time popularity comes thanks to a comfortable riding position, generous tire clearance, and predictable, composed handling. None of that changes in this iteration. While the Domane offers a choice between several carbon-framed builds, our recommendation is for the Domane AL (AL for its aluminum frame), which offers all of this capability in an unassuming and budget-friendly package.

The Domane is an endurance bike with geometry to match, placing the rider more upright than most road bikes, and ensuring the handling is approachable rather than aggressive. This makes the bike stable-feeling on fast downhills without feeling clunky on the climbs. The generous 38-millimeter tire clearance means you could reasonably ride gravel aboard the Domane AL as well. The touch points—the handlebars, the saddle, and even the bar tape—are high-quality and help the bike feel more than the sum of its parts.

Best Fast Road Race Bike

Scott Foil RC Pro

Test bike: Foil RC Pro
Weight: 15.9 lbs

Pros and Cons
⊕ Extremely confidence-inspiring at high speeds
⊗ Pricey and aggressive geometry make it a non-option for some cyclists

What goes up must come down, and going down is when we fell in love with the Foil RC, designed with the singular purpose of going fast. Not only is it stable and confidence-inspiring at the highest speeds, but it gives you enough feedback to feel the speed, too. Its one-piece bars and overall lateral stiffness deliver a responsive ride that makes you want to push harder on every bend of the descent. Its unique seat post provides the comfort of a thin seat post with the aero benefits of a deeper aero-foiled post. The benefit is that the bike rides so comfortably that we felt more confident more quickly than we did while riding many others while going that fast.

Aero bikes are normally heavier than other options, due largely to their larger tube shapes that optimize for aero efficiency first and low weight second. However, our medium-sized Scott Foil RC Pro was light enough that even our climbing-focused testers were happy with its uphill performance.

The Scott Foil RC features an aggressive fit and handling geometry, so it’s not for beginner cyclists. Further, while the Foil RC is less pricey than many other aero road bikes, its high performance comes at a cost. $4,799 nets you the bike itself. An upgrade to carbon wheels will cost you extra, which makes the Foil RC a worthwhile proposition for only a select few. But those riders will be treated with one of the fastest-feeling, confidence-inspiring race steeds available today.

Best Endurance/Performance Hybrid

Lauf Uthald Race Wireless

Test bike: Uthald Race Wireless
Weight: 17.5 lbs

Pros and Cons
⊕ A comfortable, high-value option that will work well for most cyclists
⊕ Easy to maintain
⊗ Out-of-the-box experience takes some getting used to

The Lauf Uthald is either an anomaly in the road bike world or a bike ahead of its time. Lauf calls it a “fast performance bike,” its spec sheet labels it an “endurance road bike,” and the overall package challenges several performance bike norms. Our verdict: The Uthald (Icelandic for “endurance”) is a versatile ride that would work for a wide swath of riders. First, the frame geometry makes it slightly slower to turn than the race bikes on this list and more settled in a straight line at speed. Further, its fit geometry isn’t quite as back-breaking as a race road bike, and not as upright as many endurance bikes. This makes it a great option for riders who want to ride long distances on the road without sacrificing comfort.

Lauf aimed to make the Uthald both versatile in its handling and easy to maintain for the end user, and they succeeded. The traditional stem and bar are easy to swap for fit; the threaded bottom bracket is easy to replace when it wears out; and the bike comes with a high-end but easy-to-fix SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH).

As much as the bike’s geometry stands out, its value is what’s truly unique. A complete Lauf Uthald Weekend Warrior Wireless starts at $3,490 which nets you a Uthald frame, a carbon bar and seat post, and DT Swiss alloy wheels. The SRAM Rival AXS drivetrain with wireless electronic shifting does its job wonderfully and comes equipped with a power meter to boot. Overall, the Uthald is a hard-to-beat value proposition with some of the most sensible features on the market.

Best Versatile Aero Bike

Giant Propel Advanced SL 0

Test bike: Propel Advanced SL 0
Weight: 15.2 lbs

Pros and Cons
⊕ Some of the best aerodynamics we tested
⊕ Very light and stiff
⊗ Fully-internal cable routing makes fixes more difficult

Giant set out to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the 2023 Propel while also making it more of an all-around performer. This bike is still intended to slice through the air, and makes use of truncated airfoil tube profiles everywhere it matters: namely, the down tube, seat testing tube, seatstays, head tube, and fork blades. However, the Propel also now strikes a much more svelte-looking profile that further blurs the lines between the all-out aero machine it’s supposed to be and semi-aero lightweights like Giant’s own TCR Advanced SL.

Even without wind-tunnel testing, it was clear from our first pedal stroke that the Propel Advanced SL 0 is a proper rocket ship. It’s easy to bring up to high speeds and requires less effort to hold them. During group rides, we inadvertently kept riding away from our buddies on non-aero road bikes.

Perhaps more important to everyday riders is how the Propel feels when going fast—it’s a glorious bike to ride. It’s tangibly light and stiff—not just for an aero bike, but for a good road bike, period. The Propel is a wonderful partner on long climbing days and when you feel inspired to attack steep pitches. Sharp stabs at the pedals are rewarded with quick bursts of speed with no hint of delay or hesitation. The handling is equally precise and responsive. It feels somewhat buzzy and electric, but without being harsh or unwelcoming like many other aero road bikes. It’s a veritable eager puppy, always up for another go and brimming with more energy than you.

There’s a smorgasbord of great choices in this category right now. If you’re after the ultimate aero gains, you’ll either have to head into a wind tunnel or do some instrumented on-road testing to find out which offers the most performance for your particular body. However, if you’re the type of roadie that wants to go fast without giving up much in the way of other performance aspects—such as comfort and handling—the Propel is an incredible machine.

Best Sequel

Cervelo Soloist

Test bike: Soloist Ultegra Di2
Weight: 16.5 lbs

Pros and Cons
⊕ Precise handling
⊕ Exceptional power transfer
⊗ Harsh ride on bumpy roads

For 2023, Cervelo revived its game-changing Soloist franchise with an impressive list of updates and improvements that make for a compelling race bike at a fair price. The new Soloist is equipped with a completely redesigned frame, featuring a new carbon layup that has increased stiffness and reduced weight. The bike’s aerodynamics are also far better, with the incorporation of Cervelo’s latest Squoval Max tube shapes.

The cockpit includes Cervelo’s “externally integrated” two-piece handlebar and stem system, which provides a clean and aerodynamic cockpit but still allows tinkering—the cables run underneath the stem and through the headset bearings. It’s not perfect, but the system allowed for easy fit adjustments, and the ergonomic design of the bars provided a comfortable grip.

During testing, the Soloist proved to be incredibly responsive and fast. The bike’s new frame design made for exceptional power transfer, and the tube shapes minimized drag. The bike’s handling was also noteworthy, with precise cornering and stability at high speeds. One thing to note: while we expect a stiff ride from such a machine, it was notably harsh on less-than-perfect roads.

With its upgraded frame design and aerodynamics, the Soloist is a force, and one we’d happily toe a start line with. It might become the most popular Cervelo among self-funded racers for years to come.

How to Choose a Road Bike

What is the difference between a road bike and a gravel bike?

A road bike is designed first and foremost to be ridden on harder surfaces. That generally means roads and bike paths, but chip-sealed, cracked, and pothole-littered roads can be ridden in a pinch on a road bike, too.

A road bike will typically offer a lightweight frame, wheels, and components to match. Almost every road bike these days features a drop handlebar that curls from the top down, as it offers the rider several hand positions while riding. The tires are almost always narrow, typically ranging from 25 millimeters to 38 millimeters, and have essentially zero tread on them in the name of more efficient riding.

Road bikes don’t come with suspension, but they don’t need it for performance on pavement—modern road bikes are smoother and more comfortable to ride than ever. You’re likely not going to find suspension or even wider tires on a road bike, as that’s the territory of a gravel bike.

A gravel bike, which is designed for riding on dirt and gravel roads first, will prioritize grip and comfort for the seat and handlebars. It will do so at the expense of weight and speed on smooth roads and tarmac. Be sure to see our Best Gravel Bikes of 2024 guide for more information.

If you know you want to ride mostly on-road, and you don’t intend to carry any extra gear, then a road bike is the right choice. Choose the gravel bike if you know you want to ride predominantly gravel and dirt paths, or if you’re uncertain exactly where your riding will take you.

What type of road bike do I need?

There are two broad categories of road bikes: race road bikes and endurance road bikes. Each of those has subcategories that can quickly become confusing.

The type of road bike that is best for the majority of riders is an endurance road bike, occasionally called an all-road bike. An endurance road bike emphasizes comfort and approachable handling. They’re typically easier to manage as the speeds increase and offer up to 38 millimeters of tire clearance to smooth your ride. Further, they’re more likely to have mounts for fenders, racks, or even additional water bottle cages. All-road bikes offer as much as 40 millimeters of tire clearance but retain handling characteristics optimized for riding on roads.

The flashiest road bikes are typically race bikes. They’re more likely to place the rider in a lower, more aerodynamic body position that emphasizes speed over comfort. The frames are lighter and offer stiffer riding to help you go faster. Further, the handling is typically more responsive, sometimes bordering on twitchy. Race road bikes typically feature 25 to 28-millimeter-wide tires, and ditch any feature that doesn’t make the bike easier to ride quickly.

Not all race bikes are the same, however. Some are aero road bikes, which have deeper tubes and rims that prioritize aerodynamics and out-and-out speed. Others are called climbing bikes, which prioritize low weight and stiffness at the expense of aero efficiency.

How much do I need to spend on a road bike?

Most of the bikes we’ve tested qualify as high-end bikes, which can cost as much as a used car. However, there are some fantastic road bikes at a more affordable price point. Budgeting to buy a road bike isn’t just buying the frame. Getting the most out of your road bike requires having the right accessories. At a minimum, you’ll need a quality set of bike lights and a well-fitting helmet in the name of safety. Further, you’ll need to budget for a decent set of pedals, and matching shoes if you want to use clip-in style pedals rather than a more accessible flat pedal.

At the entry-level, one can expect to pay anything between $1,000 to $2,000, depending on what features the bike offers. Clothing, including a jersey, shorts, a helmet, and clip-in shoes can cost anything from $150 to $300. Those accessories we mentioned? Expect to pay $100 to 150 at a minimum, and more depending on your specific needs.

How do I choose the right size road bike?

Road bikes come in a range of sizes to fit riders of all heights. This size range is usually expressed in centimeters, though sometimes you’ll find an XS to XL range.

To figure out the correct size for you, go for a test ride. That means standing over the top tube of the bike (sometimes referred to as a crossbar) to see whether you can comfortably stand with both feet flat on the ground. The top tube can touch you, but the bike is a better fit if it doesn’t.

The right-size road bike will place your arms at roughly a 90-degree angle from your torso without feeling uncomfortable. Your knees will have a slight bend in them at the bottom of your pedal stroke. Most importantly, the bike will feel comfortable to maneuver around.

Of course, the best course of action is to go to a trusted bike shop to have a bike properly sized and fit. Having another set of eyes to help you find the correct size bike will ensure your money is well-spent. They’ll help you determine the right bike for you based on your riding experience, mobility, and needs, and they’ll help you determine proper sizing for features like handlebars, saddles, and even your frame.

How We Test

• Number of Testers: 5
• Number of Bikes Tested: 42
• Longest Test Ride: 142 miles

Five dedicated riders from around the world put 42 bikes through their paces on varied terrain and across hundreds of collective miles—from west Texas to Steamboat Springs, Colorado to Glasgow, Scotland. The road bikes we tested—ranging from entry-level to ProTour worthy—were chosen to encapsulate the best range of bikes on the market today. Yes, we tested road bikes from all the major road bike brands, but we also tested the small brands to cover all bases.

Our test rides included local loops, big days out, group rides, and everything in between. After each ride, we asked each reviewer to judge a bike on the following criteria: Who is it best suited for, and what type of riding was it designed for? What were its strengths, what were its weaknesses, and was there anything that made it stand out above the competition? Every reviewer not only took the time to ride each bike to assess its performance but also built them out of the box and maintained them through weeks of testing to learn more about their ins and outs.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Alvin Holbrook is a tech editor for Velo. He’s been in the bike industry for almost a decade and covers road, gravel, and e-bikes. When he’s not geeking out over bike gear, he uses his background in urban planning to cover stories about active transportation, policy, tech, and infrastructure through the series. He lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife and an ever-growing stable of bikes and kitchen utensils.

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David Byrne, leader of the enigmatic art pop group Talking Heads, has become a bit of a celebrity spokesperson for the bicycle. His outspoken love for the bicycle isn’t just lip service either; he is a longtime bike commuter and recreational rider.

So it makes sense that he showed up to the Met Gala with a bicycle, right? Right.

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Byrne manages to make his love for bicycles known all over the place. Most recently, in the trailer for A24’s re-release of the classic Talking Heads concert documentary Stop Making Sense, Byrne picks up his characteristic ‘big suit’ from the dry cleaner and rides a bicycle to the theater, suit in tow.

The 2023 Met Gala theme was called “Karl Lagerfield: A Line of Beauty,” in commemoration of the late Chanel designer. The theme itself led to some controversy around the late Lagerfield’s comments about the #MeToo movement and other things. Byrne’s insistence on not only bringing his bike but adding a vehicle placard to the bike’s basket brought a bit of levity to the evening.

Oh, and what was Byrne’s bike of choice? Sadly, nobody at CyclingTips was there to ask him for a bike check. But based on photos, it looks like a Budnitz titanium commuter bike. The bike features a Brooks saddle, a Gates belt drive, an adjustable Wald basket, and a set of well-used Schwalbe Little Big Ben tires.

The post David Byrne Showed Up to the Met Gala with a Bike, Because of Course He Did appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.