Mountain bike body armor isn鈥檛 just for downhill racers and bike park regulars anymore. Modern protection has evolved: The best mountain bike protective gear is lighter, breathable, and better-fitting than ever. Whether you’re pushing into more technical terrain or just trying to avoid a season-ending spill, today鈥檚 kneepads, elbow pads, and chest protectors use advanced materials and designs that balance mobility with certified impact protection. They鈥檙e built to stay put, breathe well, and blend into your riding kit without drawing attention鈥攗ntil they need to.

We tested more than two dozen pieces of protective gear across trail, enduro, and gravity disciplines to find the options that actually work in the real world. From full upper-body coverage to barely there kneepads that disappear while pedaling, these are the pieces our testers kept reaching for.

At a Glance

• Best Kneepads Overall:
• Best Lightweight Kneepads:
• Best Elbow Pads:
• Best Knee/Elbow Pads for Kids: and
• Best Back and Chest Protector:
• Premium Pick:
• Understanding CE Certifications
• Buying Considerations
• How We Tested
• Meet Our Testers

Best Overall Kneepads

Fox Enduro Pro Knee Guards

Certifications:聽EN1621-1 Level 1
Fit:聽Slip-on sleeve with large elastic grippers

Pros and Cons:
鈯� Comfortable, pedal-friendly fit
鈯� Breathable Koroyd insert
鈯� Reinforced Cordura front panel
鈯� Limited side coverage

The Fox Enduro Pro pads earned top marks for comfort and ventilation, making them ideal for long days on technical trails. At the heart of the design is a lightweight Koroyd insert housed in a floating mesh pocket. Unlike foams that stiffen on impact, Koroyd uses an open crumple zone structure to manage energy, allowing for excellent airflow and low-profile protection.

A Cordura panel covers the front of the pad for abrasion resistance, while the sleeve鈥檚 breathable mesh wicks moisture and resists odor buildup. Testers noted that the extended sleeve design, paired with wide silicone grippers, kept the pads in place during hours of climbing and descending.

Several riders described them as the most comfortable knee guards they鈥檇 worn鈥攍ight enough to forget about until needed. 鈥淭hey didn鈥檛 shift, bunch, or slide, even after a low-side crash,鈥� one tester said. The slim profile also fits cleanly under pants or close-fitting trail shorts.

These are best suited for trail and enduro riders who want effective protection without sacrificing comfort. For downhill or bike park laps, you鈥檒l want something with additional coverage. But for high-mileage riding wherever the trail takes you, the Enduro Pro hits a sweet spot.

Best Lightweight Kneepads

RaceFace Covert

Certifications: EN1621-1 Level 1
Fit: Slip-on sleeve with silicone grippers

Pros and Cons:
鈯� Ultralight and breathable
鈯� Low-profile fit
鈯� Limited coverage

RaceFace鈥檚 Covert pads deliver certified impact protection in a breathable, low-bulk package that鈥檚 ideal for high-mileage trail rides. At the core is D3O Ghost foam, a thin and flexible material that conforms to the knee while pedaling and absorbs energy during a crash. The result is a lightweight sleeve that offers peace of mind without getting in the way.

The sleeve鈥檚 mesh back panel enhances airflow, while the front panel resists abrasion from minor spills and trail brush. Silicone grippers at the thigh, calf, and shin keep the pads locked in place, even on long, sweaty climbs.

Testers noted the Covert鈥檚 exceptional comfort, likening them to a 鈥渉eavy-duty knee warmer鈥� that stays in place throughout the ride. They鈥檙e particularly well suited for trail and cross-country riders who typically leave their pads in the pack鈥攗ntil now. 鈥淭hese are the first pads I鈥檝e worn that I don鈥檛 want to take off halfway through the ride,鈥� said one rider.

While they鈥檙e not designed for downhill or bike park terrain, the Covert鈥檚 combination of fit, flexibility, and certified protection makes them a standout choice for riders who value all-day wearability.

Best Elbow Pads

G-Form Pro-X3 Elbow Guards

Certifications: CE-certified
Fit:聽Compression sleeve with silicone grippers at bicep and forearm

Pros and Cons:
鈯� Lightweight and low profile
鈯� Breathable and flexible
鈯� The design aesthetics aren鈥檛 for everyone

It鈥檚 not the utility of elbow pads that holds them back鈥攊t鈥檚 the vibe. Riders know they offer real protection, but most would rather skip them than show up looking over-armored. That鈥檚 where the G-Form Pro X3 Elbow pads come in. Slim, flexible, and easy to wear, they deliver certified impact protection in a sleeve that feels more like a lightweight kit than body armor.

The compression sleeve is made from moisture-wicking fabric that also provides UPF 50-plus sun protection, with mesh ventilation zones that keep air flowing on warm days. Silicone grips at the top and bottom cuffs help the sleeves stay securely in place, even when riding aggressively or sweating heavily.

Testers appreciated how the pads offered just enough coverage for trail rides and felt virtually invisible while on the bike. One rider described them as 鈥渆xactly what I want in an elbow pad: comfortable enough to forget I鈥檓 wearing them, but there when I need them.鈥�

While the X3s aren鈥檛 designed for repeated heavy crashes, they鈥檙e ideal for trail and XC riders who want reliable protection without compromising freedom of movement.

Best Knee and Elbow Pads for Kids

Sweet Protection Guards Lite Junior

Knee Guards:

Elbow Guards:聽

Certifications: EN1621-1 Level 1
Fit: Slip-on sleeve

Pros and Cons:
鈯� Lightweight and breathable
鈯� Youth-specific sizing
鈯� Limited to two sizes (XS and S)

Getting kids to wear protective gear isn鈥檛 always easy, but Sweet Protection鈥檚 Guards Lite Junior makes the case with a comfortable, low-bulk fit that鈥檚 easy to forget and tough enough when it matters. Designed specifically for young riders, these pads are scaled-down versions of adult trail armor, offering proper protection without excess weight or restriction.

Impact zones are padded with a viscoelastic foam that remains soft while riding and firms up under impact. A breathable, perforated sleeve wraps the arm or leg, and internal silicone grippers help keep the pads in place without needing straps or adjustments. The slim profile fits easily under kids鈥� shorts or jerseys and is light enough for all-day wear.

Testers noted how easy these were to slip on and forget鈥攋ust the kind of unobtrusive gear that encourages young riders to keep pads on from trailhead to finish. 鈥淚f she鈥檚 not asking to take them off mid-ride, that鈥檚 a win,鈥� said one parent tester.

These pads are ideal for trail rides, pump tracks, and progression sessions at the local jump line. They’re also machine washable (because kids).

Best Back and Chest Protector

Leatt 3.5 Chest Protector

Certifications: EN1621-3 Level 1 (chest), EN1621-2 Level 1 (back)
Fit: Unisex with adjustable straps; compatible with Leatt neck braces

Pros and Cons:
鈯� Lightweight and slim enough to fit under a jersey
鈯� Compatible with Leatt neck braces
鈯� Basic strap system lacks fine-tuned adjustability

The Leatt 3.5 Chest Protector isn鈥檛 the flashiest or most feature-packed model in the brand鈥檚 lineup, but it鈥檚 the one our testers keep going back to. Designed for gravity and eMTB riders who want serious upper-body coverage without the sweatbox feel of full armor, the 3.5 strikes a solid balance between protection, comfort and price.

The CE-certified hard-shell construction (read more about CE certification below) uses ventilated plates over Leatt鈥檚 flexible 3DF impact foam. That combination allows it to absorb impacts while remaining light and mobile on the bike. Generous cutouts in the chest and back help promote airflow, and the slim profile fits easily under a jersey.

Fit is handled with adjustable shoulder and side straps, and the protector is fully compatible with Leatt鈥檚 neck brace system. The side straps aren鈥檛 as refined as what you鈥檒l find on pricier models, but they get the job done.

Premium Pick

Rapha Trail Kneepads

Certifications: EN1621-1 Level 2
Fit: Slip-on sleeve with silicone grippers

Pros and Cons:
鈯� CE Level 2 protection
鈯� Clean, understated look
鈯� Durable
鈯� More expensive than most kneepads
鈯� Can run warm in the on hot days

Rapha made waves a few seasons ago when it shifted from the tarmac to the dirt, but it brought with it the same attention to detail, refined aesthetics, and commitment to fit that defined its road heritage. The Trail Kneepads are a perfect example: Clean, streamlined, and built with high-performance materials, they blur the line between protection and apparel.

At the core is a removable insert made of RHEON鈥攁n advanced reactive polymer that stays flexible while riding and firms up under impact. The pad is certified to CE Level 2, Type B standards, offering some of the highest impact protection available in a trail-oriented kneepad.

The sleeve is made from a soft, four-way stretch fabric that feels more like a piece of kit than armor. There are no straps or buckles鈥攋ust silicone grippers at the thigh and calf to hold everything in place. Testers praised the tailored fit and minimal bulk, noting the pads stayed put through hours of pedaling without needing adjustment.

While they run a little warm on the hottest days, the breathability is adequate for most trail conditions. For riders who prioritize understated style, premium materials, and high-level protection, the Rapha Trail Kneepads deliver all three without compromise.

Understanding CE Certifications

All of the protective gear in this guide meets CE (Conformit茅 Europ茅enne) safety standards, an independent certification used to evaluate how well a product absorbs impact. While not the only measure of performance, CE ratings provide a useful baseline for comparing pads and body armor.

For kneepads and elbow pads, EN1621-1 is the relevant standard. Gear that meets Level 1 offers a lower threshold of impact protection, while Level 2 pads absorb more energy and are typically used in more aggressive riding disciplines.

Chest and back protectors follow different guidelines. EN1621-2 applies to back protection, and prEN1621-3 covers the chest. Again, Level 1 indicates basic protection; Level 2 is more robust and typically found in products built for higher-speed impacts or moto use.

It鈥檚 worth noting that certifications only tell part of the story. A pad with CE certification won鈥檛 help much if it doesn鈥檛 fit properly or stay in place during a crash. That鈥檚 why all of the gear featured here was selected based not only on its lab rating, but how it actually performed on the trail.

Buying Considerations

Aside from your helmet鈥攚hich should be worn any time you throw a leg over your bike and hit the road or trail鈥攃hoosing the right protective gear comes down to the type of riding you do and how much coverage you鈥檙e willing to wear. For trail and everyday use, lightweight kneepads and elbow pads that disappear while pedaling are more likely to get worn鈥攁nd more likely to protect you when it counts. For enduro, bike park, and eMTB riding, you鈥檒l want pads with more coverage, even if that means a bit more bulk.

Fit is everything. A pad that shifts out of place won鈥檛 protect you in a crash. Look for options that offer compression-style sleeves with silicone grippers, and if possible, try gear on with your riding kit to make sure it doesn鈥檛 interfere with shorts or layering.

Certifications matter鈥攂ut only to a point. CE Level 2 is better on paper, but if a Level 1 pad is more comfortable and stays put, it may offer better real-world protection. Comfort equals consistency, and consistent use is the goal.

Consider your climate. Heavily armored gear can feel claustrophobic on hot days, while breathable, low-profile pads make it easier to stay protected on every ride鈥攏ot just the sketchy ones.

How We Tested

• Number of products tested: 28
• Number of testers: 6
• Longest ride in body armor: 64 miles
• Number of spills: We lost count at 22

We tested more than two dozen pieces of protective equipment on some of North America鈥檚 most demanding and diverse terrain, including the technical singletrack of Squamish, British Columbia, the slickrock and desert lines of Moab, Utah, high-alpine trails in Colorado, and lift-served laps at Whistler Bike Park.

Each piece of body armor was evaluated for comfort, breathability, protection, mobility, and how well it stayed in place over long days on the bike. We wore these products in conditions that matched their intended use: trail rides, enduro stages, bike park sessions, and technical descents. If a pad didn鈥檛 breathe well, caused discomfort, or slipped out of place when things got rowdy, it didn鈥檛 make the cut.

CE certifications helped us benchmark impact protection, but real-world ride experience was the deciding factor. Some products in this list were used regularly for an entire season鈥攔idden hard, washed repeatedly, and pushed in all kinds of conditions.

To earn a spot in this guide, a pad had to disappear while pedaling, stay put when it mattered, and offer reliable coverage when the ride went sideways.

Meet Our Testers

Josh Patterson has been riding and wrenching on bikes for 20 years and, with a master鈥檚 degree in journalism, has been writing about the sport for more than half of that time. He鈥檚 a cycling generalist who finds joy in riding road, gravel, and mountain bikes.

The post The Best Mountain Bike Protective Gear You’ll Actually Want to Wear appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

A quality bike lock is the best investment you can make to protect your bike from theft, but like so many pieces of outdoor gear, there鈥檚 seldom one 鈥渂est鈥� item, making it tough to know what to purchase. Choosing the right lock depends on several factors, including where you park, how long you plan to leave your bike unattended, and how much weight you鈥檙e willing to carry. While no lock is 100 percent theftproof, choosing the best bike lock for your particular use case can significantly reduce the risk.

At a Glance

• Best Overall:
• Best U-Lock Cable Combo:
• Best Wearable/Chain Lock:
• Best for Low-Theft Situations:
• Best Folding:
• Best Home Bike Storage Lock:
• Things to Consider When Buying a Bike Lock
• How We Test
• Meet Our Tester

Best Overall

Litelok X1

Weight: 3.7 pounds
Size: 10.35″ x 5.62″

Pros and Cons
鈯� Able to withstand repeated angle grinder attacks
鈯� Bike mount sold separately

The Litelok X1 is part of the new crop of U-locks specifically designed to resist angle grinder attacks鈥攐ne of the biggest threats to bike locks. Unlike traditional U-locks made of hardened steel, the X1 uses a composite material called Barronium, which flexes instead of snapping under cutting pressure. This design makes it significantly more difficult, though not impossible, for thieves to break it with power tools.

In our testing, the X1 stood up well to hacksaws, and it took considerably longer to breach with an angle grinder compared to standard steel U-locks. While no lock is completely invulnerable, the X1 forces a thief to spend more time and make more noise, both major deterrents in real-world scenarios. Unless they鈥檙e really determined, would-be thieves are likely to run out of angle grinder blades before defeating this lock.

The price is steep, but the extra protection is worth the investment for those who must frequently lock up in high-theft areas.

Best U-Lock Cable Combo

Kryptonite KryptoLok

Weight: 2.8 pounds
Size: 9″ x 4″

Pros and Cons
鈯� Cable and U-lock combo makes it easier to lock up both wheels
鈯� Cable can be cut easily

Though not the most secure lock in our test, Kryptonite鈥檚 KryptoLok strikes a respectable balance between security and versatility. The lock is compact and relatively easy to carry in a backpack or pannier, though it鈥檚 not the best option for on-bike mounting. It includes a 13mm hardened steel U-lock, which provides good protection against most common theft attempts, and an additional cable to secure wheels or accessories. The included braided steel cable makes it easier to lock your bike to racks and other structures than a U-lock alone.

During testing, the U-lock resisted bolt cutters and leverage attacks effectively, but as expected, the cable was the weakest link. A determined thief with the right tools can cut through it in under a minute.

While this lock isn鈥檛 designed for high-risk areas, it鈥檚 a good option for daily use in low-to-moderate theft environments.

Best Wearable Lock/Best Chain Lock

Hiplok Gold

Weight: 5.4 pounds
Size: 33.5″ long

Pros and Cons
鈯� Wearable design makes transport easier than traditional chains
鈯� High security with 10mm hardened steel chain
鈯� Quick-release buckle for easy use
鈯� Heavy

Carrying a heavy chain lock can be a hassle, but Hiplok solves that problem by making it wearable. Designed to be worn around the waist like a belt, this lock offers the security of a traditional chain while improving portability. We appreciate that the sleeve on the Superbright colorway features reflective materials to improve low-light visibility when commuting in the early morning and evening.

The Hiplok Gold features a 10-millimeter hardened steel chain and a 12-millimeter shackle, providing solid resistance against bolt cutters. In our testing, it took significantly more effort to breach than standard U-locks, making it a strong choice for high-theft areas. The adjustable waistband makes it easy to carry, and the quick-release buckle allows for fast locking and unlocking.

However, at five pounds four ounces, this lock is very heavy, so you鈥檒l feel the weight on longer commutes. For those who need a high-security lock and want a practical way to transport it, the Hiplok Gold is an excellent alternative to traditional chain locks.

Best Lightweight Lock for Low-Theft Situations

Ottolock Hexband Cinch Lock

Weight: 145g
Size: 18″ long

Pros and Cons
鈯� Ultra-lightweight and easy to carry
鈯� Not resistant to bolt cutters or power tools

The Ottolock Hexband is a lightweight, flexible lock best used for quick stops and low-risk areas. (It鈥檚 also a great way to secure your skis or snowboard when you stop for a lunch break.)

The cinch-style mechanism is quick and easy to use. However, it鈥檚 not strong enough to be your primary security solution in high-theft areas. The Hexband was the least secure lock in our test, being extremely vulnerable to tin snips as well as power tools, and able to be disabled in a matter of seconds.

In our opinion, this is the lock you take with you when you weren鈥檛 planning to bring a lock at all. Weighing just a few ounces, the Hexband is incredibly easy to carry. It coils up neatly and fits in a jersey pocket or saddlebag. It鈥檚 best suited for scenarios where convenience and portability are priorities, such as locking up your bike during a quick coffee stop or securing accessories at a race pit.

Best Folding Lock

ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500

Weight: 3.7鈥�5.5濒产蝉
Size: 35″

Pros and Cons
鈯� More compact than a standard U-lock
鈯� More portable than U-Locks
鈯� Expensive
鈯� Heavy

Folding locks offer a compact alternative to traditional U-locks, and the ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 is one of the most secure options available. It features hardened steel links with reinforced rivets, making it resistant to cutting and leverage attacks.

In testing, the Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 held up well against bolt cutters and hacksaws. It took considerable effort to breach, making it one of the toughest folding locks available. The XPlus key system is also designed to provide excellent protection against lock picking.

Portability is another major advantage. When folded, this lock is much more compact than traditional U-locks or chains, making it easier to carry in a backpack or mount on a bike frame. However, at four pounds, it鈥檚 heavier than many expect. The price is also high, but this is one of the best choices for riders who want U-lock-level security in a more compact package.

Best Home Bike Storage Lock

Hiplok Ankr

Weight: 2.6lbs
Size: 3.9″ x 3.3″

Pros and Cons
鈯� Creates a secure locking point at home or in a garage
鈯� Rotating design allows for easy locking from multiple angles
鈯� Requires drilling for installation
鈯� Only as theft-resistant as the lock you use

A lock is only as strong as the object it鈥檚 attached to, which is where the Hiplok Ankr comes in. This anchor system is designed for home or garage use, creating a fixed locking point that can鈥檛 be easily removed.

The Ankr can be installed on floors or walls using heavy-duty bolts. Once secured, it provides a solid base for attaching a chain or U-lock. In testing, it resisted tampering and provided a much more secure option than simply locking a bike to a rack.

The rotating design makes it easier to lock and unlock bikes, and the compact size means it doesn鈥檛 take up much space. While it鈥檚 not portable, it鈥檚 an excellent investment for those who store bikes at home or in a shared storage area and want to add an extra layer of protection against theft. Pair it with a high-quality chain for maximum security.

Things to Consider When Buying a Bike Lock

Security vs. Portability

In general, the most secure locks also tend to be heavier and less convenient to carry. U-locks and chain locks provide the highest level of protection, but they can be bulky. Folding locks offer a compromise, while lightweight cinch locks are best for very low-risk situations.

Locking Mechanism: Keys vs. Combination Locks

Keyed locks offer the most security, but quality varies. Some locks have pick-resistant keyways, while others are more vulnerable to simple lock-picking tools. Combination locks can be convenient, but they are generally easier to bypass.

Attack Resistance

Thieves typically use bolt cutters for quick, low-effort thefts, while more determined criminals may use car jacks to break locks or battery-powered angle grinders to cut through even the toughest materials. Look for locks with hardened steel shackles, anti-rotation locking mechanisms, and materials designed to slow down attacks. Angle-grinder resistance locks are generally the most expensive options, but they鈥檙e your best bet in high-theft situations.

Where You Park Matters Most

If you leave your bike locked in a high-theft area, invest in a heavy-duty U-lock or chain. If you only need temporary security for a quick stop in a low-risk location, a lighter lock may be sufficient.

How We Test

We conducted controlled break-in tests on 18 locks using common theft tools, including bolt cutters, tin snips, a hacksaw, and, most importantly, an angle grinder. In recent years, battery-powered angle grinders have become the biggest threat to bike security. The goal wasn鈥檛 just to see if a lock could be breached鈥攇iven enough time, any lock can be disabled鈥攂ut rather, to assess how much resistance each lock provided and how effectively it could deter theft.

Meet Our Tester

Josh Patterson has been riding and wrenching on bikes for 20 years and, with a master鈥檚 degree in journalism, has been writing about the sport for more than half of that time. He鈥檚 a cycling generalist who finds joy in riding road, gravel, and mountain bikes.

The post The Best Bike Locks of 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The right bike rack makes transporting your ride easy, secure, and stress-free. Whether you鈥檙e hauling an e-bike, mountain bike, road bike, or fat bike, a well-designed rack should be intuitive to use and built to last. We tested 22 racks across 8 vehicles with a range of bike types, prioritizing ease of use in real-world conditions, including cross-country road trips in both summer and winter. From hitch racks to tailgate pads, here are the best bike transport options for every type of rider.

At a Glance

• Best Overall:
• Best Off-Roading Rack:
• Best Budget Hitch Rack:
• Best Trunk Bike Rack:
• Best Tailgate Pad:
• Best Vertical Rack:
• Best Bike Rack for Fat Bikes:
• Best Swing-Away Rack Adapter:
• How to Choose a Bike Rack
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers

Best Overall

Kuat Piston Pro

Weight Limit: 67 lbs per tray
Capacity: 2 bikes with add-ons for up to 2 more
Wheel Diameter Range: 18-29 in.
Max Tire Width: 5 in.
Rack Weight: 63 lbs

Pros and Cons
鈯� No frame contact
鈯� Air-assisted arms
鈯� Durable
鈯� Expensive
鈯� Heavy

The Kuat Piston Pro sets a high standard for hitch racks. With its dual-arm, touchless design, loading and unloading bikes is as simple as pressing a lever. The button-operated pneumatic arms open wide, which makes loading and unloading bikes a breeze. The powder-coated aluminum construction ensures longevity, and the foot-operated tilt mechanism allows easy trunk access, even when loaded. You鈥檒l also score extra nonchalant cool points at the trailhead when, at the press of a button, the rack鈥檚 arms open wide, making it much easier to operate the rack while also holding your bike. 鈥淚鈥檝e never used a rack with arms that open on their own, and now it鈥檚 the only rack I want to use,鈥� noted one tester.

Like many racks of this style, the Piston Pro secures bikes at both tires, therefore avoiding frame contact, which makes it ideal for lightweight carbon frames and high-end builds. It accommodates a variety of wheel and tire sizes, including larger 29-inch mountain bikes and narrow road tires.

While it lacks some of the luxury features of the Piston Pro X, like gold stanchions and integrated tail lights, the Piston Pro remains the easiest and most refined tray rack available. It was favored by all of our testers for its ease of use and the wide range of bikes it can transport securely.

Best Off-Roading Rack

1UP Super Duty

Weight Limit: Up to 100 lbs per tray
Capacity: 2 bikes with add-ons for up to 2 more
Tire Diameter Range: 16 -29 in.
Max Tire Width: 5 in.
Rack Weight: 64 lbs

Pros and Cons
鈯� Durable
鈯� Handles heavy bikes
鈯� Extremely stable
鈯� Heavy
鈯� Tilt lever is very difficult to use

The 1UP Super Duty was designed for rugged terrain, heavy loads, and transporting bikes in the toughest conditions. Its all-metal construction is overbuilt in the best way, with robust, ratcheting arms that hold bikes by the tires without frame contact.

While it lacks some of the creature comforts of Kuat鈥檚 Piston Pro, such as the auto-opening arms, the Super Duty is one of the most secure and versatile racks available鈥攑erfect for heavy e-bikes and off-roaders needing a rack that won鈥檛 rattle loose. The strong clamping mechanism ensures that even on rough roads, your bikes stay in place without shifting. Unlike many hitch racks, it lacks plastic parts, which can become fragile in cold weather and are more susceptible to UV damage, which bodes well for long-term durability.

Several of our testers noted that the lever used to tilt the rack is very hard to access, especially when the rack is fully loaded. We strongly recommend adding ($99). In our opinion, this should be a standard feature. While it鈥檚 not the most user-friendly rack in our round-up, it was voted 鈥淭he bike rack most likely to survive the apocalypse鈥� by one tester.

Whether you鈥檙e heading deep into bumpy backcountry roads or need a reliable option for heavier e-bikes, the 1UP Super Duty is the best option.

Best Budget Hitch Rack

Hollywood Racks Trail Rider Hitch Bike Rack

Weight Limit: 45 lbs per tray
Capacity: 2 bikes
Wheel Diameter Range: 20 – 29 in.Max Tire Width: 3 in.
Rack Weight: 37 lbs

Pros and Cons
鈯� Affordable
鈯� Compact folding design
鈯� Easy install and adjustability
鈯� R Trunk access
鈯� Clamps to the bike鈥檚 frame
鈯� Less durable than premium options
鈯� Low weight limit

For those seeking an affordable yet functional hitch rack, the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider is hard to beat. While it lacks the features of higher-end models, its simplicity and effectiveness make it a solid choice for casual riders. The rack folds compactly when not in use and includes an easy-to-use yet basic tilt function for rear vehicle access.

This tray-style rack secures bikes via padded frame clamps and adjustable wheel trays. The ratcheting hooks contact bikes鈥� top tubes, which isn鈥檛 ideal for delicate carbon bikes, but for budget-conscious cyclists who need a reliable way to transport their bikes, this rack is a worthwhile option. Installation is straightforward, and it holds two bikes securely, making it an excellent choice for weekend riders or those new to hitch racks.

Best Trunk Bike Rack

Saris Bones EX 3-Bike

Weight Limit: 35 lbs per cradle
Capacity: 3 bikes
Rack Weight: 11 lbs

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight yet strong
鈯� Fits wide range of vehicles
鈯� Secure ratcheting straps
鈯� Folds for easy storage
鈯� Longer setup time
鈯� Obstructs rear visibility on many vehicles
鈯� Less stable

Launched back in 1996 with minimal revisions since then, the Saris Bones EX 3 remains one of the most user-friendly trunk racks on the market. Its injection-molded arms and legs are lightweight yet strong, and the arc design helps fit a wide range of vehicles, including hatchbacks and many SUVs. The ratcheting straps make securing bikes quick, though the bikes are more prone to contact each other than with tray-style hitch racks. Thanks to its low weight, installation is easy. It also folds down for storage when not in use, making it perfect for cyclists who are short on space.

While trunk racks inherently require more setup time than hitch racks, the Bones EX 3 is the easiest to use in its category.

Best Tailgate Pad

Race Face T3

Capacity: 6 bikes
Rack Weight: 5 lbs

Pros and Cons
鈯� Allows tonneau covers to fully close
鈯� Secure
鈯� Versions available for compact and full-size trucks
鈯� Removable downtube attachments
鈯� Not as theft-resistant as hitch-mounted racks
鈯� Only compatible with trucks

If you have a large group of riding buddies that you need to transport via pickup truck, a tailgate pad is essential. Though less secure than traditional racks, tailgate pads are affordable, and some of the latest models鈥攊ncluding the Race Face T3 do an excellent job of preventing bikes from knocking against each other during transport.

A rigid, compression-molded foam pad protects fork crowns and keeps the front of up to six bikes secure, preventing unnecessary movement. While testing, we found the Race Face T3 did the best job of keeping bikes separated thanks in part to the ribbed fork pad that prevents bikes from swaying side to side.

Unlike many other tailgate pads, the T3鈥檚 thick foldaway downtube padding swings out of the way, allowing your tonneau cover to fully close and lock when bikes are removed鈥攏o more gaps when securing other cargo.

Best Vertical Rack

Thule ReVert

Weight Limit: 55 lbs per cradle
Capacity: 6 bikes
Wheel Diameter Range: 29-in. wheels (20 – 24-in. accessory available separately)
Max Tire Width: 3 in. (4 – 5-in. wheel basket available separately)
Rack Weight: 88 lbs

Pros and Cons
鈯� Holds up to six bikes
鈯� Easy lifting and lowering
鈯� Rear vehicle access
鈯� Protective of frames
鈯� Large and heavy
鈯� Expensive

Vertical racks have gained popularity as high school mountain bike leagues have sprouted up across North America because hauling a minivan full of kids to mountain bike practice requires a heavy-duty bike rack. Designed for riders needing to transport multiple bikes, the Thule ReVert 6 holds six bikes vertically by their front wheels.

The rack鈥檚 assisted tilting feature allows for easier loading and rear vehicle access鈥攁 rare feature in vertical racks. What also sets the ReVert 6 apart from other vertical-style racks is its hydraulic damper, which provides weight assistance鈥攎uch like the lift supports on the hatch of a minivan or SUV鈥攎aking it easier to both lower and raise the rack when fully loaded. This feature is incredibly useful because lifting a rack loaded with six bikes can be challenging.

Although the price and rack weight are both quite hefty, the ReVert 6 is an ideal solution for teams, families, and riders who need a high-capacity, user-friendly rack. Plus, the wheel baskets accommodate a wide range of tire sizes, and the padded cradles help prevent frame damage.

Best Rack For Fat Bikes

Saris Edge

Weight Limit: 80 lbs per tray
Capacity: 2 bikes
Wheel Diameter Range: 24 – 29 in.
Max Tire Width: 5 in.
Rack Weight: 65 lbs

Pros and Cons
鈯� Can fit tires up to 5 inches wide
鈯� Easy installation
鈯� Integrated locking system
鈯� Heavy
鈯� Handles a limited range of wheel sizes
鈯� Expensive

Fat bikes demand a rack that can handle their oversized tires with stability, and the Saris Edge does just that. While many racks claim to support tires up to 5 inches wide, few do so as securely as this one. Plus, its fixed-position, spring-loaded arm avoids contact with bikes鈥� frames and forks. The included rear-wheel riser block also lifts bikes by 2.5 inches, preventing seat and handlebar interference between bikes.

The 鈥渉ollow spoon鈥� tray design does a great job of transporting skinny-tired road and gravel bikes as it does fat bikes, and its high weight capacity allows it to carry e-bikes weighing up to 80 pounds each. The tool-free anti-wobble system ensures a secure fit, while integrated locking cables keep bikes safe.

Best Swing-Away Rack Adapter

1UP RakAttach

Weight Limit: 275 lbs
Weight: 56 lbs

Pros and Cons
鈯� Sturdy
鈯� Accommodates both right- and left-sided operation
鈯� Expensive

For those who need easy access to their vehicle鈥檚 rear compartment while using a hitch rack, the 1UP RakAttach is the best swing-away adapter available. (Vanlifers, this one鈥檚 for you.) The 2.0 version retains the same hinge and clasp mechanisms as the original, but it now features the ability to flip and open toward the vehicle’s driver or passenger side, adding versatility for different setups.

The RakAttach pivots 100 degrees and has a 275-pound weight capacity, making it suitable for carrying hitch bike racks or cargo carriers. Of all the swing-away adapters we tested, the RakAttach had the least amount of sway while testing on rough fire roads. Whether you’re loading gear or accessing your trunk, truck bed, or the rear of your Sprinter van, the RakAttach extends your hitch rack away from the vehicle with ease.

How To Choose a Bike Rack

When choosing a bike rack, consider your vehicle type, bike weight, and the number of bikes you need to carry. For instance, if you鈥檙e carrying one or more e-bikes, you鈥檒l need to ensure your rack and hitch accommodate higher weight requirements. Also, consider how frequently you plan to carry bikes. If you plan to use it multiple times a week, investing in a top-quality hitch rack will pay off. If you only plan to use a rack several times a year, a more budget-friendly option, like a trunk rack, might be a better choice.

Hitch Racks vs Trunk Racks vs Tailgate Pads

Hitch racks are the most secure and convenient but require a receiver hitch. (We strongly recommend using a Class III 20-inch receiver whenever possible, as it has a higher weight limit and provides significantly more stability than 1 录-inch models.) Trunk racks offer affordability and the versatility to mount them on vehicles without trailer hitches, but they require more setup and generally don鈥檛 carry bikes as securely as platform-style hitch racks. Tailgate pads work best for truck owners transporting multiple mountain bikes.

How We Test

We tested these racks on eight different types of vehicles, including trucks, hatchbacks, SUVs, and vans. Our goal was to evaluate them based on ease of use, security, and durability. We assessed each rack in our test in real-world conditions that included quick after-work rides as well as multi-state road trips to our favorite riding destinations in Colorado, Utah, Washington, Oregon, and Arkansas. While we logged more than a thousand highway miles, we also spent time on unpaved forest roads to gauge which racks would really limit sway (and hold up to abuse).

We also tested the weather resistance of each rack by leaving them on vehicles during winter driving conditions. We took note of the time it took to assemble each rack, as well as installation and load times. During testing, we noted any issues with bike stability, usability, and degradation in performance due to wear and tear.

Meet Our Testers

Josh Patterson has been riding and wrenching on bikes for 20 years and, with a master鈥檚 degree in journalism, has been writing about the sport for more than half of that time. He鈥檚 a cycling generalist who finds joy in riding road, gravel, and mountain bikes.

Samantha Boon has turned wrenches in bike shops, worked in trail advocacy, and written for several cycling media titles. She鈥檚 an avid rider and professional communicator who is able to convey the features and benefits of the products she tests in an approachable manner.

Robbie Jackson doesn鈥檛 just ride bikes; he also builds them. In addition to being a fabricator, Jackson enjoys off-roading and overlanding, making him the perfect candidate to stress-test bike racks on the back of his Ford Raptor.

The post These Are the Best Bike Racks on the Market appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

High-end bikes are staggeringly expensive, but those prices soar even higher when considering the custom paint jobs and high-performance components featured on the mountain bikes at the 2024 Olympics. Money is no object when it comes to a rider鈥檚 career, and a nation鈥檚 pride is on the line.

Unlike most other sports in the Olympics, cycling鈥檚 governing body, the UCI, requires that all bicycles used in competition must be commercially available to the public. This stipulation means that if you鈥檝e got the money, you can buy or build, the exact bike ridden to gold, silver, or bronze. (Your results may vary, of course.) We鈥檝e crunched the numbers and rounded up the details: Below are our price estimates of the fastest mountain bikes at the 2024 Paris Olympics and their production counterparts.

2024 Olympic-Podium Mountain Bike Quick Facts

• Winningest brand: Pinarello with two gold medals
• Winningest model: Specialized鈥檚 S-Works Epic World Cup with two silver medals
• Full suspension mountain bikes: 5
• Hardtails: 1
• Bikes with dropper seatposts: 6
• Bikes with Shimano mechanical drivetrains: 4
• Bikes with SRAM electronic drivetrains: 2
• Bikes with electronic suspension control systems: 2
• Bikes with Berd string spokes: 3

奥辞尘别苍鈥檚 Olympics Podium Bikes

Gold: Pauline Ferrand-Pr茅vot’s Dogma XC Hardtail ($12,500)

Pauline Ferrand-Pr茅vot dominated the women鈥檚 cross-country race. The 12-time World Elite Champion attacked on the first lap, breaking away from the field and extending her lead each lap. When she crossed the line seven laps later, the French rider had built up a nearly three-minute lead over the best female riders in the world.

She was one of a handful of women who opted to race a hardtail at this year鈥檚 Olympics. Ferrand-Pr茅vot, who races for INEOS Grenadiers and is sponsored by Pinarello, found success on her Dogma XC hardtail on the fast and relatively tame鈥攂y World Cup standards鈥擯aris course.

Key features of Ferrand-Pr茅vot鈥檚 Dogma XC hardtail include a Suntour Axon 34 Werx Boost EQ suspension fork and a Suntour Vertical helium dropper seatpost with 60 millimeters of travel. She sped away from the pack on a wheelset featuring Princeton Carbonworks P1 Race Tech rims laced with 鈥檚 ultralight polyethylene 鈥渟tring鈥� spokes that weigh considerably less than traditional stainless steel spokes. Continental Race King tires rounded out her wheel set-up. While electronic drivetrains may be all the rage these days, many racers, including the recently crowned women鈥檚 Olympics XC champ, still prefer the lightweight and faster shifting of Shimano鈥檚 XTR drivetrain.

We estimate that, as built, her bike would cost buyers approximately $12,500. While you can鈥檛 buy Ferrand-Pr茅vot鈥檚 gold medal build, you can get close with .

Silver: Haley Batten鈥檚 S-Works Epic World Cup LTD ($16,000)

Haley Batten鈥檚 second-place finish in Paris is a reason to celebrate for Team USA. Americans have struggled in cross-country racing at the Olympics despite inventing the sport. Susan DeMattei finished third in the inaugural mountain bike event at the 1996 Games in Atlanta, as did Georgia Gould in 2012 at the London Games.

Batten鈥檚 race for silver was hard-fought and represents the highest finish (woman or man) of any American in Olympic mountain biking. She caught the chase group attempting to reel in Ferrand-Pr茅vot, but a cracked carbon wheel and flat tire set her back. Undeterred, the 25-year-old from Park City, Utah, was able to swap her rear wheel in the pit zone and rejoin the race.

Batten, who rides for Specialized, had three bikes to choose from: a hardtail, a full suspension, or a hybrid design that鈥檚 nearly as light as a hardtail with just enough rear suspension to improve traction. She opted for option #3, the Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup. This purebred race bike has a scant 75 millimeters of rear suspension that relies on flex in the carbon seatstays, instead of pivots, to save weight. Batten鈥檚 race bike was equipped with SRAM鈥檚 premier XX Eagle Transmission drivetrain as well as the component company鈥檚 electronic suspension control system, known as Flight Attendant. This smart suspension system automatically controls suspension damping to make the bike as efficient and fast as possible. It seems like it worked.

Batten鈥檚 build is around $16,000. It鈥檚 not available as a stock option from Specialized, but the is close at $14,000.

Bronze: Jenny Rissveds鈥檚 Ibis Exie ($12,500)

Sweden鈥檚 Jenny Rissveds took home gold at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She set her sights on a second gold medal in Paris, but Ferrand-Pr茅vot鈥檚 lead was insurmountable, leaving Rissveds to battle Haley Batten for silver. Rissved actually helped Batten get back into the race, following her unfortunate mechanical, by shouting out to the American鈥檚 mechanics that Batten would be coming through the pit zone with a flat tire, thereby ensuring they鈥檇 be prepared a quick wheel change.

Rissved rode consistently throughout the race, ultimately crossing the line five seconds behind Batten. The Swedish racer finished aboard an Ibis Exie that was handbuilt in California, making it a rarity among carbon mountain bikes, most of which are manufactured in Asia.

Of the three women鈥檚 podium bikes, the Exie features the most suspension, with a 120-millimeter Fox Stepcast suspension fork paired with 100 millimeters of rear wheel travel. Standout components on Rissved鈥檚 Exie include prototype Ibis carbon wheels, an Inpeak power meter, Shimano鈥檚 XTR drivetrain, and a Fox Transfer SL dropper seatpost. While we鈥檙e on the subject of droppers, it鈥檚 notable that although each of these three riders opted for bikes with varying amounts of suspension travel, they were all willing to accept the weight penalty that comes with running a dropper seatpost. Dropper seatposts were a rarity in XC racing a few short years ago, but have become essential as many World Cup courses have become more technically demanding.

Rissved鈥檚 Ibis Exie would retail for approximately $12,500. currently offers includes a SRAM XX Eagle drivetrain, rather than Shimano鈥檚 XTR, and will set buyers back $12,200.

惭别苍鈥檚 Olympics Podium Bikes

Gold: Tom Pidcock鈥檚 Dogma XC ($17,000)

Tom Pidcock is one of the world鈥檚 most versatile professional cyclists, having won World Cup championships in cyclocross as well as mountain biking and secured an impressive stage win at the 2022 Tour de France. The British racer, who had to abandon this year鈥檚 Tour de France after contracting COVID in mid-July, still had the fitness necessary to successfully defend his gold medal from the Tokyo Games.

While Pauline Ferrand-Pr茅vot made her race-winning move during the first lap of the women鈥檚 race, Pidcock fought to regain the lead following a puncture on the fourth lap to trade blows with French racer Victor Koretzky.

Pidcock, who also races for INEOS Grenadiers during the regular season, had a Pinarello hardtail and full suspension to choose from. Despite criticizing the Paris course as 鈥渏ust gravel鈥� and 鈥渂land鈥� in a pre-race interview, Pidcock decided to race his Dogma XC full suspension. His race bike featured 100 millimeters of front suspension matched with 100 millimeters of rear travel. To maximize efficiency, the defending gold medalist relied on Suntour鈥檚 electronic , which, like SRAM鈥檚 Flight Attendant, automatically adjusts the firmness of the front and rear suspension to match the terrain.

The rest of Pidcock鈥檚 build closely resembled his INEOS Grenadier teammate Ferrand-Pr茅vot, with a 60-millimeter Suntour Vertical helium dropper seatpost, mechanical Shimano XTR drivetrain, and those ultralight Princeton Carbonworks P1 Race Tech rims, Berd spokes, and Continental Race King tires.

With its electronic suspension control and boutique carbon wheels, Pidcock鈥檚 race bike costs nearly $17,000. will set buyers back a cool $14,000.

Silver: Victor Koretzky鈥檚 S-Works Epic World Cup LTD ($14,000)

French rider Victor Koretzky gave it his all during his battle with Great Britain鈥檚 Tom Pidcock and came away with a silver medal for his efforts. The three-time World Cup winner, who races for Specialized, had the same trio of bikes to choose from as fellow silver medalist Haley Batten. Koretzky and the majority of Specialized athletes felt the S-Works Epic World Cup was the right bike for course.

While Batten鈥檚 Epic World Cup boasted SRAM鈥檚 AI-controlled Flight Attendant suspension system, Koretzky kept things analog, with a cable-actuated lockout system to firm up the 110-millimeter RockShox SID fork and 75 millimeters of rear suspension during sprints and climbs. Specialized鈥檚 lightweight Roval Control SL 29 carbon wheelset wrapped in a fast-rolling combination of an S-Works Renegade front tire paired with an S-Works Captain rear tire helped the French hold off all but one competitor.

With the exception of a 100-millimeter RockShox Reverb AXS dropper seatpost, Koretzky鈥檚 build is nearly identical to the stock version of the LTD edition of the , which retails for $14,000.

Bronze: Alan Hatherly鈥檚 Cannondale Scalpel LAB71 Special Edition ($16,000)

This year鈥檚 Olympics was Alan Hatherly鈥檚 third time representing South Africa at the Olympic Games. The 28-year-old racer finished 28th in 2016, 8th in the 2020 Games, and finally secured a podium finish in Paris. Hatherly chased Victor Koretzky, attempting to match the Frenchman鈥檚 pace before ultimately settling back and holding on to third as Pidcock and Koretzky battled for gold.

Hatherly, sponsored by Cannondale, rode a special edition of the company鈥檚 full-suspension mountain bike, the Scalpel. Cannondale鈥檚 鈥淟AB71鈥� designation denotes limited-production models, constricted from premium materials and featuring premium components.

The eight-time South African mountain bike champion鈥檚 bike featured a custom paint scheme inspired by the nation鈥檚 flag. Build highlights included 120 millimeters of front and rear travel with Cannondale鈥檚 iconic single-sided Lefty Ocho fork at the helm. Shimano鈥檚 XTR group handled shifting and braking duties, while a 100-millimeter Fox Transfer SL dropper seatpost allowed the bronze medalist to descend the handful of technical descents confidently. Similarly to gold medalists Ferrand-Pr茅vot and Pidcock, Hatherly employed Berd鈥檚 PolyLight spokes to save precious grams.

With all the custom touches included, Alan Hatherly鈥檚 Cannondale Scalpel LAB71 Special Edition likely comes in around $16,000. is slightly more palatable at $14,000.

The post This Is How Much the Winning 2024 Olympic Mountain Bikes Cost appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Between field tests and product launches, our team of six testers traveled to a dozen locations spread across the United States and Canada in the pursuit of great-fitting mountain-bike kits. We tested men鈥檚 mountain-bike apparel in the sticky heat of the Appalachian mountains, the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, and the arid desert Southwest. These varied climates showcased the strengths and weaknesses of the clothing we wore.

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

At a Glance

• How to Choose a Mountain-Bike Kit
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Tester

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.

7mesh Cache Jacket

Sizing: XS-XXL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent waterproofing for rainy day rides
鈯� No PFCs PFAS
鈯� Need to size up
鈯� Pricey

This is the jacket we reached for on days when we knew the forecast wasn鈥檛 in our favor, but we weren鈥檛 about to let a bit of precipitation ruin our ride. The Cache Jacket from 7mesh is a versatile trail companion that adapts seamlessly to unpredictable weather conditions. Crafted with a blend of two and three-layer fabrics that the company calls Airmap, this jacket provides water resistance precisely where needed (on the chest and back) while optimizing breathability on the arms and sides. The Cache is also free from PFC and PFAS coatings, also known as forever chemicals.

The Cache has a tailored fit, so we never felt like it was flapping around when speeding down the trail. While this jacket is on the slimmer side鈥攁nd we advise sizing up if you frequently fall between sizes鈥攖here’s enough room to layer underneath. The clean silhouette also allows it to double as a casual jacket. Our testers valued this versatility, making the steep price tag more palatable. We’d happily use it for shoulder season trail runs and rainy walks to the coffee shop when the trails are too muddy to ride.

Velocio Delta Trail Jersey

Sizing: XS-4XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Very cooling in extremely hot weather
鈯� You can’t put it in the dryer after washing

The Delta Trail Jersey is a welcome trail companion for hot weather riding. We did our best to ensure it could keep us cool despite sweltering temperatures鈥攚e don’t recommend riding in Moab on a mid-summer afternoon. Still, we took our chances on the scorching slickrock to ensure this jersey delivered the goods.

Velocio offers this top in a traditional short-sleeved jersey as well as a long-sleeve version for added sun protection. We wholeheartedly recommend both options. The Polartec Delta fabric is constructed from a blend of recycled polyester and Tencel yarns with a tiny grid pattern that elevates the material from the skin’s surface. The result is an airy feel and rapid moisture wicking, even in the hottest conditions.

Fox Flexair Ascent Shorts

Sizing: 28-40

Pros and Cons
鈯� Ideal fit: slim, but wide range of motion
鈯� Inseam is too short to ride comfortably with kneepads

The FlexAir Ascent Shorts stood out for their comfort and breathability, making them perfect for long, hot days. Though these shorts blur the lines between gravel and cross-country, they are perfect for both. With a mere 9.75-inch inseam, the Fox Flexair shorts are designed for those who prefer riding without knee pads and prioritize freedom of movement. “Race baggies” is how one of our testers described these slim-fitting shorts. That description was spot on since we tested them at the grueling seven-day BC Bike Race.

In terms of features, Fox uses its proven Race-Ratchet waist closure to adjust fit. A single zippered side pocket is large enough to carry a smartphone or energy bar. If you don’t want to don a complete Lycra kit but also don’t want to look like you’re heading to the bike park, these shorts should do the trick.

Darn Tough Element Micro Crew Socks

Sizing: XS-XXL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Wide range of sizing
鈯� Comes with an unconditional lifetime guarantee
鈯� Might replace the rest of the socks in your drawer

Technically, Darn Tough’s Element Crew socks are designed for running, but we found them to be excellent mountain-bike socks. The merino wool and nylon blend is quick-drying, breathable, and odor-resistant鈥攁ll qualities we look for in cycling socks. The crew height, with an average of 8.5 inches from heel to cuff (depending on the size), provides ankle protection and prevents dirt ingress. Darn Tough’s claim to fame is that all its socks are manufactured in Vermont and backed by an unconditional lifetime guarantee.

Pearl Izumi Summit Barrier Jacket

Sizing: S-XXL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Extremely packable
鈯� More affordable than other jackets we tested
鈯� Full-length zipper makes it bulkier than other jackets

Whether we’re riding through the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest or traversing alpine slopes in the Rocky Mountains, a packable shell is an essential part of kit we bring on any ride where capricious weather is on tap. The Summit Barrier Jacket is a minimalist “just in case” outer layer we seldom left home without. Testers tucked it into hip packs and even stowed it inside the downtubes of mountain bikes with in-frame storage as an insurance policy against wind and rain.

Admittedly, this jacket’s full-length zipper adds a bit of weight and bulk compared to partial-zip competitors, but it also makes this emergency shell easier to pull on in a hurry. We also love that Pearl Izumi uses a two-way zipper that makes it easier for riders to manage heat buildup while riding.

Rapha Trail Gore-Tex Pants

Sizing: XS-XXL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Extra space for kneepads
鈯� Super comfortable and breathable
鈯� Pricey

Since Rapha ventured off the pavement and onto the dirt a few years ago, the fit and quality of its mountain-bike apparel has consistently impressed our testers. We also respect the company’s commitment to keeping its garments in use and out of landfills by giving buyers fabric swatches for DIY repairs.

Unless you live and ride exclusively in the desert, a quality pair of rain pants is worth the investment, and Rapha’s Trail Gore-Tex Pants live up to the hype. They’re comfortable and more breathable than rain pants we tested from other brands. The Trail Gore-Tex Pants incorporate design elements of Rapha’s fair weather Trail Pants with weather-resistant Gore-Tex fabric, fully taped seams, and a durable water-repellent DWR finish.

On the trail, we appreciated the cam straps at the waist to adjust the fit quickly and the reinforced knees with ample space for kneepads鈥攁 smart feature for pants designed to keep you dry when riding slick and slimy singletrack.

How to Choose a Mountain-Bike Kit

When shopping for mountain-bike apparel, consider where and how you ride. If, for example, you spend most of your time in a bike park, focus on durability and protection first and breathability second. On the other hand, if you鈥檙e committed to logging big miles in the backcountry, lightweight, wicking fabrics are critical to comfort.

The fit of mountain-bike apparel varies depending on the collective fashion sense of the outdoor industry. Right now, slimmer-fitting garments are in, which makes it all the more important to try before you buy.

Your local bike shop should have plenty of options to choose from, and the pros can help you determine which pieces are best for your local climate. Also consider buying from a used gear shop鈥攚ith apparel, you don鈥檛 need to worry as much about safety, and you can easily save money from pre-loved garments.

How We Test

• Number of testers: 6
• Number of products tested: 70
• Number of miles ridden: 2 percent of the distance to the moon
• Number of arguments about riding with or without a chamois: 3

Our search for the best men鈥檚 mountain-bike apparel focused on a few key areas. First and foremost, we looked for pieces that were comfortable, breathable, and could survive a tumble through the dirt. We also sought out apparel made with recycled materials, that eschewed forever chemicals, and could be repaired by the end user. Simplicity was a very important factor for our team when looking for the perfect products.

Six testers took out 70 products from the Appalachian mountains to the Pacific Northwest, and in the Southwest regions of the United States. This allowed us to test apparel in extremely wet and dry, hot conditions. Apparel we tested endured downpours in the rainforest and scorching days in the desert, and our final six pieces handled those conditions the best.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Josh Patterson has been riding and wrenching on bikes for 20 years and, with a master鈥檚 degree in journalism, has been writing about the sport for over half of that time. He鈥檚 a cycling generalist who finds joy in riding road, gravel, and mountain bikes. If he had to choose one cycling discipline as a favorite, mountain biking would win out every time.

The post The Best Mountain-Biking Clothes for Men appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The contact points between the rider and a bicycle are some of the most important aspects of riding a two-wheeled steed (think saddle, grips, pedals, and, yes, shoes). The bike footwear category has widened dramatically in the past few years to include everything from the highest-performance road shoes to versatile gravel kicks to flat pedal pumps designed for rugged mountain bike rides. After testing this year鈥檚 offerings, we hand-picked the following options that meet the needs of modern riders.

At A Glance

Gravel Shoes

• Best All-Day Shoe: Udog Distanza ($200)
• Most Versatile: Specialized Recon ADV ($225)
• Most Accommodating Fit: Shimano RX801 ($275)
• Best Race Shoe: DMT KM0 ($520)

Road Shoes

• Best Value: Specialized Torch 2.0 ($180)
• Best for Everyday Use: Shimano RC903S ($475)
• Best Performance: Giant Surge Pro ($399)

Mountain Bike Shoes

• Most Versatile: Five Ten Freerider Pro ($160)
• Best Lightweight Shoe: Giro WMS Latch ($150)
• Best Protection: Fox Union Canvas ($120)
• Best Grip: Specialized Roost 2FO Flat Syn ($120)
• Most Comfortable: Ride Concepts Flume BOA Flat ($200)
• Most Streamlined: Shimano GF6 ($160)
• Most Stylish: Crankbrothers Stamp BOA Flat ($180)
• Best Clipless Shoe: Fox Racing Union BOA ($250)
• Most Waterproof: Adidas Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex ($220)
• How to Choose Bike Shoes
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

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.

Best All-Day Gravel Shoe

Udog Distanza

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes: 38-48

Pros and Cons
鈯� Compliant, durable sole
鈯� Not easily adjustable while riding

While Italian-based Udog鈥檚 home base might be an ocean away from the birthplace of modern gravel cycling, its design team is leading the way in performance and comfort-focused creations. The Distanza is built to meet the demands of the all-day aspect of today’s gravel events with a compliant, walkable sole and highly breathable knit upper.

Design elements like 100-percent recycled polyester laces and a grippy rubber outsole distinguish the Distanza when a gravel ride becomes a hike-a-bike. The laces are routed through metatarsal support straps that aid in creating even tension along the foot, which reduces the hot spots that many standard lace-up shoes create.

We broke in the shoes for a few weeks before a 10-hour day on the bike at the Rock Cobbler gravel race. The 110-mile course with 10,000 feet of elevation and more than its fair share of muddy hiking is on the extreme side of our test rides, however, the Distanzas proved both durable and comfortable, with their flexible soles reducing foot fatigue.

Laces aren’t for everyone, and it’s worth noting the shoes run a bit big, so be sure to review the size guide to get the right fit. On the scales, our size 43s topped out at 702 grams, leaving our gram-conscious testers wishing for a bit of weight savings.

Most Versatile

Specialized Recon ADV

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes: 36-49

Pros and Cons
鈯� Stiff yet walkable carbon soles
鈯� Laces work well for some, but aren鈥檛 for everyone

The Specialized Recon ADV is designed for cranking out long miles on gravel roads. This lace-up model takes cues from the company鈥檚 Recon line of mountain bike shoes with its sleek look, but adds a splash of color and a stiffer carbon midsole with a bit of engineered flex in the forefoot. This forefoot flex makes the Recon ADV more walkable for mid-ride coffee stops and nature breaks.

Most Accommodating Fit

Shimano RX801

Retention system: BOA dial and Velcro strap
Available sizes: 38-48 EU (half sizes from 41-45.5, wider width from 40-46)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Stiff carbon soles
鈯� Great fit
鈯� Easy to adjust while riding
鈯� Less walkable than others

Shimano has been a leader in the gravel race shoe category, and the RX801 only builds upon that legacy. The Japanese component brand recently gave these popular gravel kicks a makeover with improved ventilation, fit, and adjustability.

The synthetic upper is heavily perforated to increase airflow. Shimano also made the toe box wider and included heel stabilizers to keep the foot in place for greater control through the pedal stroke. A surround-wrapping upper hugs the foot for a close fit, while a rubberized Boa Li2 dial allows for micro-adjustments on the fly, which prevents the upper from getting too constrictive over the course of a long ride.

Have wide feet? No worries鈥攖he RX801 is available in a wide version in sizes 41-47.

Best Gravel Race Shoe

DMT KM0

Retention system: Dual Boa Li2 dials
Available sizes: 37-47

Pros and Cons
鈯� Glove-like fit
鈯� Weak tread

DMT footwear is most recognizable attached to Tour de France powerhouse Tadej Pogacar. Now, the brand鈥檚 ingenuity and performance-oriented designs that earned two yellow jerseys on the road have made their way over to the gravel side of the sport.

A minimalistic knit upper and a shapely carbon sole are paired in the DMT KM0 for a glove-like fit with a focus on maximal stiffness (rated 10/10 by testers). During our first few rides, we noted the Michelin tread was extra grippy on short rough walks, however, after a few hundred miles of testing, a mile-long hike-a-bike wore the tread pretty quickly, leaving us slipping. At 542 grams (size 42), the KM0s are on the lighter side of the gravel shoe market.

Best Value Road Shoe

Specialized Torch 2.0

Retention system: Single Boa dial and toe strap
Available sizes: 36-49

Pros and Cons
鈯� A smart balance of performance and comfort
鈯� Minimal retention personalization

For riders looking for a performance road shoe but hesitant about diving head first into the high-end shoe market, the Torch 2.0 is a competitive option at the sub-$200 price point.

Though they鈥檙e designed for the recreational cyclist, our tester said he鈥檇 feel confident wearing them for a race. 鈥淭hey deliver an effective balance between comfort and performance,鈥� he noted. 鈥淚 do lengthy rides, often spending five or more hours in the saddle, and these shoes deliver comfort with minimal compromise in power transfer.鈥�

The shoe has a fully perforated, single-layer synthetic and seamless upper with internal toe and heel reinforcement. This gives the Torch 2.0 a fairly supple fit with built-in, long-term shoe protection. A toe strap is paired with a single Boa dial. While we’d prefer a dual Boa dial to allow micro adjustments for a more personalized fit, the Torch 2.0’s configuration makes on-the-road adjustments possible. Our size 43s tipped the scales at 549 grams, a fair weight in this class of shoe.

Best Everyday Road Shoe

Shimano RC903S

Retention system: Dual Boa Li2 Metal Dials
Available sizes: 38-47

Pros and Cons
鈯� Supple, form-fitting upper
鈯� Hard to keep clean

Shozaburo Shimano would be proud to know the freewheel company he started in 1921 has grown to showcase a wide range of cycling components and gear for competitive and recreational riders alike, including high-performance cycling shoes like the RC903S, which falls within Shimano’s S-Phyre line.

Dual Boa metal dials lock a rider’s foot into the anti-twist heel cup with the help of the wrap-around upper and six points of retention over the front end of the foot. The carbon sole is strategically reinforced around the cleat for added power transfer while remaining compliant toward the heel for optimal stiffness鈥攔ated as 8/10 by our test team who altogether put more than 4,000 miles of riding in these shoes.

Perforated vents allow for sufficient heat dissipation through the upper’s thin material, and a pair of size 44 hit the scales at a meager 502 grams. On a warm, five hour day at the Mammoth Gran Fondo, the mix of engineered breathability and overall stiffness made for a positive experience.

Best Performance Road Shoe

Giant Surge Pro

Retention system: Dual Boa Li2 dials and toe strap
Available sizes: 40-48

Pros and Cons
鈯� Stiff, performance-focused sole
鈯� Sole is too stiff for longer rides

As the largest bicycle manufacturer in the world, Giant has played a formative role in the modern cycling industry and always seems to be a step ahead of its competitors design-wise in just about every sector of the market. The Surge Pro, Giant’s flagship footwear offering, is just one example.

These shoes feature a three-point retention system, a unique carbon sole, and a weight of only 510 grams (size 43), making them an attractive option for performance-focused riders. A channel runs heel to toe along the sole, maximizing stiffness where it’s needed at the cleat鈥攖esters gave the shoes a 10/10 stiffness rating鈥攄elivering enhanced power transfer and cutting out excess carbon to save weight.

These were a top-rated shoe for high-intensity, hour-long criterium races, but on longer five-plus hour days, our feet needed relief from the extreme stiffness rating.

Most Versatile MTB Shoe

Five Ten Freerider Pro

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes:聽6-14.5 (men鈥檚), 5-11 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Easy-to-clean synthetic material
鈯� Stiff for optimized pedal performance
鈯� Lace capture causes laces to lay across the shoe
鈯� Tread pattern tends to retain mud

There鈥檚 a reason the Freerider Pro is the benchmark for all other flat-pedal mountain bike shoes. First, the wide toe box and cozy heel cup fit a wide range of feet, including my exceptionally fickle ones. More importantly, we鈥檙e huge fans of Five Ten鈥檚 famously grippy Stealth S1 Dotty rubber outsole鈥攊t keeps us solidly placed on the pedals on even the rainiest fays.

The Freerider Pro also shines with a stiff sole that leaves us feeling one with the pedal, resulting in excellent efficiency on longer rides. Lastly, the synthetic upper is durable and easy to clean when things get muddy. One tester loved them so much, she said the Freerider Pro is 鈥渟till the master performance mountain bike flat pedal shoe that pedals all bikes and holds up throughout the season.鈥�

Best Lightweight MTB Shoe

Giro Latch

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes: 38-50 (men鈥檚), 36-43 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Very grippy
鈯� Lightest shoe in the lineup
鈯� More molded protection over toe box
鈯� Lace capture is flimsy
鈯� Slightly wider in heel

Giro鈥檚 Latch shoe fits, feels, and pedals a lot like the Five Ten Freerider Pro because of the stiff, flat sole that brings the foot closer to the pedal. Giro鈥檚 Tack Rubber and the irregular tread felt like it had the tackiest rubber of all the options we tested, and it shed mud more consistently than other tread patterns. The Latch鈥檚 quick-drying microfiber uppers were ideal for fall riding conditions, too.

At the end of the day, the Latch competes with the big guns in pretty much every metric of flat shoe performance. Plus, fashionable tester Megan Barton gives the Latch extra points for style.

Best Protection

Fox Union Canvas

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes:聽37-47 (unisex)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Robust and sturdy
鈯� Reinforced toe box
鈯� Heavy
鈯� Canvas was hard to clean

The Fox Union Canvas flat pedal riding shoe combines off-bike street style with solid on-bike performance. While we did not find the Ultratac rubber on the sole quite as grippy as Giro鈥檚 and FiveTen鈥檚, it wasn鈥檛 far behind and still imparted a sense of durability while thrashing through local rock gardens in Hood River. The polyester canvas material also was not our favorite to clean, but it did provide robust weather protection during rainy, cold rides.

We liked how the shoe felt super stiff for pedal grip, but we would recommend it for shorter rides because we started to experience some foot fatigue around mile ten. Overall, this shoe has a nice low-profile design that we loved and excellent grip, and it would thrive from a short ride to a pub crawl.

Best Grip

Specialized 2FO Roost Flat Syn Shoe

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes:聽36-49 (unisex)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Matches grip with Stealth rubber
鈯� Stiff enough for long rides
鈯� Doesn’t feel as light as advertised

The 2FO Roost delivers top-notch grip, breathability, and comfort, making it one of our favorite flat pedal shoes in the Specialized line-up. The SlipNot ST rubber easily competes with the Five Ten鈥檚 Stealth rubber and seems to offer better grip in cold weather, especially when we needed to constantly transfer our power on the burliest, most technical trails.

In terms of stiffness, as a trail shoe it handled long descents like a champ with zero foot fatigue. The heel cup was nice, deep, and comfortably retentive, ensuring our heels stayed in place on rougher trails. Our only real complaint is that the shoe lacks protective padding in the toe box, which resulted in a few jammed toes.

This isn鈥檛 the best pick for those with narrow feet, but it’s a competitively priced top contender shoe for riders who like to punish themselves on epic missions.

Most Comfortable MTB Shoe

Ride Concepts Flume BOA Flat Shoe

Retention system: BOA
Available sizes:聽5-10 (women鈥檚)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Super grippy
鈯� Exceptionally comfortable
鈯� BOA allows for easy micro-adjustments mid-ride
鈯� Balancing mid-shoe and heel tension a slight challenge

The Ride Concepts Flume BOA Flat is an easily adjustable and well-crafted shoe that feels like a slipper. Their Max Grip rubber sole offered exceptional grip鈥攚e felt comfortably glued to our pedals at all times, even on extremely technical and rooty trails.

Moreover, the toe and heel have hexagonal treads for confident hike-a-biking traction in slippery mud. The spacious toe box is comfortable, while the midsole support adds an overall feeling of being one with the pedals. 鈥淚 loved how protected and secure I felt in these shoes,鈥� said tester Annick Chalier. Our only gripe is that it was slightly challenging to get the tension with the BOA just right for our heels to be secure without the mid-shoe being too tight.

Most Streamlined

Shimano GF6

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes:聽38-48 (unisex)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Matches grip with Five Ten鈥檚 Stealth rubber
鈯� Stiff enough for long trail rides
鈯� Not quite burly enough for pure park riding

Featuring Shimano鈥檚 Ultread GF rubber, a torsional midsole that Shimano calls their Torbal 2.0 midsole, and trail-ready design, the GF6 is their premier flat pedal shoe. While the shoe has minimal padding compared to others we tested, there is enough to handle the accidental rock kicks and moderate impacts.

Fitwise, it had good heel retention both on and off the bike. More importantly, we found the grip on par with the Five Ten鈥檚, and they鈥檙e stiff enough to handle long rides without undue foot fatigue. Shimano footwear tends to fly under the radar for some reason, but they make an excellent product, and we鈥檇 love to see them out on the trails more. The fit and features make this my go-to flat pedal shoe.

Most Stylish MTB Shoe

Crankbrothers Stamp BOA Flat

Retention system:听叠翱础
Available sizes: 5-14 (unisex)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Easy walking off the bike
鈯� Stiff enough for long rides
鈯� Match MC2 rubber not as grippy as others

The Stamp BOA Flat is a stylish option that features a BOA dial, Velcro power strap, Match MC2 rubber, and a relatively stiff sole for power transfer. The Stamp BOA is stiff, but not too stiff; there鈥檚 just enough flex for easy walking鈥攁lthough they did feel a hair tight in the forefoot for a couple testers.

The Match MC2 rubber was grippy, though it鈥檚 not Stealth grippy, so if you鈥檙e going to be riding on wet days or have trouble locking to your pedals, look elsewhere. We鈥檙e not 100 percent sold on BOA systems in terms of fit, but we do relish the ability to securely snug up shoes without the litter of laces.

Best Clipless MTB Shoe

Fox Racing Union BOA

Retention system: Boa Li2
Available sizes: 37-47

Pros and Cons
鈯� Great in-between profile
鈯� Spendy

Best known for helmets, body armor, and apparel, Fox Racing recently entered the mountain bike footwear market and the Union BOA is the brand鈥檚 premier clipless mountain bike shoe, designed for trail riding and enduro racing.

It utilizes a pair of BOA Li2 dials to adjust the fit tension and a lightweight nylon shank to stiffen the sole while pedaling. At 221 grams per shoe (size 42), the Union BOA is lighter than similar 鈥渟kate-style鈥� mountain bike shoes, but heavier than svelte shoes designed for cross-country racing. On the trail, we found it provided ample support, and the micro-adjustable dials are handy for on-the-fly adjustments.

Most Waterproof

Adidas Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes: M4/W5-M14/W15

Pros and Cons
鈯� Iconic grip
鈯� High cuff keeps out debris
鈯� Water can still come in through the top

Mountain biking can be dirty work. If you鈥檙e looking for a shoe to accompany you on wet-weather rides, look no further than Five Ten鈥檚 Trailcross Gore-Tex. The shoe鈥檚 waterproof upper shrugs off rain and trail spray while Five Ten鈥檚 legendary Stealth Phantom Rubber provides extra grip on slippery trails.

Like other waterproof mountain bike shoes, this model is not impervious to water running down your leg, into your sock, and then getting trapped within, so it鈥檚 best to pair them with water-resistant pants when riding in sloppy conditions.

How To Choose Bike Shoes

Cycling shoes can be segmented into categories based on their intended use and cleat interface.

Cleats/Clipless Shoes

Road cycling shoes are typically compatible with composite-based, three-bolt style cleats like Shimano鈥檚 SPD-SL and Look Delta/Keo. These cleats offer a high amount of retention and have a greater surface area to maximize stability and power transfer per pedal stroke, which is ideal for road cycling. However, the cleats are often exposed and provide poor walkability.

Gravel shoes use a two-bolt pattern for use with cleats like Shimano鈥檚 SPD. Two-bolt cleats are generally smaller and made of metal, offering greater durability for walking on uneven surfaces.

Flats

More and more mountain bikers are ditching clipless bike shoes in favor of flats, shoes with sticky rubber soles that offer good grip on pedals and don鈥檛 require you to clip in/out of pedals. Many experienced riders and downhillers who navigate high-consequence terrain prefer flats because they allow you to bail off your bike more easily.

Flat shoes are also better choices for novice riders, since they don鈥檛 come with a learning curve (getting the hang of clipless shoes and cleats can be tricky). The downside to flats is they don鈥檛 offer the same power transfer as clipless shoes.

Budget Versus Performance

Don鈥檛 disregard your budget. Bike shoes can be exorbitantly expensive, especially on the high-performance end of the spectrum. If you鈥檙e looking to get into racing, the higher price tag might be worth it for every additional watt of power. If you鈥檙e not racing, we recommend leaning to the more comfortable end of the spectrum, rather than trying to maximize stiffness and performance; these shoes generally come with more palatable price tags.

Materials

Road biking shoes feature lightweight soles made up of carbon or composite materials that blend stiffness and compliance to best suit the rider鈥檚 needs. A stiffer sole generally provides higher power transfer; a more compliant shoe flexes more and provides a more comfortable ride, but often equates to more power loss.

Gravel and mountain bike shoes add tread around the sole to improve walkability and stability.

Shoe uppers will consist of a microfiber or knit material with varying amounts of suppleness, ventilation and foot/ankle support. Microfiber uppers tend to provide more durability and support, while knit uppers have a greater amount of ventilation and suppleness.

Fit

Fit is critical in a cycling shoe and directly impacts performance. If you can, try before you buy. Your local bike shop may have a selection of bike shoes and employees with a wealth of experience to help you find the right fit. Call around to see what鈥檚 available and visit your local bike shop to get a real feel for the shoes before you commit.

How We Test

• Number of products tested: 21
• Number of Testers: 8
• Number of miles collectively ridden during testing: 12,000
• Biggest ride: 110 miles

Our group of testers, made up of men and women across the country, put 21 pairs of the year鈥檚 newest road, gravel, and mountain bike shoes to the test on various rides, races, and trails. Some testers assessed a shoe鈥檚 performance while preparing for marquee road and gravel events, while others set out to determine a shoe鈥檚 comfort and versatility on their weekly coffee ride. Our primary testing ground for MTB shoes was mountain biking mecca Hood River, Oregon, where we assessed a shoe鈥檚 performance on everything from technical, muddy trails to mellow, meandering cruisers. We graded each pair of shoes we tested on characteristics like stiffness, weight, comfort, and functionality. The shoes on this list impressed our crew in all departments.

Meet Our Lead Testers

David Kennedy has been riding road and gravel bikes for 15 years and has been writing about the latest tech in the sport since 2017. He鈥檚 toed the line at premier road and gravel events nationwide, including the Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego and the Unbound 200. When he鈥檚 not writing or riding, he鈥檚 pulling apart bikes at his local shop and connecting with the diverse cycling community around his hometown of Los Angeles.

Nikki Rohan has been mountain biking for close to 20 years, and testing mountain biking gear for Pinkbike for almost a decade. She resides in Hood River, Oregon, with her husband, two teenagers, a 1-year-old, two dogs, and a grumpy cat. When she is not working, cooking, or parenting, you will find her biking on the local trails.

Josh Patterson has been riding and wrenching on bikes for 20 years and, with a master鈥檚 degree in journalism, has been writing about the sport for over half of that time. He鈥檚 a cycling generalist who finds joy in riding road, gravel, and mountain bikes, which made him the ideal candidate to manage 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Gear Guide bike coverage for the past four years. He grew up in the Flint Hills of Kansas and was an early adopter of gravel racing and participated in the first Unbound 200. He鈥檚 now based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The post The Best Bike Shoes for Road, Gravel, and Trail Rides appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

It鈥檚 often the little things that come together to make one of those magic days on the trail. Your tires are gripping beautifully, your hands aren鈥檛 slipping on the bars, and you fly over any obstacle without a sweat. These six pieces are the products that will make those impeccable days happen more often.

The Winners at a Glance

OneUp Composite Pedals

Silky Saw Gomboy

PNW Loam Grips

Truck ZL Biking Gloves

RaceFace Covert Kneepads

Maxxis Forekaster Tires

How We Test

The Pinkbike crew tests mountain bike accessories ceaselessly throughout the entire year, including at their many throughout the year. Josh Patterson, 国产吃瓜黑料‘s lead bike tester and writer, is doing the same, and constantly has his eyes on the market. From the rainforests of Squamish to the dusty late summer trails of Whistler to the technical terrain in the Front Range of Colorado, the mountain bike gear we test sees it all.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Josh Patterson has been riding and wrenching on bikes for 20 years and, with a master鈥檚 degree in journalism, has been writing about the sport for over half of that time. He鈥檚 a cycling generalist who finds joy in riding road, gravel, and mountain bikes, which made him the ideal candidate to manage 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Gear Guide bike coverage for the past four years. He grew up in the Flint Hills of Kansas and was an early adopter of gravel racing and participated in the first Unbound 200. He鈥檚 now based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The Reviews: The Best Mountain Bike Gear of 2023

OneUp Composite Pedals ($60)

Flat pedals are great tools for building confidence and taking on challenging sections of singletrack without worrying about being clipped in. During testing we found that more expensive doesn鈥檛 always mean better. OneUp鈥檚 Composite Pedals are refreshingly affordable and offer better grip than competing pedals that cost three times as much. Many options at this 鈥渆ntry level鈥� price point are designed to be used, abused, and discarded. OneUp, on the other hand, stands behind its pedals with rebuild kits and easy to follow instructions, so riders can enjoy these pedals for years to come.

Silky Saw Gomboy ($55)

Participating in dig days is a right of passage for mountain bikers, but you don鈥檛 have to wait for an organized work day to help keep your trails clear of brush and debris. Silky Saw鈥檚 Gomboy is a great little saw to keep in your pack for impromptu brush-clearing sessions. The 210 millimeter version is the perfect just-in-case saw, with large teeth and curved blade that make quick work of branches and deadfall.

PNW Loam Grips ($24)

Good grips might not be quite as important as a well-fitting saddle, but they鈥檙e a very close second. PNW鈥檚 Loam Grips have a secure hand feel and a tacky rubber compound that damps trail chatter and vibration. The Loam Grip comes in the 30 millimeter version we tested as well as an 34 millimeter XL version for those with bear paws. If you鈥檙e into color coordination, you鈥檒l be glad to read the Loam grips are available in a rainbow of color options.

Truck ZL Biking Gloves ($32)

The Truck ZL is a minimalist glove that will protect your hands without getting in the way. The synthetic palm is seamless for comfort and perforated for excellent ventilation. We appreciate that the thumb and index fingers have conductive stitching for smartphone accessibility, allowing us to easily snap mid-ride pics and check our location on Trailforks.

RaceFace Covert Kneepads ($100)

RaceFace鈥檚 Covert Kneepads are the best barely-there knee protection we鈥檝e tested. They have an incredibly low profile design, allowing them to be worn under slim-fitting trail pants. The Covert is also comfortable enough to be worn during all-day epics. Under the abrasion-resistant fabric is the new D30 Ghost armor. This slim reactive impact protector is extensively ventilated and very flexible while pedaling, yet strong enough to take a hit and protect your knees鈥攚e tumbled through the dirt on trails in Squamish, Utah, and Colorado to verify this claim.

Maxxis Forekaster Tires ($95.00)

The original Maxxis Forekaster was a wet-condition tire. Maxxis kept the name but built the new version as an all-arounder with a tread pattern that rolls quicker than its trail and enduro tires and with more edge grip than the company鈥檚 cross-country quiver. The Forekaster performs well as a front and a rear tire. When mounted to rims with a 30 millimeter internal width, these 29 x 2.4-inch tires have a round profile and a well-spaced tread pattern that bites into the dirt and corners predictably. Maxxis calls the Forekaster a Goldilocks tire; we call it a reliable companion for aggressive trail riding on short-travel trail bikes.

How to Buy

If you鈥檙e anything like us, you can spend hours reading about and searching for every type of knick knack there is to buy for your mountain bike. To narrow down the options, first consider what you absolutely can鈥檛 live without, and what you鈥檙e most trying to focus on with your riding. Want to learn how to get air and feel a bit more stable? Start with pedals. Just moved to a new area with really slippery terrain that needs more grip? Head to the tire section. Your local bike shop will be able to point you in the best direction for your specific region first. Then, consider buying used at your secondhand gear shop. If it鈥檚 not about safety鈥攍ike water bottles or apparel, then go for it. If it might save your life (or at least save a scraped up knee), it鈥檚 worth it to buy new.

When it’s time to upgrade your gear, don鈥檛 let the old stuff go to waste鈥揹onate it for a good cause and divert it from the landfill. our partner, Gear Fix, will repair and resell your stuff for free! Just box up your retired items, , and send them off. We鈥檒l donate 100 percent of the proceeds to .

The post The Best Mountain Bike Gear of 2023 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Bikes get most of the love, but the truth is, the kit that surrounds and attaches you to your two-wheeled steed is often just as important. Luckily there鈥檚 a whole pantheon of products out there that can make your riding life easier, safer, and more enjoyable. What follows are our favorites from this year.

The Winners at a Glance

Garmin Edge 840 Solar

Trek Voda 34oz Water Bottle

Lead Out! Saddle Bag

Bontrager Dual Charger Floor Pump

Zwift Hub Smart Trainer

WTB Vulpine Gravel Tires

How We Test

Our staff at Velo is constantly testing road and gravel bike accessories, as is 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 lead bike writer, Josh Patterson. This includes our , as well as the rolling testing that we perform in Colorado, as we review bikes, helmets, shoes, other accoutrement throughout the year.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Josh Patterson has been riding and wrenching on bikes for 20 years and, with a master鈥檚 degree in journalism, has been writing about the sport for over half of that time. He鈥檚 a cycling generalist who finds joy in riding road, gravel, and mountain bikes, which made him the ideal candidate to manage 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Gear Guide bike coverage for the past four years. He grew up in the Flint Hills of Kansas and was an early adopter of gravel racing and participated in the first Unbound 200. He鈥檚 now based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The Reviews: The Best Road and Gravel Bike Gear of 2023

Garmin Edge 840 Solar ($550)

A trusty cycling computer is a must-have for data-hungry (and directionally-challenged) cyclists. Garmin鈥檚 new Edge 840 is compact compared to the smart phone-sized 1040, but gains a lot of trickle-down tech from its big brother, including multi-band GNSS for more accurate positioning when using navigation and longer run times, thanks to to solar charging. Garmin claims its supplemental solar receptors add up to 25 minutes for every hour the device is in direct sunlight. Our testing has proven this claim is accurate. Our Edge 840 Solar had enough juice to power through 24 hours of continuous use even when connected to a power meter and heart rate monitor, which is more than enough run time enough for most weekend warriors.

Trek Voda 34oz Water Bottle ($15)

Trek鈥檚 Voda 34 water bottles are designed to go the distance. These high-volume, 34 ounce bottles kept us hydrated through endurance gravel events and century rides without having to resort to a hydration pack. Voda water bottles are dishwasher safe, recyclable, and free of BPA, BPS, and phthalates. The only downside we鈥檝e found during testing is that these bottles are too large to fit in some small and many extra small bike frames.

Lead Out! Saddle Bag ($32)

Don鈥檛 be the person on the group ride always asking to borrow a tube or multi-tool. Hit the the road prepared. This saddle bag from Lead Out! is our top pick for its durable, water-resistant construction and straightforward two-compartment design. This seat pack is large enough to carry an innertube, a couple of CO2 canisters, as well as your multi-tool and a few bucks for a mid-ride cafe pit stop without being obtrusive.

Sponsor Content
Shimano PRO Discover Alloy Handlebar ($64.99)

Yes, there鈥檚 a handlebar designed for optimal positioning on long gravel rides. With a compact shape and 12 degree flare, the PRO Discover from Shimano is designed to give you a better and more comfortable experience. The PRO Discove has a 31.8 mm clamping diameter and comes in 40, 42, and 44 cm widths.

Bontrager Dual Charger Floor Pump ($75)

This pump isn鈥檛 brand new, in fact, we鈥檝e been using the same Dual Charger floor pump for several seasons. We think Bontrager made the perfect pump for everyday cyclists. This pump features a switch that allows the user to switch between high volume, to quickly inflate stubborn tubeless mountain bike tires, and high pressure to air up skinny road tires without excess effort. We also appreciate the fact the Dual Charger has a handy compartment built into the handle that holds inflation adapters for pool toys and balls, making it the perfect one-pump solution for all your household needs.

Zwift Hub Smart Trainer ($500)

鈥淶wifting鈥� has become a verb for cyclists looking to maximize their limited workout time by investing in a smart trainer to pedal in the virtual world of Zwift. All smart trainers are compatible with Zwift鈥檚 online ecosystem, but the brand鈥檚 own Hub Smart Trainer bests the competition with user-friendly features that start with the purchasing process where buyers select the cassette type to be included鈥攏o need to swap cassettes between your bike and this wheel-off trainer. The Hub is quiet, stable even when sprinting, and the pedaling resistance feels very natural. Best of all, it costs a fraction of trainers with identical features from brands such as Wahoo and Saris.

WTB Vulpine Gravel Tires ($66 and up)

Tire choice can make or break your unpaved adventures鈥攅specially if you鈥檙e toeing the start line at gravel races this season. WTB鈥檚 new 700c x 40 millimeter Vulpine is our pick for the best quick-rolling gravel tire that doesn鈥檛 skimp on protection against sharp rocks and thorns. The tightly-packed centerline treads roll with haste and delivers enough grip to scramble up loose and sandy climbs. The edge knobs aren鈥檛 massive, but they鈥檙e strategically placed to ensure riders can corner with confidence.

How to Buy

Buying accessories for your bike can be a very slippery slope. Depending on your budget, start with the necessities: you need to drink water, carry a repair kit, protect yourself, and know where you鈥檙e going. Beyond that, you鈥檙e just having fun. Tires and saddles are easy upgrades that can make a huge difference to your riding experience. Other products, like trainers and bike computers are expensive but can also introduce a lot of fun into your routine if you can afford them.

When it’s time to upgrade your gear, don鈥檛 let the old stuff go to waste鈥揹onate it for a good cause and divert it from the landfill. our partner, Gear Fix, will repair and resell your stuff for free! Just box up your retired items, , and send them off. We鈥檒l donate 100 percent of the proceeds to .

The post The Best Road and Gravel Bike Gear of 2023 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The contact points between the rider and a bicycle are some of the most important aspects of riding a two-wheeled steed (think saddle, grips, pedals, and, yes, shoes). The bike footwear category has widened dramatically in the past few years to include everything from the highest-performance road shoes to flat pedal kickers that can be worn daily around town. What follows are our six favorites of the year.

The Winners at a Glance

Best Road Shoes

Specialized Recon ADV

Pearl iZUMi Pro Air

Shimano RX801

Best Mountain Bike Shoes

Specialized 2FO Roost Canvas

Fox Racing Union BOA

Adidas Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex

How We Test

Our staff at Pinkbike and Velo are constantly testing bike shoes, as is 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 lead bike writer, Josh Patterson. This includes our six Field Tests of 2022, as well as the rolling testing that we perform in Colorado, Washington, and British Columbia as we test bikes and accessories throughout the year.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Josh Patterson has been riding and wrenching on bikes for 20 years and, with a master鈥檚 degree in journalism, has been writing about the sport for over half of that time. He鈥檚 a cycling generalist who finds joy in riding road, gravel, and mountain bikes, which made him the ideal candidate to manage 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Gear Guide bike coverage for the past four years. He grew up in the Flint Hills of Kansas and was an early adopter of gravel racing and participated in the first Unbound 200. He鈥檚 now based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The Reviews: The Best Bike Shoes of 2023

Most Versatile Gravel Kicks: Specialized Recon ADV ($225)

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes: 36-49
Pros: Stiff yet walkable carbon soles
Cons: Laces work well for some riders, but aren鈥檛 for everyone

The Specialized Recon ADV is designed for cranking out long miles on gravel roads. This lace-up model takes cues from the company鈥檚 Recon line of mountain bike shoes with its sleek look, but adds a splash of color and a stiffer carbon midsole with a bit of engineered flex in the forefoot. This forefoot flex makes the Recon ADV more walkable for mid-ride coffee stops and nature breaks.

Best Performance Roadies: Pearl iZUMi Pro Air Cycling Shoe ($425)

Retention system: Dual BOA Li2 dials
Available sizes: 39-49 EU (41-47 available in half sizes)
Pros: Light and well-ventilated
Cons: Expensive

The Pearl iZUMi Pro Air is everything we look for in a performance road shoe鈥攊t鈥檚 comfortable, highly breathable, and weighs a scant 237 grams (men鈥檚 size 9/42). It also features an ultra-stiff carbon fiber sole that allows riders to maximize power transfer during breakaways and sprints. In keeping with the airy aesthetic, the upper is constructed with ventilated mesh and laminate panels to reinforce key wear zones for durability. Boa Li2 dials handle fit adjustments smoothly, and a pair of soft lace guides reduce hotspots on long rides.

Sponsor Content
Shimano SH-RC300 Road Cycling Shoe ($125)

Are you ready to go fast? So are these shoes. The SH-RC300 Road Cycling Shoe from Shimano is lightweight with a race-focused design to stabilize your foot for optimal pedaling efficiency and comfort. Plus, you can get this breathable and durable shoe at an affordable price.

Most Accommodating Gravel Shoe: Shimano RX801 ($275)

Retention system: BOA dial and Velcro strap
Available sizes: 38-48 EU (half sizes from 41-45.5, wider width from 40-46)
Pros: Stiff carbon soles, great fit, easy to adjust while riding
Cons: Less walkable than some if its peers

Shimano has been a leader in the gravel race shoe category, and the RX801 only builds upon that legacy. The Japanese component brand recently gave these popular gravel kicks a makeover with improved ventilation, fit, and adjustability. The synthetic upper is heavily perforated to increase airflow. Shimano also made the toe box wider and included heel stabilizers to keep the foot in place for greater control through the pedal stroke. A surround-wrapping upper hugs the foot for a close fit, while a rubberized Boa Li2 dial allows for micro-adjustments on the fly, which prevents the upper from getting too constrictive over the course of a long ride. Have wide feet? No worries鈥攖he RX801 is available in a wide version in sizes 41-47.

Best Mountain Bike Shoes of 2023

Grippiest Flats: Specialized 2FO Roost Canvas ($120)

Retention system: BOA dial and Velcro strap
Available sizes: 38-48 EU (half sizes from 41-45.5, wider width from 40-46)
Pros: Stiff carbon soles, great fit, easy to adjust while riding
Cons: Less walkable than some if its peers

Specialized developed some of the best, stickiest rubber on the market. Case in point: The 2FO Roost Canvas shoe鈥檚 grippy outsole stacks up against any Five Ten model (long held as the gold standard in the industry) when it comes to pedal grip. The canvas upper requires some breaking in, but once it softens up, the shoe fits like a slipper that鈥檚 comfortable on and off the bike. That said, it鈥檚 still plenty stiff for long and rough trail riding, though it鈥檚 not as rigid as flat-pedal shoes designed specifically for downhill riding and racing. With its casual aesthetic, this shoe also transitions seamlessly from the bike park to the brewery.

Most Dialed Clipless Shoe: Fox Racing Union BOA ($250)

Retention system: Boa Li2
Available sizes: 37-47
Pros: Great in-between profile
Cons: Spendy

Best known for helmets, body armor, and apparel, Fox Racing recently entered the mountain bike footwear market and the Union BOA is the brand鈥檚 premier clipless mountain bike shoe, designed for trail riding and enduro racing. It utilizes a pair of BOA Li2 dials to adjust the fit tension and a lightweight nylon shank to stiffen the sole while pedaling. At 221 grams per shoe (size 42), the Union BOA is lighter than similar 鈥渟kate-style鈥� mountain bike shoes, but heavier than svelte shoes designed for cross-country racing. On the trail, we found it provided ample support, and the micro-adjustable dials are handy for on-the-fly adjustments.

Most Waterproof: Adidas Five Ten Trailcross Gore-Tex ($220)

Retention system: Laces
Available sizes: M4/W5-M14/W15
Pros: Iconic grip, high cuff keeps out debris
Cons: Water can still come in through the top

Mountain biking can be dirty work. If you鈥檙e looking for a shoe to accompany you on wet-weather rides, look no further than Five Ten鈥檚 Trailcross Gore-Tex. The shoe鈥檚 waterproof upper shrugs off rain and trail spray while Five Ten鈥檚 legendary Stealth Phantom Rubber provides extra grip on slippery trails. Like other waterproof mountain bike shoes, this model is not impervious to water running down your leg, into your sock, and then getting trapped within, so it鈥檚 best to pair them with water-resistant pants when riding in sloppy conditions.

How to Buy

Choosing a bike shoe is almost as personal as choosing a saddle. Most importantly: try them on! Go to a shop and put your foot in the actual shoe to make sure it鈥檚 a match. Bike shoe fit varies widely (no pun intended) and you don鈥檛 want to spend your hard-earned riding time with your feet in a vice.

And think about how you鈥檒l be using these shoes. If you鈥檙e not racing, we recommend leaning to the more comfortable end of the spectrum, rather than trying to maximize stiffness and performance.

There鈥檚 also the clipless versus flat pedal shoes (clipless shoes, confusingly, actually click into a matching pedal so your feet are attached to the pedals) debate. If you鈥檙e just starting, go with flats. If you鈥檙e more advanced, you already know what you like.

Finally, don鈥檛 disregard your budget. Bike shoes can be exorbitantly expensive (see above), but if you鈥檙e a racer, maybe that spend is worth it for every watt of power.

When it’s time to upgrade your gear, don鈥檛 let the old stuff go to waste鈥揹onate it for a good cause and divert it from the landfill. our partner, Gear Fix, will repair and resell your stuff for free! Just box up your retired items, , and send them off. We鈥檒l donate 100 percent of the proceeds to .

The post The Best Bike Shoes of 2023 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Every year we test tens of mountain bikes to determine what will make it into our Summer Gear Guide, but we only have limited room for what we include in that magazine. And every year there are just more and more good bikes on the market. Here are four of our favorites from testing that just fell short of making the cut.

Santa Cruz Bronson ($9,849 as tested)

Mullet mountain bikes are gaining popularity for the rollover ability of their 29-inch front wheels and nimble 27.5 inch rear wheels. In the past, testers felt that many such models were uneven attempts to hop on a trend, but not the Bronson. Sporting 160 millimeters of front and 150 millimeters of rear travel, this playful steed feels capable without being unwieldy. The larger front wheel provides confidence while cornering and easily maneuvers over rocks, while the rear wheel slides effortlessly through tight switchbacks and keeps up during sprints out of turns or on techy climbs. Dialed geometry, refined suspension, and carving competence through berms are all hallmarks of a top-notch mullet.

Polygon Siskiu T7 ($1,999)

If you can find a wellequipped, full-suspension mountain bike for $2,000, it likely has outdated geometry that hinders beginners honing their skills. Polygon is changing that with outstanding value and progressive frame design. The Siskiu T7 is a modern 29er (we tested the medium, which is also available with 27.5-inch tires) with astounding ride quality: it climbs, corners, and descends with poise. The RockShox suspension has 140 millimeters of front travel and 135 millimeters of rear travel at this size. The 1×12 Shimano Deore drivetrain fires off precise shifting just as capably as its more expensive groups. Aside from a few extra pounds, the Siskiu T7 can hold its own against any carbon wonderbike.

Scor 4060 LT GX ($6,599)

Scor was founded by a team of engineers and product managers from the Swiss brand BMC鈥攁 high-performance road and cross-country company鈥� to develop lively, long-travel trail and enduro bikes. The 4060 is a fantastic first offering. Even with 170 millimeters of front travel, it climbs efficiently鈥攂ut the real fun is on the descent. The lengthy front center and slack 63.8-degree headtube angle goaded us into riding faster and cornering harder. Plus, the full-carbon frame is loaded with rider-focused features, like a small cargo box integrated into the armored down tube with a spare derailleur hanger.

Trek Roscoe 9 ($2,729)

The Roscoe is one of the best hardtails we鈥檝e ridden. Its slack 65-degree headtube angle, paired with a 140 millimeter Fox 36 fork, makes quick work of rock gardens, while 29-by-2.6-inch tires afford excellent grip. Most long-travel hardtails hold only one water bottle in the front triangle, so we appreciated that two can be accommodated here. We also found the Roscoe to be a solid bikepacking option: the aluminum frame is light yet sturdy, and powerful four-piston brakes provide ample stopping power鈥攅ven with several days鈥� worth of gear on board. If you鈥檙e looking for a fun, well-equipped, low-maintenance, versatile bike, this is it.

The post Four Mountain Bikes for Fall Shredding appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.