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 shoe 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.

Our testers rode hundreds of miles to find the best cycling shoes for fit and performance across all of these categories. From sleek, clipless shoes for dancing on dirt to the mountain biking equivalent of steel-toe construction boots for your own personal Redbull Rampage, we hand-picked the following options that meet the needs of modern riders.

Updated July 2025: We added 8 new picks, including our new favorite MTB and road cycling shoes鈥攖he Crankbrothers Mallet BOA and Specialized Torch 3.0. We also updated pricing and info on previously listed bike shoes.听

Best Bike Shoes at a Glance

Best Mountain Bike Shoes

• Best Do-It-All Clipless Shoe: Crankbrothers Mallet Boa ($200)
• Best Flat Pedal Shoe: Pearl Izumi X-ALP Launch ($150 $90)
• Best Downhill/Enduro Shoe: Shimano GE7 ($180)
• Best Protection: Ride Concepts Tallac Mid BOA MTB ($220)

Best Road Cycling Shoes

• Best Overall: Specialized Torch 3.0 ($280)
• Best Performance: Shimano RC903S ($475)
• Best On a Budget: Fizik Beat Tempo ($180)

Best Gravel Shoes

• Best Gravel/XC Shoe: Giro Sector ($240)
• Best High-End Gravel/XC shoe: SIDI Physis ($399)
• How to Choose Bike Shoes
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

Best Mountain Bike Shoes

Best Do-It-All Clipless Shoe: Crankbrothers Mallet BOA Clip-In Shoes

Available sizes: US M 6 – 14

Pros and Cons
鈯� Very comfortable
鈯� Super durable
鈯� Supremely adjustable fit
鈯� Limited ankle coverage

Technically, the Mallet is Crankbrothers鈥� offering for gravity-focused endeavors鈥攄ownhill, park, and enduro racing鈥攂ut these well-padded shoes are lightweight and breathable enough that if you loathe the ballet slipper look, they do just fine for any riding this side of XC racing.

While the brand makes their own pedals, the Mallet utilizes the brand鈥檚 鈥楳atch鈥� design philosophy: a long and wide cleat pocket that鈥檚 designed to both shed mud and aid cleat engagement/release regardless of your preferred clipless pedal. The shoes come with shims to optimize your pedal-cleat-shoe interface, but in a nod to their own pedals, and as an encouragement for you to use them, the Mallets come with Crankbrothers鈥� own cleat already installed in a neutral position.

The shoes are burly yet offer a comfortable amount of padding, with silicone gripper dots in the heel cup for a secure fit. They also utilize just the right amount of ventilation for good breathability on all but the hottest days. The medium stiff midsole combined with a nicely rockered sole makes for exceptional comfort both on and off the bike. All these features, combined with the ability to dial in an exact fit with the BOA dial, make these shoes a winner. Our only complaint: We wish they offered a little more ankle coverage.

Best Flat Pedal Shoe: Pearl Izumi X-ALP Launch

Available sizes: EU 39 – 49

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight
鈯� Optimal for narrow feet
鈯� BOA loosened on longer rides
鈯� Soles not as grippy as Five Ten or Ride Concepts

The X-ALP Launch is an affordable flat pedal mountain bike shoe that takes the cake when it comes to a lightweight, flexible feel. The shoe features a stout Cordura mesh upper with a single BOA dial that allows for quick fit adjustments. We found that the X-ALP has a low-to-medium internal volume that runs a bit narrower in the toe box than other brands. An EVA foam midsole is paired with an outsole featuring Goodyear rubber molded with a chevron pattern, designed to offer good grip and traction.

Despite the use of brand-name rubber, the X-Alp is not the grippiest shoe out there. But that鈥檚 not necessarily a bad thing: this allows for easy micro foot adjustments compared to the locked in feel of some other shoes on our list. What the sole lacks in grip, it makes up for with impressive lightweight feel and efficient power transfer. In our testing, the shoes excelled on longer trail rides in dryer weather where heat and foot fatigue can be issues. And while the single BOA loosened up a bit on our longer rides, it’s fairly easy to tighten up on the fly. This might not be the shoe you want for bike park laps, but it hits the mark for those who prefer the versatility of a flat pedal shoe versus clipless for hot cross-country and trail rides.

Best for Downhill/Enduro Riding: Shimano GE7

Available sizes: EU 38 – 48

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent off the bike grip
鈯� Longer cleat channel
鈯� Roomy toe box
鈯� Runs a little hot

The Shimano GE7 is one of our favorite clipless MTB shoes. The SPD-compatible GE7 features laces with a velcro instep strap for precise fit, a burly outsole for enhanced grip, raised and padded ankle collar, enhanced toe cap, and a reinforced fiberglass midsole (TORBAL 2.0, a midsole technology that provides targeted rigidity and flexibility) for stellar pedaling efficiency.

Originally designed for Enduro style racing, this shoe is meant for big days that could involve a fair bit of hike-a-bike as well as full-tilt boogie pedaling. Translation: it鈥檚 super comfortable and holds up well on longer rides thanks to a nice balance of stiffness and flex in the sole, plus a relaxed鈥揹are I say 鈥榬oomy鈥�?鈥搕oe box to give those little piggies room to stretch out. The traction is excellent when you鈥檙e off the bike and the cleat placement is slightly more centrally placed than other brands, allowing for a more performance-oriented cleat position. More importantly, the shoe can take a beating. And the asymmetric padded ankle cuffs keep ankle/crank interaction downright civilized.

Shimano shoes tend to be durable enough for multiple riding seasons, and while this one runs a little on the warm side and lacks the bling of a BOA system, the fit and performance won鈥檛 let you down. 鈥淸This is a] great all around mountain bike shoe for gravity-oriented folks that want traction while off the pedals,鈥� commented one tester from Hood River, Oregon.

Best Protection: Ride Concepts Tallac Mid BOA

Available sizes: US M 7 – 13

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent grip in all conditions
鈯� Mid-height design adds extra protection to ankle
鈯� Easy to adjust fit with BOA庐 system
鈯� Bulky

When Ride Concepts released these mid-high shoes into the wild last summer, there was much rejoicing from riders demanding a more robust solution for technical gravity riding. The surprisingly roomy mid-volume shoe features BOA鈥檚 PerformFit Wrap for a snug fit, and burly Cordura mesh upper with liberal amounts of D3O padding in the ankles, toe, heel, and insoles for bombproof impact resistance. A stiff EVA midsole helps reduce foot fatigue, and an outer sole crafted from RC鈥檚 Maxgrip rubber provides secure pedal grip and confident traction off the bike.

The mid-height upper offers greater support than a low-fit shoe, while the gusseted tongue keeps debris at bay like a champ. Surprisingly, the Cordura mesh breathes tolerably well, but the trade-off for all this added material is a much longer break-in period. If you have the patience for that, the reward is a glorious, comfortable fit that offers loads of confidence no matter how gnarly the trail or how much you鈥檙e off the bike scouting lines and sessioning techy features.

Best Road Shoes

Best Overall:听Specialized Torch 3.0

Available sizes: EU 36-49

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent weight
鈯� BOA Li2 dials
鈯� Hard wearing exterior
鈯� Cleat mounts aren’t adjustable

Road cycling shoe prices aren鈥檛 just creeping up鈥攖hey鈥檙e skyrocketing. Specialized is part of that trend, but the Torch 3.0 offers a refreshing exception. It鈥檚 not quite as performance-oriented as the S-Works Torch ($500), but you鈥檙e getting 90 to 95 percent of the performance for significantly less鈥攁nd with some surprising perks. The Torch 3.0 actually has a better BOA system. Both models use a dual-zone setup and the same pressure-optimized tongue cut, but the S-Works dial doesn鈥檛 pop for quick release. The Torch 3.0鈥檚 BOA Li2 dials, BOA鈥檚 best, make on/off much easier.

Elsewhere, the Torch 3.0 simplifies slightly. The upper is more uniform but still durable and easy to clean. The carbon sole is just as stiff, though slightly heavier and less detailed. It lacks cleat-mount adjustability鈥攂ut after thousands of foot scans, Specialized says you won鈥檛 miss it. (We didn鈥檛 during testing.) Bottom line: The Torch 3.0 delivers elite-level performance without the elite-level price.

Best Performance:听Shimano RC903S

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鈥檚 S-Phyre line.

Dual Boa metal dials lock a rider鈥檚 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.

Best On a Budget: Fizik Tempo Powerstrap R5

Available sizes: EU 36-48

Pros and Cons
鈯� Impressive weight for price
鈯� Velcro powerstrap
鈯� Vertical volume in toe box
鈯� Non-adjustable cleat mount
鈯� Narrow fit

Budget road cycling shoes are a tough category鈥攎ost cut corners so severely they鈥檙e no fun to wear. One common compromise? BOA dials. The top-tier Li2 dials are great, but cheaper versions often can鈥檛 adjust both ways and don鈥檛 pop for quick release.

The Fizik Tempo Powerstrap R5 avoids those issues altogether. It uses the same lightweight, easy-to-adjust Powerstrap system found on Fizik鈥檚 higher-end Aeroweave model, and it outperforms many dual-BOA setups: It鈥檚 easy to adjust (even mid-ride), lightweight, and offers a snug fit with zero hotspots. The shoe is on the narrow side, typical of older Fizik models, but a tall toe box adds comfort. The carbon-reinforced nylon sole is shaped well enough to feel plenty stiff. The biggest downside: The cleat mount point is fixed and offers limited adjustability.

Still, for this price, we were willing to overlook that shortcoming. The Tempo R5 doesn鈥檛 feel cheap鈥攕kipping BOA is a smart move here, not an oversight.

Best Gravel Shoes

Best Overall: Giro Sector

Available sizes: EU 39 – 50

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight
鈯� Quick drying
鈯� Responsively stiff
鈯� Pricey
鈯� Not ideal off the bike

The Giro Sector is our go-to riding shoe for all types of riding, from laps on our local trails to all-day gravel adventures to XC racing. They offer a nice balance of comfort and stiffness to keep the feet remarkably comfortable regardless of how hard you鈥檙e pedaling. The Sector features a one-piece synchwire material upper, dual BOA庐 adjustment, reinforced toe and heel, and a fairly stiff carbon-composite sole (for pedalling efficiency) with a dual injected rubber outsole with impressively tall lugs for off-the bike traction and pre drilled toe spike mounts.

While the Sector is lightweight and adequately ventilated, it is not the lightest on the market, but it鈥檚 by no means portly either. That being said, it gets extra points in comfort, and despite the fragile appearance of the upper, the shoe is surprisingly durable and robust; they show very minimal signs of wear despite extensive testing. If you are a one shoe do-it-all household, we highly recommend the Sector, although it鈥檚 happiest pedaling hard.

Best Performance: Sidi Physis

Available sizes: EU 36 – 50

Pros and Cons
鈯� Wide toe box
鈯� Excellent power transfer
鈯� Expensive
鈯� Walkability

Brutally efficient and decadently comfortable aren鈥檛 descriptive phrases that typically go together. But if you鈥檙e describing Sidi鈥檚 new Physis shoes, then you鈥檝e pretty much hit the nail on the head. But to tweak an old Keith Bontrager maxim鈥攂rutally efficient, decadently comfortable, cheap鈥ick two鈥攂ecause at $400, these ain鈥檛 cheap.

But what you get is what you pay for: Sidi鈥檚 legendary Italian craftsmanship mated to modern footwear ergonomics. With the Physis, you get a phenomenally-fitting and well ventilated dual density TPU upper that errs on the roomy side (consider sizing down a half size for Sidi鈥檚 legendary glove-like feel while still enjoying the roomy forefoot volume of the Millenium fit), secured with Sidi鈥檚 proprietary BOA庐 type system and their patented Tension Strap over the instep, mated to a X2FC carbon sole so stiff that you might as well be wearing two-by-four planks with a footbed strapped to your feet. Only a two-by-four never screamed performance the way these do; rest assured that every single watt you generate is going right into your pedals. Other details: rubber dimples in the heel cup for a more secure fit. Minimalist abrasion/impact guards around the toe box and heel. Threaded holes at the toes for spikes (CX anyone?).

In essence, these are Ferraris for your feet, but are purpose built for performance gravel and XC riding; if your ride involves any halfway serious hike-a-biking, look elsewhere. But if you鈥檙e chasing podiums or KOMs, these are just what the doctor ordered.

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 Cycling Shoes

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.

How Should Bike Shoes 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 Bike Shoes

• 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 and bike industry experts like and , 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

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.

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.

听is a senior tech editor at Velo. He hails from the Pacific Northwest but when it鈥檚 time to ride, hot and dry is better than cold and wet. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but understands most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn鈥檛 care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset, and beyond, the answer is always yes.

More Bike Gear Reviews

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The Best Gravel Bikes of 2025
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The post The 9 Best Bike Shoes for Road, Gravel, and Trail Rides (2025) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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

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

At a Glance

• Editors鈥� Choice:
• Best High-Performance Bike:
• Best Value:
• Best Under $2,000:
• Best Race Road Bike:
• Best Endurance Bike:
• How to Choose a Road Bike
• How We Test
• Meet the Testers

Editors鈥� Choice

Enve Melee

Test bike: Enve Melee SRAM Red AXS
Weight: 16.9 lbs (size 54 cm)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Room for 35 mm tires
鈯� Integrated front end is uncomplicated and modular
鈯� Broad range of drivetrain, fit, and paint options when new
鈯� Heavier than the lightest road bikes

With the Melee鈥擡nve鈥檚 first production bike that isn鈥檛 custom鈥攖he brand鈥檚 vision of what a modern road racer looks like is coming into its sharpest focus yet. It’s aerodynamically optimised, lightweight, and designed to go anywhere a modern road cyclist is likely to go. It even stood at the top of a gravel race podium shortly before release.

What makes the Enve Melee stand out is its ability to marry the best parts of a sharp-edged race road bike with the approachability of an endurance bike. Handling is responsive but not razor sharp, and its stiffness ensures it turns in with precision. Best of all, it places the rider in a slightly more upright position making for a more comfortable ride that鈥檚 still not sluggish.

At first glance, what stands out about the Enve Melee is its geometry. Enve dropped the top tube and narrowed it dramatically as it approaches the seat tube. Dropping the top tube might enact a small aero penalty, but it also exposes more seatpost for better compliance.

Consider the Melee a semi-custom bike. It starts with a base of seven frame sizes ranging from 47 to 60 centimeters. From there, riders can build the bike to their specifications, so long as they use a wireless SRAM or Campagnolo drivetrain, or a wired Shimano Di2 option.

We鈥檝e spent a lot of time on strictly aero bikes, and the Melee is a sharper tool than those bikes. It feels like a bike that’s ready to respond when you are. It practically begs you to sprint at every opportunity and it takes off at the slightest increase in power. And while its 16.9-pound ready-to-ride weight is a little heavier than you鈥檇 expect, the added weight isn鈥檛 noticeable鈥攖his bike feels fast.

Best High-End Performance Bike

Factor Ostro VAM

Test bike: Factor Ostro VAM Dura-Ace Di2
Weight: 15.2 pounds (size 52 cm)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Top-tier finishing kit
鈯� Razor-sharp handling
鈯� Broad range of drivetrain, fit, and paint options
鈯� Creaky headset

The latest high-end road bikes just look fast. This Factor Ostro VAM is no exception, particularly in the Gloss Chrome colorway we tested. The marbled look of the carbon fiber pops under direct sunlight, while the holographic logos stand out against the otherwise black canvas.

But what makes this bike actually fast is its focus on aerodynamic efficiency in the design, from the narrow profile to the tightly-angled seat stay junction (a design inspired by 1930s Spitfire planes).

Watch: Longterm Review of Factor Ostro VAM

The Factor Ostro VAM feels alive from the first pedal stroke. The low weight of the wheels (1,270 grams, according to Factor) is immediately noticeable, and it allows the bike to get up to speed impressively quick. The bike is also stiff (particularly at the front), making it predictable and easy to manage despite its racy build. That combination of low weight and great lateral stiffness makes the bike feel like a climbing bike.

Another thing we like about the Ostro VAM is the customization options. It comes in a slew of complete builds or as a frame set, but you can also customize seat post setback, stem lengths, and bar widths at every level. Only a select few brands offer that ability at no extra cost. Heck, you can even customize the paint job if you鈥檙e willing to shell out extra.

We had few complaints about this bike, just a minor annoyance: The headset was prone to creaking after getting caught in the rain, even when we were diligent about wiping down the bike after a wet ride. We learned to keep the area between the frame and bearing greased, an example of the type of regular maintenance a bike like the Ostro VAM requires to keep it riding smoothly.

There鈥檚 no getting around the cost of the Factor Ostro VAM, but the experience feels properly premium to match. The Ostro VAM is one of the sharpest-handling race bikes out there, one that feels as fast on the flats as any race bike we鈥檝e ever ridden.

Best Value

Polygon Strattos S ACX

Test bike: Polygon Strattos S8X Ultegra Di2
Weight: 18 lbs (size XS)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Incredible value for money
鈯� Well-mannered handling
鈯� Looks good
鈯� Not an endurance bike as described
鈯� Handlebar is subpar

Good road bikes are expensive鈥攖oo expensive for many just getting into road cycling. The Polygon Strattos S8X is a refreshing anomaly. Not only does this bike come with a carbon frame, fork, and wheels, it also sports a Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain鈥攁ll at a price that鈥檚 two to three times lower than similar bikes.

With a full carbon frame, mostly internal cable routing, hints of aero tubing, and the clean pearlescent paint scheme, the Strattos S8X looks like a more expensive road bike. The Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain and carbon wheels found on this Strattos S8X are wholly convincing, too. Take a look at the frame as well and you鈥檒l find more boxes ticked.

There鈥檚 a Token headset that routes its hoses externally under its stem before routing into the headset upper. The seat post wedge for the 27.2-millimeter round seat post is tucked away into the seat tube cluster. That鈥檚 paired with a press-fit bottom PF86 bottom bracket and standard thru-axles, to boot. Even the handlebars are fairly traditional, making this bike relatively friendly to home mechanics.

Our biggest criticism of the Strattos S8X is that it鈥檚 not an endurance bike as Polygon advertises. The geometry is tilted towards those who prefer riding in a more aggressive position. Handling is responsive like a race road bike, and its comfort both at the handlebars and at the saddle is far from smooth, thanks partially to a frame that seems focused on speed rather than soaking up any bumps.

We also took issue with the handlebar from Polygon鈥檚 house-brand, Entity. There鈥檚 nothing wrong with a simple alloy handlebar, but we could not find a position for the bar that worked well. Mercifully, the partially external cable routing means any 31.8 millimeter drop bar can be swapped in without needing expensive labor from cutting and rerouting hoses.

But for this price, it鈥檚 easy to overlook those issues. When you consider that most other bikes at this price point lack electronic shifting and carbon wheels鈥攎uch less Shimano Ultegra Di2鈥攖he Strattos S8X feels like a steal.

Best Budget Road Bike Under $2,000

Canyon Endurace

Test bike: Canyon Endurace 6 RAW
Weight: 21.3 pounds (size M)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Same fit and handling characteristics of more expensive models
鈯� Reliable components
鈯� Heavy

We鈥檙e big fans of the Canyon Endurace platform because it鈥檚 an affordable, performance-forward option for burgeoning cyclists.

It comes in four tiers: three carbon fiber models, and an aluminum frame that serves as the entry to the lineup. All share the same geometry that mimic the polished handling and comfortable, upright fit of far pricier bikes. While the Endurace doesn鈥檛 come with some features you鈥檒l find on top-tier bikes, it nails the fundamentals.

That includes the Shimano Tiagra 10-speed drivetrain with hydraulic disc brakes, offering both greater stopping power and braking control compared to the cheaper mechanical disc brakes regularly found at this price point. The DT Swiss wheels, Schwalbe 30 millimeter road tires, and the Selle Italia saddle are high-quality and built to last. All this makes the Endurace 6 durable, frill-free, and ready to ride.

Unlike a lot of bikes at this price point, there鈥檚 a sense of verve to how it accelerates as you stand up on the pedals. Linewise, there is some polish in how the bike smooths out much of the ruts, cuts, and cracks in the road. This is far from the smoothest road bike on the road, but for a bike in this price range, the Endurace 6 Raw offers impressive performance.

There鈥檚 no getting around the direct-to-consumer nature of Canyon, which makes it much tougher to go to your local bike shop for support. Canyon has made some progress here, however, partnering with REI as well as select bike shops to facilitate warranties. This bike isn鈥檛 perfect, but it鈥檚 a solid option under $2,000.

Best Race Road Bike

Specialized Tarmac SL8

Test bike: Specialized Tarmac SL8 Dura-Ace Di2
Weight: 14.72 lbs (size 52 cm)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight
鈯� Stiffness is confidence-inspiring
鈯� 10R carbon frame is good value
鈯� Top-tier models are expensive
鈯� Not as lively as we鈥檇 like

There鈥檚 no denying that there鈥檚 a lot of hype surrounding the Tarmac SL8 race bike 鈥攜ou鈥檙e just as likely to see it at the group ride as on your favorite influencer鈥檚 Instagram account鈥攁nd we鈥檙e here to report that the hype is real.

The eighth generation of Specialized鈥檚 Tarmac comes with the claims of being lighter, smoother, and stiffer. After testing, we found these claims to be true. The Specialized Tarmac SL8 handles like a Tarmac SL7. That鈥檚 no bad thing鈥擲pecialized nailed the Tarmac geometry ages ago. There are perhaps edgier race road bikes out there, but the Tarmac feels familiar at the first pedal stroke. Its low weight makes it feel eager up punchy climbs, and the frame鈥檚 stiffness provides direct, confidence-inspiring steering. It feels reassuringly sturdy out of the saddle, and stout when pulling on the bars in a sprint. Push the bike around, and it鈥檒l take it.

The Tarmac is perhaps not quite as joyful to ride as something like a Specialized Aethos or an OPEN MIND, bikes that stand out for their springy, lively feel; but the Tarmac sure is speedy, and that鈥檚 the goal.

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

All of this comes at a price鈥�$14,000, to be exact鈥攚hich is the biggest drawback to the new Tarmac. But you don鈥檛 have to shell out for the top-tier offering鈥攊n fact, we recommend models with the less-costly 10R carbon frame, as it offers the same stiffness, compliance, and ride quality as the ultra-luxe S-Works. Those start at $7,000 and still net you a race-ready bike with electronic shifting.

Best Endurance Bike

BMC Roadmachine 01

Test bike: BMC Roadmachine 01 TWO
Weight: 16.3 lbs (7.4 kg)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Excellent spec
鈯� Balanced ride quality
鈯� Handy downtube storage
鈯� Premium pricing across all models

What makes a great endurance road bike? Look no further than the BMC Roadmachine, a bike with an entire lineup from top to bottom that not only feels approachable for cyclists both new and old, but is also a bike that can grow to meet its riders鈥� needs.

The BMC Roadmachine nails the endurance bike design prompt with its fit geometry. It鈥檚 not quite as back-breaking as the race road bikes in this guide, but it also doesn鈥檛 position the rider as upright as some other endurance bikes. In terms of handling, the bike feels settled in a straight line while going fast, even over the choppy tarmac that tends to accompany our favorite road rides. This makes it a great option for riders who want to ride long distances on the road without sacrificing comfort.

Best of all, the Roadmachine looks every bit as speedy as the rest of BMC鈥檚 speed-focused lineup. The dropped seatstays鈥攁 hallmark of BMC鈥檚 endurance lineup鈥攁dd compliance for a smoother experience without dulling road feedback. And while the top-end bikes feature sleek, fully internal cable routing through the stem, the more entry-level models include external brake hose routing that makes the bike easier to maintain and travel with. Regardless of which model you choose, all Roadmachine bikes share the same geometry, the same basic frame design, and a helpful downtube storage hatch for tools and snacks.

We tested the , which is effectively the cream of BMC鈥檚 crop (with a price of $12,999 to match). But the inherent goodness of the Roadmachine means riders will find a similarly premium experience across the lineup. For riders who want a high-performance endurance bike that doesn鈥檛 compromise on speed, comfort, or aesthetics, this machine stands out as one of the best in its class.

How to Choose a Road Bike

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

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

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

Road bikes don鈥檛 come with suspension, but they don鈥檛 need it for performance on pavement鈥攎odern road bikes are smoother and more comfortable to ride than ever. You鈥檙e likely not going to find suspension or even wider tires on a road bike, as that鈥檚 the territory of a gravel bike.

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

If you know you want to ride mostly on-road, and you don鈥檛 intend to carry any extra gear, then a road bike is the right choice. Choose the gravel bike if you know you want to ride predominantly gravel and dirt paths, or if you鈥檙e uncertain exactly where your riding will take you.

What type of road bike do I need?

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

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

The flashiest road bikes are typically race bikes. They鈥檙e more likely to place the rider in a lower, more aerodynamic body position that emphasizes speed over comfort. The frames are lighter and offer stiffer riding to help you go faster. Further, the handling is typically more responsive, sometimes bordering on twitchy. Race road bikes typically feature 25 to 28-millimeter-wide tires, and ditch any feature that doesn鈥檛 make the bike easier to ride quickly.

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

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

Most of the bikes we鈥檝e tested qualify as high-end bikes, which can cost as much as a used car. However, there are some fantastic road bikes at a more affordable price point. Budgeting to buy a road bike isn鈥檛 just buying the frame. Getting the most out of your road bike requires having the right accessories. At a minimum, you鈥檒l need a quality set of bike lights and a well-fitting helmet in the name of safety. Further, you鈥檒l need to budget for a decent set of pedals, and matching shoes if you want to use clip-in style pedals rather than a more accessible flat pedal.

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

How do I choose the right size road bike?

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

To figure out the correct size for you, go for a test ride. That means standing over the top tube of the bike (sometimes referred to as a crossbar) to see whether you can comfortably stand with both feet flat on the ground. The top tube can touch you, but the bike is a better fit if it doesn鈥檛.

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

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

How We Test

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

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

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

Meet the Testers

Alvin Holbrook

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

Josh Ross

Josh Ross is a senior tech editor for Velo. He hails from the Pacific Northwest, but when it鈥檚 time to ride, hot and dry is better than cold and wet. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but understands most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn鈥檛 care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset, and beyond, the answer is always 鈥測es.鈥�

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

Our top pick, the Specialized Crux DSW, impressed us with its uniqueness and personality. For an aluminum bike, it offers impressive versatility鈥攊t moves effortlessly from gravel to singletrack to dirt to road and everywhere in between. Our other picks include a budget-friendly option for those just getting into gravel riding, a high-performance bike, and a versatile all-rounder.

At a Glance

• Editors鈥� Choice:
• Best Under $2,000:
• Best Performance:
• Best Quiver Killer:
• How to Choose a Gravel Bike
• How We Test
• Meet the Testers

Editors鈥� Choice

Specialized Crux DSW

Test Bike: Specialized Crux DSW Comp
Weight: 20.2 lbs/9.2 kg

Pros and Cons
鈯� Same geometry as pricier carbon Crux
鈯� Simple to work on as a home mechanic
鈯� Available in both frameset and complete bike options
鈯� Expensive for an aluminum bike

Aluminum gravel bikes have a rap for being entry-level models, but that鈥檚 not the case with the Specialized Crux DSW, a premium gravel bike that happens to have an alloy frame.

Specialized purports its new Crux DSW gravel bike is the lightest aluminum gravel bike frame ever made. That鈥檚 a heady claim, but at 1,399 grams for a 56 centimeter frame, the Crux weighs just about one pound (or approx. 400 g) more than most traditional carbon gravel bikes Better still, the Crux DSW shares its geometry, tire clearances, and overall look with the more premium carbon fiber Crux.

As with the carbon fiber Crux, the Crux DSW is a relatively simple bike compared to the competition. There is no internal cable routing that makes swapping handlebars and stems more expensive. Further, the standard-fitment seat post is easy to replace and upgrade down the line, making this bike a comparative breeze to maintain for the home mechanic. And for the hands-on among us, the Crux DSW is available as a frameset you can build up to your specs, just like the carbon Crux.

Like the carbon Crux, there鈥檚 hardly anything proprietary going on in the DSW. There鈥檚 no internal cable routing at the handlebars; rather, brake hoses and shift cables are routed through the down tube and seat stays to accommodate both mechanical and electronic shifting. There鈥檚 a round, 27.2-millimeter diameter seat post with a standard seat post clamp. A BSA-threaded bottom bracket complements the rest of the system.

It鈥檚 a quick-handling bike that feels similar to the carbon version, taking just a touch more work to keep going in a straight line than a more traditional gravel bike. It doesn鈥檛 feel quite as settled on gravel roads when compared to something like an aluminum Canyon Grizl, which we attribute largely to geometry that is equally suited to riding comfortably on the road as it is on smooth to moderate gravel roads. At the same time, however, that geometry means the bike feels spry in tight singletrack, with a front wheel that doesn鈥檛 wander too much through ruts and roots.

Yes, the Specialized Crux DSW costs more than other aluminum gravel bikes, but there鈥檚 a sense of personality and polish across the bike that comes with the higher price point. You feel every bit of the bike buzzing along on dirt roads, eager to get you moving faster. We also found ourselves pushing the bike more than we do some other bikes, not only because we felt comfortable in its handling, but because at $2,699, we didn鈥檛 feel like we had to baby it like the top-of-the-line models in the Crux lineup.

Best Under $2,000

Canyon Grizl

Test Bike: Canyon Grizl 6 RAW
Weight: 24 lbs/10.89 kg

Pros and Cons
鈯� Same confidence-inspiring handling of more expensive Grizl models
鈯� Loads of tire clearance
鈯� Excellent build specs for the price point
鈯� Feels heavy on the uphills

Folks may have their reservations about Canyon Bicycles, but there鈥檚 no denying the value for money the German bike brand offers on its bikes, particularly at the entry level. If you鈥檙e just getting into gravel cycling, or you鈥檙e looking for a reliable yet reasonably-priced gravel bike with big tire clearance, the Canyon Grizl 6 RAW is a smart pick.

The Canyon Grizl 6 RAW is built around an aluminum frame with carbon fork, offering a modern, adventure-ready gravel geometry that鈥檚 meant to feel stable and planted on everything from fast dirt roads to technical singletrack. It rolls on 45-millimeter Schwalbe G-One Bite tires mounted to DT Swiss C 1850 wheels, and the frame has clearance for tires up to 50 millimeters wide, making it a strong option for riders heading off the beaten path.

The Shimano GRX 400 2×10 drivetrain brings reliable performance and a wide gear range, ideal for long days and mixed-surface adventures. Canyon includes plenty of practical touches too, including mounts for racks, fenders, and top tube bags, as well as triple mounts on the fork legs.

At 24 pounds, it鈥檚 a fair bit heavier than the other bikes on this list. You feel every bit of that extra weight on climbs, and the bike doesn鈥檛 have the snappiest feel under acceleration. On the flipside, it鈥檚 surprisingly confident on descents and performs well on rugged routes, especially for a bike at this price.

Whether you鈥檙e bikepacking, gravel commuting, or just getting into dirt for the first time, the Canyon Grizl 6 RAW is a solidly spec鈥檇 option that鈥檚 tough to beat without spending quite a bit more.

Best Performance Gravel Bike

Cervelo Aspero

Test Bike: Cervelo Aspero Rival XPLR AXS 1
Weight: 18.5 lbs/8.39 kg

Pros and Cons
鈯� Quick handling without feeling nervous
鈯� Snappy feel when sprinting
鈯� Solid components package
鈯� More comfortable ride than before
鈯� No fender mounts

While the new, second-generation Aspero looks a whole lot like the first-generation, trust us: the updates make the Aspero a far better gravel bike than before.

The most obvious change is that the cables and hoses are tucked away and routed through the headset. While internally routed hoses and cables can be hard to access and maintain, this system is fairly user-friendly since the cables run externally from the handlebar and under the stem before entering the bike. The new Aspero also uses a threaded bottom bracket and the new SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) that standardizes derailleur hanger replacements, two additional updates that make home maintenance a little easier.

Watch: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Cervelo Aspero

The previous-generation Aspero reminded you at every moment that it wanted to go fast with its stiff, unforgiving ride. This new Aspero soaks up the bumps from gravel far better than the previous bike, allowing riders to stay seated without being jostled off their saddles. Add in the well-rounded build package of the Aspero Rival XPLR AXS bike we tested, and this latest iteration is a wholly improved bike that is much more approachable for the average rider.

If there鈥檚 any glaring weakness to the Aspero, it鈥檚 the 700c x 44 millimeter tire clearance. That鈥檚 less than most other gravel bikes on the market these days. In our testing, however, we found that a 47鈥搈illimeter tire fit without an issue. Given that this is a speedy performance gravel bike that鈥檚 not designed for mountain bike trails, it was easy to forgive this shortcoming.

If you鈥檙e looking for a performance-oriented gravel bike and your gravel roads are more smooth dirt, not singletrack, then the Cervelo Aspero is a good pick.

Best Quiver Killer

Pivot Vault

Test Bike: Pivot Vault Team Force XPLR AXS w/ Carbon Wheels
Weight: 18.3 lbs/8.3 kg

Pros and Cons
鈯� Stable, comfortable ride
鈯� More configurable than almost any other gravel bike on the market
鈯� Odd frame and component sizing

The recently updated Pivot Vault gravel bike is boring on paper, but we loved it nonetheless. The new Vault moves away from being as race-focused as its predecessor and towards being a gravel bike for everyone.

Its new-found versatility is what makes the updated Vault stand out. For those who want adventure, you鈥檒l find room for up to 700 x 50 millimeter tires and a suspension-corrected fork. Riders can choose to build their Vault with cables fully hidden for a clean look, or run cables externally to make the bike easier to repair and maintain.

Even on the size small, there鈥檚 room for four bottles, with three in the main triangle plus one on the downtube; there鈥檚 a bento box, as well as a downtube storage hatch to store snacks and tools. Add in the new SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) that standardizes derailleur hanger replacements as well as fender mounts, and the new Pivot Vault is ready for anything

The geometry is upright with a long wheelbase and a stable feel. The combination of having plenty of exposed seatpost, and whatever magic is in the layup really sucks the bumps up. The Vault only comes with 40-millimeter tires, but it feels like there must be more rubber down below, and, at a bit over 18 pounds, it climbs just fine.

Our only beef with the bike is the odd frame and component sizing. This means you鈥檒l likely need to spend a bit more time and money to swap out the stem and handlebars to ensure the bike fits you before your first ride. Do a bit of work to make sure the bike fits you comfortably, however, and you鈥檒l find a bike that can do just about anything you鈥檇 ever want to with a gravel bike.

How to Choose a Gravel Bike

What Is a Gravel Bike?

A gravel bike is designed first and foremost to be at its best when riding on a variety of surfaces. That doesn鈥檛 just mean gravel, but dirt roads and pavement as well. A large percentage of gravel bike riders will take their bikes on singletrack which might be better suited to a mountain bike as well. In short, a gravel bike needs to be a lot of things to a lot of people.

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

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

What Should I Look For on a Gravel Bike?

A gravel bike isn鈥檛 just a road bike with wider tires. The geometry is quite a bit different, favoring straight-line stability through the bumpy surfaces of dirt and gravel roads. Rider positioning is going to be more upright as well. The result is a bike that can roll through just about anything you may encounter on a road.

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

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

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

What Exactly Do I Need to Budget For?

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

Buying a gravel bike isn鈥檛 just buying a bike鈥攜ou also need the right accessories. At a minimum, you鈥檒l need a quality set of bike lights and a well-fitting helmet in the name of safety. Further, you鈥檒l need to budget for a decent set of pedals, and matching shoes if you want to use clip-in style pedals rather than a more accessible flat pedal.

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

How Do I Choose The Right Size of Gravel Bike?

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

Once you figure out what size of gravel bike you need (we recommend going to your local bike shop鈥攎ore on that below), you鈥檒l want to give the bike a test ride. That means standing over the top tube of the bike (sometimes referred to as a crossbar) comfortably with both feet flat on the ground. The top tube can touch you, but it鈥檚 better if it doesn鈥檛.

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

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

How We Test

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

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

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

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

Meet the Testers

Alvin Holbrook

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

Josh Ross

Josh Ross is a senior tech editor for Velo. He hails from the Pacific Northwest, but when it鈥檚 time to ride, hot and dry is better than cold and wet. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but understands most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn鈥檛 care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset, and beyond, the answer is always 鈥測es.鈥�

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Every single bike brand will tell you that more women on bikes is an important goal. Then many of those same brands will offer smaller bikes with build kits, specifically handlebars, that aren鈥檛 appropriate for smaller riders. The practice is even more common in the world of gravel cycling.

The details that set the stage

That鈥檚 the gist of the article but before we get rolling, I need to go a little deeper. That first paragraph rests on a number of assumptions and needs some explanation.

The first thing I want to address is how this intersects with women and cycling. I鈥檓 obviously not a woman and it鈥檚 not my place to say what women need. How this issue affects women is only half the point though.

The truth is I entered this conversation with my own needs centered听 because the things that affect us personally tend to catch our attention. I ride a size 54, or medium, and over the years I鈥檝e covered a number of gravel bikes with handlebars that aren鈥檛 right for me.

In the past I might have requested the correct size or simply dealt with it. It鈥檚 no big deal when a bar costs under $50 and takes maybe 30 minutes to swap including new tape. Now bikes are getting more integrated and things are getting more complicated.

When I reviewed the and the recently, I made a point to call out the sizing issues. As a refresher, Pivot makes things extra confusing by using odd names for the frame sizes. Despite that bike being a small, I tested both of those bikes in essentially the same size and what would typically be called either a medium or a 54. In that size, Pivot uses a 42cm bar while Mondraker specs a size 44cm. There鈥檚 also the Revel Rover that uses a 44, the Trek Checkpoint with a 42, the Salsa Warbird with a 42鈥� I鈥檓 sure I could go on.

As I wrote up those reviews, I asked the brands about the chosen sizes. The answer was, and is almost always, that it鈥檚 an adventure bike and the wide bar is there for stability.

Personally, the whole thing didn鈥檛 feel right to me. I know my shoulders measure 38 cm and if I ride wider bars my shoulders ache as the hours start to drag on. It never seemed to make sense that something was supposed to change on an adventure focused bike.

Let鈥檚 swing that back to women though. At 5鈥� 9鈥� I happen to be exactly average height for US men. Average height for US women is only 5鈥� 3.5鈥� and the situation for bar size vs frame size doesn鈥檛 get better as you go to smaller sizes. That means women are going to feel this inappropriate match up more often than men.

Maybe I鈥檓 totally wrong though? There鈥檚 certain reviewers that spend time calling for larger bars on every bike. I wonder though, are they mostly men riding larger bikes? With all this swirling in my head, I went searching for an expert.

Missy Schwab is an elite cyclist and fit expert

I knew that I didn鈥檛 want to sit and discuss what women need with another man. I also knew I wanted someone who was an experienced bike fitter and an elite level cyclist. The woman I found was Missy Schwab.

Schwab is a 鈥�6x national champion in track cycling, holds 2 US track records, and won a bronze medal at the 2015 UCI Track World Cup in Cali Colombia.鈥� In 2016 when she wrote her bio she was 鈥渞anked #1 in the United States in the sprint disciplines鈥� though she narrowly missed actually competing in the 2016 Olympics due to a training crash.

At this point, most people would call Schwab retired. She runs and she鈥檚 got ten years experience as a bike fitter for athletes of all levels. Still,听 in case you thought retirement made her slow,she recently grabbed a second place in the 2024 USA Cycling Elite National Championship for Women鈥檚 elite team sprint.

I did also reach out to Trek, Mondraker, Pivot, and Enve to get a sense of the strategy involved in picking the stock bars for each size. Specifically I wanted to know if any of the brands in question used the kind of data that Colnago used in sizing the new . Only Enve responded and I鈥檝e got that info down below.

Now I understand that this was a lot of setup but it鈥檚 important to place the problem and explain how it affects me as well as other small riders.

Yes, different bikes call for different bar widths

As I said, the basic premise of the response I typically get from brands is that the bars chosen for a size have to do with the use of a bike. When it鈥檚 an adventure bike, you will see wider bars for added stability. This was also the gist of how Enve responded.

To be fair to Enve, as the only brand that responded, it鈥檚 important to note that the brand sidesteps the issue by allowing riders to choose the bar width at time of purchase. If you are looking at a size 49 Enve MOG, you can select the stem length, handlebar width, and handlebar model 鈥渄epending on your riding style and preferences.鈥� However, the G-series bar only goes down to 42 cm so I wanted to know why.

Enve responded with a short bit of info pointing to the focus of the G-series bar. Saying, 鈥渢he Gravel Bar prioritizes handling and control, rather than chasing any aerodynamic benefits.鈥� While pointing riders to other flared options in smaller sizes saying 鈥渇or those seeking a fit and feel more in line with a road bike, that鈥檚 where our SES AR and SES Aero handlebar options come into play.鈥�

Schwab agreed with this premise. Although she competed in track, she also told me she regularly rides a mountain bike and was clear 鈥測ou鈥檙e not going to have the same width handlebar on a track bike that you have on a road bike and that will also come across to gravel.鈥� She explained that she rides a size 54 frame also and runs 36 cm on the road but 30 cm on the track. Just as many brands have stated, different disciplines have different requirements.

The starting point is too wide

According to Schwab the problem is more about the starting point. Even bikes that offer a bar on the smaller side of the trend line are calling for a 42 cm bar on a 54. She鈥檚 quite clear that individual athletes will have different needs but is it likely that someone on a 54 needs to move up 4 cm for riding gravel? Schwab seemed skeptical of that idea. Instead she mentioned considering 鈥渕aybe a 38-40 bar to have a little bit more width鈥� in case there鈥檚 a need to 鈥渟tand up or really pull through.鈥�

Although Schwab was emphatic that different riders will have different needs, I pushed her on that point. For one thing I happen to ride the same frame size as her and seem to have the same shoulder width. More importantly though, a brand has to make a decision for everyone buying a bike in a particular size. I asked Schwab about this and she told me 鈥渁s a general rule of thumb every gravel position that I have set up as a fitter I 100% can say that I have recommended a narrower handlebar for every athlete who comes in with a gravel bike. They鈥檙e too wide.鈥�

The need for wide bars might point to other issues

Although our conversation was about bike fit and handlebar size, Schwab pointed out how interconnected bike fit and ride performance can be. Specifically she mentioned briefly how the need, or desire, to use wider bars might be a sign of other issues.

The first time this came up was as Schwab referenced her own experience with the precise nature of track cycling. Within that context she pointed out 鈥渋n the Velodrome, when we have athletes that aren鈥檛 able to handle a narrow handlebar, there鈥檚 an imbalance in the shift of power driven through the leg. So if you need a wider handlebar to keep yourself going forward in a straight direction, that to me resembles some sort of instability.鈥�

Then, later in the conversation, this concept came up again. This time I had asked Schwab why some cyclists might choose wider bars despite recommendations. In response, she told me her own experience as she explained 鈥渂efore I knew any better, I preferred the feel of wide handlebars鈥� and 鈥淚 thought I looked so cool sprinting because I could throw my bike side to side.鈥� Then, almost as an aside, she told me that at that time 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 understand how to generate power without yanking on my bars.鈥�

How can individual riders solve this problem?

Although my hypothesis is that gravel brands are failing women and small riders, I also asked Schwab how she deals with the fallout of that.

She told me the path to finding the right bar size isn鈥檛 generally an exact science. At the highest levels of competition you鈥檇 want to treat it as a scientific problem and 鈥測ou鈥檇 have to do testing on an athlete, power testing, speed testing, whatever data point you want to pull from鈥� until you found the right solution. Unfortunately not many will have that path available. Ideally bike brands would do that for us but I wasn鈥檛 able to find a brand claiming to do that in the gravel space.

That leaves most riders to find a bike fitter and solve it for themselves. Schwab explained that in her studio, she has 鈥渆very size of handlebar鈥� and that 鈥渨e install different size handlebars.鈥� If that sounds simple, it is. She told me 鈥渁 lot of times it comes down to feel for the athlete but it also comes down to visually how the bar centers under them. The relaxation of the angles of their wrist, the ability of them to open their chest and the distance between their scapulas, also like a lot of athletes come in complaining of upper back pain, neck pain, wrist pain, things like that, pressure on their hands. You can root a lot of it back to handlebar size.鈥�

In other words, it comes down to the experience of a bike fitter and Schwab says 鈥渕y general rule of thumb when I fit two handlebars is when you鈥檙e on the bike looking at an athlete from head on, what is their natural wrist position? Is the wrist straight up and down? Are they rotated out? Is the pressure on their hands distributed evenly? Are their shoulders relaxed? Do I see an equal distribution of the spread between their shoulder blades across their chest?鈥�

That experience then combines with the feedback of the athlete. 鈥淗ow does the athlete feel and how does the athlete look and are they able to actually sustain that position? Obviously on the track we look for something that is just strictly performance-based. Other athletes you want to look for overall comfort and some athletes just have personal preferences.鈥�

Personally I was also interested to see if shoulder width measurement was a factor. When asked about that, Schwab said 鈥渋t can be鈥� but mostly cautioned that it鈥檚 important to consider it on the bike, not standing. She told me that 鈥淚 have people who are like when I stand up straight and hold my shoulders back, this is how wide my shoulders are.鈥� then went on to remind riders to consider 鈥渨hen you get on the bike how is your position different?鈥�

Conclusion

Although I asked for a number of brands to add a voice, only one did. In the end I spoke to one bike fitter who has one perspective. Missy Scwhab has ten years of experience making athletes faster and more comfortable and she鈥檚 also competed at the highest level. She is still only one person. She is also very clear that every person is different and that at least part of bike fit is feel vs science.

That all means you may disagree. Schwab has 鈥渘ever put a pair of 44s on a single bike in 10 years鈥� but you and your bike fitter might find that a 44 cm bar works for you and your needs.

Beyond that, all I can tell is my own point of view. I鈥檓 5鈥�9鈥� and I need a 40 cm, or smaller, bar no matter the use case of a bike. I believe gravel brands are failing women and small riders by not offering bars in reasonable sizes for the frames they pair with. A new rider who gets a bike that doesn鈥檛 fit is a clear barrier to entry and should be an easy fix. This is low hanging fruit for inclusion.

Thanks to Missy Schwab who helped make this article听happen. You can benefit from her expertise at .

The post Gravel Brands Are Failing Women Riders appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

It鈥檚 that time of year when cyclists in many parts of the world are putting the summer bikes away. Depending on where you live it鈥檚 cold, it鈥檚 wet, it鈥檚 frozen, or it鈥檚 some combination of all three.

If you feel like venturing out into the elements, enjoy. I鈥檝e done it and I can tell you exactly how to make it more tolerable but these days, you might not want to. There are incredible options for staying fit and having fun riding a bike that doesn鈥檛 move. I鈥檝e already shared the foundation in our , but there鈥檚 more to it.

I鈥檝e seen a number of cyclists get a nice smart trainer then barely use it. Many people will tell you that indoor cycling is awful but I think it鈥檚 a matter of finding what works. Indoor cycling can actually be fun with only a few small changes. I鈥檝e spent tens of thousands of miles going nowhere over the years and I regularly sit for 3-8 hours at a time on a trainer during the winter. This is how I do it. These are my tips, tricks, and accessories to make indoor cycling fun.

1. Start with a Goal

Spoiler, there鈥檚 going to be things to buy in this article. We aren鈥檛 making any money on it but there are accessories that will help. Still, instead of starting there, I want to start with something that鈥檚 simple and free. Before you buy anything, first start with a goal and make sure it鈥檚 something other than merely existing for a period of time on a bike. That won鈥檛 be enough.

The primary indoor riding software options include, , and with each offering different goals. Of those, TrainerRoad and Wahoo Systm are more straightforward. The goal is to improve fitness and when you log in both offer a workout for the day that reflects your recent riding. TrainerRoad describes it as 鈥淕et faster with a structured workout. These selections are automatically chosen just for you, based on your recent training history.鈥�

If that sounds like it works for you, perfect. You can adjust the time you want those workouts to last and both software platforms will offer you something with a beginning, a middle, and an end that pushes towards a short time goal of finishing and a long term goal of getting faster.

It鈥檚 a very viable way to train and more or less the way cyclists always trained. Both platforms also have small tricks, like the progressions that Trainerroad shows after each workout, to help keep you motivated in the short term.

The only problem is not everyone thrives on structured training and intervals. For some people riding a bike isn鈥檛 about trying to be as fast as possible and the inherent suffering of a hard interval doesn鈥檛 feel like much fun. I鈥檝e played with lately, which is a free game that disguises intervals, but for most people that鈥檚 where options like , , and Zwift come into play.

Of those, Zwift is the most popular so it鈥檚 often the one that people have trouble with. New riders get dropped into a Zwift world where they start riding with no particular aim. The clock is ever present and the plan is to try and outlast the time you鈥檝e given yourself for a workout. It鈥檚 torture.

Focusing on the clock is the most difficult thing you can do. There鈥檚 an element of that in an interval workout but at least then there鈥檚 a coming rest block to look forward to.

Instead, make your goal on Zwift about completing something. I鈥檒l talk about things with other people down below but if you are by yourself, pick a route and ride until you finish. If you ride faster you can finish faster, and when you finish you鈥檒l get a badge. This alone makes a huge difference and you won鈥檛 run out of options soon. Zwift knows this works so even if you are a long time user, there鈥檚 always a new challenge.

You can also ride a route using most bike computers paired with a smart trainer. I鈥檝e done that to prepare for an event and I鈥檝e done it to give myself something to do. There鈥檚 something sort of interesting about picking a famous route and completing it even if you don鈥檛 have much in the way of visuals. I once duplicated a 120 mile, cutty, local ride indoors basically because someone said I couldn鈥檛. Motivations are fickle but finishing something is powerful.

Speaking of visuals, I should also mention that you can distract yourself with a podcast or video of some kind. It works well enough but I find it hard to find new content on a regular basis. If that works for you, it鈥檚 a big component of Systm so Wahoo might be a good platform to dive into.

2. Treat Indoor Rides like Outdoor Rides

This is another one that鈥檚 free and it鈥檚 something even experienced riders tend to miss. There鈥檚 a lot of talk about how you absolutely must have movement in your trainer. I cover that in the buyers guide but I personally don鈥檛 need it.

I ride a and one of the things I love about it is how rock solid it feels. Over the years I鈥檝e had it I鈥檝e shied away from telling people this but it鈥檚 true. I like it because there鈥檚 no movement, not in spite of it. It works for me because I treat indoor rides like outdoor rides and I move.

Indoors it鈥檚 possible to stay almost completely motionless, aside from your legs, for as long as you are able. Nothing external will ever happen that causes you to move. Pretty soon that will feel like torture. It鈥檚 also unnatural, do you ever ride outside like that?

Given that intervals tend to last for less time, and are difficult enough that standing is more common, this is mostly an issue for simulation software options. Simply stated, if you are riding on something like Zwift you have to take breaks.

Just like outside, when you get to the top of the hill step off your bike. You can decide if it鈥檚 cheating to do that while your bike is coasting downhill but step off anyway. Stretch, go to the bathroom, check out the virtual scenery. This is also an excellent time to eat.

Remember, nutrition is an important part of how you need to treat indoor rides like outdoors. It鈥檚 also an important part of how you can make indoor cycling fun or quickly turn it into torture. Over and over I鈥檝e seen experienced riders, who know how to fuel outdoor rides, suddenly decide it doesn鈥檛 matter inside. I鈥檝e been that person myself. Don鈥檛 be that person.

You won鈥檛 find yourself hours from home when you bonk but you will still bonk. When it happens on a trainer you鈥檒l simply step off and be done. You will still feel terrible and it鈥檚 actually more difficult to overcome ending your ride when you don鈥檛 have to get home. Instead of facing that dilemma, make sure you eat and drink on the trainer.

3. Ride with a Group

While you are treating your indoor ride like an outside ride, you might consider riding with people. One of the things that makes Zwift dominate in the indoor ride space is the community.

The obvious aspect of this is racing. Zwift racing is incredible and one of my favorite things to do. When there鈥檚 longer races I always take advantage and even an hour flys by if you are racing against real people. I once did a team TT race with an ear piece and it was the most pro I鈥檝e ever felt. There鈥檚 a lot more to community than racing though.

Discord, Reddit, and Facebook all have active communities of people from all over the world that ride together indoors. You can also just find rides through the Zwift companion app that aren鈥檛 races. There鈥檚 many I join and we chat via text while riding. It鈥檚 great but there鈥檚 another aspect too. What鈥檚 especially great about indoor riding in this respect is that it鈥檚 not like riding outdoors.

If you want to ride with people, you don鈥檛 need to be in the same place in the world or doing the same thing. I ride with a local group but they are just a bit too far for connecting in person. I鈥檝e never met them in real life even though we ride together often.

I also don鈥檛 always do the same thing as them. Sometimes they ride in Zwift while I do intervals on TrainerRoad. It doesn鈥檛 matter as long as you meet up and get online at the same time. We use Discord to talk.

Protect Your Bike

This is a tangent but it鈥檚 important to say. Your sweat will destroy whatever bike you have on a trainer. It鈥檚 one of the reasons an old bike, or an indoor bike, are good ideas but even then you need to think about it.

The first thing you will want is a simple frame sweat protector. These stretch between your seat post and your handle bars. I happen to use the but if you are shopping something that goes a bit higher, over the steerer tube bolt, might be worth searching out.

These aren鈥檛 enough on their own though. You also want to spray something on the frame. I鈥檝e heard WD40 works but that costs about the same. Might as well go with the dedicated option and spray it over the headtube and downtube in all the little crevices. If you are using a bike with the front wheel on I also like to put a towel over the front wheel making sure to cover the brake if it鈥檚 a rim brake bike. Don鈥檛 forget to remove this towel after every ride.

4. You Need Fans. Lots of Fans.

At this point we鈥檝e arrived at the part of the article where I really start telling you things to buy. I won鈥檛 deny that but I鈥檝e got options and this is what I actually use.

For fans, I use two. The primary fan is a smart fan called the . This is hardly brand new, we talked about the back in 2022, and most people at this point know it costs $350 and competes with the .

I鈥檝e used both the Wahoo and now the Elite but the Elite works better for me because of the packaging. The area where I ride indoors is ridiculously tight so there鈥檚 not much room between the front of the bike and the wall. The Elite Aria is a more compact form factor and it rotates up. That lets me shove it right up against the wall, on top of a highly decorative paint can, and still get the air at my face. The filter seems kind of nice too since it reduces dust.

That still leaves the question of a super expensive smart fan. On that front, it works for me because my trainer space is cold in the winter. The Elite Aria connects to a Core temperature sensor, power meter, or heart rate monitor (plus a few other things) and that lets me adjust when it blows.

At this point I鈥檝e settled on HR for controlling the fan. I get on and at low HR it doesn鈥檛 do much. When I start working hard it ramps up. As temperatures have gone down, I鈥檝e adjusted the range so it starts later and ramps up slower.

Still, as powerful as this fan is, I鈥檝e found it isn鈥檛 enough. I think it would work on its own if I had the room to get it centered in front of me but I don鈥檛. It鈥檚 on the paint can off to the side instead leaving my right hand to sweat far too much.

To solve this I have a on the opposite side. It鈥檚 not the cheapest out there, but it鈥檚 powerful enough on its own (if you don鈥檛 want/need a smart fan) and I鈥檝e had it for 6 or 7 years with no issues. At some point a few years ago I further upgraded it.

The upgrade I added was a smart plug. I then called that smart plug 鈥淭he Pain鈥� so that when I鈥檓 racing, or doing a hard interval, I can say 鈥淗ey Google, turn on The Pain.鈥� Now we both get to enjoy my clever joke鈥� or not but it does work well.

Whatever you end up doing for airflow, just know it鈥檚 important. Even in a cold room when there鈥檚 no airflow, it鈥檚 miserable. You need powerful fans and probably more than one.

5. Get a Pair of Good Headphones

You might be doing the math on this and realizing I recommended talking to people while also recommending a bunch of fans pointed at your face. This isn鈥檛 a good combination for being heard and a solution has taken a lot of testing.

国产吃瓜黑料 I always recommend bone conduction headphones. It鈥檚 not the point of this article but I鈥檝e been testing the (12 hour battery and a standard USBC charge port), I wrote about the in my , and I often ride with the . All are good options outside for listening to music and staying safe. Unfortunately none of them keep you intelligible when trying to ride and talk indoors or outdoors.

I鈥檝e also tested the which is an interesting option with the inclusion of temp and HR tracking. They also sound good and are quite usable in a wide variety of situations (unlike bone conduction). I couldn鈥檛 use the tempo sensor to connect to the Aria though and they aren鈥檛 amazing at being heard over a fan either.

Out of all the headphones I鈥檝e tested, and there鈥檚 way more not worth mentioning, I landed on three that do the job. I used to always recommend the as they were the first pair of headphones that really worked with fans pointed at my head. People could hear me clearly and it was a revelation. Unfortunately, despite shining in a lot of situations, they do get a little slippery from sweat when riding indoors.

Which leaves me with my current recommendations. If you are an Apple user then the is my suggestion and if you are an Android user then the . Neither will work while you ride outside at full speed, or with the Aria at full blast, but indoors you can have fans pointed at your face and remain understandable.

I know it seems cliche to recommend these two but they are the best I鈥檝e tested for this use.

6. Computers or Tablets Are Mandatory

This is another weird category where I鈥檝e done a ton of testing to find something that works. Whatever software you decide to use, you鈥檝e got to see it while riding and there are some considerations. Depending on your software there are also some differences.

Bottom line, interval software doesn鈥檛 take much. You need something to look at and most things will work. For that use, I鈥檝e settled on a .

I鈥檓 not here to tell you this is the best tablet on the market but it solves a particular set of needs and I think that might be true even for Apple users. The reason it works so well for indoor riding is that it鈥檚 a multifunction product. I mentioned earlier I yell at my smart fan to turn it on and now I do that with the Pixel tablet instead of a tablet and a Google Home.

The Pixel tablet also has an excellent speaker, when paired with the stand, that always stays connected and keeps the tablet charged. If you want to listen to music without headphones you can yell at it to start something and you can hear it over the fans. The angle is perfect for visibility and sweat hitting the front (it happens) won鈥檛 bother it. You can also split screen it for YouTube/Netflix next to your intervals. What it does not do well is handle Zwift.

Running Zwift on the Pixel tablet is possible but not ideal. The graphics leave a lot to be desired. I actually still use it for Zwift but it鈥檚 off to the side playing music or videos.

For Zwift I recommend a computer with a dedicated graphics card. I use a relatively inexpensive Asus ROG (gaming) laptop with a 17-inch screen but there鈥檚 a lot of ways you could go about solving that equation. If I had a bunch of space I鈥檇 probably try to connect something to a small-ish TV. Whatever you decide on though, you need decent graphics hardware.

Zwift is actually quite beautiful and it loses a lot when the graphics are at the lower settings. The other bonus of running Zwift on a computer is that you鈥檒l get new features first.

7. So Is Furniture

For a few of these categories I鈥檝e gone the expensive route. This time I鈥檓 going cheap and DIY. Wahoo, Saris, and Elite all have trainer desks that are well made and thoughtfully designed. They also aren鈥檛 quite right for me and might not be for you either.

The problem with all of those options is that they sit over the front wheel and are too high. I like to keep my trainer matched to my outside bike position so I don鈥檛 get soft over the winter (only half kidding). That means I like something nice and low to look at.

I used to have a computer on a desk and it was perfect. The front wheel touched the desk and the viewing angle was great for an aggressive bike fit. These days I don鈥檛 have that much room so I built a shelf on the wall. It鈥檚 far from pretty but it dodges the pipes coming out of the wall and it鈥檚 as low as workable in the space I have. Doesn鈥檛 hurt that it was basically free.

Whatever you end up doing, my suggestion is consider your bike fit. If you are on a mountain bike with an upright fit, one of the fancy desks might be great. For road cyclists you might consider a little below eye level.

What about the Elite Rizer, Wahoo Climb, or the Zwift Play?听

I love all of these. The is better than the but it鈥檚 also more expensive. Both options do help with more natural movement, if that鈥檚 something you still want, and it feels very immersive to go up and down as you ride. I鈥檓 not using either currently only because the Garmin bike doesn鈥檛 allow it.

In terms of the controllers, I do use them. I have the system strapped to the handlebars on the Garmin bike and I use it to interact with Zwift. It adds a lot to the experience of racing and it鈥檚 useful for interacting with the HUD too.

All of these products are tough in this article. They do fit the 鈥渕ake indoor cycling fun鈥� brief but they don鈥檛 make it easier to ride longer inside. That leaves it up to you. All three of these will make your experience in Zwift more immersive and more fun. I don鈥檛 find that they make it easier for me to ride five hours but they might for you.

It鈥檚 okay to make the choice to ride inside

There鈥檚 a big part of the cycling world that loves to shame people for riding inside. There鈥檚 no bad weather, just bad clothes. Or something along those lines mixed with how terrible indoor riding is.

I鈥檓 telling you, forget this. Indoor riding is a blast and there鈥檚 no badge of honor for riding outside. Seven to nine hours in rain just above freezing is doable. I鈥檝e done it and I can tell you how. It won鈥檛 be cheap and it鈥檚 more survivable than enjoyable.

If type 2 fun is your jam, have a blast. That鈥檚 a very valid way to spend time on a bike but it鈥檚 not the only way.

For anyone else, there鈥檚 nothing wrong with choosing to ride indoors when the weather is bad. Have you seen the prices of cycling jackets? Even if you buy a fancy indoor setup it might be cheaper. I鈥檝e also had frostbite and mild hypothermia. Maybe avoid that with an inside ride?

There鈥檚 also nothing wrong with choosing to ride indoors when you want to. Even when the weather is nice your workout can be so highly focused that many choose to do intervals inside throughout the year. Parents can stay fit without leaving kids alone no matter the weather. There鈥檚 no cars in Zwift, the sun never goes down, etc. This list continues and no one should feel bad about riding a bike. Riding outside is fun and it鈥檚 possible to make indoor cycling fun as well. Enjoy.

The post 7 Tips to Make Indoor Cycling Actually Fun appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.