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2023 Trek Domane+ e-road bike review: Ultra-quiet, ultra-stealthy

Flagship model weighs just 12.21 kg, and us-spec bikes get a genuinely useful 45 km/h cutoff from the new tq mid-drive motor..

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Trek has today announced the third generation of its Domane+ e-assist road bike, and it’s quite the change from the one that came before. There’s a new motor from German company TQ, a brand-new carbon fiber frame with more advanced carbon fiber content and construction, more tire clearance, and in general, a sleeker and lighter total package that looks and feels more like a “regular” road bike.

It sounds like quite the complete package on paper, and it mostly is in reality – with some caveats, of course. 

The lightning pace of e-bike motor development 

Trek clearly isn’t shy about switching motor suppliers. Each generation of the Domane+ has used a different brand of motor: Bosch on the first generation one, Fazua on the second iteration, and now TQ on this latest third-generation model. 

Why the switch, you wonder? Because it seems like quite the advancement in a number of key areas.

First and foremost, the TQ HPR-50 motor is legitimately tiny, so much so that in profile, you almost wouldn’t guess at all that the Domane+ is an e-bike. Unlike the previous Bosch and Fazua units, the TQ is hidden completely inside a painted-to-match shroud at the bottom bracket with little on the outside to give anything away. Of course, a closer look reveals clues such as the cooling port on the underside of the cover, but even the battery is fully integrated inside the down tube.

Trek is also touting the HPR-50’s unusually quiet operation, which comes about thanks to a unique interior configuration that does away with the usual array of reduction gears and/or belts, and is claimed to reduce internal friction, too. Trek’s official press materials also make mention of the lower Q-factor as compared to the Fazua unit, but don’t get too excited; it’s only down 2 mm in total, and the 163 mm figure is still about 12 mm wider than what you get with Shimano GRX, or 17 mm wider than most dedicated road cranks. 

Be that as it may, the specs of the TQ HPR-50 motor are impressive. The official maximum power output is 300 W (or 50 Nm of torque), and it’s powered by a 360 Wh Li-ion battery in the down tube that Trek claims is good for “up to” 145 km (90 miles) in Eco mode. An optional range extender battery tucks into a water bottle cage for another 160 Wh, and the system can even run on just the range extender battery alone should you want to fly with your new Domane+ and need to tuck in under typical airline battery size restrictions.

Three levels of e-assist are available, each of which can be customized using the Trek Central smartphone app. Switching between the three assist levels is literally at your fingertips thanks to convenient remote buttons positioned next to the brake lever hoods, while the various mode screens on the high-resolution LCD panel on the top tube are accessed directly on that panel. Among the available screen pages are windows for remaining battery life (expressed numerically as both a percentage and time to empty, and visually with bars), current power output, speed, and distance – and when you’re charging the system, the display even gives you a precise countdown to when the battery is full. 

Frame design implications

The bigger benefit of switching to the TQ HPR-50 motor is arguably how it affects the latest Domane+’s frame design. Trek sought to have this version look as much like a non-powered bike as possible, and aside from some generally inflated proportions, that goal seems to have been met.

The motor’s smaller form factor makes for a more normal-looking bottom bracket area, and although the down tube is notably bulbous given the internally housed battery, the whole frame looks surprisingly proportional. The Q-factor may not have changed much, but the more typical chainline has allowed Trek to switch to a standard 142 mm-wide rear hub in place of the “Road Boost” 148 mm one on the previous-generation Domane+, which is a great move for wheel compatibility.

The 2023 Domane+ marks the first time Trek has used its top-end OCLV 800 carbon fiber content. Combined with the integrated down tube battery – meaning there’s no need for a large hatch – Trek claims to have lopped 450 g from the previous Domane+ chassis. Claimed weight for an unpainted 56 cm frame is around 1,250 g. Adding to that is 1,850 g for the motor, 1,835 g for the 360-Wh battery, plus a few more grams for mounting hardware.

That claimed frame weight includes the latest version of Trek’s IsoSpeed pivoting seat cluster concept. This incarnation isn’t adjustable, but it does use a conventional (albeit proprietary) telescoping carbon fiber seatpost instead of the integrated seatmast of previous IsoSpeed-equipped bikes. 

All in, my 52 cm flagship sample with a SRAM Red eTap AXS wireless electronic 1×12 groupset and Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V carbon clinchers tips the scales at a comparatively svelte 12.21 kg (26.92 lb).

Save for a 10 mm increase in chainstay length – a consequence of the TQ HPR-50’s motor casing size – frame geometry is the same as the non-powered Domane, down to the millimeter. Stack and reach figures are more upright and relaxed as compared to the Madone or Emonda, but both are still pretty sporty overall, and trail figures in the low-60s across the board are intended to provide fairly nimble handling manners. 

Despite those virtually identical dimensions, the Domane+ is approved for tires up to 40 mm-wide, whereas the non-powered Domane tops out at 35 mm. Keep in mind those are Trek’s official ratings, which account for a minimum of 6 mm of space all around. Actual maximum tire sizes will almost certainly be bigger, though that’ll depend on your comfort level for potential frame rub. 

Either way, adding fenders to the hidden front and rear mounts will drop that maximum tire size by 5 mm. 

Naturally, cabling is fully hidden, although the manner in which Trek has gone about it for the new Domane+ isn’t nearly as maddening as it could have been. Lines are run externally on the handlebar before being routing alongside the underside of (not through) the stem and then into ports in the dedicated upper headset cover. Keeping things visually tidy are a cosmetic cover bolted to the bottom of the stem and profiled headset spacers that are also split for easier bar height adjustment. 

Models, availability, and pricing

Trek will offer the new Domane+ in six different build kits, all using the same frame and motor package. There are only three price points, though, with each one offering a SRAM and Shimano variant. Interestingly, all SRAM-equipped bikes will come with 1×12 drivetrains and 40 mm-wide Bontrager gravel tires, while Shimano bikes are set up with 2×12 drivetrains and more tarmac-oriented 32 mm-wide slicks. As usual for Trek’s premium models, Project One custom builds are available in most models, although whichever way you slice it, the prices are awfully high.

Topping the list is the Domane+ SLR 9 eTap P1 (US$13,000 / AU$n/a / £12,900 / €14,500), built with a SRAM Red eTap AXS 1×12 electronic groupset, 25 mm-wide Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V carbon clinchers, and 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tires. Claimed weight is 12.15 kg (26.79 lb).

Sitting alongside that is the Domane+ SLR 9 P1 (US$13,000 / AU$n/a / £12,500 / €14,000), equipped with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 2×12 electronic groupset, 21 mm-wide Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 carbon clinchers, and 32 mm-wide Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite slicks. Claimed weight is 11.75 kg (25.90 lb).

The middle child is the Domane+ SLR 7 eTap P1 (US$10,000 / AU$n/a / £9,750 / €11,000) with a SRAM Force eTap AXS 1×12 electronic groupset, 25 mm-wide Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon clinchers, and 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tires. Claimed weight is 12.50 kg (27.56 lb).

Alternatively, the Domane+ SLR 7 P1 (US$10,000 / AU$n/a / £9,450 / €10,600) comes with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 2×12 electronic groupset and the same wheel-and-tire package. Claimed weight is 12.20 kg (26.90 lb).

There’s also a slightly less expensive non-Project One Domane+ SLR 7 (US$9,500 / AU$14,500 / £8,900 / €10,000).

Looking for the fancy TQ motor on a “budget”? The Domane+ SLR 6 eTap P1 (US$9,000 / AU$n/a / £8,900 / €10,000) is equipped with SRAM’s Rival eTap AXS 1×12 electronic groupset, 25 mm-wide Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V carbon clinchers, and 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tires. Claimed weight is 12.60 kg (27.78 lb).

If you prefer Shimano, there’s the Domane+ SLR 6 P1 (US$9,000 / AU$n/a / £8,890 / €9,600) with the same wheel-and-tire package, but Shimano’s latest 105 Di2 2×12 electronic groupset. Claimed weight is 12.40 kg (27.34 lb).

Finally, there’s the non-P1 Domane+ SLR 6 (US$8,500 / AU$13,000 / £8,340 / €9,000).

All of the new Domane+ models are supposedly available for ordering and/or purchase starting today.

Like an ever-present hand on your back

I should first point out in this review that your own experience on the new Domane+ will vary greatly depending on where you are. In the US, the TQ HPR-50 motor is allowed to operate at full power up to 45 km/h (28 mph). However, the cutoff in Europe is just 25 km/h, while most other countries will be at various points in between. I did this test in the United States, so take my commentary with a grain of salt if you live in a different region. 

It’s also important to remember that there are essentially two major categories these days: so-called full-power ones such as what you normally see from brands like Bosch and Shimano, and lightweight models such as this new Domane+. Full-power ones are usually rated for around 250 W or so of power (and around 85 Nm of torque), but keep in mind that’s a nominal figure. Peak outputs are usually much, much higher – often more than 800 W. 

But like other e-bikes in this “lightweight” category, the output of the TQ HPR-50 motor is far more modest. It’s rated at 300 W, but that’s the most you’ll ever get out of it (give or take a few watts). Likewise, maximum torque is capped at 50 Nm. The benefit of that reduced output is a huge weight advantage for the motor and battery itself, plus everything else on the bike can be made lighter as well.

That all said, while I know opinions are definitely mixed out there with respect to e-road bikes, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have one heck of a good time testing this thing.

Those full-power e-bikes are undoubtedly fun (so much power!), but the experience can also be so far removed from purely human-powered pedaling that it can almost seem like something other than bike riding. But this Domane+? It’s more like you’ve always got a hand on your back, or the feeling you get when you’re having a really, really (really) good day. 

Trek intends for the Domane+ to feel like a regular road bike, and for the most part, I’m inclined to agree. Power from the TQ motor doesn’t come suddenly like a kick, but more like a building wave. It’s surprisingly subtle, so much so that when you rise out of the saddle to sprint, it almost seems like nothing’s happening – but then you look at your speed and your times, and it’s pretty clear that isn’t the case.

The way that power comes on is interesting, though. It’s not simply a direct proportion of your own output, but a more complex calculation that also takes other factors into account like speed and cadence. From what I can tell, it’s almost like the system has two goals.

One is helping you maintain your speed. For example, when casually cruising at 150 W (and with the highest-power setting selected), there are times the system is putting out 200 W or more. At other times, it’s kicking out almost nothing. But in either case, how much power the system produces depends on how much help it thinks you need, and it does an uncannily good job of figuring that out. 

It’s also pretty impressive when flirting with that 45 km/h cutoff. One of the main drags heading back into town is mostly flat, but with some small rollers and often just enough of a tailwind that you can really build a head of steam. The Domane+ was more than happy to give me a nudge to get me to that magical 45 km/h mark, and then just barely enough power to let me stay just shy of that figure so as to not trigger the cutoff. And when I did cross that line, the cutoff is remarkably gentle, so much so that I kept peeking at the top tube display to see if the system really wasn’t doing anything.  

It’s when climbing that the TQ HPR-50 comes into its own. There, the motor doesn’t seem to just want you to maintain your speed; it wants you to feel like a superhero (at least in full-power mode). Needless to say, the feeling of climbing like that is addictive, but it also highlights the power limitations of the system. Say you’re climbing steady at 200 W and the system is kicking out another 300 W. But if you put down more than that, it’s still topped out at 300 W. Granted, that’s still an awful lot more than I can maintain on my own, but proportionally speaking, it’s more noticeable that the system is cutting power than when you’re hitting the speed limit. 

But it’s still fun.

Unfortunately, there’s another limit to that fun, and Trek’s range claims strike me as a bit ambitious (which isn’t surprising). Granted, range claims are always more than a little fuzzy, and the mountainous terrain of my local stomping grounds certainly has a lot to do with that. One ride in particular covered just 38 km (23.5 miles), but almost 800 m (2,600 ft) of elevation gain – all at maximum power assist (have I mentioned how much fun this bike is?). But when I got back home, the battery capacity was down to a middling 27%. Granted, I could have done that same ride on a lower power setting, but where’s the joy in that?

Here’s where that lightweight vs. full-power thing comes in again. While lightweight models like this Domane+ indeed feel more like non-powered bikes most of the time, there’s no substitute for watt-hours. To put that into perspective, I played around with a Canyon Grail:On gravel e-bike a couple of years ago, which is equipped with a full-power Bosch system and a much bigger battery. One ride I did on that bike covered more than 47 km (29.5 miles) with just shy of 1,200 m (3850 ft) of elevation gain – and there was enough juice left at the end that I almost could have done that ride twice. 

Granted, that bike was more of a bruiser than this Domane+, which does really feel a lot like a good, non-powered road bike in many respects. While it’s fun to blast around in full-power mode, kicking things down a notch or so dramatically extends battery life. There’s some noticeable friction in the TQ motor when pedaling without power at all – more from the bearing seals than parasitic mechanical losses, from what I can tell – but it’s not bad at all, and it certainly pales in comparison to what the motor is putting out.

Aside for the extra weight, the Domane+ genuinely feels pretty normal – certainly enough so that you don’t feel like you have to be in full-power mode all the time. And just as promised, the TQ HPR-50 motor is remarkably quiet so you’re not always audibly reminded what you’re riding, either. There is a whir that grows proportionally louder with pedaling cadence, but even at its loudest, you can barely make it out from the hum of your tires. At higher speeds, it’s drowned out entirely by wind noise. It’s easy to forget about it.

About that speed cutoff

As I mentioned earlier, your experience on an e-road bike will vary greatly depending on where you’re riding it (or perhaps more specifically, where you’ve purchased it). Although I found the Domane+ to be incredibly entertaining, it would have been very different had the motor cut out at 25 km/h as it would in Europe. There, the Domane+ would still be a blast when climbing, or perhaps more as a dedicated light-duty gravel rig with those 40 mm-wide tires. However, I’m not sure how much fun it’d be otherwise (and I know CyclingTips senior tech editor Dave Rome agrees on this one ).

Kudos to Trek and TQ for so thoroughly engineering the motor assist cutoff when you do bump up against that mandated speed limit. Unlike many other e-bikes I’ve ridden, the power drops off gently and seamlessly, rather than feeling so abrupt that you wonder if a wire has suddenly come loose. 

But even then, the 25 km/h cutoff that much of the world would see on this thing also severely cuts into its utility. It’s virtually guaranteed that someone riding a Domane+ wouldn’t be able to enjoy a bunch ride with friends since they’d essentially be dragging an ineffective anchor all the time, and even more gradual climbs would likely be frustrating as the motor continually cuts in and out. It’d still be a boon for longer climbs if you’re ok with taking it a bit slower, and certainly on steeper ones. But aside from that, I’d urge anyone considering their first e-road bike purchase to seriously ponder the effects of that speed limit. 

What about the non-motorized bits?

Handling mostly feels like the regular Domane (and you can expect a review of the new non-powered Domane SLR from me shortly, too), although there are some caveats. I find it interesting that Trek equips the Domane+ models with such a broad spread in tire sizes, as it does affect the steering. I first tried my test bike with the stock 40 mm-wide Bontrager GR1 Team Issue gravel tires, and it was… ok. The steering felt heavy off-center, and the bike wasn’t nearly as eager to initiate turns as I would have expected. But when I switched to 35 mm-wide Schwalbe G-One RS tires, the handling instantly became much more natural, easily diving into turns and flowing through corners as it should. 

Switching tires also highlighted another downside. Although the stock Bontrager gravel tires are quite grippy on hardpack and tarmac, they’re also surprisingly slow-rolling. With those Schwalbes installed, the bike felt much faster and alive (and I’m sure there’s a positive impact on battery range, too). 

Ride quality improved with the tire change, too, but it still couldn’t completely mask the imbalance between the front and rear ends. Trek’s IsoSpeed feature continues to work brilliantly, offering an incredibly smooth and compliant feel that (at least for me) never feels overly bouncing or intrusive. But even with the bigger Bontragers fitted, the front end is dramatically stiffer. Even medium-sized impacts jar your hands, and trying to attack washboard sections of packed dirt is absolutely brutal. My guess is the massively oversized down tube has a lot to do with this, which is something I’ve noticed on other e-bikes with similar proportions. 

There are some other quirks, too.

One of the TQ display screens is supposed to separately show your output and that of the motor. The motor figure seems believable enough, but the display of your output seems dramatically low. Granted, I didn’t verify this with a separate power meter, but I know what 200 W feels like, and when I see 150 W on the display, something seems off.

Aside from the tires, I don’t have much to complain about regarding the spec. The 10-44T cassette and 42T chainring offer plenty of range, and shift quality is very good. The jumps between sprockets are still a little bigger than I’d prefer for group road rides, but it’s fine when out solo. And kudos to TQ for powering the rear derailleur directly by the main system battery. It’s clean and convenient, and one less battery to worry about (although that also means if the system is totally, completely dead, you now can’t shift, either). 

The Bontrager finishing kit is generally excellent. The snub-nosed Verse Pro saddle is comfy, the Aeolus RSL 37V wide-format carbon wheels are fantastic, and kudos to whoever at Trek specified this wonderfully grippy and squishy bar tape. But the handlebar underneath that tape? I’m sure someone likes it, but it’s definitely not my cup of tea. The short reach and deep drop are an odd combo, and I was never able to find a remotely comfortable position for my hands in the drops. Thankfully, Trek’s solution for concealed cabling allows you to use any bar with a 31.8 mm clamp diameter.

Super fun, but keep the limitations in mind

Trek’s move to the TQ motor platform is interesting, if for no other reason than its longstanding relationships with other (and much better established) motor suppliers. However, the company clearly sees advantages in what the TQ HPR-50 provides, and after riding it myself, it’s hard to argue with Trek’s decision: it looks better, it’s quieter, and while TQ’s long-term reliability still needs to be proven, the simpler mechanical layout at least bodes well since there’s less to go wrong in there.

As promised, the Domane+ does feel a lot like a regular road bike in a lot of ways, and it’s undeniably fun to ride. But as I mentioned earlier, the experience will vary greatly with where you’re riding it. Although I found the bike incredibly entertaining, it would have been very different had the motor cut out at 25 km/h as it would in Europe. There, the Domane+ would still be a blast when climbing, but I’m not sure how much fun it’d be otherwise.

Either way, those looking for the more visceral thrills of a full-powered e-road bike won’t be blown away by the TQ motor’s modest specifications, but if you’re after more of a traditional feel with a little bit of a boost – and live in the right country – this seems like a bike well worth considering. 

More information can be found at www.trekbikes.com .

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gravel","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/unbound-gravel-photo-gallery-2024\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/unbound-gravel-photo-gallery-2024\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the best photos from unbound gravel\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/unbound-gravel-photo-gallery-2024\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the best photos from unbound gravel\"}}\u0027>\n the best photos from unbound gravel\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"before unbound, laurens ten dam and thomas dekker spent the night in an oklahoma jail","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/laurens-ten-dam-and-thomas-dekker-spent-the-tuesday-before-unbound-in-an-oklahoma-jail\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/laurens-ten-dam-and-thomas-dekker-spent-the-tuesday-before-unbound-in-an-oklahoma-jail\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"before unbound, laurens ten dam and thomas dekker spent the night in an oklahoma jail\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/laurens-ten-dam-and-thomas-dekker-spent-the-tuesday-before-unbound-in-an-oklahoma-jail\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"before unbound, laurens ten dam and thomas dekker spent the night in an oklahoma jail\"}}\u0027>\n before unbound, laurens ten dam and thomas dekker spent the night in an oklahoma jail\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"crit\u00e9rium du dauphin\u00e9 stage 7: primo\u017e rogli\u010d beats matteo jorgenson on race\u2019s queen stage","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/criterium-du-dauphine-stage-6-primoz-roglic-beats-matteo-jorgenson-on-races-queen-stage\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/criterium-du-dauphine-stage-6-primoz-roglic-beats-matteo-jorgenson-on-races-queen-stage\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"crit\u00e9rium du dauphin\u00e9 stage 7: primo\u017e rogli\u010d beats matteo jorgenson on race\u2019s queen stage\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/criterium-du-dauphine-stage-6-primoz-roglic-beats-matteo-jorgenson-on-races-queen-stage\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"crit\u00e9rium du dauphin\u00e9 stage 7: primo\u017e rogli\u010d beats matteo jorgenson on race\u2019s queen stage\"}}\u0027>\n crit\u00e9rium du dauphin\u00e9 stage 7: primo\u017e rogli\u010d beats matteo jorgenson on race\u2019s queen stage\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"power analysis: how lachlan morton won unbound gravel","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/power-analysis-how-lachlan-morton-won-unbound-gravel\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/power-analysis-how-lachlan-morton-won-unbound-gravel\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"power analysis: how lachlan morton won unbound gravel\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/power-analysis-how-lachlan-morton-won-unbound-gravel\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"power analysis: how lachlan morton won unbound gravel\"}}\u0027>\n power analysis: how lachlan morton won unbound gravel\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"tour de suisse: mark cavendish set for key pre-tour de france test monday, yves lampaert wins opening tt","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tour-de-suisse-mark-cavendish-set-for-key-pre-tour-de-france-test-monday-yves-lampaert-wins-opening-tt\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tour-de-suisse-mark-cavendish-set-for-key-pre-tour-de-france-test-monday-yves-lampaert-wins-opening-tt\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tour de suisse: mark cavendish set for key pre-tour de france test monday, yves lampaert wins opening tt\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tour-de-suisse-mark-cavendish-set-for-key-pre-tour-de-france-test-monday-yves-lampaert-wins-opening-tt\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tour de suisse: mark cavendish set for key pre-tour de france test monday, yves lampaert wins opening tt\"}}\u0027>\n tour de suisse: mark cavendish set for key pre-tour de france test monday, yves lampaert wins opening tt\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"notebook: dauphin\u00e9\u2019s tour de france lessons, jorgenson\u2019s rising stock, and where\u2019s gc kuss","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/notebook-dauphines-tour-de-france-lessons-jorgensons-rising-stock-and-wheres-gc-kuss\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/notebook-dauphines-tour-de-france-lessons-jorgensons-rising-stock-and-wheres-gc-kuss\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"notebook: dauphin\u00e9\u2019s tour de france lessons, jorgenson\u2019s rising stock, and where\u2019s gc kuss\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/notebook-dauphines-tour-de-france-lessons-jorgensons-rising-stock-and-wheres-gc-kuss\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"notebook: dauphin\u00e9\u2019s tour de france lessons, jorgenson\u2019s rising stock, and where\u2019s gc kuss\"}}\u0027>\n notebook: dauphin\u00e9\u2019s tour de france lessons, jorgenson\u2019s rising stock, and where\u2019s gc kuss\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"5 years after the crash: chris froome holding out for a tour de france return","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tour-de-france\/5-years-after-the-crash-chris-froome-holding-out-for-a-tour-de-france-return\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tour-de-france\/5-years-after-the-crash-chris-froome-holding-out-for-a-tour-de-france-return\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"5 years after the crash: chris froome holding out for a tour de france return\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tour-de-france\/5-years-after-the-crash-chris-froome-holding-out-for-a-tour-de-france-return\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"5 years after the crash: chris froome holding out for a tour de france return\"}}\u0027>\n 5 years after the crash: chris froome holding out for a tour de france return\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"the great american wheel race is the coolest new thing on gravel","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/the-great-american-wheel-race-is-the-coolest-new-thing-on-gravel\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/the-great-american-wheel-race-is-the-coolest-new-thing-on-gravel\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the great american wheel race is the coolest new thing on gravel\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/gravel\/gravel-racing\/the-great-american-wheel-race-is-the-coolest-new-thing-on-gravel\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"the great american wheel race is the coolest new thing on gravel\"}}\u0027>\n the great american wheel race is the coolest new thing on gravel\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"how thymen arensman gained 5 kilos while racing the 3,500km giro d\u2019italia","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-training\/how-thymen-arensman-gained-5-kilos-while-racing-the-3500km-giro-ditalia\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-training\/how-thymen-arensman-gained-5-kilos-while-racing-the-3500km-giro-ditalia\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"how thymen arensman gained 5 kilos while racing the 3,500km giro d\u2019italia\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-training\/how-thymen-arensman-gained-5-kilos-while-racing-the-3500km-giro-ditalia\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"how thymen arensman gained 5 kilos while racing the 3,500km giro d\u2019italia\"}}\u0027>\n how thymen arensman gained 5 kilos while racing the 3,500km giro d\u2019italia\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"\u2018i leave here super happy\u2019: matteo jorgenson stuns at crit\u00e9rium du dauphin\u00e9, scares primo\u017e rogli\u010d","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/i-leave-here-super-happy-matteo-jorgenson-stuns-at-criterium-du-dauphine-scares-primoz-roglic\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/i-leave-here-super-happy-matteo-jorgenson-stuns-at-criterium-du-dauphine-scares-primoz-roglic\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018i leave here super happy\u2019: matteo jorgenson stuns at crit\u00e9rium du dauphin\u00e9, scares primo\u017e rogli\u010d\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/i-leave-here-super-happy-matteo-jorgenson-stuns-at-criterium-du-dauphine-scares-primoz-roglic\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018i leave here super happy\u2019: matteo jorgenson stuns at crit\u00e9rium du dauphin\u00e9, scares primo\u017e rogli\u010d\"}}\u0027>\n \u2018i leave here super happy\u2019: matteo jorgenson stuns at crit\u00e9rium du dauphin\u00e9, scares primo\u017e rogli\u010d\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"\u0027turn the cameras off\u0027: the juiciest revelations from netflix \u0027tour de france: unchained\u0027 season 2","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-culture\/juiciest-reveals-of-netflix-tour-de-france-unchained-season-2\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-culture\/juiciest-reveals-of-netflix-tour-de-france-unchained-season-2\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u0027turn the cameras off\u0027: the juiciest revelations from netflix \u0027tour de france: unchained\u0027 season 2\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-culture\/juiciest-reveals-of-netflix-tour-de-france-unchained-season-2\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u0027turn the cameras off\u0027: the juiciest revelations from netflix \u0027tour de france: unchained\u0027 season 2\"}}\u0027>\n \u0027turn the cameras off\u0027: the juiciest revelations from netflix \u0027tour de france: unchained\u0027 season 2\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"criterium du dauphin\u00e9 stage 8: primo\u017e rogli\u010d saves jersey by seconds after thrilling matteo jorgenson surge","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/criterium-du-dauphine-stage-8-primoz-roglic-saves-jersey-by-seconds-after-thrilling-matteo-jorgenson-surge\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/criterium-du-dauphine-stage-8-primoz-roglic-saves-jersey-by-seconds-after-thrilling-matteo-jorgenson-surge\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"criterium du dauphin\u00e9 stage 8: primo\u017e rogli\u010d saves jersey by seconds after thrilling matteo jorgenson surge\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/criterium-du-dauphine-stage-8-primoz-roglic-saves-jersey-by-seconds-after-thrilling-matteo-jorgenson-surge\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"criterium du dauphin\u00e9 stage 8: primo\u017e rogli\u010d saves jersey by seconds after thrilling matteo jorgenson surge\"}}\u0027>\n criterium du dauphin\u00e9 stage 8: primo\u017e rogli\u010d saves jersey by seconds after thrilling matteo jorgenson surge\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"\u2018i think i\u2019m passing the test\u2019: matteo jorgenson soars to second overall in crit\u00e9rium du dauphin\u00e9","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/i-think-im-passing-the-test-matteo-jorgenson-soars-to-second-overall-in-criterium-du-dauphine\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/i-think-im-passing-the-test-matteo-jorgenson-soars-to-second-overall-in-criterium-du-dauphine\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018i think i\u2019m passing the test\u2019: matteo jorgenson soars to second overall in crit\u00e9rium du dauphin\u00e9\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/i-think-im-passing-the-test-matteo-jorgenson-soars-to-second-overall-in-criterium-du-dauphine\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"\u2018i think i\u2019m passing the test\u2019: matteo jorgenson soars to second overall in crit\u00e9rium du dauphin\u00e9\"}}\u0027>\n \u2018i think i\u2019m passing the test\u2019: matteo jorgenson soars to second overall in crit\u00e9rium du dauphin\u00e9\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"tour de suisse preview: big names square off in major tour de france tune-up","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tour-de-suisse-2024-preview\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tour-de-suisse-2024-preview\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tour de suisse preview: big names square off in major tour de france tune-up\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/tour-de-suisse-2024-preview\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"tour de suisse preview: big names square off in major tour de france tune-up\"}}\u0027>\n tour de suisse preview: big names square off in major tour de france tune-up\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "},{"title":"crit\u00e9rium du dauphin\u00e9 stage 6: primo\u017e rogli\u010d powers to win, drops evenepoel to prove he\u0027s back","url":"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/criterium-du-dauphine-stage-6-primoz-roglic-powers-to-win-lead-to-prove-hes-back\/","markup":" \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/criterium-du-dauphine-stage-6-primoz-roglic-powers-to-win-lead-to-prove-hes-back\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"crit\u00e9rium du dauphin\u00e9 stage 6: primo\u017e rogli\u010d powers to win, drops evenepoel to prove he\u0027s back\"}}\u0027>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n >\", \"path\": \"https:\/\/velo.outsideonline.com\/road\/road-racing\/criterium-du-dauphine-stage-6-primoz-roglic-powers-to-win-lead-to-prove-hes-back\/\", \"listing_type\": \"recirc\", \"location\": \"list\", \"title\": \"crit\u00e9rium du dauphin\u00e9 stage 6: primo\u017e rogli\u010d powers to win, drops evenepoel to prove he\u0027s back\"}}\u0027>\n crit\u00e9rium du dauphin\u00e9 stage 6: primo\u017e rogli\u010d powers to win, drops evenepoel to prove he\u0027s back\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n "}]' > >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>advertise >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>privacy policy >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>contact >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>careers >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>terms of use >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>site map >", "name": "footer-menu", "type": "link"}}'>my newsletters manage cookie preferences privacy request healthy living.

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Top 7 road bikes for 2023 – lightweight hyperbikes, 'controversial' endurance bikes and much more besides

We take you through the most headturning drop-bar road bikes of the last 12 months

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Colnago C68

• Cannondale Synapse

Canyon Ultimate

Fairlight strael 3.0, cervelo soloist, trek domane.

The industry might still be getting back up to speed post pandemic, but there was no shortage of bike launches this past last year.

We’re going to take a look at the new bikes that have impressed us the most and the ones we’d recommend if you’re after the latest and greatest. That doesn’t always mean the most expensive, though. Of course, we have some 'halo bikes' in our list, but we’ve looked at value for money as well as pure performance, too - and they’re not all made of carbon either!

And if you're wondering where all the aero bikes are, we've given these watt-saving speedsters their own dedicated list .

However, we are kicking proceedings off with a bike that is definitely in that halo category, and that we would say is truly heavenly. The Colnago C68 .

The perfect blend of tradition and technology, this really is a next-generation classic. 

It’s still handmade in Italy, as all the C series Colnagos have been, and is still made up of separate tubes rather than a monocoque. This time though, the lugs are incorporated into the tubes themselves. For example, the top tube also includes the lugs that join it to the head tube and the seat tube, giving it a smooth, modern look.

Colnago also offers a version with 3D printed titanium lugs so that you can have a fully made to measure C68.

It comes with a brand new CC.01 handlebar that will be used with other new Colnagos in the future - and is already specced with the new Colnago V4RS . And so that you don’t have to worry about the time consuming job that is dismantling an integrated cockpit, it comes with a CeramicSpeed headset that has a lifetime guarantee.

We gave the C68 five stars when we reviewed it in CW (online review coming soon, same score). If you’re after the classiest superbike out there, this has to be it.

As you’d expect, it’s reassuringly expensive, with the frameset costing £5,069.95/$7,099.99, while the Dura-Ace Di2 build that we reviewed is £12,499.95/$16,000.

Cannondale Synapse Carbon SmartSense

Cannondale’s new Synapse comes with ‘SmartSense’ - integrated lights and radar that run off a single battery. This sort of thing is commonly built into e-bikes but it’s the first time we’ve seen a major player like Cannondale implement it into one of its big selling models.

Cannondale says it’s all about convenience and confidence and when we rode it we absolutely understood where it was going with it. Daytime running lights and rear-facing radar are two things a lot of us don’t leave home without… and with this bike you actually can’t leave home without them!

The bike itself has been completely redesigned and has a beautiful ride quality. The classic endurance geometry of its predecessor remains but the comfort has been improved; there's now clearance for 35mm tyres and according to Cannondale offers the smoothest ride yet. We’re inclined to agree.

You can buy the Synapse Carbon 4 without the lights and radar - but still SmartSense compatible - for £2,400/$2,600 with a Shimano Tiagra spec, or go right up to £9,000/$9,050 for the Synapse 1 RLE with Dura-Ace Di2 and all the lights and radar.

Gamechanger is an overused word but it’s the only one to describe the Synapse.

If you haven’t heard of VAAST yet, well, you have now and we think you’ll be hearing a lot more about this exciting new American brand in the future.

The VAAST R/1 is made from magnesium tubing which, it says, is lighter than titanium, stronger than steel and is priced competitively against aluminium.

Alongside the claimed performance benefits magnesium is easier to recycle than aluminium and VAAST also uses ‘fiber based, plastic-free packaging’ and partnering with Green Worldwide Shipping to offset the carbon emissions of its shipping.

So we’ve got strong, light and cheap - can we really expect all three or must we pick two, as Keith Bontrager famously said?

The VAAST R/1’s list price of £2,299.99/$2.299.99 is towards the cheaper end of high-performance alloy bikes equipped with Shimano 105, whilst the weight is 8.93kg - towards the lighter end. The weight-to-price ratio is really quite impressive.

We didn’t test it for long enough to be able to comment on strength , but there are some very industrial looking welds holding the tubes together that arguably could be a bit neater and don’t look as if they’ll break any time soon.

Certainly, the VAAST is in this list not just for the magnesium novelty factor. It stands out as a great option at this price point on its own merit.

The fifth generation of the German brand’s lightweight climbing bike is an evolution rather than a ground-up redesign.

However, what to the naked eye may look like minor refinements have yielded some major improvements, according to Canyon. It lists the key areas where the new Ultimate improves over its predecessor as:

- Better comfort and improved ergonomics with room for up to 32mm tyres..

- Reduced drag, saving up to a claimed 10 watts for the frameset alone compared to the previous model.

- Invisible integration of cables and lines in an easy fitting cockpit with simple height and width adjustment,and no steerer tube cutting needed.

- A very low weight: a claimed 6.3 kg for the flagship Ultimate CFR Di2.

We rode it at its launch and were impressed by the refined ride quality and the new geometry, which is now the same as the Aeroad’s.

But we also love that Canyon has kept the Ultimate’s instantly recognisable aesthetic. In a  world full of bikes with dropped seatstays and deeply sculpted carbon, the Ultimate provides a breath of fresh air with its gentle lines, classic looks and colourways. 

Pricing starts at £2,699/$2,999 for the Ultimate CF SL 7 with mechanical Shimano 105 and goes up to £10,899/$8,499 for the Ultimate CFR eTap with SRAM Red AXS and Zipp 353 NSW wheels.

The third iteration of British brand Fairlight’s steel road bike is made from Reynolds 853 and 725 tubes, all custom made for the brand. And it’s these tube profiles that make it something really special.

The triple-butted top tube, made from Reynolds 853, is particularly distinctive: it’s fully ovalised, which Fairlight says is a “critical” component in its desire to deliver a comfortable ride. The chainstays and dropouts are also noteworthy and unlike anything you're likely to see on any other steel road bike.

The impressive workmanship and attention to detail are mirrored throughout the Strael. Every area of the bike seemingly has a clear purpose, which is then beautifully executed. 

A few added details completes the Strael’s thoughtful design: mounts for mudguards, a rear rack and an extra bottle cage on the underside of the down tube, a modular cable guide system that works across mechanical groupsets as well as Shimano Di2 and SRAM eTap, and internal routing for a dynamo light on the carbon fork.

To ride, it excels across the board , with a connectivity to the road that inspires confidence, whether you’re cruising along or looking to put the hammer down.

The frameset costs £1,399 while the Ultegra build we reviewed goes for £3,099.

It’s fairly priced for a bike that will last you well beyond 2023, or even 2033 come to that.

Hang on, isn’t this the bike that cycling journalists always claim was the first ever aero road bike back in the early Noughties?

Yes and no. The Soloist has come back as what Cervélo says is an affordable, practical bike for what it calls the “week in, week out amateur racer.” 

It’s a touch lighter than the S5 and significantly more aerodynamic than the R5 according to Cervélo. There are a few similarities to the latest Caledonia in there too, including the dropped rear stays, which allow up to 34mm tires.

You can buy the Caledonia with cable operated gearing but the Soloist undercuts it by a few hundred pounds: the Soloist 105 retails for £3,000/$3,400, while the Ultegra specced model costs £3,500/$4,300. While we’d never try to convince anyone that this isn't still a large sum of money to spend on a bicycle, it does make the Soloist far more affordable than Cervélo's other race-focused offerings.

The most expensive models are equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and SRAM Force eTap AXS and are £6,800/$6,000 and £7,100/$6,800 respectively, which is around half as much as the top Specialized S-Works Aethos , for example.

Trek overhauled the Domane’s Isospeed suspension system in the pursuit of reduced weight and greater simplicity. It’s now a rear-end system only and it’s non-adjustable, with Trek saying Domane users told them the adjustability function was rarely used. 

SLR builds are as much as 700g lighter than the outgoing models, while SL builds shave around 300g off the total weight.

You might think this will make the bike lighter but at the expense of comfort. Not so, says Trek. It claims the IsoSpeed on the new bikes is set to mirror the previous system in its “most comfortable setting”.

This bike is too new for us to have tested it, but earlier in the year when we reviewed the outgoing version we said it was the smoothest thing on two wheels… but its weight had crept up over the 9kg mark. That was really our only criticism. We certainly have high hopes for the Gen 4 model, enough so that we can include it in this list without having ridden it.

Pricing starts at £3,300/$3,499 for the new Domane SL 5, which features Bontrager Paradigm SL wheels and a mechanical Shimano 105 groupset, and goes up to £12,500/$13,199 for the Red eTap AXS SLR 9.

You can check out all the Trek Domane builds and prices at Trek's website .

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Simon Smythe is a hugely experienced cycling tech writer, who has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2003. Until recently he was our senior tech writer. In his cycling career Simon has mostly focused on time trialling with a national medal, a few open wins and his club's 30-mile record in his palmares. These days he spends most of his time testing road bikes, or on a tandem doing the school run with his younger son.

Yep, Zwift Ride has been resurrected. It’s now an entry-level indoor smart bike that’s inexpensive to buy, simple to use and easy to live with. A disappointment for seasoned Zwifties perhaps, but a potential delight for newbies.

By Simon Fellows Published 12 June 24

Norwegian rider takes maiden professional victory as he wins from the break

By Adam Becket Published 12 June 24

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road.cc Recommends Bikes of the Year 2022/23: the best road bikes

First Published Jan 19, 2023

It’s time to reveal which of the road bikes we reviewed in 2022 were the best – the ones that impressed us most as our team racked up many thousands of test miles – and the model we rate most highly of all: the road.cc Recommends: Road Bike of the Year.

In previous years we’ve divided road bikes into various different categories for our awards – performance road bikes, sportive/endurance road bikes, and superbikes (which cost above a certain price) – but we’re not doing that this time around.

Why? Because it’s sometimes unclear which category a certain bike belongs in. Distinctions can be fuzzy. Plus, we wanted our awards to cover only the best of the best and adding extra categories dilutes the mix. 

We’re using the term ‘road bike’ in a broad sense to cover drop-bar bikes designed primarily for road riding. We're including all-road bikes – drop-bar bikes that are capable of taking on surfaces from smooth asphalt to light gravel tracks – but not gravel bikes or flat-bar bikes intended for urban commutes. Bikes considered here don’t necessarily need to be designed for racing, although some in our top 10 are certainly performance-focused.

Beyond that, all of the bikes you’ll see here have been reviewed by road.cc in 2022. The new Trek Madone wasn’t up for inclusion, for example, because Trek didn’t send us the new Madone to review. It’s that simple. We spend a ridiculous amount of time over the course of the year sourcing new and interesting bikes to provide you with the most up-to-date collection of reviews we can. If brands are unable to supply the bikes we request, those bikes can't be ridden or considered.

Something that’s immediately noticeable about our top 10 is that every single bike has disc brakes. That’s just the way things worked out. Ever more bikes now come with disc brakes at most price points and the majority of brands are focusing their efforts in this direction.

Most of these bikes have internal cable routing – another sign of the times – but what might surprise you is the variety of frame materials represented here. Not everything is carbon fibre. Aluminium, steel and titanium all make our top 10. It goes to show that there are plenty of ways to make an excellent bike.

One thing we don’t take into account here is availability. A lot of brands are still struggling with supply chain issues as a result of Covid-19. It wouldn’t be fair to penalise them because of that.

So which road bikes are the best of the best? It’s time to start the countdown…

10. Specialized Allez Sprint Comp, £2,650

The Specialized Allez Sprint Comp opens our top 10 courtesy of being a very fast aluminium road bike that handles brilliantly. The frame is stiff enough to cope with sprints, but it won't beat you up on long rides.

The original Allez Sprint was designed for racing short and twisty town centre criteriums. The geometry made it nimble and an absolute blast to ride, but some found the handling a little nervous. This new version has been tamed just a little, with geometry identical to that of Specialized’s Tarmac SL7, and this translates to a bike that is perfectly suited to faster road rides.

While the Allez Sprint isn't as speedy as a lighter carbon machine on steeper hills, it keeps pace pretty much everywhere else.

Get yourself in a flat-out race for bragging rights at a town sign and the Allez Sprint provides a very stiff platform to lay down all of your power. It remains planted at speed and feels lighter than its 8.7kg weight.

Specialized has absolutely nailed the handling here. The Allez Sprint tracks effortlessly through fast corners, allowing you to build your confidence as you push for one apex to the next.

Comfort hasn't been lost in the quest for efficiency, and if you want more there’s space to swap the 26mm clincher tyres for something as wide as 32mm.

The Alley Sprint Comp is built-up with Shimano’s 11-speed 105 R7000 groupset and DT Swiss’s tubeless-ready R470 wheels, although deeper carbon wheels would be a great upgrade.

The price puts it in competition with carbon-framed alternatives, but carbon isn’t everything. This is a fantastic bike with excellent handling and plenty of stiffness.

Why it’s here Fast race bike with excellent handling – the price is high, but so is the performance… Buy now for £2,900 from Sigma Sports Read the review  

9. Tifosi Rostra Disc Tiagra, £1,499

The Tifosi Rostra Disc Hydraulic Tiagra’s biggest asset is its versatility. The aluminium-framed Rostra is a road bike but it can handle surfaces other than well-sealed tarmac, and it can cope with year-round British weather thanks to fixings and space for full mudguards.

With the ability to take tyres up to 35mm wide, the Rostra is also a perfect pick for the roadie who wants the option of venturing off-road occasionally without committing to a gravel bike. As well as being able to take full mudguards, the Rostra can handle a rear rack and three bottle cages. If you’re in the market for a commuter, winter trainer or simply a bike to tap out the miles on, you should give the Rostra some serious consideration.

The geometry is similar to that of an endurance road bike, offering stability and easy handling without lacking fun. All of that stability makes the Rostra a winner on wet or slippery surfaces, and the front end remains unfazed when faced with broken sections of road.

It's comfortable too, the 6061-T6 aluminium frame providing a forgiving ride quality. It might not dampen buzz as effectively as some steel, titanium or quality carbon-fibre frames, but there’s certainly no harshness here.

The Rostra is available in a couple of builds, ours coming with a mostly Shimano Tiagra groupset complete with hydraulic disc brakes. Tiagra is a great groupset which have no problem recommending.

Overall, this is a very good road bike at this price point for all kinds of riding, and it offers a great balance of speed and comfort.

Why it’s here  Very good versatile bike whose tyre clearance and geometry mean it isn't just limited to the road Buy now for £1,499 from Cycle Solutions Read the review  

8. Boardman SLR 8.8, £850

The Boardman SLR 8.8 is an absolute steal, feeling like a much more expensive bike than it actually is while also offering a lot of fun. It rides really well, offering a comfortable frame and fork with balanced handling to suit beginners or anyone else who wants to make the most of its all-weather capabilities.

Features like triple-butted aluminium alloy tubing and slender tube profiles where it counts mean that the SLR 8.8 feels great out on the road. It takes the edge off high-frequency buzz while being as stiff as it needs to be.

The geometry is slightly more relaxed than that of a race bike with a longer head tube and a shorter top tube – a typical endurance setup. With eyelets for full mudguards and a rear rack, it’s suitable for year-round training and/or commuting.

The 10.4kg weight dulls climbing and acceleration a touch but the SLR never feels sluggish – especially when you consider the price.

It primarily uses a 10-speed Shimano Tiagra groupset with an FSA Vero Compact chainset and mechanical (rather than hydraulic) disc brakes from Tektro. It’s a bit of a mix but it all behaves well.

If you’re looking for a sub-£1000 road bike, the Boardman SLR 8.8 is a confidence-inspiring machine. It gives a quality ride and balanced handling, matched to a blend of components that complement while keeping the price low.

Senior Product Reviewer Stu Kerton says, “Boardman’s SLR 8.8 highlights the fact that you don’t have to spend thousands on a bike that is fun and rewarding to ride.

"There are a few compromises here and there, but at its heart is a good quality frameset which is ripe for upgrades, saving you from having to invest in a new bike as the cycling bug takes hold and your rides get longer and faster.”    

Why it’s here Well specced and a great ride feel from a bike that looks and feels more expensive than it is Buy now for £850 from Halfords Read the review 

7. Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2, £6,499

We’re taking a big step up in price to the Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 Di2, a very good road racer’s bike that’s instantly likeable, with its fast ride complemented by fun handling.

The Ultimate CF SLX provides a solid platform with no discernible flex either through the centre or at the front end. It feels efficient and sprinting feels great. Add stability at speed and this is a bike that allows you to get on with laying the power down.

Getting this 7.27kg bike up to speed doesn’t take too much effort, and aero touches on the frame help you to keep it rolling at a strong pace. The Ultimate CF SLX feels very much like a lightweight aero race bike should.

It’s composed on tricky descents with enough compliance to take the edge off rougher patches of tarmac although, we must say, there are comfier road race bikes out there. If that’s a high priority for you, the Ultimate will take tyres up to 32mm wide.

It comes in various build options, ours fitted with Shimano’s second-tier Ultegra Di2 groupset. There’s little to quibble about here – Ultegra is brilliant stuff. You also get a 4iiii power meter, fast DT Swiss ARC 1400 wheels, and a comfy Selle Italia SLR Boost Superflow Ti316 saddle.

The Ultimate CF SLX isn't the lightest bike ever, nor is it the stiffest, nor the most aero – but it’s a great combination of all three. It climbs well, it’s fast on the flat and it doesn’t beat you up over a long ride. It's a brilliant bike.

Why it’s here The Ultimate is a brilliant race bike – fast, comfortable and handles well Buy now for £6,449 from Canyon Read the review  

6. Vitus Razor Disc Claris, £699

The least expensive bike in our top 10 comes with an aluminium frame and a carbon/aluminium fork, and a glance at the Shimano Claris-based build might not blow you away – which just goes to show why you shouldn’t judge a bike by its spec sheet.

Ride the Vitus Razor Disc Claris and you’ll soon find out that the frame and fork could easily form the basis for a much more expensive bike. Vitus has a reputation for offering exceptional value for money and that’s certainly the case here.

The Razor's double-butted 6061-T6 aluminium alloy-tubed frame delivers a high quality of ride and the bike as a whole is responsive too, despite a 10kg weight. Reviewer Stu Kerton said that even seasoned roadies looking for a second bike for training, commuting or winter riding would find a lot to like here.

The Razor’s geometry is a little more relaxed than that of a race bike but the ride position isn’t overly upright and it feels nimble while still being able to accommodate full-length mudguards.

With its 50/34 chainrings and 11-32 cassette, our review bike had a wide enough range of gears for most kinds of road riding and riders of various fitness levels. The Tektro MD-C310 callipers are cable-operated rather than hydraulic but they work well enough and the Vitus-branded wheels are durable and caused no stress.

If you're looking to get into road riding and want a bike that can grow with you in terms of ability and performance, the Vitus Razor is a great buy.

Why it’s here An extremely capable road bike with a high-quality frameset that's ripe for upgrades Buy now for £594.99 from Chain Reaction Cycles Read the review  

5. Mason Definition Chorus, £3,665

The Mason Definition Chorus is the definitive all-round road bike, offering a great ride quality and a geometry that works both at speed and when cruising along. This is a jack of all trades that manages to be a master of them all. The build quality and finish are flawless too.

The Definition has had a few tweaks since it was introduced in 2015, such as switching from quick-release skewers to thru-axles, but all of the great bits of the original design remain.

The aluminium frame, handbuilt in Italy from Dedacciai tubing, silences road buzz to give a velvety feel and the geometry is spot-on for a bike of this type.

The front end isn't as razor-sharp as that of a race bike but it's close, and the slightly slacker head angle – plus a wheelbase a few millimetres longer to accept full mudguards – means handling that's a little bit less frantic. It really allows you to ride the Mason quickly over long distances.

The Definition feels exceptionally solid, flowing through the bends sweetly, and the relatively short head tube allows you to get tucked into the drops to lower your centre of gravity.

The frame is also impressively stiff, which makes the Definition feel nimble and responsive on the climbs. It’s also well suited to tapping out the miles at a decent pace, but should the need arise for a hard effort or a touch of sprinting, you won't be left disappointed.

The Definition is available in a range of builds, with both electronic and mechanical shifting from SRAM, Shimano and Campagnolo, and even a 1x setup in the case of Campag's Ekar.

Campagnolo Chorus gives a defined click when you shift, and the hoods and the curved carbon brake levers fit so well with the natural resting positions of your fingers. Campag might have been slow to offer hydraulic disc brakes, but they were definitely worth the wait, providing loads of power on tap.

Taken as a whole, the Mason Definition is a phenomenal bike that provides a sublime ride.

Why it’s here The way this thing rides is a masterclass in bike design and engineering Buy now for £3,665 from Mason Cycles Read the review  

4. Fara Cycling F/AR, £4,644

The Fara Cycling F/AR is an absolute cracker of a bike. It manages to feel like a race bike on the road and can transfer that performance to hardpacked tracks and even trails as a result of its ability to take 38mm tyres. The ride quality and handling are exceptional, and the 8.1kg weight is impressive for a bike of this kind.

The AR part of F/AR stands for ‘All-Road’ and this bike allows you to explore byways as well as tarmac. It doesn’t quite make the jump to gravel, though, hence its inclusion in our road bike top 10.

It feels responsive on the road with an impressively stiff carbon-fibre frame, a large bottom bracket shell and a compact rear triangle keeping things tight.

The geometry is similar to that of an endurance road bike, with a front end that’s balanced between quick handling for fun in the bends and on descents, and enough stability and poise that it inspires confidence on rough roads.

The F/AR’s frame offers just enough forgiveness to take the edge off dodgy road surfaces and the fork similarly removes chatter from the ground.

Head onto hardpacked byways and the F/AR behaves well. It’s confident and easy to control, and remains comfortable, especially if you drop a little pressure from the tyres.

Designed for racking up big miles, the frame comes with multiple mounting points. You get mounts for a bento box on the top tube, for example, plus three mounting points on each fork leg, and the F/AR will take full mudguards too.

The F/AR is available as a frameset-only option (£2,519) and in several complete bike builds. You can select wheelsets and various finishing kits, too. Whatever you choose, you’re going to get a bike that provides a stunning ride, both in terms of comfort and the way it behaves.

Senior Product Reviewer Stu Kerton says, “Fara may not be on everybody’s radar in the UK yet, but with a bike like the F/AR that should soon change.

“For those that want a fast road bike that isn’t limited to smooth roads, or even roads at all the F/AR offers so much versatility thanks to the tyre clearance and the number of mounting points on offer.

“It’s the ride quality that shines, though, whatever the surface, highlighting how knowledgeable Fara’s design team are when it comes to tube profiles and carbon layup.”

Why it’s here High-speed road bike that can tackle some rough stuff, with an awesome ride quality wherever you take it Buy now for £4,624 from Fara Cycling Read the review  

3. Enigma Evoke MK3, £6,000

The Evoke MK3 from British brand Enigma provides a buzz-free smoothness and plenty of stiffness where it really counts, along with durability and a classic looks. This really is a top-quality bike.

This Evoke, make from 3Al/2.5V titanium alloy, is all about a performance that was inspired by classic race bikes. It uses a custom tubeset and each frame size comes with varying tube diameters and butt profiles to get the best balance of ride comfort and stiffness for a given rider weight and size bracket.

It has a firmer ride than many titanium bikes but in a purposeful way. The stiffness around the bottom bracket makes the frame feel hugely responsive, and it’s a great bike for attacking the climbs or just getting the power down. The lack of unwanted flex makes the Evoke feel lighter than it is and very nimble. That said, 8.8kg with an electronic groupset and deep section wheels is none too shabby anyway.

The Evoke’s geometry is a little less aggressive than that of a true race bike, but it’s not as relaxed as an endurance bike either. It sits somewhere in between. The steering is quick while the wheelbase is long enough to provide a degree of stability.

The slim seatstays remove the chatter while you’re seated and also give the bike’s rear end a planted feel, keeping the tyre in full contact over rough roads.

This new version of the Evoke comes with internal routing for cables, wires and hydraulic hoses, plus a T47 threaded bottom bracket. The chainstays are stiffer too, which benefits performance, and you can fit tyres up to 32mm wide. Don't expect mudguards or rack mounts, though; this is a performance bike.

The C-Six DSC Carbon fork – with a tapered steerer tube – matches both the quality and the nature of the frame and is stiff without feeling harsh or transferring road buzz up to your hands.

The Evoke frame is £2,199, the frameset is £2,638.99, and full builds are available too. Our review bike was built-up with Shimano’s Ultegra Di2 groupset which is excellent throughout. If you’ve got the money, it’s a superb option for a frameset of this calibre.

The Evoke is the complete package offering a stunning performance ride with just enough titanium zing for comfort. Oh, and it looks beautiful too.

Why it’s here Stunning looks, well-rounded geometry and an excellent ride quality Buy now for £6,000 from Enigma Read the review  

2. Reilly Fusion, £8,699

The Reilly Fusion is a stunning bike, both in the way it looks and in the way it rides. With smooth tube junctions, it could almost be mistaken for carbon fibre rather than titanium, but climb aboard and you’ll experience that excellent titanium feel. You can ride fast and in comfort for many, many miles.

Like many other bikes, the Fusion is made from 3Al/2.5V titanium, but rather than the tubes being welded together, Reilly uses investment cast sections (made from 6Al/4V titanium alloy) for the head tube, seat cluster, bottom bracket shell and dropouts, with the tubes welded to them.

This results in great stiffness and also the distinctive smooth finish you see where the seat tube meets the top tube.

Reilly has also embraced hydroforming to shape the tubing to meet the performance required in terms of stiffness and comfort – as well as aesthetics, of course. The dropped seatstays with their elegant curves are a prime example.

The Fusion looks every inch the high-speed racer, and the performance is great. It's a decent weight – 8.27kg – and impressively stiff, feeling lively off the line and on the climbs.

The Fusion’s geometry is a small step back from that of a full-on aggressive race machine. It feels just as at home on longer road rides, from the club run through to a sportive or a day ride. This is a bike that’s easy to ride fast, but without the twitchiness of a race bike. It’s capable of being raced but doesn't feel like it has to be.

The Fusion is nimble while at the same time feeling composed thanks to the buzz-taming nature of the frame. This gives you the confidence to push hard through the corners. It feels planted while responding well to handlebar movements and shifts in body position.

A full-carbon fibre fork reinforces the frame's performance. There is plenty of stiffness here without any compromise to the ride feel on rough roads.

Reilly's website offers the Fusion in three builds – Shimano Ultegra Di2 in 11-speed or 12-speed, or Dura-Ace Di2 12-speed. Our review bike was built with the latest Ultegra Di2, 12-speed R8170, with fast and crisp shifting and awesome braking. You can also choose from a selection of wheels.

£8,699 is a big old price tag but the Fusion isn’t overpriced compared with other bikes of its ilk (you could get it fully built up for £7,499), especially considering that the investment casting of the 4Al/6V components adds to the cost.

Overall, the Fusion rides with all of the excitement and involvement of a great race bike, with the manners and ride quality of a quick endurance machine. It's a difficult balance to pull off, but Reilly has done it. If you want the performance of a high-end carbon fibre machine, but have a hankering for titanium then the Reilly needs to be on your list.

Senior Product Reviewer Stu Kerton says: “Reilly’s Fusion earns the second step on the podium not only for its excellent handling and performance, but also for the attention to detail which makes it one of the most stunning looking bikes that we have tested over the last twelve months.

“That beauty isn’t just skin deep either. The custom, hydroformed tubing mated to the investment cast junctions shows off the knowledge and expertise of the Fusion’s designer delivering a ride quality that takes titanium frames to another level.”

Why it’s here Excellent bike with the performance and looks of carbon but the stunning comfort and longevity of titanium Buy now for £8,799 from Reilly Cycleworks Read the review  

1. Mason SLR SRAM Force, £5,200

The road.cc Recommends: Road Bike of the Year 2022/23 is the Mason SLR – a model that encapsulates everything that's great about a modern metal bike, with a nod to tradition. The steel SLR is a massively versatile road machine that gives the comfort and confidence of a big-mile tourer, with the fun of something much quicker. This is a hard-to-categorise bike that reviewer Stu Kerton described as “faultless”, and that’s huge praise from someone who is constantly riding the latest and greatest bikes we can get our hands on.

The SLR is a truly impressive bike, beautifully created and finished, that offers a stunning blend of performance and ride quality. It is designed with big rides in mind, whether loaded or unloaded, and this is where it excels.

The ride is excellent thanks to a custom tubeset that provides an extremely supple feel. Even built up with an electronic groupset, hydraulic disc brakes and full mudguards, it’s nimble, responsive and involving for its 9.9kg weight.

The geometry is backed off a touch from what you’d expect of an endurance road bike, which allows you to sit back and enjoy the scenery, while the steering is reassuringly neutral. You get no surprises from the front end even on poor road surfaces… or when straying off tarmac. With the ability to take tyres up to 40mm with mudguards fitted and 45mm without, the SLR can take on light gravel sections or even firm mud.

The SLR provides plenty of comfort and it also responds readily to a kick of the pedals, especially when you’re already rolling along. It’s no slouch on the climbs either. A tapered head tube and a beefy bottom bracket shell provide stiffness, meaning the SLR has get-up-and-go when you’re out of the saddle.

Descending is a joy. The SLR feels quick in the bends and the geometry helps you push on quicker than you'd expect thanks to a feeling of stability and poise. This gives confidence in the wet too.

The Mason SLR is built around a custom-shaped and formed Dedacciai tube set, which has received a phosphate anti-corrosion coating made exclusively for Mason.

The various tube shapes and profiles provide an exceptional blend of stiffness and comfort, and you get mounting points for racks and full mudguards, along with three bottle mounting positions and a chain pip for holding the chain while the rear wheel is out. There’s also internal dynamo routing for front and rear lighting, plus a pump peg for holding a full-size frame pump under the top tube.

The SLR is currently available as a frameset for £2,150, in a Campagnolo Ekar 1x build for £4,375, and in the SRAM Force eTap AXS build that we reviewed for £5,200 (other builds will follow). Force sits below SRAM's flagship Red groupset but shares much of its performance and quality at a lower price point.

One benefit of SRAM over Shimano or Campagnolo’s road groupsets is the size of chainrings open to you. Whereas the smallest offering from both of those (not including gravel groupsets) is 50/34T, SRAM offers Force in the 48/35T set-up we used. When paired with the 12-speed 10-33T cassette you get a huge spread of useable gears.

Whether you choose a Mason SLR because of your head or your heart, you’ll be incredibly satisfied. You’ll get a piece of engineering excellence that’ll stun you with its ride quality and behaviour.

Why it wins  Simply stunning from every aspect, thanks to exceptional ride quality and an attention to detail that sets it above the rest Buy now for £5,200 from Mason Cycles Read the review  

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Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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All those world tour teams riding around on second-rate steeds will be kicking themselves now! Yes, most roadies are not elite racers, etc. etc. But I reckon most of us like to be as fast as we can be.... bento box be dammed.

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Quote: Bikes considered here don’t necessarily need to be designed for racing

Not sure "most of us" do want to be as fast as we can at the exclusion of all other considerations; many want some degree of comfort, durability and practicality as well. In an ideal world we'd all have the finances and garage space to have a superbike stored in a hermetically-sealed dust-free environment that's only wheeled out on sunny summer days; in the real world many people want a bike that's capable of crunching through the potholed horror of a winter commute and can still go like the clappers on the weekend. Personally I think it's rather refreshing to see a bikes of the year list that includes a variety of options in terms of materials and purposes as well as - the horror! - some that a person on an average income could actually contemplate buying without selling a kidney.

Was thinking the same. Nice to see some bikes that can be used for more than a ride out on a summers day, and inclusion of more affordable options like the boardman.

Agree, really pleasing to see the small home grown bike brands flourish and something we should be proud of. There is clearly a market for high quality, well designed and engineered bikes that people not involved in racing nor worried about grams can enjoy.

All disc brakes, more like gravel bike of the year..................

Can only review what was sent to them. So if manufacturers pretty much eschew rim brakes for disc, and now make wheels and frames for more then 25mm tyres (including on the "pure" race bike here which goes upto 32), then that is what will appear here.

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• Tour de Suisse stage 6 Live - Queen stage shortened to 42.5km summit finish

Best electric road bikes: Go farther, faster

The best electric road bikes will give you the feel and ride of a top-end road bike but provide a boost when necessary

Lightweight spec options

Budget option, italian pedigree, e-endurance bike, removeable battery, on and off road use, aero advantage, powerful motor, integrated lights.

1. Quick list 2. Lightweight spec options 3. Budget option 4. Italian pedigree 5. E- Endurance bike 6. Removeable battery 7. On and off-road use 8. Aero advantage 9. Powerful motor 10. Integrated lights 11. How to choose

The best electric road bikes can almost go unnoticed these days, so discreet do they now look. They utilise a lot of the same components regular road bikes do, like the best road bike wheels and best road bike tyres most of which are rated for e-bike use these days.

Electric bikes in general are incredibly popular and a huge part of the cycling market. They can make cycling more accessible to a wider range of riders over different applications and terrains and are just downright fun to use. 

The best electric bikes can be used over a range of uses, including e-bike commuting and gravel riding. We will be taking a look a the best electric road bikes here, a category that has come a long way, with the best models being very close to the best road bikes in terms of ride quality and looks whilst offering heaps of extra power when needed.

E-bikes are now nearly universally accepted, the 'cheating' argument has fallen by the wayside as people have acknowledged how useful and varied e-bike uses can be. Whether that be aiding sustainable travel or helping groups of riders with varying fitness ride together. 

We've gathered the best electric road bikes into this list, helping you analyse specifications and tech to help you make a more informed buying decision. If you still need a little more help, head to the bottom of the page to see our buying guide pointers. 

Best for premium features

The Domane+ SLR is a super-light road bike that in the US can power you up to 28mph, although it's speed-limited at 25kph elsewhere. 

Read more below

Best for the cost-conscious

The Ribble Endurance SL e provides an affordable electric road bike option, but powered by a Mahle hub motor it provides plenty of assistance in a stealthy package.

Best from a prestige brand

If you are after a Colnago but want a little assistance, the E64 provides this in a stealthy package that doesn't stand out as an electric road bike.

Best for road and gravel use

The Specialized Creo 2 electric bike is much more oriented to off-road use, with wider tyres, a more powerful motor and even a dropper post.

Best for aerodynamics

Based on the pedal-only SuperSix Evo, the Neo version has a stealth motor system and the same aero tube profiles as the non-assisted bike.

Best for motor power

The Giant Revolt E+ Pro has the same Shimano EP8 motor as found on many e-MTBs, so it's got the grunt to haul you up the steepest climbs.

Trek Domane+ SLR

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Trek Domane+ SLR is the newest e-road bike from the US-based brand. Available in six different spec options but all based around a superlight weight Trek OCLV 800 carbon frame, this is the lightest e-road bike trek has ever produced. The Domane+ SLR is aimed at performance road riders who want a little extra zip, it has a discreet motor and battery from German specialist TQ which offers a super smooth and quiet e-riding experience. The Domane+ SLR is lighter than the Trek Domane LT and has a non-removable battery whereas the LT's is removable 

You get a neatly integrated LCD display in the top tube, mode toggle buttons custom built into the shifters, and the lights and eTap charging can be wired in to run from the battery to simplify things. If you want a high-end lightweight electric road bike, the Domane + SLR is one we'd be happy to recommend. 

Ribble Endurance SL e

Claimed to weigh 11kg, the Ribble Endurance SL e is one of the lightest e-road bikes currently available and, visually, the frame is almost identical to its non-assisted sibling, including the aggressive geometry.

Using the Mahle Ebikemotion system, the Endurance SL e doesn't get a control unit, instead opting for a button on the top tube that cycles through the three levels of assistance. Hidden inside the downtube is a Panasonic 250Wh battery, which is connected to a rear hub-based motor said to provide 40Nm of torque. There is an accompanying app, too, which will provide additional information such as remaining battery life.

As Ribble is consumer-direct, the pricing is competitive with the Tiagra build starting at £2,799, and the 105 build starting at £3,299 — every component can be upgraded through the brand's 'BikeBuilder' program. 

Colnago E64

Using the C64 as the backbone, Colnago has adapted its carbon racer into a pedal-assist roadie. Claimed to tip the scales at 12kg including the battery, Colnago says the rear hub-based motor only adds 3.7kg and it's capable of delivering 250 watts of assistance.

With the battery housed in the downtube, the E64 doesn't get a built-in head unit; instead, there is a button on the top tube that controls the electronics. The battery is stored in the downtube and is not removable, but Colnago says there is an auxiliary battery on the horizon which can be stored in one of the bottle cages to add range.

Although the E64 appears to be a carbon-lugged frame, it's a visual illusion with these details being added in the paint shop. The bike comes with a Shimano Ultegra drivetrain, Deda finishing kit and Mavic Aksium Elite EVO UST wheels.

Trek Domane+ LT

With the IsoSpeed decoupler in the seat tube and room in the frame for 38c tyres, Trek's Domane+ LT is probably the best electric road bike for comfort. 

It comes with a 250W motor and 250Wh battery, so in terms of power and range, it's on a par with many of the 'secret e-bikes' featured here, however, instead of having a battery permanently hidden inside the down tube, the Domane+ uses a removable battery. Batteries do degrade over time, so the option to replace them will be positive when it comes to long-term ownership or resale value. 

The Domane+ LT features all the niceties of the pedal-powered Domane, including fender mounts, Blendr accessories, and endurance geometry. The carbon frame is fitted with a Shimano Ultegra 2x11 groupset, with a 50/34 chainset and 11-34 cassette.

Pinarello Nytro Ultegra

On the surface, the Nytro looks like any other Pinarello frame, complete with a wavy fork and aero tubing but hidden in the downtube are a Fazua drive unit and battery. The Nytro is claimed to have up to 250w of power and 55Nm of torque, and the battery can be dropped out of the downtube to make it just a normal road bike, weighing in at around 9kg without the battery.

The frame uses the brand's F10 frameset as a starting point and adds a bit of length to the wheelbase and height to the head tube. Rest assured, Pinarello hasn't forgotten to give the Nytro its trademark asymmetric tube treatment.

Built with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 11-speed drivetrain, the bike gets hydraulic disc brakes and rolls on Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels. It also comes with a Pinarello-sized price tag.

Specialized Creo 2

Specialized launched the Creo 2 in September 2023, replacing the original model with a new design, which has a lighter frame, a more powerful, quieter motor and incorporates the Future Shock 3 also found on the latest Specialized Roubaix SL8 .

The new model adds to the Creo's off-road credentials while soft-pedalling on the road, with a revised geometry, wider tyres and even a dropper post. US riders get motor support up to 28mph.

We've had our first ride on the Creo 2 at the launch event. This was mainly off-road, which emphasises the Creo 2's new direction over the original Turbo Creo, which looked to straddle both road and off-road. If you want to enjoy gravel too this could be the bike for you. 

Cannondale SuperSix Evo Neo 3

The SuperSix EVO Neo has the aero frame shape of the non-assisted bike but adds a Mahle ebikemotion X35 motor, which offers 250w of assistance and up to 40Nm of torque. 

According to Cannondale, the 250Wh internal battery will take you around 75km on a single charge. The bike comes with 28mm slick Vittoria Rubino Pro tyres, and the frame features an integrated seat binder combined with a 27 KNØT seat post, designed to work together to absorb road bumps. The frame also features SAVE micro-suspension to smooth out most rides for added comfort.

It includes a robust  Shimano 105 R7000 hydraulic groupset, with 2x11 gearing. Up front, the FSA crank features 50/34 chainrings, paired with an 11-34 cassette at the rear, offering a massive range of gears.

As part of Cannondale's e-bike range, the SuperSix Evo Neo 3 benefits from the brand's integrated wheel sensor, which delivers accurate speed, route and distance information, registers your bike, reminds you when you need service, and more.

Giant Revolt E+ Pro

There's no denying that the Revolt E+ carries more of an electric bike aesthetic than some others here, but within its oversized down tube comes a large battery and a motor with a lot of torque. 

Powering it is the Shimano EP8-powered SyncDrive Pro pedal-assist system, which promises smooth acceleration (thanks to its 85Nm of maximum torque). Meanwhile, the Shimano GRX Di2 1x11 electronic groupset and 40mm tyres make it all ready if you plan to mix things up a bit. There are also mounts for mudguards and racks.

The system is simple to use, and the motor comes with a SmartAssist mode that automatically adapts to your cadence and ride style, tuning the amount of assistance to the levels you actually need. This means you don't need to think about anything and can just get pedalling, leaving the motor to do its thing for you.

Orbea Gain M30

Orbea was one of the first brands to integrate the Mahle ebikemotion motor system into its road bikes and the Gain remains one of the most stylish electric bike implementations. The latest models use the more compact X20 system, for an even lower profile hub motor, which also produces more torque than the original X35.

Orbea includes a front light, which is integrated into the out-front computer mount. The Gain is supplied with a Mahle computer, which allows you to control the output from the motor system and check its status, without needing to use the top tube button. There's also a rear light on the saddle clamp, with both front and rear lights being powered by the 353Wh internal battery.

With a Shimano 105 11-speed groupset, there's plenty of gear range, although this does feel a little under specced for the Gain M30's price.

How to choose

Your riding demands will dictate which e-road bike is best for you. Hopefully, this guide should have given you an idea of what's out there. Next, you should consider how you may want to use your e-bike: are you commuting to work, adventuring and discovering new terrain or simply adding a new bike to your fleet? Your requirements will dictate weight, gearing, range, price point etc. Test ride a bike if you can and chat with manufacturers or stores about which e-bike is best for you. 

What do I need to know about the drive system?

With the electric bike market continually growing, more and more brands are getting on board and developing newer and better technology all the time. The best electric road bike will likely come with a powerful and reliable drive system, including one of the best e-bike motors from the likes of Bosch, Yamaha, and Shimano, while some feature integrated units from Ebikemotion and Fazua. 

These systems place the motor either at the bottom bracket or the rear hub and vary in weight. In fact, some of the integrated systems are surprisingly light. The power they offer is an important factor, and most hover between 250W and 500W.

What's the best capacity for an electric bike battery?

How long is a piece of string? It all depends on how much you're riding, and how much you care about your electric road bike's aesthetic.

When e-bikes started to gain popularity, the batteries were bulbous, and almost appeared to be haphazardly bolted on wherever there was space. Now we are seeing brands working to integrate them into the frame seamlessly.

Unfortunately, the smaller the battery, the smaller the capacity - which is measured in watt-hours (Wh). While some brands are quick to make claims about how far certain Wh batteries will take their bikes, these figures can vary greatly depending on the level of boost, the terrain, the weather and even the weight of the rider. Bosch has put together a handy Range Assistant , which can provide a good idea of how much mileage you can expect to achieve, depending on your riding habits.

While some bikes have removable batteries which allow you to keep a spare and make charging easier, others with hidden battery packs look much cleaner. Often, there's a range extender available as an option, which takes up one of your bottle cages.

Are electric road bikes unisex?

As a general rule of thumb, most e-road bikes are made to be unisex, while having multiple size options that should work for most people. The saddle, which is the key contact area that needs some tailoring to fit the users, is easily swapped out for one of the best women's road bike saddles if need be.

If you would prefer a women's specific model, be sure to check out our list of the best women's electric bikes .

Regional restrictions

Most e-bikes use one of three e-bike systems, however, depending on where you live, the level of assistance as well as whether you need a licence and insurance will vary. Here's a breakdown of all the e-bike restrictions in place in the UK, US and Australia.

The UK adopted a lot of the EU's regulations regarding e-bikes but with Brexit, it's hard to say if that may change.

All of the bikes featured here fall under 'The Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EPAC) Amendment Regulations' mandates; electric assistance can only provide 250 watts of aid and must cut out at 25kph. It also stipulates the rider must be in motion for the motor to kick in and be at least 14 years old.

Electric bikes (and riders) that meet these standards have the same legal standing as regular bicycles and are allowed on roads and bike paths.

In Europe, a new class of speed-pedelecs or s-pedelecs is gaining popularity. These are capable of providing assistance up to 45kph. You still need to pedal for the motor to kick in, however, under UK and EU law these are considered two-wheel mopeds and require insurance, a legally certified helmet and a qualifying driver's license.

In the US, rules for e-bikes vary from state to state; 30 states classify e-bikes as ordinary bicycles, while the remaining 20 label e-bikes as mopeds, scooters or something else altogether.

Federal law defines an electric bicycle as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of fewer than 750 watts, whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20mph.'

It's worth noting this statute defines the maximum assisted speed of the bike when being only powered by the motor, not when it's being pedalled. To make things more confusing, state regulations can supersede the federal statute.

The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association has proposed a three-class system which divides electric bikes up based on their maximum assisted speed:

Class 1: the motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedalling and cuts out a 20mph

Class 2: the motor can contribute regardless of pedalling but is governed to 20mph

Class 3: the motor provides assistance when the rider is pedalling but cuts out at 28mph and must be equipped with a speedometer.

For all three classes, the motor can only put out a max of 750 watts, and the class needs to be clearly labelled. This system also defines where the bikes can be ridden; classes 1 and 2 are permitted anywhere bikes are allowed, while class 3 can be ridden on roads and bike lanes but not multi-use paths, and may be subject to minimum user age and helmet requirements.

So far, 22 states have legislation creating a class system and our friends over at People for Bikes has put together a full state-by-state run down.

3. Australia

In Australia, e-bikes are split into throttle-operated and pedal-assist. Both systems must be limited to 25kph, and the throttle-operated motors can only output 200 watts while pedal assist is legal up to 250 watts. Anything that exceeds these figures is considered a motorbike and must be licensed and insured.

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Paul has been on two wheels since he was in his teens and he's spent much of the time since writing about bikes and the associated tech. He's a road cyclist at heart but his adventurous curiosity means Paul has been riding gravel since well before it was cool, adapting his cyclo-cross bike to ride all-day off-road epics and putting road kit to the ultimate test along the way. Paul has contributed to Cyclingnews' tech coverage for a few years, helping to maintain the freshness of our buying guides and deals content, as well as writing a number of our voucher code pages. 

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The best aluminium road bikes 2024: top-rated alloy bikes 

Our favourite alloy road bikes, as rated by BikeRadar's expert testers

Robyn Furtado / BikeRadar

Stan Portus

The best aluminium road bikes can rival bikes with carbon frames; aluminium remains a great material for making bicycle frames.

At the entry-level end of the road bike market, aluminium frames are almost ubiquitous. That's because, generally speaking, aluminium frames combine a desirable stiffness level with low overall weight and relatively cheap production costs.

Bikes such as the Triban RC120 and Vitus Razor Claris prove that a quality road bike can still be had for less than £500 . Bikes such as the Triban RC520 show that road bikes under £1,000 can compete with pricier machines, too, with great specs and features such as disc brakes , which are available on more and more budget bikes.

Spend a little more and the prevalence of aluminium thins out in favour of cheaper carbon fibre bikes.

However, aluminium bikes at this price point – roughly between £1,000 and £2,500 – still regularly offer considerably better value , and sometimes a better ride, than similarly priced carbon models.

Fans of the pro peloton may have seen alloy come and go as the material of choice for the world’s fastest racers, but that doesn't mean alloy frames have plateaued in terms of development.

Spend well into four figures and you'll get access to the likes of Cannondale's CAAD13 – a showcase for the latest aluminium tech and a bike that can fight it out with all but the absolute best carbon fibre machines.

That's enough of the background, now let's crack on with our pick of the best aluminium road bikes, from budget bargains to alloy superbikes.

Every bike here has been tested and reviewed by our team and, in order to be included in this list, a bike must have scored at least 4 out of 5 stars in our testing.

Best aluminium road bikes in 2024, as rated by our expert testers

Triban rc120.

• £399.99/$499/€450/AU$599 as tested
• Our favourite entry-level road bike
• Capable as a fast commuter

The Triban RC120 is the cheapest bike in this list and yet it is one that is fully deserving of its five-star rating.

The RC120 should be the go-to bike for roadies with a modest budget thanks to its superbly considered kit and impressive ride.

Whether you're looking for a companion on long days out or an urban commuter that can accept a rack and mudguards , the RC120 will do it without difficulty.

• Read our full Triban RC120 review

Cannondale CAAD13 Disc 105

• £2,250/$2,300/€2,299/AU$3,499 as tested
• Exciting ride quality

The Cannondale CAAD13 was released in 2019, with the brand revamping the previous CAAD12 to embody new trends, such as dropped seatstays, wider tyres and aerodynamics.

The bike comes equipped with a full Shimano 105 groupset (apart from Cannondale's own cranks), Cannondale finishing kit and wheels.

For the price, it isn't the best value, nor is it the lightest, but once you start riding it, all of that is swept away. It has accurate handling, a remarkably smooth ride and is a brilliant all-round performer. In fact, it gives many carbon bikes a run for their money.

• Read our full Cannondale CAAD13 Disc 105 review

Canyon Endurace AL Disc

• £1,649 as tested for Canyon Endurace AL 8.0 (closest model now Endurace 7, priced at £1,649)
• Great specification
• Powerful, all-weather braking

If you’re after an endurance road bike , the chances are you will already be aware of Canyon’s superb Endurace range, and this particular alloy model with disc brakes hits a real sweet spot in terms of value.

The complete Shimano disc groupset, tubeless-ready wheels and sorted own-brand finishing kit make for an enviable spec sheet, but it’s the composed comfort and ride characteristics that make this one of the best aluminium road bikes.

The 8.0 model with Ultegra we tested has been discontinued, but the £1,649 AL 7.0 model with 105 is very nearly as good – although it sees no cost-saving due to price rises.

• Read our full Canyon Endurace AL 8.0 Disc review

Canyon Endurace AL 7.0

• £999/€1,100/AU$1,750 as tested
• Class-leading spec sheet
• Efficient yet comfortable frame

The second Endurace in this list is once again here thanks to its outstanding value and ride quality. It’s light at 8.4kg for a size medium and has the most impressive spec sheet in its class, although recent price increases mean it's not quite the bargain it used to be.

Component highlights include Shimano’s superb R7000 105 groupset and Fulcrum wheels (a change from last year's Mavics) with quality Continental tyres.

We had to dig pretty deep in order to criticise this rim-brake model, but not everyone will appreciate its understated looks.

• Read our full Canyon Endurace AL 7.0 review

Giant Contend 1

• £999/€1,150 as tested
• Great quality frameset that's comfortable and handles well
• Comfy 28mm tubeless-ready tyres

The Giant Contend impressed us a lot during testing and we rated its rewarding ride and slick components package. The aluminium frame is neatly welded and there's an all-carbon fork and Giant's D-shaped seatpost, which is claimed to reduce road vibration transmitted to the saddle.

The Contend 1 is fitted out with Shimano Sora 9-speed groupset, with ratios down to 1:1. Tektro rim brakes. Tubeless-ready Giant wheels and 28mm tyres are other spec highlights.

The front and rear mudguard fittings and rack compatibility make this ideal as a commuter bike too.

We've also reviewed the 2020 Giant Contend SL1 , with a lighter SL version of the Contend frameset.

• Read our full Giant Contend 1 review

Rose Pro SL Disc 105

• €1,749 (not currently available in UK)
• Updated version of one of our favourite all-rounders
• Lovely frameset and great spec for the money

Rose's affordable alloy all-rounder received an update in 2020, with a move to integrated cabling and tweaks to the frame and fork that include a very tidy new seat clamp.

Although prices have crept up slightly, it remains a top choice, with a really solid Shimano 105 spec and a thoroughly likeable ride quality.

Unfortunately, Rose has withdrawn from the UK market for the moment , but the bike is available elsewhere in the world.

• Read our full Rose Pro SL Disc 105 review

Triban RC120 Disc

• £400/€500 as tested
• Great for longer rides
• A little on the hefty side

Just five years ago, it would have been difficult to fathom that a bicycle as well equipped as this Triban RC120 Disc would be available for such a modest outlay. The geometry of the alloy frame sides towards endurance, making this a great choice for longer rides.

Spec highlights include a carbon fork, tubeless-ready wheels with 28mm tyres, and mechanical disc brakes – it really is superb value for money.

Don’t worry about the Microshift gears either, we were pleasantly surprised by them. The compromise comes in the form of weight, with a size medium example weighing a portly 11.3kg.

• Read our full Triban RC120 Disc review

Triban RC520 Disc

• Exceptionally well equipped
• For those who favour comfort over speed

The RC520 Disc astonishes in terms of value with its carbon fork, mostly Shimano 105 drivetrain and TRP's mechanically actuated hydraulic disc brakes.

The geometry is noticeably more relaxed than the likes of Specialized's Allez, meaning this is no racer, but it's an excellent choice for commuting, training or even as a touring bike .

The standard-fit 28mm rubber already makes for a plush ride, though there's room for up to 36mm tyres and the stock rims are also tubeless-ready should you want to open up gravel capabilities .

• Read our full Triban RC520 review

Carbon vs aluminium

There’s a temptation when reviewing premium alloy bikes to suggest they’re particularly good ‘for a metal bike’, the subtext being that we all know carbon is inherently better.

Carbon makes sense for high-performance bikes because it’s infinitely tunable. It lets designers target stiffness, strength and flexibility exactly where they want it by using different types and arrangements of fibres and clever layup methods.

Metal, by contrast, can be manipulated to a high degree, with elaborate butting, forming and heat-treatment techniques, but you can’t fundamentally alter the mechanical properties of the material with such ease, because it’s not a composite.

The latest premium aluminium bikes challenge conventionally held assumptions about working with metal, offering performance and specs that go head-to-head with similarly priced carbon.

While politics and the pandemic have conspired to ensure nothing feels as good value as it did a couple of years ago , the variety and sophistication of aluminium road bikes have never been better.

Boardman SLR 8.6

• £550 as tested
• Tubeless-ready wheels
• Plenty of comfort

We recognise Boardman’s SLR 8.6 as one of the best budget road bikes out there due to its lovely all-round ride and general practicality.

A notable spec highlight and something that’s still rare at this price point is the tubeless-ready wheelset. The gearing is taller than some of its competitors though, so you may find yourself out of the saddle sooner on the climbs.

The frame is easily good enough to justify significant component upgrades, making this a bike that can really develop with you. It's received some subtle updates and a new paintjob this year, as well as a slight drop in price.

• Read our full Boardman SLR 8.6 review

Cannondale CAAD Optimo 1

• £1,300/$1,305/€1,499 as tested
• Reasonable weight
• Well balanced

Despite originating from Cannondale's entry-level road bike range, the Optimo 1 is worthy of the CAAD designation, associated more closely with the brand's more illustrious models.

The classy alloy frameset is the highlight of the build, made up of mostly Shimano 105 components.

The Vittoria Zaffiro tyres feel fast-rolling and there are fittings for mudguards and a rear rack. Its rim braking works well, but restricts you to 25mm tyres.

• Read our full Cannondale CAAD Optimo 1 review

Cube Axial WS Race

• £1,749/€1,649 as tested
• Quality Shimano 105 spec with hydraulic brakes
• Lots of low gear range for hillier terrain

The Cube Axial is the women's version of the gender-neutral Attain, with Cube branding its Axial frame HPA, for High Performance Alloy.

The frame includes thru-axles for more precise wheel placement than quick releases. There are mudguard mounts and Cube sells mudguards designed specifically for the bike.

The spec includes a full Shimano 105 11-speed groupset, complete with its powerful hydraulic disc brakes, but the Axial range starts at around £1,000 for the lowest spec, fitted with Shimano Claris 8-speed.

The 28mm tyres measure up around 30mm although the Axial's tyre clearance isn't as generous as on some frames.

Despite the "Race" in the name, this is an endurance-focused aluminium road bike, with a more upright ride position.

• Read our full Cube Axial WS Race review

Forme Monyash 2

• £1,000 as tested
• Great ride quality despite modest spec
• Quality wheels and tyres on thru-axle hubs

Forme says the Monyash is designed for tarmac, light gravel and year-round endurance riding. It's kitted out with disc brakes on its thru-axle wheels, with space for 35mm tyres to support that versatility. Plus, you get three sets of bottle bosses as well as mudguard and rack mounts.

The 2 spec of the Monyash comes with a Shimano Claris 8-speed groupset and we rated the wheels, shod with quality Schwalbe One tyres, although we'd up their 25mm width for extra grip and comfort.

We enjoyed the Forme's smooth, confident and controlled ride over a variety of not-so-good road surfaces.

• Read our full Forme Monyash 2 review

Kinesis 4S Disc

• £1,850 as tested
• A bike for all occasions
• Supremely versatile

The 4S Disc from Kinesis does a great job of being a bike for all occasions, so if you’re willing to snub the n+1 phenomenon then this could be the buy for you.

Available in road and gravel build options, the road-going version we tested goes without the flared handlebar and wider tyres of its sibling.

Despite this, the 4S Disc is loads of fun and is incredibly versatile, and we know it can work for year-round commuting, training, touring or bikepacking . If you’re not feeling quite so pink, there’s a more subtle blue colour available.

• Read our full Kinesis 4S Disc review

Kinesis Aithein Disc

• £2,680 build as tested
• Super-stiff frame
• Great price

The Kinesis Aithein Disc is an uncomplicated aluminium road bike that uses only standard parts. This is something quite refreshing in a world of proprietary headsets, aerofoils and dropped seatstays.

Racy intentions are at the heart of the Aithein. Reflective of that is a pretty familiar race bike geometry , maximum tyre width of 28mm and no mounts for mudguards or accessories.

Out on the road, the bike's stiff frame means it is great at climbing and descending. The ride is reasonably smooth but certainly firm. If you're feeling strong, the Aithein will deliver an engaging ride that's undeniably fun.

Kinesis offers the Aithein as a frameset, but the build we tested with fitted Shimano Ultegra presented good value.

• Read our full Kinesis Aithein Disc review

• £1,500 as tested
• Versatile aluminium road bike designed for a 1× drivetrain
• SRAM Apex drivetrain and optional mudguards

1× drivetrains haven't really caught on for the road, but their simplicity is appealing for a practical, all-weather bike.

The R1 is designed with 1× in mind and comes specced with SRAM Apex components. Thanks to an 11-42 cassette, the gear range is not lacking.

The R1 is a likeable and engaging ride that's well suited to putting in winter miles, particularly if you opt for the full mudguards upgrade.

• Read our full Kinesis R1 review

• £1,680 as tested
• Good to look at and ride
• Dependable build

In making the R2, Kinesis hasn't tweaked much from its predecessor, the R1, except for adding another chainring on the front.

Even with a 2x drivetrain, the R2 is adept across most terrain, including light gravel, thanks to 32mm tyres and Alex rims, which are designed for cyclocross .

Weighing 10kg, the R2 is never going to fly up climbs. But with mounts for racks and mudguards, plus hydraulic disc brakes, it'll make an agile winter bike and it's zippy enough to ride all year round.

• Read our full Kinesis R2 review

Specialized Allez Sprint Comp

• £2,650/$3,000/€3,500/AU$4,200 as tested
• Stiff frame with exemplary response
• Ripe for a wheel and tyre upgrade

The Allez Sprint Comp borrows from Specialized's pro-level Tarmac SL7 , with the same geometry and aero tube profiles. Specialized also claims similar ride characteristics and it's a bike that you'd be hard-pressed to tell from a carbon frame.

The ride is a great mix of stiffness when pedalling with smoothness and there's a fast, exciting feel. It comes stock with 26mm tyres, but there's room in the frame for 32mm rubber.

The groupset is Shimano 105 with hydraulic disc brakes and a 52/36t chainset with 11-28t cassette, but you could fit a wider-range cassette if you preferred. The Allez Sprint Comp would benefit from a wheel and tyre upgrade though, and its weight isn't competitive with similarly priced carbon bikes.

• Read our full Specialized Allez Sprint Comp review

Specialized Allez Sport

• £1,600/$1,800/€1,750/AU$2,500
• Commuter-friendly
• Nimble handling

Dispensing with rim brakes on the Allez Sport has enabled Specialized to increase tyre clearance to an impressive 35mm. When rolling on wider rubber, the Allez Sport remains comfortable on iffy surfaces.

Clearance decreases to 32mm with mudguards, for which it has mounts. You can also fit a rear rack, which makes the Allez Sport a great commuter or winter bike.

The endurance geometry puts you in a fairly relaxed riding position, but that's not to say the Allez Sport isn't fun to ride.

• Read our full Specialized Allez Sport review

Trek Domane AL 2

• £775/$1,100/€792/AU$1,600 as tested
• Impressive handling and spec for an entry-level bike
• Generously specced

Although it's an entry-level aluminium road bike, you still get a carbon fork with front-end IsoSpeed on the trek Domane AL 2, a feature designed to increase bar comfort found on much more expensive Trek bikes.

There's external cabling: good for maintenance, less so for consistent shifting once it gets dirty.

Spec-wise, there's 8-speed Shimano Claris with a non-series chainset and no-name brakes, which proved fairly ineffective, even in the dry.

We were really impressed by the smooth ride and handling of the Domane, even on its 25mm tyres, although the wheels felt a little heavy. But with its mudguard and rack mounts, we reckon the Domane would make a great winter bike or commuter.

• Read our full Trek Domane AL 2 review

Trek Émonda ALR 5

• £2,325/$2,300/€2,499/AU$3,500 as tested
• Up-to-date spec

The Trek Émonda ALR 5 proves that performance road bikes don't have to be made from carbon. In fact, the frameset weighs in only a fraction heavier than the carbon version, the Trek Émonda SL 5 Disc .

A compliant ride, trusty steering and the quality Shimano 105 R7000 groupset ensure the alloy Émonda is competitively priced.

However, sluggish tyres and leaden wheels take the gloss off the Émonda's performance.

• Read our full Trek Émonda ALR review

Triban RC 500 Disc

• £530 as tested
• Confident all-weather stopping

The RC 500 Disc is one of the best sub-£600 disc-brake road bikes that we've tested. Naturally, the RC 500 carries a weight penalty over a rim-brake bike at this price, but the Shimano Sora transmission components it uses are still commonplace on bikes costing a lot more.

It provides an engaging, comfortable and reassuring ride that's ideal for commuting or general road riding.

• Read our full Triban RC 500 Disc review

Vitus Razor Claris

• £500 as tested
• Comfortable 28mm tyres
• Proven geometry

The Razor Claris from Chain Reaction Cycles’ own brand Vitus is a top value-first aluminium road bike or year-round training tool. Simplicity is key at this price point and Vitus didn’t stray from what it knows works well.

The alloy frame of the Razor inherited its dialled geometry from more expensive bikes in the Vitus line-up and the 28mm tyres it’s fitted with mean plenty of comfort.

The frame and carbon fork are ready to accept mudguards but not racks. Like other bikes at this price, it’s pretty weighty, but that’s par for the course.

• Read our full Vitus Razor Claris review

Common misconceptions that surround aluminium/alloy bikes

Aluminium or alloy.

It can be misleading to call an aluminium alloy bike frame ‘alloy’. After all, steel, titanium and aluminium-frame bikes will be made from metals that are alloys.

Despite this, calling a bike with an aluminium frame an alloy bike is still considered the norm.

"Aluminium bikes are excessively stiff"

One common misconception that surrounds aluminium alloy frames is that they provide a ride character that is excessively stiff.

It's true that some early aluminium frames were brutally stiff, but those days of experimentation have long since passed.

In truth, a frame’s stiffness is dictated by far more than just the material it is made from, with sizing, tube shapes and material grade being some of the many other crucial variables.

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The 14 Best Road Bikes to Buy Right Now

These amazing road, racing, and endurance bicycles are lightweight and built for speed, comfort, and long rides.

Many buyers choose to purchase their bikes online. For this article, we prioritized brands and retailers that will allow you to do that—either shipping directly to you or to a local dealer for assembly. If you wish to purchase your new road bike from a bike shop , several of the options listed here are also available from local retailers, but call before you shop to make sure your dealer has the right model, color, and size.

If cost is no barrier, start your search with the Specialized Tarmac SL8 . One of last year’s most exciting new models, this bike is one of the most well-rounded road race bikes we have tested. For more options, the other models in this roundup were evaluated by our expert test team staff and all are highly recommended.

What Can You Get For Your Dollar?

Why you should trust us, how we selected these bikes, our full road bike reviews, best road bikes under $1,500, best road bikes under $3,000, best road bikes under $6,000, dream bikes, what to look for in a road bike, know your fit, road bike drivetrains, brand component hierarchies, what is a road bike.

I bought my first road bike in 1999. In those days, a road bike meant essentially two things: 19mm tires and dropped handlebars. Regardless of how you intended to ride your road bike, most models were designed around the era’s understanding of racing geometry.

Then 10 years later, when I was an editor at Bicycling , you could have a race bike, an endurance road bike with relaxed geometry and clearance for wide tires, or a touring bike with lots of mounts for bags and racks. The arrival of aero road bikes, so-called all-road, and then gravel bikes, further ballooned the options available to drop-bar cyclists.

Fortunately, the current options are a little more straightforward: Many road bikes now have geometry that will work for both flexible racers and for those who prefer to be more upright. Disc brakes mean that most bikes come with tires appropriate for pavement but have the space to fit wider tires if you like to take your road bike on moderate gravel or dirt roads (plus, we now know that 28mm of tire is far superior to the 19mm tires of my youth).

Advances in design also mean that most brands no longer need to offer both a regular road bike and an aero road bike—one frame can be light, stiff, and slippery to the wind. You can now have one drop-bar road bike that’s comfortable, fast, and fairly versatile for group rides, racing, and exploration.

Below $1,500 , you’ll find bikes with either rim or mechanical disc brakes. These bikes usually have 10-, 9-, or 8-speed drivetrains. If much of your riding is on flat or rolling terrain without steep grades, these drivetrains will serve you well. Riders looking to tackle lots of steep or long climbs will notice the limited gear range and increased weight of bikes at this price. Models under $2,000 usually have frames made from aluminum or steel.

The closer you get to $2,500 , the more likely you'll find bikes with 11-speed drivetrains. At this price point, the frames will probably be made of aluminum, but with more attention to small details, better finish quality, and nicer parts that all result in lighter bikes that are easier to pedal uphill and faster to accelerate. You may also get a carbon fork that can help smooth bumpy roads.

Additionally, with bikes at this level, you’re more likely to see hydraulic disc brakes. These are more powerful and easier to use than mechanical versions and require less adjustment. Road bikes at this price often weigh less than 20 pounds. Adventure and touring bikes at these prices typically weigh more but have a wider gear range and include more mounts for racks and bags.

Bikes between $3,000 and $6,000 , will usually have a carbon fiber frame and fork, along with higher-end components. The increased price comes with a decrease in weight, and bikes in this price range may have electronic shifting, upgraded wheelsets, and components such as bars, stems, and seatposts that may even be made out of carbon. Because these bikes are several pounds lighter, they may feel snappier when accelerating and going uphill.

If you want a premium, high-performance bike and can spend more than $5,000, what you can expect is a much higher quality finish, regardless of the frame material. All of our high-end recommendations are carbon fiber, but at these prices, you can find bikes made of carbon, steel, titanium, or aluminum. Each material has its own unique attributes, and no matter which you prefer, you can be sure that you’re getting a premium version of that material with this kind of financial investment. Count on high-end components and wheels that are lighter and more aerodynamic for smoother, longer rides.

While it’s not necessary to spend this much money on a bike that will let you enjoy excellent days on the bike, this is the price point that affords you access to one of road cycling’s great joys: Seeing a bike that looks very similar to yours carrying cyclists to prestigious wins and show-stopping performances in World Tour races.

Bicycling has been vetting and reviewing bikes, gear, and accessories for more than 50 years. The bike recommendations here are based on the extensive work of the test team which includes Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy, Senior Test Editor Matt Phillips, Test Editor Dan Chabonov, and Maintenance Editor Gabe Ortiz. Together, they have more than 60 years of ride-testing experience and insight that they bring to every recommendation they make.

For road bikes, Dan Chabonov oversaw these selections based on the team’s collective testing experience, as well as his own extensive knowledge of the category.

Andrew Bernstein has been a cyclist nearly his whole life and a passionate road rider and racer since he was a teenager. These days, he rides road and gravel bikes around his home in Boulder, Colo. As a former bike salesperson and Bicycling Gear Editor, Andrew has had the chance to ride many bikes and meet many Bicycling readers, helping him to know what to look for in making these recommendations.

Bicycling ’s Test Team carefully chose these road bikes based on value, quality of parts, user reviews, and experience with the brands and similar models. We rode and raced almost every one of these bicycles in all sorts of conditions, wrenched on them, and tried them with different wheels and tires.

State Bicycle Co. The Beatles Abbey Road Edition

A great-looking road bike for less than $600 that transports you back to the British Invasion? State Bicycle Company makes it happen. This special edition of State’s 4130 Road is fit to ride to Apple Studio with a look straight out of the 1970s.

The downtube shifters are a fun retro touch, while the rear rack and chain guard make this bike practical as well as stylish. It’s highly unusual to see a Brooks B17 saddle on a bike at this price point, and we like it for both the retro look and comfort.

Specialized Diverge E5

Versatility is the name of the game with the Diverge E5. A simple tire swap can change the bike’s entire character. Want to make the E5 go faster and feel sportier on the road? Throw on some 32mm rubber. Want more off-road capability? The Diverge has clearance for up to 700x47mm or 650bx2.1-inch tires—about the same tire width as a 90s-era mountain bike.

Have a long-distance adventure in mind? There are mounts for all the frame bags that you could ever want, and then some—plus fender mounts! The Diverge E5 can be a road bike, gravel bike, drop-bar mountain bike, touring bike, or even an adventure bike.

Salsa Journeyer Claris

Salsa’s Journeyer models are great all-around road bikes. Available with 700c x 38mm or 650b x 47mm tires for those who want to ride on rougher terrain, the Journeyer can be used for anything from road riding to gravel, to bikepacking, or commuting. This Salsa’s aluminum frame and fork accept rack, fenders, and other accessories for any kind of riding.

Specialized Allez Sport

An upgraded version of Specialized’s entry-level road bike, the Allez Sport saves significant weight off the base model. The frame also provides a snappier ride that transmits the feel of the road in a palpable, but not overbearing way. While it won’t be confused with its carbon cousins, this well-rounded and capable road bike is sure to please many cyclists.

READ SPECIALIZED ALLEZ SPORT REVIEW

Giant TCR Advanced 2 Pro Compact

This is our pick for a budget-oriented lightweight, reactive race bike. There's just one catch: it's got rim brakes instead of disc brakes. The good news is that rim brakes, while no longer in vogue, stop a bike just fine. The brakes themselves and the wheels they work with are also lighter than their disc-compatible corollaries—a key advantage at this price point. The total package is a bike we love riding and one that will serve many riders capably.

Trek Émonda ALR

Trek’s Émonda ALR is up there with some of the best aluminum race bikes. It features an impeccably finished and well-designed aluminum frame that’s only a few grams heavier than Treks’ mid-tier carbon Émondas. Plus, the Émonda ALR shares geometry with its pricier siblings, so you get the same quick handling and adaptable fit.

REAR FULL ÉMONDA ALR 5 REVIEW

Canyon Endurace CF 8 Disc

German brand Canyon was one of the first to prioritize delivering bikes directly to consumers without relying on a network of shops. That business model may also allow Canyon to offer greater value than some of its competitors.

This bike comes with a cable-actuated Shimano Ultegra drivetrain which delivers crisp, precise shifts. The Endurace has slightly more relaxed geometry—perfect for riders who aren’t highly flexible, but who still want to push a bike hard around corners and get low on occasion.

Cervelo Caledonia 105

Cerevelo’s do-it-all Caledonia checks a lot of boxes: it’s got a comfortable, semi-upright fit and aerodynamic frame tube shapes. The bike’s geometry skews closer to that of a gravel bike, making the Caledonia more stable, and with space for 34mm tires, you can ride this bike from pavement to moderate dirt and gravel roads. You can even mount fenders if you regularly ride in wet conditions, and want a bento box bag for extra snack capacity. This model comes with a 2x crank, but can also be set up with a 1x drivetrain if you prefer.

Cannondale SuperSix Evo 3

This is the fourth generation of Cannondale’s race-bred SuperSix Evo. In our testing, the SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod (a lighter-weight variant of this frame) was among our favorite bikes, winning us over with its amazing handling and overall speedy feeling.

Updates to the bike have made it more aerodynamic: The headtube now has an hourglass shape that flows beautifully into the fork. The seat tube was also redesigned to work with a new proprietary seatpost. New cable routing on the Evo’s handlebar entirely hides the brake hoses from view.

READ FULL CANNONDALE SUPERSIX EVO REVIEW

Ari Veyo SL Pro

The name has changed, but the value has not! Formerly known as Fezzari, this Utah-based direct-to-consumer brand has consistently delivered bikes that ride great and offer an impressive value when compared to bikes from other brands that have a similar component spec.

The Veyo, the brand's latest lightweight aero road bike, boasts a claimed frame weight of 860 grams. It has easy-to-work-on cable integration and aerodynamic shaping. Bottom line: There is a lot to like here for riders looking for a race-oriented bike.

READ FULL ARI VEYO REVIEW

Bianchi Specialissima Comp 105 Di2

This all-purpose road bike is designed for the cyclist who is getting faster, enjoys racing and group rides, and needs a fast bike that can keep up with them. Bianchi was once a leading road bike brand, and while the celeste-green bikes are less common than they once were, the brand retains its Italian heritage.

Thankfully, the brand did not retain pesky Italian attributes like an Italian-threaded bottom bracket. This bike comes with a Shimano drivetrain, instead of the Campagnolo drivetrain you would have once expected on this bike. That’s a benefit to riders—Shimano’s parts are as ubiquitous as they are effective.

Cervélo S5 Force

The Cervelo Soloist was one of the first aero road bikes and helpedˇ bring wind-slicing technology to road bikes for the first time. Now known as the S series, this bike has been raced to wins at some of the biggest races in the world by the stars of Cervélo sponsored Visma-Lease a Bike Pro team.

True to its heritage, the S5 is a professional-level bike designed for those who love to go fast. Every shape on this bike is designed to slip through the air with the least resistance, and you will feel the speed while riding. It can’t turn you into Jonas, Wout, Marianne, or Sepp, but it does help you have fun trying!

READ FULL CÉRVELO S5 REVIEW

Factor Ostro VAM Shimano Dura-Ace

Factor is a newer consumer brand, but the company has been manufacturing frames for other brands for a long time. The brand is now offering its carbon manufacturing expertise directly to consumers. The Ostro VAM has aerodynamic shaping and fast handling geometry that will help you slice your way through a peloton.

With Dura-Ace components and Black Inc. wheels, this bike is light enough that you won’t notice it as you float your way up the steepest climbs just like the pros of Israel-Premier Tech and Parkhotel Valkenburg teams.

Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 Dura-Ace Di2

Specialized’s eighth-generation Tarmac road race bike combines the best attributes of the brand’s svelte Aethos road bike and the aerodynamics of its discontinued Venge aero road bike. The result is the Tarmac SL8, which rides beautifully and is one of the smoothest, fastest race bikes on the market. Yes, the cost is astronomical, but if you have the funds, this model should be on your short list.

Disc Brakes Are the Norm

Disc brakes are now common on the vast majority of road bikes. If you haven’t bought a bike in the last 10 years, this may come as a surprise, but you’ll be glad for the change. Disc brakes give you more control, consistent slowing power, and better performance in wet conditions. Less-expensive bikes have cable-actuated disc brakes which work well but need more maintenance. More expensive bikes have hydraulic disc brakes which work even better and require less maintenance.

You’ll still find rim brakes from Shimano, SRAM, Tektro, or Avid on some inexpensive road bikes. For cyclists who aren't limited by budget and who still want rim brakes—maybe for the easier maintenance or lighter weight—SRAM and Shimano do still offer high-performance rim brakes to match their high-end component groups. These brakes will serve most cyclists well—everyone used them for decades without issue—but they do require more adjustments. The primary use for these brakes is on custom bikes—very few brands offer their high-performance frame sets in rim-brake versions.

Tire Clearance

There was a time when 28mm tires made a road bike look like someone had squeezed monster truck tires onto a Porsche and left out the lift kit. That size is now quite common on road bikes because we know that 28mm tires give most riders an optimized mix of traction, minimal rolling resistance, road vibration damping, and aerodynamics (depending on the frame’s characteristics).

Also, 28mm tires will fit comfortably on nearly any modern road bike largely thanks to disc brakes that don’t restrict tire size the way outmoded rim brakes do. Many frames will let you mount a tire as wide at 35mm so you can make your ride more comfortable if you desire, or optimize your rig for rides that mix pavement with moderate dirt or gravel.

Whether you choose to ride 28mm tires, bump up to 35mm, or if for some reason you want to stick with the 19mm tires of yesteryear, be sure to note the tire manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure and inflate accordingly. Too much pressure and you’ll bounce all over the road. Too little and you risk flatting.

Frame Materials

Carbon fiber composite and aluminum alloy are the most common materials used in road bike frames and forks. Almost all bikes that cost more than $2,500 are made of carbon fiber. This material is strong, durable, light, and tunable. More than any other material, carbon allows frame engineers to micro-tune areas of a frame with specific attributes, creating stiff or cushioned rides. Carbon frames can also be molded into eye-catching shapes.

You can also find bikes made of steel, titanium, or even bamboo, hardwood, or magnesium if you prefer something less-common. All frame materials have their own unique qualities, and any will serve you well.

At less-expensive price points, you’ll find bikes made of aluminum or steel. And at the very high end, you can find a bike made from any material you like!

My great-grandfather was a tailor. I mention this because his profession meant that I received inter-generational knowledge about how one was supposed to shop for—and wear—the dress clothes that were popular in Eastern European at the turn of the 20th century. The knowledge was pretty much completely wasted on me as I entered a career of working at Bicycling and wearing t-shirts to the office, but the principles of sizing up a dress shirt or suit and sizing up a bike are largely the same: you start with the tape measure.

For a shirt, you get measured around your neck and from the center of the top of your back to your wrist. For a bike, there are several important measurements: inseam, femur length, torso length, reach, as well as how flexible you are.

Bikes are sold in sizes and different types of fits, and they’re also highly adjustable. You will notice that some bikes are labeled with a number that refers to the length of the seat tube. The most common sizes are between 48- and 59cm, usually in 2-centimeter increments.

Other brands label their bikes like clothes—xs, s, m, l, xl. Any shop should be able to fit you to a properly sized bike, regardless of how it’s labeled. Once you know your size, it’s worth considering a bike fit with a professional fitter. A fitter will help you get the bike’s many adjustable features perfectly set so that you can enjoy more comfortable miles.

How Many Speeds?

In the past, many riders would refer to the total number of gears on their drivetrain as how many “speeds” their bike had. “Speed” is another way of saying “gear.” If you had a “10-speed bike,” this meant your bicycle’s drivetrain had five cogs at the rear hub and two chainrings on the crank (5 x 2 = 10).

Now, however, when cyclists or bicycle brands say a bike is 10-speed, they mean the bike has ten cogs at the rear hub. Most bikes have one or two front chainrings, although you can still find the odd triple, especially on touring bikes designed to be weighed down with heavy loads.

Bikes priced less than $1,500 usually have 10-, 9-, or 8-speed drivetrains. With fewer gears, you’ll notice changes between gears more. The more speeds you have, the smoother the transition between gears generally feels. On higher-priced bikes, SRAM, Shimano, and Campagnolo feature 12 cassettes, usually paired with one or two front chainrings.

Many road bikes reviewed by Bicycling feature two chainrings and 11 or 12 rear cogs. But there are other drivetrain configurations.

Another drivetrain you might find is called 1x (pronounced one-by). Popularized by SRAM, this drivetrain is often found on mountain, gravel, and cyclocross bikes, but a few road bikes utilize a 1x drivetrain.

A 1x system does not use a front shifter or derailleur and often offers an equivalent range as a 2x system, but 1x systems have larger jumps between gears. The 1x's advantages are simplicity and fewer dropped chains when shifting. There are also marginal aerodynamics gains compared to a drivetrain with more than one chainring.

Triple cranksets (3x) are rarely found on new road bikes as the gear ranges currently offered by 2x and 1x systems match or exceed the gear spread previously seen on triples.

Electronic vs Mechanical

These days, most high-end road bikes—those $3,500 or more—come with electronic shifting by default, either Shimano Di2 or SRAM AXS (you’ll have to seek out a Campagnolo EPS bike if you want to ride Italian components; very few bikes come with those parts).

Bikes costing less are still equipped with mechanical shifting. While mechanical shifting systems may not have all the cool features of electronic shifting, modern systems work very well. With proper adjustment, these systems can shift just as precisely as an electronic group.

Electronic shifting has several benefits beyond smooth, precise shifts. There are no cables to stretch, so there’s less maintenance. SRAM’s AXS shifting is wireless, so you don’t even have to route anything through the frame.

Battery life is a limiting factor with electronic shifting. Depending on how much you ride, you’ll have to charge your batteries every month or so – but the many advantages of electronic shifting outweigh this one drawback.

Both of the two major component brands—SRAM and Shimano—offer cyclists multiple levels of road drivetrains. The nomenclature surrounding the various options can sometimes be confusing.

Below are the two major component brands and their component groups (in descending price order). We’ve also included information about Campagnolo’s offerings, although the Italian brand is not nearly as prominent as it once was.

Generally speaking, more expensive groups use more carbon and machined aluminum (versus stamped aluminum or steel) parts to achieve lighter weight and better performance. More expensive component groups will likely have more options for crank lengths and gear sizing.

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Dura-Ace → Ultegra→ 105 Di2 → 105 → Tiagra → Sora → Claris

The latest Dura-Ace, Ultegra, and 105 drivetrains from Shimano are all 12-speeds. Dura-Ace and Ultegra are both electronic, while the lower-cost 105 group is available as either 12-speed electronic or 12- or 11-speed mechanical.

Some bikes that blur the line between road and gravel might use GRX gravel components. The new GRX group has 12-speed mechanical shifting. (Previous generation 11-speed Di2 and 11- and 10-speed mechanical variants are also still found on some bikes.)

SHIMANO DURA-ACE AND ULTEGRA REVIEW   SHIMANO 105 DI2 INFO SRAM RIVAL AXS VS SHIMANO 105 DI2   SHIMANO GRX REVIEW

Red AXS → Force AXS → Rival AXS → Apex AXS →Apex

SRAM’s electronic shifting, 12-speed drivetrain is named AXS. SRAM also offers a 12-speed mechanical shifting Apex group.

SRAM FORCE AXS REVIEW   SRAM RIVAL AXS REVIEW   SRAM APEX AXS REVIEW

Super Record Wireless → Super Record → Record → Chorus

Campy recently released its new 12-speed Wireless electronic groupset and discontinued its EPS (wired) electronic shifting groups, though you might still find these on some bikes. Super Record, Record, and Chorus are all 12-speed mechanical shifting drivetrains. Campagnolo also offers a 13-speed 1x-only groupset named Ekar, which is primarily found on gravel bikes.

CAMPY SUPER RECORD WIRELESS INFO

Want to learn how to better shift gears? Or more about electronic shifting? Check out our guide to better shifting here . And if you're considering electronic shifting read all about it here .

Expert Andrew Bernstein, Who Rides His Specialized Turbo Creo Around the Steep Dirt Roads Where He Lives, Shares What to Have Along for the Ride, and Why Bikes Seem So Expensive Nowadays.

What accessories will i need.

Accessories will depend on what you need to support the way you ride, but there are definitely a few items I recommend: A pair of bib shorts or bike shorts will make any ride more comfortable and fun. 

You’ll definitely want to carry a spare tire, CO2 inflator or mini-pump, or other means to repair a flat tire. I also suggest a rear-facing red light that’s bright enough to be seen in daylight.

Why does it feel like bikes are so expensive now?

While you can spend more than ever before on the top end, there are still plenty of lower-cost models available. If it feels like you’re getting less for the same amount of money, keep a couple things in mind: First of all, yes, inflation has driven up the cost of all goods, including bikes. But also: you’re getting a lot more value than you did 10 or 20 years ago.

In 2010, a $3,000 bike likely would have come with Shimano Ultegra-level components. That same bike now probably comes with 105, but you also get a stiff, compliant carbon fiber frame that will ride better than earlier bikes, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, slick-looking internal cable routing, and dependable 12-speed shifting, instead of 10-speed. In fact, I’d choose a 2024 105 group over a 2010 Ultegra group any day!

What bike do you ride?

Mostly, I ride a Specialized Turbo Creo e-gravel bike to crush the steep dirt roads above Boulder. I also ride a Yuba Spicy Curry around town. When I feel strong and want to ride sans-motor, I reach for either a Canyon Endurace or my 2013-vintage Specialized Venge.

Andrew “Bernie” Bernstein is a former Bicycling Magazine Gear Editor, and Bicycling marketing manager. While at Bicycling, he promoted the Bicycling Fall Classic, and the famed Fifth Street Cross Thursday Night Training Series. Bernie was an elite track and road racer from 2010-2019. In 2019, he was hit by a driver near his home in Boulder, CO. The crash nearly killed him and left him with paraplegia. He considers himself very lucky to still now be able to hike, and ride with the help of an e-gravel bike. He’s written about his experience as a paracyclist disabled athletes for Men’s Health, Bicycling, and Outside Magazine. You can follow his adventures on Instagram .

Test Editor Dan Chabanov got his start in cycling as a New York City bike messenger but quickly found his way into road and cyclocross racing, competing in professional cyclocross races from 2009 to 2019 and winning a Master’s National Championship title in 2018. Prior to joining Bicycling in 2021, Dan worked as part of the race organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a coach with EnduranceWERX, as well as a freelance writer and photographer. 

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SRAM Launches its New Red AXS Road Group

SRAM Red AXS 2024—What's New, What's Not

SRAM Red AXS 2024—Should You Upgrade?

There’s Nothing Quite Like 3T’s Strada Italia

The Hottest Road and Gravel Bikes for Spring

2024’s Best and Most Exciting Bikes!

2024’s Best Road Bikes

Reviewed: BMC‘s Fast and Unique Teammachine R 01

Best Hybrid Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

The Best Commuter Bikes for Getting Around Town

The Kreissäge RS Is an Unapologetic Race Bike

• Biking Gear Reviews
• Electric Bike Reviews

14 Best Electric Bikes of 2024

Our Top Picks

The Best Electric Bikes for 2024

Looking for the best electric bike to swap out your car or mix up your commute? Want to explore trails that are just out of reach on a standard mountain bike? An electric bike can put more oomph in your pedal and help you get around town or the trails faster while still allowing you to move your legs and get as much workout as you choose. We have purchased and tested over 100 electric bikes, from budget bikes, commuters, and folding models to top-of-the-line electric mountain bikes with all the latest technology. Whatever your interest in electric bikes, we have information, advice, and recommendations to help you choose the best fit for your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Our favorite models across all categories are listed below.

There are so many different styles and models of electric bikes available today. In this review, we include our favorite models from each category. If you know what type of e-bike you're looking for, we offer more in-depth information in our category-specific reviews. We've tested the best electric commuter bikes for getting around town, the best cargo bikes , the best folding electric bikes , the best class 3 electric bikes , and top-ranked budget electric bikes for those who are looking for a more affordable option.

Best Overall Electric Bike

Ride1up 700-series.

The Ride1Up 700-Series is a full-featured e-bike with sleek looks and performance that exceeds the asking price. This bike provides a smooth ride on 27.5" wheels with 100mm of front suspension. We used this bike for longer-distance commutes and found very few reasons to complain. The mighty 720Wh battery means it has the juice to power through longer rides, while the powerful 750W motor easily supports 20 mph using the throttle or up to 28 mph with pedal assist. Ride1Up provides two frame options, step-over or step-through style, available in two frame sizes. The bike features highly adjustable components, allowing riders to customize its fit. Additional baskets and rack attachments are available as add-ons to help you bring your gear along. This bike's comfort and convenience-oriented features add some weight, but good handling and balance compensate for the extra pounds. It also features a rear rack, fenders, and lights, so you'll be ready for wet or dark roads.

Our least favorite part of the 700 Series was the extra time and effort we put into the assembly. This bike comes less assembled than others we've tested, and all the additional features take longer to assemble during the initial unboxing. However, this is a one-time task, so we wouldn't base our final purchase decision on this factor and might encourage wary consumers to take it to a bicycle shop for assembly. The bike is above average in the weight department, so it doesn't exactly feel nimble, but we found it easily maneuverable in most situations. Ultimately, we were impressed by the power, range, comfort, and ride quality the 700-Series provided, not to mention the competitive price. It is perfect for around-town commutes, errand runs, or outdoor adventures. It has similar performance to the Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser . The Cafe Cruiser has a relaxed disposition, a welded rear rack that can hold up to 130 lbs, and comes with more stylish and comfortable handlebars. However, it's a bit more expensive and offers slower handling.

Read more: Ride1Up 700-Series review

Best Bang For Your Buck Electric Bike

Ride1up turris xr.

What a great bike for the money. Our testers were delighted by the ride quality of the Ride1Up Turris XR , especially considering its affordable price. This budget-friendly bike surpassed several more expensive models in our review, earning it a top rating. With a powerful 750W motor, this Class 3 model quickly zips up to 20 mph with the throttle and as fast as 28 mph under pedal assist. The functional and stylish frame houses a 614Wh battery, providing a respectable range. The 27.5-inch wheels are fast, and the durable knobby tires offer vibration damping and utility. Despite its stability, the bike remains fairly agile and responsive. The Turris features less adjustability than others, but its general geometry and quality touch points should make it comfortable for most riders in its recommended height range. The bike is available in both step-thru (5'1"-6'2") and step-over (5'6"-6'4") frames.

The Turris XR is an affordable bike with some nice comfort features like a suspension fork, fenders, a headlight, all-terrain tires, and a kickstand. It positions you upright in a comfortable and relaxed riding position. Despite not being a particularly sporty bike, it has a 750W motor that feels quite potent. While some minor mechanical issues were reported, the bike's overall quality and value make it an excellent choice for those exploring bike paths and beyond. Its main competitor is the Ride1Up 700 series , which has a larger battery and comes with a rear rack. Whether the price difference is worth the 700 is a personal decision. Another excellent value is the Lectric XP 3.0 . It's a folding model, but you wouldn't know it based on ride quality. The XP 3.0 has excellent range and power and includes many comfort features we appreciated in the Turris. The Turris and XP 3.0 feel higher quality and have larger batteries than the other bikes in our Budget Electric Bike Review. Those two bikes are outstanding values, even next to bikes that are a fraction of the price.

Read more: Ride1Up Turris XR review

Best Overall Cargo Bike

Aventon abound.

The Aventon Abound is a fantastic little cargo bike with serious hauling capabilities. This Class 2 cargo hauler has a 750W hub motor that quickly pushes to 20 mph by pedal assist or throttle. Power is smooth and abundant thanks to a 720Wh battery and torque sensor. The Abound has a class-leading range and a 440-pound capacity, 143 pounds on the rack alone. The rack can host an abundance of accessories that unlock its different purposes. Hauling kids, cargo, coolers, surfboards, you name it. The bike manages to feel huge when it comes time to load and small when it's time to park due to its 20" wheels. A suspension fork and supple rubber offset the ride quality of the smaller wheels. The seated position is upright, with a commanding view, and a dropper seatpost allows you to be flat-footed quickly. The seatpost and front end offer a wide range of adjustments to suit riders from 4' 11" to 6" 3". Fenders, wheel guards, a storage box, and lights that run off the bike's battery are standard. There is also a working brake light and turn signals.

Like other cargo bikes, the Aventon Abound is heavy, but the motor's steady power masks its weight. The 20" wheels keep the bike's size in check but don't roll as smoothly as the 24" wheels on the Blix Packa Genie. We highly recommend the Abound, but if price is your guiding factor, you'll love the Lectric XPedition . The Xpedition offers very similar capabilities with only a slight reduction in refinement.

Read more: Aventon Abound review

Most Useful Electric Bike

Specialized globe haul st.

Striking a delicate balance in the cargo bike market, the Specialized Haul ST is useful without overly imposing. Its small footprint makes for easy storage and agile handling, while its burly frame and solid spec ready it for heavy-duty service. The ride is fun, with 3.5" tires soaking up the bumps. This bike's versatility is a defining feature; it's not too much bike for commuting, and it's enough bike to haul groceries or a single child. If the purpose of this bike was to make replacing trips made by car convenient, it succeeds, and it is probably the most useful product of all in our best bike reviews.

The bike feels really well thought out and incredibly customizable. Specialized offers a bevy of accessories that enhance its capabilities, or you can create your own using the T rail rack. It features a large (772Wh) battery and a 700W motor, giving it more than adequate power and a class-leading range. From the handlebar to the spokes, the bike is ready to haul its maximum of 419 pounds. A unique short tail frame design makes the bike easy to turn, park, store, and carry on a bike rack while only mildly diminishing its utility. Those wanting to haul two kids or have a dedicated kid corral on the rear rack should consider the Blix Packa or RadWagon . Its main downside is the cost of the bike and accessories. For example, we had to pay extra for a throttle, something few other eBike manufacturers ding you for. While the plastic cargo bins perform better than any pannier we have used, they are not cheap. We didn't love the other accessories offered with this bike (or their cost). Still, overall, the bike is an absolute winner for doing exactly what the name implies: hauling many items you normally need a car to carry. If you can't get over the price and want a useful bike for a lot less, check out the Aventon Abound or Lectric XPedition . They're a bit longer, but both roll on 20" wheels.

Read more: Specialized Haul ST review

Long-Term Thoughts: The Haul ST was such a fun and useful bike we had to keep it. After 1100 miles, we've had to replace the battery charger under warranty, replace the broken pedals, and fix a flat tire. Overall, we love the bike, using it as frequently for commuting as we do carrying cargo. We wish the power button were more prominent, especially on days we're gloved.

Best Value Cargo Bike

Lectric xpedition.

The Lectric XPedition delivers much cargo capacity for the dollar. It has power and capability for hundreds less than comparable models. The 750W motor delivers 1350 watts, and the 672 battery gives a respectable range. You can haul up to 450 pounds. Its smaller size and wheels make it relatively agile for a cargo bike. It comes fully featured with a great display, fenders, lights, and a telescoping seat that is fast to adjust. Additional accessories are available at reasonable prices to enhance this bike's utility.

The smaller size and wheels make this bike less stable at higher speeds than some higher-scoring (and more expensive) models. There is also no suspension; this bike does not ride great on rough roads. That said, for the price, the XPedition offers a ton of fun and utility and is what many people will be looking for in a cargo bike. If you want something just a bit more refined that happens to have more range, check out the Aventon Abound ; it's a delight to use. The Lectric XP 3.0 isn't a cargo bike, but its welded rack capable of carrying 150 lbs lets it impersonate one pretty well.

Read more: Lectric XPedition review

Most Stable Cargo Bike

Rad power radwagon 5.

The RadWagon 5 is the most stable cargo bike we've tested. With several generations of improvements, the bike is also more user-friendly than ever. Rad completely redesigned the RadWagon with a bevy of comfort features, giving it new wheels, suspension, a brilliant display, and a lower center of gravity. They also doubled down on safety, giving the bike more powerful brakes, turn signals, and a new Safe-Shield battery technology designed to prevent thermal runaway.

A solid collection of components contributes to the comfortable ride quality and competent demeanor. With a weight capacity of 375 pounds, there aren't many loads the RadWagon 5 can't carry. This bike has a new, wider 750-watt motor and a torque sensor that provides smooth, predictable acceleration in any of its five pedal assist modes, and the throttle gives access to full power with just a twist of the wrist. Easily swappable classes make this bike more versatile, and a large battery gives it sufficient range for most people. The bike feels incredibly stable and easy to ride; the other side of that coin is that it's heavy and not very sporty feeling. For better or worse, this is the old Volvo wagon of cargo bikes. 

Best Fat Tire Electric Bike

Aventon aventure.2 step-through.

Are you looking for a versatile bike that can handle all kinds of terrain? The Aventon Aventure.2 Step-Through may be just what you need. With its 4-inch wide tires and comfortable front suspension, this bike offers stability and smooth rides, ideal for exploring dirt roads or leisurely trails. The 750W motor feels potent and can reach speeds up to 28mph with pedal assistance. It boasts a 720Wh battery, providing a respectable range. Sleek and stylish, the bike has a frame-integrated battery and complimentary components. Step-through and step-over style frames are available in two sizes. The Aventure.2 boasts a vibrant color display and easy-to-use controls. Fenders and lights, a rear rack, and even turn signals integrated into the frame ready the bike for rain, darkness, and urban environments. This bike is perfect for exploring, whether on an adventure or just commuting.

The most significant drawback to the Aventure.2 is its weight. At 77 pounds, it is a big, bulky bike that isn't very easy to transport. It is a little too heavy for most bike racks, and it can be challenging to load it into the back of a truck or move up a flight of stairs. Removing the battery from the bike is quick and easy and brings the bike's weight down to 68 pounds, which is light enough to work with several hitch racks. While the 4-inch wide knobby tires are great for tackling a wider range of surfaces, they can feel sluggish on the pavement and make the handling response feel more delayed. Beyond those concerns, it is a great option for riders who want fewer limitations on where their electric bike can take them. If you like the comfort and versatility of the big wheels, you may also want to consider the Blix Ultra that has similar specs. The Ride1Up Rift is another impressive fat tire electric bike with more power, more range, and even more weight, but it also has more relaxed geometry and a bit more suspension. It includes a rack capable of carrying 150 pounds, and Ride1Up sells a passenger kit that allows you to bring a friend.

Read more: Aventon Aventure.2 Step-Through review

Best Value Electric Gravel Bike

Ride1up cf racer1.

The CF Racer1 is an incredible value in the ebike market. You can buy this bike as a gravel or road bike with an impressive build kit and an even more impressive price. Ride1Up sells directly to the consumer and eliminates the bicycle shop, providing substantially lower prices. The bike has a (252Wh) downtube battery and a 250-watt hub that gives you just enough assistance. The electric drivetrain adds some weight, but the bike is only 28 lbs without pedals. That's light enough to ride it without even turning the battery on. The geometry is sporty, quick on the road, and fairly capable off-road. The steeper angles mean it behaves better at slower gravel speeds but remains quite comfortable.

The carbon cockpit and Rival drivetrain aren't usually found on a bike at this price point. The road build has less flared handlebars, aero rims, a smaller cassette, and wide road tires. Both models can be had with a range extender battery that doubles the bike's range. Rack and fender mounts add some versatility, and dual bottle mounts, including a three-pack mount on the downtube, give you lots of carrying capacity.

A carbon one-piece bar stem looks really cool but lacks adjustability. The bike uses Ride1UP's (CBCS) Current Based Cadence Sensor, which gives it more sensitivity than a traditional cadence sensor, and it's good, but not great. Overall, the bike is as spectacular as its paint job, and if you fit one of the two sizes it's available in, scoop it up.

Read more: Ride1Up CF Racer1 review

Best Folding Electric Bike

Blix vika+ flex.

The folding electric bike test gave the Blix Vika+ Flex top honors. It received high marks in all rating metrics. This small yet powerful bike has a robust 500W motor, allowing for quick acceleration and a top throttle speed of 20 mph. Using pedal assist, it can reach up to 24 mph. Its 614Wh battery holds enough power to travel long distances, impressively traveling 27.5 miles in our throttle-only range test. The bike handles well for a folding model, with good stability at high speeds and predictable steering. The powerful hydraulic disc brakes provide excellent control and stopping power. It also has a wider range of fit than most competitors, with a highly adjustable seat and handlebar. The Blix Vika+ Flex has several useful features, including integrated lights, fenders, and a sturdy rear cargo rack. At 51 lbs and 14 oz, it is significantly lighter than other top performers and folds down small for easy portability and storage.

We found the Vika+ Flex to be our test group's most well-rounded folding model, but it still has some minor drawbacks. With a rigid frame and comparatively narrower tires, it sometimes feels less forgiving over rougher terrain. Of course, the nature of its folding design and smaller wheels means it doesn't have the same composure as the larger wheeled, non-folding competition. It has a respectable range, but it was bested slightly in that metric by bikes with bigger, heavier batteries. Those concerns aside, the Vika+ Flex proved to offer a high level of performance in a convenient folding package, making it the best folding model we tested.

Long-Term Thoughts: After testing the Blix, we didn't want to get rid of it; the bike's compact folded size makes it so convenient. The main difference between this folding electric bike and others tested is that the Blix actually feels compact and less cumbersome when folded. While folding or unfolding the bike, a cable disconnected underneath the cable wrap, preventing it from powering on. Blix customer service was able to troubleshoot the issue quickly, telling us where to unwrap the cable to find the problematic connection.

Read more: Blix Vika+ Flex review

Best Bang for the Buck Folding Electric Bike

Lectric xp 3.0 step-thru.

The Lectric XP 3.0 is a folding electric bike that will fit in the trunk of your car, next to your office desk, or in the hall closet for storage. Despite its compact foldable design, the bike features loads of adjustability to suit a wide range of user heights. It has user-friendly features like a cargo rack, fenders, lights, a comfortable seat, and ergonomic grips. Lectric sells additional accessories, even a passenger seat if you want additional conveniences. With a robust 500W motor, the XP 2.0 packs a lot of power in a small package and can speed up to 28 mph using pedal assist and 20 mph with the throttle. A 500Wh battery integrates into the folding frame, which provides a respectable range given its smaller capacity (a long-range battery is also available for an additional fee). With 3-inch wide knobby tires and a suspension fork, it provides a relatively smooth ride on various surfaces. We also love how easy this bike is to use straight out of the box. It comes almost completely assembled and takes little time and effort to set up and start riding.

The small size has both pros and cons. It is easy to store, but the battery is smaller, giving it predictably less range. The shorter wheelbase and taller handlebar give it a nervous feeling at speed. The tight turning radius allows for good maneuverability, and the bike never felt unsafe. Though it folds into a compact package, it's quite heavy at 62.5 lbs, so lifting it into a trunk or carrying it up a flight of stairs can be difficult. This value-oriented foldable model is a great option for anyone short on storage or seeking a compact e-bike.

Long-Term Thoughts: We kept this bike for long-term use and abuse. It's been treated poorly, stored outdoors, covered in playa dust, and has been totally solid . We added a passenger kit allowing us to carry a friend and replaced the quick-release pedals with pedals that are larger and more stable feeling.

Read more: Lectric XP 3.0 review

Best Moped Style Class 3 Electric Bike

Ride1up revv 1 fs.

We had a great time testing and reviewing the original har-tail Ride1Up Revv 1 , but the Ride1Up Revv 1 FS brings more to the table than just full suspension. This little bike made a big impression with its power, comfort, and convenience features. It's the top-rated bike in our review of class 3 electric bikes. Packing a massive 1040 Wh battery, it provides more range than any other bike we've tested. The bike's 52V electrical system and 1000W hub motor give it the power to easily tackle even the steepest hills.

Ride1Up uses a Multi-Class Speed System that allows you to adjust its output according to the terrain and local laws. By registering the bike, you can unlock an off-road mode, giving it even higher performance for use on private property.

Full suspension, upright handlebars, and a big comfy seat give this bike above-average comfort on all kinds of terrain. Full fenders, lights, turn signals, and a horn give the Revv 1 urban utility and a distinct moped-like feel. The bike's clear central display is top notch providing riders with all the necessary ride data, day or night.

While not designed for efficient pedaling, its throttle range of almost 40 miles makes that less important. Adventurous riders can even add a second battery to double its range. Assembling the bike is made easy thanks to a box that doubles as a support while you complete the final assembly. Tools and instructions are included, and for the visual learners, there is even an assembly video. The Revv 1 FS is a great choice for running errands or exploring trails, but its weight may pose challenges for transportation. At 100 pounds, there aren't many bike racks that can support its weight.

Read more: Ride1Up Revv 1 FS review

Best Electric Mountain Bike

Specialized turbo levo comp.

Specialized found the perfect balance of power vs. natural handling in the Turbo Levo Comp e-mountain bike. Full-power e-bikes are heavier no matter what. However, the Levo has smooth power delivery (an improvement over the abrupt power cutoff of older versions), is well-balanced, and handles the most like a “ regular trail bike ” out of any of the models we tested. It has been our our favorite electric mountain bike for years. The latest Turbo Full Power 2.2 motor system is well refined and boasts a whopping 90Nm of torque, more than enough power to propel you up hills that would be unconquerable on a standard bike. Mixed wheel sizes and highly adjustable geometry make the Levo Comp one of the most customizable options available; several minor adjustments make a huge difference and allow you to tailor the bike to different riding styles and terrain quickly and easily. The Levo also ranks near the top of the group for range. We felt confident going on longer rides without the risk of being stuck miles from the trailhead with a 50lb bike and no power.

While this is undoubtedly one of our favorite electric bikes on the trail, there are a few areas where the Levo was not the top performer. The SRAM Code R hydraulic disc brakes on this bike are far from our favorite, and the non-e-bike specific Fox 36 Rhythm fork also leaves a bit to be desired. There is also no digital display screen on this bike. The only information immediately available to the rider are the LEDs on the frame's top tube showing the current support setting and remaining battery life. If you value having lots of information available at a glance, more expensive versions of the Levo come with a digital display, or you can purchase one as a separate accessory. However, we wouldn't let either of these drawbacks deter you from the Turbo Levo Comp , and we recommend it to anyone looking for a refined and highly adjustable electric mountain bike. If you want to save a few thousand dollars, check out the Commencal Meta Power TR Ride , which didn't score as high but has great downhill performance and only slightly less range.

Long-Term Thoughts: The bike reviewed is actually one of several Levo's that we own and ride constantly. We've been thrilled with the frame's adjustability and ride quality and feel Specialized is ahead of the competition in this segment. We've replaced several motors under warranty, and they seem to be getting quieter and more reliable each time. The bikes have not been without faults, particularly in the TCU and motors, but they've all been fixed quickly and under warranty.

Read more: Specialized Turbo Levo Comp review

Best Lightweight Electric Mountain Bike

Trek fuel exe 8 gx axs transmission.

The Trek Fuel EXe 8 GX AXS is a highly advanced e-bike with impressively integrated technology. Its inconspicuous TQ motor is almost silent, the display is flush with the top tube, and the battery is hidden; it doesn't look like an e-bike. With modern trail bike geometry, ABP suspension, and SRAM's Transmission drivetrain, it is an absolute trail ripper. The motor has a peak rating of 300 watts of power and 50Nm of torque, which isn't enough to make climbing effortless but does put some serious wind at your back. The real thrill of this bike comes from the fact that it makes your rides faster and more exciting. It only weighs 10 pounds more than its analog counterpart, and that weight gives it better traction, more confidence, and a healthy dose of power.

Running big wheels and 140mm of travel with a 150mm fork, the EXe is fun and playful. Riders looking to get rowdier can run a 160mm fork or MX with a 27.5" rear wheel. The bike descends with predictable swagger and confidence but climbs with enthusiasm. The bike's power contribution rewards your athleticism, helping you climb and ride faster. The trick little motor uses a harmonic pin ring in place of belts and reduction gears, more commonly used in other motors, keeping it compact and lightweight. This gave Trek very few structural limitations or things to work around building this bike, making it feel more like a mountain bike than an e-bike. This high-tech trail bike (that just happens to be electric) is perfect for athletes wanting to ride faster and work on their high-speed technical game. The EXe doesn't give you a passive motorized experience, it's just a bike ride but faster and a wee bit more fun.

Read more: Trek Fuel EXe 8 GX AXS Transmission review

Best Electric Mountain Bike for Range

Canyon spectral:on cf 8.

The Canyon Spectral:ON CF 8 is one of the top-performing electric mountain bikes we tested. It manages to be more affordable while offering a quality carbon frame and a mostly excellent component specification thanks to Canyon's direct-to-consumer sales model. At nearly 52 lbs, the Spectral:ON falls in the typical weight range as far as e-MTBs go, yet it handles well and feels balanced on both the climbs and the descents, thanks to the low center of gravity and thoughtful weight distribution. The bike's geometry is certainly trail-oriented, and it is clear that Canyon intended this bike to be geared more towards all-around riding, but we were impressed when it handled steep drops like a champ. Shimano's trusty EP8 drive unit handles the power delivery with up to 85Nm of torque and three customizable support settings. One of the most differentiating characteristics of the Spectral:ON is the extensive range; this bike lasted miles beyond the closest competitor in our range test thanks to the huge capacity 900Wh battery.

Unfortunately, all of that battery power has to be stored somewhere. Canyon did a great job keeping the weight low, but the bulge at the bottom of the bike's frame reduces clearance when riding more technical terrain or if the suspension is ever maxed out. Speaking of suspension, the components on the Spectral:ON work fine but have limited adjustability, and the non-e-bike specific fork could feel a little flexy under braking. Lastly, we recommend running beefier tires, but luckily, this is not a very expensive upgrade. Overall, our complaints about the Canyon Spectral:ON are minor, and it is an excellent option for those who tackle long rides and want a well-balanced trail eMTB that comes at a very competitive price.

Read more: Canyon Spectral:ON CF 8 review

How We Test Electric Bikes

We use a multi-faceted approach to testing ebikes that takes into account the type of bike, its intended use, and what we feel matters the most in each category. Some of the most important metrics we include are ride quality, range, user interface, and power output. We delve deeper into specific categories, evaluating downhill and climbing performance for mountain bikes, carrying capacity for cargo bikes, and folded size for folding e-bikes. In addition to miles of methodical testing on and off the pavement, we build, tune, and maintain these bikes. For Class 2 e-bikes that use a throttle, we test their power output on a modified motorcycle dynamometer.

The bikes get loaded, carried, and hauled around for months, from garages to bike racks to trailheads. We carefully evaluate the nuances of ride quality, measure their angles and weigh them. We spend enough time with each bike to become familiar with it and identify its best and worst attributes. We ride them outside their intended uses and disassemble them to inspect wiring and motor connections. Sometimes, we develop favorites and ride them for extended periods. We have been testing different styles of bikes since 2017, but our team of bike experts has been at it for a combined century.

Why Trust GearLab

Bike testers at GearLab started with mountain bikes in 2017 and have since branched out to include over ten bike categories. We added increasingly popular electric bikes to our lineup in 2019. In that time, we've purchased and extensively tested more than 80 e-bike models across various categories, and we're constantly on the lookout for the latest and greatest e-bikes to test and compare. With more than 1,000 bikes and bike-related products, we've had a little taste of it all.

Our team is led by Senior Review Editor, Joshua Hutchens , a lifelong cyclist and bike nerd. Hutchens has spent his life imparting his two-wheeled passion to others. He spent many years guiding cycling trips all over the world with Backroads. He owned and operated one of “ America's Top Bicycle Shops, ” as well as being one of the founders of The Lumberyard Indoor Bicycle Park. He's raced every discipline of cycling and now spends his days testing bikes and coaching mountain biking through his local community college. A meticulous mechanic and lifelong athlete, Hutchens had his first bike shop job in 1986 and is obsessed with bicycles and how we use them.

Long-time Tahoe resident and occasional pro racer Jeremy Benson also contributed his time and knowledge to this review. Benson has been riding bikes for over 30 years and has authored multiple guide books including a great resource for the Lake Tahoe basin, Mountain Bike Tahoe .

Enduring gratitude to Kyle Smaine for his contributions. Smaine was a South Lake Tahoe native, World Champion skier, talented rider, and a meaningful contributor to our reviews.

How to Buy the Best Electric Bike for You

Deciding that you want an electric bike over an analog is the first step, and you may think it will be easy to choose a model from there. However, almost every bicycle out there has its e-bike equivalent these days. With so many options, it can be difficult to make a wise decision, but it is possible! Some questions help to narrow down the categories so that, in the end, you are riding the bike that fits your needs best.

Where Do You Want to Ride?

Your lifestyle, location, and budget are probably the three most influential factors when deciding which e-bike will suit you, so you have to ask yourself: Where do I want to ride? The answer to this question will help you narrow down the enormous amount of choices and select an electric bike from the category that will work best for you. For example, if you want to rip around on mountain trails, an e-MTB is the obvious choice. If you live in the city and want to bike-commute to the office daily, a sleek and zippy electric commuter or city bike will be your best bet. To enjoy weekend cruises to the park or beach, you may opt for a bike that prioritizes comfort and cost. If you have kids, pets, or other precious cargo to haul, you'll select something from the e-cargo bike category. Different classes of bikes will also dictate where you can ride. State, local, and regional regulations vary, so it is best to check if your bike is within the regulations of your area.

Classes of Electric Bikes

The 3-class system is becoming widely accepted as a way to regulate e-bike use, but laws and regulations vary by state and even by country. With some of the more powerful bikes riding the border between mopeds and e-bikes, a bike's power and speed capabilities determine where you can legally ride them. Some bikes can switch modes, allowing you to ride them anywhere without limitations. Regardless of class, most e-bikes are limited to a motor with one horsepower (750W) or less.

Electric bikes that fall into Class 1 are pedal-assist only, which means that power is only delivered when the rider is moving the pedals, and most of the time, there is no throttle on the handlebar. If there is one, it offers an extra power boost, but it only works when the rider is pedaling. Motors on class 1 bikes support top pedal-assisted speeds up to 20mph, and they are typically allowed in bike lanes and multi-use trails, essentially anywhere a regular bike can go. Nearly all electric mountain bikes fall into this category.

Class 2 e-bikes also have a top motor speed of 20mph (although it is possible to ride them faster if your legs are strong enough). The main difference between classes 1 and 2 is that class 2 bikes have a throttle, usually a thumb paddle or twist grip on the handlebar, that will propel the bike forward without any help from pedaling input from the rider, putting them more on par with electric scooters. Like class 1, they also have a pedal assist option with different levels of power, depending on your preference. E-bikes that fall into the class 2 category are usually allowed in bike lanes and multi-use paths, but there are exceptions in certain states.

Class 3 bikes take it up a notch with a higher speed limit. These bikes have a throttle and pedal assist, with the throttle limited to 20 mph and the pedal assist up to 28 mph. If your legs can push one of these heavy bikes faster than 28mph, kudos to you, but you won't get any help from the motor after 28 mph. These electric bikes are commonly equipped with a speedometer and a throttle, although not always. These bikes have more restrictions regarding who can ride them and where. You may be required to wear a bike helmet , and in many states, anyone under a certain age is not allowed to ride a class 3 e-bike (usually between 15-16 years) unless they are a passenger, and they are not always allowed on bike paths. However, it is ultimately up to the discretion of the local government, so be sure to check regulations before heading out.

Types of E-bikes

Whatever your preferred riding style, there is probably an e-bike version to fit; if you can't find one, it's probably in the making. As electric bikes become more popular, many people are adopting the term “ analog ” bike to differentiate between motorized and traditional bicycles. While many of the features found on particular styles of e-bikes are the same in the analog world, a few motor or battery-specific details are different. We go over all of this below.

Cruiser Electric Bikes

Cruiser e-bikes prioritize comfort, convenience, and ease of use. They have a more relaxed and upright riding position and are made for long and slow outings down the neighborhood bike path or on the side street that leads to the beach. These typically have a very user-friendly interface and have the option for a step-through frame design to make mounting and dismounting easier for most people. Wider tires make them best suited for rides on the pavement. They may not be as powerful or speedy as some other models, but they provide a boost to your pedaling efforts and are fun and comfortable to ride.

City/Commuter Electric Bikes

Commuter bikes are purpose-built and can potentially replace cars for some riders. They often have quick power output and may operate at higher speeds to keep up with city traffic. Depending on your commute length, you may want to look for a commuter bike with a larger battery to boost the range you can travel. Many include features like headlights, tail lights, and brake lights for enhanced visibility on the road or in an urban environment, and other features like fenders or small racks over the rear wheel add protection from road spray and provide a place to transport some cargo. We have detailed side-by-side tests of the best electric commuter bikes . Below, the chart shows the overall scores of the entire test fleet.

Folding Electric Bikes

As the name suggests, these bikes are designed to fold down to minimize size and maximize portability. Folding electric bikes are aimed at riders with limited storage space or who may need to fit their bike into a vehicle rather than on a bike rack. They are also perfect for those who would prefer to bring their brand-new e-bike inside rather than leave it chained to the bike rack outside (it's a significant investment, we get it). People who travel with their bikes frequently, RVers, city dwellers, and office workers are the most likely to benefit from this style of bike as the smaller collapsed size takes up significantly less space than non-folding models. One of the downsides to this style of e-bike is that they typically have smaller diameter wheels, tall handlebars, and geometries dictated by their folding designs that can result in slightly less stable handling. If you'd like to see how they compare, check out our side-by-side analysis of the best folding electric bikes . This chart shows the overall scores of all bikes in the test.

Electric Cargo Bikes

In our opinion, the best cargo bikes are more likely to replace a car for most people than any other style of electric bike. Add a motor to this style of bike, and you're that much closer to living car-free. Often, these bikes are extra long to accommodate a larger rear cargo rack or have a box/wheelbarrow-style cargo space in the front or rear of the rider. A dual kickstand is also a common feature to help support the added length and heavier weight. Most brands that produce cargo bikes also sell various accessories to tailor the storage/cargo space to your needs. Items like front/rear baskets, bike trailer attachments , child seats, and mounts for your favorite bike pannier bags can add space and customize cargo-carrying capability. This larger hauling capacity and extended length can mean trickier handling and a much heavier bike. These models are not very portable and are best suited to those who can ride them straight out of the garage. We've performed exhaustive testing of the best cargo bikes . The chart below shows how all those bikes compared to one another.

Fat Tire Electric Bikes

Fat tire electric bikes feature extra wide and often knobby tires, much like their analog counterparts. The higher volume of the tires increases the contact patch, so they float better over soft conditions like sand and snow, and they also dampen the ride enough that these bikes often don't have a separate suspension system. Tires can range from 3.7" to 5.2" wide, compared to the 1.75" to 2.21" width found on most standard bikes, increasing traction and stability and making them suitable over a much wider range of surfaces. Because of the larger tire size, analog fat tire bikes tend to move slowly and steadily, so adding a powerful motor helps to propel you through varying terrain and surface conditions more quickly. (See our favorite non-electric fat tire bikes in our dedicated review.)

Electric Mountain Bikes

E-mountain bikes are built for off-road use and are equipped to handle steep ups and downs, just like their analog mountain bike cousins . They are often some of the priciest options available, but they are built with quality components like rugged suspension systems, light(er) weight frames, beefy tires, and frame geometry that make them well-suited to riding rougher trails. The motors on e-MTBs are typically regulated to class 1, with multiple pedal-assist levels and top supported speeds of 20 mph. We recommend gearing up with the proper protective gear like a well-fitted helmet and sturdy knee pads . Our testing of the best electric mountain bikes is thorough and ongoing. To see an overall comparison of bikes tested so far, check out the chart below.

Electric Road Bikes

As with traditional road bikes (and gravel bikes too), their motorized counterparts have sporty forward-leaning geometry, narrow tires, and lightweight frames, all with performance and efficiency in mind. Keeping that in mind, many analog road bikes can exceed the 20mph power cutoff of e-bike motors when on flats and downhills. E-road bikes are inevitably heavier due to the battery and motor, so you may end up hauling dead weight through these sections of your ride. However, if you ride in an area with many hills, you'll probably appreciate a little pedal assist occasionally. Fancy carbon frames and sport-specific builds can often make them pricier than other categories of e-bikes.

Electric Gravel Bikes

Striking a balance between road and off-road use, gravel bikes are the Swiss Army knives of versatility. Adding a motor only enhances this versatility and can expand your riding range. Electric gravel bikes strive to keep the weight low and generally offer less assistance. Benefiting from a multitude of handlebar positions and a more upright position, e-gravel bikes are a comfortable option for long days of exploration.

What Else to Consider

Now that we've covered the main groups of e-bikes, you've probably had a chance to narrow down your top picks. When it comes down to the finalists in your list, these features and specs can help you narrow your choices even further.

Motor and Battery Specs

Most e-bikes have a range that falls between 20-30 miles. Battery size and motor power will determine the approximate range. Still, additional factors like rider weight, terrain, and the amount of pedal assistance or throttle used will also play a major role. Not surprisingly, a little leg power from the rider can add many miles to a bike's range. Batteries are measured in Watt-hours, and the higher the Wh number, the more power storage and longer the range, but this also means increased weight and size, making for a heavier bike.

There are also several options regarding motor size and placement. Most e-bike motors span the range of 250W to 750W. Larger motors generally produce more torque, accelerate faster, and easily support higher speeds. Hub-drive motors are located in the center of one of the wheels (typically the rear wheel) and transfer power directly to the wheel where it is mounted. These are more affordable, easier to maintain, and do not add as much wear and tear to bike components. However, their single-gear ratio makes them less efficient, and it's more difficult to change or repair tires. Mid-drive motors are located in the bike's center, usually around the pedal crank, and deliver power to the wheel through the chain. They're usually pricier but also more refined, using the bike's gears to maximize efficiency, and they better balance the weight of the motor. Mid-drive motors are typically found on more expensive electric bikes.

Pedal-assisted power delivery options include a torque sensor or a cadence sensor. Torque sensors measure how hard you pedal using a strain gauge and deliver the appropriate power for the rider's chosen setting. While usually more expensive, torque sensors can feel more intuitive and natural because they adjust quickly to the rider's movements, providing more power when you pedal harder and less power when the pedals slow down.

Cadence sensors work more like an on/off switch. When you begin to pedal, the motor provides power, but the output usually needs to be manually adjusted using the controls on the handlebar. Some cadence sensors are a bit “ smarter ” because they can count pedal rotations (but still do not sense how hard you are pedaling) to adjust power output automatically. This type of system is usually more affordable.

Features and Accessories

The last things to consider are ease of use features and included accessories vs. accessories that come as a separate purchase. The user interface varies from bike to bike; some show minimal information like battery level and power setting, while others include speed and other stats about your ride. Some models have an app to track your ride and adjust settings on your smartphone.

While almost always available as aftermarket accessories, it included perks like a headlight, tail light, fenders, and cargo racks, which are nice additions. Many brands also offer additional accessories like baskets and kids' seats designed specifically to fit their bike models so you can customize your ride. Most bikes these days have a removable battery, which makes charging as simple as carrying the battery to the nearest outlet rather than having to haul the entire bike over. It could also be considered an additional security measure or a way to lighten your bike while transporting it on a bike rack.

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Best Class 3 Electric Bikes of 2024

Road bikes are designed to be ridden primarily on pavement for recreation, fitness, and speed. These are the bikes you see everywhere from the Tour de France to the group road ride at your local bike shop. Road bike technology has developed at a rapid pace, and new bikes are lighter, stronger, more comfortable, and faster than ever before. All Trek road bikes will perform effectively in a wide variety of riding situations, from racing to long distance touring. But each style is designed to emphasize certain rider priorities and be used for a particular type of ride. Determining which style of bike fits your goals is the first step in identifying the one that you’ll most enjoy riding.

Domane carries you over rougher roads with remarkable efficiency, and its stable endurance geometry and road-smoothing IsoSpeed technology keep you riding stronger for longer.

Émonda is stiff, responsive, and shockingly lightweight, with an explosive ride quality that favors riders who like snappy handling and classic road bike geometry.

Madone is the ultimate fusion of aerodynamics, ride quality, and integration. It’s an insanely fast race bike, yet it has enough compliance and versatility for everyday riders.

Checkpoint is designed for gravel but fully capable of so much more. Whether you’re riding for fun, commuting to work, or you’re just getting into gravel riding, this bike does it all.

Domane is designed to provide the smoothest, most stable ride, and offers the most versatility among our road lines. These attributes make it an ideal choice for endurance riders going out for long century rides, sportive, or fondo events. Domane is the best choice for riders looking to ride on a variety of surfaces. Its combination of endurance geometry and IsoSpeed technology provide predictable handling, more stability, and an overall smoother ride. This results in more comfort and control over rough, cracked pavement. Additional clearance for wider tires and disc brake options also make Domane an optimal choice for riding on gravel roads.

Émonda is the lightest weight family of road bikes. It’s designed for all-around road racing, with spritely response to pedaling input and quick handling. Because of its light weight and surefooted cornering, Émonda is the bike of choice for riders who love to climb and descend. Whether on long tempo mountain summits or sprinting over short, punchy hills, Émonda riders smile when the road points up. Émonda’s ride feels more aggressive than Domane due to its H2 geometry. It’s perfect for riders who prize a nimble bike that can change directions with a flick of the handlebars. Émonda is a race bike that’s also great for group rides and cyclists that "just want a great riding lightweight road bike".

Madone is the ultimate race bike, designed to be the fastest road bike on the planet. Riders who hunt Strava segments, rouleurs who leave the peloton to strike out on their own, and those who simply desire the pinnacle of bicycle technology will love Madone. If Domane is the smooth advantage and Émonda is the lightweight advantage, Madone is the aero advantage. KVF tube shapes and seamless integration place Madone on the top rung of the aero road bike ladder. Trek’s unwavering commitment to ride quality truly sets it apart from the pack. Madone incorporates IsoSpeed to maintain a smooth ride, not something other aero road bikes are known for.

Checkpoint is the gravel bike that gives you the versatility and capability you need to tackle everything from epic backwoods adventures to fun-filled commutes and gravel racing pursuits. It’s packed with gravel-specific features and off-road capability, and was designed to be set up in a wide variety of configurations depending on what the ride calls for. Checkpoint has all-weather disc brakes and massive tire clearance that allows to run the tires that fit the ride of the day. Checkpoint comes equipped with ultra-versatile 700x35c gravel tires, but we’re not ones to limit ourselves, so the bike comfortably accepts tire widths from 28-45c. Checkpoint is also designed to carry and haul everything you need for an epic adventure on and off the road. Mutilple mounts for water, bags and racks give you the choice to go light and fast or all-in for multi day adventure rides.

E-road bikes let you enjoy more of what you love about road riding. They pair true road race tech with advanced pedal-assist technology so you can hit distance and speed milestones you never thought possible.

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The Best Road Bike Pedals of 2024

If you are a road cyclist, finding the right pair of road bike pedals can enhance your efficiency and comfort on the bike . This seemingly simple component is a critical workhorse on your bike as it is subject to many thousands of revolutions and all the pedaling forces applied from your legs.

Along with your road bike shoes, your road bike pedals form one of only three contact points between you and your machine, and it is particularly important when it comes to efficiency. Creating a mechanical connection between the sole of your shoe and the pedal, clipless road pedals help to maximize your pedaling effort throughout the pedal stroke while keeping your foot in the optimal position for transferring your power into the drivetrain.

With stiff axles, lightweight bodies, and broad platforms, road bike pedals also provide stability, comfort, and control, while adjustments to cleat positioning, float, and entry/release tension allow you to optimize their fit, feel, and performance to your specific needs.

With so many options to choose from, finding the right pair of road bike pedals can be a challenge. To help, we rounded up a diverse selection of models from Shimano, Look, Time, and Speedplay to test and compare side by side. Whether you’re new to clipless road pedals or are upgrading from an old pair, there are great options to suit all riding styles, performance needs, and budgets.

After months of testing, we’ve chosen our favorite models, which are listed below, followed by the best of the rest that are all worthy contenders as well. To see the specs of the models we tested at a glance, check out our handy comparison chart . If you need help deciding what to buy or simply want to learn more about road bike pedals, our buying advice and FAQ section have the info you need.

Editor’s Note: This Guide was originally published on our sister site, BikeRumor.com . It was first published here on GearJunkie on June 6, 2024 . Additionally, we added our impressions of the recently updated Look Keo Blade Ceramic pedals .

• Best Overall Road Bike Pedals: Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL
• Best Value Road Bike Pedals: Shimano 105 SPD-SL
• Runner-Up Best Road Bike Pedals: Time XPro 12
• Best Race-Specific Road Bike Pedals: Look Keo Blade Ceramic
• Best Road Bike Pedals for Adjustability: Wahoo Speedplay Nano
• Best Road Bike Pedals for Beginners: Time Xpresso 2
• Best Splurge Road Bike Pedals: Shimano Dura-Ace SPD-SL

Shimano Ultegra SPD SL

• Weight (pedals only) 248 g
• Weight (cleats and hardware) 72 g
• Spindle Stainless steel
• Body Carbon composite and stainless steel contact plates

• Excellent stiffness-to-weight ratio
• Simple cleat installation
• +4mm spindle option offered
• More affordable than Dura-Ace

By using slightly heavier materials and placing slightly less emphasis on axle stiffness than its Dura-Ace counterpart, the Ultegra SPD-SL pedal ($200) from Shimano makes a strong case as a better option for most recreational riders. The PD-R8100 retains all the same attributes that made the Dura Ace pedals incredible — excellent stiffness to weight, easy cleat set-up, and a silent and maintenance-free service life — but at a significant cost saving. 

The Ultegra PD-R8100 asserts itself as a serious performance component, starting with an extra-wide injection-molded carbon fiber body. The substantial width of the pedal body distributes pedaling forces across a larger area of the foot for added efficiency and comfort on long rides. The use of carbon keeps the weight down to 248g for the pair of pedals, only about 13 g heavier than the Dura-Ace version. 

Moving inboard to the axle reveals the first easily discernable difference from the Dura Ace pedals, as the outer diameter of the axle is not quite as wide, resulting in a little bit more flex under big surges of power. Still, the Ultegra pedals acquit themselves well here, as it takes a huge wallop of wattage to even notice this slight difference. Within the axle, wide-spaced bearings ensure stable and even load distribution, helping the bearings stay smooth for many thousands of miles.

Unlike the Dura-Ace version, Shimano provides the standard yellow cleats with 6 degrees of float, which is in keeping with the needs of recreational road riders who prioritize comfort as well as efficiency. Those who desire less float can purchase the blue (2.5 degrees) or red (0 degrees) cleats and swap them out.

Installation is quick and easy with the standard 3-bolt design that works on most road shoes. Entry and release tension is easily adjusted to suit your preference. Additionally, Shimano sells a +4mm spindle version for those looking to increase their stance width slightly.

Engaging the cleat involves the familiar toe-in and heel-down movement that most road pedals require, and it becomes second nature. Clicking out does require a relatively deliberate twist of the heel, and while it may take a little more force than some other brands, it provides some assurance that your feet won’t unexpectedly come flying off the pedals when you’re putting down a hard effort.

If you want 95% of the performance of Dura-Ace with only the slightest weight penalty and $80 in your pocket to put towards other bike parts, the Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL pedals are a no-brainer. These are one component you can put on your bike and not think about for thousands of miles because they work, and they work well.

Shimano 105 SPD-SL

• Weight (pedals only) 265 g
• Body Carbon composite with steel contact plates

• Reasonable price
• Relatively lightweight
• Adjustable release tension
• Similar performance to higher priced siblings at lower price
• Slightly heavier weight

It’s fair to ask what even separates Shimano’s flagship Dura-Ace pedals from its value-packed 105 PD-R7000 SPD-SL ($150) pedal, which is roughly half the cost. The two look virtually identical, with carbon fiber bodies and stainless contact plates, and both feature wide-set, high-quality axle bearings.

Although the 105 PD-R7000 is a bit heavier than their Dura-Ace and Ultegra siblings due to being comprised of slightly different materials, the lower price and nearly identical performance mean that the Shimano 105 PD-R7000 is an excellent value. 

Functionally, the Shimano 105 pedals work nearly identically to the more expensive Ultegra and Dura-Ace models. The primary difference is that they weigh about 30 grams more for the pair, a difference that will likely go unnoticed by all but the most discerning of riders. They still have the same size wide platform for excellent contact and lateral stability, although the steel contact plates are smaller.

They also share the same cleat attachment system with adjustable entry and release tension controlled by turning a small screw on the rear. The 105 pedals also share the same cleats, and installing them is quite easy.

Unlike the Dura-Ace pedals, the 105 model comes with Shimano’s yellow cleats that have 6 degrees of float. This provides a more forgiving interface for those who prefer more float or are just getting used to clipless pedals. Both the blue (2 degrees) and the red (0 degrees) are available aftermarket for those who prefer a tighter feel. Another difference is that the 105 pedals are not offered in a +4mm spindle option, so those looking to widen their stance width will still need to spring for the more expensive options.

On the bike, the 105 pedals perform dutifully and give little, if anything, to complain about. Clipping in requires the same toe-in, heel-down motion that quickly becomes second nature. Assuming your cleats are adjusted properly, releasing from the pedals is just as easy with a twist of the heel, and unexpected clip-outs are a total non-issue in our experience. They also spin smoothly and, unlike some other brands, remain virtually silent underfoot for seasons on end.

If you’re willing to accept a slight weight penalty, the Shimano 105 SPD-SL pedals are an excellent option that performs nearly on par with the higher-tier options in the brand’s lineup. There are less expensive pedals, but we feel the ratio of price to performance makes the 105 one of the best values on the market.

Time XPro 12

• Weight (pedals only) 188 g
• Weight (cleats and hardware) 85 g
• Spindle Titanium
• Body Carbon

• Excellent stiffness
• iClic offers easy clip-in
• Lightweight
• Aero design
• Adjustable tension with 3 settings
• Floaty feel can take some getting used to
• Max rider weight of 90 kg (198.4 lbs.)

Originally based in France, Time was recently acquired by SRAM and continues to make excellent pedals across all disciplines. Time has a unique design that we’ll detail below and a loud and proud European aesthetic that adds to the aggressive look of any road bike. The Xpro 12 ($317) is one step down from the range-topping and wildly expensive XPro 15, and it will save you a bunch of money in comparison, though they still aren’t exactly cheap either.

The XPro 12 has a carbon fiber body and titanium axle, both of which are expected features in a pedal at the $317 price point. What is certainly not expected about the XPro 12 is the fairing that graces the bottom of the pedal and claims to make the pedal more aerodynamic. Is this noticeable in use? Not necessarily, but Time still deserves kudos for giving the XPro 12 a highly stylized aero treatment.

The fairing immediately grabs your attention, as it’s adorned with a large Time logo against a bright red backdrop. The fairing also serves the purpose of protecting the carbon body from damage during crashes and from the routine abuse that almost all pedals take since they sit far outboard of the frame of the bike. 

Clipping in and out of the Time XPro 12 is a pleasure. The iClic system delivers a more fluid and free step-in than any other pedal in this test. Time’s Cilic design remains open whenever the cleat is disengaged from the pedal and, therefore, is able to freely accept the cleat during the next step-in. Complimenting the iClic design is the oversized 725mm-squared surface area of the pedal, which provides added confidence during step-in and a very solid base for throwing down big power. 

Float in the stock “free” cleat ranges between -5 to +5 degrees, and zero-float cleats are available for those who simply want a locked-in feel without any float adjustment. They also have 2.5mm of lateral float, which is noticeable. The 16-degree release angle of the XPro 12 feels very easy to unclip without creating any fears that the cleat would disengage unexpectedly. The release tension is also adjustable between three different tension levels of the carbon blade, so you can fine-tune the XPro 12 to your preference in this regard. 

Out on the road, the XPro 12 delivers what you’d expect, which is a fluid, light feeling at the cranks and quiet performance. Although Time pedals don’t have the same absolutely locked-in feel of Shimano SPD-SL, it’s easy to recommend them just as quickly to a rider who isn’t already accustomed to the Shimano feel. 

If you want to try a high-quality and easy-to-use alternative to Shimano SPD-SL or Look Keo, the Time XPro 12 is worth a close look. It’s a classy product that will add an undeniable European flare to any road bike.

Look Keo Blade Ceramic

• Weight (pedals only) 230g
• Weight (cleats and hardware) 70g
• Spindle Hardened chromoly steel

• Easy in/out
• Sleek looking and aero
• Noisy stock cleats

Slotting in second from the top of Look’s pedal lineup behind the Titanium-spindled version, the Keo Blade Ceramic pedals are a light, stiff, and aerodynamic design aimed at racers and performance-minded enthusiast riders. 

The hardened steel spindle material is the only difference from the top-tier model. There is only a modest weight penalty of a few grams and no discernable fall-off in stiffness. Perhaps more important to the spindle performance is the use of ceramic bearings in the Keo Blade Ceramic, which prolong the smooth-spinning performance of the spindles as compared to some lower-grade steel bearings found in less expensive pedals. 

These pedals look strikingly different from the non-Blade Keo and Shimano offerings due to their namesake — a carbon fiber blade that works in lieu of a traditional metal spring to retain the cleat. The main benefit of this carbon fiber blade is weight savings, which Look claims to be upward of 20% compared to a standard metal spring design.

Look also claims improved airflow across the underside of the pedal, although no specific wattage or speed numbers are quoted. Still, it does seem logical that the smooth carbon blade covering the spindle area should result in less turbulent airflow compared to pedals with prominent hardware exposed along the bottom.

Clipping out of the blade pedals is also much nicer than some other high-end pedals we’ve used. After initiating upward pressure with the foot, the carbon blade bows, helping reach that critical torque level where disengagement occurs. You’ll have the choice of three levels of blade tension — 12, 16, and 20 Nm, each of which requires swapping out the carbon blade, which is an easy task. 

On the road, we were impressed with how stable our feet were on the pedals, even compared to the trusty Dura Ace 9100 pedals. The full carbon body and wide platform create a confident, comfortable stance from which to produce big surges of power, and the spindles feel buttery smooth during high-cadence intervals. 

We left the 16 Nm carbon blade installed for our entire test period, and these felt well-suited to any situation — from commuting in city traffic with regular unclipping to full-gas sprints and twisty descents with lots of lateral pressure going through the shoes.

What’s not to like about the Look Keo Blade Ceramic pedals? Well, it’s the same issue as every other Look road pedal, and that is the cleat, which creaks and squeaks constantly. Fortunately, there’s a solution — XPEDO has produced a Keo-compatible cleat called the Thrust that uses a slightly different plastic formula and runs totally silent. Why noise continues to be an issue with the Look-produces cleats is a head-scratcher, as it’s been going on for multiple decades and is a well-known problem.

At $252, the Look Keo Blade Ceramic pedals are a premium option that will tangibly improve the riding experience compared to entry and mid-level pedals. The improved stiffness, bearing performance, and a great blend of lightweight and aerodynamics make this pedal worthy of any dream bike build. Just consider installing some XPEDO Thrust cleats on your shoes before heading out on your first ride.

Wahoo Speedplay Nano

• Weight (pedals only) 170 g
• Weight (cleats and hardware) 163 g
• Body Carbon composite

• Light and very low-profile pedals
• Low stack height
• Clean looks
• Dual-sided engagement
• Heavier cleats create higher system weight
• Complicated cleat setup
• Not well suited to dirty conditions
• Maximum rider weight of 82 kg (180 lbs.)

Representing a departure from the more common style of pedals and cleats from Shimano, Look, and Time, Speedplay brings something unique to the table. While the brand has been around for a long time, it was recently acquired by Wahoo Fitness, which brought the pedals back to market.

The Wahoo Speedplay Nano pedals ($450) deliver low weight, dual-sided engagement, clean looks, and adjustable float. Cleat installation is complex compared to other options. Still, once they are adjusted correctly, Speedplay pedals are indeed very nice to ride, with a fluid pedaling feel and lots of adjustability that could potentially unlock greater comfort and efficiency than more traditional options.

The Speedplay Nano is the top-tier option in the brand’s 4 models (not including the Powrlink power meter options), and they feature high-end materials like a brushed titanium spindle, along with carbon fiber in the circular-shaped body of the pedal. This combination of materials keeps the weight to a scant 170g for the pair (pedals only), bolsters stiffness, and enhances the aesthetics of any high-end road machine.

Additionally, they have the lowest stack height of any model on the market, at just 11.5mm (or as low as 8.5mm with 4-bolt shoes), which promises marginally better cornering clearance.

While your bike might look and feel more svelte with Speedplay pedals installed, it is worth noting that the cleats are heavier than most, which results in a higher system weight than other high-end options. The reason Speedplay cleats weigh more is that instead of a standard 3-bolt cleat interface, they use a 4-bolt system that requires an adaptor (included) to work with most road bike shoes (unless you have 4-bolt shoes).

This adaptor bolts to the shoes and the cleat on top of that. The walkable cleat covers slip onto the cleats. It’s a relatively complex stack of hardware, and with all those layers comes some extra weight. 

Like any other cleats, they can be adjusted fore-aft, left-right, and angled for the desired positioning. They also offer adjustable float between 0 and 15 degrees as well as an adjustable release angle between 0 and 7.5 degrees. All this adjustability should allow most users to find their perfect settings and potentially help mitigate knee pain for some riders.

Our only complaint about the adjustability is that it requires a small Phillips head screwdriver when a hex head would be more likely already in the toolbox and help prevent stripping the head. Installing and adjusting the cleats requires care and some patience, including reading the printed directions. Once the float is adjusted right, however, the pedals feel awesome.

On the road, the Wahoo Speedplay Nano has a light, smooth, and efficient feel. While clipping in isn’t any easier than other pedals, it becomes automatic within a few rides. With most of the system’s mass contained in the cleats and connected directly to the shoes, they feel rigid and stable when ramping up the power.

If you are already accustomed to the locked-in feeling of the other brands, however, take note that Speedplay pedals are easier to disengage and, in turn, don’t feel quite as secure during super hard efforts. 

Excessive ankle movement during the pedal stroke could result in the cleats disengaging from the pedals unexpectedly. We found this to be more common with the “easy tension” cleats that come with the Comp version, though it still happened a few times with the “standard tension” cleats of the Nano.

Walking with Speedplay cleats is easy, thanks to the walkable cleat cover that’s included in every set of pedals. Still, it’s important to avoid walking on surfaces that could cause debris to collect inside the cleat, and the same goes for riding. These cleats need to remain clean to engage the pedal securely, so they may require frequent cleaning should you ride in dirty conditions with any regularity.

Overall, the Wahoo Speedplay Nano is a beautifully engineered and manufactured pedal, that does provide a wonderfully smooth feel underfoot. They wouldn’t be our first choice for dirty conditions or super hard, sprint-effort style riding, but smooth pedalers, or those looking for more adjustability than other brands offer may find a lot to like here.

Time XPresso 2

• Weight (pedals only) 230 g
• Spindle Steel
• Body Glass composite

• iClic makes clipping in super easy
• Very affordable
• Similar design and performance to Time's higher-end options
• Floaty feel may not be for everyone
• Not self serviceable

Time makes a wide range of road bike pedals, from the nearly range-topping XPro 12 down to the super affordable XPresso 2 ($69). These are an accessible entry point to road clipless, and they feature a similar design and performance to the brand’s much more expensive options.

In our opinion, one of the best features of the Xpresso 2 is the iClic system that makes getting in and out of the pedals very easy, which is especially attractive for those new to clipless. When you clip out, the mechanism remains open until you clip back in, making these some of the easiest and most intuitive pedals to use. Still, they have three settings of tension adjustment to dial them in to your liking, as well as a large 700 mm-squared contact area.

The Xpresso 2 comes with iClic free foot cleats that allow +5 and -5 degrees of float. Additionally, they allow 2.5mm of lateral movement, which may also appeal to those starting out who don’t want to feel too locked in to their pedals.

The 16-degree release angle makes clipping out fairly easy while also helping to prevent unexpected releases. The Xpresso 2 is also compatible with Time’s fixed cleats, which have 0 degrees of float and don’t allow any lateral movement for those who prefer a more solid connection.

For riders who are new to clipping in, the XPresso 2 makes a strong case by offering the iClic system at just $69. It is tangibly easier to use than any other clip-in pedal and will make you wonder why you ever waited to clip into your road bike. Those willing to spend a little more can find the same ease of use in the XPresso 4 and the XPresso 7 , which have the same design but use slightly different materials and are both quite reasonably priced.

Shimano Dura-Ace SPD SL

• Weight (pedals only) 235 grams
• Weight (cleats and hardware) 72 grams
• Spindle Stainless Steel
• Body Carbon Fiber/Stainless Steel

• Great stiffness to weight ratio
• +4mm axle option offered
• Fairly expensive

Shimano’s Dura-Ace SPD-SL pedal ($280) is an uncompromised triumph of engineering and performance. It has no faults, downsides, or quirks, just pure race-winning efficiency, set-it-and-forget durability, and quiet simplicity. While researching these pedals, Google suggested the search “are Dura Ace pedals worth it?” At $280, it’s a question worth asking, but we say heck yes !

Across the bike industry, many products are touted for their superior “stiffness-to-weight” ratio. It’s a simple-to-understand, and therefore simple-to-market concept — that something can be both lightweight and able to handle all the power you can throw at it. Most of the time, this stiffness-to-weight narrative oversimplifies something that deserves a more nuanced assessment, like a frame or wheelset.

But in the case of pedals, especially those meant for racing, stiffness to weight is bullet point number one. Overall, including cleat hardware, they are one of the lightest options on the market, and from the moment you first stomp on them, it’s evident that they are supremely stiff.

The latest version of the Dura-Ace pedal is the 9200, identical to the Dura-Ace 9100 model that “preceded” it. In fact, the core design of all Shimano SPD-SL road pedals hasn’t changed in decades. This design, dubbed “SPD-SL,” is easy to install and adjust, runs smoothly and quietly, and transfers power from your shoes to your crank arms with as little waste as possible.

Thanks to oversized stainless steel axles and injection-molded carbon fiber body, you can actually feel a difference in the Dura-Ace model out on the road. It’s subtle, but there is just a bit less lateral flex through the pedal, and this creates a very pleasing feel under higher power efforts.

Installing the Shimano cleats is a breeze. Simply dab some grease on the threads of the bolts, grab a 5mm torque wrench tool, and bolt the cleats to the sole of your shoe, including the provided rectangular washer. Slide the cleat around to adjust the fore/aft and toe in/out if needed. Shimano provides blue cleats with less “float” (2 degrees) with the Dura Ace 9200, which is a nice touch.

Most folks who choose the 9200 pedal will appreciate the markedly locked-in feel that the lower float cleats provide. If it’s too rigid, you can always replace the cleats with the standard float option (6 degrees), which uses yellow color coding and allows a bit more lateral movement in the ankle and knee, or for those who want no float, the red cleats have 0 degrees. Anyone with a wider stance width preference can also purchase the +4mm spindle version.

Release tension is adjusted independently and has no bearing on how the pedal feels once the cleat has engaged. That said, all Shimano pedals require an intentional sideways kick to release the cleat. While this does take slightly more effort than other brands, the benefit is that the cleat will never come out of the pedal unexpectedly or even vaguely feel as though it might. Engaging the cleat requires some learning, but once you master the toe-in, heel-down sequence, it becomes intuitive and automatic.

Shimano’s Dura-Ace SPD-SL pedals are reliable to the point of being a “set-it-and-forget-it” component. They never make noise, not even in the sloppiest of winter conditions. Shimano isn’t disrupting the pedal market with the Dura Ace 9200, but it is continuing to dominate it because no other pedal offers the performance, simplicity, and reliability of this pedal.

Look Keo 2 Max Carbon

• Weight (pedals only) 252 g
• Weight (cleats and hardware) 70 g
• Spindle Chromoly+
• Body Carbon with stainless steel contact plate

• Fairly light and stiff
• Simple, proven retention system
• Easy to operate
• Relatively affordable
• Cleats can be noisy
• Not the lightest

Weighing only 12 additional grams and utilizing a more conventional spring-style tension system, the Look Keo 2 Max Carbon ($137) is a compelling alternative to the Keo Blade Carbon Ceramic pedals at well under half the cost. 

The Keo 2 Max features a broad stainless steel plate to create a secure and efficient connection between the pedal and cleat, capable of withstanding race-winning efforts or just helping save a few watts during your next weekend adventure. The pedal body, as the name suggests, is injection-molded carbon fiber, which brings the overall weight down to a competitive 252g for the set (pedals only), and further bolsters stiffness. 

The most basic duty of a pedal is to secure the cleat, and to that end, the Keo 2 Max Carbon arguably is the best choice among Look’s offerings. While the more expensive Keo Blade is certainly an innovative design, which forgoes the traditional spring-tension design in favor of flexible carbon fiber “blades”, the Keo 2 Max sticks to the tried-and-true spring design and thereby prioritizes reliability and affordability while only adding a handful of grams. Opinions may vary, but we feel it seems like a more robust design than the Keo Blade Carbon, regardless of the fact that it costs significantly less. 

On the road, the Keo 2 Max Carbon is adequately stiff and provides excellent stability throughout all kinds of riding. Clipping in and out is easy and predictable, thanks to the width of the pedal body. Not only is it easy to locate the entry point, but the shape of the pedal allows for instant confidence when pushing down hard to engage the spring and clip in. The efficiency of the Keo 2 Max Carbon feels excellent, thanks to high-quality steel axle bearings. The provided cleats offer a modest 4.5 degree of float, which should work well for most riders. Look offers replacement cleats in both 0 and 9 degrees of float for those with different needs. 

One of the only drawbacks to this and other Look pedals is the potential for the cleats to be noisy. We, and many others, have experienced this issue and it is something we hope Look eventually addresses with an update to the plastic used in their cleats as it slightly diminishes the user experience of an otherwise great product. 

Overall, there are no surprises with the Keo 2 Max Carbon . This pedal represents a refinement of everything that has made Look pedals great for decades. Racers on a budget and enthusiast riders should consider this pedal, as it will keep their bikes light, and provide a stiff, efficient, reliable connection to the crank arms without draining your bank account. 

Wahoo Speedplay Comp

• Weight (pedals only) 233 g
• Spindle Chromoly
• Body Grivory (composite)

• Affordable Speedplay performance
• Micro-adjustable
• Cleats disengage too easily
• Complex cleat installation
• Heavy cleats create heavier system
• Cleats not suited to dirty conditions

Since being taken over by Wahoo Fitness, Speedplay road bike pedals have returned to the market and offer something completely different than the majority of other brands on the market. The Speedplay Comp ($150) is the least expensive model in the lineup, bringing a similar design and performance at a third of the cost of the top-tier Speedplay Nano.

Just like their more expensive siblings, the Speedplay Comp is based around a small, disc-shaped pedal body that has sleek, minimalist looks, an impressively low stack height and allows for dual-sided entry. They use a slightly heavier Chromoly spindle and Grivory composite body material, but the pedals themselves are still fairly lightweight at just 233 grams for the pair. Unlike the Nano, which has a 180-pound rider weight limit, the Comp has no weight restrictions.

Compared to more traditional pedal styles, the Speedplay Comp uses a 4-bolt cleat design that requires the use of an included adaptor on the majority of road bike shoes (unless they are 4-bolt shoes). The addition of the adaptor adds some complexity to the cleat mounting process, as well as some additional weight, with the cleats plus adaptor coming in around 163 grams and bumping the total system weight up above similarly priced options from other brands. That said, they are more adjustable than most, and the walkable cover of the Speedplay cleats does make it relatively easy to walk around in your shoes.

Given the added complexity of the cleat installation process, we recommend paying attention to the included instructions to be sure you get it right. The nice thing is they offer fore-aft, side-to-side, and angle adjustments, as well as an adjustable float from 0 to 15 degrees and an adjustable release angle between 0 and 7.5 degrees. This is more adjustability than most traditional systems offer, and it may be great for those who are seeking a very personalized pedal interface to enhance comfort or optimize their biomechanics and ergonomics.

The Speedplay Comp comes with “easy tension” cleats that allow for slightly easier entry and release, as compared to the “standard tension” version that has a more secure hold. It’s worth mentioning that these pedals are much easier to release from than other styles, and they don’t provide as secure or locked-in of a feel, comparatively speaking.

They do provide plenty of stiffness and a very smooth, fluid pedaling feel, but we found that super hard sprint efforts or lots of ankle movement could result in unexpected disengagement. We do, however, also expect that is something you’ll adapt to over time.

Another thing worth mentioning is that the cleats don’t get along well with dirt, so we’d recommend against using them for gravel riding or other dirty conditions. The cleat/pedal interface needs to be kept clean to clip in securely, so if you do get them dirty, they will likely require cleaning.

All that said, the Speedplay Comp is an affordable entry point for this unique pedal system. If you’re seeking more adjustability than traditional pedals offer or you just want to try something different, the Speedplay Comp is a slick-looking option that won’t break the bank.

Look Keo Classic 3 Plus

• Weight (pedals only) 280 g
• Body Composite

• Easy cleat setup
• Intuitive use
• Stainless contact plates add stiffness
• Noise from the cleats
• Slightly heavier than more expensive options

The Keo 3 Classic Plus ($83) is an affordable, entry-level pedal from Look that features all the hallmarks of the Keo design, plus two stainless steel plates that create a secure and efficient connection between the pedal and cleat surface, saving you energy mile after mile. 

Much like the rest of Look’s road pedals, clipping into the Keo Classic 3 Plus is intuitive, and the cleat tension is easy to adjust to your preference with a small hex tool. They come with standard cleats that allow for 4.5 degrees of float, which is likely the sweet spot for most riders. Both 0-degree and 9-degree cleat options are also offered as an aftermarket purchase should have different needs. Cleat set-up is also very straightforward and quick with the traditional 3-bolt cleat that works on most road shoes.

With a sturdy Chromoly spindle and a Composite pedal body with 2 steel contact plates, the Keo Classic 3 Plus performs well out on the road. They feel stiff, stable, and responsive. Though the platform width and contact area are a bit smaller at 60mm wide and 400mm squared, they still provide a large enough surface area and support for most recreational riding and riders.

Our test pair of Keo Classic 3 Plus pedals felt very smooth and efficient, likely due to the use of high-quality steel bearings. The use of less exotic materials, however, does result in a slightly heavier weight, which at 350 grams for pedals and cleats isn’t terribly heavy, especially considering the price. And, like most Look pedals, the cleats are a little more prone to creating noise compared to other brands.

Overall, the Keo Classic 3 Plus is a modern take on Look’s classic pedal designs. While they won’t blow you away with their performance, they are easy to get along with and are a sensible option for those just starting out with clipless that will absolutely get the job done at a very approachable price point.

Road Bike Pedals Comparison Chart

How we tested the best road bike pedals.

For well over a decade, our cycling team has been reporting on the latest news, technology, and products across all disciplines of cycling. Our staff is made up of passionate riders who enjoy all types of riding and are obsessed with finding the best products to enhance their experience and performance on the bike.

From bike frames to wheels, shoes to bib shorts, and everything in between, we know that having the right gear can make a huge difference. We also have the luxury and privilege of testing the latest and greatest products, including pedals, for product launches, individual reviews, and buyer’s guides.

Our road bike pedals buyer’s guide tester and review author, Bennett Shane, has over 2 decades of road cycling experience. While his racing days are largely behind him, he still enjoys putting in big miles, long climbs, and fast mountain descents on roads throughout the Pacific Northwest near his home in Portland, Ore. In addition to his wealth of cycling experience, Bennett has worked for several prominent brands in the cycling industry which has given him unique insight into the design, materials, and construction of products across categories spanning from apparel to components.

Combined, his industry and cycling experience give him the ability to understand products from both sides of the table, but most importantly, as a consumer, and he has developed an excellent ability to tease out the often subtle performance differences in the products he tests. Bennett has spent an inordinate amount of time on his road bikes this year, testing and reviewing a variety of road cycling gear, including high-performance road bike shoes, protective road bike helmets , and the best cycling bib shorts .

After rounding up 10 of the best road bike pedals on the market, Bennett mounted them up on his small fleet of road bikes and hit the pavement. Each model was tested over the course of several months, switching regularly between models for comparison. Back-to-back testing provides the opportunity to truly compare products side by side and identify performance differences that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Each model’s design and construction were also examined and scrutinized, along with adjustments and features, to see how effective they really are. After extensive testing, favorites were identified, and our findings are presented here.

Buying Advice: How to Choose Road Bike Pedals

Finding the right pair of road bike pedals can enhance your comfort and efficiency on the bike. While many seasoned road bikers probably already have a brand preference, those looking to switch it up or who are just jumping into clipless pedals for the first time have some decisions to make.

Assuming you are ready to purchase some pedals, what factors should influence your choice? We know that navigating the myriad models, materials, and marketing jargon can be confusing, so let’s dive into the details so you can make an informed purchase decision.

What Are Road Bike Pedals?

Along with road bike shoes, road bike pedals are a very important component as they serve as one of just three contact points between your body and your bike. They are an essential part of the energy transfer system between your legs and your drivetrain. But what exactly are road bike pedals, and how do they differ from other types?

Pedals generally fall into three categories. There are clipless road bike pedals (3-bolt cleats), clipless mountain bike pedals (2-bolt cleats), and flat pedals. Whether you are a serious or recreational road cyclist, we recommend using road bike-specific clipless pedals because they are designed and purpose-built for the task.

That’s not to say that you can’t road bike with any type of pedals, because you certainly can, it’s just that road bike pedals are specifically made for the application. Clipless road bike pedals differ from their clipless mountain bike counterparts in several ways.

One of the main things that sets clipless road pedals apart is the 3-bolt cleat “standard”. With the exception of Wahoo Speedplay pedals that use a 4-bolt cleat (and come with a 3-bolt adaptor to work on most road bike shoes), nearly all road bike pedals use a 3-bolt cleat and work on road bike shoes that have a 3-bolt hole pattern on the sole.

Shimano, Look, Time and a handful of smaller pedal manufacturers use similar, but definitely not the same, cleats that are triangular in shape. These large cleats aim to maximize the shoe-cleat-pedal interface and contact area, which helps to distribute pedaling forces over a larger area with the goal of increasing efficiency, stability, and comfort. Road bike pedals, of course, are designed to work in unison with their specific cleats to match their dimensions and create the super important connection between your legs and the cranks.

Most road bike pedals are one-sided, meaning that the cleat can only engage on one side of the pedal. The other side of the pedal is typically smooth and somewhat aerodynamic. Generally speaking, the front of the cleat engages first before pushing the rear of the cleat down onto the retention mechanism. The exception here is the Wahoo Speedplay pedals that allow for dual-sided engagement.

Clipless mountain bike pedals differ from road bike pedals with their 2-bolt cleats. These cleats are smaller and mount to shoes that are designed with a 2-bolt interface. Most mountain bike pedals allow for dual-sided engagement, and they come in a wide variety of styles with different-sized platforms designed to meet the differing needs of varying riding styles and preferences. Given the smaller size of the cleat, the soles of the shoes often interface with the platform of the pedals for additional support.

Pedal axles, or “spindles,” connect the body of the pedal to the crank arm of the bike. The outboard end sits inside the pedal platform and is exposed between the body and the crank arm, eventually threading into the tip of the crankarm. Stiffness is important here because of the way the axle is positioned — perpendicular to the direction of the force applied to the pedal body.

More expensive pedals will feature stiffer Titanium axles, which benefit racers who apply repeated doses of explosive power. For recreational riders, steel or chromoly axles are sufficiently stiff, incurring a slight weight penalty while saving enough money to make choosing them a no-brainer. 

Axle bearings allow the pedal to rotate against the circular motion of the crank arm, keeping the rider’s foot stable and promoting a fluid pedal stroke. If these bearings wear out, the axle may wobble and may produce noise. Most pedal axles can be overhauled, but unless you are doing it yourself and using high-end pedals, the labor bill won’t be much less expensive than replacing the pedals altogether.

So, high-quality bearings are something to look for in a pedal that you want to install and never think about ever again. Most pedals use stainless steel bearings, with some high-end options going with ceramic bearings. While they are significantly more expensive, ceramic bearings are claimed to be more durable, lighter weight, and lower friction, potentially providing a marginal performance gain that may appeal to racers or anyone seeking a competitive advantage.

Body Material

Along with every other bike part out there, pedal bodies have become more commonly made of carbon fiber in recent years. While carbon certainly isn’t a poor choice of material, its benefit is less obvious than parts that have more dynamic characteristics, such as frames and rims.

Pedals are not an area of the bike where weight is of the utmost importance (although it is still certainly a consideration). Also, make sure that if you are choosing a pedal because it’s “light” you are looking at the weight of not only the pedals but the combined weight of the pedals and cleats. 

While carbon fiber is becoming the material of choice for high-end pedals, many models are made from other composites. Regardless of the material used in the pedal body’s construction, many also include small steel plates on the contact area where the cleat and pedal interface. This is generally done to add stiffness as well as durability over time.

It’s important to use road bike pedals with the appropriate shoes. Much like road pedals, road bike shoes are designed to optimize pedaling efficiency and comfort on the bike. When paired together, they form the system that is the important connection between your legs and your drivetrain, transferring your pedaling power into forward momentum.

Of course, road bike shoes come in a huge range of styles, constructions, materials, and price points, with models made for everything from racing, sprinting, and endurance riding to more casual, recreational riding. Finding a pair that fits well and suits your style is critical.

If you are buying both pedals and shoes, you want to make sure these items are compatible with each other. Nearly every road bike shoe (with the exception of those made specifically for use with Speedplay pedals) features a triangular set of three threaded holes in the forefoot of the outsole, meant to accept a 3-bolt road cleat.

Each new pair of pedals comes with cleats that are made specifically to work with that pedal, and generally speaking, those cleats are not cross-compatible between different brands. Speedplay cleats are an outlier as they are rectangular with a 4-bolt pattern and require an adapter to convert the 3-bolt pattern on most road shoes. This adapter is included with every pair of Speedplay pedals. Some brands offer Speedplay-specific shoes that feature a 4-bolt sole, and thus, no adapter is required. 

There are some road bike shoes, typically on the lower end of the price spectrum, that are both 3-bolt and 2-bolt compatible, meaning they can work with both road bike pedals and clipless mountain bike pedals.

Adjustability

Most road bike pedals offer a few adjustments that allow the user to dial them into their preferences. These typically include entry and release tension and float. Additionally, the cleats themselves can be adjusted on the sole of the shoe to get them in the perfect spot for comfort and efficiency. Before heading out for your first ride, we recommend that familiarize yourself with all of the adjustments that your pedals offer and set them up how you like.

Having your cleats in the right location is important for the alignment of your leg for comfort and injury prevention, as well as to optimize the power of your pedal stroke. Most cleats offer a small range of fore-aft and side-to-side adjustability so the user can line them up in their preferred location underneath the ball of the foot.

Often, the small metal inserts in the soles of the shoes can be moved slightly as well. Additionally, the angle of your cleats can also be adjusted slightly, toe-in or toe-out, if needed. Most quality road bike shoes have small alignment markings on the soles that can be helpful when dialing in your perfect cleat placement.

Most road bike pedals feature a tension adjustment that controls how easy it is to clip in and out of the pedal. The level of tension is typically a personal preference that may depend on the type of riding you do. Too much tension could lead to the dreaded situation where you’ve stopped the bike but are unable to get a foot out of the pedal and down to the ground.

Conversely, riders who produce a lot of power will want to make sure there is sufficient tension to keep the foot in the pedal during explosive efforts. The majority of pedals have a small screw on the cleat retention mechanism that can be turned to tighten or loosen the tension to the desired setting.

Look Keo Blade pedals are a little different in that they use carbon “blades” that can be swapped out to change the tension. Once again, Speedplay is an outlier in this regard, as the tension is dictated by which cleat you use. They offer both “standard” and “easy” tension options.

All pedals offer some way of adjusting the “float,” which is the degree of angular movement the pedal allows the cleat to make. Float is important because foot movement can prevent or cause problems, depending on how much of it happens and for how long. Foot movement, or lack thereof, affects everything up the chain, from the knee to the hip and even the lower back, and it can be a process of trial and error to find what works best for you.

Like anything else, personal preferences vary and often depend on the type of riding you’re doing, racing versus casual, or the desired feel from your pedals. Less float provides a more secure, locked-in feel that is typically preferred by high-performance riders and more intense power output (track races, criteriums). Having less float leaves a little less margin for error in cleat positioning, so the setup can be more challenging.

Higher degrees of float are considered more forgiving, allowing more freedom of movement and generally less tension on the joints. Higher float is usually preferred by those with joint issues and anyone undertaking long, steady endurance rides or lengthy road races.

The float in most pedal systems is dictated by which specific cleat is used. Most manufacturers offer two or three cleats that allow float from zero to 8 degrees or thereabouts. Look, for example, offers their Keo cleats in 0, 4.5, or 9-degree float options, which are color-coded in black, gray, and red, respectively.

Similarly, Shimano offers three different cleats with 0, 2, and 6-degree options denoted by the colors red, blue, and yellow, respectively. Time offers two cleat options, “free” cleats with 5 degrees of float or “fixed” cleats with 0 degrees of float. Speedplay is unique in that the cleat itself is adjusted to dial in the float in very fine increments, and the float can be quickly tailored to each shoe.

If you are new to clipless pedals, doing a little practice to get used to the way they function is never a bad idea. While it eventually becomes second nature, clipping in and out of pedals can be relatively awkward at first, but thankfully, the learning curve is steep. Though it might seem silly, taking a little time in a controlled environment to familiarize yourself with the process of clipping in and out of your pedals could be invaluable and potentially help prevent embarrassment or injury (bruised body and/or ego) while out on a ride.

Yes, it is as simple as deliberately twisting your foot to release the cleat from the pedal, but just about everyone has experienced an awkward, slow-motion fall when they couldn’t get their foot out of the pedal as they were learning. Trust us, a little practice is worth your time.

As with all things in cycling, road bike pedals can be expensive. You can easily spend upwards of $300 for the lightest, stiffest, and fanciest pedals on the market, and many people will. Those seeking marginal performance gains or reductions in weight, typically high-performance riders and racers, will see the most benefit from spending more.

If you’re not battling for podiums, however, you can spend less for nearly the same performance and with just a slight weight penalty. Take Shimano’s pedals, for example. The range-topping Dura-Ace model sells for $280 and delivers a top-of-the-line, well-refined performance at a light weight. Two tiers down, the Shimano 105 pedals look nearly identical, provide almost the same level of performance, and weigh only about 30 grams more for the pair while costing roughly half the price at $150.

For this reason, we feel the Shimano 105 is one of the best values on the market. Those new to road cycling or who ride less frequently can spend even less for a model like the $69 Time XPresso 2 , which is super user-friendly and gets the job done at a fraction of the price.

Frequently Asked Questions About Road Bike Pedals

If you are riding strictly on the road, it makes sense to use dedicated road pedals. This style of pedal provides a broad platform that spreads out the pressure of your pedal stroke evenly across your forefoot, preventing hot spots from developing during long rides involving tens or even hundreds of thousands of pedal revolutions.

Combined with a well-fitting pair of road bike shoes, they work as a system to efficiently deliver your pedaling energy to the cranks and propel your bike forward. So, along with pedals, the right shoes will help to enhance your efficiency, stability, control, and comfort on the bike.

The term clipless is undoubtedly a confusing one given the fact that you actually clip in to clipless pedals. Well, prior to the advent of clipless designs, most pedals were essentially flat pedals that had what was referred to as a “toe clip” that wrapped up and over the front of the toes.

This toe clip helped prevent the foot from sliding forward on the pedal while also holding the foot more securely to help maximize pedaling efficiency through the whole pedal stroke. When clipless pedals came around, they did not have the toe clip and became referred to as clipless as a result.

Yes, absolutely. Many people use mountain bike style clipless pedals that use 2-bolt cleats on their road bikes. Generally speaking, people will use small, XC-style pedals in this case because they are lighter weight compared to those with larger platforms.

If you already have shoes that you like that use a 2-bolt cleat, this may also be the most cost-effective solution. Many modern cross-country mountain bike shoes are essentially more rugged versions of road bike shoes and they can easily meet the demands of road, gravel, and cross-country riding.

Installing a new set of pedals is a fairly simple process, but it is very important to know that the left (non drive side) pedal is reverse-threaded while the right side is threaded regularly. And, due to the threading of the spindles, and also to the design of the pedals, they are right and left side specific. Once you have identified which pedal is which, apply some grease to the threads and screw the spindle into the crankarm.

Most pedals use an 8mm hex, although some outliers use a 6mm hex or a 15mm pedal wrench, to tighten them down. You generally want to get pedals fairly tight, and Shimano recommends a torque range of 35-55 Nm for their pedals, for example.

It is important to note that you can damage your pedals and/or your crankarms if you cross-thread them during installation or try to install the wrong pedal on the wrong side of the cranks. The pedal should thread into the crankarm very easily, and if it does not, don’t force it! You should stop and check the alignment of the threads to avoid any potentially expensive problems.

Awkwardly, carefully, and as little as possible. Yes, walking on road cleats is awkward, tedious, and even unsafe on some floor surfaces. This is because the size of the cleat precludes compatible road shoes from incorporating tread onto their outsoles. Additionally, the size, shape, and position of the cleats themselves prevent a regular walking motion. This is not to say that you can’t or shouldn’t walk in your road bike shoes, you’ll just want to be careful if/when you do.

Thankfully, most road bike shoes have a small traction pad on the heel, and many road cleats also have a small amount of grippier material applied to the contact points to add a tiny level of grip for walking. With some practice, it does become easier, but it never stops being awkward.

While you certainly can use road bike pedals on your gravel or mountain bike, it is generally not recommended. The primary reason is that road bike shoes and road bike cleats are already awkward enough to walk around in on firm, flat surfaces, so walking in them on gravel roads or trails is even worse.

The cleats and the soles of your shoes will be susceptible to damage and premature wear. We always recommend riding your mountain or gravel bike with clipless mountain bike pedals with 2-bolt cleats, and mountain bike shoes or gravel bike shoes that are more appropriate for off-road use. Yes, some gravel riders and racers will use road bike pedals and shoes for certain gravel rides — typically consisting of smooth gravel with little likelihood of needing to walk in your shoes — but there are usually better options.

The Best Road Bike Helmets of 2024

While we all do our best to avoid them, accidents can and do happen, so a quality road bike helmet is the most important piece…

The Best Cycling Sunglasses of 2024

Cycling sunglasses do so much more than protect eyes from bright sunlight or make a fashion statement. Whether road cycling, gravel grinding, or shredding trails, a good pair of cycling sunglasses can add safety, performance, and enjoyment to your ride.

Hailing from Portland, Ore., Bennett enjoys exploring the mountain passes and backroads of the Pacific Northwest on skinny tires. Having worked in various roles in the cycling industry since 2008 has helped Bennett develop an impressive knowledge base and thorough understanding of cycling gear and tech.

Although he wouldn’t call himself a retrogrouch, he does have an irrational love of rim brakes and a fondness for boutique steel frames. After racing on paved and gravel roads for a decade, Bennett turned his focus to achieving personal goals including three Everests and climbing over 1 million vertical feet in 2020. Although he rides (and sleeps) less since starting a family, he still enjoys pushing the pace on climbs and ripping fast descents as much as ever.

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Accessories in Elektrostal,Moscow Oblast,Russia

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