The best gravel adventure bikes will take you into more extreme gravel terrain and allow you to set up for bikepacking expeditions.

While a few years ago the best gravel bikes were do-it-all machines, the popularity of gravel racing and the emergence of gravel racing pros has seen brands increasingly differentiate their gravel bikes.

Bike makers that used to have just one gravel bikes now often offer two gravel bike platforms, one for gravel racing and another for adventure gravel riding. Examples are the BMC Kaius and URS and the Cannondale SuperX and Topstone.

There are still plenty of find do-it-all gravel bikes though, if you’re not sure where your gravel allegiances lie. Adventure gravel bikes won’t hold you back unless you’re on the pointy end of gravel racing. Indeed, Matej Mohorič even won the 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships on a Merida Silex, one of the bikes below.

But adventure gravel bikes are designed to offer a stable geometry and tyre clearance now often exceeds 50mm. Wider tyres still on 650b wheels may be an option. You’ll get a full set of mounting points for bags and bottles and maybe internal routing for dynamo cables.

Below are our picks of the best gravel adventure bikes we’ve reviewed at Cyclist and further down you’ll find a short buyer’s guide to what to look for in an adventure gravel bike.

Reviews of the best gravel adventure bikes

1. 3T Exploro Ultra – read our full review
2. 3T Extrema Italia – read our full review
3. Cannondale Topstone Carbon – read our full review
4. Canyon Grizl – read our full review
5. Fara F/Gravel – read our full review
6. Giant Revolt X – read our full review
7. Merida Silex – read our full review
8. Open Wide – read our full review
9. Specialized Diverge STR – read our full review

Why trust Cyclist‘s advice?

We like a bit of adventure at Cyclist. We’ve been riding and reviewing gravel bikes since the outset and they’re a major part of our drop bar bike coverage. We’ve watched as the original general purpose gravel bikes have morphed into differentiated gravel race and gravel adventure bikes and our testing has reflected this change.

All the bikes and cycling paraphernalia we review are independently chosen and we’re not paid for our reviews, so you can trust us to provide an unbiased opinion.

The best gravel adventure bikes reviewed by Cyclist

3T Exploro Ultra

£2,447 frameset | View offer

• Designed to be fast on road but still handle well on technical gravel
• Low weight and aero tuned for wide 650b tyres

The Exploro Ultra (now just known as the 3T Ultra) has big tyre clearance, although not quite the match of the 3T Extrema Italia, below. That allows you to fit 46mm 700c or the preferred 650b tyres in 61mm width, with 3T saying the Ultra is for riders looking for in-town as well as gravel performance. As with the Extrema Ultra, the Ultra’s frame is aero tuned for the wide tyres, while the geometry leads to a fast ride on tarmac, with the 419mm chainstay length short for a bike with so much clearance.

3T makes a lot of the components on our test bike, including the 1x Torno carbon crankset and the wheels, contributing to a low 8.4kg bike weight, even with the dropper post. With the wide tyres, there’s enough cushioning to offset the frame stiffness and the Ultra is adroit on tougher terrain, although it’s not quite as off-road oriented as the 3T Extrema Italia.

• Read our full 3T Exploro Ultra review
• Buy now from 3T (frameset £2,447)

3T Extrema Italia

£4,868 (frameset) | View offer

• Huge 57mm 700c tyre clearance gives MTB trail capability
• Feels rather niche, heavy and slow on climbs and on road

Looking for massive tyre clearance, even with a 2x groupset? The 3T Extrema Italia is the bike for you, with 57mm 700c tyre clearance while still offering claimed aero benefits. That opens up MTB terrain, while the massive 75mm wide down tube is claimed to still be aero.

The frame is built to order in Italy and can be configured for different groupsets. There’s internal cable routing, although it’s still easy to disassemble the bars for travel.

The geometry leads to a planted, deft feel and fast riding on MTB trails, with huge grip from the equally huge tyres. Stock builds get a mullet drivetrain for plenty of lower gear ratios, although we reckoned the dropper post was unnecessary for UK riders.

The downside of the 3T Extrema Italia’s competence on MTB trails is a 9.9kg weight that makes climbing hard work and progress slow on tarmac, even if it’s smooth and comfy. We reckon it’s a bit of a niche bike, but great if you want monster truck off-road capabilities.

• Read our full 3T Extrema Italia review
• Buy now from 3T (frameset £4,868)

Cannondale Topstone Carbon

£4,500 | View offer

• Kingpin rear suspension aids traction and comfort without excess weight
• Specs available with full suspension and without SmartSense lighting

Cannondale’s Kingpin rear suspension provides around 30mm of linkage-free, low maintenance rear travel to the Topstone Carbon and you can add the same amount of front end travel by choosing a spec with Cannondale’s Lefty Oliver single leg suspension fork, for a fully suspended gravel bike. Even with just the rear suspension, there’s plenty of gravel comfort on offer, while the Out Front steering geometry makes for confident handling.

The 45mm tyre clearance feels about right to put enough rubber on the trail for grip and isolation from bumps and the longer reach and short stem aid flickability. We’re not fans of Cannondale’s SmartSense lighting, which makes up around 500g of the bike’s 9.6kg weight and adds to the messy front end cabling. Fortunately, you can find many specs without it.

• Read our full Cannondale Topstone Carbon review

Canyon Grizl

From £2,349 | View offer

• Allows you to tackle rougher terrain, with clearance for wide 50mm tyres
• Clean looks and quality specs

While the Canyon Grail focusses on faster gravel rides, the Grizl is designed for adventure off-road. Its 50mm tyre clearance and full set of mounting points allow you to explore tougher terrain and we reckon that the worse it gets, the better the Grizl performs. It’s hugely competent off-road, although a little slow-feeling on tarmac.

The Grizl’s clean looks shine too, although the short reach and high stack leave you quite upright and the 9.3kg weight slow things down on climbs. But the fairly steep angles and short stem add sharp handling on tight trails and there’s plenty of rigidity in the frame, offering good power transfer. In typical Canyon fashion, the specs on offer are high value, with options from all the main groupset makers and quality wheels, so there’s little cause to upgrade.

• Read our full Canyon Grizl review
• Buy now from Canyon (from £2,349)

Fara F/Gravel

From £3,381 | View offer

• Long ride credentials but still fast-handling
• A few spec niggles which could be avoided with the custom build option

Norwegian brand Fara aims at long distance off-road adventurers with the third generation F/Gravel, while its geometry and low weight make it lively enough to be engaging on shorter rides and equip it for gravel races as well. There’s a range of bike bags available for load carrying, attached by Fidlock magnets, as well as a full set of bosses and in-frame storage.

50mm tyre clearance allows you to set the bike up for bigger off-road adventures, although the supplied Panaracer GravelKing SK+ tyres aren’t really up to the job and would need an upgrade for most UK riding. The Fulcrum wheels on the spec tested are underwhelming too. Go for a custom build and both can be swapped out though, along with the cockpit and other components.

We found the F/Gravel fast, comfortable and compliant, although held back a little by the near 2kg weight of the wheels.

• Read our full Fara F/Gravel review
• Buy now from Fara (from £3,381)

Giant Revolt X

£6,499 | View offer

• Great ride on rough non-technical paths thanks to suspension fork and dropper travel
• Not so good on MTB-style descents

The Revolt X adds a 40mm travel suspension fork, a dropper post with 25mm travel built in, and more tyre clearance to the standard Revolt, for added capability on rough terrain. While the Revolt saw an upgrade in 2024, the X still has non-integrated cabling and lacks down tube storage. As with the non-X bike, a flip chip in the rear dropout allows you to increase the wheelbase, fit tyres up to 53mm wide and add extra stability.

Hit rutted, rocky sections and the suspension does a great job of smoothing things out, making the bike good for longer bikepacking excursions, although the riding position isn’t great for steeper, fully MTB terrain. The added mechanicals push the weight close to 10kg too. We reckon the standard Revolt makes more sense for most riders.

• Read our full Giant Revolt X review

Merida Silex

£5,250 | View offer

• MTB-like geometry offers great handling on both techy and non-technical gravel
• Cruisy on tarmac thanks to long trail and wheelbase and 9.8kg weight

The Merida Silex is far more akin in its geometry to a hardtail MTB than many gravel bikes, even if its 45mm tyre clearance is no greater. The long top tube, short stem, slack 69.5 degree head tube angle and long trail add off-road stability and you can swap in a suspension fork, should you wish. Merida puts a multitool under the saddle.

Riding on tarmac, the Silex feels a little ponderous, although it has a smooth momentum. Once on gravel paths though the bike’s ride-smoothing abilities and long wheelbase shine, with handling that adds grip and speed. 180mm brake rotors and cooling fins on the frame add extra heat dissipation for longer, hotter descents, where the Silex excels. It’s no wonder Matej Mohorič won the 2023 Gravel World Championships on one.

• Read our full Merida Silex review

Open Wide

€2,800 (frameset) | View offer

• 60mm tyre clearance on 650b wheels, 46mm on 700c
• Versatile, rigid and fun

Along with 3T, Open is led by Cervélo co-founder Gerard Vroomen, who continues to push the envelope in bike design. The Wide gravel bike has space for 650b tyres over 60mm/2.4 inches in width, although the 46mm 700c clearance is now more conventional. The Wide’s handling is lively, without detriment to stability, so it’s easy to weave your way along technical trails and downhills. There’s road bike performance on roads and less technical gravel too.

Vroomen has championed 1x and there’s no front mech hanger on the Wide. We didn’t miss a double crankset; with enough gear range and low weight the Open Wide can tackle pretty much any terrain. It’s a tuned performance bike, but still fun and versatile.

• Read our full Open Wide review
• Buy now from Open (frameset €2,800)

Specialized Diverge STR

£4,699 (RRP: £6,250) | View offer

• Front and rear Future Shock suspension smooth the ride
• Rather over-engineered for tamer gravel riding 

The Diverge STR adds rear Future Shock suspension to the Future Shock 2.0 headset found on the non-STR bike, allowing 30mm of tuneable movement at the saddle without affecting saddle height or causing the bike to bounce when out of the saddle. In-frame storage and 45mm tyre clearance add versatility and the geometry lends itself to faster handling, although it’s not as progressive as many competitors.

The top spec S-Works bike comes with SRAM mullet gearing and is spendy, but we reckon the Expert offers better value. As with many highly engineered gravel bikes, we’d question whether many riders need so much capability though. We were impressed by the Diverge STR’s capacity to smooth the terrain when seated, although there’s some work required to tune the suspension to get the best ride.

• Read our full  Specialized Diverge STR review

Gravel adventure bikes: what to look for

Here are the key features to look for in a gravel bike geared for adventure, rather than one aimed at gravel racing and fast gravel rides.

Stable handling

A gravel adventure bike will usually have geometry that makes for a stable ride. That usually equates to a long wheelbase, slack head tube angle of around 70 degrees, and longer trail. The chainstays will often be a little longer too, in part to accommodate wider tyres, in part to aid stability.

The bike’s stability will set it up for rides on trickier terrain and steeper descents. It’s also useful when you’re loaded up with bikepacking bags.

Big tyre clearance

Tyre clearance for adventure gravel bikes is getting ever-wider. While a few years ago 40mm was considered wide, now it’s not uncommon to see 50mm clearance or more. The extra rubber on the trail aids grip and rollover of obstacles and helps on climbs and descents. It also allows you to lower tyre pressure for more ride comfort.

650b wheels and tyres are still an option, although they’re falling out of favour and many of the best gravel adventure bikes now sport 700c wheels. The smaller 650b wheel size typically allows you to fit even wider tyres, although with modern wide-range gravel bike gearing the argument that these will provide a similar rolling radius to a narrower tyre on a 700c wheel and hence similar gearing is now less significant.

Wide range gearing

Which brings us to gravel bike gearing. Almost all gravel groupsets now provide gear ratios down to 1:1 and usually below that, thanks to subcompact cranksets and wide-range cassettes. Gear range (the difference in ratios between the highest and lowest gears) is now typically over 400%, so you’re not too compromised on faster sections or when riding on tarmac.

1x gearing is an alternative to 2x for almost all gravel bike groupsets, often offering as much or more range than a 2x set-up, with small jumps in ratios thanks to 12 or 13 sprockets in the cassette. Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo all offer 1x gravel bike groupsets, with Shimano and SRAM also selling 2x options for gravel. If you want lower gearing, a mullet build can take your ratios even lower.

Suspension

Many brands incorporate suspension systems in their adventure gravel bikes. Rather than the heavy, long travel suspension systems seen on mountain bikes, these typically offer around 30 or 40mm of travel, with little weight penalty. Examples are Cannondale’s Kingpin rear suspension and Specialized’s Future Shock system, seen at the front in the standard Specialized Diverge and both front and rear in the Diverge STR.

A short travel suspension fork is also an option, such as on the Giant Revolt X. Even if a bike doesn’t come with one, many now have a shorter head tube so that they’re forward compatible with a suspension fork, should you wish to upgrade.

Even if there’s no active suspension system, adventure gravel bike frames typically include compliance zones and features in the rear triangle, such as that seen in the GT Grade Carbon, designed to provide passive ride smoothing.

Dropper post compatibility

Many adventure gravel bikes are compatible with a dropper seatpost and provide ports for internal cable routing. Some are sold with a dropper post already installed.

We’ve questioned the need for a dropper post for most UK riding, although it might be handy if you’re planning to ride your gravel bike somewhere more extreme. Some dropper posts have a small amount of travel built in when they’re locked out, aiding saddle comfort.

Mounting points

Expect a full set of mounting points on a gravel adventure bike, so you can lash a set of bikepacking bags to your bike for the myriad bikepacking essentials. That usually includes fork leg mounts, as well as frame mounts and three sets of bottle bosses. You’ll often have scope for internal dynamo cable routing through the right hand fork leg and sometimes the frame too.

In contrast, gravel race bikes may forego some mounting points, particularly those on the forks and may not be compatible with mudguards to preserve their close clearances.

The post Best gravel adventure bikes 2025 reviewed appeared first on Cyclist.

While Eurosport rules the cycling airwaves across Europe, boasting cycling on its schedule almost non-stop from February to September, there are plenty of ways to watch top-level pro cycling free of charge. Broadcasters in France, Australia and Belgium, for example, air the Tour de France and Paris-Roubaix at no extra cost or subscription.

If you’re on a tighter budget, we’ve got you covered. We’ve dug through the TV schedules to work out which countries still have free-to-watch cycling in 2025. Between them, the UCI calendar is almost fully covered, including all three Grand Tours.

France

There are three options to watch racing in France: Eurosport, France Télévisions and L’Équipe. The three broadcasters offer different slices of the calendar, but only France TV and L’Équipe are free-to-air. The cycling schedules for the two channels can be found here.

France TV provides free-to-air coverage of leading ASO races and Monuments. This includes the Tour de France, Critérium du Dauphiné, La Flèche Wallonne, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Paris-Nice and the Amstel Gold Race. On top of that selection, the channel also broadcasts smaller-level French races and national championships.

The channel’s commentary team is anchored by Tour de France Femmes director Marion Rousse and former green jersey winner Laurent Jalabert as well as Thomas Voeckler, who reports live from the back of a motorbike during the Tour. The channel’s Tour de France coverage also includes the Vélo Club talk show before and after the stage.

For races not covered by France Télévisions, L’Équipe’s coverage is available on its website. It mostly broadcasts French races, focussing on the Coupe de France circuit as well as the Giro d’Italia, which is not covered by France Télévisions.

• Access France Télévisions
• Access L’Équipe’s TV channel

Italy

Like in most of Europe, Eurosport offers the most extensive cycling coverage in Italy. That said, Italy’s main public service broadcaster Rai offers a broad selection of men’s and women’s races. Notably, this includes the Giro and Tour alongside the Monuments and a hefty smorgasbord of both one-day and stage races. The following races will be shown on Rai:

• Tour de France and Giro d’Italia
• Milano-Sanremo, Paris-Roubaix, Tour of Flanders, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Il Lombardia
• Strade Bianche, Amstel Gold, Hamburg Cyclassics and Flèche Wallonne
• Milano-Torino, Gran Piemonte, Giro dell’Emilia (plus more Italian one-day races)
• Paris-Nice, Tirreno-Adriatico, Itzulia Basque Country and Critérium du Dauphiné
• Tour of the Alps and Giro d’Abruzzo
• Italian Championships, World Championships and European Championships

To access Rai’s cycling content, you need to make an account for the RaiPlay service. Rai’s radio commentary of the Giro is also available to listen to even if you’re not in Italy.

• Access RaiPlay

Belgium

Belgium has the largest spread of free-to-air coverage in Europe, rivalling Eurosport’s packed cycling schedule. With Belgium being bilingual, there’s almost double the content to enjoy.

Flemish state broadcaster VRT’s sports channel Sporza provides heaps of free-to-air coverage for its audience. With an account to VRT Max, the broadcaster’s streaming service, you can also access documentaries and Sporza’s fantasy cycling game.

Sporza broadcasts close to every UCI WorldTour race on its platform, including coverage of the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España as well as a packed cyclocross schedule in the winter. Plus, if you tune into Sporza’s coverage, you get to listen to the hallowed commentary duo of José De Cauwer and Michel Wuyts, who have long graced the Flemish airwaves.

If the Flemish language isn’t to your taste, then you can access RTBF’s free-to-air coverage of cycling in French for the Wallonian audience in Belgium. By making an account for RTBF Auvio, you can access an extensive cycling calendar that includes 100 races in total, including all three Grand Tours and Monuments.

• Access Sporza on VRT Max
• Access RTBF Auvio

The Netherlands

NOS is the Dutch free-to-air broadcaster that handles pro cycling. The channel, also available to view online, offers a fairly stacked set of cycling broadcasts, including four Monuments and two Grand Tours.

Following a new deal secured between ASO, the EBU and NOS, the channel will broadcast all major ASO races until 2030. This includes rights to Paris-Roubaix, the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes.

Alongside this chunk of the UCI calendar, major Flemish one-day races and the UCI World Championships will be available to watch on NOS and its streaming service NOS Start. The streaming service is free to sign up to, just as long as you’re over the age of 16.

• Access NOS

Australia

Australia has the widest selection of English-language free-to-air content and the SBS On Demand online platform can be joined at no cost.

SBS has the rights to show major ASO races, including coverage of the Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes and other key pre-Tour races in France. Outside of this European WorldTour coverage, SBS broadcasts the Australian block in January, the Tour of Oman and Tour de la Provence during the winter. It also has free-to-air coverage of the domestic ProVelo SuperLeague.

Expect to see the following races via SBS this year:

• Tour de France (and Femmes) and Vuelta a España (and Femenina)
• Strade Bianche, Gent Wevelgem, Paris-Roubaix, Flèche Wallonne, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Eschborn-Frankfurt and Paris-Tours
• Paris-Nice, Volta a Catalunya, Tour of Turkey, Critérium du Dauphiné and Cro Race

SBS On Demand also hosts a series of cycling podcasts and documentaries. These include a half-hour look into Grace Brown’s illustrious career and a deep dive into the life of cycling commentator Phil Liggett. Speaking of, Liggett often appears in the commentary booth for the Austalian coverage.

• Access SBS On Demand

United Kingdom

Free-to-air coverage of bike races is winding down in the UK.

The men’s Tour de France will be broadcast live on ITV4 and online on ITVX, with highlights also aired each evening of the men’s race at 8pm. However 2025 will be the final year of free-to-air live coverage of WorldTour level cycling on ITV. No other channel has stepped up to fill that position and TNT Sports has bought the exclusive rights to show the Tour until 2030.

As of March 2025, freeview channel Quest will broadcast race highlights from the Grand Tours. In addition, ‘The Ultimate Cycling Show’, hosted by Orla Chennaoui and Adam Blythe, will begin airing at the end of February and will discuss the week’s news in pro cycling.

• Access ITVX

Ireland

Ireland is another victim of the recent Eurosport closure, forcing cycling to merge into TNT Sports’ premium subscription.

Ireland’s only free-to-air cycling coverage is available in the Irish language via TG4. The Galway-based channel will broadcast the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes in 2025, hosted by the commentary duo of Páidí Ó Lionáird and Pádraic Ó Cuinn. However, 2025 will be the final year TG4 is permitted to broadcast the women’s race given WBD’s exclusivity deal, which will come into effect in 2026.

Regardless, TG4 is accessible without the need to make an account. Its Tour de France coverage available across the island of Ireland, so viewers in Northern Ireland can tune in online or on TV.

If you’re hoping to access free-to-air coverage in English, Irish viewers are unable to access British content through ITVX. The free streaming platform is not available in Ireland or Northern Ireland. There are no plans to broadcast the Tour de France on UTV in Northern Ireland either.

• Access TG4

The post Which countries can watch cycling for free in 2025 appeared first on Cyclist.

For a little extra carrying capacity when riding, a top tube bag can make a handy addition to your road bike or gravel bike. It’s also a useful component of a bikepacking bag set, adding a litre or so of easy-to-reach capacity, dependent on the bag you choose.

Front end bags used to offend the purists, but the rise of gravel riding and bikepacking, along with their use by triathletes, has made top tube bags a useful adjunct. Even more than a bar bag, a top tube bag provides easy access to food or a phone when riding.

Top tube bag bolting points are common on the best gravel bikes and they’re increasingly a feature of endurance bikes and all-road bikes, although you can still mount a top tube bag with straps if you don’t have these. Many top tube bags offer both straps and bolt holes in their base, although some brands sell two variants, so you can have one or the other but not both.

As well as small top tube bags with around a litre of capacity, there are longer options which can extend the carrying capacity to as much as 2 litres, adding a significant amount of extra carrying room. In most cases, the bags are narrow, typically under 5cm in width, to avoid them getting in the way when riding.

So if you’re looking for a top tube bag to add to your bikepacking bag set-up or supplement a saddle bag, or just to carry a few extra energy gels on your ride, here are our picks.

Our pick of the best top tube bags

1. Alpkit Fuel Pod: RRP £39.99
2. Apidura Expedition: RRP £44
3. Blackburn Outpost: RRP £55
4. Brooks Scape: RRP £49.99
5. Evoc Top Tube Pack WP: RRP £37.99
6. Lezyne Aero Energy Caddy: RRP £36
7. Miss Grape Node: RRP €72
8. Ortlieb Toptube-Bag: RRP £77
9. Topeak Fastfuel Bag Essential: RRP £25
10. Restrap Race Top Tube Bag – Long: RRP £74.99
11. Zefal Z Adventure T1: RRP £26

Why trust Cyclist’s advice?

We’re not just fair weather roadies here at Cyclist, we also head off on long gravel rides for our magazine features, often somewhere hot, dry and remote. That means carrying plenty of extra stuff, so a top tube bag is a great addition to carry an extra gel or two to help get us to the end of a tough ride.

We’re not paid by sponsors and all the products we recommend are picked on their merits and based on our combined years of experience riding in all conditions, so you can trust us to be impartial.

Best top tube bags 2025

Alpkit Fuel Pod

£39.99 | View offer

Alpkit makes a whole range of bikepacking bags, which are well priced and robust, including over ten top tube options. We like this UK-made Fuel Pod. It’s available in three sizes which extend progressively further along your top tube: 0.75 litre, 1 litre and 1.5 litre. There are also four colours on offer, as well as a 1.25 litre extra-long version and a rear top tube bag. Surprisingly, all three sizes of the standard Fuel Pod are the same price.

The design is straightforward and made of an organic cotton face fabric with a recycled polyester waterproof backing. It’s foam lined to protect valuables and there’s a waterproof YKK zipper with a large puller that’s easy to use, although the seams are non-taped. The front of the bag includes a cable port.

• Buy now from Alpkit (£39.99)

Apidura Expedition

From £44 | View offer

Apidura is a big name in bike luggage and makes three different lines of bags, one aimed at gravel racers, one for MTB use and this Expedition pack for use for day rides or as part of a larger set of bikepacking bags. There are strap-on and bolt-on designs available and it comes in 0.5 litre and 1 litre sizes. The 4.5cm width means it’s less likely to interfere with your pedalling.

Apidura welds the seams, as well as using waterproof three layer laminate fabric and a waterproof zip with a large puller, so the pack is likely to be more water resistant than the Alpkit option. Apidura includes a cable port and reflective graphics too. It reckons that the smaller pack will hold a few gels, while with the larger size you can add a phone and power bank.

Blackburn Outpost

£55 | View offer

The Outpost top tube bag is available in a single 0.5 litre size. It’s a little wider than some at 8cm and also a little heavier at 185g, but it incudes bolt holes as well as straps. The top tube bag is padded inside and there’s a zipped side pocket which could be used for a credit card or cash, as well as a mesh slip pocket for a phone on the top of the bag.

The fabric is water resistant, although not seam sealed and the zip is also not fully waterproof. The wide aperture, thanks to a zip that goes all around the top of the bag does mean that your contents are very easily accessible though.

• Buy the Blackburn Outpost Top Tube Bag from Tweeks Cycles (£40)

Brooks Scape Top Tube Bag

£49.99 | View offer

Brooks’ bike luggage offers a range of bags, including this 0.9 litre capacity top tube option with strap mounts. Weighing 100g, there’s a waterproof zip, with welded seams and internal padding, as well as a front hole for a cable. The 4cm width is narrow enough not to get in the way when riding.

Brooks also sells a bolt-on version and a long strap-on variant which is 37cm long and increases the capacity to 2.5 litres.

Evoc Top Tube Pack WP

£37.99 | View offer

Evoc’s waterproof top tube bag has a 0.8 litre capacity and weighs 90g. It’s relatively narrow at 5cm wide and offers either bolt-on or strap mounts. It comes with protective strips to stop your frame from getting scratched.

The fabric and the zip are waterproof, there are welded seams and the zip is designed for one-handed operation. Inside, there’s a mesh organiser pocket. Reflective logos help keep you more visible in low light.

Lezyne Aero Energy Caddy

£36 | View offer

Lezyne makes a range of Energy Caddy top tube bags, with different capacities, while the Smart Energy Caddy has a phone sleeve built into it. All feature waterproof fabric and zips and can either be strapped or bolted to the bike frame.

The Aero Energy Caddy has a streamlined shape and at 4cm is narrow, but still offers 0.7 litres capacity, which Lezyne states should be enough for a range of gels and bars plus an inflator or, if you’re that way inclined, 3.5 doughnuts.

Miss Grape Node

€72 | View offer

Italian brand Miss Grape makes a Road range as well as an Adventures range, both of which offer a top tube bag as part of a complete set of bikepacking luggage. The Node is part of the Road range and offers a shorter version, as well as the Big Node, which is longer and holds 1.8 litres. Both come in a strap-on version, as well as a variant with two bolt holes for bikes with top tube mounting points.

Miss Grape focuses on the low weight of under 100g and narrow 4.8cm width, designed to minimise the risk of rubbing on your knees as you ride. Although the fabric is robust and weather resistant, the Node bag isn’t taped and the zip isn’t waterproof, so you’ll want to use a dry bag or polythene bag inside to keep anything delicate dry if you’re riding in the wet.

• Buy now from Miss Grape (€72)

Ortlieb Toptube-Bag

£77 | View offer

Ortlieb makes two top tube packs, the 1 litre capacity Fuel-Pack and the 1.5 litre Toptube-Bag. Both offer easy access to contents via a flap closure secured by magnets and can be mounted to the frame via rubber straps or bolts. There’s an offset plate available if your frame’s bolt holes don’t line up with the holes in the underside of the pack.

The two packs differ as the top of the more expensive Toptube-Bag has rubber corner clips to allow you to fix a mobile phone to its outside. The Toptube-Bag also includes a separate mounting plate, so it can be clipped on and off the bike quickly, although this is absent in the Fuel-Pack.

Topeak Fastfuel Bag Essential

£25 | View offer

Topeak’s Fastfuel Bag Essential is designed not to disrupt the airflow over your top tube. At 4cm, it’s also narrow but still holds 0.4 litres. Best for a few gels, it has a single compartment and can be mounted in two positions via its anti-scratch part-elastic straps.

If the Essential pack is a bit too small for you, there’s a whole range of other top tube bags from Topeak, including the Bento Pack, which has a transparent phone sleeve on its top, while other packs have up to 1 litre capacity.

Restrap Race Top Tube Bag – Long

£74.99 | View offer

Restrap is another brand that has a whole range of top tube bags, with capacities stretching from 0.8 litres to this 2 litre bag, which ad 49cm long is designed to stretch from your head tube to your seatpost. It’s made in Yorkshire from waterproof fabric, seam sealed and has a two-way water resistant zip, which opens from either end to make finding stuff easier.

Rubberised Velcro straps, including one around the seatpost, hold the bag in place on your frame and a rigid plastic structure ensures stability. There’s a mesh side pocket allowing easy access to gels or stowage of waste wrappers.

Zefal Z Adventure T1 Top Tube Bag

£26 | View offer

Zefal’s top tube bag has welded seams and a waterproof zip, so it’s pretty weather resistant, while still being inexpensive. The 1 litre volume allows you to carry plenty of stuff. There’s a strap-mounted and a bolt-mounted variant of the T1 available, as well as the longer T3, which has 2 litres capacity.

There’s a mesh pocket and a key hook inside to help with organisation, while a cable channel lets you run a wire to a phone or from a dynamo hub. At 5cm wide, the T1 fits neatly behind your head tube too.

The post Best top tube bags 2025 for road and gravel cycling (and an aero boost) appeared first on Cyclist.

Disc brakes have pretty much taken over from rim brakes on the best road bikes and they’ve always featured on gravel bikes. They provide better stopping power and modulation and more consistent performance in all weathers than rim brakes. They’re also less prone to contamination, don’t eat through your bike’s rims and have allowed riders to fit much wider tyres that wouldn’t fit in a rim brake calliper.

But disc brakes aren’t without their downsides. They require more specialised maintenance than rim brakes, including periodic bleeding for hydraulic systems. It’s also harder to spot when disc brake pads need replacing than it is for rim brake pads.

Disc brake pads come in a bewildering array of shapes too, although the range for road and gravel bikes is more limited. There’s the brake compound to consider, with options that are better suited for different conditions.

We’ll run through the different disc brake pads available and suggest the best alternatives to groupset makers’ own pads from aftermarket brands. Lower down, there’s a buyer’s guide and explainer to help you to choose the best disc brake pads and pad material for your own needs.

OEM replacement pads

Shimano

Shimano brake pads for road bikes all have the same size and pad shape, although more expensive pads incorporate its Ice Technology braking fins to dissipate hear and so may not look quite the same as your original pads. 

Shimano offers its pads in resin/organic or sintered/metal options, allowing you to choose a suitable pad for the riding conditions, as explained in the buyer’s guide below. 

• Buy now from Tredz (£16.99)

SRAM

SRAM’s own replacement pads for road and gravel bikes come in two shapes. Its newer 12-speed brakes use a Small pad that’s symmetric. This is found in the Red, Force, Rival and Apex 12-speed groupset brakes. It’s available in four different materials, marketed as Quiet/Organic, Quiet+Light/Organic, Powerful Organic and Heavy Duty/Sintered.

Confusingly, the shape of replacement pads isn’t quite the same as that which may be fitted to brakes when a bike is sold, so look out for this when making the standard check of pad shape between old and new.

Older 11-speed SRAM systems use the Small Asymmetric pad, which is available with three different materials: Quiet/Organic, Quiet+Light/Organic and Heavy Duty/Sintered.

There are two additional pad shapes for SRAM’s older Avid BB5 and BB7 mechanical disc brakes, which were fitted to some older disc brake road and gravel bikes.

• Buy now from Tredz (£19.99)

Campagnolo

All Campagnolo disc brakes use the same pad shape with the same organic material used for the pad. Campagnolo incorporates a wear indicator in its pads, helping you to spot when they need to be replaced. 

There are two specs; Campagnolo’s older disc brakes are fitted with the DB310 pads, while the wireless electronic groupsets use DB410 pads, which have an alloy backing plate to reduce weight.

• Buy now from Condor Cycles (£31.99)

Tektro/TRP

Hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes from Tektro or its TRP brand are often fitted to lower priced road and gravel bikes. They use a pad shape that’s unique to the two brands, although there may be cross-compatibility with some replacement Shimano pads. 

• Buy now from Condor Cycles (£14.99)

Best non-OEM replacement disc brake pad brands

If you want more choice, rather than just fitting the groupset maker’s own pads, there are plenty of brands offering replacements to fit whichever brake model your bike is fitted with. Here are our top picks.

SwissStop

Probably the best-known brand of aftermarket disc brake pads and rim brake pads is SwissStop. It sells a wide range of pads for different disc brakes, so you should be able to find one of its high performance pad sets to fit your bike. It provides a lot of detail to help you choose, including compatibility charts and downloadable data sheets with life-sized images of each pad, to help you make sure you’ve got the right one.

It sells pads in four different materials too, which offer different combinations of pad life, modulation and longevity.

• Buy now from Sigma Sports (from £13.99)

AbsoluteBlack

AbsoluteBlack claims that its GraphenPads have been bought by a number of UAE Team Emirates pro team riders, including you-know-who. Their unique feature is a backing plate with a latticework extending out from the back of the pad that is graphene coated. There’s also graphene incorporated into the pad itself, rather than copper. The brand claims around 8,000km life and that the pads are good for all conditions. Available for Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo.

• Buy now from Tredz (£49.99)

AMP

French brand Amp makes pads to fit most road and gravel bike brake callipers. It sells pads in organic, metallic or ceramic compounds. It claims that its Carbone SL pads are the lightest available at 9.7g a set, thanks to a carbon fibre-alloy backing plate, which it says also helps avoid heat transfer to the brake calliper. 

• Buy now from Sigma Sports (from £11.70)

Ashima

Ashima sells pads for Shimano road and gravel bikes, as well as for a number of other brands’ brakes, although not for SRAM. Pads are available in organic, sintered, semi-metallic and ceramic compounds. There’s also a multi-compound formulation, which includes sintered and organic pad areas.

• Buy now from Amazon (from £4.84)

Aztec

Another brand offering a wide range of disc brake pads, Aztec sells organic and metallic pads to fit most disc brake callipers. 

• Buy now from Tredz (from £5.95)

BBB

Dutch brand BBB sells a wide range of components and accessories for cycling, including organic and sintered pads for Shimano and SRAM road and gravel bike brakes.

• Buy now from Amazon (from £12.93)

Clarks

Clarks sells brake pads in organic, sintered and semi-metallic compounds for a wide range of brakes, including road and gravel bike brakes from Shimano, SRAM and many other brands. Its pads tend to be towards the more affordable end of the price range.

• Buy now from Tredz (from £5.55)

Ferodo

Ferodo has been making brake pads for over 125 years. Its pads are resin-based, relatively inexpensive and cover the main road bike brake models, although not Campagnolo and there are all-round and e-bike specific versions. It also sells Racing pads, with a semi-metallic formulation that it says is fade-resistant on heavy-duty descents.

• Buy now from Tweeks Cycles (£14.95)

Gorilla

Gorilla brake pads are generally affordable, although it also sells a premium line They’re available for the major road bike groupsets and, as with SwissStop, there’s extensive compatibility information to help you to choose the right pads.

There’s a wide range of compounds available and its NRS pads have a one-piece design which incorporates both pads and the pad return spring, making installation easier than a three-piece design with a separate spring and pads. 

• Buy now from Amazon (£24.99)

Jagwire

Jagwire sells no less than six different pad set options across a wide range of disc brakes, including organic, sintered and semi-metallic pad compound options, as well as pads designed for e-bikes and pads with built-in cooling fins for Shimano road callipers.

• Buy now from Amazon (from £12.99)

Kool Stop

Kool Stop sells organic and sintered pads, as well as organic pads with a lower weight aluminium backing plate, which it says reduces the weight for a pair of pads to around 10g. It also sells pads with cooling fins for Shimano road and gravel bike brakes. You can even buy or download a poster showing all Kool Stop’s different disc brake pads, if you’re looking for something exciting to pin on your wall.

• Buy now from Merlin Cycles (from £24.95)

Disc brake pad buying guide

Disc brakes are a bit less user-friendly than rim brakes; it’s harder to check for pad wear, hydraulic brake lines should be bled, usually annually, and there’s a bewildering array of different pad shapes and materials available.

We’ll guide you through the main considerations when replacing disc brake pads. 

When should I replace my disc brake pads?

Brands vary in their recommendations as to when you should replace your pads. In general, you should replace your disc brake pads when there’s less than 1mm of pad material left on the metal carrier. Always do so before the pad material itself is so worn down that the metal plate is rubbing on the rotor, as this will cause damage.

It’s important to check that the pad has worn evenly and is properly aligned with the rotor. If you use a bike workshop, they should check the pads for you during a service, but you should check periodically yourself too between services.

How do I know which shape to buy?

There’s a bewildering range of different pad sizes and shapes available to fit different brake calliper models. Fortunately, there are relatively few designed for road/gravel bikes; one shape only for Shimano, one for Campagnolo and just two for SRAM road disc brakes.

If your bike has non-road brake callipers or brakes from another brand, there are many more options. There’s no substitute for visually checking the size and shape of your replacement pad against your worn out one. SwissStop helps out by offering a life-size download of every pad it sells, which you can print out to check compatibility, and other brands offer similar tools to help you to make sure you’ve got the right pad.

What’s the difference between pad materials?

There are two main types of disc brake pad: organic pads, also called resin pads, and sintered pads, also called metal pads. They have different braking and wear characteristics and are better for different conditions.  

Organic pads are most typically fitted in brakes when bikes are sold. They give you a quick initial braking response and are relatively quiet in operation. They’re also quick to break in and the braking material tends to insulate the calliper and the brake fluid from heat build-up.

They do wear faster than sintered pads though, particularly when riding in wet and dirty conditions. They’re also more likely to fade with prolonged braking and they can glaze over, when they’ll need to be reconditioned to restore braking effectiveness.

Sintered pads are made of metal, which makes them more durable than organic pads. They don’t wear as fast in adverse riding conditions, they’re not prone to glazing and they handle higher temperatures better and provide stronger hard braking power.

On the other hand, their initial braking response is slower and less modulated and they take longer to warm up and be fully effective than organic pads. The metal surface transfers more heat to the brake calliper and brake fluid and they’re more prone to brake squeal than organic pads.

So organic pads are a better option for summer road riding, while sintered pads might be a better choice for winter conditions and gravel riding.

SRAM says that you should replace your rotors at the same time, if you swap between organic and sintered pad materials, to ensure optimum performance.

There’s a third option, semi-metallic pads, which are made of an organic compound, but with metal particles incorporated to increase durability. They offer many of the pros of the other two options, but also the cons, plus they’re usually more expensive than either.

Finally, brake pad makers Amp and Ashima sell ceramic pads, which they say provide long life, wet weather and high temperature performance and low noise, but at the expense of slower bite and a higher price.

Are Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo pads interchangeable?

In a word, no. Each brand has its own pad shape that’s unique to its callipers. SRAM makes things more complex, as it swapped the shape of its disc brake pads between the 11-speed and 12-speed groupset generations.

Other brands selling disc brakes for road and gravel bikes, such as TRP/Tektro, also have their own unique pad shape, although some pads may be cross-compatible with Shimano. Check pad manufacturers’ sites for pad compatibility.

The post Best disc brake pads 2025 for road and gravel bikes plus buying advice appeared first on Cyclist.

Few additions to your bike can make as big a difference as a good-quality bike computer. With the right accessories a computer can tell you where you are when you get lost, how many watts you’re struggling to put out, and even when it’s time to stop for a piece of cake.

Built on the infrastructure of GPS positioning satellites, the best bike computers increasingly offer smartphone-style features and extensive ride and performance analysis alongside simple speed and distance data.

This might include mapping and navigation, previews of upcoming climbs, or even the ability to see the fastest times set by other riders on the stretch you’re currently pedalling along.

For riders searching for these features, the bike computer market has come to be dominated by Wahoo and Garmin. However, there are still smaller brands worth considering. The main thing is to decide why you are buying a computer in the first place. If you want outstanding mapping that can guide you on and off-road, you’ll need to look towards options that boast navigation capabilities.

If you’re a data junkie, you will need to assess the connectivity of the device. However, if you are solely using the computer to upload your ride to Strava, you may be better served by a more budget option.

Below you’ll find our guide to what we consider the best bike computers on the market, alongside advice on understanding their features and how to pick the best one for you.

Reviews of the best bike computers

1. Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2: RRP £349.99 – Read our full review
2. Garmin Edge 1050: RRP £650 – Read our full review
3. Wahoo Elemnt Ace: RRP £550 – Full review coming soon, subscribe to read first
4. Garmin Edge 840 Solar: RRP £519.99 – Read our full review
5. Hammerhead Karoo: RRP £450 – Read our full review
6. Garmin Edge 1040 Solar: RRP £629.99 – Read our full review
7. Bryton Rider S800: RRP £340 – Read our full review
8. Garmin Edge 540 Solar: RRP £449.99 – Read our full review
9. Wahoo Elemnt Bolt 2.0: RRP £264.99 – Read our full review
10. Garmin Edge 130 Plus: RRP £169.99 – Read our full review
11. Garmin Edge 830: RRP £309.99 – Read our full review
12. Garmin Edge 530: RRP £259.99 – Read our full review

Why should you trust our advice? 

We’re riders just like you and our choices are based on our extensive experience reviewing a wide range of the best bike computers, as well as riding with them day in and day out when testing and reviewing other cycling gear.

Our tech coverage is led by Cyclist tech editor and bike nerd Sam Challis, with input from a team of expert testers with bags of experience using different computers.

Best bike computers 2025 reviewed

Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2: Easy to use

£349.99 | View offer

• Easy to configure and use
• 32GB storage
• Excellent app integration

The big boss of Wahoo’s GPS cycling computer range, the Roam had an upgrade in October 2022 and the V2 includes multi-band GNSS satellite fixes for improved accuracy, a 64-colour screen and 32GB of memory.

Like the original, it boasts onboard rerouting and on-demand route generation that partners with existing functions such as routing you to a pre-downloaded course.

The new Roam has also received climbing profiles – or Summit Segments as Wahoo calls them. Much like the higher end Garmins and the Hammerhead Karoo, climbs are colour-graded according to steepness and pop up when approaching an ascent on both pre-mapped and unmapped routes.

On GPS setup, you are prompted to download the Elemnt app which acts as the central hub for all the necessary information and data.

The app integration is seamless and makes up for what the computer lacks in touch-screen technology. Screen profiles, options and data fields can be changed easily through the app and sync automatically when both devices are turned on.

Take mapping, for example. After creating my route on a third-party app such as Strava or Ride With GPS, the route automatically synced to my pre-downloaded Elemnt Roam App and then onto the computer through Bluetooth in a matter of seconds.

Wahoo says that the new dual-band GPS is more precise and good for riding under dense tree cover or around tall buildings. The navigation system works well, but lacks heatmaps, so can lead you out onto busier roads to get you from A to B.

The Roam has a respectable battery life of 17 hours, even at full functionality, despite the added storage capacity. A top-drawer product, but if you’re happy with a smaller screen the Bolt 2.0 still does pretty much the same job for £100 less. More details below.

Screen size: 2.7in; Battery life: Up to 17 hours; Location: Multi-band GNSS, GPS, Glonass, Galileo; Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi; Weight: 95g; Other features: Easy setup, tight app integration

• Read our full Wahoo Elemnt Roam GPS review

Garmin Edge 1050: Vibrant colour screen

£649.99 | View offer

• Bright display
• Easy to use
• Integrated Garmin Pay and a bell

The Garmin Edge 1050 has the same screen size as the Edge 1040 (see below), but it’s brighter and very touch-responsive, with more detailed maps. The 64GB of storage means there’s loads of capacity for maps and ride data, although unlike the Edge 1040 (and the 840 and 540), there’s no solar charging option and battery life has decreased to 20 hours.

Garmin has worked hard on its setup process, which is now the match of Wahoo’s and will transfer your configuration over if you’re upgrading from a previous Garmin model. The home screen makes getting started, checking the weather from your phone, finding Strava segments or changing the setup easy.

Garmin has added a speaker, which is used to direct you when navigating and also serves as a digital bell when you tap the screen. There’s also Garmin Pay onboard, so you can pay for your mid-ride coffee, although there are relatively few UK banks that can be used. There’s connectivity if you carry your phone to manage group rides, ride tracking, alerts from the phone and more.

It’s an impressive piece of kit, with loads of functionality for ride tracking and training, although with a big pricetag and significant bulk.

Screen size: 3.5in; Battery life: Up to 20 hours; Location: Multi-band GNSS, GPS, Glonass, Galileo; Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi; Weight: 160g; Other features: Speaker for verbal directions and works as a bike bell, indoor trainer control, training support

• Read our full Garmin Edge 1050 review

Wahoo Elemnt Ace: Large screen and wind sensor

£599.99 | View offer

• Large format with 3.8 inch touchscreen
• Easy setup and configuration via phone app
• Integrated wind speed measurement

The Wahoo Elemnt Ace is the largest cycling computer from a mainstream brand, with a 3.8-inch colour touchscreen (the first touchscreen in a Wahoo computer) but is also significantly heavier than the competition. Wahoo has the same array of buttons as on its Roam and Bolt cycling computers and offers its Perfect Zoom feature too.

The Elemnt Ace’s headline feature is the integrated wind pressure sensor built into the front of the unit. Wahoo uses this to display wind speed and indicate if you’re riding in a headwind or a tailwind and the effect of drafting. You can see a breakdown of wind assistance/resistance and where on your route each occurred in the Wahoo app once you finish your ride.

Wahoo continues to offer configuration via a smartphone, making for easy changes in setup. The font is impressively clear too, so you can pack your screen with data fields or view a detailed map with directions, which are also relayed orally via the built-in speaker. As with the Garmin Edge 1050, the speaker also serves as a bike bell.

As of January 2025, the Wahoo Elemnt Ace doesn’t offer live tracking and group ride functionality, although this is scheduled to be delivered along with a range of other enhancements during 2025.

Screen size: 3.8in; Battery life: Up to 30 hours; Location: Multi-band GNSS, GPS, Glonass, Galileo; Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi; Weight: 208g; Other features: Touchscreen, wind pressure sensor

• Review coming soon, subscribe to see it first

Garmin Edge 840 Solar: Huge range of features in a compact package

£519.99 | View offer

• Solar charging option
• Multi-band GNSS location fix
• Responsive touchscreen interface

Garmin’s latest Edge 840 and 540 bike computers share much of the functionality of its premium Edge 1040 in a smaller format. That includes solar charging, with a brown surround to the 2.6in colour touchscreen and a thinner, transparent coating on the screen itself collecting the sun’s rays to boost the unit’s run time, in the case of the Edge 840 Solar to a claimed 32 hours.

There’s also a non-solar option that shaves £70 off the list price, which we’d suggest might be a better purchase for UK riders and those not into epic adventures.

Other new features include multi-band GNSS for a more accurate location fix, a switch to the ‘Glances’-based home screen, which gives you a customisable choice of key summary stats, and on-the-fly climb profiles. There’s the same responsive touchscreen interface as the previous model Edge 830, augmented by an array of seven buttons.

Routes are transferred seamlessly to the Edge 840 from the Garmin Connect phone app, which also allows you to customise your bike computer. The phone connectivity also drives live tracking, group tracking and incident detection. You can link up to third party apps including Strava and TrainingPeaks.

Screen size: 2.6in; Battery life: Up to 36 hours; Location: Multi-band GNSS, GPS, Glonass, Galileo; Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi; Weight: 85g; Other features: Solar charging option, Glances user interface

• Read our full Garmin Edge 840 Solar review

Hammerhead Karoo: Phone-like functionality

£450 | View offer

• Works like a smartphone
• Great graphics
• Regular functionality updates

Jumping straight from OS paper maps to a cycling GPS for navigation would have been fine, if it weren’t for smartphones having arrived in the meantime. As it is, switching from mapping on your phone to that on a bike computer is like going from an iMac to an Amstrad.

Based on the Android operating system, with 64GB of storage, and including free access to worldwide mapping, the Karoo aims to bridge the gap between the two experiences.

Offering turn-by-turn navigation both on and off-road, the Karoo’s base map offers a significant level of detail, with nearby points of interest from cafes to toilets all flagged. Hit a climb and it will bring up the oncoming elevation, while it’s also possible to drop a pin and have the unit quickly create a route to it. Unlike other units, searching and sorting routes and locations is easy, partly thanks to the unit’s in-built QWERTY keyboard. If you aren’t riding a preplanned route, you still get climb profiles on the fly, although that’s functionality now matched by all the best bike computers.

Very much positioning itself as a tech firm rather than a hardware maker, Hammerhead (now owned by SRAM) promises to provide fortnightly updates to the unit’s firmware and functionality. The third generation Karoo was launched in May 2024. It adds Multi-Band GPS support, rivalling Garmin and Wahoo, includes a more powerful processor and provides tight integration to the 2024 SRAM Red AXS groupset and a more comprehensive phone app. While the Karoo 2’s battery life lagged behind its rivals at around 8 hours, the new Karoo has increased this to over 15 hours.

Screen size: 3.2in; Battery life: 15 hours; Location: GPS, Glonass, Galileo; Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi; Weight: 167g; Other features: High-res screen

• Read our full Hammerhead Karoo 3 review

Garmin Edge 1040 Solar: Every feature under the sun

£608 | View offer

• Solar charging contributes to huge runtime
• Multi-band GNSS for position accuracy

The Garmin 1040’s party trick is its solar charging capability (there’s also a cheaper non-solar version), which adds significantly to its already long battery life, giving you 45 hours claimed runtime with all functions running and up to 100 hours in its most pared-down GPS mode. The solar screen is slightly difficult to read though, due to its internal coating.

It also comes with multi-band GNSS satellite tracking, which ups the accuracy of its GPS trace (something that’s included in the latest version of the Wahoo Elemnt Roam and the lower priced Edge x40 models too).

Garmin’s touchscreen works really well wet or dry, with or without gloves and the large 3.5-inch diagonal means that you can see plenty of data fields. The maps have lots of detail and it’s very quick to upload a course to follow. Popularity-based routing means that you’ll be kept to cycle-friendly routes.

The Edge 1040 gives you loads of ride stats, including Stamina, which keeps tabs on your energy expenditure as your ride and tells you how much you’ve got left in the tank. It automatically switches to a climb profile when you hit a hill and shows your progress as you tackle it.

All the standard bike computer functions you’d expect are included too, along with access to Garmin’s extensive Connect ecosystem. If you want all the features and don’t mind the increased cost and size, this is probably the bike computer to go for.

Screen size: 3.5in; Battery life: Up to 100 hours; Location: Multi-band GNSS, GPS, Glonass, Galileo; Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi; Weight: 133g; Other features: Solar charging

• Read our full Garmin Edge 1040 Solar review

Bryton Rider S800: Affordable Edge 1040 rival

£255 (RRP £339.99) | View offer

• Up to 36 hours battery life
• Multiple satellite constellations for worldwide coverage

The Bryton Rider S800 is the latest version of the brand’s top bike computer. Its main boast is an extremely long battery life – up to 36 hours – coming close to rivalling the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar at a much lower price.

You can get around 50% charge in an hour which, combined with the battery life, make it a good option for long days out on the bike or multi-day trips.

The Rider S800 features a decent sized colour touchscreen, which is easy to read and use whilst riding. It covers standard functions well, with pop-up climbing profiles and clear map navigation, and even has a voice recognition feature – though this is not perfect.

Connecting to a full range of GPS constellations, not just GPS and Galileo, but also Glonass, Beidou and the Japanese QZSS, you’ll be covered wherever you ride.

There’s also Wi-Fi sync and Bluetooth built-in, while peripherals link up using ANT+. If you carry your phone with you, you’ll get incoming messages and call alerts.

The base map is clear and easy to follow with turn-by-turn directions from uploaded routes, while the unit’s data screens are easily configurable.

The S800 is good value as standard but another £50 will also get you an additional ANT+/Bluetooth speed and cadence sensor plus a heart rate strap, making it an even better deal.

Screen size: 3.4in; Battery life: Up to 36 hours; Location: GPS, Glonass, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS; Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi; Weight: 104g; Other features: Touchscreen

• Read our full Bryton Rider S800 review

Garmin Edge 540 Solar: Big features on a smaller budget

£379.99 (RRP £429.99) | View offer

• Same functionality as Garmin’s higher priced Edge 840
• Button-only interface

Garmin’s lowest priced bike computer in its newest Edge x40 range, the Edge 540 is the same size as the Edge 840 above, but uses buttons rather than including a touchscreen. As with the Edge 840 and 1040, there’s a solar charging option which boosts the price as well as the run time.

Functionality is the same as for the Edge 840 and includes much of that offered by the premium Edge 1040, including the customisable Glances-based user interface, ClimbPro and rapid USB-C charging. It also links up to Garmin’s Varia rearview radars to alert you to approaching traffic and uses Garmin’s cycling-specific popularity routing to keep you off high traffic routes in the first place. It will alert you to a high traffic road ahead and even to sharp bends and steep descents.

Most functions work well without the touchscreen, although a few such as panning around maps are fiddly. It’s also quite easy to press a button accidentally while using the Edge 540 when riding. As with the Edge 840, in our review we questioned the usefulness of solar charging, at least in the UK. That led us to suggest that the non-solar 840 was a better purchase at the same list price.

Screen size: 2.6in; Battery life: Up to 32 hours; Location: Multi-band GNSS, GPS, Glonass, Galileo; Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi; Weight: 86g; Other features: Solar charging option, button operation only

• Read our full Garmin Edge 540 Solar review

Garmin Edge 540

Garmin Edge 540 Solar

Wahoo Elemnt Bolt 2.0: The one for racers

£265.92 | View offer

• Compact aerodynamic shape
• LED lights can be programmed for additional information in-ride

The Elemnt Bolt is a bike computer for those who race. Similar to its bigger brother the Roam, the Bolt offers turn-by-turn navigation, seamless route syncing from the companion app, as well as on-board and on-demand navigation through its impressive mapping system.

It also gives live text and call alerts, relays Strava Live data and fully links to all Wahoo accessories. There is the capability to sync the LED lights across the top of the unit to act as a visual reference for things such as speed.

The Bolt 2.0 now benefits from a 64-colour display and ever so slightly rejigged ergonomics. It also now has a large 16GB of internal storage.

In terms of features, this update has also improved its functionality to the point that it’s much more like a miniature version of the firm’s Roam halo model than the former version. This means you now get additions like live tracking and rerouting, plus on device route planning. It’ll even act as a remote for your Wahoo brand turbo trainer. Despite these upgrades, the smaller and more aerodynamic shape remains, which should keep racers happy. 

Screen size: 2.2in; Battery life: Up to 15 hours; Location: GPS, Glonass, Galileo; Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi; Weight: 68g; Other features: Colour screen

• Read our full Wahoo Elemnt Bolt 2.0 review 

Garmin Edge 130 Plus: Garmin’s cheapest bike computer

£169.99 | View offer

• Compact and lightweight
• Much of the functionality of Garmin’s higher priced bike computers

The Edge 130 Plus is the smallest Garmin bike computer and also the only one not to have had an upgrade to a newer x40 version. At just 34 grams, it still provides plenty of functionality in a diminutive package and offers up to 12 hours battery life.

Its screen is monochrome, it’s button operated and it doesn’t offer maps, but the Edge 130 Plus still provides a breadcrumb trail for pre-mapped routes. It will also only show climb profiles for these, rather than on the fly as with the newer Garmins.

There’s a full suite of BLE and ANT+ connectivity to data capture devices and rearview radar units though. The Edge 130 Plus can also be used to control a smart trainer and it supports workouts and training plans. Phone connectivity allows live tracking and incident management among other functions.

• Read our full Garmin Edge 130 Plus review

Garmin Edge 830: Still a great buy

£550.53 | View offer

• Touchscreen interface
• Now superseded by the Garmin Edge 840

The Garmin Edge 830 launched as essentially a much smaller version of the brand’s then top-end Edge 1030 Plus bike computer, complete with live segments, live tracking, ultra-fast route planning, incident detection, nutrition tracking and even a bike alarm – all while punching out 20 hours of battery life.

Despite being relatively compact at 82g and with a 2.6-inch screen, the Edge 830 is still packed with an abundance of functions. In fact, it’s really just a smaller version of the Edge 1030 Plus. It contains live segments via third-party app Strava, live tracking, on-board route planning, rerouting capabilities alongside safety features like Incident Detection and even a pin-locked bike alarm.

The unit will tell you when you need to eat and drink and also sync to your Shimano Di2 groupset to let you toggle through the computer’s screens from the levers of your bike. Impressive! Controlled mainly via its touchscreen, it has a full-size feature set and handy size.

The newer Edge 840 is a similar size, but adds new functionality and a nicer user interface.

Screen size: 2.6in; Battery life: Up to 20 hours; Location: GPS, Glonass, Galileo; Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi; Weight: 82g; Other features: N/A

• Read our full Garmin Edge 830 review 

Garmin Edge 530

£181.99 | View offer

• All Garmin’s functionality at a budget price
• Impressive 20 hour battery life 
• Now superseded by Garmin Edge 540

If you’re prepared to do without Garmin’s latest functionality, as offered by the Edge 540 and Edge 840, the older Garmin Edge 530 offers a well-priced option, with deals still to be had.

It’s designed as a true companion for riders who train, seamlessly syncing to third-party power meters, providing biometric information into whether you are training too hard and even informing you when to eat and drink when riding.

Despite more basic on-bike mapping than Garmin’s more expensive models, navigation is still good thanks to the pre-loaded Garmin Cycle Map that provided turn-by-turn directions and notifications as well as off-road mapping for the gravel/MTB riders out there.

Ride safety is also considered paramount with Incident Detection that notifies pre-determined contacts of any potential incident while also acting as an alarm that notifies your smartphone if your bike is being moved if you are elsewhere.

Battery life weighs in at 20 hours, which is also decent. What you don’t get is touchscreen control. However, if you can manage without that and Garmin’s newest tech, the Edge 530 is something of a bargain.

Screen size: 2.6in; Battery life: Up to 20 hours; Location: GPS, Glonass, Galileo; Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi; Weight: 76g; Other features: Non-touchscreen

What features should I look for in the best bike computers?

Maps and navigation: Most of the best bike computers will offer some form of on-screen mapping or, at the very least, turn-by-turn navigation. Most will also allow you to preload routes to follow and many will even allow you to renavigate on the fly, although compared to using your phone the search function can often feel a bit clunky.

Smart notifications: Smart notifications are when you sync the bike computer to your phone and receive notifications on the go. Most will send through messages and call alerts allowing you to keep tabs on what’s going on without having to reach for your back pocket. Many will also transmit data back to your phone, letting your contacts follow your ride and alerting them if something is wrong.

Battery life: If you plan to spend long days in the saddle exploring then you will need to look at options with healthy battery life. Most cycling computers will last up to 18 hours albeit when used conservatively, many much longer.

Sensor compatibility: This could be an external power meter, heart rate monitor or cadence sensor. If you want to use any of these, you should check the computer’s ability to connect to sensors and devices. Some only allow connection to one at a time but most allow multiple connections using ANT+ and/or Bluetooth.

So you’ve got one of the best bike computers, but you can’t measure your watts? Check out our guide to the best power meters

The post Best bike computers 2025 reviewed for training data and navigation appeared first on Cyclist.

Endurance road bikes share many of the attributes of race bikes, but focus more on comfort. If you’re new to road riding, an endurance road bike is probably the right choice for you. 

It’s almost 20 years now since the Specialized Roubaix kicked off the endurance road bike revolution. Its fancy Zertz gel inserts were designed to reduce road buzz and its upright geometry placed the rider in a comparatively relaxed position.

Although pitched at the amateur rider, the original Roubaix notched up some notable pro wins, particularly under Tom Boonen in the early season Classics.

Endurance road bikes have come a long way since then, but many of the bikes today share some key design principles and core technologies. Keep reading to the end for full details of every bike listed below plus a guide to the features we look for in an endurance road bike.

Reviews of the best endurance road bikes

1. Ribble Endurance AL Disc 105: RRP from £1,274 – Read our full review
2. Specialized Allez Sport: RRP £1,600 – Read our full review
3. Canyon Endurace CF 7 eTap: RRP £2,899 – Read our full review
4. Mason Resolution: RRP £3,740 – Read our full review
5. Lauf Úthald Race Wireless: RRP $5,080 – Read our full review
6. Enve Fray: RRP £5,500 (frameset) – Read our full review
7. Specialized Roubaix SL8: RRP £6,000 – Read our full review
8. BMC Roadmachine 01 Three: RRP £6,900 – Read our full review
9. J.Laverack J.Ack III Di2: RRP £8,385 – Read our full review
10. Open Min.D: RRP £8,450 – Read our full review
11. Cannondale Synapse Carbon 1 RLE: RRP £9,000 – Read our full review
12. Trek Domane SLR: RRP £9,500 – Read our full review
13. Giant Defy Advanced SL 0: RRP £11,499 – Read our full review

Why trust Cyclist’s reviews?

At Cyclist, we’ve been bringing you our pick of the best road bikes since 2012, with our print and online reviews covering everything from the budget to the money-no-object.

The Cyclist team led by tech editor Sam Challis have thousands of miles under their belts riding and writing about bikes and can spot what makes a great endurance bike.

We’ve ridden every bike in this guide and our detailed reviews behind each will tell you what marks each out as an enjoyable long distance ride. If it’s in here, you can be confident that it’s worthy of your attention.

Best endurance road bikes 2025 as reviewed by Cyclist’s experts

Ribble Endurance AL Disc 105

£1,274 as tested | View offer

• Good spec that’s upgradeable via the Ribble bike builder
• Lively ride with plenty of gear range

The Ribble Endurance AL got a comprehensive overhaul in 2020, which added disc brakes, a carbon fork, internal cabling, a lighter frame and 28mm tyre clearance. As with all Ribble’s bikes, you can alter the spec; we reckon a carbon seatpost in place of the standard alloy would be high on our list.

It’s a lively bike, helped by the specced Shimano 105 groupset, which gives smooth shifting and plenty of range for hillier rides.

Again, it’s an option you can swap out for something higher up the groupset food chain or with different gear ratios if you want. The Ribble still offers excellent value, even if the price has increased since we reviewed it.

• Read our full Ribble Endurance AL Disc 105 review
• Check out the Endurance AL Disc range at Ribble (from £1,299)

Specialized Allez Sport

£1,600 | View offer

• Wide tyre clearance and hydraulic disc brakes
• Grippy, comfortable ride

Specialized’s 2023 upgrade of the Allez saw it replace rim brakes with disc brakes, with the Allez Sport getting the hydraulic braking that come with Shimano’s Tiagra 10-speed groupset. The base model Allez is equipped with 8-speed Shimano Claris and mechanical disc brakes.

The swap to disc brakes allowed Specialized to increase the tyre clearance to 35mm, which gives a lot more rubber on the road for increased grip and comfort. This leads to assured handling, although the wheels and/or tyres would merit an upgrade to bring out more of the frame’s potential.

• Read our full Specialized Allez Sport review

Canyon Endurace CF 7 eTap

£2,899 (£2,849 as tested) | View offer

• Full carbon frame offers a comfortable, lively ride
• SRAM Rival eTap groupset gives plenty of gear range

The Canyon Endurace CF frame is the third tier of the German brand’s carbon Endurace framesets, which are made to be comfortable, with a lively ride quality.

It shares its geometry with the higher spec carbon models, just made with slightly lower grade carbon fibre, which adds a little weight to the frame.

Canyon includes bosses for a top tube bag, although no mudguard mounts. Smaller sizes get 650b wheels for consistent geometry and handling.

Wide range 12-speed wireless shifting comes from SRAM Rival eTap and there’s 35mm tyre clearance to take you off-road if you want. Look out for Canyon’s sizing, with its bikes larger than most brands for an equivalent frame size, but with quite a short stem for a rather upright ride.

• Read our full Canyon Endurace CF 7 eTap review
• Buy the Canyon Endurace CF 7 AXS from Canyon (£2,999)

Mason Resolution

£3,740 | View offer

• Modern steel frame is well balanced
• Option to spec as you please 

Mason Cycles mixes a bespoke approach with enough availability that you don’t have to wait years for its bikes.

It was at the forefront of the all-road revolution with its Columbus steel Resolution, which we found to be agile and well-balanced. On the specced 32mm tyres, there’s plenty of road feel.

The Resolution is a great package if you want classic looks in a forward-thinking bike design. You get your choice of spec, but we went for Campagnolo Ekar, rating its gear range and simplicity for road riding despite it being pitched by Campagnolo as a gravel groupset. 

We’ve also reviewed the Mason Definition, the Resolution’s alloy sister bike.

• Read our full Mason Resolution review
• Buy the Mason Resolution from Mason Cycles

Lauf Úthald Race Wireless

$5,080 (approx £4,000) | View offer

• Fast ride feel, but with endurance stability
• High quality spec for the price with SRAM Force AXS and Zipp 303S wheels

The Úthald takes Icelandic bike brand Lauf from its gravel specialism into road bike territory. It’s somewhere between a race bike and an endurance bike, offering race-like ride feel – what Lauf calls a fast fit – but with endurance bike stability, so that the handling isn’t nervous and a rider feels that they can test their pedalling limits, not their handling ability.

Lauf has also chosen carbon that’s not too high-end and brittle, but still light enough for a size S Úthald to weigh 7.9kg, with enough compliance built into the frame for long distance comfort. The bike is equipped with 32mm tyres but there’s room for 35mm measured width.

The test bike came well equipped with a 48/35t, 10-36t SRAM Force AXS 2x groupset, Zipp 303S wheels and Lauf Smoothie Road vibration-absorbing carbon handlebars, but without the price tag of many similarly specced bikes. There’s a new top spec equipped with SRAM Red AXS.

We enjoyed the wide tyres’ ability to cushion everything including gravel tracks and the wide-range gearing which made Dartmoor climbs easy work. We’d have loved mudguard mounts though.

• Read our full Lauf Úthald review
• Buy the Lauf Úthald from Lauf ($5,080)

Enve Fray

£5,500 (Frameset) | View offer

• Aero optimised 900g frame with full range of mounting points and internal storage
• Superb handling and ride confidence from the fitted 35mm Enve tyres and 40mm tyre clearance

The Enve Fray frameset weighs a claimed 900g and is aero optimised with Enve’s internal cable routing, while designed for an endurance ride position. There’s a UDH derailleur interface, internal frame storage and top tube and third bottle cage mounts, for more long ride versatility; you can also fit mudguards.

Tyre clearance is 40mm and we found the 35mm Enve tyres on SES 3.4 carbon wheels led to a really smooth ride, with grip and handling for confident descending. The Fray is quick though, weighs 7.5kg as built and is only marginally less efficient than the Melee, a bike raced at pro level We reckon it’s a great choice for the way many cyclists like to ride, if you can stomach the five-figure price tag for a complete bike.

• Read our full Enve Fray review
• Buy now from Saddleback (frameset £5,500)

Specialized Roubaix SL8 Expert

£6,000 | View offer

• Great ride comfort built in
• Tuneable front end damping

Specialized’s seventh generation of its long-running Roubaix builds on the previous models’ exceptional road-smoothing ability. There’s a new Future Shock 3.0 implementation, which adds damping at the headset, while the previous model’s AfterShock rear end road damping is continued.

The big news for an endurance bike is that you can now fit full mudguards for the first time, tyre clearance is now 40mm and you can bolt a bag onto the top tube. The new frame is a little more aero too.

Unlike many modern bikes, there’s still external cable routing, even on the top spec S-Works version (which has seen a price drop from the previous model). That’s because the Future Shock headset doesn’t allow cables to be routed internally. We found the latest Roubaix among the most comfortable bikes we’ve ridden, though at 8.7kg the Expert spec is a little heavy.

• Read our full Specialized Roubaix SL8 Expert review

BMC Roadmachine 01 Three

£6,900 | View offer

• Frame features designed for comfort
• Quality spec with plenty of gear options

A combination of lowered seatstays and a D-shaped seatpost paired with a mid-mod carbon layup provide impressive compliance to the BMC Roadmachine.

There are hidden brake hose runs from the carbon handlebars into the frame for a clean cockpit. To up its endurance credentials and help you avoid the bonk, BMC includes mounts for a feed box on the front of the top tube.

Higher-spec bikes get SRAM groupsets that give loads of gear range with plenty of mid-range ratios and ample braking. The wide Zipp 303S carbon wheels and 28mm Vittoria Corsa Control tyres are quality items that up comfort.

We’ve also reviewed the Roadmachine 02 One, if you’re looking for a cheaper option and the Roadmachine X which is specced to take you into gravel territory.

• Read our full BMC Roadmachine 01 Three review
• Buy now Roadmachine 01 Four from Tredz (£4,760)

J.Laverack J.Ack III Di2

£8,385 | View offer

• Four seasons titanium frame
• First-rate buying experience  

We were seriously impressed by the titanium J.Ack III, from its classy looks through to the boutique fitting and buying experience offered at the brand’s Rutland HQ.

Out riding, the class continues with the great comfort on offer, however pitted the roads.

We appreciated the bike’s light 8.2kg weight and quality contact points; 32mm tubeless tyres on carbon wheels with Chris King hubs add the finishing touch. There’s enough room for 38mm tyres or 35mm with mudguards if you want an even smoother ride.

• Read our full J.Laverack J.Ack III Di2 review
• Buy the J.Laverack J.Ack III Di2 from J.Laverack Bicycles

Open Min.D

$3,900 (frameset), £8,450 as tested | View offer

• Relaxed position, with great handling
• Seatmast adds saddle comfort

While Open is best known for its gravel bikes, the Min.D is a road bike with 32mm tyre clearance – quite radical when it was launched but fairly normal now. It carries over Open’s gravel bike geometry though, providing a relaxed riding position while keeping the chainstays short at 405mm and the wheelbase at 998mm, for an intoxicating mix of agile handling with stability at speed.

The highish stack allowed us to slam the stem without breaking our back, while Open has used a 25mm diameter seatmast rather than a separate seatpost. There’s a decent 35mm of vertical adjustment to saddle height and Open says that the seatmast allowed it to design additional flex over a seatpost for in-saddle comfort.

Open sells the Min.D as a frameset, with our 7.1kg test bike build costing around £8,450.

• Read our full Open Min.D review
• Buy now from Open (€3,900, frameset)

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 1 RLE

£9,000 | View offer

• Superb ride quality
• Integrated SmartSense lights and radar

The latest generation Cannondale Synapse offers confident handling and comfort in spades, with tyre clearance up to 35mm and carbon bars on an alloy stem. The Synapse Carbon 1 RLE spec reviewed has Cannondale’s HollowGram Knot SL45 wheels with 30mm Vittoria Corsa tyres.

Geometry hasn’t changed from previous models, with a short reach and high stack to place you quite upright on the bike. Geometry and frame stiffness are size-specific for consistent ride quality.

Many models of the Synapse now come equipped with SmartSense, which uses a down tube battery to power front and rear Lezyne-made lights and a Garmin-developed rear radar system to alert you to traffic behind.

The rear setup does stop you fitting a saddle pack though and the SmartSense system contributes 500g of the bike’s 8.2kg weight.

• Read our full Cannondale Synapse Carbon 1 RLE review

Trek Domane SLR 7 Gen 4

£9.500 | View offer

• Great handling
• A smooth ride on its 32mm tyres

Trek has slimmed down the Domane in this latest version four of its endurance bike, shaving 300g off the frame weight. You still get rear IsoSpeed, but the front IsoSpeed has gone. The frame tubes are now aero and, as with the older model Domane, there’s a storage cubby in the down tube.

Our review bike was specced with 32mm tyres, but you can fit 38mm rubber. Along with IsoSpeed, that makes for a comfortable ride however bumpy the road surface.

The 80mm bottom bracket drop makes for a planted feel and great cornering. But we reckon that IsoSpeed is a bit overkill for UK road surfaces, even if great for the cobbles. It contributes to a significant 8.2kg weight for what’s an expensive bike.

• Read our full Trek Domane SLR review
• Buy now from Trek (£7,980)

Giant Defy Advanced SL 0

£11,499 | View offer

• Superb ride comfort, low weight and top-notch spec
• A little more racy than its predecessor

Giant’s traditional endurance bike has become a little more racy in this fifth generation. Previously, Giant didn’t offer an Advanced SL tier in the Defy, but the new bike has added one, plus a UCI sticker and at the same time has dropped 195g in weight from the new premium build and revised carbon layup. The geometry is slightly longer and lower too.

That doesn’t detract from the comfort on offer, even on the 32mm Cadex tyres, which don’t take full advantage of the 38mm frame clearance. They do help keep the weight down to 6.9kg though, making for a ride that’s fast as well as comfortable. Giant’s new update of the D-Fuse seatpost and bars help with comfort, while the fully enclosed hose routing and more aero tubes up the new Defy’s aero quotient.

• Read our full Giant Defy Advanced SL 0 review

What is an endurance road bike? Key features to look for

1. Upright riding position

Key to riding any bike for a long time is a comfortable riding position and for most people that means a more upright riding position than can be found on the average race bike.

Endurance bikes will have a shorter reach and higher stack than more race-oriented machines, so you’re less stretched out, although there are gradations in just how upright an endurance bike will place you.

2. Stable geometry

Rather than being edgy like a bike tuned for the sharp end of racing, endurance bikes are designed for more predictable, stable handling. You don’t want a bike that’s a handful to pilot if you’re going long.

Typically, endurance bikes will have a longer wheelbase and slacker frame and fork angles than a more race-oriented bike. They will also have longer chainstays for less snappy handling.

3. Increased tyre clearance

Longer chainstays also increase tyre clearance. Tyres (and rims) are still getting wider, but increased tyre clearance has been common on endurance bikes for years as an easy way to increase comfort and grip by increasing the volume of air under the rider, allowing lower tyre pressures.

28mm tyres are the minimum, but expect clearance to fit tyres up to 40mm on some models.

4. Lower gearing

To take steep climbs with ease and reduce fatigue on long, hilly rides, low gearing will let you spin up rather than engage in out-of-saddle grinding. It’s typical for endurance bikes to be fitted with a 50/34-tooth compact crankset.

Modern road groupsets will let you pair that with a cassette providing range up to 11-36, so you get some really low ratios. With the latest groupsets shifting to 12-speed cassettes, the wide range is often achieved with smallish differences between gear ratios mid-cassette, where the bulk of your riding is likely to be.

SRAM’s 12-speed AXS groupsets give you even wider gear ratios, with the option of a 10-36t cassette paired with either a 46/33 or 48/35 crankset.

That gives a similar top ratio to a conventional groupset that has an 11-tooth smallest sprocket, but a very low bottom gear.

5. Disc brakes

Disc brakes are the norm for bike manufacturers these days, with hydraulic braking rather than cable-operated on mid-range models and up. They bring improved braking in all weathers while coming with only a minor weight penalty. They are also pivotal in allowing those bigger tyre clearances.

6. Fancy seatposts

A slim and flexible 27.2mm seatpost is typical for road bikes and carbon fibre is the most common material even on lower priced endurance bikes, for its increased vibration damping.

Beyond that, endurance bikes will often have seatposts with extra features to make your saddle time more enjoyable, like the Canyon/Ergon VCLS split shaft seatpost and BMC and Giant’s D-shaped posts.

7. Vibration damping

There have been many solutions to vibration damping over the years – some more gimmicky than others.

Generally they involve adding an additional material to the frame to dissipate vibration, like Bianchi’s Countervail, designing the rear triangle with flex zones or extra compliance, as in the Cannondale Synapse or built-in flex features as in the Trek Domane and the Wilier Granturismo SLR.

Front end comfort may be catered for by features to add extra vertical travel like the Future Shock 2.0 found in the latest generation of the Specialized Roubaix or the pivoting stem found in the BMC Roadmachine X AMP (okay, that one’s an electric bike).

In other cases, vibration damping comes from the design and layup of carbon handlebars and fork blades.

8. Mudguard mounts

Mudguard fixing points used to be a rarity on any bike, but they’re pretty much standard on modern endurance bikes. If you’re going to be out on long rides in all weathers you want to be kept a bit drier; wheel spray wetting your seat pad is never comfortable.

We’d say proper mudguard mounts are essential if you plan on riding through winter.

9. Lighting

While still a bit of a novelty, it’s increasingly common to see lights built into endurance bikes. Cannondale’s SmartSense system uses a central battery to power front and rear lights.

Many road bike designs, even performance race models, now allow you to add an integral rear light to your seatpost.

10. Electric assistance

Many brands now offer e-bike versions of their endurance bikes. It’s a useful option if you want to go long and value the extra assistance of a motor to help with climbs or if you get fatigued.

Often you’ll be riding at over the 25kmh at which assistance cuts out (in Europe), so the motor is only there for when things get harder.

The best electric road bikes are not much heavier than a normal endurance bike. The extra mass may not affect handling or ride feel on the flat, but the motor provides a get-out on the hills.

It may increase the distance that you feel confident riding or allow you to take on more difficult terrain.

For more about electric bikes, visit our sister site cyclingelectric.com.

Endurance road bike vs. gravel bike – what’s the difference?

Increasingly little. Although they started off as different bike categories, there are now plenty of bikes that blur the boundary. Some bike brands will offer gravel and endurance specs of the same bike, like the Wilier Rave SLR, just altering tyre tread patterns and gearing between the two.

An endurance bike with wide tyre clearance and low gear ratios can easily be set up with gravel tyres for more grip, allowing you to head off tarmac and explore the less gnarly tracks and trails you find.

Conversely, some gravel-light bikes like the aforementioned Wilier Rave SLR or the BMC Kaius are equally at home on the road.

There’s yet another category of bike (don’t bike makers love to define yet another genre?), the all-road bike, that looks to straddle the endurance/gravel gulf and which overlaps with both, being designed for light gravel alongside road riding.

Not sure if an endurance road bike is for you? Don’t miss our full guide to the best road bikes and if you want something more versatile, read our guide to the best all-road bikes.

The post Best endurance road bikes 2025 reviewed for comfort on long rides appeared first on Cyclist.

No one wants to be the bozo who has to be plucked from the hillside by mountain rescue having gone out without the right gear. While this might not be such a risk on the daily commute, if the forecast is moody, setting off without a proper waterproof cycling jacket either on or somewhere about your person isn’t a wise move.

When choosing a waterproof cycling jacket for yourself, the first two things to consider are your budget and what you’ll be using it for.

A racing waterproof, for example, with an aero design and lightweight fabric, offers a different set of pros and cons to a jacket that’s designed for chilly everyday commutes.

Some jackets are packable (check out our specific guide to the best packable cycling jackets for more options), meaning they can be hidden in a jersey pocket until needed. Some are heavier shells, which will need to stay on for the whole ride, while commuter jackets can sometimes come with linings and bulkier features like pockets and Velcro cuffs.

It’s also worth considering what materials they’re made from. Cheap waterproofs may keep some rain out, but they’ll also keep sweat in as their fabrics are generally less breathable. Taped seams also help to keep water out.

Here are our favourites…

Reviews of the best waterproof cycling jackets

• Altura Icon Pocket Rocket Waterproof Packable Jacket – read our full review
• Rapha Core Rain Jacket II – read our full review
• Sportful Hot Pack No Rain – read our full review
• Albion All Road Pertex Shield rain jacket – read our full review
• Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Pertex Rain Jacket – read our full review
• Assos Equipe RS Clima Capsule Alleycat – read our full review
• Velocio One Jacket – read our full review
• Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket – read our full review
• Q36.5 Rain Shell Jacket – read our full review
• Gorewear Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket – read our full review
• Le Col Arc Lightweight Rain Jacket – read our full review
• Poc Supreme Rain Jacket – read our full review

Why trust Cyclist’s advice?

Cyclist‘s reviewers aren’t fair weather cyclists. Our team, led by tech editor Sam Challis, are out riding all through the winter and the worst the weather has to throw at us.

That means that the team counts on quality protection from rain, wind and cold. We also look for jackets that we can take with us just in case, as well as those to wear all ride. We know what to look for in the best waterproof jackets.

The best waterproof cycling jackets 2025

Altura Icon Pocket Rocket Waterproof Packable Jacket

£125 | View offer

• Pros: Plenty of reflectives, Warm collar
• Cons: Quite loose fit, Not very packable
• Great value for full waterproofing and extra-durable material to protect from rips

Altura’s jackets include a lot of reflective details and the Icon is no exception, with a large area of reflective fabric on the single rear pocket and the arms completely made of the same reflective material. The pocket also serves as a pack for the jacket when not in use.

It’s not the most packable jacket, but makes up for this with a durable fabric and a looser fit, allowing for layering beneath. A two-way zip helps with access to jersey pockets and a fleece-lined neck helps to keep out chills.

• Read our full Altura Icon Pocket Rocket Waterproof Packable Jacket review

Rapha Core Rain Jacket II 

£130 | View offer 

• Pros: Great value, Very good weather-proofing
• Cons: Some windflap
• Superb performance for the price, with well-fitted cuffs to ensure no cold wrists

The Rapha Core range offers a more affordable alternative to the brand’s premium ranges and the Rapha Core Rain Jacket II is good value for a lightweight waterproof. There’s a decent range of colours, although they tend to the dark rather than adding visibility.

Rapha has thought through the details, such as the offset zip to help avoid discomfort at the neck and elasticated cuffs to stop rain heading up your sleeves, with a fabric that doesn’t compromise breathability. Although the fit is fairly close, there’s a little windflap at speed. The Rapha Core Rain Jacket II packs up small enough to fit in a jersey pocket when not needed.

• Read our full Rapha Core Rain Jacket II review
• Buy now from Rapha (£130)

Sportful Hot Pack No Rain

£160 | View offer

• Pros: Waterproof yet nicely breathable, Packs into its own pocket for easy storage
• Cons: Difficult to pack while riding
• A close fit with full water- and windproofing and limited excess material 

The Sportful Hotpack Norain jacket is designed to be lightweight and packable, stowing into its own rear pocket, while still providing good waterproofing. Although the fit is close, it’s not restrictive thanks to stretch side panels and the arms are a decent length for wet weather coverage. There’s no windflap when riding, which Sportful says is thanks to increased use of rubberised fabric sections.

Sportful also offers the Hotpack Easylight, if windproofing and light rain resistance at a lower price are more important than full waterproofing.

• Read our full Sportful Hot Pack No Rain jacket review

Albion All Road Pertex Shield rain jacket

£195 | View offer

• Pros: Three zip design adds adjustability, Velcro cuffs keep out rain
• Cons: A little sweaty on mild days
• Versatile packable jacket which Albion commits to repair if damaged

Using three-layer Pertex Shield fabric that’s PFC-free, the Albion All Road jacket has a high waterproof and breathability rating, with taped seams. Albion’s triple zip is actually three zippers that sit next to each other; one full length, a second running halfway up from the bottom, offering extra airflow and a third handling top half ventilation and access to a pocket. Velcro cuffs help keep out wind and rain.

Despite the additional features and capable weatherproofing, it’s a jacket that packs down well. We found the Albion jacket slightly sweaty on milder rides, but rated the quality and Albion’s commitment to repair. There are orange and blue colours available.

• Read our full Albion All Road Pertex Shield rain jacket review

Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Pertex Rain Jacket 

£240 | View offer

• Pros: Superb weather-proofing and breathable, Effective two-way zip
• Cons: Pricy, Short sleeves
• A lightweight jacket with great practical touches

At 112g for a size M, the Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Pertex Rain Jacket won’t weigh you down, despite being fully weatherproof. It’s also very breathable and packs down small when not needed.

Although there’s some windflap and the shoulders and the sleeves and tail are a little short when riding, the two way zip does make getting to pockets very easy. The PNS jacket is expensive, but its performance helps justify the premium price.

• Read our full Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Pertex Rain Jacket review
• Buy now from Mr Porter (£144)

Assos Equipe RS Clima Capsule Alleycat

£210 | View offer

• Pros: Very breathable yet weatherproof, Packs very small
• Cons: Little arm protection, Expensive
• Optimised race fit with easy on/off arms, but more of a gilet with arms than a jacket

Assos’s jacket is essentially a weatherproof gilet with non-resistant lower arms. It’s made from an array of materials that contribute to a low weight and good packability. The fabric used for the chest, shoulders and upper arms keep those parts dry, as well as including silver to make it reflective.

The design makes it easy to take on and off when riding and Assos says that the sleeves make the jacket less flappy than an equivalent gilet. The fit is close, also contributing to low noise when riding. It’s a good option for fast-paced outings.

• Read our full Assos Equipe RS Clima Capsule Alleycat jacket review
• Buy now from Assos (£225)

Velocio One Jacket

£276 | View offer

• Pros: Thoroughly versatile, Weatherproof, Two-way zipper
• Cons: Rain collects in pockets, Only one dark colour, Not hugely light or packable
• Immaculately well-made all-round jacket with slightly sub-par pocket design

The Velocio Mens One Jacket has an unfussy design and can comfortably function as a rain layer or a more all-around jacket. The fit is usefully slim without being tight, so it can be used in different riding scenarios.

The Polartec Power Shield Pro material provides good protection from the elements and is part of a fabric that feels delightfully soft and comfortable, especially compared to the rustly, crispy fabric frequently used in other rain jackets. The only real drawbacks are that it isn’t particularly light or packable, and the pocket design is slightly flawed.

• Read our full Velocio One Jacket review
• Buy now from Velocio (£276)

Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket

£300 | View offer

• Pros: Very weatherproof, Breathable, Versatile fit
• Cons: Expensive, Only dark colours
• A well-designed and technically high-performing rain jacket for year-round use

Rapha’s Gore-Tex Rain Jacket is the brand’s most premium piece of foul-weather road kit and features a number of practical touches. Produced in partnership with Gore-Tex, the material offers market-leading waterproofing with good breathability performance, though it is not particularly light.

Rather than being a specialist design for a certain discipline, Rapha’s jacket does almost everything well and can function at a range of temperatures, which also gives it year-round versatility.

• Read our full Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket review
• Buy now from Rapha (£300)

Q36.5 Rain Shell Jacket

£304 | View offer

• Pros: Light, Excellent DWR beading, Intelligent elastication, Aero
• Cons: Pricy, Precarious rear venting, One-way zipper
• Svelte, performance-fit design that’s thin and light but still offers good weather protection

The Q36.5 Rain Shell Jacket is a very light, smartly tailored performance outer layer made of a highly effective proprietary waterproof membrane. Smart elastication of the cuffs, waist and neckline offers additional protection from the elements, while vents and a breathable membrane help to regulate temperature.

It’s a shame there’s no two-way zipper and the position of the vents could potentially let some rain in. Notwithstanding these points and the high price, as a stash-away rain layer, it’s one of the best.

• Read our full Q36.5 Rain Shell Jacket review
• Buy now from Q36.5 (£304)

Gorewear Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket

£225 | View offer

• Pros: Waterpoof, Good range of visible colours, Breathable, Well-made
• Cons: Odd sizing, Minimal rear drop, Imperfect zip
• Versatile and technically high-performing rain jacket for year-round use

The Gorewear Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket is a well-made and weatherproof layer that has good reflective detailing and comes in an array of colours.

The fit and sizing don’t quite map to Gorewear’s second-skin claims, though a workable fit is certainly achievable. The lack of a double-zipper and more tail coverage is a shame, but the Spinshift is more affordable than some of the competition and remains a very serviceable rain jacket with improved environmental credentials versus older models.

• Read our full Gorewear Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket review
• Buy now from Gorewear (£225)

Le Col Arc Lightweight Rain Jacket

£280 | View offer

• Pros: Smart venting, Waterproof, Light, Handy hood
• Cons: Non-standard sizing, Zero insulation
• The looser gravel-leaning design won’t be for all but it’s weatherproof and versatile

The Le Col Arc Lightweight Rain Jacket is a fully waterproof and breathable outer layer that features the membrane-based Pertex Shield material. Designed with gravel riding in mind, it employs a looser, more casual fit for rides where aerodynamics are less important, making it more versatile overall.

While the thinness of the fabric doesn’t provide any insulation, it can still work well into single-digit temperatures when adequately layered. The inclusion of an adjustable hood, taped seams and smartly covered vents means it performs very well in foul weather and its light weight and packable size make it a very convenient ride companion

• Read our full Le Col Arc Lighweight Rain Jacket review
• Buy now from Le Col (£280)

Poc Supreme Rain Jacket

£450 | View offer

• Pros: Very light at a claimed 87g, 20,000mm rain protection
• Cons: Very pricy, Fiddly one-way zip
• Quality waterproof shell that’s packable and well-fitted

Poc’s Supreme jacket has a claimed 87g weight, but still provides full rain protection as well as 50,000g/square metre/24h breathability. There’s even a lightweight zip which builds rainproofing into the teeth and a hidden pocket in the collar makes for a tiny packed size.

Elastic cuffs and tail and taped seams help to keep water out but the low rear drop invites wheel spray. At £450 it’s also by far the most expensive jacket we’ve tested.

• Read our full Poc Supreme Rain Jacket review
• Buy now from Tredz (£450)

Needing coverage for your feet? Read our guide to the best overshoes

The post Best waterproof cycling jackets 2025 reviewed appeared first on Cyclist.

Winter cycling jackets are an important kit item in any cyclist’s wardrobe. When the temperatures drop, the rain starts falling and the weather gets all the more wintery, they can really make the difference between a cold and miserable ride, and a far more enjoyable one.

Generally used once the temperature drops below 10˚C, they often consist of a structure very similar to a long sleeve jersey with pockets at the rear. The main differences are that winter jackets often include thicker insulating material in the fabric, and also use weatherproofing technologies such as durable water repellent (DWR) treatments. Some take this further with full waterproofing and internally taped seams.

Key factors to look out for in the best winter cycling jackets are the aforementioned DWR treatments, as well as long elastic cuffs and necks for added insulation. It’s also good to have more breathable rear fabric panels to prevent excessive heat buildup, while two-way zips can help with breathability as well.

Read on for our pick of the best winter cycling jackets that we’ve ridden and rated or head further down for advice on how to choose.

Reviews of the best winter cycling jackets

• Rapha Core Winter Jacket — read our full review
• Santini Adapt Multi Jacket — read our full review
• Endura Pro SL 3-Season Jacket — Read our full review
• Castelli Espresso Air Jacket — read our full review
• Sportful Fiandre Pro II Jacket — read our full review
• Le Col Pro Insulated Jacket — read our full review
• Assos Mille GT Hashoogi Winter Jacket S11 — Read our full review
• Gore Wear Spinshift Thermo Jacket — read our full review
• Q36.5 Gregarius Winter Jacket — read our full review
• Pas Normal Studios Essential Thermal Jacket — Read our full review
• Velocio Alpha Zero Jacket — Read our full review

How do we test and why trust our advice?

Our reviewers are all massively experienced cyclists and they don’t stop riding when the weather turns cold, wet and miserable. In fact, we actively seek it out to make sure we’re testing these products across any and all weather conditions.

All of these jackets were tested in milder 10-16˚C, and far more wintery -6-5˚C to make sure that all bases were covered. Testing was also conducted rain or shine, with even the odd snowstorm thrown in for good measure. Our testing is comprehensive to make sure we bring you the best buying advice we can. 

Best winter cycling jackets 2025 reviewed

Rapha Core Winter Jacket

RRP £150 | View offer

• Brilliant value
• Great performance in cold weather
• Nicely breathable
• Storm cuffs are superb

The Rapha Core Winter Jacket is an impressively good winter jacket that is excellent value for money. Front-facing panels on the body and arms are more weather-resistant and insulated with DWR coating, while the rear facing panels are more breathable without impacting the weatherproofing. This combination results in a jacket that is warm even in freezing conditions, but breathable enough for milder temperatures and higher-intensity sessions. 

Storm cuffs are used to brilliant effect to give a really secure fit around the cuffs and prevent cold air travelling up the sleeves. Thick zipper pulls are another great practical feature as they can be operated while wearing thick gloves. A two-way zip is lacking, but the fit of the jacket is close yet allows for good airflow with a small amount of unzipping, meaning I didn’t miss said two-way zip. 

Add to this deep pockets that are easily accessible, and the Rapha Core Winter jacket performs exceptionally across the board, all while being nicely practical and incredibly good value. A broad range of colour options is appreciated as well.

• Read our full Rapha Core Winter Jacket review
• Buy now from Sigma Sports (£140)

Santini Adapt Multi Jacket

RRP £240 | View offer

• Genuinely waterproof
• Thin material doesn’t impair insulation
• Highly practical features
• Great size range

Using Polartec’s Power Shield Pro, the Santini Adapt Multi jacket has been able to achieve hardshell levels of waterproofing, while still being as flexible and comfortable as a softshell jacket. The addition of internally taped seams means that there is virtually no water ingress to the jacket through the material even in heavier rain, which helps maintain a good temperature across most conditions. 

Thermosealing appears to have worked well to boost insulation levels in colder temperatures, even with the relatively thin fabric material and lack of fleece lining. This thin fabric does however lend itself to a very jersey-like fit and feel, making this jacket very comfortable even with a lighter base layer worn underneath.

Additional practical features such as the two-way zip, large well-placed pockets and the zipped valuables pocket make the Santini Adapt Multi a truly superb jacket. The neck could be a little looser, but this is nitpicking for my personal fit. For a winter cycling jacket, it is near enough faultless for me, making that £240 both justifiable, and reasonably good value.

• Read our full Santini Adapt Multi Jacket review

Endura Pro SL 3-Season Jacket

RRP £199.99 | View offer

• Highly versatile
• Heaps of additional features
• Dual-layered system is clever
• Can be awkward to put on

The Endura Pro SL 3-Season Jacket certainly does what it says on the tin when it comes to three-season performance. For milder conditions in autumn and spring, the main body of the jacket does a great job. The windproof material with DWR treatment keeps the elements at bay well, while copious zip vents and rear exhaust do a great job as dispersing excess heat during higher-intensity sessions.

For colder winter weather, the detachable PrimaLoft fleece makes the insulation levels incredible. Even in snowy weather and -6˚C the jacket kept me nicely toasty. Add to that long sleeve cuffs, high neck and a fit that allows additional layers underneath without being too loose, and it’s a mightily impressive jacket across autumn through to winter into spring. 

Add to this large pockets at the rear, plus side pockets for stashing rubbish and the Endura is a very practical jacket to use both on and off-road. The use of large reflective features all across the jacket makes for great visibility when riding in poor conditions as well. All this for sub-£200 makes this jacket pretty good value to boot.

• Read our full Endura Pro SL 3-Season Jacket review

Castelli Espresso Air Jacket

RRP £225 | View offer

• Great breathability
• Well insulated in low temperatures
• Great colour range
• Not the best in heavier rain

The Castelli Espresso Air Jacket does what it is designed to do very well thanks in part to the new Ristretto fabric. Castelli has intentionally forgone waterproofing and instead focussed on insulation and breathability with this new material. To the breathability end, this jacket is a great performer in milder conditions and while doing higher intensity rides. Moisture wicking and temperature management are impressive. 

There is still a DWR treatment for shower protection, which works well, but not to the detriment of the main targets. This jacket is both impressively insulated and highly breathable, making it comfortable across a good range of temperatures, from freezing up to mid-teens, and varying riding intensities. 

It also features a close yet comfortable fit, great colour options and good sized pockets that are easy to access even with thicker gloves. This really is a fantastic winter jacket, and while a valuables pocket and dual zip are things I like, they are not necessary for performance. £225 is not cheap, but it’s worth the price from my perspective. 

• Read our full Castelli Espresso Air Jacket review

Sportful Fiandre Pro II Jacket

RRP £230 | View offer

• Close race fit
• Solid weatherproofing
• Reasonable insulation for thin fabric
• Sleeves a touch short

The Sportful Fiandre Pro 2 jacket uses a Polartec membrane to great effect to create a jacket that is impressively insulated and weather resistant, while being a relatively lightweight and race fit garment. Being designed for racing in the spring classics has clearly paid off, as in low single figure temperatures paired with a decent base layer, the Fiandre Pro 2 is well insulated while maintaining a good level of breathability. 

The race fit is close but not uncomfortable and maintains a good fit in both a more relaxed riding position and a hunched over aggressive one. Slightly shorter sleeves are the only slight downside to the jacket, which can lead to cold wrists if gloves do not cover that area of exposed skin. 

Aside from that issue though, this jacket packs a huge amount of performance for the £230 pricetag, and might just be the perfect option for those looking to do more fast-paced winter rides, or even racing in wintery conditions.

• Read our full Sportful Fiandre Pro 2 Jacket review

Le Col Pro Insulated Jacket

RRP £180 | View offer

• Incredibly lightweight and packable
• Good water resistance
• No pockets
• Lower core can get chilly

The Le Col Pro Insulated Jacket is a very different offering to most winter jackets. The Pertex Quantum Air fabric’s windproofing and water resistance work really well in showery conditions and against road spray, while the Polartec Alpha insulation makes it nicely warm even in low single-figure temperatures. However, the insulation material covers only the top two thirds at the front and top third at the rear. This results in reasonable breathability, but a potentially chilly lower core.

Where this jacket differs is that it’s fully packable into a pocket, super lightweight, and features no pockets. It’s instead a packable layer of insulation or weatherproofing. This makes it far more versatile than most winter jackets, but does reduce protection. It’s also questionable how often you will get a ride where the temperature change will require removing or adding this layer.

As a winter jacket, it performs very well. The fit is maybe not as race fit as other Pro line offerings from Le Col, but it aids insulation and usability more. The price also makes it better value than a lot of other full winter jacket offerings. There are pros and cons to the more packable and lightweight approach, but individual use and requirements will dictate if that’s a net positive or not. Personally, I see a place for this jacket, as it’s well insulated and weatherproof for a decent price. 

• Read our full Le Col Pro Insulated Jacket review

Assos Mille GT Hashoogi Winter Jacket S11

RRP £265 | View offer

• Clever use of different materials
• Fit works well when riding
• Slightly muted colour options
• Dual zip would be appreciated

The Assos Mille GT Hashoogi S11 jacket follows Assos’s trend of featuring many different proprietary fabrics with intriguing names. The main Airblock-Evo.916 provides a great level of weatherproofing and breathability, while the NEOS softshell material provides additional protection on the arms. Insulation comes from the RX thermal inner while breathability at the rear is impressive with the RX Evo Plus panel on the back. All these different fabrics and technologies marry together to create a jacket that does feature an impressive level of insulation and breathability.

Even the fit has a special name: bodySleeve AEPD. This results in a fit that is a bit uncomfortable and restrictive when standing, but once you move your arms forward and lean over more is impressively comfortable. For more upright positions it’s not the best, but for a more racy road position it works very well. 

Pockets-wise the three rear ones are large and allow for a good level of packing, plus they’re easy to access. A valuables pocket is missing, as is a two-way zip, which would aid insulation further in milder conditions. I’m personally not a fan of the muted colour offerings either, as it’s not ideal for riding in darker conditions. The price is also on the high side at £265, but for a more race or high intensity focussed jacket for foul weather, this is an impressive offering. 

• Read our full Assos Mille GT Hashoogi S11 Jacket review

Gore Wear Spinshift Thermo Jacket

RRP £179.99 | View offer

• Great cold weather performance
• Very good value
• 360˚ reflectivity is superb
• Lacks breathability

The Gore Wear Spinshift Thermo Jacket builds upon the new Spinshift line from Gore Wear as its deep winter jacket offering. The single-layer thermo-stretch fabric with fleece backing is used front and rear and provides brilliant levels of insulation in temperatures around and below freezing. Add to that a DWR treatment for water resistance in showers and the jacket performs brilliantly in wintery conditions.

It does lack a bit when it comes to breathability, mainly due to the thermal material across the rear panels not letting excess heat escape. The lack of a two-way zip also limits the breathability potential. However the cold weather performance does make it ideal for foul wintery weather, if not as versatile as other offerings. The 360˚ visibility is another great feature that I really appreciate. 

The fit is another element that is good, but not perfect. It’s close and comfortable, more like a jersey than a jacket, but the front is just a little too long resulting in some fabric bunching. Personally I found it better as a gravel jacket than a road one. It can’t be ignored though that at £179.99, this jacket offers pretty great value for money when it comes to thermal and weatherproofing capabilities. 

• Read our full Gore Wear Spinshift Thermo Jacket review

Q36.5 Gregarius Winter Jacket

RRP £285.30 | View offer

• Great insulation
• Very comfortable to wear
• Reasonably breathable
• Quite expensive

The Q36.5 Gregarius Winter Jacket features a host of proprietary features and materials aimed to keep body temperature at 36.5˚C. Taking pride of place on this jacket is the UF 2L lightweight, laminated and weatherproof fabric. It has impressive levels of water repellency given how light and supple it feels, more a jersey than a jacket, but it’s great in wetter conditions. 

Internally, the brand’s UF 3D Air insulation material lines the jacket rather than being bonded. This has the benefit of more movement of air internally, which boosts insulation further while also allowing for pretty decent levels of breathability. It’s a difficult mix to achieve but the Gregarius jacket has done it very well. A two-way zip could enhance this in warmer conditions, but for the most part isn’t really required or missed.

Large pockets and long zip tabs are also much appreciated and make this jacket really user friendly and easy to live with. The fit is a touch on the looser side, but Q36.5 recommends sizing down with this jacket. Fit-wise the jacket is long enough on the sleeves, neck and rear to provide ample protection. It is veering perilously close to the £300 mark, but great levels of performance go a good way to justifying this. 

• Read our full Q36.5 Gregarius Winter Jacket review

Pas Normal Studios Essential Thermal Jacket

RRP £340 | View offer

• Brilliantly insulated
• Useful front pocket
• Cuffs a bit loose
• Very expensive

The Pas Normal Studios Essential Thermal Jacket is certainly a very warm jacket and great in colder conditions. Polartec Power Shield Pro works fantastically to give low-bulk yet highly effective insulation with its internal grid structure. This also allows for pretty decent levels of breathability while the DWR coating externally keeps showers and road spray at bay.

There are some fit elements that let the jacket down, mainly the loose storm cuffs, which don’t work as well as other jackets. The fit can also lead to a bit of fabric bunching up front, but does actually aid overall comfort and temperature management. The presence of a zip pocket at the front is a useful feature, while the rear pockets are spacious and easy to access. Both these features are easy to use while wearing thick gloves as well.

One feature I would like to see added is a two-way zip, just to enhance breathability a bit more in milder conditions. Large reflective details are a very nice addition though, while the colour options are very classy. I think the given usable temperature range is also a bit conservative, as it was effective across a wider range than stated. That £340 price tag is huge though, and makes this not the best value. 

• Read our full Pas Normal Studios Essential Thermal Jacket review
• Buy now from Pas Normal Studios (£340)

Velocio Alpha Zero Jacket

RRP £256 | View offer

• Incredibly warm
• Good environmental credentials
• Windproof
• Not hugely versatile

The Velocio Alpha Zero is designed with seriously cold temperatures in mind and claims to protect riders down to -17°C. Fortunately, I didn’t have to expose myself to those kinds of extremes, but the Alpha did provide ample insulation for rides around the 0° mark. The Polartec material is warm, pretty breathable, and provides decent waterproofing – and Velocio has tailored the jacket to a sensibly slim cut.

The Alpha’s main selling point – its non-bulky insulation – is also its drawback, as the jacket is actually too warm to be thoroughly versatile. But for those riders who are often out in frigid temperatures, with less risk of persistently rainy conditions, it’s a great option. For something so wintry, it would be handy to have a few brighter colour options, though there is a reflective logo at the rear. Handily there’s a double zipper and three rear pockets, though none of them are zipped for valuables.

• Read our full Velocio Alpha Zero Jacket review
• Buy now from Velocio (£256)

Winter cycling jacket buying advice

Why do I need a winter jacket?

Winter cycling jackets tend to offer far better protection and insulation than long sleeve jerseys. Front facing panels of fabric will usually include a windproof membrane as well as DWR treatment which is effective against road spray and light showers. Internally the fabrics will often use a fleeced material or a grid mesh structure to help trap an insulating layer of air. 

You can get a similar level of insulation from combining a long sleeve jersey and a winter base layer, but it will be limited in warmth and require further layers once temperatures dip below 5˚C. Additionally a waterproof jacket will be needed in wetter conditions, so a winter jacket can cover several layers and kit options all in one go. 

What should I look out for in a winter jacket?

The key elements to look out for are a DWR treatment, fleece material or other insulation internally, long enough cuffs, high enough neck, and reasonable levels of breathability. That final point may seem an odd one for winter kit, but if you are kept warm enough, you will still sweat and this moisture can result in you getting either very damp or cold when you stop due to evaporation. More breathable rear panels make a big difference to overall comfort. 

Other useful features are storm cuffs, or elastic cuffs so winter cycling gloves will cover the skin on your wrists. Two-way zippers are also very handy for temperature regulation while also allowing for easy access to jersey pockets underneath the jacket. 

When should I be wearing a winter jacket for cycling?

A general rule of thumb is under 10˚C a winter jacket will be most effective. Between 10˚C and 15˚C, maybe higher depending on the person or humidity, a long sleeve jersey will work well with different base layer options. Some winter jackets are also good for below 0˚C when paired with a thicker base layer. Plus the additional weatherproofing means that in all but heavy rain, they should keep you at a more comfortable temperature.

Do you wear a winter cycling jacket over a jersey?

This will often come down to personal preference and weather conditions. In very cold temperatures, a long sleeve jersey and a winter jacket make for a very warm combination. However, winter jackets are designed to be able to be worn with just a base layer underneath too, given they often have pockets for storage. In milder conditions, a winter jacket with a mesh base layer can be very effective, switching out for a heavier duty layer when the temperature drops.

The post Best winter cycling jackets 2025 reviewed for road and gravel riding appeared first on Cyclist.

The best bar tape for your bike provides not only great grip but also comfort, helping keep your hands and upper body securely attached to your handlebars as one of the three main contact points.

There’s only one time where you might see a drop-bar bicycle without bar tape, and that’s on weight weenies’ builds during hill climb season. For everyone else, bar tape not only improves the comfort and grip, but also offers space for personalisation.

While flat bars such as those on hybrid bikes and mountain bikes tend to use tube-like grips, curved drop handlebars are wrapped with handlebar tape, which is supplied in rolls along with bar end plugs, which are crucial for plugging the ends of the handlebars.

There are a myriad of options out there when it comes to choosing bar tape, but which bar tape is best? Thankfully we’ve stepped in to help you work out which bar tape is best for you with our buying advice below, which follows the list of our favourite bar tapes on the market for all tastes and requirements.

Best handlebar tape 2025

Our selection of the very best bar tapes:

1. Pro Classic Comfort £12.99
2. Brooks Cambium Rubber Bar Tape £40
3. Prologo Onetouch 3D Bar Tape £32.99
4. Fizik Vento Microtex 2mm Tacky Bi-Color £34.99
5. Lizard Skins DSP Bar Tape V2 £47
6. Supacaz Bling Tape Gold £32.99
7. Cinelli Caleido Strip Bar Tape £36.99
8. Deda Mistral Leather Look Bar Tape £15.99
9. Wolf Tooth Supple Bar Tape £45
10. Silca Nastro Piloti Bar Tape £50

Read on below for more detailed buying advice.

Why trust Cyclist’s advice?

From the bikes that we ride at home to a huge fleet of test bikes, between us here at Cyclist we’ve tried and tested a huge number of bar tapes over the years. The quality and feel of the tape is often one of the first things you notice when testing a new bike or if you’ve just rewrapped your own handlebars, and the comfort and durability is soon put to the test after a few miles in the saddle.

You can be confident in the recommendations and advice we offer here, as these are all bar tapes we’ve had the pleasure of getting to grips with that we’ve considered worthy of your investment, with options for all tastes.

Best bar tapes reviewed

Pro Classic Comfort Bar Tape

RRP: £12.99 | View offer

• 2.5mm thickness 
• EVA and cork material with plastic bar ends 
• Black or white colourways

The Pro Classic Comfort tape delivers excellent performance at a budget price, making it a great go-to option for durable tape without breaking the bank. 

The tape is best suited to road riding on smoother tarmac, as the cork and composite tape isn’t the thickest at 2.5mm, nor features any additional grip pattern, unlike many other tapes. 

For those looking to take on their own handlebar maintenance, the tape is also pretty easy to wrap at home, and can be re-wrapped easily on different bars or bikes.

The 2m-long rolls are also supplied with plastic push-in bar ends, as well as extra strips of bar tape for bridging the gap around the shifters.

Brooks Cambium Rubber Bar Tape

RRP: £40 | View offer

• 3mm thickness 
• Bar ends and cotton finishing tape supplied
• Many colourway options including black, white, tan, brown, khaki, orange and teal

Though pricy, the Brooks Cambium bar tape is among the best I’ve tested, with a grippy yet cushioned offering earning the accolade of Editor’s Choice.

The rubberised bar tape features a very small checkerboard pattern, which offers plentiful grip for both road or gravel applications, while also being very durable.

Though the tape itself is of a modern synthetic construction with a foam backing contributing to the 3mm thickness, two cotton weave strips are supplied to finish the tape at the top of the bars. Two plastic push-in bar end plugs are also provided.

Whether you’re looking for a grippy tape for your regular rig, or something more complementary for a more traditionally styled build, the Brooks Cambium tape is a great shout.

Prologo Onetouch 3D Bar Tape

RRP: £32.99 | View offer

• 3.5mm thickness
• Plastic bar ends and printed finishing tape supplied
• Black colourway only

Master of touch points Prologo has not overlooked grip when it comes to its Onetouch 3D bar tape, which features a hexagonal pattern of rubberised raised dots along half of the tape’s 30mm width. The embossed honeycomb-like pattern of the surface of the bar tape is designed to help absorb vibrations from the front wheel over rougher terrain.

The Onetouch 3D tape is thick at 3.5mm. It’s tried and tested by WorldTour teams including EF Education-Easypost and UAE Team Emirates at the spring Classics such as the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, where the combination of extra cushioning and reliable grip is a high priority.

Featuring the Prologo logo, the bar ends supplied are made of plastic and push into the ends of the wrapped handlebars with ease. The finishing tape, which can be used to secure the ends of the bar tape to the top of the handlebar in place of a more simple electrical tape, is also printed with the brand name.

Fizik Vento Microtex 2mm Tacky Bi-Color Bar Tape

RRP: £34.99 | View offer

• 2mm thickness
• Designed for road racing 
• Fluo yellow, orange and pink options, plus grey, red, white and blue

Fizik’s thinnest option from its wide range of bar tape designs, the 2mm thick Vento Microtex tape is designed to be lightweight and minimalist for road racing. Each tape is 235cm, with a little extra length designed to make it long enough to cover flat-topped aero bars. 

Tacky by name, and tacky by nature, the tape has a glossy, sticky quality on the surface to enhance grip and avoid any slippage, whether you’re on the tops or in the drops.

The handlebar tape is supplied with plastic Fizik-branded bar end plugs, as well as extra strips of tape to help you wrap around the shifters.

The Bi-Color tapes also add a bit of extra bling to your cockpit, with the striped tape giving a gradient effect once wrapped.

Lizard Skins DSP Bar Tape V2

RRP: £47 | View offer

• 3.2mm thickness
• Premium screw-in composite plugs supplied 
• Huge colour range available

Best known for its extremely grippy surface, this Lizard Skins bar tape is available in 2.5mm or 3.2mm thickness. The thicker 3.2mm tape is a little heavier (adding just 12 grams), but offers greater comfort and shock absorbing qualities, so is great for rougher roads, cobbles and gravel riding, or riders just looking for a little more cushion.

There’s a dizzying array of colours to choose from, so you’re likely to find a colour to suit most builds. As well as the fairly long 226cm rolls, there are clamp cover strips, branded finishing tape and screw-in bar end plugs provided, which tend to be a bit more durable than the simpler push-in alternatives.

The Lizard Skins bar tape isn’t cheap, but you can certainly feel that you’re paying for great quality.

Supacaz Bling Tape Gold Bar Tape

RRP: £32.99 | View offer

• 2.5mm thickness
• Matching aluminium screw-in bar end plugs supplied
• Gold, silver and oil slick purple bling options, plus plenty more standard colours

If bling is your thing, look no further. Founded by the son of Specialized’s Mike Sinyard, Supacaz now offers a range of cycling accessories from bar tapes to bottle cages, many featuring some pretty bright and wild colours.

The rubberised, debossed star pattern finish of the Supacaz Bling tape offers great grip and is easy to wipe clean. There’s also rubberised black finishing tape supplied, as well as matching, top quality screw-in bar end plugs with an aluminium head for great durability.

The tape is shaped with thinner edges and is a little stretchy to help make installation smooth and easy.

If metallic gold, silver or oil slick purple aren’t your cup of tea, there’s a huge range of other Supacaz tape colours to choose from, including paint splatter, gradient and star designs.

Cinelli Caleido Strip Bar Tape

RRP: £36.99 | View offer

• Medium thickness tape
• Push-in bar ends and leather effect finishing tape supplied
• Synthetic leather tape with multicoloured accents

The Cinelli Caleido Strip tape blends a black synthetic leather upper, texturised and perforated, with a multicoloured backing which gives an amazing effect when wrapped. This backing strip is made of EVA and cork; the same formula that Antonio Columbo designed in 1983, which completely revolutionised cycling bar tape, previously cotton or vinyl.

Depending on which way you wrap the tape, you can either get a black finish with a few colourful dots poking through, or this effect in addition to a swirl of colourful edge. Either way, it’s a lovely way of introducing colour to your cockpit without committing to a single colour or sacrificing the durability of a dark-coloured tape.

The Caleido tape comes with black branded leather-effect finishing tape as well as silver metal-effect push-in bar ends. 

Deda Mistral Leather Look Bar Tape 

RRP: £15.99 | View offer

• 2.4mm thickness
• Leather-effect tape with plastic bar ends
• Brown, black, white, blue, red, and celeste colourways

While leather bar tape can be highly durable once fitted, it can be a real pain to fit, not to mention very expensive. For those looking for a more classic finish on the bars without the hassle, a leather-effect bar tape can be a good compromise. 

Deda’s Mistral tape is a fraction of the price of real leather, yet still looks pretty convincing from a distance, and comes in a good range of colours beyond classic tan, even extending to celeste to keep the Bianchi fans happy.

The relatively thin tape comes with plastic push-in bar ends, off-cut pieces to help you wrap around the shifters, and two finishing tapes that are more like logo-branded stickers. Perhaps opt for some cotton tape or waxed cord instead for a more authentic finish instead. 

Wolf Tooth Supple Bar Tape

RRP: £45 | View offer

• 5mm thickness
• Adhesive-free backing and plastic bar ends supplied
• Black, red, blue, orange and tan colourways

For ultimate comfort, there are few other options that rival the cushion of the 5mm thick Wolf Tooth Supple bar tape. As well as being extra thick, the tape is also extra wide at 4cm rather than the standard 3cm. You can choose how much you overlap the tape when wrapping to adjust how it feels while riding.

The tape isn’t textured on the surface but is very tacky, making it both grippy and easy to clean. Unlike most tapes, there’s no adhesive strip on the back, as it grips onto itself when wrapped without it, which means it’s easier to reuse and transfer between bikes.

One word of caution, though; if you’re a rider with smaller hands, wrapping your bars extra thick may not be as ergonomic as you might otherwise enjoy. If you’re looking for a similar tape that’s a bit less extreme, the Wolf Tooth Supple Lite tape is 2.5mm thick and retails at £27.

• Buy now from Merlin Cycles (£39)

Silca Nastro Piloti Bar Tape

RRP: £50 | View offer

• 1.85cm thickness
• Aluminium expanding bar ends included
• Black, red or white colourways

The premium feel of the Silca Nastro Piloti bar tape matches the lofty pricetag, unusually supplied with aluminium expanding bar ends rather than more simple (and potentially less secure) push-in plastic ones.

The tape itself is thin at 1.85mm and best suited to road riding, though Silca claims that with the three-layer design of the tape, the comfort is equivalent to a thicker 2.5mm tape.

The three layers consist of a narrow strip of 3M tape adhesive, a foam core and a top layer of composite with a tacky, rubbery feel. Grip is further enhanced by a pattern which can be wrapped in two different ways for either high grip, or maximum grip, inspired by the tread of high performance race cars. 

Shaped pieces are also included for helping bridge the gap around the shifter, as well as branded black finishing tape. 

• Buy now from Sigma Sports (£50)

How to choose bicycle bar tape

What should you expect from your bar tape?

Most bar tapes are 30mm wide, and feature a thickness between 2mm and 3.5mm. Thicker bar tapes have been developed for off-road riding and tackling cobbles or rougher sectors, while thinner bar tapes minimise weight and are often claimed to provide superior handling.

How long does bar tape last?

How long your bar tape lasts will depend on how much you ride, how well it was wrapped and how well you maintain your bike. Some well-wrapped bar tapes on well maintained bikes will last for years, whereas others can quickly become scuffed or dirty if you don’t take care.

While some riders love the aesthetic appeal of white bar tape and a white saddle, beware that this (and other pale colours) can quickly look dirty, especially if you’re riding off-road or in the winter.

If you go to find your bike in the shed with mouldy handlebar tape (yes, it does happen), then it’s probably time for a rewrap.

Can you ride without bar tape?

Simply put, yes. You’ll notice at hill climb races some riders ditch a little weight by cutting the handlebar tape (and often parts of the bars too), but this is generally the only time that you’ll see bikes without handlebar tape. 

There’s also a trend to wrap the drops but not the tops of aero profile handlebars, which might help a little with aerodynamics.

But the comfort and grip offered by handlebar tape makes it a no-brainer, especially as you can pick up some options for less than £15. It’s also important to fit bar end plugs. If you fall off, they’ll protect you from a potentially nasty wound.

Can you double wrap bar tape?

You can use multiple layers of bar tape to enhance comfort and the vibration dampening effect of your tape, though this practice is becoming more unusual as thicker tapes have been developed. The cobbled classics such as Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders have largely driven this trend, where riders seek to improve comfort over the rough, relentless sectors of cobbles.

Can bar tape be reused?

Bar tape can easily be reused if it’s still in good condition and removed carefully. Some tapes may tear during removal which makes them much less suitable for re-wrapping. Tapes that don’t feature an adhesive backing tape are generally easier to rewrap.

Tape typically becomes stretched around the outside of the drops and where it’s wrapped around the levers, so it can be difficult to re-fit smoothly. Older tape can tear if stretched too much and, since it’s cut to fit, it may not wrap neatly around wider or deeper bars than those it came from.

What colour bar tape is best?

The best colour bar tape is the one you love the most! It may be a subtle black, it may be a bright blue, or it might be a snazzy red to match your frame. However, do keep in mind that coloured bar tapes – especially paler ones or white – will look dirty much quicker than darker colours or black. A good scrub with detergent solution an a bristle brush can usually bring it back to life.

How do I wrap bar tape?

Glad you asked. We’ve got a post and video with detailed instructions on how to wrap bar tape like a pro.

The post Best bar tape 2025: Recommended tape for wrapping your handlebars appeared first on Cyclist.

Riding in the UK is often a lottery when it comes to the weather, be it summer or winter. The risk of rain is often not far away and being ill-prepared can really put a dampener on your ride. So to combat that, an ideal piece of kit for just about every single ride is a packable waterproof jacket. However, when choosing the right packable jacket for you, there are lots of elements to consider. 

Some jackets are fully waterproof, while others offer water resistance using repellent treatments that will not be fully waterproof in heavier rain. There is also the weight and bulk of the jacket, which affects how easy it is to pack away into a pocket. Also look out for features such as two-way zips for easy access to jersey pockets, as well as storage on the jackets themselves. Fit and breathability are other hugely important aspects, as flapping fabric or feeling like you’re wearing a bin bag is never fun.

One thing not present in this list are any entries that use Shakedry technology. Although this has been the benchmark material for packable waterproof jackets, due to new manufacturing regulations, the processes that allow for the creation of Shakedry material are now being phased out in an effort to be more environmentally conscious. This has led to most manufacturers having to develop new materials that offer waterproofing, light weight, great packability and breathability.

Reviews of the best packable cycling jackets

1. Altura Icon Pocket Rocket Waterproof Packable Jacket: RRP £125 – Read our full review
2. Café Du Cycliste Gaella: RRP £157 – Read our full review
3. Castelli Aria Shell Jacket: RRP £120 – Read our full review
4. Rapha Core Rain Jacket II: RRP £140 – Read our full review
5. Sportful Hot Pack No Rain: RRP £70 – Read our full review
6. Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Pertex Rain Jacket: RRP £240 – Read our full review
7. Assos Equipe RS Clima Capsule Alleycat: RRP £228.99 – Read our full review
8. Poc Supreme Rain Jacket: RRP £450 – Read our full review
9. Q36.5 Rain Shell Jacket: RRP £304 – Read our full review

How do we test and why trust our advice?

All of our product review team, led by tech editor Sam Challis, are avid cyclists who have been riding for many years. They have all built up a huge array of experience from riding in various conditions and testing what kit works and doesn’t work in these situations. 

We’ve ridden on warm summer days where light showers can put a dampener on things before they brighten up and become toasty again. We’ve also ridden in persistent rain storms with hail and gales. We know that the best packable cycling jackets are lightweight, easy to take on and off, offer enough protection across a range of weather conditions without overheating you, and won’t break the bank while doing so. We only ever recommend something that we would be willing to spend our own money on.

Best packable cycling jackets 2025

Altura Icon Pocket Rocket Waterproof Packable Jacket

£93.75 (RRP: £125) | View offer

• Pros: Plenty of reflectives, Warm collar
• Cons: Quite loose fit, Not very packable
• Great value for full waterproofing and extra-durable material to protect from rips

The Altura Icon Pocket Rocket Waterproof Packable Jacket is a fully wind- and waterproof packable jacket. It has a few nice features such as a rear pocket that can be used to keep tools or to pack the jacket into itself. There is also a fleece neck to keep you warm and a two-way zip for easy access to jersey pockets.

The jacket isn’t the most packable and has a loose rather than slim fit, but it is meant to be a more durable material and is also good value.

• Read our full Altura Icon Pocket Rocket Waterproof Packable Jacket review

Café du Cycliste Gaella

£157 | View offer

• Pros: Incredibly lightweight and packable, Very breathable
• Cons: Mesh back lets in water
• Close fit with a slot for access to rear pockets

The Café du Cycliste Gaella jacket is a special edition colourway of the brand’s Petra jacket, a super-lightweight packable jacket that features a windproof and water-repellent front with a very breathable rear. Coming in at 87g for a medium, it is the lightest packable jacket in our group test by a margin, and is easily packable into any jersey pocket even if it is already occupied by other items.

The fit is great, being comfortably long enough at the rear to offer splash protection, with a high neck and long sleeves, and does not flap much at higher speeds. The front does a great job at keeping the wind and showers at bay, while the back offers superb breathability. In heavier rain, the mesh back does get wet and cold, however, especially at lower speeds.

• Read our full Café du Cycliste Gaella jacket review

Castelli Aria Shell Jacket 

£108 (RRP: £135) | View offer

• Pros: Very lightweight, Packs very small into its own pocket
• Cons: Not fully weatherproof
• A close fit to minimise material flapping and easily packable when not worn

The Castelli Aria Shell Jacket is an incredibly lightweight and packable jacket, which offers good weather-proofing in light rain. However the mesh panels do reduce its weather-proofing in heavier rain but aid the fit and breathability significantly.

It comes in at a good price for the practicality of the jacket and is ideal for changeable conditions, however lack of full weather-proofing means it isn’t the best for days with heavy rain.  

• Read our full Castelli Aria Shell Jacket review

Rapha Core Rain Jacket II 

£140 | View offer 

• Pros: Great value, Very good weather-proofing
• Cons: Some windflap
• Superb performance for the price, with well-fitted cuffs to ensure no cold wrists

The Rapha Core Rain Jacket II is nicely packable into a jersey pocket and well-fitting while being water- and windproof. There is still some flapping at higher speed and in the wind, but overall the fit is fairly good.

The cuffs are elasticated so keep the wind and rain out from your arms but remain breathable. It also comes in at pretty decent value given its full waterproofing.

• Read our full Rapha Core Rain Jacket II review

Sportful Hot Pack No Rain

£37.50 (RRP: £70) | View offer

• Pros: Waterproof yet nicely breathable, Packs into its own pocket for easy storage
• Cons: Difficult to pack while riding
• A close fit with full water- and windproofing and limited excess material 

The Sportful Hot Pack No Rain jacket offers full waterproofing and windproofing while being able to pack into its own pocket, which then fits nicely into a jersey pocket. At speeds there is very little flapping and it fits nicely without being too close.

The sleeves are long enough with gloves to offer full protection while breathability is decent. It’s very easy to take off while riding but difficult to pack into its own pocket while on the move. Overall a very complete package.

• Read our full Sportful Hot Pack No Rain jacket review

Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Pertex Rain Jacket 

£240) | View offer

• Pros: Superb weather-proofing and breathable, Effective two-way zip
• Cons: Pricy, Short sleeves
• A lightweight jacket with great practical touches

The Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Pertex Rain Jacket is incredibly lightweight for a fully water- and windproof jacket and very easily stowable in a pocket. The two-way zip is brilliantly practical for getting access to your pockets easily while wearing the jacket, and it’s very breathable while being easy to take on and off.

One gripe is that the sleeves are not quite long enough and there was some flapping the shoulders. It is also on the high end of pricing but performs fantastically.

• Read our full Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Pertex Rain Jacket review

Assos Equipe RS Clima Capsule Alleycat

£225 | View offer

• Pros: Very breathable yet weatherproof, Packs very small
• Cons: Little arm protection, Expensive
• Optimised race fit with easy on/off arms, but more of a gilet with arms than a jacket

The Assos Equipe RS Clima Capsule Alleycat is a very interesting weather-proof jacket. It’s incredibly thin, see-through even, and the forearms offer virtually no protection at all. However it is the easiest jacket to take on and off while riding, it packs up incredibly small, and it offers superb wind- and waterproofing on the main body of the jacket while being nicely reflective and visible.

It does not come cheap, but for when you’re doing hard efforts or races, and have layered up appropriate thermal layers beneath, the Alleycat is the ideal packable jacket to keep the weather off your core.

• Read our full Assos Equipe RS Clima Capsule Alleycat jacket review

Poc Supreme Rain Jacket

£450 | View offer

• Pros: Incredibly light, Packs very small, Good weatherproofing
• Cons: Hugely expensive, Fiddly zip, Short at the rear
• Market-leading weight and packability offset by imperfect fit and colossal pricetag

The Poc Supreme Rain Jacket is a specialist piece of rain kit that nails a few key performance points. There’s no arguing with its barely-there weight, thanks to the gossamer-thin material that packs down into a special pouch in the neckline. It breathes well and the waterproofing is effective, albeit unconventional, as the DWR treatment doesn’t bead as expected.

Few will be able to stomach the pricetag, especially for a jacket that isn’t quite perfect, but those that do will have a very effective rain layer.

• Read our full Poc Supreme Rain Jacket review

Q36.5 Rain Shell Jacket

£304 | View offer

• Pros: Light, Packable, Beads well, Intelligent cut
• Cons: One-way zipper, Potentially leaky rear vents
• A smartly tailored rain shell with a particularly effective DWR treatment, but the rear vents can leak

In spite of the name, the Q36.5 Rain Shell Jacket is more recognisable as a thin shell to shrug off bad weather than a jacket. The proprietary membrane is lightweight, impressively waterproof and has built in rear vents to aid breathability. Plus, the elasticated cuffs, hems and neckline are all well thought out.

It’s a shame there’s no two-way zipper and said vents open the door to some water ingress, but all-in-all it’s a great jacket to stow away.

• Read our full Q36.5 Rain Shell Jacket review

Willing to sacrifice packability for added rain resistance? Read our buyer’s guide to the best waterproof cycling jackets.

The post Best packable cycling rain jackets 2025: Emergency layers for your pocket or bag appeared first on Cyclist.