Now in its sixth distinct iteration, the 2027 Santa Cruz Tallboy is a full-suspension trail bike designed to balance pedaling efficiency with capability on rough terrain. Neil spent the summer on a Tallboy and gathered 10 takeaways from his time on the carbon trail bike. Find his full review belowThe post 2027 Santa Cruz Tallboy Review appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Cian Uijtdebroeks' first season at Movistar Team has fallen short of expectations. The Belgian arrived at the Spanish team with the responsibility of becoming one of their leading general classification contenders, but his debut campaign in Movistar colours has raised more questions than answers. Tw...

Deep at the front, shallower at the rear and squared off where others are rounded, the Terra Aero CLX sees Roval rewrite the aero playbook twice over. The staggered rim depths reverse the usual approach, and the rims finish in a flat, chopped-off edge. Composite spokes, low weight and proven DT Swiss technology complete a package that aims to excel everywhere. The question is whether this unconventional formula can compete with the best in our big gravel wheel group test.This wheelset was tested as part of our big 2026 gravel wheel group test you can find an overview of all the wheels on test here.Roval Terra Aero CLX | 1,341 g | 3,498 | Manufacturer websiteAs Specializeds in-house wheel brand, Roval is a fixture in the professional road peloton and just as at home on gravel. The Terra Aero range carries the brands road racing aero expertise off-road, pairing an unusual flat-edged rim profile with a distinctive bead edge and composite spokes. In our first standalone review, the Terra Aero CLX won us over with its efficiency and comfort. This group test puts that verdict up against far stronger opposition.A Cut Above The Roval Carbon Gravel Wheelset in DetailThe rims make Rovals unconventional thinking clear at a glance. A 50 mm deep front and a 45 mm deep rear reverse the usual aero logic of a shallower front and deeper rear, while a flattened edge, which Roval calls its Chopped Aero Speed Shape, is claimed to deliver maximum aerodynamic efficiency at minimal weight. A 5.38 mm wide FlatStop rim edge adds protection against pinch flats. With an internal width of 27 mm and an external width of 38.5 mm, the rims grow our 45 mm Continental Competition control tire to 46.3 mm at the front and 46.2 mm at the rear. At 1,341 g on our scales, the Roval is also among the lightest wheelsets in the test.Turning things around With a 50 mm deep front rim and 45 mm rear, Roval reverse the conventional aero approach.Chop it! The flat-topped rim profile divides opinion, but it certainly gives the wheels a distinctive appearance.FlatStop The 5.38 mm wide, flattened rim edge is designed to protect against pinch flats.The spokes are just as unconventional. Roval use Arris aero composite spokes made from thermoplastic with titanium ends, 18 at the front and 24 at the rear, which they claim are stronger and lighter than steel. The hubs, by contrast, rely on proven DT Swiss internals, shared with the popular DT Swiss 180 with Ratchet EXP and SINC ceramic bearings, and the freehubs sound leaves no doubt about its origins. Black decals and black-chrome hubs keep the look understated, but the silver nipples jar with an otherwise clean finish. At 3,498, the Terra Aero CLX is the third most expensive wheelset in the test, yet it does little to look the part.Composite over steel The Arris thermoplastic composite spokes are designed to be stronger and lighter than conventional steel spokes.Black chrome Proven DT Swiss 180 technology is housed in an understated shell, with only the silver nipples disrupting the clean appearance.Everybodys Darling The Roval Terra Aero CLX on TestOn our test route, the Roval reveal themselves as genuine all-rounders, performing convincingly in virtually every situation without specialising in any particular discipline. Their stiffness is relatively moderate for wheels with composite spokes and feels almost perfectly matched to gravel riding. They cant match the explosive acceleration of the CADEX, but their lightweight spokes provide a welcome dose of liveliness when sprinting or climbing.Compliance is surprisingly good. For a composite-spoked wheelset, the Roval is pleasantly comfortable while retaining enough firmness for precise handling. In typical Roval fashion, it feels slightly more forgiving than many competitors, which works particularly well on rough terrain. In corners, the Roval steers precisely and progressively without feeling excessively direct or overly soft. On trails, it finds its line reliably while remaining responsive enough for confident steering and quick reactions. Ultimately, these are the wheels you barely mention after a ride, simply because everything worked exactly as it should.Two Tests Are Better Than One? The Roval Terra Aero CLX in the Wind TunnelOn the road, the Roval wheelset impresses with its balanced performance. But how does its unusual flat-edged rim profile fare in the wind tunnel? Subjectively, it feels fast and efficient, although we wouldnt place it at the very top of the field. Its rims are neither particularly deep nor especially wide relative to our test tires. We mounted the Roval twice in the wind tunnel and obtained two different results. With a rider on board at 36 km/h, one measurement showed it needing 0.8 W more than our reference wheelset, the DT Swiss GRC 1100, while the other showed a 1.1 W advantage. Over 40 km, that corresponds to a 5.4-second disadvantage or a 7.7-second advantage respectively. Both results fall within the measurement tolerance, but they lend some support to Rovals claim that the wheelset is optimized for real-world conditions, rider included.Conclusions about the Roval Terra Aero CLXVersatility is the Roval Terra Aero CLXs greatest strength. Its as convincing on tarmac as on gravel and trails, and while it doesnt excel in any single discipline, it rarely puts a foot wrong. Low weight pairs with surprising comfort for a wheelset with composite spokes, and the unconventional rims prove their worth technically. If outright acceleration is your priority, there are more explosive options. For 3,498, however, the Roval delivers a wheelset you can trust on almost any ride, backed by a lifetime warranty.TopsBalanced handling for almost every type of ridingLow weightPlenty of comfort despite composite spokesCleverly designed rim detailsFlopsRims not particularly wide for modern gravel tyresSilver nipples spoil the clean appearanceMore information at specialized.com.The Test FieldThis wheelset was tested as part of our big 2026 gravel wheel group test you can find an overview of all the wheels on test here.All wheels on test: CADEX Max GXR | DT Swiss GRC 1100 DICUT 50 | ENVE G SES 6.7 Pro | Fulcrum Sharq GR | HUNT 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD | Leeze CH 60 PRO GX | Light Bicycle AG48 | NEWMEN Streem G.62 CS | OQUO RP50LTD CS | Reserve 48|53 GR | Roval Terra Aero CLX | Vision SC 45 i30 | Zipp 303 XPLR SWDer Beitrag Roval Terra Aero CLX Gravel Wheelset on Test erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

Decathlon CMA GCM's corporate operations move to Switzerland is expected to save the team millions of euro in tax contributions as the French team attempt to increase their financial capabilities in negotiations to keep star rider Paul Seixas with the team beyond his 2027 contract expiration. Howeve...

Deep-section rims, wide profiles and noisy freehubs: aero has come to gravel, bringing a wave of watt-saving claims with it. To separate fact from marketing, we rode 13 carbon gravel wheelsets on our test loop and took them to a Belgian wind tunnel. Our big 2026 gravel wheel group test reveals where riding impressions and hard data agree, where they dont, and which wheelset offers the best of both worlds.Aerodynamics are invisible, stiffness cant be judged with your fingertips and composure doesnt show up on the scales. Still, you know instantly when a wheelset feels right. You know it when you stand up on a climb and the bike leaps forward, and when the wheels track calmly through a carpet of roots as the bike moves beneath you. And you know it in that unmistakable sense of speed that comes with deep-section rims, whether the stopwatch agrees or not.Few components shape the character of a gravel bike quite like the wheels, and few upgrades are as expensive. With our big 2026 gravel wheel group test, we wanted to find out whats left once you strip away all the marketing hype. To do that, weve tested 13 wheelsets both on our test loop and in the wind tunnel, combining hard data with plenty of kilometres on gravel to establish which carbon gravel wheels really come out on top. If youre looking for fast wheels for the road instead, check out our road bike wheel group test.Table of contensWhy Aero Has Trickled Down to GravelWhy a wheelset changes your gravel bike more than most other upgradesThe best carbon gravel wheels at a glanceWhat makes the perfect gravel wheelset?Black Forest gravel and root-strewn trails: the best gravel wheels on test36 instead of 45 km/h: testing gravel wheels in the wind tunnelThe results: which are the best carbon gravel wheels of 2026?What should you know about gravel wheels? 8 lessons weve learned from testing 13 wheelsetsBest gravel wheels: test winner and Best BuyAll the other gravel wheelsets on testTops & FlopsConclusionsWhy Aero Has Trickled Down to GravelAs gravel racing has boomed, aerodynamics have followed it onto the dirt. Tires keep getting wider, and rims have had to grow with them to form an efficient aerodynamic system with tires of 45 mm and up. Wheelsets are expected to be faster and lighter, too, and a true performance all-rounder must be as convincing on race day as on a long weekend ride. Two years after our road wheel group test, it was time to see what the gravel market has to offer.Theres certainly no shortage of choice. Every manufacturer promises the fastest rim, the best ride quality and the cleverest design. Some go all in on rims up to 67 mm deep, while others favour mullet setups with different rim depths front and rear. Hooked and hookless rims are still competing for supremacy, and spoke materials split the field almost down the middle: six manufacturers use carbon or composite spokes, while seven stick with steel. The result is a market awash with promises of weight savings and aerodynamic gains, with so many different concepts that its easy to lose sight of what really matters. Thats exactly where our big group test comes in.Why a wheelset changes your gravel bike more than most other upgradesTires, drivetrains and cockpits get plenty of attention in the gravel scene. Apart from tires, few components influence how a bike rides as much as its wheels.. They determine how fast your bike accelerates, how smoothly it rolls over roots and how much comfort you actually feel in the saddle. And if youre upgrading from the budget OEM aluminium wheels fitted to many complete bikes, a modern carbon wheelset can work wonders. Of course, that transformation comes at a price. Prices for the wheelsets in this test range from 993.64 to 3,899, with an average of around 2,470. That makes carbon gravel wheels one of the most expensive upgrades you can make.Interestingly, the biggest differences dont necessarily show up in the wind tunnel, but out on the trail. Theres a 306 g gap between the lightest and heaviest wheelsets on test, something you feel on every climb and every time you accelerate. Depending on the rim, the same nominally 45 mm Continental Terra Competition tire can measure up to 4.6 mm wider, affecting comfort and grip and potentially pushing your frames tire clearance to its limits. In the wind tunnel, the fastest wheelset saves 5.0 W over our reference, equivalent to just over half a minute across 40 km at 36 km/h. Theres plenty of variation, then, and a highly competitive field. So which wheelsets are going head-to-head?The best carbon gravel wheels at a glanceBrandModelRim depth front/rear (mm)External rim width front (mm)External rim width rear (mm)Internal rim width (mm)Spoke materialRim beadPriceCADEXMax GXR50/50353525CarbonHookless3,799DT SwissGRC 1100 DICUT 5050/5036.536.524SteelHooked2,499ENVEG SES 6.7 Pro60/6742.642.635SteelHookless3,899FulcrumSharq GR47 to 52 (wave)363630SteelMini-Hook1,990HUNT5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD54/49453827CarbonHookless3,299LeezeCH 60 PRO GX60/60353528CarbonHookless1,599Light BicycleAG4848/48404035SteelHybrid Hook993.64 plus importNEWMENStreem G.62 CS62/62454527CarbonHooked1,690OQUORP50LTD CS50/50343425CarbonMini-Hook2,999Reserve48|53 GR48/53444430SteelHollow Hook2,799RovalTerra Aero CLX50/4538.538.527CompositeHooked3,498VisionSC 45 i3045/4538.538.530SteelHooked1,249Zipp303 XPLR SW54/54404032SteelHookless1,800Average28.82,470The test field brings together some of the biggest names in the wheel business. Carbon specialists like ENVE, CADEX and Roval line up alongside established players like DT Swiss, Zipp, Fulcrum and Vision, as well as German brands NEWMEN and Leeze. We also have Light Bicycle, a direct-import option from China, and OQUO, whose all-road wheelset is also approved for gravel use. Weve deliberately included uncompromising race wheels, versatile all-rounders and more affordable alternatives to make the test field as varied and relevant as possible. This means that brand-new 2026 models are going up against seasoned favourites such as the Zipp 303 XPLR SW.The range of rim designs is just as broad. Rim depths stretch from 45 mm on the Vision to 67 mm at the rear of the ENVE, while internal rim widths range from 24 mm on the DT Swiss to 35 mm on the ENVE and Light Bicycle. We tested every wheelset with the same 45 mm Continental Terra Competition tire. This gives us a consistent baseline and makes direct comparisons possible, even though Fulcrum and Vision only officially approve their rims for tires from 47 mm upwards, meaning theyre actually designed for wider rubber.The choice of tire was an obvious one: earlier this year, the Continental Terra Competition won our 2026 race gravel tire group test, beating 16 other race tires. It took the win as the most complete package: at 494 g its one of the few models under 500 g, its 11.1 W rolling resistance was the second-best figure in the test, and its puncture protection is above average. Its aero-optimised tread also makes it a natural partner for deep rims.One thing the test field makes very clear is that the number printed on your tires sidewall often has little to do with its actual width once mounted. Our nominally 45 mm tire measures anywhere between 44.8 and 49.4 mm, depending on the wheelset. Thats a difference of up to 4.6 mm purely down to the rim. A wider tire also tends to have a taller profile, so its worth checking your frames tire clearance before buying. Otherwise, your shiny new wheel upgrade might leave you with rather less room than expected.And rim dimensions arent the only area where manufacturers take different approaches. Six wheelsets rely on carbon spokes, while seven use steel. Rim bead designs cover everything from hookless to mini-hook, hollow-hook and hybrid-hook profiles, as well as conventional hooked rims. CADEX, ENVE, HUNT, Leeze and Zipp dispense with hooks altogether.Thats the technical overview sorted. But what actually makes a carbon gravel wheelset good?What makes the perfect gravel wheelset?Easy to ask, harder to answer. The classic reply is it depends, and in truth, we dont believe any single wheelset is perfect for everyone. What we can offer is a set of criteria weve applied to every contender. Whether you race, ride long days or simply want to have fun on gravel will decide which of them matter most to you.How comfortable is a carbon gravel wheelset?A wheelsets compliance plays a major role in determining what its best suited to. All-round and endurance-focused wheels generally offer more give and therefore more comfort than pure race wheels. Spokes play an important part here, and the manufacturers in our test have opted either for carbon, with its low weight and high stiffness, or steel, which can help ensure a more forgiving ride. The tire takes care of the rest. The wider it measures on the rim, the more air volume it provides to absorb impacts and improve comfort.How stiff should a gravel wheelset be?Stiffness and compliance often pull in opposite directions. A stiff wheelset reacts quickly to steering inputs and acceleration, turning your effort into immediate forward motion. But stiffness isnt down to a single component: hub, spokes and rim all have to work together. The rims carbon layup plays a key role, providing lateral stiffness while allowing controlled vertical flex.Which gravel wheels inspire the most confidence?The balance between compliance and stiffness has a big influence on how confident and secure you feel on a bike, although personal preference plays a major part. The stiffer the wheelset, the more precise the handling, but also the less forgiving it tends to be. Less experienced riders in particular may feel more confident on a wheelset with a more forgiving character. This becomes obvious especially on rooty trails and rough gravel, where a good gravel wheelset should hold its line calmly instead of transferring every impact straight into your wrists and demanding constant corrections.How aerodynamic are gravel wheels?You can get a feel for aerodynamics during a ride, even if you cant assess them as precisely as you can in a wind tunnel. The sail effect, in particular, is something you can notice out on the road or trail. The important thing is to remain objective, because the deepest rim isnt necessarily the fastest. Not every rim works equally well with every frame, either. Roval, for example, develop their Terra wheels in conjunction with Specializeds Crux frames. At 36 km/h, a realistic pace for fast gravel racing, aerodynamic differences shrink considerably compared with the road, where higher speeds magnify the gap in absolute watts.How Do Deep-Section Gravel Wheels Handle Crosswinds?The deeper the rim, the more susceptible it is to crosswinds. At least, thats the general rule of thumb. Some manufacturers try to counteract this with specially shaped rim profiles. Fulcrum, for example, use a wave-shaped design, while Roval opt for a flattened rim profile. After all, theres little fun in riding a wheelset that constantly demands steering corrections.How much should a gravel wheelset weigh?An all-rounder needs to climb well, too, so every wheelset in our test field underwent plenty of uphill kilometres. Weight and stiffness are the main factors determining how effortlessly the wheels accelerate. Weight is a useful starting point, but its not enough to judge a wheelset on its own. How lively a wheel feels depends just as much on how its overall construction is tuned.How well do gravel wheels maintain speed?In fast gravel sections, what matters most is how effectively a wheelset holds its speed and how easily you can accelerate further when youre already moving quickly. This is where deep-section rims come into their own. Once up to speed, they roll along confidently, with a noticeable sail effect. Smooth rolling characteristics and an appropriate rim width are also essential for maintaining momentum over rough surfaces.Black Forest gravel and root-strewn trails: the best gravel wheels on testWe didnt have to travel far for our test rides. In fact, we put the wheels through their paces right on our doorstep, in some of the most beautiful parts of the Black Forest. Fast, smooth champagne gravel alternates with rough, chunky surfaces, steep descents lead into rapid-fire trails, and in between youll find carpets of roots and twisting sections designed to unsettle even the most composed wheelset. In short, everything you need to push a gravel wheelset to its limits.Riding impressions meet hard data: how we testedWe assessed every wheelset in two ways: back-to-back on the trail and in the wind tunnel. Wind tunnel speed alone doesnt make a great gravel wheelset, so each contender also had to prove itself on the same test loop, ridden in conditions as consistent as possible. All 13 ran the same 45 mm Continental Terra Competition tire, set up tubeless with milKit sealant, with each tester adjusting pressure to their body weight and the measured tire width and recording it for every wheelset. That kept tire pressure from skewing our comparisons.Three testers, one test fleet: our crew and the test bikesNot all gravel riding is the same, so we brought together three riders with very different priorities. Jan takes a more laid-back approach. For him, gravel is all about enjoying the ride, and he loves anything thats fast, feels brilliant on the bike and looks the part. Benedikt, on the other hand, is a racer and high-mileage rider, a complete tech nerd and an aero obsessive who has even given himself the nickname Benaero. Hes only recently discovered gravel riding, but hes already attacking every corner as though the finishing sprint is just around the bend. Then theres Sara, who rides gravel purely for the fun of it and loves making the most of everything the Black Forest has to offer. Her approach is sporty, fast and firmly focused on enjoyment. As a professional mechanic, however, her ideal gravel wheelset needs to deliver more than outright speed. It has to impress from a technical perspective, too.Our test bikes came from across our gravel fleet, including the Ridley Kanzo Fast, Canyon Grail CF, ROSE Backroad FF and BMC Kaius. That gave us everything from aerodynamic gravel race machines to versatile all-rounders.36 instead of 45 km/h: testing gravel wheels in the wind tunnelOut on the trail, its virtually impossible to feel differences of just a few watts. Thats why every wheelset also had to face the wind tunnel. We conducted our measurements at the Aero Performance Lab in Bike Valley, Belgium, Ridleys in-house development facility. Fittingly, we used the Ridley Kanzo Fast 2.0 as our test platform, with the wheels spinning and a test speed of 36 km/h.Thats deliberately slower than the 45 km/h we used for our road bike wheel group test. After all, 36 km/h is much closer to the speeds you can realistically expect in gravel races. Every wheelset was fitted with the same 45 mm Continental Terra Competition tire, inflated to 2 bar. Each wheelset underwent two rounds of wind tunnel testing. The first was conducted with the bike alone, across 13 yaw angles ranging from 18 to +18. The second included a rider, with measurements taken at seven yaw angles between 12 and +12.We used the measurements with the rider for our final assessment. After all, theres always someone sitting on the bike, and a wheelset thats fast on its own may lose its aerodynamic advantage once a riders legs enter the equation. Even a small change in arm position could skew the results, so we also ran a simulation that recorded the riders position and compared it between runs. We used the DT Swiss GRC 1100 DICUT 50 as our reference wheelset, testing it repeatedly throughout the day to identify any variations in the wind tunnel measurements.Small differences at 36 km/h make context essential. With a rider on board, our measurement tolerance is 4.3 W, and the reference wheelset shows why. Measured three times with a rider, the DT Swiss produced three different results, spread across 0.9 W. Without a rider, the variation was far greater: across five separate installations, the same wheelset varied by as much as 4.0 W, which is why riderless results dont count toward our final assessment. Even so, the data gives a clear indication of how the wheelsets compare, and shows just how efficient modern performance wheels have become.The results: which are the best carbon gravel wheels of 2026?BrandModelMeasured weight (g)Measured tire width front (mm)Measured tire width rear (mm)Power vs. reference with rider (W)Time over 40 km (s)CADEXMax GXR1,30245451.611.5DT SwissGRC 1100 DICUT 501,60844.944.80.0 (reference)0ENVEG SES 6.7 Pro1,56048.849.40.64.6FulcrumSharq GR1,54347471.39.5HUNT5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD1,3354645.95.036.4LeezeCH 60 PRO GX1,32346.246.53.122.3Light BicycleAG481,48149491.17.6NEWMENStreem G.62 CS1,52646.246.10.10.9OQUORP50LTD CS1,38045.545.41.712.3Reserve48|53 GR1,42247.747.70.43.0RovalTerra Aero CLX1,34146.346.21.17.7VisionSC 45 i301,60546.546.62.316.5Zipp303 XPLR SW1,4244847.81.511.0Average1,45046.746.7The tire measurements alone reveal just how much influence a rim has on the shape of a tire. On the ENVE G SES 6.7 Pro, our nominally 45 mm Continental Terra Competition measures 48.8 mm at the front and 49.4 mm at the rear. On the Light Bicycle AG48, it stretches to a full 49 mm. The Zipp 303 XPLR SW and Reserve 48|53 GR also push the tires width to almost 48 mm. At the other end of the spectrum, the DT Swiss GRC 1100 DICUT 50, CADEX Max GXR and OQUO RP50LTD CS keep the tire much closer to its stated width, with measurements between 44.8 and 45.5 mm. If your frame only offers limited tire clearance, you might want to measure up before buying. The deepest rim isnt necessarily the fastest, and the fastest doesnt always feel that way.In terms of weight, theres a 306 g difference between the lightest and heaviest wheelsets on test. At just 1,302 g, the CADEX Max GXR is the lightest, closely followed by the Leeze CH 60 PRO GX at 1,323 g. Not far behind are the HUNT 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD at 1,335 g and the Roval Terra Aero CLX at 1,341 g. At the heavier end sit the DT Swiss GRC 1100 DICUT 50 at 1,608 g and the brand-new Vision SC 45 i30 at 1,605 g. Interestingly, these two wheelsets and the Leeze all weighed between 33 and 63 g more on our scales than their manufacturers claim.BrandModelClaimed weight (g)Measured weight (g)DifferenceCADEXMax GXR1,3201,30218DT SwissGRC 1100 DICUT 501,5751,608-33ENVEG SES 6.7 Pro1,5801,56020FulcrumSharq GR1,5501,5437HUNT5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD1,3171,335-18LeezeCH 60 PRO GX1,2801,323-43Light BicycleAG48n/a1,481n/aNEWMENStreem G.62 CS1,5301,5264OQUORP50LTD CS1,3711,380-9Reserve48|53 GR1,4331,42211RovalTerra Aero CLX1,3401,341-1VisionSC 45 i301,5421,605-63Zipp303 XPLR SW1,4521,42428Average1,4411,450-7In the wind tunnel, only one wheelset establishes a measurable advantage. With a rider on board, the HUNT 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD requires 5.0 W less than our reference wheelset, equivalent to a saving of 36.4 seconds over 40 km. Theyre the only wheels to exceed the 4.3 W measurement tolerance. The second-best result comes from the Leeze CH 60 PRO GX, which save 3.1 W, followed by the Vision SC 45 i30 at 2.3 W. The rest of the field ranges from 0.6 W slower to 1.7 W faster than the reference, forming a group in which no meaningful ranking can be established. Ironically, the deepest rims in this test end up towards the slower end of that group. The NEWMEN Streem G.62 CS, with their 62 mm rims, and the ENVE G SES 6.7 Pro, with 60 and 67 mm rims, require 0.1 and 0.6 W more than the reference, respectively. The fastest wheelset saves 5 watts. The right riding position saves 23.While we had a wind tunnel at our disposal, we also took the opportunity to answer a few questions that had been on our minds for a while. For a start, riding position makes a far bigger difference than your wheels. By switching from a normal race position to a more aerodynamic one, our test rider saved 23.0 W, almost five times as much as the fastest wheelset. Sitting upright in a more relaxed comfort position, meanwhile, increased the power requirement by 20.1 W.We also tested NEWMENs hidden aero valve. The result? Without a rider, the NEWMEN were actually 0.5 W slower with the concealed valve than with a conventional one.Out on the trail, however, the differences become considerably more obvious. When it comes to accelerating, nothing can touch the CADEX Max GXR. Theyre explosively fast off the mark and deliver an incredibly direct response. The OQUO RP50LTD CS, HUNT 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD and Leeze CH 60 PRO GX follow closely behind.From a standstill, the ENVE G SES 6.7 Pro and Zipp 303 XPLR SW take their time, and the Fulcrum Sharq GR clearly lacks punch. The Vision SC 45 i30 is a pleasant surprise, accelerating eagerly and, despite its weight, proving particularly enjoyable on climbs. Comfort and trail performance shift the picture somewhat. The Roval Terra Aero CLX and Reserve 48|53 GR are impressively comfortable for wheelsets with such performance ambitions, and the Vision soaks up vibrations well too.On rough terrain, the ENVE G SES 6.7 Pro, HUNT 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD, NEWMEN Streem G.62 CS and Reserve 48|53 GR all hold their line with reassuring composure. The stiff CADEX Max GXR and OQUO RP50LTD CS, along with the DT Swiss GRC 1100 DICUT 50, transmit impacts much more directly. Youll find all the details on each wheelset in the linked individual reviews. But if you just want to know which wheels came out on top, youll find our test winner and Best Buy recommendation further down.What should you know about gravel wheels? 8 lessons weve learned from testing 13 wheelsetsAfter putting 13 wheelsets through their paces on several test bikes and spending a long day in the wind tunnel, weve come away with a few insights that go well beyond the raw numbers.The biggest takeaway? A wheelset that shines in the wind tunnel but sends every root straight through your wrists on the trail simply isnt a good gravel wheelset.1. Do fast gravel wheels actually feel fast?Not necessarily. Your legs arent a wind tunnel, after all. Unlike in our 2024 road wheel group test, riding impressions and measured results often told very different stories this time. The NEWMEN feels like the fastest wheelset on test, yet its on a par with our reference in the wind tunnel. The Vision, by contrast, feels almost sluggish, despite requiring 2.3 W less. Thats because the sensation of speed is shaped primarily by stiffness, weight and acceleration. Wind tunnel conditions are also much further removed from the constantly changing surfaces of gravel riding than from road cycling.2. Why is the front rim deeper than the rear?Roval and HUNT both use deeper rims at the front than at the rear. Their reasoning is that the front wheel runs through relatively undisturbed air and therefore has a greater influence on aerodynamics. ENVE and Reserve take exactly the opposite approach, although the results certainly suggest that HUNT are onto something. Fulcrum, meanwhile, have developed a different solution with their wave-shaped rim profile, designed to combine aerodynamic efficiency with crosswind stability.3. Are carbon spokes uncomfortable on a gravel bike?Not necessarily. Despite using carbon spokes, the Roval and HUNT wheelsets both offer noticeably well-tuned comfort. CADEX, OQUO and NEWMEN demonstrate the other side of the equation, while Reserve and ENVE prove that a performance wheelset with steel spokes can be impressively comfortable. Ultimately, its the overall tuning that matters, not just the spoke material.4. Is a lighter gravel wheelset always better?The scales only tell part of the story. The Vision accelerates far more eagerly than its 1,605 g weight would suggest, while the Zipp feels heavier than its 1,424 g weight suggests. So how lively a wheelset feels depends at least as much on its stiffness and overall construction as it does on weight.5. Which rims work best with which gravel tires?In the wind tunnel, the rim and tire always work together as a system. The HUNT front rim sits almost flush with the tire and is the only one to deliver a measurable aerodynamic advantage. The NEWMEN have the same external rim width but perform on a par with our reference, while the narrower Leeze achieve the second-best result, albeit within the measurement tolerance. The lesson? Never consider the rim without thinking about the tire youll be running.6. Does a good gravel wheelset have to be expensive?Well, the expensive HUNT take the overall win. But NEWMEN and Leeze also deliver excellent results for around half the price, while the most expensive wheelset on test goes home empty-handed. So you dont necessarily have to spend a fortune to get serious performance.7. Hookless or hooked rims for gravel?At typical gravel tire pressures, the distinction isnt particularly critical. The maximum approved pressures for the wheels on test range from 3.4 to 5.5 bar. Tire compatibility is another matter, though. Hookless rims require tires that are specifically approved for hookless use. If you want to keep your tire options open, hooked rims are the safer bet.8. Do deep-section rims make sense on a gravel bike?Absolutely! Deep-section rims are a lot of fun on gravel, too. We kept setting personal bests on the NEWMEN with their 62 mm rims, while the ENVE, with their 60 and 67 mm profiles, maintained speed over rough terrain as though they were running on rails. And lets not forget that deep-section rims look pretty damn good, too.Best gravel wheels: test winner and Best BuyAt the end of our test, two wheelsets stand clearly above the rest. One because it offers the most complete package, without any real weaknesses, and is the only contender to demonstrate a measurable advantage in the wind tunnel. The other because it performs so brilliantly across every type of terrain that we were reluctant to give it back.Best in test: HUNT 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UDWith the 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD, British brand HUNT have built the most complete wheelset in the entire test. Low weight, high stiffness and explosive acceleration combine with confident handling through corners and on trails, along with well-judged comfort despite the carbon spokes. To top it all off, the HUNT is the only wheelset to show a measurable aerodynamic advantage over our reference in the wind tunnel. At 3,299, or 2,899 with stainless steel bearings, our test winner is the one to beat.Best Buy: Reserve 48|53 GRBalance is the Reserve 48|53 GRs greatest asset. Its handling is equally convincing on gravel, trails and tarmac, it holds high speeds with ease and inspires huge confidence through corners, and its remarkably comfortable for a performance-focused wheelset. Hollow Hook rims offer broad tire compatibility, and DT Swiss 180 hubs add proven reliability. At 2,799, its as well suited to racing as to everyday riding, and, like the Reserve 52|63 in 2024, its a deserving winner of our Best Buy award.All the other gravel wheelsets on testTheres plenty to like beyond our award winners, too. Heres a quick rundown of all the other wheelsets in the test. Youll find the full details in their individual reviews, linked below.CADEX Max GXRThe CADEX are the sprinters of the group and, at just 1,302 g, the lightest wheels on test. On smooth gravel and tarmac, they accelerate explosively and deliver an incredibly direct response. On rougher terrain, however, they lack compliance and composure. At 3,799, theyre an uncompromising racing tool for fast events on smooth surfaces.DT Swiss GRC 1100 DICUT 50The DT Swiss impress with balanced, predictable handling and surprisingly lively acceleration. On rough trails, however, they feel harsh, and at 1,608 g, theyre the heaviest wheelset on test. For 2,499, you get a dependable set of wheels that never misses a beat.ENVE G SES 6.7 ProAt 3,899, the ENVE are the most expensive wheels on test, bringing road racing aero DNA to gravel with their 60 and 67 mm deep rims. On fast, rough tracks, they deliver outstanding control and plenty of comfort. Accelerating from a standstill, however, they lack punch. And in the wind tunnel, the aerodynamic advantage wed hoped for simply doesnt materialise.Fulcrum Sharq GRWith their distinctive wave-shaped rim profile, the Fulcrum stand out from the competition both visually and technically, while showing no aerodynamic disadvantage in the wind tunnel. However, when paired with 45 mm tires, they lack directness, lively acceleration and comfort out on the trail. At 1,990, theyre an excellent choice if youre planning to run tires measuring 47 mm or wider.Leeze CH 60 PRO GXThe Leeze is a thoroughly accomplished race wheelset, combining a low weight of just 1,323 g with powerful acceleration and a ride feel thats surprisingly close to a road bike. It also records the second-best result in the wind tunnel. The only thing keeping it from an award is the lack of a truly standout feature. But at 1,599, its very hard to fault.Light Bicycle AG48The Light Bicycle AG48 is the budget racer of the group, offering plenty of performance thanks to its high stiffness, punchy acceleration and generous 35 mm internal rim width. The compromises come in comfort and handling on rough trails. And while the headline price of 993.64 looks tempting, buying direct means adding shipping, import VAT and customs duties.NEWMEN Streem G.62 CSThe NEWMEN are true race wheels, and with their 62 mm deep rims, they feel like the fastest wheelset on test, even if the wind tunnel tells a rather different story. Their handling hits the sweet spot for gravel riding, although youll have to accept some compromises in compliance. At 1,690, they deliver pure performance, made in Germany.OQUO RP50LTD CSThe OQUO are actually an all-road wheelset thats also approved for gravel use. On tarmac and fast gravel, they deliver a genuine road bike feel, with explosive acceleration. Once the terrain gets rough, however, they lack comfort and composure. At 2,999, theyre a versatile option for anyone who also wants to use the same wheels on their road bike.Roval Terra Aero CLXThe Roval are the all-rounders in our test field, performing equally well on tarmac, gravel and trails. They weigh just 1,341 g and offer plenty of comfort despite their composite spokes. Other wheelsets accelerate more eagerly, though, and at 3,498, theyre among the more expensive contenders.Vision SC 45 i30The Vision is the surprise package of the test. Despite weighing 1,605 g, it accelerates with remarkable ease, climbs well and delivers plenty of comfort. The wide rims will probably only reveal their full potential when paired with tires measuring 50 mm or more. At 1,249, it offers far more performance than its price might suggest.Zipp 303 XPLR SWAs the tests seasoned veteran, the Zipp 303 XPLR SW offers calm, confidence-inspiring handling across a wide range of gravel. Newer designs have overtaken it on acceleration and directness, but 1,800 still buys a dependable, fuss-free wheelset, backed by a lifetime warranty that covers riding damage as well as manufacturing defects.Tops & FlopsTopsDespite their performance ambitions, the Roval and Reserve offer plenty of comfort, making them excellent wheels for everyday riding, too.DT Swiss, Reserve and Roval all use DT Swisss proven, easy-to-service Ratchet EXP freehub system.Considering their weight and age, the DT Swiss GRC 1100 DICUT 50 performs surprisingly well, both on the trail and in the wind tunnel.Vision, NEWMEN and Leeze offer plenty of carbon wheel for your money, as do Light Bicycle if youre prepared to deal with the extra hassle of importing.HUNT replace crash-damaged wheels free of charge for the original owner throughout their lifetime, while ENVE offer the same protection for the first three years.FlopsNEWMENs hidden aero valve offers no measurable advantage and only makes everyday life more complicated.At 67 mm deep, the ENVE rear rim isnt UCI-compliant.With Light Bicycle, you need to factor in shipping, import VAT and customs duties. Warranty claims are also handled directly through China or the EU shop.Fulcrums AFS disc rotor interface requires a dedicated lockring.The silver spoke nipples spoil the otherwise clean, beautiful look of the Roval.The OQUO are the only wheels on test optimised specifically for road tires.ConclusionsAfter putting 13 wheelsets through the wringer, the picture is surprisingly clear. Almost every contender has its strengths, and whether you want a dedicated race setup or a fast, dependable wheelset for everyday training, theres something here for you. There are clear winners and losers, though, and the gap between how wheels feel and how they measure surprised even us. One wheelset stands above the rest: the HUNT 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD excels both on the trail and in the wind tunnel, earning our Best in Test award on merit. The Reserve 48|53 GR takes our Best Buy award and was among the wheelsets we most enjoyed riding. And if you still judge gravel wheels by rim depth alone after reading this, a day in the wind tunnel might change your mind.Der Beitrag The best carbon gravel wheels on test: 13 wheelsets in our big group test erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

In an industry where platform usually means more ways to spend money, State Bicycle Co. is doing something refreshingly novel: giving you options without killing your bank account. The Phoenix brand has expanded its 4130 Trail from a lone hardtail into a configurable platform built around a single double-butted 4130 chromoly frame.Non-drive side, bro. (Photos / State Bicycle Co)Fit the RockShox fork, and you get a wonderfully underpriced trail hardtail. It sports 130mm of travel up front, a slack 65 head angle, and a clear appetite for steep, technical terrain. Sweet. Mehdi Farsi, Co-Founder of State Bicycle Co., says, We kept hearing from riders who loved the frame but didnt want a suspension fork on it bikepackers, dirt-road riders, people whose local trails just arent that technical. Instead of building them a separate bike, we made the front end optional. Same frame, four ways to set it up. You can have a 130mm trail hardtail or a 27-pound rigid ATB for the same price.Fit either the carbon or steel rigid forks, and the front end drops 55-58mm. The head angle steepens, the bottom bracket drops, and the wheelbase tightens. Now youve got a sub-28-pound rigid all-terrain bike for dirt roads, doubletrack, bikepacking routes, and smooth singletrack.State is careful to say this isnt a trail bike with the squish removed. Its a different bike, and thats the point: same frame, different personality, one purchase. Even the math-challenged, like myself, can follow along.What about the Drivetrain?The drivetrain story keeps the affordable/accessible theme going. Heres how it works: the Raw Phosphate and Hammered Tobacco builds run Shimano Deore M6100 112 with an 11-50T cassette and a 32T chainring.The Sagebrush Green gets MicroShift XLE 111 with an 11-46T cassette. Its all serviceable anywhere, by anyone, with parts hanging on every shop wall. No proprietary mystery boxes, no overseas ordering, no crying at the checkout screen. None of that.Additionally, every colorway is also available with SRAM Eagle Transmission AXS. The S1000 derailleur clamps around the rear axle through the UDH dropout, and the 10-52T XS-1270 cassette delivers 520% range. Complete with steel fork option.Heres where the sneaky budget win comes in: it mounts to a standard HG freehub. Thats right, no XD driver, no new rear wheel. Anyone whos priced out a Transmission upgrade knows how rare that kind of mercy is. And the battery and charger are included.29/32 Combo Carbon ForkThe carbon rigid fork has been run with a 32 x 2.4 tire. The taller wheel does lift the front end and slackens the head angle back out, partly offsetting the shorter axle-to-crown.Farsi had this to say about their carbon fork: The 32-inch wheel has mostly been waiting on parts. We had a fork with the clearance, so we built one up and rode it.The below shows the forks weight, axle-to-crown measurement, and details. Both rigid forks now sell separately: Steel Fork: $179.99, and the Carbon Fork: $325.00. Complete with carbon fork option.RockShox Psylo Silver RC 130mm5 lb 12 oz550mm35mm stanchions, Motion Control damperCarbon rigid563g495mm3 cargo mounts/leg, rack mounts, 32 capable4130 chromoly rigid4 lb 0 oz492mm5 cargo mounts/leg, fender + rack mountsNo forkFor riders bringing their ownState 4130 Trail DetailsSizes XS/S, S/M, M/L, XLUDH73mm BSA threaded bottom bracketInternal dropper routing31.6mm seatpost15x110mm Boost front, 148mm rear180mm rotors front and rear29 frame clearance up to 2.6 tiresTriple bottle mounts on the downtubeLets Look at Pricing OptionsNow, there are a lot of options when it comes to pricing, but the important number is $1,199.99 that is the entry point for a complete bike with a rigid steel fork. Move up to carbon rigid, and the price bumps up to $1,399.99. Finally, the suspension fork + mechanical drivetrain option tops out at $1,499.99. Add $500 to any of those to upgrade to SRAM Eagle Transmission AXS. Whats interesting here is you can even choose a complete build without any fork for $1,099.99-$1,599.99. Want to build up your own from the frame up? Frames start at $495 without a fork, and can be purchased with any of the three forks mentioned above. This may be one of the most affordable and configurable trail hardtail platforms available today.State conveniently lays out a hardy upgrade path from wheels to dropper to handlebars, so you can buy the bike now and feed the habit later, on your own schedule. The following are links to the product page and pricing on States website. Cable drivetrain: Raw Phosphate (Deore 112) Sagebrush Green (MicroShift 111) Hammered Tobacco (Deore 112)Eagle Transmission AXS: Raw Phosphate Sagebrush Green Hammered TobaccoForks: Carbon Rigid MTB Fork Steel Rigid MTB ForkUpgrades: Industry Nine Sector Carbon PNW Range Dropper Seekrun S7 Wireless DropperFrameset: Hammered Tobacco Frame SetComplete with RockShox optionThe State 4130 Trail is available in three colorways and runs in sizes XS/S through XL. Hit the link below to get yours. statebicycle.com

Luke Rowe believes positioning, tactical intelligence and racing instinct still count for more than raw power in some of professional cycling's biggest races. The former Team Sky and INEOS road captain has spent the past two seasons working to improve Decathlon CMA CGM Team's Classics performances,...

Stiff, direct and versatile, the RP50 LTD CS sees OQUO bring a road wheelset to gravel, with Mini-Hook rims that accommodate wider tires. Carbon spokes and hubs developed in the Basque Country promise road bike sharpness on almost any surface. The question is whether that road racing pedigree can hold its own in our big gravel wheel group test.This wheelset was tested as part of our big 2026 gravel wheel group test you can find an overview of all the wheels on test here.OQUO RP50 LTD CS | 1,380 g | 2,999 | Manufacturer websiteOQUO are Orbeas wheel brand, based in the Spanish Basque Country, where they develop and manufacture their own hubs. The name leaves no doubt about the RP50 LTD CSs origins: RP stands for Road Performance. Conceived as an all-road wheelset for tarmac and fast gravel alike, it has also been available since March 2026 in a CS version with carbon spokes. In a field of purpose-built gravel racing wheelsets, its the only one with road roots. The question is whether that puts it on the back foot before the test has even begun.All-Road DNA The OQUO Carbon Gravel Wheelset in DetailOne look at the rims reveals the OQUOs road heritage. At 50 mm deep front and rear, with a 25 mm internal and 34 mm external width, theyre among the narrowest in the test. The Mini-Hook design accepts road tires at 6.5 to 7 bar as well as gravel tires up to around 50 mm. Our 45 mm Continental Competition control tire grows only to 45.5 mm at the front and 45.4 mm at the rear, overhanging the narrow rim walls noticeably, yet it handles exactly as it should. At 1,380 g on our scales, the OQUO is also one of the lighter wheelsets on test, an advantage that shows on the climbs.Mini-Hook The small bead hook accommodates high-pressure road tires as well as gravel tires up to around 50 mm.Narrow base With a 25 mm internal rim width, the gravel tire protrudes considerably beyond the rim.Carbon blades The 20 Vonoa carbon spokes per wheel make the OQUO exceptionally stiff.Each wheel uses 20 Vonoa carbon spokes, laced to OQUOs own Q10 hubs, which are developed and manufactured entirely in the Basque Country. Inside, a SharkRatchet mechanism provides 45 points of engagement, while specially developed stainless steel bearings are, according to OQUO, more durable and smoother than many ceramic alternatives. Distinctive rims and decals and hubs finished in blasted silver give the wheelset a look all its own. At 2,999, its among the more expensive options in the test, though OQUO softens the blow with a lifetime warranty.SharkRatchet The Q10 hub with 45 points of engagement is developed and manufactured entirely in the Basque Country.Matte and understated Matte carbon and subtle decals combine with hubs finished in blasted silver.Road Racing on Gravel The OQUO RP50 LTD CS on TestOut on our test route, the OQUO immediately reveals its intended purpose, delivering a well-rounded yet aggressive and direct ride that feels remarkably like a road bike on gravel. Acceleration is excellent, with the high stiffness translating every pedal stroke directly into forward momentum. The wheels shine on the climbs, where their low weight and responsiveness come into their own. For gravel use, they almost feel a little too stiff, but that fits their design philosophy. After all, the OQUO were originally developed for narrower tires.In corners, the OQUO are agile, direct and eager to change direction, making them particularly entertaining on tarmac and fast gravel. However, if stability and confidence are your main priorities, youll be better served by a dedicated gravel wheelset. Their road racing DNA becomes most apparent on trails. The stiff, narrow rims transmit impacts directly to the rider, demanding careful line choice. Unsurprisingly, the OQUO finish in the bottom third of the test field for comfort, with virtually every wheelset featuring conventional steel spokes or wider tire profiles offering a smoother ride. For their intended all-road purpose, however, the OQUO do an excellent job.Narrow Equals Fast? The OQUO RP50 LTD CS in the Wind TunnelThe OQUO feels like genuine racing wheelset, both on tarmac and fast gravel. But how aerodynamic are the relatively narrow road rims? Subjectively, they deliver a solid mid-pack performance. The wheels are fun to ride, but with wide gravel tires fitted, the rims arent particularly wide or deep enough to create a convincing aerodynamic sensation. The wind tunnel paints a slightly better picture. With a rider on board at 36 km/h, the OQUO wheelset requires 1.7 W less power than our reference wheelset, the DT Swiss GRC 1100. That translates to a 12.3-second advantage over 40 km, although the result remains within the measurement tolerance of 4.3 W. The tire may help explain the result. We always measure the wheel and tire as a complete system, and on the 25 mm internal rim width, the Continental Competition retains a compact 45.5 mm profile.Conclusions about the OQUO RP50 LTD CSJudge the OQUO RP50 LTD CS as what it is, an all-road wheelset rather than a purebred gravel racer, and it makes a compelling case. On tarmac and fast gravel, it delivers road racing performance in full, with explosive acceleration, high stiffness and direct handling that come into their own on climbs. Rough terrain exposes its limits, as comfort and composure fall short. For riders who want one carbon wheelset to cover both road and gravel, the OQUO is a convincing choice at 2,999, backed by a lifetime warranty.TopsExplosive acceleration, particularly strong on climbsDirect, agile handlingVersatile on road and gravel thanks to Mini-Hook rimsLifetime warrantyFlopsLimited comfort on rough terrainUnsettled handling on trailsMore information at oquowheels.com.The Test FieldThis wheelset was tested as part of our big 2026 gravel wheel group test you can find an overview of all the wheels on test here.All wheels on test: CADEX Max GXR | DT Swiss GRC 1100 DICUT 50 | ENVE G SES 6.7 Pro | Fulcrum Sharq GR | HUNT 5AM Gravel Limitless Ti_UD | Leeze CH 60 PRO GX | Light Bicycle AG48 | NEWMEN Streem G.62 CS | OQUO RP50LTD CS | Reserve 48|53 GR | Roval Terra Aero CLX | Vision SC 45 i30 | Zipp 303 XPLR SWDer Beitrag OQUO RP50 LTD CS Gravel Wheelset on Test erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

Just last week, Zwift took the wraps off their new premium tier called Zwift+. Along with a new coaching program, Zwift+ also includes Rouvy-like real-world videos with a Zwiftified gaming twist. You still get real-world videos, but the typical Zwift features are overlaid on top. So while you get the feeling of riding in Zwift, you also get the visuals of riding some epic routes in real life including the landscape, traffic, and apparently even roadside potty breaks. (Screenshot/Sam Sky)Seemingly first noticed and posted by Sam Sky on the Zwift Ride Owners Facebook Group, the new Colorado Sunrise route featured an unexpected guest that somehow made its way through development. While a number of people online claimed that this was someone pooping on the side of the road, to my eyes, it could easily be a woman taking a bush wee, which seems more likely (and innocent would this even have been a big deal if it was a guy standing while urinating into the bushes?). Either way, Zwift reacted quickly to the unexpected visitor and quickly patched the route to put up new barricades in front of the impromptu bathroom break since, presumably, they couldnt edit the actual video. Zwift talked about how much effort it took to properly film these routes, and how many times they had to redo individual videos for any number of reasons, so its not that surprising that something like this made its way through. But proving they have a sense of humor, Zwift gets the last laugh here by naming the new sprint segment When You Gotta Go! The roadside eliminator may be gone from view, but theyll live on in infamy every time you sprint across that line.

CyclistBig Ride: Life on Mars in TenerifeUp, down and around. That pretty much describes your routing options on Tenerife. The largest Canary Island is dominated by Mount Teide, all 3,718m of it, to the extent that its almost impossible not to climb, descend or circumnavigate at least part of the towering volcano on any given ride. It has given rise to the idea that Tenerife is more for training than enjoying, and a strong link with WorldTour camps and a lack of racing on the island does nothing to dispel that notion the last time a big race visited was 1988, when the Vuelta a Espaa departed from the capital, Santa Cruz.Still, Tenerife became a haven for cyclists seeking to boost their haematocrit levels via natural and unnatural means the former by riding at altitude; the latter by taking advantage of both the islands remoteness, which made doping controls near non-existent, and the fact that Spain didnt outlaw performance-enhancing drugs until 2006.By the 2010s, however, Tenerife was established as a cycling destination for all the right reasons. Its testing roads, altitude and consistently good weather attracted Team Sky, and soon the hordes followed. Its now one of most popular bases for spring altitude camps for the pros.Those same qualities also make Tenerife a popular destination for ordinary cyclists, which is why Ive been received by brothers Alberto and Marcos Delgado who run Tenerife Bike Tours no relation to the famous Pedro, but Canaries-born and bred, and hence perfectly placed to guide me on todays 135km loop over Teide. They have previous with us, having hosted Cyclist in 2013 for our Big Ride in issue 13, something they kindly attribute as being responsible for an uptick in British clients, although Wigginss yellow jersey and the glory years of Team Sky may have helped too.Celestial heightsMarcos picks me up from my apartment in the tourist hotspot of Playa de las Amricas and we drive to our start in Tamaimo in southwest Tenerife, poised just above Los Gigantes, whose huge walls of black basalt plunge 600m into the Atlantic Ocean below. As we pedal off, Im promised an early espresso stop at Snack-Bar Parada in Cho, but after negotiating a stretch of road already very much in the up category, we find the cafe closed. In better luck for me, my ride partner today is Marcos rather than his eight-time Ironman and sub-seven hour Marmotte-finishing brother, Alberto, who has driven away in the van.After a few more kilometres spinning up moderate slopes, the days early fog lifts to reveal cliffs to our left and a steep drop to our right. A sign with the words El Teide Abierto indicates this mountain is open for business and we are indeed on the right path to its summit, but theres no rush: its still early in the day so theres plenty of time to stop and admire the views along the way. At Mirador del Chirche (look out for any miradors, Spanish for viewpoints these roadside spots really do provide stunning views), we pause to gaze at the neighbouring island of La Gomera, which rises to a less imposing 1,487m and offers some unspoilt riding just an hours boat ride away.The road swings inland into a steady 8km stretch where the slope barely deviates from 6%, which wouldnt be all that daunting were it not for the knowledge we still have 20km left to climb to Teides top, all through increasing temperatures and steadily thinning air. For now, though, Im content to spin up past palm trees and cacti, catching occasional glimpses of the dark peaks of the Teno Massif away to the northwest, one of the three volcanic islands that millions of years ago merged to form Tenerife.We pedal on into the Corona Forestal Natural Park, whose pine tree canopy offers relief from the intensifying sun until its trees peter out at 2,000m. So far, climbing has felt meditative such has been the consistency of gradient and smoothness of road, which is apparently a vast improvement from when Team Sky started coming here. Its the closest Ive come to the controlled environment of a turbo trainer on real roads, to the extent that Id be tempted to describe it as boring were the surroundings not so engagingly alien. Ive never cycled anywhere like this the wide, uniform road carrying me unerringly on and up through barren slopes and fields of black basalt boulders.Occasionally cars of tourists pass and pull over to take photos or set out on hikes. At sundown, theyll be replaced by the stargazers who come to take advantage of some of the worlds darkest, clearest skies, which reach deep into the Milky Way and far, far beyond. Indeed, astronomy is the reason why I can pedal here at all. The 2,390m-high Teide Observatory, which received its first professional telescope in 1964, needed roads, so too the Canarian Institute of Astrophysics, whose scientists continue to study here.The straight were on eventually ends in a long right-hand bend at the Mirador del Poleos in front of the Chinyero volcano, the site of the Tenerifes most recent eruption in 1909. But though our direction has finally changed, the gradient hasnt, sticking resolutely at around 6% as it makes a languid twist over 6km through an extended S-bend.Suddenly my reverie is broken by a fist bump from Marcos. Well done, he says as the road plateaus out, marking the end of our climbing for a while. Its a strange feeling, because were at 2,200m and yet it doesnt feel like were anywhere close to a summit. Thats because the Pico Viejo volcano before us is hiding the Teide formation behind it despite being junior in height, and looking at my computer, although weve ridden 25km from Cho at a 5.5% average gradient an hors catgorie ascent in anyones book theres still some way to go.Article continues belowThe climb out of Tamaimo sets the tone for a lumpy route.Pete GodingTenerifes flora isnt limited to cacti and palm trees, but they do figure heavily on the inhospitable southern slopes.Pete GodingSnow can cause the closure of the road to Teide, but its too hot for that today.Pete GodingLa Gomera, another cyclable Canary Island, is just about visible beyond the cloud.Pete GodingThe pine forest of La Corona Forestal Natural Park offers rare shade on the otherwise exposed slopes.Pete GodingTeides latest eruption in 1909 scattered volcanic debris on the side of this road.Pete GodingThe Teide climb from Cho ends at 2,300m altitude on this long straight road through black boulder fields.Pete GodingPete GodingThe Las Caadas crater is a Spaghetti Western landscape formed by the collapse of a volcano even bigger than Teide.Pete GodingCopper deposits lend a green tint to boulders near Teides summit.Pete GodingThe teetering Roques de Garcia rock formations have names such as the Finger of God.Pete GodingHotel Parador, a favourite of pros on altitude training camps, sits at the base of the volcanos dome.Pete GodingOnly the cable car can get you higher than this.Pete GodingPapillon, our lunch stop, has a colourful collection of professional cyclists bidons behind the bar.Pete GodingPete GodingLos Realejoss vivid murals and buildings brighten up Tenerifes northern coast.Pete GodingPack a warm jacket for a descent that will carry you through one of Tenerifes many microclimates.Pete GodingThe final climb to La Montaeta is steeper and more sinuous than the Teide ascent.Pete GodingBananas and grapes abound in the islands sub-tropical north.Pete GodingLava and sugarloavesA long, pedalling descent as straight as an airport runway carves through more walls of black volcanic chunks. We turn left into the Las Caadas caldera, a vast crater believed to have been formed by the collapse or erosion of an even larger volcano than Teide.If Mont Ventoux is the Moon, this high up Teide feels like Mars, and with the midday sun now beating down, it feels like Im in a giant frying pan of dusty red earth and gnarled rock.The climbing resumes as we traverse Las Caadas ravine and its greening copper-tinged deposits, eventually emerging into the other half of the caldera. Its divided in two by the Roques de Garcia, which look like precarious Jenga stacks of rock ready to topple onto Tenerifes highest hotel and thus the favoured base for pro cycling teams that visit the Hotel Parador.Teide hulks intimidatingly above us, but Marcos assures me its a dormant volcano. Still, streaks of cooled lava flow are visible down its sides, topped by a series of light-coloured splodges known as the Pan de Azcar (or sugarloaf) and another light brown cone, created by a subsequent eruption, above that.A final climbing effort takes us to our highest point of 2,350m and rewards us with a spectacular panorama of cloud, rock and sea, before its time to start on our requisite down, cranking our big rings through flowing corners. We bypass a couple of tourist spots before stopping at a restaurant called Papillon for lunch, where Marcos orders us slices of tortilla and a tranca, a sort of long, custard-filled pastry. I just hope the remaining descent is long enough to allow me to digest it before we hit the days last climb.Storm before the calmBefore the 15km descent to Portillo, Marcos advises me to put on an extra layer. Having just seen a couple of geckos basking in the sun, I sceptically don my scrunched gilet, but I soon wish Id brought something more substantial. As we drop, a refreshing drizzle turns into a downpour, and that, plus the wind chill, deteriorating visibility and rain-slicked road surface, makes for a nerve-wracking descent.Weve been caught out by one of Tenerifes microclimates, of which there are as many as eight.In summer it can be 30C on top of Teide while its raining in the north down below, Marco says, adding that the norths wetter, subtropical climate and fertile volcanic soil permits the cultivation of small and sweet Canarian bananas, which are the islands main agricultural export to mainland Spain. So its not all bad.We eventually make it to the undulating north coast where the cloud lifts to reveal discordantly colourful coastal villages, so different from the white and terracotta buildings found in much of Spain. Banana and avocado plantations make the most of flatter ground as grape vines cling to the hillsides. Marcos says Tenerifes volcanic wine is highly regarded for its minerality and salinity, and the island packs in five legally defined, protected appellations. Im just glad it has stopped raining.In contrast to the steady slopes weve descended from, these cliff-hugging roads dip and swoop savagely. On one particularly steep drop into Los Realejos, an incongruous group including Martin Luther King, Gandhi and Harry Potter watch us from a mural, then were pitched straight into a chain-stretchingly steep road on the other side of town, this time overlooked by some more traditionally dressed figures on another mural.We finally arrive at the final climb, an 11km rise to La Montaeta averaging 6.9%. We pass Las Angustias chapel, which Im reliably informed holds a stuffed alligator that was stabbed by a shepherd with a lance looking to protect his flock, and head for the pine-forested top. Happily, it appears to be free of marauding reptiles.One last push and the incline peters out into a plateau as our total climbing ticks over the 3,000m mark. All thats left is a descent into Santiago del Teide, a bustling little town of white-washed houses, plastic-chaired cafes and (presumably) more taxidermically festooned churches. Then its just a few lazy hairpins through El Retamar and back to Tamaimo, where Alberto awaits us with the van and the promise as is tradition for the brothers that his mum has the paella on.Many pros, few racesTeide is a magnet for pro teams as a training groundPapillon, where Cyclist stopped for lunch during our ride, has an impressive collection of signed bidons from the likes of Jumbo-Visma, Astana Qazaqstan and Ineos Grenadiers behind the bar.You never know who you will pass on Teide, says Marcos. Stars such as Demi Vollering and double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel make regular visits, although snowstorms forced both riders into rushed departures earlier this year. However, despite having the roads, climbs, landscapes and climate to attract the worlds best riders, Tenerife has very little racing action, mainly because its a logistical nightmare to bring all the people and paraphernalia of a pro race to an island that sits 350km off the coast of Africa.That was all due to change at this years Vuelta a Espaa. After a 38-year absence, the Canary Islands were scheduled to host the final four stages of the 2026 Vuelta, including a summit finish on Teide until politics intervened. Gran Canaria withdrew over the possible participation of Israel-Premier Tech (who no longer race under that name), forcing the organisers to relocate the finale to Andalusia.Tenerife, however, hasnt given up on its dream. Just like Contador did in the mountains, we will not give up until we reach the summit, said one of Tenerifes tourism chiefs after the withdrawal. Lets hope the island makes it back onto the Vueltas schedule again soon. It should be a great spectacle.How we did itTravelCyclist flew from Birmingham to Tenerife South. Direct flights go to this tourist destination from most UK airports. We hired a car and drove 30 minutes to Playa de Las Americas, although if we didnt have a bike box we could have taken the Route 40 bus from outside the terminal.AccommodationWe stayed in an apartment in Playa de Las Amricas, a purpose-built tourist resort with accommodation galore. It was a 40-minute drive to get to the start of our route, but its easy to plan an alternative route starting in the south of the island.A simple solution is to sign up with Tenerife Bike Tours, which offers a number of cyclingtours including five nights at the five-star Hotel Barcel in the south and two nights at the four-star Hotel AC Marriott in the north. For 1,695 per person, you get half-board, six guided rides with a support van, mechanical assistance, private bike storage and a paella party to finish the trip. You can also hire a bike at extra cost.ThanksMuchas graciasto Alberto and Marcos Delgago of Tenerife Bike Tours Marcos for riding with us and Alberto for driving the support van. Together they provided great company and vital local knowledge, including the best roads to take and best places to eat. For more info go to tenerifebiketours.com.The post Big Ride: Life on Mars in Tenerife appeared first on Cyclist.