While all eyes were on the race-focused Endurace CFR 2026, Canyon were quietly working away on the launch of the new Endurace CF SLX. Now its here, and it promises to be a versatile model range with features that are genuinely designed to make sense in the real world. Weve already put the bike through its paces on the cobbles of Flanders and are here to tell you whether Canyons new long-distance contender can fill the rather large shoes of its predecessor.Canyon Endurace CF SLX | 8.4 kg in size S | 3,999.00 | Manufacturer WebsiteSince 2014, the Endurace has been Canyons answer to the question every ambitious road cyclist eventually confronts: how do you ride fast and far without feeling wrecked after three hours? What began as a marathon racer built around 25 mm tires has, through two major generational updates, become a thoroughly modern all-road bike.Right on cue for this years cobbled classics, Canyon unveiled the new Endurace CFR a bike laser-focused on a single purpose and, with Van der Poel in the saddle, impossible to miss. With it came the inevitable questions: what happens to the Aeroad? And what about the Endurace for the rest of us? Because the need for an update to the comfort-oriented long-distance racer seemed glaringly obvious the moment the CFR broke cover.Now we have the answer: the new Endurace CF SLX. Redesigned from the ground up, aerodynamically optimised, with 38 mm tire clearance and a storage box integrated into the downtube, all wrapped up in a model family that spans from entry-level to top-spec. The CF SLX is here to fill the gap the CFR deliberately left open. We got our hands on it early and put it to the test in wind, rain, and everything the cobbles of Flanders could throw at it.The Cobble Racers little Brother? The Canyon Endurace CF SLX 2026 in DetailAt first glance, the new Canyon Endurace CF SLX looks reassuringly familiar: a slender head tube, sweeping tube shapes, and that same kinked downtube. Visually, it sits very close to the far more radical Endurace CFR. But where the uncompromising CFR is single-mindedly built for cobbles and WorldTour duty, the new CF SLX takes a considerably broader approach. This is a bike built around what most riders are actually looking for: something fast enough for ambitious rides, but that wont have you reaching for your physios number afterwards.The Endurace has been thoroughly revised to get there, and quite sensibly, not just in the obvious places. One of the most significant updates lies in the rear end: the new CF SLX accommodates tires up to 38 mm wide, including ISO clearance. A few years ago that might have sounded like gravel territory; today it feels like a logical response to reality. The everyday riding life of most cyclists has never consisted solely of perfectly surfaced Alpine passes: it is rough tarmac, broken back roads and the occasional gravel shortcut, exactly the kind of terrain where wider tires do more for your quality of life than any watt saved in a wind tunnel. The Endurace remains unambiguously a road bike and doesnt drift into gravel territory. The concept feels more like the natural evolution of the modern endurance bike: fast enough for an after-work blast, comfortable enough for epic gran-fondos, robust enough for roads that look more like Paris-Roubaix than a freshly laid cycle path.38 mm tire clearance with ISO clearance throughout plenty of room for modern tires front and rear and all without compromising the aero profile.The in-frame storage has been completely rethought, too. Where the previous model tucked its storage compartment into the top tube, complete with the rather fiddly tool snake, the system has now moved neatly into the down tube. The new LOAD Downtube Storage System integrates far more cleanly into the frame, offers more space, and feels altogether more polished. Inner tube, CO2 cartridge, and multi-tool disappear invisibly into the bike, with no need to plaster the top tube with bags or cable ties.Practicality isnt an afterthought on the new CF SLX. The frame is fully mudguard-compatible, and the new Canyon DEFEND Fast Fenders can be fitted in seconds. Designed for tires up to 35 mm wide, they transform the Endurace from weekend racer to capable all-weather companion.The DEFEND Fast Fenders clip on in seconds without a single tool The mount locks firmly onto the frame and the mudguard simply snaps into place.Canyon have also put serious thought into the colour options. The more classic Crystal White and Colorflow finishes sit alongside Atlantic Blue, a clear nod to the Alpecin-Premier Tech team colours, and Champagne, which needs no explanation for riders who like to make an impression.The Canyon Endurace CF SLX 2026 Spec What does a Modern All-Road Bike really need?Canyon Endurace CF SLX 2026 3,999SpecificationsSeatpost Canyon SP0093 VCLS Aero D-ShapedBrakes SRAM Rival AXS 160/160 mmDrivetrain SRAM Rival AXS 2 x 12Chainring 48/35 TStem Canyon CP0048 PACE Bar w/ Compact Drops 90 mmHandlebar Canyon CP0048 PACE Bar w/ Compact Drops 390 mmWheelset Canyon ED 42 CF 12 x 100 / 12 x 142Tires Schwalbe Pro One 700 x 32cCranks SRAM Rival AXS DUB 165 mmCassette SRAM Rival XG 10-36TTechnical DataSize XXS XS S M L XL XXLWeight 8,40 kgSpecific FeaturesMountingpoints for FendersSeatpost with comfort featureFrame storageA look at the spec sheet of the new Endurace CF SLX reveals Canyons philosophy for this new generation. The spec variant we tested, the Canyon Endurace CF SLX 7 AXS, retails at 3,999 and comes equipped with a SRAM Rival AXS groupset, Canyons new in-house ED 42 CF carbon wheels, and a well-rounded overall package, tipping the scales at 8.4 kg without accessories or fenders.Canyon draw the line at power meters below 4,500. The flagship model features a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain with integrated power meter at 6,999; at the other end of the range, the Endurace CF brings the family within reach from 1,699 with Shimano CUES.For the wheels, Canyon have turned to their new in-house CF carbon rims, making their debut on selected models. At 1,550 g, with a 42 mm rim depth, 25 mm internal width and proven DT Swiss 350 hubs, they are engineered to hit the sweet spot between aerodynamics, comfort and everyday usability. For those taken with the package, Canyon also offers the ED 42 CF on the aftermarket at 999, with an additional 10% loyalty discount for existing owners upgrading from aluminium wheels.The Endurace CF SLX comes standard with 32 mm Schwalbe Pro One tubeless tires. Mounted on the 25 mm internal width rims, the tires measure approximately 1 mm wider in real-world conditions, with tangible benefits for both grip and vibration damping. Contributing to that comfort story is the new VCLS Aero seatpost, carried over directly from the CFR. It pairs an aerodynamic profile with what Canyon claims is around 25% more vertical compliance than a conventional aero post, and that compliance remains consistent regardless of how much post is showing above the frame.Canyons new aerodynamic VCLS seatpost is the secret weapon against rough roads.Taken as a whole, the spec of the Endurace CF SLX feels impressively well considered. Rather than chasing pure endurance credentials or an outright race focus, Canyon have combined modern aero integration with thoughtfully chosen components that prioritise comfort and real-world usability. The result is a bike that feels far less like a trimmed-down race machine and much more like a genuinely versatile road bike.The Geometry of the Canyon Endurace CFR 2026: Aero-Looks meet Endurance Soul?The new Endurace CF SLX retains the tried-and-tested endurance-focused geometry of its predecessor and develops it in a targeted way. Compared to the old CF SLX, the wheelbase in size M grows by 16 mm to 1,009 mm, while the chainstays gain 3 mm. The result is a touch more composure and stability without the bike ever feeling sluggish. Stack and reach remain almost identical to the previous model. Rather than altering the riding position, Canyon have introduced compact drops with 10 mm less reach to preserve the same feel despite the longer wheelbase. Smart thinking.The difference to the CFR is considerably more pronounced: 26 mm more stack height and 17 mm less reach in size M separate the two variants. In the saddle, that translates to a more upright, relaxed position that remains comfortable even for amateur riders deep into a long days riding. The CF SLX is not a softened CFR; it is, and remains, a concept in its own right with a clear target audience. If you do want a sportier position, Canyons MyCanyon configurator lets you spec classic or race drops with 10 mm more reach, allowing you to dial in a progressively more aggressive fit.Size2XSXSSMLXL2XLSeat tube432 mm462 mm492 mm522 mm552 mm582 mm612 mmTop tube533 mm544 mm553 mm562 mm577 mm593 mm608 mmHead tube103 mm123 mm141 mm161 mm183 mm208 mm229 mmHead angle70.37171.872.572.572.872.8Seat angle73.573.573.573.573.573.573.5Chainstay418 mm418 mm418 mm418 mm418 mm418 mm418 mmWheelbase999 mm1,005 mm1,008 mm1,009 mm1,025 mm1,039 mm1,054 mmStack611 mm632 mm650 mm671 mm693 mm719 mm739 mmReach502 mm518 mm533 mm546 mm565 mm584 mm603 mmFast, Comfortable, and Ready for Anything: The Canyon Endurace CF SLX 2026 on ReviewFlanders in March. The sky hangs low, the cobbles glisten in the rain, and a bitter wind finds its way into your wet shoes. Right here, between open fields and sodden back roads, a test bike like the Endurace CF SLX with wide tubeless tyres and mudguards fitted makes perfect sense. Its hard to imagine a setting closer to the reality it was built for.Swing a leg over the Canyon Endurace CF SLX for the first time and one thing is immediately clear: this is no leisurely touring bike. The frame responds instantly to steering input, transfers power directly, and delivers a level of stiffness underfoot that you wouldnt necessarily expect from an endurance bike. Theres no flex, no wobble, nothing untoward. What you put in, you get out.That said, it would be dishonest to claim the CF SLX is as snappy as the CFR. The additional weight of around 900 g, not counting mudguards or anything stashed in the frame storage, is noticeable, and the acceleration is a fraction less explosive. Ride both bikes regularly and youll feel the difference. If you havent, the CF SLX will be more than enough, and then some.In terms of efficiency, the CF SLX shows its true colours. It rolls with confidence, holds speed well once youve built it up, and feels surprisingly quick on flat to rolling terrain. The handling is one of its strongest suits. Steering is pleasingly direct, the bike responds accurately to rider input, and it tracks cleanly through fast corners without ever feeling twitchy or prone to oversteering. It gives you the sense that youre always in control, which on long rides, when concentration starts to fade and the legs grow heavy, is worth its weight in gold.However, the biggest difference from the CFR shows itself in the riding position and overall level of comfort. On the CF SLX you sit noticeably more upright and relaxed, making it far more accessible than its bigger brother. Shorter reach, more stack: if youve always found the aggressive race setup of the CFR or the Aeroad a bit much, this is a far more approachable alternative that never once makes you feel like youre aboard a touring bike.Geometry isnt the only thing contributing to the comfort equation, though. The biggest share of credit goes to the combination of tires and seatpost working in harmony. The 32 mm Schwalbe Pro One tubeless tires measure slightly wider than stated on the new Canyon ED 42 CF rims, a welcome side effect that translates directly into improved damping and grip. More significant still is the new aero seatpost. Compared directly to a rigid aero post, the difference is striking: the VCLS post absorbs vibrations and sharp impacts effectively, all without making the ride feel soft or vague beneath you.The Endurace may soak up the punishment of Flanders unforgiving cobbles surprisingly well, but no amount of compliance is going to make me a cobble enthusiast. Some things just arent meant to be.Who Is the Canyon Endurace CF SLX 2026 For?Where the CFR is single-mindedly built for one type of rider, the CF SLX casts a considerably wider net: ambitious amateurs, weekend warriors, gran-fondo enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to ride fast without suffering for it every time they clip in.Its a particularly compelling option for anyone who has considered the Aeroad but honestly wondered whether they really want to spend every ride locked into such an aggressive position. The CF SLX has your answer: similar aero looks, a significantly more relaxed geometry, 38 mm tire clearance instead of 32 mm, and a seatpost that actually makes a tangible difference on rough roads. Factor in the frame storage, mudguard compatibility, and adjustable cockpit options, and you have a bike that goes from Sunday race to soggy autumn ride without ever looking out of place.If you race exclusively, crave maximum snap, or simply want to channel your inner Van der Poel, the Aeroad or Endurace CFR is the more natural home. With prices starting from 3,999 for the CF SLX and 1,699 for the Endurace CF, Canyon has built a platform with a convincing answer for a wide range of budgets.Helmet Sweet Protection Falconer Aero 2Vi MIPS Block Party LTD | Goggles Shimano Equinox Jacket GOREWEAR Spinshift GORE-TEX | Jersey Gobik SKIMO PRO 2.0 CLASSY RED Bibs Gobik GRIT TAPIOCA | Shoes Canyon Tempr CFRConclusions about the Canyon Endurace CF SLX 2026Some bikes make you work for the pleasure. The Endurace CF SLX is not one of them. Direct, fast and well balanced in equal measure, it translates every pedal stroke without hesitation and stays precise through corners without ever tipping into nerviness. Even after long days in the saddle, the thought of tomorrows ride remains an appealing one. That tells you everything about where the CF SLX sits: not a bike that treats comfort and performance as opposing forces, but one that refuses to acknowledge the distinction entirely, bringing the two together with a confidence that feels earned rather than engineered. Canyon have delivered a thoroughly convincing take on the modern all-road bike, one that combines sporting looks with genuine everyday versatility. In that sense, its hard to argue with.TopsMuch improved comfort thanks to the tire and seatpost combinationGenerous tire clearanceAdjustable cockpit optionsClever in-frame storage systemFlopsNo power meter on our test specFor more info, visit canyon.com.Der Beitrag New Canyon Endurace CF SLX 2026 on Review: A Versatile, Sporty All-Road Racer. erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

The bike industry has mastered performance. But while products keep improving, riders are increasingly paying the price for fragmented systems, rising complexity and disconnected experiences. The 41 Leadership Summit in Leonberg in April 2026 didnt just question where cycling is heading it sparked concrete action around what the industry needs to become next.Its easy to criticize. Its easy to meet up and talk. The harder question is: can you actually change something and who is willing to do it with you?After the 11 Brixen Papers from our last Think Tank openly exposed many of the structural problems within the bike industry, one thing became clear: we didnt need another round of analysis.We needed action. Alignment. And a new way of thinking and acting. Because while the bike industry has mastered performance, riders are increasingly paying the price for fragmented systems, rising complexity and disconnected experiences.The challenge is no longer building capable bikes. The challenge is making cycling feel more meaningful, accessible and relevant to more people again.That was the goal of the 41 Leadership Summit in Leonberg.Not another industry event where the usual suspects shake hands and repeat the same conversations but an attempt to bring together forward-thinking people willing to question old assumptions and rethink what the future of cycling could look like.And very quickly, one thing became obvious: the industry doesnt primarily suffer from a lack of awareness anymore. Most people already see the fragmentation, the growing disconnect between industry thinking and rider reality, and the limitations of endlessly optimizing products in isolation.The harder challenge lies elsewhere: changing behaviors, incentives and deeply ingrained patterns that no longer fit the reality cycling operates in today.Over 3 days, we shifted the conversation:From product to experience.From competition to growth.From selling bikes to designing systems that grow riders and the market.From institutions to concepts that make our industry more powerful.From selling performance to unlocking it.From industry-first thinking to rider-first systems.And maybe that was the most important outcome of Leonberg: not consensus but momentum.From Diagnosis to ActionNew times bring new questions. And new questions require new answers. The structures and patterns that worked for decades no longer fit the reality cycling operates in today. Large parts of the industry are still operating with assumptions that no longer match how people discover, experience and stay connected to cycling. Riders increasingly feel the friction while the industry itself struggles with fragmentation, relevance and long-term growth.The Brixen Papers were never meant to be opinion pieces. They were a diagnosis. Across 11 papers, we openly questioned many of the assumptions, behaviors and structures the bike world has operated around for decades: from industry fragmentation and lack of digitalization to marketing, retail, media and the question of what innovation in cycling should actually mean today.Overview The Brixen Papers1. The Industrys Next Innovation Isnt a Bike Its Unity2. The Eurobike Sabbatical A Clear Answer for 20263. Ingredient Marketing The Bike Worlds Marketing Fiasco4. The Bike Brands New Competitors5. The Lack Of Digitalisation6. The Dealer Gap7. The Media and Marketing Problem Too Dumb to Be Simple8. The Ignored Majority9. What Really Defines Innovation in Cycling Product, Culture, or Storytelling10. Defining Goals What Industry Do We Want to Be?11. The Panic ParadoxBut criticism alone changes nothing. Thats why we started turning many of those discussions into concrete action even before the Leadership Summit itself began.During the E-MOUNTAINBIKE Awards Night, we openly presented both our findings and the first changes weve already implemented to help move the industry toward a direction that creates more value for riders, not just more products. Because while the bike industry is incredibly good at obsessing over technical details, it often loses sight of the bigger picture.The Performance Gap We Dont Need Better Bikes.We live in the most over-equipped generation in outdoor history. People buy high-end bikes. Brands push innovation and marginal gains. Media celebrates superlatives. And technically, modern bikes are extraordinary. But the real performance often never shows up.As media, we constantly discuss cutting-edge technology and high-end products while many riders never even experience the most basic foundations required to unlock their full potential. The gap between what modern bikes can do and what riders actually experience is enormous. And the data backs this up.Our recent reader survey revealed an uncomfortable reality: more than half of all buyers (54%) received no individual bike setup when purchasing their bike. Nearly every second customer (47%) was never even offered a professional setup in the first place.That means many riders spend 8,000 or more on a premium bike and leave the shop with incorrect suspension settings, poorly adjusted controls and little understanding of how to actually use the product properly. In other words: they are riding a completely different bike than the one they read about in reviews. At the same time, more than 55% of buyers received no proactive explanation around technology, maintenance or warranty at all.The uncomfortable truth: the difference between a well-set-up bike and a badly set-up bike is often bigger than the technical difference between two model years. Yet setup, onboarding and rider education are still treated as side topics instead of core parts of the ownership experience. And sometimes the industrys reaction makes things even worse. We all know the jokes: All the gear, no idea.But maybe that reveals a deeper problem. Instead of helping riders unlock the full experience, the industry often assumes too much knowledge too early. A premium product without proper onboarding does not automatically create a premium experience. Which raises an uncomfortable but important question: if the industry sells premium products, why does the ownership experience so often fall short of the product itself?Maybe real progress doesnt start with another marginal gain in performance. Maybe it starts with helping riders actually access the performance that already exists. Because the next frontier is no longer just technical innovation. Its education, experience and capability.Changing What the Industry RewardsAs a magazine, we are fully aware of the influence media has on industry dynamics, product development and ultimately on what brands prioritize. So why not use that influence to help create a shift?It would be easy to openly criticize the industry while continuing to reward the exact same patterns in our own work. For years, the entire bike world including media helped amplify maximum performance, technical superlatives and increasingly marginal differences between products.Thats exactly why we started fundamentally rethinking not only our testing criteria, but also what we choose to give attention and relevance to. Especially if it does not matter in the way that many might assume. Because while much of the industry still focuses primarily on components, watts and torque numbers, we started asking different questions: Where does real rider value actually come from? What creates long-term satisfaction beyond the first ride? And which pain points has the industry collectively ignored for too long?As a result, our focus for our bike tests is shifting toward three core dimensions:Ride Quality & RideabilityProduct & System QualityOwnership & User ExperienceAnd were already putting that into practice.For the first time, our latest comparison test included a dedicated beginner test session on the trails. We expanded our evaluation through manufacturer interviews about service, warranty and value creation, alongside rider surveys focused on real-world ownership experiences.At the same time, we deliberately kept all the nerdy details we genuinely love: back-to-back testing and benchmarking, standardized system efficiency measurements, reach-height analysis, center-of-gravity and weight distribution analysis, as well as quantified traction and uphill performance testing.Because performance still matters. But performance alone is no longer enough. This is ultimately bigger than new test criteria. Its a broader shift in how value is defined in cycling.Our vision is simple: Riding a bike is only a fraction of the experience. Winning in the future means owning the entire journey and helping riders unlock their full potential.Because if we want different outcomes, we cannot continue rewarding the same things.Does It Work?What does a mayor have in common with a bike CEO? At the 41 Leadership Summit, the answer suddenly felt surprisingly obvious: both are ultimately judged by the exact same question: Does it actually work?One of the most interesting perspectives during the Summit came from Leonbergs mayor Tobias Degode. Listening to him speak about cities, citizens and public responsibility revealed how similar the underlying challenges actually are.In cities, people care about simple but fundamental things:Does public transport run on time?Does support feel reliable?Do problems get solved quickly and smoothly?Cycling is no different.Does the product deliver on its promise?Does service work when riders need it?Do warranty, maintenance and ownership feel intuitive and trustworthy?Modern bikes have become extraordinarily capable but also increasingly dependent on systems, software, integration and support structures. And once those systems stop working smoothly, riders end up absorbing the complexity themselves.Because no consumer and no citizen evaluates strategy papers. People evaluate experiences.No matter how sophisticated the strategy, vision or PowerPoint presentation may be, mayors and CEOs are ultimately judged by exactly the same thing: does the system work in real life? And that applies not only to cities and brands but also to us as media. If media only amplifies performance while ignoring ownership, accessibility and rider outcomes, then we become part of the same disconnect.Everybody Wants Change Until Old Reflexes Kick InWhat made Leonberg important wasnt consensus. In many moments, quite the opposite. What was actually encouraging was how open and self-critical many discussions initially became. People openly acknowledged the fragmentation, the complexity and the growing disconnect between industry thinking and rider reality. There was a genuine willingness to question old assumptions and rethink what growth, value and relevance could mean in the future.But at the same time, you could feel how quickly conversations gravitated back toward familiar territory: product strategy and technical solutions. Again and again, discussions that started around accessibility, participation, community or rider experience snapped back toward the industrys traditional logic of performance and competition the moment things became concrete.And maybe that revealed one of the industrys biggest challenges: not a lack of awareness but the difficulty of escaping deeply ingrained thinking patterns. Because if the industry truly wants to reach new audiences, create new relevance and grow beyond its current core bubble, it also needs new perspectives around the table.More women. More non-core riders. More people with different expectations, experiences and relationships to bikes. Not as a diversity checkbox but because they bring a completely different understanding of accessibility, usability, communication and value.Many of the industrys current discussions are still shaped by people who already deeply understand bikes. But future growth will increasingly come from people who dont think like the industry itself. And that changes the questions we need to ask.Not just: How do we build a better bike? But: How do we create a better experience for people who are not already insiders? or What makes cycling more attractive?That tension became one of the defining dynamics of the Summit. Because everybody wants change until change starts challenging familiar assumptions, established business models and the industrys own perspective on itself. And maybe meaningful progress starts exactly there: not with another optimistic keynote, but with the willingness to let new perspectives genuinely influence the conversation.The Industry Still Talks Mostly to InsidersOne of the most recurring themes throughout the Summit was the growing gap between industry language and rider reality.The bike world still spends enormous amounts of energy talking about: torque, kinematics, integration, performance.And while all of that absolutely matters, it also revealed a deeper issue: the industry often communicates the mechanics of cycling while people are actually searching for the meaning of cycling. Because most people are not looking for a technical object. They are looking for: freedom, health, adventure, connection, escape, identity, experience. The bike itself is no longer the story. What it enables is.And that shift changes everything: how brands communicate, how media evaluates bikes, how retailers onboard riders, how communities are built, and ultimately how new people enter cycling. Because growing the market requires speaking beyond the existing core audience while much of the industry still communicates almost exclusively to insiders.Retail Is No Longer Just a Sales ChannelAnother important realization throughout the Summit: the retail perspective was underrepresented even though retailers remain one of the most critical touchpoints in the entire rider experience.Because while the industry continues to push increasingly advanced products into the market, the service and workshop infrastructure is struggling to keep pace. Modern bikes are no longer just mechanical products. They are complex systems built around software, electronics, integration and increasingly demanding service requirements.And yet, many brands still rely heavily on retailers to close the loop with the rider: setup, education, service, trust, ownership experience. And often leave it entirely to retailers to explain the product, onboard the customer and ultimately make the experience work.At the same time, qualified workshops and trained service staff are becoming harder to find. That creates a growing disconnect between product complexity and real-world support capabilities. If the industry is serious about improving rider experience, retail can no longer be treated primarily as a downstream sales channel. Retailers are not just distribution. They are onboarding. Education. Trust. Community. And in many cases, they are a brands only physical touchpoint. At the same time, entirely new retail formats and direct-to-consumer approaches entered the conversation. If retail increasingly defines the ownership experience, an obvious question emerges: why rely entirely on multi-brand dealers if brands could own more of that experience themselves or create entirely new experiences around it?A rider rarely remembers a spec sheet. But they remember whether somebody took the time to help them.Which also means the future of cycling cannot be built through isolated conversations between brands alone. The industry needs a far more honest and collaborative exchange across the entire value chain including the people who interact with riders every single day. Because increasingly, the limiting factor is no longer the bike itself but whether riders are actually supported well enough to unlock its full potential.Industry Growth Requires More Than CompetitionAnother strong realization during the Summit was that the bike industry has become extremely good at competing but often surprisingly weak at aligning around bigger shared goals. Competition itself is not the problem. Quite the opposite. Competition drives innovation, creates differentiation and pushes products forward.The real challenge is understanding where competition creates value and where fragmentation weakens the entire industry. Because when every topic becomes a competitive battlefield, the bike world struggles to build the kind of collective relevance and influence that other industries have mastered long ago.Trail access. Advocacy. Political representation. Dealer education. Sustainability. Shared standards. Public perception. These are not areas where isolated thinking creates strength. And yet, the industry still often behaves as if every conversation needs to be approached from a defensive brand-first perspective.The result is fragmented messaging, weaker lobbying and an industry that frequently underperforms when it comes to creating real political and cultural impact. That becomes especially visible around topics like trail access and rider infrastructure. While other industries operate with coordinated interests and clear collective positioning, the bike world often speaks with too many fragmented voices or sometimes no shared voice at all.And maybe thats one of the most important mindset shifts still ahead: understanding the difference between competition and co-opetition. Knowing where brands should compete aggressively and where collaboration creates exponentially more value for riders, the market and the entire ecosystem.Because future growth will not come from endlessly fighting over the same riders. It will come from growing the category itself. Every new rider strengthens the ecosystem. Every positive riding experience benefits the entire industry. Every improvement in access, infrastructure and perception creates value far beyond individual brands.That requires a different kind of thinking: less focus on protecting territory, more focus on building relevance. And maybe that was one of the most encouraging signals coming out of Leonberg: leaders increasingly started asking bigger questions.Not only: How do we grow our business? But also: How do we grow cycling itself? One workshop in particular brought the conversation back to a blank page.If none of todays established structures existed no associations, trade shows, sales channels or legacy systems what would we actually build today? What would still be needed? What would no longer make sense? And which structures, platforms and responsibilities would create the biggest positive impact for riders and the industry as a whole?Because transforming an industry is bigger than any single company, media platform, association or trade show format. It requires collaboration across the entire value chain, a fresh perspective on what the industry truly needs today and a willingness to contribute beyond immediate self-interest.This Wasnt About Agreement. It Was About Starting.Leonberg was not about consensus. It was about momentum. New conversations started. Old assumptions were challenged. And perhaps most importantly: people began questioning not only products but the systems, incentives and behaviors shaping the entire industry around them.Everyone agreed on one point: the bike industry risks becoming irrelevant outside its own core bubble if it continues optimizing products without equally improving accessibility, onboarding, ownership experience and cultural relevance. The challenge is no longer building capable bikes. The challenge is making cycling feel more meaningful, accessible and relevant to more people again.And that shift will not be driven by one breakthrough product, one trade show, one media platform or one brand alone. It will be shaped by hundreds of smaller decisions happening across the entire ecosystem: how brands communicate, how retailers onboard riders, how media defines value, how communities are built, how products are developed, and how the industry chooses to collaborate when larger collective challenges emerge.Despite all the uncomfortable discussions in Leonberg, one thing became equally clear: people still deeply want what cycling can offer. Freedom. Adventure. Fitness. Connection. Perspective. The emotional power of cycling has not disappeared. If anything, its relevance is growing. The real opportunity now is making the entire experience around cycling finally live up to the emotional power the sport itself already has.First Movers: Are you ready for a challenge?Leonberg marked a turning point: from analysis to action, from observation to responsibility, from protecting old systems to building better ones.The industry needs leadership. Not theoretical leadership. Practical leadership. And the first movers are already visible. Change rarely starts when everyone is ready or through the biggest players. It starts with individuals willing to act with clarity, courage and vision.The ones improving not only products but onboarding, ownership, retail experience, communication, community, service, culture and trust. The ones understanding that the future of cycling will not be won through marginal gains alone, but through emotional relevance and stronger human connection.Think about the success of Netflix, Amazon or the iPhone. Their breakthrough was never just the product itself. It was a fundamentally better user experience. They removed friction, lowered barriers, simplified complexity and changed behaviors by making things feel easier, more intuitive and more relevant to peoples lives. And this is exactly where the bike industry still has massive untapped potential.The industrys challenges will not be solved by building slightly more modern versions of the same systems or simply updating old formats. What the industry needs now is new energy, new thinking and platforms capable of creating real cultural relevance again.At 41 Publishing, this shift is already influencing how we test, how we evaluate products, what we reward and what we choose to give attention to. But meaningful transformation will never come from one media company alone. It will come from the people willing to act.So here is the challenge: If you are building better experiences, better systems, better relationships and better reasons for people to ride we want to hear from you. And more importantly: we will make sure others hear about it too. Because transforming an industry is not about making it bigger at all costs. It is about making it healthier. More relevant. More human.We have made our first moves. Now its your turn.If you are ready to challenge old thinking, create better experiences and help shape a more relevant future for cycling, reach out. This should not remain a closed conversation or isolated initiative it has to become a collective effort across the entire industry.robin@41publishing.comThe future belongs to the first movers.Der Beitrag We Dont Need Better Bikes. We Need a Better Bike Industry. erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

Cold air hangs over the roads around Cadaqus. The town belongs to dreamers and all those who refuse to dream. Carried by the hum of your HUNT Aerodynamicist wheels, you roll into the break of dawn. Your wheels are more than carbon. Theyre the hunters that help you get ahead of the day.Saturday night still lingers heavily in the alleyways with chairs pushed aside, abandoned wine glasses and cigarette butts waiting for the street sweeper. You lie awake with your thoughts idling, because when sleep refuses to come, waiting in bed becomes a torment. The bike on your wall is your way out. Youre ready for a hunt with only one prize, which is the first streak of light on the horizon.While the town is still breathing deeply in its sleep, you go looking for confrontation. In the cold, dense morning air, its just you, the wind and that quiet inner resistance. A strange alliance forms between the cutting chill of the Catalan night and the technological precision of the HUNT Aerodynamicist. Theyre no boulevard showpieces. Instead, theyre a carbon scalpel. Every pedal stroke feels less like effort and more like slicing cleanly through the clammy dawn air.GenesisThe first kilometres feel raw. Your legs are still blunt, and your heart rate is too high for this hour of the day. The road demands your full attention from the outset as the wind attacks unpredictably over the rocks. Theres no cover, just bare stone, tarmac and the vast horizon.Your thoughts start questioning your choices, why did you get up at this hour? You try to override the cold while your body resists. An aerodynamic wheelset might be built to slice through the wind, but overcoming the heaviness in your legs is another matter entirely.In this bizarre world of weathered slate, Salvador Dal once searched for the boundary between reality and hallucination. The almost painfully clear light here paints without flattering and leaves no room for doubt. Its the perfect place to distort time. Dals famous melting clocks, once inspired by a Camembert softening in the sun, suddenly make sense up here. Between stone and salt, your own sense of time stretches, becoming fluid and detached from the rhythm of the sleeping world. Your pulse remains the only stopwatch that counts. As you grind your way further up, the lines blur between your muscles rebelling and that quiet ecstasy only early morning solitude can deliver.PhantasmaIn the middle of this surreal backdrop, the wheels become the metronome of your progress. Their steady rotation sets the tempo, stopping you from dissolving into the endless horizon. The sun climbs slowly above the Mediterranean, yet its warmth still fails to reach you. The wind they call the Tramuntana now takes centre stage. Its no gentle companion but a rival that squares up to you head-on. On the road out to Cap de Creus, every metre feels like a drawn-out negotiation. This is exactly where the HUNT wheelset plays its aerodynamic card. While nasty side gusts try to yank your front wheel off line, the rims slice calmly through the turbulent air. It is a mechanical act of defiance against the elements.Theres something almost ironic about it. Beneath you spins a technical superlative, while you wrestle with the last traces of sleep above it. You find yourself wondering whether this carbon brilliance genuinely takes the edge off the suffering. Probably. And out here, in the solitude of Cap de Creus, you will take any technological placebo you can get. You keep pedalling because stopping in this vast emptiness simply is not an option.Out here, you are alone with the wind and your rhythm. Fatigue simply burns away the mental carousel of the night until only a ruthless focus remains. The nasty thing about this climb is not its steep ramps. Its the monotony with which it forces you to keep pedalling.AkmeYour HUNT Aerodynamicist wheels remain composed. Theres no nervous twitching in crosswinds and no unsettling surges as the speed builds. You press on and they carry you forward. Gradually your body finds its rhythm as your heart rate settles and your breathing deepens and turns steady. Pedal, cadence, speed. The pain in your legs shifts into a familiar burn. You are not just awake, youre fully there.The road rears up again, barren and uncompromising. Now every watt counts, and any movement that does not translate into forward motion is wasted. You look for a fleeting moment of mercy, a second to ease off, but the HUNTs offer none. Theres no give in the material and no hesitation when you accelerate. The mechanical honesty of the Aerodynamicist demands persistence. They convert your pain so directly into speed that giving up simply is not an option.At the lighthouse, high above the Mediterranean, the wind slams into this easternmost tip of the land with full force. While the gale tugs at your jersey and your pulse hammers, there is a sudden and complete calm within you. The restlessness of the night gives way to absolute clarity as you realise you are no longer chasing the light but catching it. At this exact point, the dynamic shifts. The moment you turn the bike for home, your former enemy becomes an ally. Fuelled by a tailwind and the subtle sail effect of the Aerodynamicist rims, the suffering of the way out is suddenly transformed into pure forward motion as you almost fly back towards civilisation.KatharsisThe descent needs no signal. You tip forward and let the bike run. The tarmac turns into a grey current rushing beneath you. In the corners, the true character of the HUNT Aerodynamicist comes to the fore as they carve cleanly through the air, unfazed by gusts whipping up from the cliffs. The hum of the freehub swells into a mechanical crescendo against the roar of the wind. In every hairpin, you negotiate with centrifugal force for grip on the tarmac. You can feel how the wheels hold their momentum and carry speed onto the straights without any need to push harder.As you roll back into Cadaqus, life begins to stir. The first cafs open and chairs scrape across stone. The buzz of your freehub fills the narrow streets between the whitewashed walls. The world is only just starting its day, but you have already lived yours.Find out more about the HUNT Aerodynamicist on huntbikewheels.com.Der Beitrag HUNT Aerodynamicist Wheelset Insomnia: forged in the Quiet Between Light and Shadow erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

The Schwalbe G-One R Pro is the classic choice in the all-round and racing segment, promising the perfect balance of grip and efficiency. But how does this versatile tire fare in the big test for the best gravel tire of 2026? We put this all-rounder through its paces.Schwalbe G-One R Pro | 548.0 g in 45-622 | 74.90 | Manufacturers websiteSchwalbe market the G-One R Pro as being ideal for anyone riding across mixed terrain. Whether you are on gravel tracks, tarmac or even trails, this tire is meant to be a good choice for every situation. Schwalbe aim to deliver such versatile capability with their distinctive boomerang-shaped tread pattern, made up of arrow-shaped knobs pointing in the direction of travel, changing orientation depending on their position across the tire.Through the centre, the knobs are slightly wider and more closely packed to reduce rolling resistance. Further out towards the shoulders, they are spread out more to create a round profile and plenty of grip on soft surfaces. It is a clever concept that, on paper, promises the perfect compromise between efficiency and traction. A variation of the same idea also appears on the G-One RX, which we were quite impressed by. But did the boomerang tread keep us coming back for more, or did we wish we could throw it away? Lets see how it compared with the rest of the test field.Fast All-Rounder: Schwalbe G-One R Pro in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group TestThis fast all-round gravel tire weighs 548 g, putting it just under 20 g below the test average, which makes it well suited to such a versatile intended use. Its the second-lightest Schwalbe tire in the test field behind the 516 g G-One RS Pro. Now to rolling resistance, and here the G-One R Pro delivers an impressive result: at just 12.2 watts, only a handful of other gravel tires come close. Its in-house rival, the G-One RS Pro, comes in at 10.6 watts, but it is also far less focused on all-round use. Equally fast are the race-bred Continental Terra Speed, Hutchinson Caracal Race and Specialized Pathfinder TLR.When it comes to grip, the G-One R Pro does not quite match the outstanding performance of the G-One RX Pro or the Thunder Burt, but for such a fast gravel tire it performs very well. The sophisticated boomerang tread seems to work exceptionally well, especially on firm ground: whether hardpack, tarmac or gravel, this tire really shines wherever the surface stays fast. It can cope with mud too, but with only limited self-cleaning, that is not this gravel tires strong suit. As with the RX Pro, handling is predictable and responsive thanks to the rounded profile. It strikes a perfect balance between agility and security, giving you plenty of control while always remaining easy to read.The Schwalbe G-One R Pro also scores very well for compliance. It does not quite reach the high level of a Thunder Burt or G-One RS Pro, but it is noticeably better than the more off-road focused gravel tires in Schwalbes range. That suits its all-round character well. Whether on the road or on gravel, you certainly couldnt call it uncomfortable. That leaves puncture protection, which is consistently good overall, with very high penetration resistance. Alongside the Continental Terra Adventure, the G-One R Pro sits at the top of the table here. Pinch-flat protection, however, is slightly below average, and not as good as the other Schwalbe gravel tires in the test field.AGILITYcumbersomebalancedplayfulGRIPlowhighCOMPLIANCElowhighROLLING RESISTANCEslowfastPINCH-FLAT PROTECTIONlowhighPUNCH RESISTANCElowhighConclusion on the Schwalbe G-One R ProWith the G-One R Pro, Schwalbe have provided us with an extremely versatile contender for our test of the best gravel tires in 2026. High efficiency, superbly predictable handling and a high level of grip come together with good compliance and outstanding puncture resistance. Its mixed pinch-flat protection only slightly takes the shine off the overall package, so the G-One R Pro rightly ranks among the best and most versatile gravel tires in the entire test field. A well-deserved Best Buy for anyone looking for one of the fastest gravel tires around.TopsHigh efficiencyOutstanding puncture resistanceGood compliancePredictable handlingHigh gripFlopsPoor pinch-flat protectionMade in Vietnam | Size (ETRO) 45-622 | Width in mm 43,3 Height in mm 40,13 | Weight 548.0 g | Price 74.90measured dimensions at 1.75 3.0 Bar, depending on tire widthMore information at schwalbe.com.The TestfieldThis tire was tested as part of the Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026 an overview of this comparison test as well as all other tested gravel tires can be found in the comprehensive comprehensive Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026. For the top models in the racing category, you should take a look at the Race Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026.Challenge: Getaway XP | Gravine XPContinental: Dubnital | Terra Adventure | Terra Competition | Terra Hardpack | Terra SpeedGoodyear: Connector Inter | Connector SpeedHutchinson: Caracal RaceMAXXIS: Rambler | ReaverMichelin: Power Adventure | Power GravelPirelli: Cinturato Gravel H | Cinturato Gravel M | Cinturato Gravel SRene Herse: Corkscrew Climb TC Semi-SlickSchwalbe: G-One RS Pro | G-One RX Pro | G-One R Pro | Thunder Burt | G One Overland ProSpecialized: Pathfinder TLR | Tracer TLR | Terra TLRVittoria: Terreno Pro T30 | Terreno Pro T50 | Terreno Pro T60WTB: Vulpine S | Vulpine | ResoluteDer Beitrag Schwalbe G-One R Pro in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group Test erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

The Michelin Power Gravel promises versatility and strong performance beyond race-focused tires. According to the marketing material, puncture protection, grip and durability take precedence over outright efficiency and speed, setting it apart from the rest of the test field. But how does this tough gravel tire fare in our big test for the best gravel tire of 2026?Michelin Power Gravel | 514.5 g in 40-622 | 58.00 | Manufacturers websiteMichelin know how to make good tires, that much is clear. In our test for the best road bike tire of 2025, the Michelin Power Cup TLR picked up our coveted Best Buy award. But unlike Michelins road performance tires, the Power Gravel is not all about chasing maximum efficiency. Instead, the focus is on excellent puncture protection, plenty of grip and good durability, which makes for a deliberately different approach from the speed-first competition.To make that happen, Michelin use a heavily reinforced casing for extra puncture protection. On top of that, the Magi-X rubber compound is designed to boost durability, while the open, evenly spaced tread pattern with medium-sized knobs is intended to deliver strong grip. On paper, it all adds up to a very promising package, but how does this Michelin gravel tire stack up against the competition in direct comparison?Grippier Than It Looks: Michelin Power Gravel in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group TestDespite what its name and positioning might suggest, the Michelin Power Gravel is anything but heavyweight. At 515 g, it sits 55 g below the average test weight. That is a clear margin, even if it is not quite as extreme as its sibling, the Michelin Power Adventure at 452 g, its the lightest contender in the entire test field. That impressive weight does come with a small caveat, though; we tested the 40 mm version here, so its inevitably going to be a little lighter than the other wider tires in the test. On our 25 mm wide test rim, however, the tire actually measures 42 mm, which is 2 mm wider than claimed.When it comes to rolling resistance testing, that reduced width does not matter quite as much we adjusted our test pressures to get the best out of each tire width. For the 40 mm-wide Power Gravel, that meant 3 bar instead of the 2.5 bar used for 45 mm tires. Even so, the tire records 17.5 W of resistance, which is a slow result almost 2.5 W above the average. Then again, Michelin are not pitching it as a highly efficient option. If durability, puncture protection and grip deliver in return, it still makes for a coherent overall package. And when it comes to grip, the Power Gravel is genuinely outstanding. Its even more impressive when you consider how narrow the tire is. The tread offers loads of traction and, thanks to the soft rubber compound, adapts to virtually any surface.The handling matches that capable character perfectly. With its rounded profile and evenly spaced tread, the tire delivers plenty of smooth and predictable grip at every lean angle, with no jarring transitions. The result is an incredibly balanced ride feel, hitting the sweet spot between agility and stability this tire is genuinely great fun to ride. Compliance is another pleasant surprise, despite the limited width, because the Power Gravel feels comfortably composed, even if it does not quite match the very best gravel tires in the test field. That said, when it comes to puncture protection, the sums do not quite add up for this otherwise excellent gravel tire, because overall it only manages a middling result here. Pinch-flat resistance sits exactly on the average, while puncture protection is only just above it. Theres nothing to be embarrassed about there, but it does fall a little short of Michelins puncture protection claims.AGILITYcumbersomebalancedplayfulGRIPlowhighCOMPLIANCElowhighROLLING RESISTANCEslowfastPINCH-FLAT PROTECTIONlowhighPUNCH RESISTANCElowhighConclusion on the Michelin Power GravelThe Michelin Power Gravel is a highly rounded gravel tire overall. High grip and good compliance come together with perfectly balanced handling, making it a real joy to ride. The trade-off comes in efficiency, even if 17.5 W of resistance is still a respectable figure. It is a consistently strong tire for anyone who is not chasing the fastest gravel tire, but instead values versatility and durability. And if you prefer to run wider tires, you will be well served by the 47 mm and even 57 mm versions.TopsHigh gripPerfect handlingGood complianceFlopsSlightly lower efficiencyMade in Thailand | Size (ETRO) 40-622 | Width in mm 42,2 Height in mm 38,43 | Weight 514.5 g | Price 58.00measured dimensions at 1.75 3.0 Bar, depending on tire widthMore information at michelin.com.The TestfieldThis tire was tested as part of the Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026 an overview of this comparison test as well as all other tested gravel tires can be found in the comprehensive comprehensive Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026. For the top models in the racing category, you should take a look at the Race Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026.Challenge: Getaway XP | Gravine XPContinental: Dubnital | Terra Adventure | Terra Competition | Terra Hardpack | Terra SpeedGoodyear: Connector Inter | Connector SpeedHutchinson: Caracal RaceMAXXIS: Rambler | ReaverMichelin: Power Adventure | Power GravelPirelli: Cinturato Gravel H | Cinturato Gravel M | Cinturato Gravel SRene Herse: Corkscrew Climb TC Semi-SlickSchwalbe: G-One RS Pro | G-One RX Pro | G-One R Pro | Thunder Burt | G One Overland ProSpecialized: Pathfinder TLR | Tracer TLR | Terra TLRVittoria: Terreno Pro T30 | Terreno Pro T50 | Terreno Pro T60WTB: Vulpine S | Vulpine | ResoluteDer Beitrag Michelin Power Gravel in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group Test erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

Built for bikepacking, daily commuting and e-bikes, the Schwalbe G-One Overland Pro should be lining up at the back of the starting grid of our big gravel tire test 2026. Does a gravel tire designed with reliability in mind really have a place in a performance-focused group test? We put the Overland Pro through its paces.Schwalbe G One Overland Pro | 589.9 g in 45-622 | 74.90 | Manufacturers websiteAs a gravel tire for commuters, bikepacking and e-gravel, the G-One Overland Pro is the ultimate all-rounder in Schwalbes line-up. The focus here is firmly on durability, strong puncture protection and dependable grip. When you are riding unfamiliar routes and constantly changing surfaces, you need a gravel tire you can trust without hesitation. That is exactly what the G-One Overland Pro sets out to be.Schwalbe achieve this with a dedicated tread pattern that is more tightly packed than many of the other G-One gravel tires. Countless small knobs are spread across the entire tread. In the centre, a line of broad, closely-spaced knobs provides a smooth strip to roll along, while more aggressive shoulder lugs rise up towards the sides. It is a concept that prioritises reliability over outright performance. But how much performance does the Overland Pro still deliver?Reliable and Surprisingly Fast: Schwalbe G-One Overland Pro in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group TestThe G-One Overland Pro feels a little different from most of the gravel tires in this test, as it is not purely optimised for outright performance, whether that is efficiency or maximum grip. The slightly higher weight of 590 g therefore comes as no surprise. On par with the G-One RX Pro, the Overland Pro is the heaviest Schwalbe gravel tire in the test field, sitting around 20 g above the test field average. For a tire not focused solely on performance, weight plays a secondary role. What matters more is rolling resistance. Here, the Overland Pro delivers a pleasant surprise. At 14.1 W, it is the slowest Schwalbe in the test, yet it still rolls in just under 1 W below the test average. Given its focus on reliability and durability, we would have expected and accepted a little more drag.Where the G-One Overland Pro really impresses is grip, offering a very well-judged balance of traction and versatility. It feels secure and planted on every surface, and even performs convincingly on tarmac thanks to its tightly packed tread, which rolls smoothly and predictably. It only reaches its limits in truly muddy conditions, where it lacks the off-road bite of the G-One RX Pro. The handling perfectly matches its all-round character with a nicely rounded profile and wide, grippy shoulders, it remains predictable at all times. There is no sudden breakaway or twitchy steering, yet it never feels as sluggish as the G-One RS Pro.In terms of compliance, the Overland Pro is solid. It is not an ultra-supple gravel tire that smooths out everything, but it strikes a good balance. Commuters and bikepackers in particular might wish for a touch more comfort, but overall the comfort level suits its broad range of uses. When it comes to puncture protection, the Overland Pros standout strength, it performs well, delivering above-average resistance to both cuts and impacts, even if it does not quite match the outstanding protection of the G-One RX Pro.AGILITYcumbersomebalancedplayfulGRIPlowhighCOMPLIANCElowhighROLLING RESISTANCEslowfastPINCH-FLAT PROTECTIONlowhighPUNCH RESISTANCElowhighConclusion on the Schwalbe G-One Overland ProThe Schwalbe G-One Overland Pro lives up to its name, performing well for its intended uses in bikepacking, commuting and e-biking. It delivers consistently good to very good results and stands out with its surprisingly high efficiency. Whether it is grip, comfort or puncture protection, the G-One Overland Pro is a highly capable and well-balanced gravel tire that feels dependable and secure on any surface. If you are looking for a reliable companion for everyday riding and big adventures alike, this tire is exactly the right choice.TopsHigh puncture protectionGood gripGood efficiencyFlopsNoneMade in Vietnam | Size (ETRO) 45-622 | Width in mm 44,4 Height in mm 40,03 | Weight 589.9 g | Price 74.90measured dimensions at 1.75 3.0 Bar, depending on tire widthMore information at schwalbe.com.The TestfieldThis tire was tested as part of the Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026 an overview of this comparison test as well as all other tested gravel tires can be found in the comprehensive comprehensive Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026. For the top models in the racing category, you should take a look at the Race Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026.Challenge: Getaway XP | Gravine XPContinental: Dubnital | Terra Adventure | Terra Competition | Terra Hardpack | Terra SpeedGoodyear: Connector Inter | Connector SpeedHutchinson: Caracal RaceMAXXIS: Rambler | ReaverMichelin: Power Adventure | Power GravelPirelli: Cinturato Gravel H | Cinturato Gravel M | Cinturato Gravel SRene Herse: Corkscrew Climb TC Semi-SlickSchwalbe: G-One RS Pro | G-One RX Pro | G-One R Pro | Thunder Burt | G One Overland ProSpecialized: Pathfinder TLR | Tracer TLR | Terra TLRVittoria: Terreno Pro T30 | Terreno Pro T50 | Terreno Pro T60WTB: Vulpine S | Vulpine | ResoluteDer Beitrag Schwalbe G-One Overland Pro in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group Test erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

With the Terreno Pro T60, Vittoria aim to combine sustainable manufacturing with maximum grip. The tire is designed to deliver a secure, confidence-inspiring ride in every situation. However, it is not the only grip-focused gravel tire in this group test. So how does this eco-conscious contender stack up against the competition?Vittoria Terreno Pro T60 | 666.5 g in 45-622 | 88.95 | Manufacturers websiteThe Vittoria Terreno Pro T60 is designed to perform across virtually any terrain you can throw at it. Whether its gravel or proper trail riding, it is built to handle it all. The tread is intended to dig in on wet or muddy surfaces, giving you consistent traction when conditions deteriorate. The T60 is part of Vittorias sustainably produced Pro series, said to be made from 92% renewable and recycled materials to reduce their environmental footprint. Despite this focus, the Pro series is claimed to match traditionally manufactured competitors in every respect.That all sounds promising, but it only counts if the performance delivers, and this is where the tread comes into play. The Terreno Pro T60 stands out with its large, sharply shaped knobs, arranged in a V pattern to improve rolling efficiency in the direction of travel, while still generating plenty of grip. This is complemented by aggressive shoulder knobs designed to give you maximum support through the corners.Brown Grip Monster: Vittoria Terreno Pro T60 in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group TestLike the other Vittoria gravel tires in this test, the Terreno Pro T60 is noticeably heavier than the competition. The average sits at 570 g, putting the 667 g T60 almost 100 g above it. That said, weight is not the primary concern here, as the focus is clearly on maximum grip. Efficiency still plays a role, though, and with a rolling resistance of 16.6 W, the T60 sits firmly in the slower half of the field. Its also the slowest Vittoria tire on test. Compared to equivalent models from other manufacturers, like the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel S, which promises a similar level of grip and comes in at 16.3 W, the Terreno Pro T60 is still well within a comparable range no real cause for concern here.When it comes to grip, which is ultimately what matters most here, the Vittoria T60 truly delivers. With outstanding traction on both loose and wet ground and otherwise challenging terrain, the tire inspires huge confidence, digging into loose surfaces and holding its line through corners. It is a true grip monster, and a lot of fun to ride. This feeling carries straight over into the handling. The Terreno Pro T60 strikes a very effective balance between the agile T50 and the more rounded, composed feel of the T30. It remains predictable at all times while still offering enough agility to react quickly on tight, technical sections.Compliance, however, takes a noticeable hit, sitting clearly below average. It is worth adjusting the tire pressure to suit, which actually aligns well with its intended use, as a slightly softer setup allows the tire to conform better to the ground and generate even more grip. Puncture protection follows the familiar Vittoria pattern, with very strong resistance to pinch flats, but below-average puncture resistance. The T60 even goes a step further here, delivering the second-best pinch flat protection in the entire test, so it should be more than capable of tolerating lower pressures to improve comfort. Only the two Challenge gravel tires perform better in this regard.AGILITYcumbersomebalancedplayfulGRIPlowhighCOMPLIANCElowhighROLLING RESISTANCEslowfastPINCH-FLAT PROTECTIONlowhighPUNCH RESISTANCElowhighConclusion on the Vittoria Terreno Pro T60All in all, the Vittoria Terreno Pro T60 delivers exactly what the brand promise. With outstanding grip, very confident handling and excellent pinch flat protection, it brings everything you need for riding beyond paved roads. That said, you will have to accept a few compromises in puncture resistance, weight and compliance. If you can live with that, youll get an impressive tire which offers plenty of confidence and a fun ride, while also feeling better about your environmental impact.TopsOutstanding gripVery good pinch flat protectionCommendable approach to sustainabilityFlopsPoor puncture resistanceAverage complianceMade in Thailand | Size (ETRO) 45-622 | Width in mm 44,8 Height in mm 41,93 | Weight 666.5 g | Price 88.95measured dimensions at 1.75 3.0 Bar, depending on tire widthMore information at vittoria.com.The TestfieldThis tire was tested as part of the Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026 an overview of this comparison test as well as all other tested gravel tires can be found in the comprehensive comprehensive Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026. For the top models in the racing category, you should take a look at the Race Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026.Challenge: Getaway XP | Gravine XPContinental: Dubnital | Terra Adventure | Terra Competition | Terra Hardpack | Terra SpeedGoodyear: Connector Inter | Connector SpeedHutchinson: Caracal RaceMAXXIS: Rambler | ReaverMichelin: Power Adventure | Power GravelPirelli: Cinturato Gravel H | Cinturato Gravel M | Cinturato Gravel SRene Herse: Corkscrew Climb TC Semi-SlickSchwalbe: G-One RS Pro | G-One RX Pro | G-One R Pro | Thunder Burt | G One Overland ProSpecialized: Pathfinder TLR | Tracer TLR | Terra TLRVittoria: Terreno Pro T30 | Terreno Pro T50 | Terreno Pro T60WTB: Vulpine S | Vulpine | ResoluteDer Beitrag Vittoria Terreno Pro T60 in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group Test erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

With the Cinturato Gravel M, Pirelli have a true all-rounder in their range. The tire promises reliable grip on both dry and wet surfaces, combined with solid efficiency. But how does this Italian gravel tire perform in our big test for the best gravel tire of 2026?Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M | 603.5 g in 45-622 | 79.90 | Manufacturers websiteThere are plenty of gravel tires for mixed terrain, but few feature a tread as aggressive as the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M. So, who actually needs this kind of mixed-condition tire? Could it be the ideal choice for riders who use their gravel bike in all weathers, across constantly changing surfaces, from tarmac and gravel tracks to proper trails? Gravel riding is always evolving, and that is exactly where the Cinturato Gravel M aims to shine as a true all-rounder.When it comes to tread design, Pirelli go all in on chunky, pronounced knobs. A central tread made up of tall, closely spaced lugs is designed to deliver an efficient ride, while the grippy shoulder knobs are more widely spaced to maximise traction in corners. The goal is clear: to combine efficiency and grip in a single gravel tire.Aggressively Average: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group TestSo how does this tire perform in direct comparison to our test field? At 604 g, it is slightly heavier than the 570 g average. Given the significantly more aggressive tread, that is perfectly acceptable, as long as it delivers on efficiency and puncture protection. When it comes to rolling resistance, that seems to be exactly the case. At 13.4 W, the Cinturato Gravel M performs very well in fact, its actually 0.1 W faster than the low-profile Cinturato Gravel H, which is designed specifically for hardpack. The concept of a fast-rolling central tread clearly works, especially considering the tire is less than 3 W behind the fastest gravel tire on test, the Schwalbe G-One RS Pro.Grip is equally convincing across the board. It is not quite as extreme as the Cinturato Gravel S, but for an all-rounder built for mixed terrain, it is an impressive result. The tread and rubber compound handle almost any surface with confidence, only struggling slightly at the extremes. Deep mud and pure tarmac are not where this tire truly shines. At the same time, the Gravel M benefits from its wide casing. At 47.5 mm, it measures significantly wider than stated. The handling mirrors the agile and highly engaging ride feel known from the Cinturato Gravel S, allowing for quick and direct reactions at all times. However, the relatively narrow central tread means the tire can feel a little prone to tipping between the centre tread and the side knobs when cornering, without always delivering a fully linear ride feel.Compliance is the weak point in the Gravel Ms otherwise strong characteristics. The tire is one of the firmer options in the test field, offering less cushioning than the other Pirelli models on test. Running slightly lower pressures is advisable to achieve a more comfortable ride. Puncture protection is a step up from the Cinturato Gravel S, particularly in terms of puncture resistance, where it shows a noticeable improvement. That said, it still does not quite match the significantly stronger performance of the Cinturato Gravel H here.AGILITYcumbersomebalancedplayfulGRIPlowhighCOMPLIANCElowhighROLLING RESISTANCEslowfastPINCH-FLAT PROTECTIONlowhighPUNCH RESISTANCElowhighConclusion on the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel MOverall, the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M is an outstanding gravel tire that truly delivers as an all-rounder for mixed terrain. It combines very good efficiency with plenty of grip and agile handling that makes every ride engaging. The only trade-offs come in puncture protection and compliance. If you are looking for a versatile gravel tire for changing conditions, and can live with a bit less comfort, the Cinturato Gravel M is a strong choice.TopsHigh EfficiencyPlenty of GripAgile HandlingFlopsLow ComfortSlightly Reduced Puncture ProtectionMade in Italy | Size (ETRO) 45-622 | Width in mm 47,4 Height in mm 41,28 | Weight 603.5 g | Price 79.90measured dimensions at 1.75 3.0 Bar, depending on tire widthMore information at pirelli.com.The TestfieldThis tire was tested as part of the Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026 an overview of this comparison test as well as all other tested gravel tires can be found in the comprehensive comprehensive Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026. For the top models in the racing category, you should take a look at the Race Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026.Challenge: Getaway XP | Gravine XPContinental: Dubnital | Terra Adventure | Terra Competition | Terra Hardpack | Terra SpeedGoodyear: Connector Inter | Connector SpeedHutchinson: Caracal RaceMAXXIS: Rambler | ReaverMichelin: Power Adventure | Power GravelPirelli: Cinturato Gravel H | Cinturato Gravel M | Cinturato Gravel SRene Herse: Corkscrew Climb TC Semi-SlickSchwalbe: G-One RS Pro | G-One RX Pro | G-One R Pro | Thunder Burt | G One Overland ProSpecialized: Pathfinder TLR | Tracer TLR | Terra TLRVittoria: Terreno Pro T30 | Terreno Pro T50 | Terreno Pro T60WTB: Vulpine S | Vulpine | ResoluteDer Beitrag Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group Test erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

With the Reaver, MAXXIS presents its solution for hardpack and fast gravel rides. The low-profile centre tread, paired with chunky side knobs, is designed to deliver fast rolling on the straights, while still providing confident cornering grip. But how well does this combination actually work, and whats new in the second-generation Reaver?MAXXIS Reaver | 510.7 g in 45-622 | 58.50 | Manufacturers websiteThe MAXXIS Reaver comes from one of the biggest names in MTB, ever-present at World Cups and in bike parks around the world. But how well does that experience translate to gravel? The Reaver is already into its second generation and, much like the MAXXIS Rambler, the focus is clearly on the internal details.The new HYPR-X rubber compound is designed to bridge between their road and MTB technologies, combining the HYPR compound from the road segment with MaxxSpeed from the off-road range, replacing the previous Dual Compound setup. The new compound is paired with the well-known EXO casing from the MTB world, now updated with new materials and a 120 TPI construction, aiming to improve puncture protection without adding weight. Visually, the tread remains unchanged: low-profile diamond-shaped centre knobs and large, angular shoulder lugs, complimented by revised branding that feels less MTB-focused. At 510 g, the Reaver sits around 60 g below the test field average. What it does with that weight advantage is what our test set out to discover.Ride It Like You Stole It The MAXXIS Reaver in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group TestThe MAXXIS Reaver doesnt quite live up to its plundering namesake in the test you wont exactly be making a quick getaway on this one. On tarmac, its rolling resistance is surprisingly close to the Rambler, despite the Ramblers significantly more pronounced tread. Rather than feeling light on its feet, the Reaver plants itself squarely on the ground and comes across as more sluggish than lively. That lack of agility becomes noticeable in fast changes of direction. Puncture protection also trails slightly behind its more robust sibling, the Rambler.Off-road, the picture is similar. The Reaver is predictable, but it doesnt bite into the terrain as effectively as the more heavily treaded Rambler. In gravel corners, it tends to drift slightly towards the outside of the turn, though always in a controlled and predictable way. When it comes to quick evasive manoeuvres and high lean angles, however, the large side knobs engage reliably, adding a reassuring sense of security.Comfort is where the biggest weakness shows. Again, the Reaver doesnt match the Rambler here, tending to oscillate and feeling somewhat underdamped overall. Rebound is too pronounced, which leads to noticeable bouncing on rough surfaces, shaking both rider and bike through the handlebars and saddle.AGILITYcumbersomebalancedplayfulGRIPlowhighCOMPLIANCElowhighROLLING RESISTANCEslowfastPINCH-FLAT PROTECTIONlowhighPUNCH RESISTANCElowhighConclusion on the MAXXIS ReaverIn essence, the MAXXIS Reaver is the stripped-back sibling of the MAXXIS Rambler. However, its agility, ride quality and liveliness dont live up to what you might expect from its low-profile tread. It also fails to gain enough in efficiency to make up for the reduced grip. As a result, the clear recommendation in this test remains the Rambler, which offers more overall grip and security without feeling noticeably more sluggish on the road.Topspredictable cornering tractionFlopstends to float on graveldespite the low-profile tread, not particularly efficientMade in Taiwan | Size (ETRO) 45-622 | Width in mm 46,8 Height in mm 41,63 | Weight 510.7 g | Price 58.50measured dimensions at 1.75 3.0 Bar, depending on tire widthMore information at maxxis.com.The TestfieldThis tire was tested as part of the Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026 an overview of this comparison test as well as all other tested gravel tires can be found in the comprehensive comprehensive Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026. For the top models in the racing category, you should take a look at the Race Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026.Challenge: Getaway XP | Gravine XPContinental: Dubnital | Terra Adventure | Terra Competition | Terra Hardpack | Terra SpeedGoodyear: Connector Inter | Connector SpeedHutchinson: Caracal RaceMAXXIS: Rambler | ReaverMichelin: Power Adventure | Power GravelPirelli: Cinturato Gravel H | Cinturato Gravel M | Cinturato Gravel SRene Herse: Corkscrew Climb TC Semi-SlickSchwalbe: G-One RS Pro | G-One RX Pro | G-One R Pro | G-One R Pro | Thunder Burt | G One Overland ProSpecialized: Pathfinder TLR | Tracer TLR | Terra TLRVittoria: Terreno Pro T30 | Terreno Pro T50 | Terreno Pro T60WTB: Vulpine S | Vulpine | ResoluteDer Beitrag MAXXIS Reaver in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group Test erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

The Pathfinder TLR is Specializeds clear high-speed gravel tire, aimed primarily at racers and hardpack specialists. In its product sheet, the US brand throws around plenty of numbers and percentage improvements, but are these gains actually noticeable on the trail? And how does the Pathfinder perform away from asphalt and perfectly compacted gravel roads?Specialized Pathfinder TLR | 499.5 g in 45-622 | 49.00 | Manufacturers websiteThe Specialized Pathfinder TLR is clearly built around one thing: speed. Designed for hardpack gravel racing, that focus is obvious at first glance. A smooth centre strip made from a harder compound is paired with small arrow-shaped side knobs, using Specializeds softer T5 rubber compound. As a reminder, in Specializeds MTB tire range, T5 is actually the hardest compound available.There isnt much meat on the carcass when it comes to tread, but theres plenty of marketing material to flesh things out. Specialized describe the tire as faster, lighter and more puncture-resistant than its predecessor, even calling it the best gravel tire in their own line-up. Expectations are therefore high. On the trail, the Pathfinder now has to prove whether it is still a true gravel tire at heart, or just an all-road tire that has gained a few waist sizes to reach 50 mm.Hardpack Hero Specialized Pathfinder TLR in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group TestIs 50 mm width and the fastest gravel tire in the line-up not a contradiction in itself? Apparently not. We deliberately tested the Pathfinder in both 45 mm and 50 mm widths. The weight difference in the comparison setup is around 100 g (499 g for the 45-622 and 597 g for the 50-622) one noteworthily lightweight, the other still perfectly reasonable for the volume. The idea that higher weight automatically means higher rolling resistance is quickly disproven by the Pathfinder. At just 12.1 W of drag, the 50 mm version ranks third in the entire test field, around 3 W less than average. The 45 mm version comes in only marginally behind. The hard centre strip appears to be a key factor in this efficiency advantage.As impressive as the efficiency is on hardpack, the picture changes once you get further off-road. On coarse gravel and in damp conditions, the Pathfinder quickly reaches its limits, with the rear wheel slipping under hard acceleration and breaking away abruptly in corners. Counterintuitively, it is only when you commit to a deeper lean angle that the tire seems to find more grip, as the side knobs then noticeably engage, preventing a full loss of control. On hardpack and asphalt, however, the Pathfinder plays to its strengths: very fast acceleration, stability at speed, and high overall efficiency. Thanks to its round profile, it feels agile, almost like a wide road tire with added damping. As for compliance, the Pathfinder sits at the top of Specializeds range in this test, delivering excellent comfort.Measured width comes in around 2-3 mm below the stated size, which makes even the 50 mm version suitable for frames with limited tire clearance. When it comes to puncture protection, Specialized deliver on their marketing promises with above-average results, offering a reassuring level of security for high-speed riding. Thats exactly what matters when youre going fast enough that youd rather not think about sudden mechanicals.AGILITYcumbersomebalancedplayfulGRIPlowhighCOMPLIANCElowhighROLLING RESISTANCEslowfastPINCH-FLAT PROTECTIONlowhighPUNCH RESISTANCElowhighConclusion on the Specialized Pathfinder TLRThe Specialized Pathfinder TLR is a clearly defined high-speed tire for hardpack and asphalt, and it hits its intended use case very precisely. It impresses with high efficiency, agile handling and strong puncture protection, showing its strengths clearly at speed and over firm surfaces. Once you leave well-compacted tracks and move onto loose gravel, however, caution is advised. The Pathfinder is simply not designed for that kind of terrain it would rather you didnt try to find any new paths of your own. If you stick to its natural habitat, you get a genuinely fast tire that also turns out to be the most comfortable in Specializeds line-up.Topsvery good efficiencyclearly defines its intended use caseFlopsruns noticeably narrower than statedunpredictable in loose cornersMade in Vietnam | Size (ETRO) 45-622 | Width in mm 43,1 Height in mm 38,33 | Weight 499.5 g | Price 49.00measured dimensions at 1.75 3.0 Bar, depending on tire widthMore information at specialized.com.The TestfieldThis tire was tested as part of the Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026 an overview of this comparison test as well as all other tested gravel tires can be found in the comprehensive comprehensive Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026. For the top models in the racing category, you should take a look at the Race Gravel Tire Comparison Test 2026.Challenge: Getaway XP | Gravine XPContinental: Dubnital | Terra Adventure | Terra Competition | Terra Hardpack | Terra SpeedGoodyear: Connector Inter | Connector SpeedHutchinson: Caracal RaceMAXXIS: Rambler | ReaverMichelin: Power Adventure | Power GravelPirelli: Cinturato Gravel H | Cinturato Gravel M | Cinturato Gravel SRene Herse: Corkscrew Climb TC Semi-SlickSchwalbe: G-One RS Pro | G-One RX Pro | G-One R Pro | Thunder Burt | G One Overland ProSpecialized: Pathfinder TLR | Tracer TLR | Terra TLRVittoria: Terreno Pro T30 | Terreno Pro T50 | Terreno Pro T60WTB: Vulpine S | Vulpine | ResoluteDer Beitrag Specialized Pathfinder TLR in the 2026 Gravel Tire Group Test erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.