trek road bikes models

Trek road bikes: range, details, pricing and specifications

Cyclingnews' roundup of Trek road bikes available to buy this year

Trek road bikes you can buy today

Trek's road bike range explained.

With a history spanning some four decades, the Trek Bicycle Corporation has become one of the foremost bicycle makers in the world, and a perennial staple in our list of the best road bikes . What started out as a small steel frame-building company operating out of a carpet warehouse in Waterloo, Wisconsin, has grown enormously into a global leader of bicycle design and innovation. The Trek road bike range is based around three anagrammatic models; Domane, Madone, and Emonda - nominally the endurance, aero, and climbing bikes respectively. All are available in an array of build options, with the Domane and Emonda also available in both carbon and aluminium guises.

Trek has a history of innovating in the world of bicycle manufacture, with a particular emphasis on pioneering new materials. Bonded aluminium and carbon construction was lifted from the aerospace industry in the '80s, creating the 2000 and 2500 framesets. The lessons learned from bonded carbon were then poured into the manufacture of the brand's first full-carbon frameset, the 5000. Nowadays it has its own patented in-house carbon fibre, known as OCLV (optimum compaction low void) which is on a par with aerospace-specific alternatives

Trek continues to disrupt the industry from a manufacturing standpoint, but first and foremost it makes bikes for riders; the manufacturing innovation is only a means to an end. For some that means the very best commuter bikes , for others that means the best touring bikes , and for a lot of riders that means racing at the highest levels. It's no great surprise that Trek has become a big player in the world of gravel cycling too, and it also features on our list of the best gravel bikes . Whatever your interests in cycling, Trek has options. If you are thinking about something from the Trek road bike range, keep reading to see all the details about what's available. 

Trek Domane

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The latest model of the Trek Domane has gone through a complete makeover. The comfort-enhanced model in the Trek road bike range picks up a number of aerodynamic details, along with an all-new Isospeed decoupler design (additional flex at the steerer and seat post) and space in the frame and fork for up to 38mm of the best road bike tyres you'd care to cram in. These are changes that make the Domane an incredibly versatile road bike. The lineup is perfect for all-day comfort and the new Domane+ LT, makes our list of the best electric road bikes too.

The Domane is available in three frame types. For the budget minded, you'll want to look at the aluminium Domane AL; it's the most accessible in terms of price, and the only option for fans of a rim brake. It's entry level but it doesn't leave off the performance and adds options for racks for commuters, though it can only fit 35mm tyres rather than the 38mm max on the carbon models.

Moving up the range, the next option is the mid-range Domane SL. Stepping up to the SL means a move to 500 series OCLV carbon fibre. That opens up access to a dual IsoSpeed decoupler system, not found on the alloy version, for comfort-enhancing vibration damping. It also means space for larger tyres and storage in the downtube. If you'd like to stick with rim brakes there aren't any options for a fully built bike in the SL range but you can still get a rim brake option of the frameset.

The top-tier Domane SLR is also carbon fibre but it's a lighter 700 series OCLV. It still carries the dual IsoSpeed decoupler, but it's an upgraded adjustable version also seen on the aero focussed Madone. Like the SL, there's no fully built rim brake option available but you can still get an SLR frameset in a rim brake format.

Depending on your taste, and budget, builds are available from Claris-level at one end, through to SRAM Red eTap at the other extreme, with most options in between available.

Trek Emonda

For years, the Emonda had been the lightweight option in the Trek road bike lineup, and one of the usual suspects in our lineup of the best lightweight bikes . This is the bike to grab when you want to head to the mountains. As technology has progressed though the modern climber's bike has somewhat disappeared; brands have been slowly moving away from labelling their lightest offering as a 'climbing bike', and instead pivoting to selling it as an all-round option, for both up hill and down dale. Trek is no different in this regard, with the Emonda filling its all-rounder spot. It's no lump though, if weight is your concern.

While the Emonda is still the bike you'd want to turn to on the steep uphill segments, it's more than that now. Aero-optimisation and disc brakes take it away from a bike only for the mountains to a much more well-rounded option. In some ways it's defined more by what it isn't than what it is. It's not the all-out aero bike and it's not an endurance bike. The Emonda is the lightest of the options but it's also a bike that does a little bit of everything.

Available models for the Emonda still cover a wide range in much the same way as the Domane, with an aluminium option at one end, with a rim brake frameset option, and two tiers of carbon above it. The SL represents the middle ground with a carbon frame at a more affordable price. Then, at the top of the range, sits the SLR with a new ultralight 800 series OCLV carbon construction. There's even an SLR frameset with a more aggressive geometry available for those competing at the highest levels or fans of ultra-responsive handling. 

Trek Madone

The Madone sits at the top of the range as Trek's most purebred race bike. It's aero optimised in every way, and features among our list of the best aero road bikes too. Being the range topper means that it's the most expensive option in the Trek lineup but that has more to do with a lack of low-end options rather than it necessarily being vastly more expensive. There are only SLR and SL models available, meaning no entry level aluminium choice to be had. 

After years of aero bikes carrying a reputation for being harsh and uncomfortable, Trek went in a different direction. It was the first to market its aero bike as not just aerodynamically fast, but also fast because of its comfort, primarily thanks to the addition of the IsoSpeed decoupler system lifted from the Domane.

Of course, comfort isn't the only trick for the Madone; integrated cables feature heavily, along with fully integrated cockpits on the top end models. Even lower models, without an integrated cockpit, look to cheat the wind, with truncated aerofoil tube shapes and aerodynamically optimised disc brakes. Tyre width is however much more limited than with other models, topping out at 28mm.

Trek Speed Concept

The Trek Speed Concept is the Trek solution for triathletes who want the very best. For years the design had been stagnant but that all changed at the end of 2021. The brand new 2022 Trek Speed Concept is all new and faster than it's ever been before. Compared to the previous version, Trek claims the new bike saves a full six minutes over the Kona full Ironman race course. 

Moving away from a solely wind-tunnel focus, Trek has sought to create a bike that works as an entire system, rather than simply a lab-optimised object. The system approach means hydration and storage helps make not only the bike faster, but also the rider. There's an available between-the-arms (BTA) bottle that enhances aerodynamics by smoothing air between the arms and a clip allows you to drink without leaving the aero bars. It's also easy to refill during a race with a port on the top that accepts the nozzle of another bottle. 

While the BTA bottle is a separate purchase, the downtube bottle comes with every Speed Concept bike. Capacity is 750 ml and, like the BTA bottle, it also enhances aerodynamics; the system is 14 per cent faster when the bottle is in place. 

Outside of hydration there are two additional storage solutions onboard and included. The two bottles cover opportunities to enhance aerodynamics so the storage doesn't make the bike more aero. Instead, the bento box and the flat repair storage take advantage of the increased frame space to hide from the wind. 

The once-simple exercise of choosing a bicycle has become an appreciably complex decision owing to a plethora of new riding disciplines and technological advancements.

There are four different types of road bikes available in Trek’s current catalogue — aero, endurance, time trial, and climbing/do-it-all, each of which differs based on design and function.

As the name suggests aero road bikes are designed for speed while still retaining some form of compliance and comfort. Climbing bikes are ideal for hilly/mountainous routes and are pretty decent all-rounders. Endurance bikes offer a combination of durability and comfort while time-trial bikes are more outlandish-looking in their appearance and built for speed.

Trek offers a wide selection of specifications for each of the models in its range. Most of the brand's road frames are available in three different types of carbon, as well as aluminium and denoted by SLR (Trek's lightest OCLV carbon), SL (mid-range OCLV carbon) or AL (Aluminium).

Different geometry options are also available on certain models, with the majority featuring regular H2 geometry and some offered in the more aggressive H1 geometry, designed specifically for racing.

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Aaron was the Tech Editor Cyclingnews between July 2019 and June 2022. He was born and raised in South Africa, where he completed his BA honours at the University of Cape Town before embarking on a career in journalism. Throughout this career, Aaron has spent almost two decades writing about bikes, cars, and anything else with wheels. Prior to joining the Cyclingnews team, his experience spanned a stint as Gear & Digital editor of Bicycling magazine, as well as a time at TopCar as Associate Editor. 

Now based in the UK's Surrey Hills, Aaron's life revolves around bikes. He's a competitive racer, Stravaholic, and Zwift enthusiast. He’s twice ridden the Cape Epic, completed the Haute Route Alps, and represented South Africa in the 2022 Zwift eSports World Championships.

Height: 175cm

Weight: 61.5kg

Rides: Cannondale SuperSlice Disc Di2 TT, Cannondale Supersix Evo Dura-Ace Rim, Cannondale Supersix Evo Ultegra Di2 Disc, Trek Procaliber 9.9 MTB 

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Results have arrived, trek road bike buyer’s guide: the best trek road bike models.

From the Tour de France to Unbound Gravel to your local group ride, a Trek road bike or gravel bike will deliver top performance. Here's your guide to the key models.

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on: Feb 10, 2022

Posted in: Guides

The founders of Trek Bicycle believed there was special power in the name Trek. To them, it called forth the spirit of adventure and the promise of great things beyond the horizon. Their goal was to prove that an American brand could produce high-end, high-performance bicycles capable of competing with the best European and Japanese bikes.

Over the last 40 years, the little company from Waterloo, Wisconsin grew into one of the biggest manufacturers in the world, making more than one million bikes per year. It has supported some of the world’s top racers on their path to glory and introduced innovative bike technologies that have had a huge impact on modern cycling.

Trek’s huge catalog includes everything from race-ready road bikes, to trail-shredding mountain bikes, to reliable cruisers for your daily commute. But how do you know which Trek bike is right for you?

This overview will cover Trek’s extensive line of road, gravel, and cyclocross bikes, including Trek’s innovative technologies, model naming system, and most popular road models. Find out which Trek model fits best with your riding style, so that you can make an informed decision when buying your next road (or gravel) bike

[button] Shop Trek road bikes [/button]

Trek road bikes

Trek Madone

The Madone is Trek’s flagship aero road racing bike. Of Trek’s current road offerings, it has the longest history and has evolved the most. When introduced, the Madone was the successor to the 5900, a lightweight climbing bike for road races and grand tours like the Tour de France. As aerodynamic efficiency has become increasingly important in modern road racing, the Madone adapted to compete with bikes like the Specialized Venge, Giant Propel, and Cannondale SystemSix. The new generation of Madone features deep, aerodynamic tubes that reduce drag as much as possible. Since 2016, it’s been equipped with an IsoSpeed decoupler in the rear to also make it more comfortable.

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Who it’s for: Riders looking for maximum speed and aero gains on flat and rolling roads.

Trek Emonda

The Emonda is Trek’s lightweight road racing bike.When it was released in 2014, it was billed as one of the lightest production frames available. It has been a favorite of climbers and road racers who prioritize low weight above all else and it’s a good choice for riders who live in hilly and mountainous regions. As the Emonda has matured, it’s received some aerodynamic tube shaping to make it a more capable all-rounder. To maximize lightness and power transfer, the Emonda is the only Trek road bike without IsoSpeed.

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Who it’s for: Riders looking for a lightweight bike for climbing, racing, and all-around road riding.

Trek Domane

The Domane is Trek’s endurance road bike. It was famously developed, refined and raced by cobbled classics legend Fabian Cancellara. The key to Domane's rough road performance is Trek’s IsoSpeed technology, which increases compliance over bumps and absorbs vibration. Cancellara rode the Domane to multiple wins in the classics. Paired with more upright, endurance geometry, the Domane is perfect for riders looking to reduce fatigue on long rides and rough roads. The third-generation Domane can also fit larger tires up to 38mm, making it a great option for riders in search of a more road-oriented all-road or gravel bike.

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Who it’s for: Riders looking for more comfort for long rides, rough roads, and light gravel.

Trek gravel and cyclocross bikes

Trek Checkpoint

The Checkpoint is designed for gravel rides that venture far away from paved roads. Relaxed geometry and clearance for wide 45mm gravel tires allow the Checkpoint to tackle everything from rough and loose gravel and light singletrack. Rack and fender mounts make it versatile for bikepacking and commuting, and additional mounts on the top tube, seat tube, and both sides of the down tube allow riders to carry extra gear and water on the frame. Horizontal sliding rear dropouts also give riders the option to run the bike singlespeed or tune handling by adjusting chain stay length. All carbon Checkpoint models also use a rear IsoSpeed decoupler to improve comfort and compliance. The latest generation Checkpoint, has IsoSpeed at the head tube as well.

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Who it’s for: Riders looking to tackle rough and loose gravel roads on their regular rides

The Boone is Trek’s race-ready carbon cyclocross bike. With cyclocross geometry, it excels in demanding off-road conditions like mud, sand, and grass. Front and rear IsoSpeed improves traction and comfort during tough races. The Boone can also serve as a gravel bike for riders who prefer the more agile feeling of cyclocross geometry.

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Who it’s for: Cyclocross racers looking for maximum performance

Trek Crockett

The Crockett is Trek’s aluminum cyclocross bike. It shares geometry with the high-end Boone cyclocross bike and will perform similarly on mud, sand, and grass. To reduce cost, it uses an Alpha aluminum frame instead of a carbon frame with IsoSpeed. Like the Boone, the Crockett is capable enough for most gravel riding.

Who it’s for: Cyclocross racers looking for a budget-friendly race bike.

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Trek road bike technology

Trek has a long history of innovation, and it has introduced several ground-breaking technologies to the sport. Here is a list of technology and features that are only found on Trek bikes.

Trek IsoSpeed

IsoSpeed first appeared on the Trek Domane endurance road bike. Its goal was IsoSpeed to improve compliance and reduce vibration over rough surfaces while maintaining a bike’s stiffness, efficiency, and handling characteristics. It’s not a suspension system but a “decoupler” system with elastomers that allow for a small amount of movement between key junctions like the seat tube and top tube.

Rear IsoSpeed decouplers allow the seat tube to flex independently of the top tube and absorb bumps. The top tube is split so the seat tube can pass through it. The tubes don’t directly touch but are joined by a horizontal shaft and two sealed cartridge bearings. Two round elastomer inserts between the tubes absorb vibration. Because of its simplicity, it adds minimal weight and requires little to no maintenance.

The newer (2016+) Domane and Boone bikes and the 2022 Checkpoint also have a front IsoSpeed decoupler. A rocker cup is used on top of the headset and the steerer tube is joined to the rocker cup by a horizontal shaft and two sealed cartridge bearings. This allows the steerer tube to flex, improving compliance through the handlebars.

There is also a slider on high-end Domane SLR and Madone SL and SLR models to adjust the compliance of the rear IsoSpeed decoupler to suit conditions and rider preferences.

IsoSpeed technology is used on the Domane, Madone (2018+), Checkpoint and Boone.

Hidden storage

The 2020 Trek Domane was the first model to feature Trek’s Hidden Storage compartment, a convenient hollow storage area in the down tube. The down tube bottle cage mount is attached to a removable hatch that’s accessed with a small lever. Attached to that cover is a holder for a multi-tool, and inside the down tube is a nylon tool roll for holding spare tubes and tools.

Hidden storage is found on the 2020+ Domane SL and SLR,  and 2022+ Checkpoint.

Decoding Trek road bike model names

Trek has a huge selection of road bike models, and within every model, there is a range of build options. The hierarchy uses letters and numbers that can be confusing to uninitiated buyers. Here's your guide to decoding Trek’s naming and numbering system.

Road bike models use a series of letters and numbers (e.g. Trek Madone SLR 9) to indicate the frame material and component build. SLR and SL models are carbon fiber while ALR and AL models are aluminum.

The top-of-the-line SLR models use a higher grade 700-series OCLV carbon (improved 800-series carbon is used for the new 2021+ Madone and Emonda) which is lighter but more expensive than the 500-series OCLV carbon used for SL models.

ALR models use 300-series Alpha aluminum which is lighter but more expensive than the 200-series Alpha aluminum used on entry-level AL models.

The number used will range from 5 to 9: 5 is an entry-level build and 9 is top of the line. Higher numbered bikes cost more but are equipped with better components.

For example, an Emonda SLR 9 ($12,499) has a top-of-the-line 800-series OCLV carbon frame, SRAM Red eTap AXS drivetrain, and carbon wheels, stem, and handlebars. An Emonda ALR 5 ($2,099) has a more budget-friendly 300-series Alpha aluminum frame, Shimano 105 drivetrain, and alloy wheels, stem, and handlebars. In between are several Emonda models that offer different frame materials and component builds so riders can pick the bike that fits their needs and budget.

WSD stands for Women's-Specific Design. WSD will usually be indicated after a bike’s model name (e.g. Trek Madone WSD). These bikes featured women’s-specific geometry and components. Lately, Trek has phased out its WSD bikes as data and market trends have shown that men and women can easily fit on the same bikes. WSD bikes are still available on the used market, and Trek continues to offer entry-level women’s models, but in general, all Trek bikes are unisex.

Trek Project One

Trek offers paint customization from the factory through its Project One program. Buyers ordering a new bike can select from a large library of colors and paint schemes to produce a one-of-a-kind bike. Project One bikes will have “Project One” listed with their model name, and also have it printed on the top tube. Depending on the paint scheme, it can increase a bike’s value.

Madone anagrams

Here’s a fun piece of Trek trivia. Trek’s flagship Madone road bike is named for the Col de la Madone, a legendary climb near the French Riviera that was a favorite training ground for Lance Armstrong. Trek gave its subsequent road bike models names that are anagrams of Madone (i.e. the letters are rearranged): Domane and Emonda.

Trek, of course, makes a lot more bikes than those listed here. If you need a triathlon bike, a basic urban bike, or an e-bike, Trek has plenty of options in every price category that can satisfy your needs. Check out our Trek collection to see all the Trek bikes we offer.

Still having trouble deciding which Trek road bike is right for you? Reach out to a TPC Ride Guide at (866) 401-9636 who can better help you understand the pros and cons, and ultimately find the right bike for you. Do you already have one of these Treks? Let us (and other cyclists) know in the comments what you love about your Trek road, gravel or CX bike.

What do you ride? Which Trek bike is your favorite? What questions do you have? Let us know in the comments!

All photos Courtesy of Trek Bicycle.

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2021 Trek road bikes - explore the complete range with our guide

Updated february 24, 2021.

While the US firm has a huge range that covers virtually all areas of cycling, Trek road bikes fall into three families: Madone, Emonda and Domane. There are also the Checkpoint gravel bikes and a couple of cyclocross models.

Madone has an emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency, Emonda is all about lightweight, Domane has a focus on comfort and ride quality and Checkpoint (disappointingly not Daemon to keep with the anagram theme) is for dirt roads and mixed-surface riding. There are many models at different price points within each of those categories.

Here are the highlights of the range available to UK consumers.

The Emonda (pronounced eh-mon-dah) is the lightweight Trek road bike and the carbon-fibre Emonda SLR and Emonda SL frames have had huge updates for the 2021 model year, whereas the aluminium Emonda ALR is unchanged.

The carbon-fibre Emondas are disc brake only platforms. You can still buy an Emonda ALR frameset that takes rim brakes, but complete bikes are disc brake only.

Back in June 2020, Trek announced new versions of both the Emonda SLR and the Emonda SL, adding features designed to improve aerodynamics for the first time, including tube profiles shaped to reduce drag.

Check out our news story on the launch of the new Trek Emonda SLR range here

The top-level Emonda SLR has a frame that weighs a claimed 698g, made from a new material that Trek calls OCLV 800 Series. The brand says that the Emonda SLR is 60 seconds per hour faster than its predecessor on flat roads, and 18 seconds per hour faster going up an 8% gradient (get details on those claims in our news story).

All of the Emonda SLR and Emonda SL bikes are now built to Trek’s H1.5 geometry, which is designed to be efficient while remaining accessible and comfortable for most riders.

New Bontrager Aeolus wheels and a one-piece Aeolus RSL VR-C handlebar/stem are central to the range.

Previous Emondas featured Trek's BB90 bottom bracket system with the bearings pressed into the BB shell, but all the new Emonda SLR and SL models use T47, which is a threaded design that the brand already uses on its Domanes.

The Emonda SL and SLR bikes have clearance for 700c x 28mm tyres.

There are five Trek Emonda SLRs in the 2021 range, starting with the Shimano Ultegra-equipped Emonda SLR 6 (£6,000, above).

The two top models in the Emonda SLR range, each at £10,700. The Emonda SLR 9 (above) is equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace components while the Emonda SLR 9 eTap has SRAM’s Red eTap AXS groups.

Buy if: You’re after a fast road bike with a focus on light weight… and now aerodynamic efficiency too.

The Emonda SL is identical to the Emonda SLR from a frame shape perspective; it uses the same tube profiles and the same geometry, the only difference being the composite used. Whereas the SLR uses 800 Series OCLV Carbon, the SL features 500 Series.

Reviewed: Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro 2021

This makes a significant difference to weight: the Emonda SL's frame is 1,142g and the fork is 380g – a total of 459g heavier overall.

The Emonda SL bikes also use a separate handlebar and stem rather than the one-piece Aelous RSL VR-C handlebar/stem.

There are five Trek Emonda SLs for 2021, ranging from the £2,500 Emonda SL 5 – with a mid-range Shimano 105 groupset – to £5,800 for the Emonda SL 7 eTap – that’s SRAM Force eTap AXS.

When we reviewed the £3,700 Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro (above) here on road.cc we said, “the latest iteration of the Trek Émonda focuses on aerodynamics more than ever before, which makes this SL 6 Pro one very quick and efficient road bike. The stiff frameset offers a firm yet fun ride, while the component choice keeps the weight down to exploit that stiffness on the climbs. It's a very good all-round package.

Read our Trek Emonda SL 6 Pro review

All of the SRAM-equipped Emonda SL and Emonda SLRs are fitted with Quarq power meters.

Buy if: You’re interested in a quick, lightweight road bike with the aero efficiency of the Emonda SLR at a lower price.

The Emonda ALR frame is among the very best aluminium options out there at the moment. Although the frameset is available in a rim brake version, complete bikes are disc brake only. Each of them gets a full-carbon fork.

There are thee rim brake Emonda ALR bikes in the range, each based on the same 300 Series Alpha Aluminium frame with virtually invisible welds and a tapered head tube that helps to provide accurate steering.

The Emonda ALR 4 is the cheapest model at £1,600. This gets you a Shimano Tiagra groupset with virtually everything else coming from Bontrager.

If you can afford more, the £2,000 Emonda ALR 5 is tempting with its Shimano 105 groupset. That looks a great buy.

When we reviewed a previous version of this bike we said, “The Emonda ALR 5 Disc is one of those bikes that manages to be greater than the sum of its parts. Check out the spec sheet and everything says that it should be solid, but the ride quality is comfortably above that. If you're expecting a harsh ride you're in for a lovely surprise here.”

Read our review of the Trek Emonda ALR 5

The Emonda ALR 6 (£2,450, above) shares the same frame, built up with Shimano’s second tier Ultegra groupset components.

Buy if: You want one of the best lightweight aluminium road bikes out there.

The Madone (pronounced mad-own) is a long-standing Trek road bike, although it has changed massively over the years. These days all of the Madones are high-end; you can’t get a complete bike for less than £4,600. They all use disc brakes (although you can still get your hands on a rim brake Madone SLR frameset).

The Madone range had a major redesign for the 2019 model year with the introduction of the top-end SLR models and a slightly more accessible SL version. That structure remains the same today.

Madones feature Trek’s adjustable IsoSpeed, a design that “maintains the diamond-shaped frameset geometry but ‘decouples’ the seat tube from the top tube, allowing the seat tube to flex with the forces of the road” (Trek’s words). The idea is that it smooths the ride, adding comfort and reducing fatigue.

The 2021 Madone SLR switches to Trek’s new OCLV 800 carbon material and layup, saving a claimed 80g over the OCLV 700 carbon used previously. Trek has also switched the Madone to the T47 threaded bottom bracket standard.

Find out about the changes has made to the Madone for 2021

The least expensive model is the Trek Madone SLR 6 at £6,900. It uses a Shimano Ultegra groupset and Bontrager’s 50mm deep Aeolus Pro 5 wheels.

The Madone SLR 7 (£8,250) takes you up to the electronic version of Shimano Ultegra while the Madone SLR comes with top-level Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 – but it’ll set you back £12,500.

There are two SRAM-equipped Madone SLRs. The Madone SLR 7 eTap (£9,050) has a Force eTap AXS groupset while the Madone SLR 9 eTap (£13,250, above) is fitted with top-level Red components.

Buy if: You want a top-level race bike and you have a lot of money to spend.

The Madone SL also offers adjustable top tube IsoSpeed although the frame is made using Trek’s OCLV 500 carbon fibre which is said to be a little heavier and less stiff than OCLV 800.

Whereas the Madone SLRs use aero handlebar and stem systems with internal cabling, the SLs are fitted with standard bars and stems with the cables running externally before entering the top of the head tube.

The Madone SL 6 (£4,600, above) is fitted with Shimano Ultegra components while the Madone SL 7 (£6,000) gets Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting.

The Madone SL 7 eTap is the most expensive model in the range at £6,600. This gets you a SRAM Force eTap AXS wireless shifting and a Quarq power meter

Buy if: You’re looking for a proven aero road bike that offers a smooth ride.

Trek broke new ground when introducing its IsoSpeed decoupler on the Domane (pronounced dough-mar-nay) endurance road bike back in 2012. Essentially, it’s a design that allows the seat tube to pivot relative to the top tube and seatstays, so the saddle can move downwards (and a little backwards), providing more give and adding comfort to the ride.

Then Trek introduced a front IsoSpeed system to some of its models in 2016 to increase comfort and control, and added adjustment to the rear IsoSpeed decoupler.

The Domane SLR features both adjustable rear IsoSpeed with the spring lever sitting under the top tube and front IsoSpeed.

“Front IsoSpeed, located at the top of the headset, is captured in a rocker cup similar to rear IsoSpeed,” says Trek. “This allows the flex of the steerer tube, providing additional compliance at the front of a bike. The rocker cup of the upper steerer has zero lateral movement, allowing the bike to steer and handle with precision.”

Find out more about the Trek Domane SLRs here

The Domane SLR is made from 700 Series OCLV carbon and Trek says that aero improvements over the previous model will save you the 12W at 25mph. The cables enter the frame behind the steerer to keep them out of the wind as much as possible.

Trek offers IsoCore bars, which feature an elastomer in the bar itself, and IsoZone kits which use gel/EVA padding under the bar tape.

The Domane SLR has a removable plate where the bottle cage sits; flip a lever and you can access space inside the tube. The cover has a multitool slot, and Trek also offers a tool roll specifically designed for the space.

The least expensive model is the Shimano Ultegra-equipped Domane SLR 6 AT £6,150. There are also Ultegra Di2 (£7,000) and Dura-Ace Di2 (£11,000) builds.

There are two SRAM models as well, each equipped with a power meter. The £7,650 Domane SLR 7 eTap has SRAM Force AXS components while the £11,200 Domane SLR 9 eTap (above) has top-level Red equipment.

Buy if: You’re after an endurance road bike that offers a really smooth ride.

The Domane SL features front IsoSpeed and non-adjustable rear IsoSpeed, and it’s made from Trek’s 500 Series OCLV, which isn’t as light as the 700 Series OCLV used for the Domane SLR.

Priced £2,325, the Domane SL 4 (above) is the most affordable model, featuring a mostly Shimano Tiagra groupset, including hydraulic disc brakes.

The £2,850 Domane SL 5 is a similar bike but with a Shimano 105 groupset.

The highest Shimano-specced model is the Domane SL 7 (£5,600), equipped with an Ultegra Di2 groupset and Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3 V Disc Tubeless Ready wheels.

The £5,650 Domane SL 7 eTap comes with SRAM Force eTap AXS wireless shifting and a crank-based power meter.

Buy if: You’re looking for a road bike with an endurance-friendly geometry and a smooth character

There are five aluminium Domane AL bikes for 2021, four of them with disc brakes and one with rim brakes. None of them have the decouplers found on the carbon-fibre models.

The most affordable model is the £695 Domane AL 2 (above). It's built to an endurance fit that's designed for comfort. The AL 2 is built up with a Shimano Claris 8-speed groupset.

For model year 2021 Trek has a new range of Domane AL Disc aluminium endurance bikes with claims of all-road suitability thanks to 35mm tyre clearance.

Find out about the new Domane AL Disc bikes here

These bikes are made using Trek's 200 Series Alpha Aluminium, rather than the 100 Series used for the AL 2. As well as a generous amount of tyre clearance, they come with mounts for mudguards, front and rear racks, three bottle cages, and a top tube-mounted bento box. They also have internal cable mounts.

The least expensive model is the Domane AL 2 Disc at £895, with a mostly Shimano Claris groupset. The Domane AL 3 Disc (£995) is equipped with 9-speed Shimano Sora, the Domane AL 4 Disc (£1,495) has 10-speed Shimano Tiagra, and the Domane AL 5 Disc (£1,775, above) is fitted with 11-speed Shimano 105 components.

Buy if: You’re after an endurance road bike that offers exceptional value for money.

Trek's 2021 range includes carbon and aluminium Checkpoint gravel bikes featuring the IsoSpeed decoupler from the Domane (see above), and with space for up to 45mm tyres, umpteen water bottle mounts plus mudguard and rack eyelets, 12mm thru-axles and flat mount disc brakes. Checkpoints cost from £1,700 right up to £5,100.

Trek first showed its cards with the Domane Gravel, a slightly modified version of the company’s endurance bike but with wider tyres. It's fair to say we were all a bit surprised by the effort, but it now looks like it was a stopgap for real gravel bike enthusiasts before the arrival of the company’s first dedicated foray into this growing category, the Checkpoint.

Compared to the Domane Gravel, Trek says the new Checkpoint offers much improved off-road capability and general versatility, with bigger tyre clearance, adjustable dropouts and geometry and lots of accessory mounts the key differences. Why they didn't just launch the Checkpoint in the first place is anyone's guess.

Read our first look at the Checkpoint range

Trek offers the Checkpoint in both an aluminium or a carbon-fibre frame. The carbon bikes have the IsoSpeed decoupler that Trek introduced on the Domane in 2012, while the aluminium bikes are rigid.

IsoSpeed is a mechanism that allows the top of the seat tube to move a little, independently of the rest of the frame, to provide a small amount of bum-cosseting shock absorption.

The top of the range is the Checkpoint SL 7 (above), which boasts a 1x (single chainring) SRAM Force/Eagle 12-speed groupset and hydraulic brakes for an RRP of £5,650.

The highest-specced Shimano model is the Checkpoint SL 6 (£3,600), with a GRX RX800 groupset.

"If you want a bike that is comfortable and provides space for wide tyres for mostly road riding, with lots of versatility whether for winter training and commuting or touring and bikepacking, the Trek is a good choice," we said in our review of a former version of the Checkpoint SL 6. "But it's not the most capable bike when the going gets rough and bumpy.

"Sure, the rear IsoSpeed decoupler works its magic, filtering out the harshness and giving your bum and back a smooth ride, but the front end is simply too harsh in comparison.”

We criticised Trek for not fitting wider tyres and a lower range drivetrain. However, the 2021 version has wider tyres (40mm rather than 35mm) and lower gear ratios.

Read our review of the Checkpoint SL 6

If you can live without carbon fibre and Isospeed, £2,150 gets you the Checkpoint ALR 5 (above) with Shimano GRX RX 800 and RX 600 components.

The least expensive bike in the range is the Checkpoint ALR 4 at £1,875 in a Shimano GRX RX400 and RX600 build.

Buy if: You want a gravel/adventure bike that's also capable of moving fast over asphalt.

We've mainly focused on Trek road bikes here, but the company also offers two cyclocross platforms: Crockett and Boone.

The Crockett frame is disc-specific and it’s made from 300 Series Alpha Aluminium. The Crockett 5 Disc (£2,050, above) comes with a largely SRAM Rival groupset, including hydraulic disc brakes.

Check out our review of a past Trek Crockett disc bike here

The Boone is made from 600 Series OCLV carbon fibre and, like the Crockett, it is disc-specific.

The £3,450 Boone 6 Disc (above) comes with a 1x Shimano GRX groupset – mostly RX800 although the hydraulic disc brakes are RX400.

Buy if: You want a cyclocross race bike with cross-specific geometry and gearing.

www.trekbikes.com

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

Add new comment

11 comments.

Presumably the Speed Concept TT bike isn't a road bike? Really surprised this wasn't included.

• Log in or register to post comments

Good luck getting hold of one in 2021

Nice article, I even felt a vague stirring in the loins for the Madone which is quite something considering the rest of the range is as dull as dishwater. You're wrong about the pronunciation though, it's pronounced "Mad One" after the sociopathic bully who made the model famous.

I'm sure they're all great bikes, but why oh why do they have to be so ugly?

shouldnt that table title read  2018  trek  ?

john1967 wrote: shouldnt that table title read  2018  trek  ?

Yes, and now it does. Ta.

subtitle wrote: Everything you need to know before you buy a Trek

DaveE128 wrote: subtitle wrote: Everything you need to know before you buy a Trek

Ha! Now added that in. 

wingmanrob wrote: Yeah but they're Amercian Too bad they're not American. Stupid git.  

reliablemeatloaf wrote: wingmanrob wrote: Yeah but they're Amercian Too bad they're not American. Stupid git.  

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Trek Road Bikes: Models, Features, and Comparisons (2024)

By: Author Mutasim Sweileh

Posted on Last updated: February 28, 2024

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

These high-performance machines offer a range of models, each with its own unique features and advantages. Whether you’re seeking endurance on long rides or want to conquer steep climbs with ease, there’s a Trek Road Bike for you.

Get ready to unlock your full potential and embark on unforgettable cycling adventures with these exceptional bikes.

Table Of Contents

Key Takeaways

Trek bicycle corporation, road bike models (domane, madone, emonda), domane (endurance type), emonda (lightweight/climbing type), madone (aero type), speed concept (time trial type), carbon fiber, trek’s alpha aluminum, sram and shimano options, dura-ace 12-speed electronic drivetrain, red axs wireless drivetrain, importance of proper tire clearance, essential accessories for road biking, what is the weight range of trek’s road bike models, are trek road bikes suitable for off-road or gravel riding, can trek road bikes be customized with different components and accessories, what is the average price range for trek road bikes, how does trek’s road bike range cater to different riding preferences and terrains.

• Trek road bikes are designed for different riding preferences and terrains, with the main models being Domane, Madone, and Emonda.
• Trek road bikes are constructed from either carbon fiber or Trek’s Alpha Aluminum , with carbon fiber being more expensive but lightweight and susceptible to damage, while Alpha Aluminum is more affordable and durable.
• Trek road bikes offer drivetrain options from SRAM and Shimano, with SRAM known for high performance and Shimano known for reliability and affordability.
• Trek road bikes can be customized with a variety of components, and they are designed for various riding preferences and terrains, including commuting, training, racing, climbing, and gravel riding.

Trek Road Bikes Overview

Trek Bicycle Corporation , a leading global bicycle design company founded in Wisconsin, offers three main models: Domane, Madone, and Emonda.

Each model has its own unique features and specifications catered to different riding preferences and terrains.

Whether you’re looking for endurance comfort on rough roads with the Domane series or seeking ultimate aerodynamics with the Madone series for race performance, there’s a Trek road bike that will suit your needs.

Trek Bicycle Corporation leads the global bicycle design industry with its range of Trek road bikes.

With their innovative designs and material evolution, Trek has become a prominent player in the cycling world.

The company’s commitment to customization trends is evident in their wide range of models, catering to every rider’s preferences and needs.

Additionally, Trek’s competitive sponsorships with top athletes further solidify their influence within the cycling community.

From liberation on open roads to intimate power on challenging terrains, Trek road bikes offer an unparalleled riding experience for cyclists worldwide.

When exploring Trek’s road bike models, you’ll find three distinct options: the Domane, Madone, and Emonda.

• Frame materials: Carbon/aluminium
• Weight and stiffness balance for optimal performance
• Price range: From entry-level to top-tier builds catering to various budgets
• Geometry designed for endurance riding with a focus on comfort
• Frame materials: Carbon
• Optimized for aerodynamic performance
• Available in both rim and disc brake options
• Lightweight and stiff for climbing

Features of Trek Road Bike Models

The Domane is an endurance type bike with versatile builds and comfortable design suitable for all-day rides.

On the other hand, the Emonda offers a lightweight option perfect for climbing and all-round riding with its aerodynamic shaping and disc brakes.

For those seeking purebred race bikes focused on speed and comfort, the Madone is an ideal choice with its emphasis on aerodynamics and optimized disc brakes.

Lastly, if you’re into time trials or triathlons, the Speed Concept boasts extensive adjustability along with integration for storage solutions to enhance overall rider performance in races.

If you’re looking for an endurance road bike, the Domane is a fantastic option.

With its Isospeed decoupler and endurance geometry, it offers a smooth ride and exceptional comfort.

The Domane also boasts:

• 38c tire clearance, versatility for different terrains
• Disc brakes for all-weather capability
• Affordability with its aluminum frame

For lightweight and climbing enthusiasts, the Emonda series offers a responsive and nimble road bike experience.

With its ultralight design and aerodynamic features, the Emonda is perfect for those seeking top-tier performance.

Its versatility is enhanced by disc brakes, making it an ideal choice for various riding scenarios.

The Madone, a high-performance road bike model from Trek, offers an exceptional fusion of aerodynamics, ride quality, and integration.

With KVF tube shapes and kammtail aero shapes, it provides a top-tier aero advantage.

The smooth ride is enhanced by the Isospeed decoupler and fast race geometry.

Seamless integration of integrated cables completes its aerodynamic design on the 700 series carbon SLR frame for optimal performance.

When considering a time trial type of road bike, the 2023 Speed Concept from Trek offers an impressive range of features designed to enhance your performance.

Aero advantages with kammtail aero shapes

Integrated design for triathlon-specific needs

Potential 6 minute savings over Kona full Ironman race course

Construction and Materials

• Carbon fiber

Carbon fiber is known for its:

• Aerodynamics
• Ability to create complex shapes that enhance performance.

On the other hand, Trek’s Alpha Aluminum frames offer:

• Affordability
• Without compromising on quality.

Both options have their advantages depending on your riding style and preferences, making them worth exploring when choosing your next road bike from Trek’s impressive lineup.

Now let’s delve into the construction and materials used in Trek road bikes, starting with carbon fiber.

Carbon fiber is a key component in creating lightweight road bikes like the Émonda SLR. Trek utilizes OCLV Carbon (Optimum Compaction Low Void) technology to achieve a perfect balance of strength and weight.

The carbon frames are constructed using layers of carbon sheets that are precisely compacted to minimize voids between them, ensuring durability and stiffness.

With an independent development facility and options for Project One custom paint, Trek experts have mastered the art of crafting high-performance, bonded carbon frames for their lightweight road bikes like the Émonda SLR.

Now let’s delve into Trek’s Alpha Aluminum, a construction material that plays a significant role in the company’s road bike range.

Known for its strength and durability, Trek utilizes this lightweight aluminum alloy to create frames that offer a perfect balance of performance and value.

The Alpha Aluminum frames provide stiffness for efficient power transfer while maintaining excellent ride quality.

With different models available across Trek’s road bike lineup, cyclists have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing an aluminum bike from one of the industry leaders in design and innovation.

Drivetrain Options and Components

When it comes to choosing your drivetrain, you have the option of SRAM or Shimano.

For those seeking top performance, Trek offers the DURA-ACE 12-speed electronic drivetrain from Shimano, known for its precision shifting and smooth operation.

Alternatively, if weight savings are a priority, SRAM’s RED AXS wireless drivetrain provides a lightweight option without compromising on performance.

With these choices at hand, you can find the perfect drivetrain setup to match your riding style and preferences.

Choose between SRAM and Shimano drivetrain options for your Trek road bike.

Both brands offer a range of components to suit various preferences and budgets.

SRAM options include the high-performance Force and Red eTap, while Shimano offers ULTEGRA, 105, Tiagra, and more.

Selecting the right drivetrain will enhance your cycling experience on any Trek road bike model.

Upgrade your Trek road bike with the high-performance DURA-ACE 12-speed electronic drivetrain.

Weighing in at just 242 grams, this top-of-the-line drivetrain delivers lightning-fast and precise shifting for ultimate power on the road.

With chainrings of 50/34 and a cassette range of 11-34, you’ll have plenty of gear options to conquer any terrain.

The battery life lasts up to an impressive 2,000 kilometers, ensuring long-lasting performance .

Get ready to experience liberation and intimacy with the DURA-ACE electronic drivetrain on your Trek road bike!

When considering drivetrain options and components for your Trek road bike, you may want to explore the benefits of the RED AXS wireless drivetrain.

• Weight: The RED AXS wireless drivetrain weighs only 136 grams, making it one of the lightest options available.
• Battery Life: With a battery life of up to 12 hours, you can ride confidently without worrying about running out of power.
• Range: The RED AXS wireless drivetrain offers a range of up to 120 miles on a single charge, allowing for long rides without interruption.

With instant shifting and proven reliability, this mechanical-free drivetrain is a game-changer in road bike technology. Upgrade your Trek with the cutting-edge performance and freedom that comes with the RED AXS wireless system.

Tires and Accessories

The right tire size can greatly impact your comfort, traction, and overall riding experience.

Additionally, having essential accessories such as lights for visibility, a helmet for safety, a bottle cage for hydration on long rides, and a flat kit with spare tubes and tools is crucial for any road cyclist.

So make sure to consider both your tires and accessories when choosing the perfect Trek road bike model that suits your needs.

To ensure optimal performance and safety, it’s crucial to pay attention to the proper tire clearance on your Trek road bike.

Proper clearance allows for the use of tires that provide comfort and traction while maintaining adequate space between the tires and frame.

For road riding, a recommended tire clearance of 4mm is necessary, while gravel riding requires a larger 6mm clearance due to rougher terrain.

Skinny tires designed specifically for road or gravel biking should be used according to your bike’s geometry and intended riding style.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable road biking experience, it’s important to equip yourself with essential accessories such as high-quality tires and other necessary gear.

• Bike Lights : Illuminate the way and enhance visibility during low-light conditions or night rides.
• Helmet: Protect your head from potential injuries by wearing a well-fitting helmet that meets safety standards.
• Bottle Cage: Stay hydrated on long rides with a bottle cage that securely holds your water bottle within easy reach.
• Flat Kit with Spare Tube: Be prepared for unexpected flat tires by carrying a flat kit containing essential tools and an extra tube for quick repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Trek’s road bike models have varying weight ranges .

The lightweight Émonda series is designed for climbing and racing, while the endurance-focused Domane series offers a smoother ride.

The aerodynamic Madone series balances speed and integration.

Looking to explore off-road or gravel riding?

While Trek road bikes excel on pavement, their Domane series offers versatility with wider tire clearance and disc brake options.

So, are they suitable for your adventurous side?

Customizing your Trek road bike with different components and accessories allows you to tailor it to your preferences.

From drivetrain options to tires and accessories, you have the power to enhance performance and make it truly yours.

Looking to invest in a Trek road bike?

Prices can vary depending on the model and specifications, but you can expect an average price range starting from $2,699 up to $11,

Happy riding!

Trek’s road bike range caters to your riding preferences and terrains.

The Domane offers endurance and versatility, while the Emonda is lightweight for climbing.

Find liberation, power, and intimacy with Trek’s diverse options.

In your quest for the perfect road bike, look no further than Trek.

With their exceptional range of models, including the Domane, Emonda, and Madone, Trek has something to offer every type of rider.

Whether you crave endurance, lightweight climbing, or aerodynamics, Trek Road Bikes deliver.

With top-of-the-line drivetrain options, construction materials like carbon fiber and Trek’s Alpha Aluminum, and essential accessories, Trek Road Bikes are designed to unlock your full potential on the open road.

So, hop on a Trek and start your unforgettable cycling adventures today.

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The New Trek Émonda

The lightest, fastest climbing road bike ever.

Watch The Video About Émonda 2021 Émonda Upgrades Geometry New Models FAQs

See The New Émonda In Action

What is the Trek Émonda?

The Émonda is a racer, a climber, and a sprinter

The Émonda is Trek’s lightest road bike. It’s built to excel in the hills and fly on the flats. 

It’s perfect for race day, owning group rides, and epic solo missions. 

In short, Émonda offers next level performance and a winning advantage everywhere, every time.

Who is the Émonda perfect for?

The Émonda checks all the boxes for the cyclist who values all-around road capability and has a need for speed.

Are you entering a race with dreams of the podium? Are you looking for improved performance during your cycling club’s weekend events? Are you a lone wolf who hunts Strava segment KOMs? Whatever your reasons for maximizing your potential, Émonda delivers.

The ultra-stiff frame offers explosive power transfer that will rocket you up and over the biggest climbs. Émonda offers an insanely nimble feel while providing riders with surefooted stability on fast-paced descents.

What makes the new 2021 Émonda better?

The new generation of Émonda is better than ever. 

Trek has bent over backwards at every stage in development to make the new models lighter, faster, and stronger. 

Keep reading to explore the details, and find out how Émonda will bring your abilities to another level.

Upgrades for the 2021 Émonda

OCLV 800: As Light As It Gets

Émonda is staggeringly light. It took a few years of testing, but Trek has been able to improve the Émonda’s stiffness and aerodynamic design all while refusing to add weight to the frame.

Both the SLR and the SL models feature Trek’s ultra high performance OCLV carbon frame that redefines road bike capabilities. However, this year’s SLR frames benefit from an entirely new carbon fiber, OCLV 800. 

With frames weighing in under 700 grams , 800 Series OCLV carbon achieves the best stiffness-to-weight that Trek has ever developed, and raises the bar for road bike technology.

When your bike is as light as your neighbor’s miniature poodle, no PR is safe.

30% Stronger Carbon

As we said earlier, Trek’s new OCLV 800 series carbon fiber is not only light as a feather, but it’s stronger too.

Trek reports that OCLV 800 is 30% stronger than the previous series while retaining all the stiffness benefits. 

Stronger frame material is key when designing the lightest, most aero bike possible.

More Aero and Faster Than Ever

Faster By A Full Minute Per Hour

To prove their progress, Trek put the new Émonda through rigorous testing. Numbers don’t lie; Émonda was fast before, but now it’s even faster.

The Émonda’s improved aerodynamics saved 18 seconds per hour on an 8% grade, and a whopping 60 seconds per hour on flat terrain. We’ll just come out and say it: that’s nuts.

OCLV 800 Aerodynamics

OCLV 800 is jaw-droppingly light, but that’s only part of the equation that makes Émonda such a lightning-fast road bike.

Trek’s newest carbon laminate allows the frame design to be even more aerodynamic without adding the extra weight typically associated with aero tube shapes.

New Aero RSL Bar/Stem Combo

The brand new Aeolus RSL Bar/Stem system has been developed alongside the 2021 Émonda. It's made from super light OCLV carbon and is faster than the previous system by almost 10%. Plus, the new internal routing makes your cables basically disappear and it’s still Blendr compatible.

New Aeolus RSL 37 Wheelset

Also developed with the new Émonda are Bontrager’s new and improved Aeolus RSL 37 wheels. 

This incredibly aero wheelset is built for climbs and helps the Émonda race machine slice through the wind tunnel with deadly effect.

Trek Emonda Geometry 

Geometry Upgraded to H1.5 Fit

The new Émondas have been upgraded to an even more aero riding position. 

The H1.5 fit allows men and women to keep an aggressive, aero posture that maximizes power transfer.

Want to learn more about different fits? Check out our FAQ below.

New Trek Émonda SLR Models 

• Frame : 800 Series OCLV Carbon
• Fork : Emonda SLR full carbon
• Wheelset : Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37, OCLV Carbon
• Drivetrain : SRAM RED eTap AXS
• Weight : 56 - 6.72 kg / 14.82 lbs

• Drivetrain : Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9150
• Weight : 56 - 6.74 kg / 14.85 lbs

• Wheelset : Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37, OCLV Carbon
• Drivetrain : SRAM Force eTap AXS
• Weight : 56 - 7.33 kg / 16.17 lbs

• Drivetrain : Shimano Ultegra R8050 Di2
• Weight : 56 - 7.18 kg / 15.84 lbs

• Drivetrain : Shimano Ultegra R8000
• Weight : 56 - 7.26 kg / 16.00 lbs

SLR Frameset

• Weight : 56 - 1.56 kg / 3.45 lbs

New Trek Émonda SL Models 

• Frame : 500 Series OCLV Carbon
• Fork : Emonda SL full carbon
• Weight : 56 - 7.95 kg / 17.52 lbs

• Weight : 56 - 7.74 kg / 17.06 lbs

• Wheelset : Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35, OCLV Carbon
• Weight : 56 - 8.03 kg / 17.71 lbs

• Wheelset : Bontrager Paradigm Disc
• Weight : 56 - 8.25 kg / 18.18 lbs

• Wheelset : Bontrager Affinity Disc
• Drivetrain : Shimano 105 R7000
• Weight : 56 - 9.15 kg / 20.18 lbs

SL Frameset

• Weight : 56 - 1.91 kg / 4.20 lbs

Trek Émonda FAQs

What does the Émonda's H1.5 fit refer to?   The H1.5 fit refers to the body position the rider assumes when on the bike, which is dictated by the bike's frame design. The new Émonda's H1.5 fit offers riders a great balance between the ultra-fast aerodynamic posture of H1 and the traditional, versatile road bike posture of H2.

Why does Trek make different fit geometries?   Trek makes road bikes for every occasion, and they know that every rider has a certain goal in mind regarding how they want to use their bike and how they would like it to perform. Some riders prioritize speed above all else. Other riders may want to pay more attention to comfort over longer rides.

What are the different Trek fits?   Trek has several different fit styles that they design frames around. The main fit geometries for Trek road bikes have historically been H1 and H2. Now, with the 2021 Émonda, we see a new fit geometry, H1.5.

How will the Émonda's H1.5 fit benefit me? When you hop on the new Émonda, you'll benefit from a powerful riding position that improves energy transfer and rockets you forward with incredible aerodynamics. However, instead of going to H1, the absolute most aggressive fit geometry, Trek developed a middle ground that offers you more comfort while you're hammering out the miles. If you want to ride faster, for longer, the H1.5 fit is perfect for you.

What is the biggest tire I can fit on the new 2021 Émonda? The new Émonda will fit up to a 30mm road tire, and this frame is not designed to be compatible with fenders. All in the name of aero!

Are these wheels tubeless compatible? They sure are!

What kind of brakes does the new 2021 Émonda use? All models utilize powerful disc brakes, the rear brake is flat mount, and the max size for both front and rear rotors is 160mm.

Is there anything else that's new on the 2021 Émonda? Besides new OCLV 800 carbon on SLR frames, new wheels, new bar/stem combo, new cable routing, and more aero tube designs, the 2021 Émonda also now utilizes a T47 bottom bracket.

Is the new 2021 Émonda eligible for Project One? Absolutely. 

Cycling made Simple.

Made By Cyclists

Best Trek Bikes

December 26, 2022

‍ Key Takeaways

• The best Trek road bikes are the Trek Domane, Trek Checkpoint, Trek Madone, and the Trek Emonda.
• The best Trek mountain bikes are the Trek Slash, Trek Procaliber, Trek Marlin, and the Trek Roscoe.
• Trek releases alternative model variations of their best bikes which feature downgraded specs at a much more affordable price range.

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ Trek is a bike brand that has pioneered modern cycling technology and its line-up continues to become more advanced with each year.

The best Trek bikes are the:

• Trek Domane
• Trek Checkpoint
• Trek Madone
• Trek Emonda
• Trek Procaliber
• Trek Marlin
• Trek Roscoe

After extensively researching Trek bicycles, I have gathered enough information to shortlist the best bikes in their line-up. My research has indicated that buyers should carefully evaluate the specs of each Trek bike as each model is designed to have characteristics that are better suited for specific riders.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

‍ Best Trek Road Bikes

Road bike engineering is rooted in Trek’s history and although the cycling industry has changed over the years - the brand’s dedication to designing top-of-the-line bikes has not. Trek first started building bike frames in the mid-70s and their innovative designs have shaped cycling as a whole.

Any cyclist that has observed the development of bike technology will give recognition to Trek for their groundbreaking work, which is why many people have stayed loyal to the company since they first started riding. As a brand that prides itself in designing road bikes that have won numerous international races and competitions, you can expect nothing short of peak performance and cycling technology when you buy a Trek bike.

Innovation combined with the use of high-end parts and materials is how Trek has built such a stellar reputation within the industry. With that said, you can find top-notch road bikes that vary in specs, performance, and price - which can make choosing the right option a bit intimidating unless you know exactly what you are looking for.

As you evaluate the best road bikes from Trek, try to consider what kind of riding performance and style you favor, as these will be key selling points for most riders. However, you should also keep in mind that a lot of Trek bikes are professional-grade machines that can be quite expensive, which is why having an estimated budget for your road bike can help narrow down your options. With that said, let’s dive into the best road bikes from Trek.

Trek Domane (Best All-Around Road Bike)

The Trek Domane is at the top of the list for so many road cyclists this year. This is one of the most advanced road bikes ever released and Trek has raised the bar for its competition by designing the Domane with incredibly dynamic specs and performance capabilities.

After its initial release in 2012, the Trek Domane has had constant updates and upgrades to its design - with a plethora of model variations for riders to choose from. With the latest third generation of the Domane, it is safe to say that this is the best road bike that Trek has ever released. While virtually all of the Domane models are top-notch road bikes, the one that truly stands out is the Domane SLR 9 eTap Gen 4. This bike is loaded with high-end parts and materials that are guaranteed to give any rider an edge in the race.

The Trek Domane features an 800 Series OCLV Carbon frame and a Domane SLR carbon fork. By equipping the Domane with superior components and lightweight materials, this road bike weighs in at a remarkable 17.2lbs. The lightweight design is complemented by the precision of the electronic shifting of the SRAM RED eTap AXS drivetrain - making this an incredibly efficient road bike.

This is a racing bike through and through, but I was astonished by how comfortable it was for its design. Trek’s refined IsoSpeed ​​swallows bumps so that riders can stay consistent with their performance even when the terrain becomes less agreeable. While the sole purpose of the Domane is to deliver optimal speed and performance, the increased comfort enables many riders to hit light gravel terrain without experiencing too much rigidity.

With the specs and performance capabilities of the Trek Domane in mind, you can expect a steep price tag - with the high-end SLR 9 eTap Gen 4 model costing $14,500. However, one of my favorite things about the Domane is that Trek has released such an expansive variety of sub-models that have downgraded specs. If the high-end models are out of your budget, you can opt for the Domane AL 3 Disc, which is available for a very reasonable $1,150.

Trek Checkpoint (Best Gravel Bike)

Sometimes road biking requires you to get off the paved trail. If you’re the type of rider that enjoys hitting nature trails, then you should consider a quality gravel bike like the Trek Checkpoint. This gravel bike is designed for rugged terrain and trail conditions without sacrificing performance when the road gets rough.

Depending on what you are looking for in a gravel bike, Trek offers a variety of different Checkpoint models that have different specs and price points, so that riders can choose the right bike based on their needs and budget.

The best option is hands down the Checkpoint SLR 9 eTap . This bike features only the best parts and materials, which is why it is the most expensive - but it will deliver the best performance that you can hope to achieve from a gravel bike. Despite its rugged nature, the Checkpoint SLR 9 eTap weighs in at a remarkable 17.86lbs - a weight that even some of the best road bikes in the world strive to achieve.

If a gravel bike is this light, you can expect carbon fiber parts to be scattered throughout the design. The Trek Checkpoint features a 700 Series OCLV Carbon frame and a tapered carbon steerer tube. The Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37V wheels suit the 35c gravel tires perfectly, allowing riders to roll over rugged gravel terrain.

To top it off, Trek designed the drive solely with high-end SRAM components. All in all, these are the parts and materials that you usually find on top-level racing bikes, but Trek decided to up the ante on what a gravel bike can truly do. So, whether you are looking to achieve peak performance on gravel or shatter your previous speed record on paved, the Checkpoint is a bike that can do both.

The one downside to the high-end model of the Checkpoint is that its price tag is painfully high at $13,000. If you like the design and performance of the Checkpoint but cannot afford the cost of the SLR 9 eTap model, Trek has a solid variety of model variations - some of which are much more reasonably priced at just $3,000.

Trek Madone (Best Aero Road Bike)

If you are looking for a Trek bike that can compete in the Tour de France, the Madone is going to be your best option. If you want to have an edge in your next race, the Trek Madone will not let you down.

Naturally, this is an aero road bike that was designed specifically for speed and agility. The rigid ride feels perfect for maintaining optimal speed on long-distance races and the light weight of the frame makes this bike an aggressive performer. The latest Madone SLR 9 eTap Gen 7 has the best specs out of the Madone line-up - with enhanced parts and components that make it superior to virtually every other aero bike on the market.

This 7th generation of the Madone and Trek claims that it is guaranteed to give riders a 60-second advantage over the previous generation at 45km/h. Competitive cyclists who are looking for any tactical advantage in their next race have their eyes on the Madone for this characteristic alone. Trek made some serious upgrades to the frame design, which has made the latest Madone model significantly more aerodynamic.

Trek equipped the high-end Madone with an 800 Series OCLV Carbon frame and a full carbon KVF profile fork. With that said, these top-of-the-line components and materials enable the Madone SLR 9 eTap Gen 7 to weigh in at a remarkable 16.3lbs. The drive is loaded with high-end SRAM parts such as the eTap AXS derailleurs & shifters, AXS Power Meter crank, and XG-1290 cassette.

Despite the ride rigidity and performance of the Trek Madone, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the bike is. This aero bike was designed with a sophisticated geometry that enables cyclists to harness the aggressive power of a competitive racing bike without making the ride feel stiff.

Much like with many of Trek’s bikes, the Madone is available in a variety of different models. The Madone SLR 9 eTap Gen 7 is hands down the best option within their aero line-up, but you can find alternative models with competitive specs. However, the majority of Trek’s collection, even the downgraded versions of the Madone, are not in the budget category.

While the Madone SLR 9 eTap Gen 7 is available for a whopping $15,700, you can opt for alternative models that are more reasonably priced at $6,000.

Trek Emonda (Best Climbing Road Bike)

Competitive riders looking for a quality racing bike are going to have a hard time deciding between the Madone and the Emonda. Both of these Trek road bikes are designed for competing but depending on the conditions of the race, you may find that one is more suitable than the other.

The Trek Emonda is particularly regarded for its superior climbing. Uphill battles are going to feel a lot more efficient with the Emonda, which is why Trek is advertising this carbon fiber road bike as the fastest climber that they have ever released.

This road bike has been in production since 2014, but Trek has made some serious improvements to its design over the years. With each new model, Trek has miraculously been able to achieve a lighter Emonda than the previous version, which is largely attributed to their ingenious design and high-quality components.

A key characteristic of this road bike is the Ultralight 800 Series OCLV carbon frame, as well as the Emonda SLR full carbon fork. With the frame and fork materials of the Emonda in mind, this ultra-light road bike weighs in at just 15.2lbs. Astonishingly, this is over 1lb lighter than Trek’s iconic aero bike, the Madone.

While the Emonda is not technically an aero bike, its aerodynamic design and lightweight characteristics make it a contender for any race. The top model of the Emonda is the SLR 9 eTap and it costs $13,100. However, you can find alternative variations of the Emonda with downgraded parts for as low as $5,800.

Best Trek Mountain Bikes

As a company that has been manufacturing mountain bikes since the sport took off, Trek is at the forefront of MTB technology and they are credited with releasing some of the best hardtail and full-suspension models ever made.

The popularity of mountain biking has not ceased over the years and the demand for better specs and performance is what drives brands like Trek to constantly up their game. Mountain biking technology requires annual innovation and competitive riders are looking for any edge that they can get.

With that said, MTB riders need to consider their bikes carefully, as the advanced technology behind full-suspension models has given traditional hardtail riders something to think about. However, high-end mountain bikes from Trek are stacked with top-of-the-line parts and components, which do come at a price.

To make their bikes more accessible and affordable, Trek strives to release alternative variations of the same model with downgraded components so that budget riders are not left out of the fun. Let’s dive into the best mountain bikes from Trek.

Trek Slash (Best Full Suspension Mountain Bike)

The Trek Slash is a mountain bike that allows riders to climb about as quickly as they can descend. This is a full-suspension mountain bike with some of the best specs and performance capabilities that I have ever seen in a Trek MTB.

Trek equipped this mountain bike with its advanced ‘Flight Attendant’ technology that automatically adapts the suspension of the bike based on the terrain conditions. As soon as you encounter rough terrain, the suspension will adjust itself to absorb so that ride performance is not sacrificed. Whereas for consistent terrain the bike’s suspension feels incredibly rigid.

The slacker geometry of the Slash makes this a monster of an MTB for going downhill. There have been a number of different Slash models released over the years - with the latest being the 9.9 XX1 Flight Attendant. Naturally, this model features the best parts and components that you can find in a modern mountain bike such as the OCLV Mountain Carbon frame and the RockShox ZEB Ultimate Flight Attendant fork.

Given that this is Trek’s most advanced full-suspension MTB, you can expect the price to be quite high - with $14,500 being the current asking price. Alternative models with downgraded parts and components are available at more affordable price points which can cost as little as $3,400.

Trek Procaliber (Best Hardtail Mountain Bike)

If you are into cross-country racing, you are going to have a hard time transitioning from a hardtail, and with the Trek Procaliber on the market - it’s easy to understand why. XC racing is here to stay and the sport constantly demands lighter and better-performing machines than the previous year.

To meet the demand of cross-country riders, Trek has launched their latest hardtail XC model, the Procaliber 9.8. This MTB reminds us all why we love hardtails and why they still triumph over full-suspension bikes in an XC race - explosive power matched with precise agility.

The Procaliber 9.8 is equipped with high-end parts and components throughout its entire design. The OCLV Mountain Carbon frame and FOX Performance 32 Step-Cast fork will give you a serious edge in a race, which is why many riders have their eyes on the Procaliber this year.

The sophisticated design combined with the quality materials allows the Procaliber 9.8 to weigh in at an impressive 22.15lbs, which makes it one of the lightest XC mountain bikes in the world. Naturally, the price tag for an MTB of this caliber is going to be quite high - with $4,100 being the current asking price.

Trek Marlin (Best Budget Mountain Bike)

One of the most challenging things about getting into mountain biking is not learning how to ride, but having the bankroll to pay for a quality MTB. Mountain biking is expensive and opting for a low-end machine with poor specs can seem like a defeating notion for a lot of intro and budget riders.

Trek fully understand this struggle, which is why they designed their Marlin series. This is the ultimate budget mountain bike from Trek and the shining model from the series is the Marlin 8 Gen 2 . This is a quality MTB that was designed for mountain bike racing and it’s guaranteed to deliver solid performance.

When I took a closer look at the Marlin 8 Gen 2, I was surprised that Trek was able to design a mountain bike with so much potential at such an affordable price. The Marlin 8 Gen 2 is equipped with a quality Alpha Silver Aluminum frame which is extremely durable and lightweight. In addition, this MTB features a RockShox Judy Silver fork and SRAM parts throughout the drive.

With these specs in mind, the Marlin 8 Gen 2 could easily give some high-end MTBs on the market a run for their money. This mountain bike has a very reasonable sales price of just $1,024, which is practically unheard of in the industry for a machine of this caliber. Trek has proven that an affordable MTB does not need to be a ‘cheap’ bike.

Given that this bike is near the $1,000 range, it should be accessible to most budget shoppers who are looking for a phenomenal starter model. If this price is outside of your budget, you can opt for one of the previous-generation Marlin models - some of which cost as little as $524.

Trek Roscoe (Best Value Mountain Bike)

The latest release of the Roscoe is the best value mountain bike from Trek. This hardtail is guaranteed to shred and it’s a solid option for competitive riders and hardcore MTB enthusiasts.

Unlike many of Trek’s high-end mountain bikes, the Roscoe features an aluminum frame instead of carbon fiber. While the Alpha Gold Aluminium frame does add a bit of weight to the Trek Roscoe, it significantly increases its durability. With that said, you should not expect to harness the same speed performance with the Roscoe as you would with Trek’s competitive XC hardtails.

However, this is actually a major selling point for a lot of riders that want to hit harsh terrains without worrying about frequent repairs. The Roscoe is equipped with high-end Shimano parts in its drive, as well as a Fox Rhythm 36 fork - with a total weight of 28lbs.

As I said, the increased weight may not make the Roscoe the best contender for an XC race, but the superior specs and design will still deliver fantastic performance on adverse trails. At a sales price of $2,750, this is the best value mountain bike that Trek has in its line-up.

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About THE AUTHOR

Danny Lawson

Mountain biking is more than just a hobby for me - it's a way of life. I love the challenge and excitement that comes with it, and I'm always pushing myself to go faster and ride harder. Some people might think that mountain biking is dangerous, but I see it as the only way to live.

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About PedalChef

PedalChef is a blog on all things cycling. We are a group of people who love bikes, and we want to share the joy that comes with the experience. You can read more about us here .

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Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

2024’s Best Road Bikes

15 Fabulous Bicycles for Riding or Racing on the Road

Each year, Bicycling ’s test editors choose the Best Bikes from the thousands available across dozens of categories. Our process starts with analyzing price, features, and how each bike solves a rider’s needs. We also monitor cycling trends, research emerging riding categories, and closely follow new technologies. Then we tighten our focus on the bikes with the most potential, get them, ride them extensively, and discuss them rigorously amongst the test team and with other cyclists.

Almost no one uses a bicycle only how it’s portrayed on bike brands’ websites. So we test bikes in ways our readers ride them. We go to group rides and events, dig through social media posts, and dive into the minutia to give us insight into obstacles riders face and how they use their bikes to solve them.

Ritte Esprit

Specialized allez, trek emonda alr, specialized s-works tarmac sl8, canyon endurace cf slx 8, standert kreissäge rs, ritchey road logic disc, bmc teammachine r 01 ltd, cervélo rouvida, mosaic rt-1 itr, allied alfa, officina battaglin portofino r, ridley falcn rs, best road bike.

Bikes that fill the space between dedicated road and gravel bikes are often termed all-road or endurance bikes. In short, the category‘s basic premise over the last two decades is to take a road bike, add a bit of tire clearance, give it lower gearing, and tweak the geometry to make it somewhat more upright and comfortable.

It sounds simple and appealing enough, but as road bikes became more capable (with increased tire clearance, disc brakes, and wide-range gearing) over the years, the appeal of this middle ground has diminished for many. The main drawback of these all-road or endurance category bikes is that brands stripped away too much of what I liked and wanted from a road bike in a quest for versatility.

That’s precisely why I am so smitten by the Fray. Here is a bike optimized around 31 to 35mm tires but with clearance for up to 40mm (in a 1x configuration, max 2x clearance is 38mm), which honestly feels conservative. It’s also impressively light at 17 pounds with tires measuring 38mm and deep-section Enve aero wheels. While these numbers are impressive, the two things that clinched the Fray for me were how it rode, which is like a road bike—Confidence-inspiring, precise, and dynamic.

Appearance is subjective, and if you didn’t like how the Melee looks, you probably won’t be into the Fray. The two bikes are nearly indistinguishable from one another. But I think it’s good that Enve matched the styling of the two bikes. After all, consumers often desire to ride what the pros are racing—it is why race bikes are so popular, even among riders who don’t compete.

After riding Enve’s race bike, the Melee, and the Fray back-to-back, the difference in “feel” between the two is very minor. A size 56 Fray has a 0.7º slacker head tube, 16mm longer wheelbase, and 20mm more stack, compared to the Melee. The differences are certainly there, but on the road, even with very plump 35mm tires (labeled 35mm but measuring 38mm) on the Fray, it just felt like a typical road bike.

I had to push the Fray to my limit in the corners to glean its differences from the Melee. Using the same tires and wheels in the Melee for comparison, the differences were similarly minor. The Melee feels a hair faster initiating a turn and needs slightly less input to hold my desired line. The bottom line is that I would still prefer to race a crit on the Melee, but I certainly wouldn’t be held back that much doing one on the Fray.

Uphill, the Fray’s performance is excellent. The bike’s massive down tube, bottom bracket, and chainstays provide the power transfer you’d expect from a top-tier race bike. Even the tiniest injection of effort into the pedals resulted in an immediate surge forward.

My favorite thing about riding the Fray was how often it tempted me to take a dirt cut-through or see if a random trail would connect to the fire road I wanted. The big, 38mm (measured) slick tires constantly turned my rides into little adventures—even when most were on pavement. The Fray also can turn even the roughest asphalt into a magic carpet ride. And this makes sense—I praised the Melee for being exceptionally comfortable when I reviewed it in 2023. With its extra-large tires, the Fray turns that up to another level. — Dan Chabanov

Best All-Around Road

The best new bike I rode in the last year was the Ritte Esprit. I liked it so much that Elijah from Ritte needed to travel to Pennsylvania and practically rip it from my hands to get it back. After my test bike left with him I kept the tab open on my browser for months and hovered over the “Add to cart” button with my cursor dozens of times—but I’m still unsure which color I want.

The Esprit changed my perceptions of what I want and expect in a road bicycle for 2024—and probably for the next several years. I think about the Esprit almost every time I pedal a different bike on the road. So many of the things that annoy me about other road bikes, Ritte gets right with the Esprit.

Road bike development led us down two distinct evolutionary branches over the past twenty years (and lots of niches and specialization along those branches). Unfortunately, a model like the Esprit cannot exist for many brands. Big brands need rigidly defined race and endurance categories to market and sell bikes.

Such is the current landscape of high-end, production carbon road bikes. Race bikes are low, long, and fast. They are lightweight, have skinny tires, and prioritize efficiency over comfort. Race bikes are at the razor’s edge of everything. Endurance bikes are upright, short, and compliant. They sacrifice speed to fit wider tires and fenders for versatility. Endurance bikes are practical.

Ritte took those rules and set them ablaze. The Esprit is low, long, and fast. It’s also amazingly comfortable, fits decently wide rubber (up to 35mm—or room for fenders if you want,) and has forward-looking component compatibility without using proprietary parts or standards.

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love race bikes—my daily driver is a Specialized Allez Sprint aluminum criterium bike. Something is alluring about products crafted with the singleminded purpose of traveling ruthlessly fast. Race bikes show no mercy. They force you to ride faster, be efficient, and hone your skills—and the reward is speed and handling.

Endurance bikes don’t elicit the same feelings in me. Some ride quite well and many are brilliantly engineered with features that provide riders with more comfort and confidence than they might get from a race bike. Yet when I ride most endurance bikes I do the shrug emoji because they don’t have that little edge I like from a road bike. But some of the features of endurance bikes could appeal to me and benefit me on my everyday rides (the 90-plus percent of miles I pedal in a year).

Wider tires are great for added comfort and traction, plus they allow you to explore some dirt roads or take that shortcut home on that road with notoriously bad pavement. Component fitment standards like T47 BB, UDH, 27.2mm post, and 1-1/8” round steerer tubes make sourcing, changing, and maintaining parts easier, cheaper, and less time-consuming. Plus, bikes with standard parts can be built slightly more robustly, but remain generally lightweight.

These features are exactly the things that make the Ritte Esprit great. It weaves together the elements I love about road race bikes with a sprinkling of endurance bike flourishes into a sublime package. The extra tire clearance, universal standards, and overall comfort make the bike better for my daily riding and training without detracting from its speed or crisp handling.

The Esprit’s handling is not an accident or stroke of luck. It was developed for Ritte by frame-building legend Tom Kellogg (of Spectrum Cycles, Seven, and Merlin fame). And in a word the handing is “quick” and most certainly inspired by top-level racing bikes. The bike turns extremely fast, perhaps twitchy to some if you’re more accustomed to bikes with more relaxed feeling endurance geometry. The Esprit rewards riders having strong bike handling skills and full commitment with exit speed and acceleration

The Esprit’s chainstays are a touch long (415mm on an XL frame). With the bike’s quick handling, the longer stays help provide stability and keep the rider’s weight centered when cornering. The Esprit feels very balanced front-to-back.

In addition to the ride feel and handling, Ritte’s purchasing experience is another key win for the Esprit. The buying process better resembles working with a custom builder than buying a production bike. Riders can select from five stock colors in five frame sizes (XS to XL), then pick the built-tier (One = SRAM Red or Shimano Dura-Ace, Two = Force or Ultegra, Three = Rival or 105).

The choices don‘t end there—Ritte offers an incredible 16 configurations of its one-piece Othr cockpit, 0mm or 25mm offset posts, power meters, and wheel upgrades. But that’s only scratching the surface: If you don’t see what you need or want on Ritte’s dropdown menus, shoot them a message and they will bend over backward to get you sorted with your ideal bike.

Custom-builder level of attention usually comes with a boutique price. Yet, Ritte’s prices for complete-build Esprits make even recently deeply discounted prices from some mainstream brands look super pricey. Hell, Ritte’s pricing even gives notably low-priced Canyon a run for its money. Our raw finish, Level Two Ultegra Di2-equipped, 16.6 pound, XL-size test bike prices out at $6,595—Level Three models start at $5,995 and framesets are $2,950.

As much as I loved the Esprit, I failed to scream about it from the rooftops until now. But why?

It’s almost like seeing your favorite upcoming independent artist play a small show in your local club right before that track you love becomes the hot new song everyone knows about. Perhaps a part of my subconscious wanted to hold onto that feeling for as long as possible and have the Esprit be my little secret.

Now it’s time for others to hear about and appreciate the Esprit. But don’t just hum along to this tune, scream about it at the top of your lungs like no one is listening and dance to it like no one is watching. Race bike fit and geometry with endurance bike comfort and versatility is the soundtrack to the summer of 2024. Throw in service and attention to detail unmatched by almost any other mid- or large-sized bike brand and Ritte has a smash hit. — Tara Seplavy

BEST BUDGET ROAD BIKE

Only a few years ago, aluminum road race bikes were prevalent and cheap. Many riders, including myself, started their cycling journey on these bikes—and a few riders even raced them into the elite ranks. Long-running model lines such as the Cannondale CAAD, Trek’s various ALR models, and, naturally, the Specialized Allez were the bikes of choice for many new cyclists.

Unfortunately, the era of the aluminum-framed road bike with high-end groupset seems behind us. But Specialized recaptures the essence of what made these bikes so great with its latest incarnation of the Allez. It is a near-perfect blend of performance, upgradability, and price consciousness.

The most noticeable change for the Allez is that it is now disc brake only. Disc brakes improve the bike’s overall versatility, though they are heavier than rim brakes. The Allez clears tires up to 35mm wide. Plus, the bike can run full-wrap fenders with 32mm tires. The mounts allow for the use of a rear rack and panniers and add more utility.

While the Allez Sport is an entry-level bike, Specialized did a great job getting many of the bike’s small details right. For example, the Allez Sport uses the same thru-axles and alloy bottle cage bolts included on S-Works bikes that cost thousands of dollars more.

Shimano’s Tiagra 10-speed groupset manages the Allez Sport’s shifting and braking duties. And it performs great—as good as any generation of 105. Honestly, I would go so far as to say it’s as good as any Shimano 10-speed groupset, including previous iterations of the brand’s flagship Dura-Ace components.

The most obvious low point of the Allez build kit is the wheels and tires. At almost 2,000 grams, Specialized paired these wheels with nearly 450-gram Specialized Roadsport tires. While this combination offers a ton of durability and puncture protection, their ride qualities leave a ton desired. Arguably, the tires (primarily) are responsible for making the Allez Sport feel “entry level.”

The Allez Sport is worth upgrading because Specialized nailed the most important elements like the geometry and ride quality. And the alloy frame is light for what it is. If your budget is tight, the best place to start is with a set of tires. My recommendation here would be the folding bead, 700x32c Panaracer GravelKing Slick. These tires are reasonably priced ($60 per tire) and ride great. At 290 grams a tire, swapping in a set of these will drop 320 grams (0.7 pounds) of rotating weight from the Allez.

The Allez is perhaps the best enthusiast-level road bike I’ve tested. It’s simply a great bike, even if you don’t factor in the price. It accomplished the most important task of a bike like this: making me want to ride and keep riding. And that makes the Allez the perfect bike for riders looking to get into road cycling or racing. — D.C.

BEST VALUE ROAD BIKE

The Émonda ALR borrows its geometry (down to the millimeter) from its much pricier (and lighter weight) carbon fiber version of the Émonda—riders get the same, proven, race-winning geometry of the spendier carbon model for around $1,000 less.

While the cost savings might be the most enticing feature of the ALR for many riders, the updated aluminum frame is the showstopper here. Much like its carbon version, the Émonda ALR features a mix of aerofoil (Kammtail) shaped tubes along with more traditional round profiles. Trek uses its 300 Series Alpha aluminum for the frame, and it weighs in at 1,257 grams (claimed) for a painted size 56cm. It’s combined with a full carbon fork that adds 406g to the total package. This weight is impressive—weighing a mere 34g more than Trek’s carbon Émonda SL variant of the frame (which sells for $1,000 more than the ALR).

Alloy-frame aficionados have divided opinions about the appearance of welds. Some prefer to see the handy work of the welder and how tidy they can make the welds, while others don‘t want to see them at all. Fans of chunky welds will be disappointed as Trek employed its Invisible Weld Technology on the Émonda ALR. This technique creates an incredibly seamless look to the frame. At arm's length (and particularly with the black frame), riders can easily mistake the Émonda ALR for a pricier carbon bike.

Trek Émonda ALR

Trek modeled the ALR on the carbon Émonda (a bike intended to win mountain stages in Grand Tour races), so the ALR has all-day comfort in mind. This all-day riding focus makes the overall ride more relaxed and comfortable compared to the Allez Sprint and should be a plus for many riders.

There’s nothing gimmicky about the Émonda ALR. It’s a classic road bike in the simplest sense of the term. Riding it for the first time felt familiar and reassuring. The geometry didn’t require me to adjust to the bike—I could just get on and go. Even on that first ride, I felt like I could dive into corners with the assurance of knowing what the Émonda ALR would do when I leaned in. The geometry was a perfect mix of stability and responsiveness with a dash of that springiness that good metal bikes have.

Overall, the Émonda ALR gets way more things right than it does wrong. While it's easy to nitpick things like its tires and wheels, Trek uses these parts to get the Émonda ALR to its modest price. And the ALR is up there with some of the best aluminum race bikes. It’s an impeccably finished and thoroughly well-designed aluminum bike that’s only a few grams heavier than its mid-tier carbon version. Plus, the Émonda ALR shares geometry with its pricier siblings and uses no proprietary standards or parts. With the ALR, Trek made a bike that nails all the things that have always made me love aluminum race bikes. — D.C

BEST RACE BIKE

With the Tarmac SL8, you can see Specialized rethinking the balance of race-bike characteristics. The company that once declared “Aero is everything” and backed that up by building an in-house wind tunnel is now taking a more nuanced approach to aerodynamics and reaffirming the importance of weight and stiffness.

The result is a bike that prioritizes leading-edge aerodynamic efficiency that helps very-fast riders—the faster you go, the straighter the headwind the rider encounters—but is perhaps less aerodynamically efficient in greater wind angles an amateur rider would experience.

By prioritizing leading edge aero efficiency, Specialized can forgo some of the large and complex airfoil shapes in other parts of the frame—the SL8’s down tube is notably round‑which helps bring down the frame’s weight.

This frame is extremely light: Specialized claims the S-Works frame is just 685 grams (fork: 358 grams), which is currently the lightest frame in the professional peloton and one of the lightest in the world, period. Light frames make for light bikes: Our 54cm test sample with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, a power meter, and 51/60mm deep rims weighed just 14.6 lb./6.6 kg.

And it’s more than just light: The SL8 is also very stiff in the right ways, so it feels crisp and reactive while also providing the rider with a buttery (for a race bike) ride that’s all day comfortable.

It’s hard to pick any singular thing about the SL8 that stands out more than any of its other excellent attributes, but if forced to name my favorite thing about it, I’d say it is the handling. It is a sharp and aggressive bike with light and quick steering. It is among the most reactive bikes I can remember. Yet, I never found it darty or nervous, and a blustery crosswind or broken pavement never caught me out. It displays no significant juddering or skipping in lumpy corners either.

When I review race bikes, I usually come to a point where I must discuss the compromises necessary to realize their speed. And while some compromises are present in the SL8, they’re handled better than many.

The front end is one example. As is standard for a road race bike in 2024, Specialized hides the brake hoses from the wind. But while they do enter through the upper headset bearing, they’re not internally routed through the bar or stem. Riders can replace broken parts or change bar and stem sizes without disconnecting hydraulic lines.

And if you’re fit-conscious, the one-piece Roval cockpit on the S-Works model is offered in 15 sizes (although there’s no official program in place to support riders who need a different-from-stock-cockpit size). If you prefer a two-piece cockpit, the SL8 works with Specialized’s “SL7” road stem and almost any handlebar.

The maximum official tire clearance is 32mm, less than the 34mm clearance offered by some of the SL8’s competitors like Cannondale and Cervelo. As road tires creep ever wider, that 32mm limit may be, er, limiting for some riders, although it doesn’t seem like it will be a concern in the pro ranks for a while yet.

The SL8 is a race bike made for the fastest racers. If you want a bicycle that’s easy to work on with common component standards and fat tire clearance, you don’t want a race bike. If you want the fastest and best-feeling machine for riding on (good) pavement, that is a race bike. And right now, there isn‘t a speedier, finer-riding, or better-feeling race bike than the Tarmac SL8. — Matt Phillips

BEST ENDURANCE ROAD

The endurance bike exists in a nebulous space.

At one time, it was a road-focused category that prioritized a compliant ride and a more upright fit. But as bike brands tried to market them as performance bikes designed for the rigors of racing at the highest level in events like Paris-Roubaix, they became more like—well—race bikes.

But today, teams use the same bike they race in every other event —save for wider tires—at Roubaix and the other cobbled classics. Meanwhile, along came gravel bikes with tons of tire clearance, a focus on compliance, a more upright fit, and multi-surface capability.

So, where does that leave endurance bikes today? It puts them right back where they started—pavement-oriented bikes with a more upright fit and an emphasis on a compliant ride. And there may be no finer example of the modern endurance bike than Canyon’s Endurace.

The model name obviously comes from the era when brands were trying to put a race shine on their endurance bikes. Canyon does bake some performance features into this bike, most notably aerodynamics. The new Endurace claims a seven-watt improvement over the previous model (at a rather speedy 45 km/h).

While it is somewhat aerodynamic and offers crisp and quick-feeling acceleration, this bike’s beautifully smooth ride makes it unique. It is one of the most complaint road bikes I’ve ever sampled. Better, it offers that comfort without a diluted or uninspiring ride.

Striking a balance between a bike that feels fast and snappy while simultaneously delivering a buttery ride poses a tough challenge for frame engineers. But Canyon seemed to crack the code, and the Enduraces’s blend of characteristics makes it a special bike. — M.P.

BEST CRITERIUM BIKE

Do all performance road bikes look the same to you? Do you miss the classic round tube frame silhouette? Do you like aluminum? If you answered “Yes” to any of those questions, perhaps the Standert Kreissäge RS is the bike you’ve been waiting for. For those unfamiliar, Standert is a Berlin, Germany-based brand specializing in steel and aluminum bikes. The brand’s round-tubed steel and aluminum Dedacciai frames are designed in Germany and welded in Italy. It’s a refreshingly simple formula.

In many ways, Standert’s Kreissäge RS is a bit of a throwback. It is an unapologetically stiff-as-hell race bike. The Kreissäge RS is also mostly uncomplicated by current road bike design trends yet still feels modern. While many big brands’ race bikes aim to balance ride comfort with performance, the Kreissäge RS seems most interested in getting the watts you put into the pedals directly to the rear wheel.

The Kreissäge RS's almost singular focus also means that, for the most part, it’s a gloriously simple bike. Component standards are straightforward—a 27.2mm seatpost, a threaded T47 bottom bracket shell, flat-mount disc brakes, and a tapered 1 ⅛-1 ½-inch fork steerer. The bike isn’t aero-optimized, with the frame’s tubes only strategically ovalized in certain areas for strength and stiffness.

Standert Kreissage-RS

But this simplicity does not make the Kreissäge RS a retro homage. The bike’s lack of visible cables instantly betrays it as a modern bike. Plus, the Kreissäge RS fits contemporary-width tires—officially, it clears up to 30mm. But this guidance seems rather conservative as in my testing, tires measuring 32mm tire fit without any issues. And riders less risk-averse than myself can probably fit even wider tires depending on the bike (depending on the particular rim and tire combination.)

This bike presents riders looking for an aluminum bike with an appealing alternative to a mainstream offering like the Trek Emonda ALR, Specialized Allez Sprint, or Cannondale CAAD13. And if you were a collegiate cyclist or criterium racer at the heyday of Cannondale’s old CAAD 8, 9, and 10 models (mid-00s to mid-10s), then the Kreissäge RS probably will tug at your heartstrings a little too. Standert even offers the Kreissäge frame in a rim brake variant if you want the full-nostalgic experience. — D.C.

BEST STEEL ROAD BIKE

The Ritchey Road Logic (most likely) is not for you if you shop for a bike based purely on the listed weight or aerodynamic claims. The claimed weight for a size 55cm frame (without a thru-axle) is 1,940 grams, and the carbon fork adds another 420g (also sans axle). That’s hefty by modern carbon standards, but it’s pretty reasonable for a steel-framed disc brake frameset.

As far as aero claims, there are none. Besides some very slight ovalization of the seat tube, as it joins the bottom bracket, plus some minor shaping of the chainstays, every tube on the Road Logic is straight and round.

The eschewing of modern trends continues with a complete lack of wonky standards. A straight 1-1/8th steer tube sits inside a machined headtube on the frame’s front end. That HT features the Road Logic’s only slice of modern component integration: headset bearing races machined into the frame. The Ritchey fits a standard 27.2mm seatpost and uses a gorgeous fastback-style seat cluster to hold it in place. Naturally, the bottom bracket is threaded, and—unless you use one of the latest Shimano Di2 groups–the cables get routed externally. And yes, the frame has all the cable stops needed to run any mechanical-shifting groupset you prefer.

In a world of carbon superbikes, a bike like the Road Logic can take some time to appreciate. As you pedal along on the Ritchey, it doesn’t beat you over the head with its light weight or stiffness. There is no wooshing noise characteristic of an aero bike. What the Road Logic lacks in “wow factor” it makes up in simply being, for lack of a better word, “great.” And evaluating it on the same criteria as one might, a carbon competitor would be to sell the Road Logic short.

Like all truly great bikes, you cannot get a true sense of the Road Logic after just a few rides. It’s simply a bike with too much personality to quickly and fully grasp its character. The steel frame is flexier than carbon, but simultaneously, it’s buzzier and more dynamic. The overall character of the Road Logic is fluid and hard to pin down.

In many ways, the Road Logic is a throwback. That’s certainly true of its classic appearance with its skinny steel tubes and external routing. But none of this means the Road Logic is locked in the past.

The updated Road Logic Disc frameset features appropriately modern tire clearance. 32mm tires fit easily—wider rubber potentially clears, depending on the rim and tire used. However, Ritchey lists official clearance at 30mm. This space allows the Road Logic to morph from wonderfully snappy and alive yet smooth with 28mm tires to supremely comfortable with 32s.

The Road Logic is ideal for someone seeking the sublime ride of a classic steel frame without going down the sometimes lengthy and costly custom bike route. Sure, it’s a bike you might buy for its performance and ride quality. But it is also purchased because of the things that are hard to summarize in a review—factors like aesthetics, vibes, and a long cycling history to which Ritchey is so clearly tied. It’s a bike that you get for emotional reasons instead of logical ones. — D.C.

BEST SUPER BIKE

Few things with wheels are more associated with speed than a Formula 1 car. And that association is one reason why BMC partnered with Red Bull Advanced Technologies—who help shape the Red Bull Racing F1 cars—to help them create its most complete race bike ever: the Teammachine R.

The TM-R has a strong aerodynamic story like all modern road racing bikes. The standout feature is the wide-stance Halo fork. This fork helps deal with turbulent air around the spinning wheel and directs air around the rider’s legs.

While the fork is the most attention-grabbing, the TM-R also features a deep headtube, wide and truncated downtube—with an integrated bottle cage (standard cages also work)—dropped seatstays, an airfoil-shaped seatpost and seat tube, and a massive triangle of carbon around the bottom bracket.

The result is a bike that incorporates the familiar profile of a modern racing bike. It also has a look all its own.

But while aerodynamic considerations are mandatory if you’re designing a race bike for the highest levels of competition, so are many other factors. They include stiffness, responsiveness, lightweight, and compliance enough for racing all out for five to six hours—or, in a word, balance.

And the TM-R’s balance is what makes it such a superbike. There are certainly lighter bikes in the pro peloton and probably more aerodynamic ones. But few bikes are as aggressively fast, crisp, and handle as well as the Teammachine R. While the TM-R is not the smoothest race bike, it offers a just-right combination of feel and feedback paired with isolation from the spikiest of shocks to the body.

The TM-R looks fast and feels fast—but most importantly, it is fast. And that makes it a superbike. — M.P.

Best Climbing Bike

As race bikes became more complicated, Orbea returned its long-running Orca model to its roots. For a model conceived and created in the hilly Basque country, that means designing for pure climbing prowess instead of aerodynamic efficiency. No visual clue is more telling of the Orca’s renewed focus on weight and ride quality than the absence of dropped chainstays. The lack of this nearly ubiquitous modern race bike feature almost makes the Orca look, dare I say, classic.

In a way, the new Orca treads down a similar road as the much-loved Specialized Aethos. But while the Orca prioritizes ride quality and low weight, it is decidedly more modern than the Aethos. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but things like hidden cable routing, a minimalistic seat clamp, a press-fit bottom bracket, and some aggressive tube shaping are all present. Granted, those tube shapes are there to improve comfort, power transfer, and optimize weight rather than cheat the wind. Still, the new Orca is a far cry from the simple round tubes of the Aethos, even though the two bikes are certainly related in spirit.

While the top-end Orca we tested is certainly not cheap at $11,600, it’s very price-competitive with high-end models from other brands. For riders on tighter budgets, the Orca is available as a Shimano 105 build starting at $3,800.

What sets Orbea apart from other brands is that riders can fully customize the paint scheme of their new Orca and select things like bar width, stem length, seat post setback, crank length, and even gearing combinations, all at no extra charge. Even wheel depth is an option. But what makes Orbea stand out is that much of this personalization is available even on the $3,800 Shimano 105 build of the Orca, including custom paint.

As for ride quality, the Orca is simply magnificent. It’s been ages since I’ve jumped on a bike, and from the first few pedal strokes, I was immediately in love with what it offered. Everything about the Orca is perfectly poised to deliver an exceptional riding experience. There are no extra features to distract you from how beautifully this bike glides uphill. Sure, there are more aerodynamic and faster race bikes out there, but if you’re after an exceptionally smooth riding and ultra-lightweight bike, the Orca is it. — D.C.

BEST ELECTRIC ROAD BIKE

The Rouvida caught me off guard. It wasn’t because it is an electric bike or that Cervélo—a brand known for its lightweight, Grand Tour-winning road race machines—went and made an e-bike. No, the surprise in the Rouvida is that it was the first electric road bike I wanted to add to my fleet when I finished my testing.

I love e-bikes of all sorts. However, I never personally connected with previous electric road bikes I rode. The others weren’t bad bikes—they simply didn’t feel quick and nimble in ways I expected from a performance-inspired road bike. The Rouvida changed that perception for me.

Some of that change for me comes down to appearance. With a sleek carbon frame that incorporates the usual bevy of aerodynamic flourishes, aside from the slightly chonky downtube and changeable dropouts, the Rouvida looks the part of a modern high-end road race or fast gravel bike. Plus, it doesn’t have a shorty stem or suspension, and the motor tucked behind the crankset gets easily overlooked at a passing glance.

Thanks to the Fazua motor, the Rouvida delivers beyond only its race bike-like appearance. The 250-watt/60 N/m Fazua Ride 60 motor has a smooth feel and good power, especially in Rocket mode, the highest of Fazua’s three settings. The unit produces a tiny amount of noise, but it’s less than many other e-bike motors—it’s audible enough that you hear it working, but it’s not annoying or distracting.

Cervelo Rouvida

However, don’t let the motor fool you. The Rouvida is still very much a road bike, and you must pedal to engage the motor assistance (there is no throttle). The benefit of the motor is you can ride more miles in the same time as a non-assisted bike or use it to provide a little extra boost on longer climbs. While the Fazua motor provides extra assistance it will not completely turn you into Sepp Kuss or Jonas Vingegaard. For example, on a particularly steep and challenging local climb, I beat my personal best time by over 6 minutes. But I was still 40 seconds slower than the climb’s overall fastest unassisted time (and 15 seconds slower than my colleague Trevor Raab).

The Rouvida uses Fazua’s 430Wh battery, which nets a ride time between 2 and 5 hours depending on your weight, terrain, and power setting. Riding with healthy doses of the two highest power settings, I drained the battery to approx 20% charge on a hilly 45-mile ride. Being more conservative with my power-assist usage probably would net a range of 60 miles. For rides longer than five hours (or rides with tons of climbing,) the Rouvida might not be your best option. If you want to get in some longer miles, Fazua has a range-extender battery in development for the Ride 60 system (it’s why Cervélo located the charge port near the bottle mount). Hopefully, it will launch later in 2024.

Cervélo offers the Rouvida in four models—two in road configuration, two in gravel—priced from $6,200 to $13,000. Road and gravel Rouvida models share the same frame. The bike’s removable dropouts (available and installed through Cervélo dealers) tune the ride feel and geometry, and provide additional tire clearance on gravel models. The road Rouvidas come equipped with 30mm Vittoria road tires and standard drop bars, while gravel models have 40mm WTB Vulpines and flared dropbars. — T.S.

BEST TITANIUM ROAD BIKE

This Mosaic is the most difficult bike review I’ve ever done—so much so that I’ve dragged my feet to put words on (virtual) paper about this RT-1 iTR. But the reasons are not what you might expect.

I’ve been at this bike reviewer gig a long time, and one of the more curious wrinkles I’ve discovered is the bikes you love most are the hardest to review. The more you love a bike, the harder it becomes to explain why. Plus, when I write a review, I know it is time to let go of a bike and send it home.

I wish I never wrote this review. Because, my many gods, I love this bike. Love it more than any road bike I can remember. Love it in ways that make me realize that I never knew how deeply I could love a bike.

The RT-1 isn’t a perfect bike. But it is the right bike for me and where I am as a rider.

As I’ve tested many, many bikes along the race, road, all road, and gravel continuum, I’ve come to realize that what I want for my “road” riding (which includes dirt and occasional gravel roads) is a bike that feels, reacts, and fits like a race bike, but fits big tires. But that’s a tricky combination of traits to achieve in a single product because, as clearance for big tires gets added, it often bleeds away the crisp feel of a race bike.

This Mosaic gets closer than any bike I’ve yet ridden. With 35mm tires—the widest it officially fits—it feels crisp when I press the pedals, and the steering is light and fluid. It’s quick and reactive to my inputs—just to the good side of jumpy and nervous, right where I like it.

While I dream of it fitting larger tires——if I sacrifice grit clearance, I can shoehorn bigger into the frame—I haven’t yet found another bike that, with 35s, feels, reacts, and handles like this RT-1 iTR and also fits bigger tires.

Mosaic RT1 iTR

For those needing wider rubber, Mosaic also offers the GT-1 iAR that fits up to 40mm tires. But adding that clearance adds length: one-centimeter longer chainstays, two-centimeter longer wheelbase, and slightly longer trail dimension. Length takes the edge off a bike’s handling, so I’m happy to ride a frame that fits smaller tires since that helps give this RT-1 iAR its quick moves. And, at least for now, I find 34 to 36 tires offer the best blend of performance, feel, and comfort for my road and “road” riding.

Another thing this Mosaic gets perfect is its balance of compliance and ride feel.

Complimenting a titanium bike for its ride seems almost as obvious as saying water is wet. But I’ve had complex interactions with the many ti road bikes I’ve tested.

One was the harshest, most uncompliant road bike I’ve ever ridden was titanium. But most of the others I’d call “meh”—uninspiring, dull, and lifeless. Smooth, yes, but they lacked the grit and feedback that helps a bike come alive under the rider—I prefer a bike with a little whippiness. So, it wasn’t that I found these ti frames too soft but, rather they lacked the tang of buzz I want in a frame. I like it when my road bikes feel a little bit angry.

And that’s one of the reasons this Mosaic is so truly special. It is a titanium bike that is alive. A titanium bike that feels slightly bright and buzzy but is still supple. For sure, there are smoother riding titanium frames, but none I’ve ridden offer the mythical titanium ride with as much energy as this Mosaic. There’s just enough tartness to balance the sweetness.

There’s much else to like about this bike. It’s gorgeously constructed in Boulder, Colorado, custom fit, and custom finished—Mine in purple, the most regal of colors. Yet Mosiac offers all that in a very reasonable timeframe (about six weeks).

My only complaint is the brake hose in the down tube was not foam-wrapped and buzzed occasionally, but it wasn‘t enough to annoy me (and I like very quiet bikes). The price, though high, doesn’t seem outrageous in 2024 when off-the-shelf carbon bikes with the same parts sell for $15,000. However, a power meter should be included in the Mosaic’s price.

Of the thousands of bikes I’ve ridden and reviewed in my career, none have felt as right or brought me as much joy as I feel riding this Mosaic; None have made me love a bike as much as I love this one. And that is why this is the hardest and happiest review I’ve written. — M.P.

BEST USA-MADE RACE BIKE

What makes the Allied’s Alfa special is that it exists at all. A mass(ish) produced carbon bike with the features and performance of the big brands’ bikes, but the Allied is made in the USA and priced in line with—and in some cases, significantly less than—its overseas-made competition. Plus, Allied offers an extensive menu of options and upgrades that the big brands typically don’t.

This second generation of Alfa is a step forward for Allied. It feels livelier, smoother, and stiffer on the road than the already good, first-generation Alfa. It also gets more tire clearance (up to 32mm) and some aerodynamic tuning. Plus, it has the clean, integrated look modern buyers want.

But more than anything, the new Alfa offers the performance modern road riders expect. It is damn fast, with precise handling and a well-damped ride. And for reasons I can’t explain, this bike feels especially efficient when pointed uphill—even more so than lighter bikes.

Based on the other race bikes I’ve ridden, the new Alfa is competitive with the bikes in use by pros at the highest level. Some of those bikes are lighter, and some are more aerodynamic—and some are maybe both—but the fact that Allied built a bike that meets race bike benchmarks and got here so quickly, in the USA—a place where the infrastructure for creating such a bike had vanished—is a monumental achievement. — M.P.

BEST ITALIAN ROAD

In an alternate universe where steel was still the dominant material, the modern race bike would look like Battaglin’s Portofino R.

The profile of the Portofino is the same as countless carbon race bikes: Large tubes, dropped seat stays, oversized bottom bracket, hidden seat binder, and internal brake hose routing. Tire clearance is, officially, a spare 30mm.

While the profile is the same as those countless carbon race bikes, the material is not. The Portofino R is made of Columbus steel, joined three ways. Massive chrome lugs at the head tube and seat cluster, TIG welding at the bottom bracket, and fillet brazing join the seat stays to the seat tube.

Custom made in Morostica, Italy—Battaglin limits its worldwide custom frame output to only 99 per year—the Portofino R provides tailored geometry, build, and finish. And you can even order a Portofino R with rim brakes if you’re traditionally minded. Current delivery time is “usually” three months after parties lock in the geometry, says Alex Battaglin.

And that finish, wow. Cromovelato—a veil of paint over polished chrome plating—is brighter and shinier than anything else on the road. It is also a bit of a throwback, a popular way to finish high-end Italian bikes in the 1980s. The resulting bike is beautiful, proud, audacious, and unmistakably Italian. I also found it extremely endearing and different than any other road bike I’ve recently sampled.

The Portofino R is, compared to a carbon race bike, a fair bit heavier (19.3 lb.), and the geometry prescribed to me is longer—my Portofino’s wheelbase is a full 40mm longer than the wheelbase of a Specialized Tarmac SL8 in my size—and stability biased.

As a result, the bike is not quick, and it does not feel quick. It is fluid and efficient, however. And devastatingly fast. Once up to speed, it is like being aboard a runaway train with the precision of a fighter jet. Down a steep and sweeping descent, I don’t know if there’s any other bike I’d want to be aboard.

Unsurprisingly, the Portofino R’s specialty is not the steepest climbs. But it does offer a solid platform to throw your legs and weight against and rolls up and over hills with surprising efficiency.

Its feel is buzzy and alive, with a taut ride that is nonetheless more complaint than expected. Steel can be stiff, and this bike features sizable frame tubes and a large-diameter seatpost: Details that telegraph a jarring ride. But even rolling on the 28mm tires and deeper section wheels it arrived with, I found the ride of steel that (I think) the target audience of this bike expects.

Who that audience is, specifically, I don’t quite know. I suspect the Portofino R is a bike that captures its buyers’ hearts in deeply personal ways. A bike that, once it’s in your heart, can’t be dislodged. It is a bike you will know you want because you just know it and somehow you’ve always known. And once you ride it, it will be everything you’ve ever wanted. — M.P.

Ridley knows a few things about making fast bikes. And the Belgian brand’s latest Falcn RS road offering excels in that department. With aggressive geometry, aero optimization, and feathery weight, it’s easy to cast the Falcn RS off as “just another race bike”. But this bike also packs enough comfort for long days in the saddle.

Like some new road race models that hit the market in the last two seasons, Ridley made the Falcn RS aero enough but didn’t go over the top making the bike an overly stiff and heavy aero bike. At 16.01 lb. (size L with Shimano Ultegra Di2) the bike is light but responds like an even lighter bike when the road pitches upward.

Ridley’s aerodynamic tuning is evident on open roads where the bike performs almost on par with full-on aero bikes. The Falcn gets up to pace quickly and holds it well, yet it seemingly always has more speed on tap. It also has explosive acceleration at the ready (providing you have the watts in your legs). The bike absolutely flies on rolling roads and across wide-open farmland. It clicks off the miles with surprising ease and efficiency.

Ridley offers stock Falcn RS models in two colors, with Shimano 105, Ultegra, or SRAM Force builds. It also has 1x12 SRAM Rival and Force kits paired with Classified’s Powershift 2-speed rear hub for a stealthy, front derailleurless look. But for a more unique and personalized bike, Ridley’s Configurator allows buyers to select from nine graphic designs, dozens of paint colors, SRAM or Shimano component groups, and other bike details. It’s a level of personalization that few other brands offer. We ended up with two Falcn RS bikes in our hands—both were among the best-looking bikes to come through the office in a long time. — T.S.

More of the Best Bikes of the Year:

Gravel | mountain | commuter.

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.  

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

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

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The best electric bikes of 2024

Our picks for the best electric bikes for riders of all types and budgets, based on dozens of reviews and tests.

• The best for most people
• Best budget ebike

Best fat tire ebike

• Best for commuters

Best electric dirt bike

Best under $1,000

Best cargo ebike, best folding ebike, best front-storage cargo bike, best for long distances, ebike specs compared.

• What to look for
• Ebike rules and regulations

Meet our testers

• How we test electric bikes

The best electric bike for most people

The best ebike for most people

It's not the flashiest, but we think the RadCity 5 Plus will more than fit the needs of most riders. It's comfortable, offers plenty of power, and comes with lights, fenders, and a rear rack for your gear. Plus, RadPower makes a lot of accessories that let you easily customize the bike.

In our tests, we found the RadCity 5 Plus to be responsive and powerful enough to get us up and down hills easily, and do so in comfort. It is a bit heavy at 64 pounds, but that should only be an issue if you try to go farther than it's 55-mile range.

Read more below .

The best affordable electric bike

For those who don't want to spend too much on an ebike, the Ride1Up Turris offers just about everything you could want, with few compromises. 

If you're looking for an ebike that can go anywhere, look no further. This bike is responsive, stable in all conditions, including snow, has both lights and turn signals, and even comes with fenders.

Read more below

The best for commuters

This affordable ebike has a neat feature: Its handlebars can turn sideways, so it'll take up less room when you have to store it in a hallway or some other cramped space. It's also fairly light, has a great range, and has a built-in rear rack.

This BMX-style fat tire bike delivers some great thrills on trails and dirt paths. It has a powerful motor to get you around, but no suspension.

This lightweight ebike lacks some niceties you'll find on more expensive rides — you'll have to provide your own lights and fenders — but it delivers a zippy ride around town at a great price.

The best cargo ebike

A truly versatile ebike that can be configured with dozens of accessories. It's also compact, powerful, very comfortable to ride, and one of the most affordable cargo bikes around.

Read more below 

Click to view more products...

This futuristic-looking ebike is made from carbon fiber, which keeps its weight to just 36 pounds. It has a speedy electronic shifter, responsive and powerful motor, and a great range for something this small. It ain't cheap, though.

Read more below.

When you need to haul really big loads, the Supercargo CL is your best bet. It has a ton of space, yet is very stable and even fun to ride.

Longest range

With dual batteries, this bike has the endurance to get you wherever you need to go. And, it's often on sale for a very reasonable price.

1. The best for most people 2. Best affordable ebike 3. Best fat tire ebike 4. Best for commuters 5. Best electric dirt bike 6. Best under $1,000 7. Best cargo ebike 8. Best folding ebike 9. Best front-storage cargo bike 10. Longest-range e-bike 11. What to look for 12. Electric bike FAQ 13. Ebike rules and regulations 14. How we test ebikes  

What makes for the best electric bike? With so many models out there, it's hard to know at a glance which model will get you where you need to go and which features you can and can't live without. That's why we've tested a number of the top models across all types of electric bikes to give you the best recommendations for your needs. 

We test the bikes by riding them around, to see how responsive their electric motors are when going up hills and getting started from a dead stop. We also gauge the comfort of the bikes over long miles, and note the ease with which we can use their various features, such as an accompanying smartphone app. And, we also test the bikes' battery life; while endurance is affected by many factors, such as terrain and temperature, we try to the best of our ability to see how the bikes live up to the company's estimates.

While many of the best electric bikes are expensive — upwards of $2,000 — they're coming down in price; in fact, we also have a list of the best budget electric bikes under $1,500. And before you do any riding, be sure to pick up one of the best bike helmets to keep your head safe, and one of the best bike locks to keep your ride secure. 

Read on for all our best electric bike picks. 

The best electric bikes you can buy today

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

best electric bike

1. Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

For the vast majority of riders, the Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus will be the best electric bike. It has a comfortable design, plenty of power, and a multitude of mounting points for things such as baskets and child seats. Plus, it comes with a rear rack and mudguards. Its 7-speed shifter, combined with three levels of pedal assistance and a twist throttle is more than enough to get you up even the steepest of hills.

Rad Power says that the RadCity5 should get upwards of 50+ miles on a charge; in our testing, it came fairly close — about 40 miles. 

We really enjoyed pedaling around on this bike, which is offered in both step-through and step-over models. Its battery, while not fully integrated into the downtube, provides plenty of range, and can also be used to charge your phone (with the right adapter). The one caveat is that this bike weighs a hefty 64 pounds, so you're not going to want to lug it up stairs.

At a starting price of $1,999, it's reasonably affordable, but you should check out our Rad Power Bikes promo codes for the latest discounts. 

Read our full Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus review .

Best affordable ebike

2. Ride1Up Turris

While there are plenty of great electric bikes that cost more than $2,000, the Ride1Up Turris shows that you can get a lot of value from an ebike that costs much less. During our testing, we found the Turris' 750W motor to be more than powerful enough for most situations. We were equally impressed with how quickly it responded when we started pedaling, as many budget ebikes exhibit a slight delay in these situations. (There was a slight lag when using just the throttle, though).

Other standout features include its mechanical disc brakes, easy-to-read digital display, and bright 60 Lux headlight. Included front and rear fenders helped keep our clothes clean on wet days, and its wide, 27.5 x 2.4-inch tires made for a comfortable ride — so much so that we thought that the front suspension felt a bit extraneous. 

There's no taillight, so you'll want to check out our picks for the best bike lights , and unlike some pricier ebikes, you'll have to assemble a few pieces of the bike yourself, including the handlebars, front wheel, and pedals. We also had to make a few adjustments to the fenders, which might mean a trip to your local bike shop. 

But for those who want an affordable electric bike to get around town, the Turris should be at the top of your list. 

Read our full Ride1Up Turris review .

3. Aventon Aventure.2

If you're looking for a fat-tire electric bike that's less than $2,000, the Aventon Aventure.2 is hard to beat. It's as good off-road as it is on pavement, has a beefy battery and a clear color display, as well as fenders that'll save your clothes from getting too muddy. Other niceties include a brake-activated rear light and turn signals.

The Aventure.2 has both pedal-assist and throttle modes, and the battery and wires are neatly integrated into the frame. What's more, the battery can be removed for charging. The battery lasted nearly the advertised 60 miles on a charge, but, as with other ebikes, we drained it much faster when we relied on the throttle.

While not as capable as a dedicated mountain bike, the Aventure.2 was able to get us up and over hilly terrain, and its torque sensor was quick to translate our pedaling into power. 

Our only real critiques were the bike's 77-pound weight and its front suspension fork, which felt unnecessary. Otherwise, it's an excellent bike for the price.

Read our full Aventon Aventure.2 review .

best for commuters

4. Charge Bikes City

If you plan on commuting to work, Charge Bikes City may well be the best ebike for you. Not only does it come with features like full-fenders to keep the mud off and a rear rack for a pack or bag, but it does everything well for a very reasonable price. The Charge City has a five level power assist, as well as a full-power throttle button, should the need or hill arise. 

The biggest reason why we think this bike is best for commuters is that its handle bars fold flat, so you can more easily store it in an apartment or a cubicle at work. It comes with all the necessary bells and whistles a commuter is going to want, including the bell (actually a superior and very loud electronic horn). The bike is available in both step-over and step through, and in a few color options, too.

The City's electric assist is so smooth you'll think you're doing all the work yourself. At night, the bike's lights sufficiently lit up the road and the throttle helped us zip around potential trouble when we felt out of gas. Its advertised range of 50 miles held up, too; we found we only had to recharge the bike every three days using it on our regular commute.

Founded by folks from biking icon Cannondale, Charge's sui generis feature is that even newbies can assemble the bike right out of the box in 10 minutes or less. All you basically have to do is put the front wheel on. 

Read our full Charge Bikes City review

Best BMX-style bike

5. Juiced Ripracer

The Juiced Ripracer is a lot of fun, and costs a lot less than you might think. It's one of the more affordable offroad ebikes we've tested, and it can go just about anywhere. This fat-tire bike has 20-inch wheels and a 40.3-inch wheelbase that's meant for trails and other unpaved surfaces. However, its lack of shock absorbers, like most e-mountain bikes, means you're in for a rougher ride. 

Its 750W motor delivered some real get-up-and-go, and, thanks to its low-end torque, was great for charging up hills. In one concession to its price, the Ripracer has a cadence, rather than a torque sensor, so you have to rotate the pedals a couple of time before the assist kicks in. As it's a BMX-style bike, the Ripracer is a lot smaller than other mountain e-bikes, which also makes it easier to maneuver around tight spaces. 

Read our full Juiced Ripracer review .

6. Ride1Up Roadster V2

At first glance, the Ride1Up Roadster V2 It looks like a regular, non-motorized commuter bike — the better to blend in with traditional rides — but concealed inside is a battery capable of up to 30 miles of range. 

The Roadster V2 is also one of the lightest ebikes we tested — it weighs just 33 pounds, so carrying it around shouldn't be a problem — and although there's no step-through model, Ride1Up offers it in two sizes to accommodate riders of nearly all heights. 

The Roadster V2 was fast and fun on flat and rolling terrain, and its belt drive made for a very quiet ride. However, this is a single-speed model, so it's a bit hard to get moving on hills. 

There are a few concessions to get to this price: The Roadster V2 doesn't have lights of any kind, nor does it have fenders, and it uses rim, rather than disc brakes. We also found its display to be on the small side. Still, if you can live with those compromises, you'll enjoy the Roadster V2.

Read our full Ride1Up Roadster V2 review .

7. RadPower RadRunner 3 Plus

How's this for an endorsement? Our reviewer loved this bike so much that he decided to buy one for himself. 

While it can't haul as heavy loads as some other larger (and much more expensive) cargo bikes, the RadPower RadRunner 3 Plus is more than capable of carrying you, your kids, and plenty of groceries wherever you need to go. We loved its responsive 750W motor, its comfortable ride, and its low center of gravity, thanks to its 3.3-inch thick, 20-inch tires.

However, we found it to be fairly heavy, tipping the scales at 75 pounds, so you're not going to want to try pedal it without any power assist. But we found its advertised 45-mile range to be pretty accurate, so long as we didn't go too heavy on the throttle.

Aside from its performance, what made the RadRunner 3 Plus stand out so much to us was its versatility: You can outfit the bike with any number of combinations of racks, seats, bags, and other accessories to truly customize it for your needs. And, its relatively low price for a cargo bike makes it a real bargain for those looking to replace their car with an electric bike.

Read our full RadPower RadRunner 3 Plus review .

8. Gocycle G4i+

The Gocycle G4i+ looks like something a supercar designer would build, which isn't surprising given that it was conceived by former McLaren sports car engineer Richard Thorpe. Not only is this bike's unique wheels-on-one-side and tapered body eye-catching, but we were able to fold it up in less than a minute into a size small enough to get us on and off a train, and past our security and into our office elevator. At 36 pounds, it's one of the lightest folding electric bikes out there, too. 

Despite that, this bike was a real pleasure to ride. Its electric shifter responded near instantly, as did the pedal assist and throttle. However, while the G4i+ has daytime running lights, you'll have to pay extra for a legit headlight, as well as mudguards. Also, the G4i+ has a great smartphone app, but one of the flimsiest methods of holding your phone on the bike itself — a cheap solution for a bike that costs $7,000. 

If you're looking for something slightly more affordable, GoCycle also sells the G4i ($5,999) and the G4 ($4,799). A 2022 version of the G4 has an injection molded composite mid-frame. Still too much for your wallet? Then you should check out the Brompton Electric C-Line Explore , which starts around $3,000. 

Read our full GoCycle G4i+ review .

9. Yuba Supercargo CL

The Yuba Supercargo CL can haul an astounding 500 pounds, making it one of the heftiest electric cargo bikes in its class. Yet, it offers a surprisingly stable ride, thanks to its low center of gravity. Its cargo area is very customizable, letting you convert it from a place to carry groceries to a space to tote your tots to soccer practice.  

Magna hydraulic brakes and a Bosch mid-drive motor were very responsive, though the relatively small 20-inch tires and lack of suspension did make bumps feel a bit jarring. The Supercargo CL starts at around $6,000, but is incredibly customizable; you can select from a range of accessories to adapt the cargo area to suit your needs. 

If you're looking for a cargo bike that can haul more than the Rad Power RadRunner 3 Plus, this is the model to consider.

Read our full Yuba Supercargo CL review .

10. NIU BQi-C3 Pro

There's nothing worse when running out of power when riding your electric bike, especially if you're miles from home — and at the bottom of a hill. With its dual batteries, the NIU BQi-C3 Pro is the best electric bike for those who have range anxiety, as it can give you up to 90 miles of range before you need to recharge. And, that's no boast — based on our testing, we found that 90-mile estimate to be pretty accurate, too. 

But range isn't the only thing we liked about the BQi-C3 Pro: It has mechanical disc brakes, front and rear lights, and a rear rack so you can carry things wherever you plan to go. A carbon belt drive is another nice-to-have feature, as it's quiet and easier to maintain than a traditional metal chain. Its step-through design also makes the bike easy to use for riders of all sizes; we tried it with both a 5' 11" rider and a 5' 3" rider, and both found it comfortable. 

Our only real complaint with the BQi-C3 Pro is that at 70.5 pounds, it's one of the heaviest electric bikes we've tested that's not a cargo bike, so this is not a model to buy if you have to go up any stairs. Still, the bike's 500W motor was more than powerful enough to get its bulk moving with ease. 

The bike's regular price is $2,199, but we've seen it on sale during the holidays for as low as $1,299, so wait for a sale to pick it up.

Read our full NIU BQi-C3 Pro review .

What to look for when buying an electric bike

Pedal-assist or throttle? All electric bikes have what's called pedal-assist; you start pedaling, and the bike's motor kicks in to make your ride a little easier. But you need to put in at least some work: you won't go anywhere unless you pedal. Most electric bikes will also let you set the level of assistance, so you can decide how hard you want to pedal.

However, some electric bikes will also have a throttle. Press a button or push a lever, and the bike will do all the work for you — no pedaling needed! Using a throttle will quickly eat up the battery life on the bike, so you'll get far less of a range if you don't want to pedal at all.

Motor type Less expensive electric bikes traditionally use a rear hub motor. Mid-drive motors located in the center pedal crank shaft tend to be more expensive but offer better overall balance and smoother shifting. 

Motors are also rated based on their power, measured in Watts. Typically, the least powerful motor will be 250 Watts, but unless you're a very large person or planning to go up really steep hills, the motor size shouldn’t be a major determining factor for your purchase. More important,  there is no industry standard for measuring Watts (is it continuous or peak and if peak, for how long?). So in general, a motor’s Watt rating isn’t a reliable indication of power.

Battery size Consider where you live. If you're in San Francisco you're going to want more help than if you're cruising around Austin. Watt hours (Wh) is the most important figure for comparison—it takes into account battery output and battery life to give you a better sense of available power. Higher Wh translates into more range. 

Many electric bike makers will also include an estimated range (usually about 40 miles) that you can get off a single charge. You should take this figure with a large grain of salt, as that number is usually determined under ideal circumstances: A fairly lightweight person riding on flat terrain with no wind, and at the perfect ambient temperature for the battery. Range is also dependent on the level of power assist being used, whether full-throttle has been applied and for how long, and your average speed. As they say, your mileage may vary.

Removable or built-in battery? Most bike batteries will handle rides of about 40 miles and need to be plugged in for at least a couple of hours to get to 80 percent of capacity. So if you have a more demanding commute, consider a model that lets you swap out the battery rather than a bike with an integrated battery. 

Also, if you live in a place where you can't bring your bike inside or get close to a wall outlet (such as if you live in a walk-up apartment), definitely look for a bike with a removable battery. It will make your life a lot easier.

Step-over or Step-through? Many electric bike makers will offer their bikes in two configurations: Step-over (which has a top bar that runs parallel to the ground) and Step-through (the bar is angled downwards). Once upon a time, step-through models were traditionally thought of as women's bikes, but that perception is changing. It's generally easier to get on and off a step-through bike, as you don't have to lift your leg over a bar. 

Safety features If you're planning to ride your electric bike in traffic or in low-light conditions (such as dawn and dusk), it's worth looking for an electric bike with built-in head and taillights. While increasingly common, it's not a standard feature on all models. 

Electric bike FAQ

What are the different types of electric bike.

Generally speaking, electric bikes fall into the same categories as non-electric bikes. Here's a quick summary of some of the kinds of electric bikes you'll find.

Road bike: These are meant solely for riding on roads, and are designed for speed. They will have thinner tires and curved handlebars, so that the rider will be crouched forward. Higher-end models may also be made out of carbon fiber, so as to make the bike as light as possible.

Mountain bike : Designed for off-road use, mountain bikes will have thick, knobby tires, full suspension, and a burlier frame to better absorb bumps and jumps. 

Fat tire bikes : Similar to mountain bikes, fat tire bikes are meant to be ridden off-road, usually on very soft ground, such as mud, sand, and snow. As their name suggests, these bikes have very wide tires — as much as four inches — which helps keep a grip on unsteadier terrain.

City/Commuter bike: Made for urban dwellers who need to get around town, a commuter bike will have tires that are somewhere in between a road and a mountain bike. Generally, the bikes will be configured so that the rider's back is vertical when seated, which gives them a better view of their surroundings.

Cargo bike: These bikes are made for carrying heavy loads, and will have a cargo area either in the front or rear of the bike. Because of the payload area, these bikes often tend to me much longer and heavier — and more expensive — than a typical bike.  

What is a good speed for an electric bike?

In the U.S., electric bikes are limited to 20 miles per hour; that is, they can only provide you with power — either through pedal-assist or with a throttle — until the bike hits 20 MPH. While you can easily go faster than 20 MPH on an electric bike, the rest of that power will have to be provided by you — or gravity. 

How much does an electric bike cost?

Electric bikes range widely in price. Some of the best cheap electric bikes start at around $1,000; you can certainly find models for less, but quality will be less. 

The bulk of electric bikes cost anywhere from $1,500 to around $2,500, and there are hundreds of models in this price range.  

Higher-end and specialized electric bikes — such as cargo bikes — will cost upwards of $3,000, and can easily reach $6,000 to $8,000, which is a sizable investment. 

rules and regulations

There has been a lot of confusion about ebikes (pedal assist versus throttle bikes) and where you can legally ride them. Some municipalities have banned ebikes from bicycle paths, for example. Many places classify ebikes depending on whether they can go full throttle and have a maximum speed of 20 or 28 mph. There are three official classifications:

Class 1: Ebikes that only assist while you pedal, with a top speed of 20 mph.

Class 2: Ebikes with a throttle that don't require you to pedal but have a top speed of 20 mph.

Class 3: Ebikes that only assist while you pedal, with a top speed of 28 mph.

So check your local regulations before you buy. And always wear a helmet.

Dan Cavallari is the former technical editor for VeloNews Magazine, who currently reviews electric bikes, the best bike lights , best bike locks , and other bike accessories for Tom's Guide. In addition to VeloNews, his work has appeared in Triathlete Magazine, Rouleur Magazine, CyclingTips.com, Road Bike Action, Mountain Bike Action, CycleVolta.com, Tomsguide.com, and much more. 

Dan also hosts two podcasts on his site, Slow Guy on the Fast Ride: One is about cycling and other outdoor activities, while the other looks at mental health issues. Most recently, Dan also covered the 2022 Tour de France. Dan lives outside of Denver, Colorado with his family. 

John R. Quain has been reviewing and testing video and audio equipment for more than 20 years. For Tom's Guide, he has reviewed televisions, HDTV antennas, electric bikes, electric cars, as well as other outdoor equipment. He is currently a contributor to The New York Times and the CBS News television program. John has also written our guide to the best bike helmets . 

how we test

All the bicycles in this feature were road (and in some cases, off-road) tested by Tom’s Guide reviewers and staff. 

The testing process begins when we first receive the bike; as most come only partly assembled, we assess the difficulty with which we have to put the final pieces together. Typically, this involves attaching the front wheel, handlebars, and pedals, but some bikes are easier to put together than others. 

Next, we take the bikes for a ride, evaluating their comfort, handling, responsiveness of their motors — some will be faster to apply power than others — as well as how they perform over a variety of terrain and conditions. For example, if we're testing a fat-tire bike, we'll take it off-roading; if we're testing a cargo bike, we'll load it with kids and grocery bags. 

If a bike has headlights and/or taillights, we'll also check to see how bright they are in dimmer conditions. After all, you're not going to only ride it during the day. We'll also try out any other safety features, such as bells and horns. 

We also evaluate the advertised battery range of an electric bike. Many companies will offer, shall we say, optimistic range estimates based on ideal riding conditions: A light rider using the lowest level of power assist, and traveling on a level road in 70-degree conditions. 

But, that's not reflective of real-world use. While it's impossible to replicate the exact same conditions from one bike review to the next, we do our best to provide as much detail in our reviews as to how we rode the bike (terrain, pedal assist levels) to determine how close to accurate the companies' claims are.

Finally, if an electric bike comes with an app — as is becoming increasingly common— we'll test it out too, to see how easy it is to use, and how well it works with the bike itself. 

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Michael A. Prospero is the U.S. Editor-in-Chief for Tom’s Guide. He oversees all evergreen content and oversees the Homes, Smart Home, and Fitness/Wearables categories for the site. In his spare time, he also tests out the latest drones, electric scooters, and smart home gadgets, such as video doorbells. Before his tenure at Tom's Guide, he was the Reviews Editor for Laptop Magazine, a reporter at Fast Company, the Times of Trenton, and, many eons back, an intern at George magazine. He received his undergraduate degree from Boston College, where he worked on the campus newspaper The Heights, and then attended the Columbia University school of Journalism. When he’s not testing out the latest running watch, electric scooter, or skiing or training for a marathon, he’s probably using the latest sous vide machine, smoker, or pizza oven, to the delight — or chagrin — of his family.

• John R. Quain

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• Marc-G Hello, I noticed a couple of errors in the article around pricing on a couple of the bikes. Regarding the Gazelle Medeo T9 classic, your article list a starting price of $1999 but clicking the link takes you to their site where the least expensive model is $2499 and no model called Medeo T9 Classic is available nor can such a model be found with search. The second model is the VanMoof S3 which is listed in the article with a starting price of $1999 but going to the site shows a price of $2299. As someone trying to persuade his wife that an ebike would be a worthwhile purchase for me, I’d be grateful if you would clarify these discrepancies. One last thing. On the article itself, it says it was published 21 hours ago when it was actually published on July 21. I’m going to assume some aspect of it was updated but I can’t spot any changes to it and would appreciate it if whatever was updated could be noted somewhere. Many thanks for the article. Pricing confusion aside, it’s been quite helpful for me. Reply
• Marc-G Thanks for the reply. Just went back to the top of this page and realized that it said 2020. However, if that’s the case, why is it made to look like a recent article? Does that mean all the authors did was change the title from best of 2020 to best of 2021? That seems kind of disingenuous to me. Reply
• mprospero Hi Marc - We've recently updated the pricing for all the models. We've also added new ones to this list as we've reviewed them. Reply
• GFujioka You do your readers a disservice and reveal your partiality by not listing the 64,5 lb weight of your number one bike. Cheers. Reply
• gtilford One factor that seems to be missing from virtually every review-support. I have some friends who could not get parts for their ebikes for 6+months, and they were only 1 year old. I've had problems getting parts with a highly recommended brand. The bike is well made, it performs well, but parts are nearly unobtainable. If I knew then when I know now about parts availability I wouild not have purchased the brand. Reply
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You Get an Ebike, the Earth Gets a Tree Help us celebrate Earth Day! For every ebike we sell, we’ll plant a tree through the National Forest Foundation — now through 4/24.

Electric Bikes

We build custom, affordable electric bikes for all lifestyles: city, commuter, off-road, outdoors, family, RV, and more. We offer a variety of ebike types for your ride including folding, utility, cargo, and step-through.

• Cargo & Utility
• Fat & Mid-Fat Tire

Electric Off-Road Bike

We’ve slimmed down Rad’s classic fat tires for a sportier off-road experience, and upped the torque for faster hill-climbing. Enjoy up to 65 miles of range per charge, class-3 capabilities, and controls that lock with a personalized passcode.

For riders 4'11"-5'8"

For riders 5'7"-6'4"

Electric Cargo Bike

This is the first RadWagon to feature front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and class 3 capability. Ride easy with more hill-climbing torque, a condensed frame for extra-confident handling, and a whopping 375 lb. payload capacity to carry kids and cargo.

For riders 4'11"-6'3"

Electric Commuter Bike

The Radster Road is a commuter bike built for smooth, everyday rides. Pedal up to 28 MPH, conquer hills with 100 Nm of torque, and secure your ebike with passcode-protected controls. For optimal pavement-performance, it's equipped with narrow tires.

Electric Folding Bike

We’ve taken the classic RadExpand and enhanced it with front suspension and hydraulic disc brakes for smoother rides on any terrain. Our most advanced folding bike yet features our turn signals, all-new tech, and retractable pedals for even easier storage.

For riders 4'10"-5'10"

Electric Utility Bike

The RadRunner 3 Plus raises the bar for what you can expect from an electric utility bike. Featuring a redesigned low-step frame, hydraulic brakes, and our most up-to-date tech, it's expertly engineered to deliver an unmatched riding experience.

For riders 4'11"-6'2"

This head turner delivers on more than just style: it can help you carry cargo, passengers, and even your morning joe. Factor in over 330 possible accessory combinations, and you can customize this moped-style ebike to your heart’s content. 

For riders 4'11" - 6'2"

Our latest folding ebike has fatter tires to tackle adventures of all sorts. Featuring a step-through frame, and allows you to customize your ride with adjustable handlebars, seven speeds, and four levels of pedal-assist.

For riders 4'10" - 5'10"

Electric Tricycle

Utility Tricycle

For riders 4'10" - 6'4"

Electric City Bike

The RadCity 5 Plus Step-Thru makes commuting the best part of your day. Hop on and off with ease via the step-thru frame design. Hydraulic disc brakes and a 750W geared hub motor help you conquer hills without breaking a sweat, while a semi-integrated battery makes recharging and storing your battery a breeze.

For riders 4'8" - 6'0"

The RadCity 5 Plus High-Step makes commuting the best part of your day. The high-step frame delivers a traditional bike-feel, offering hydraulic disc brakes and a 750W geared hub motor help you conquer hills without breaking a sweat, while a semi-integrated battery makes recharging and storing your battery a breeze.

For riders 5'4" - 6'5"

Electric Fat Tire Bike

The ebike model that started it all: Hop on our flagship fat tire and you may never want to leave. Now in its sixth version, the RadRover 6 Plus powers through all types of weather and terrain, with the technology and design to make it your best ebike ride yet.

For riders 5'7" - 6'2"

The ebike model that started it all: Hop on our flagship fat tire and you may never want to leave. Now in its sixth version, the RadRover 6 Step-Thru makes it easy to step on and power through all types of weather and terrain, with the technology and design to make it your best ebike ride yet.

For riders 5'2" - 6'2"

This next-level hauler is perfect for taking the kids across town or loading up at the hardware store. The electric cargo bike's elongated frame and lower center of gravity provide stable, reliable rides, even when you’re taking full advantage of the 350 lb. payload capacity. Take a passenger (or two!) for a spin.

For riders 5'1" - 6'4"

Perfect for errands, perfect for fun, this electric utility bike comes fully-loaded with exclusive accessories to elevate your everyday experiences. The passenger package invites you to bring a friend for the ride, while the premium headlight gives you the confidence to hit the road any time.

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Frame Types

High-Step Frame

Step-Thru Frame

Mid-Step Frame

Electric bikes for all.

Rad Power Bikes was founded in 2007 as a sole proprietorship and today, it’s North America’s largest electric bike brand. We rely on hundreds of designers, engineers, and support specialists to ensure that all 450,000+ customers ride the best electric bikes possible. Our vision is a world where transportation is energy-efficient, enjoyable, and accessible to all.

An electric bike is simply a traditional bicycle that has been equipped with a battery-powered motor that makes it easier for riders to climb hills , go faster, haul cargo, and cover longer distances without getting tired with support from a pedal assist feature or a throttle. It is also known as an ebike or e-bike. 

You can ride an electric bike the same way you would ride a traditional bike. The only difference is you have the option to summon power from the motor to make pedaling easier or operate the bike without pedaling.

In North America, electric bikes are commonly put into three different regulatory classes. 

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only; motor provides assistance all the way up to 20 mph.
• Class 2: Pedal-assist or throttle; motor provides assistance all the way up to 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal assist only; motor provides assistance all the way up to 28 mph.

At Rad Power Bikes we exclusively make Class 2 electric bikes . All of our electric bikes include a battery that lasts 45-50 miles per charge, depending on the amount of power used, the type of terrain being ridden on, and the weight of the rider and cargo.

How do ebikes work?

The geared hub or direct drive motor channels energy from the battery to the pedals, which adds extra power with each pedal stroke to help the rider operate the bike. This is the pedal assist feature. Some electric bikes, like Rad's, also include a throttle which propels the bike forward without the rider having to pedal, similar to a moped.

There are two ways electric bikes can be made. They can either be designed to be electric bikes from the start or developed by converting traditional bikes to be electric. An ebike conversion kit is a set of equipment that can be used to convert a traditional bicycle to an electric bicycle. Since ebikes for sale at Rad Power Bikes come standard with the motor and other necessary components, an ebike conversion kit is not necessary. 

Why should I consider an ebike?

Electric bikes can fit seamlessly into your everyday life. They can be used to help you run errands, commute to work , enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hiking, skiing, fishing, or hunting. They can also enhance your mobility and help you ride with children . In short, they’re a fun, easy way to get around and do more of what you love.

Electric bikes also have commercial uses. Domino’s pizza franchises use our ebikes to deliver food and hundreds of rental fleets rely on Rad Power Bikes.

Match your lifestyle and ride needs

We know that different riders have different needs. While all of our bikes are great for multi-use situations, some models have special features. Electric cargo and utility bikes can be used to haul gear or ride with children. Electric folding bikes are designed to fit in RVs, trunks, small apartments or other compact spaces. Electric city and commuter bikes are designed for urban travel, reducing car trips, and saving you gas money. Electric off-road and all-terrain bikes are designed for camping trips, hunting, fishing, and light mountain biking. 

In addition, we also design step-through electric bike models that make it easier to mount and dismount the bike and enhance mobility for all kinds of riders. All of our electric bikes can be used to climb hills easier, cover long distances, and haul cargo without getting tired.

We also sell ebike accessories that you can use to customize your ride. These include products for storage and transport , safety and security , seating and comfort , and ebike upgrades like phone mounts and USB chargers. To help you find the best accessories for your needs, you can select a curated electric bike kit or use the ebike customizer option at checkout. 

Energy efficient transportation 

There are e nvironmental benefits that come with riding an ebike . Electric bikes are a key form of energy efficient transportation. They do not give off emissions while riding, ease traffic, and reduce congestion. Check out how ebikes can cut your carbon footprint with our emissions calculator .

Electric bikes can help you save money on gas since they provide a reliable alternative to cars. In addition, ebikes can reduce costs associated with parking and routine car maintenance. 

Health benefits

Research says electric bikes can improve your health by helping you get exercise . When you pedal an ebike, you burn calories – especially if you are not using a high level of pedal assist. Electric bikes also make it easier to go longer distances than traditional bikes, which can extend the amount of time that you exercise. 

We’ve heard from many customers that our electric bikes have improved their health. Rider Blair Hebert says his ebike helped him lose 40 lb., reverse adult onset diabetes, and recover from fatty liver disease . Another rider told us that he used his electric bike to lose weight ahead of a kidney donation surgery. (These are testimonials from customers and are not meant to constitute specific medical advice or claims.)

How to buy Rad

We sell electric bikes at affordable prices as a direct-to-consumer company which means we don’t sell our products through third-party retailers, helping reduce overhead costs. We then pass the savings on to our consumers. We were the first electric bike company to pursue this business model. You can also take advantage of flexible ebike financing options , free shipping, a one-year warranty , and a 14-day free trial. 

To help find the best electric bike model by browsing our website, using our ebike finder , reading our guide to the best electric bikes , or calling our specially trained customer support team and asking for their advice. You’ll be prompted to enter your zip code where you can choose to have the bike sent directly to you, sent to a bike shop for assembly, delivered fully-assembled by a velofix mobile service provider or for online pick-up at a Rad Power Bikes retail store.   

We have r etail stores in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. When you shop at a retail store, you can test ride models and ask for advice from our retail team to find the best ebike for you. Find a location near you here. Our customer service team can take your order over the phone, answer additional questions you have about ebikes, and help you pick your preferred shipping option. 

Owning a Rad ebike

We design high-quality electric bikes our customers are proud to own. Every ebike is rigorously tested to ensure quality before it reaches your doorstep. To learn more about our design and quality assurance process, read our guide . 

Our Product Support team can help you troubleshoot issues online or over the phone. For service maintenance and repairs , you can take your electric bike to a Rad Power Bikes service center, book a mobile service visit from our third-party partner, velofix, or bring your ebike to a local bike shop in our network. 

Thank you to our 450,000+ customers who are having fun and riding Rad!

Don’t miss out.

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