Another reason to love the 40|44 and all Reserve wheels is the choice of pricing, based on the hub spec. Our test set featured the workhorse DT Swiss 350 Staightpull hubs, and retail for $1799. The DT 350 packs a huge amount of performance, reliability, and serviceability into the 40|44 while allowing the weight to remain respectable at just over 1500g with tubeless tape and valves installed. At an additional cost, Reserve also offers the 40|44 with DT Swiss 240 (1445g) and DT 180 (1381g) hubs for weight savings, but realistically, hubs are about reliability and quick cassette engagement, both of which the 350 has covered and then some. 

As the name denotes, the 40|44 are a mixed-depth wheelset, meaning the front rim is shallower than the rear. Reserve designs all of their road wheels this way because, in reality, the demands and conditions affecting front and rear wheels are slightly different. Up front, turbulent air is hitting a lighter wheel that is bearing far less of the rider’s weight and is free to rotate along with the fork. So, the shallower 40mm rim offers more stability because it catches less airflow. The taller 44mm rear rim makes for a slightly stiffer wheel build, for more responsive acceleration. Bearing more of the rider’s weight, shielded from the wind by the rider’s lower body and locked into the rear triangle of the bike, the rear wheel is much less of a liability in blustery conditions, so there’s no downside to the increased depth.

Straightpull spokes are another great choice for this wheelset, allowing for very high spoke tension, which creates plenty of responsiveness during accelerations and lateral stiffness during aggressive maneuvering. 

Reserve also made the 40|44 easy to get along with. The hooked tubeless-ready rims are compatible with any tubeless tire or clinchers run with tubes. DT Swiss’ hubs are reliable and easy to service. There is also no weight limit and Reserve offers a lifetime warranty and crash replacement discount for added peace of mind to protect your investment. And, our experience with Reserve’s warranty department has always been good. 

While other wheels might stand out more in certain situations, the Reserve 40|44 is a super capable all-arounder that has you covered on any ride, pace, surface, or distance. At $1799 US, they are moderately priced (compared to some premium options) and a great performance and comfort upgrade for any disc brake road bike.

Read our full review of the Reserve 40|44 Road Wheels.

As the name suggests, the 44 Aerodynamicist Carbon features a Carbon rim with a 44mm depth. This depth strikes a good middle ground between super-deep aero rims and shallower rims where they still slice through the air efficiently but avoid getting pushed around in variable winds. The hooked rims are 20mm wide internally and 29mm wide externally, and Hunt claims they are aero-optimized for use with 25c-28c tires. That said, they should work with any tires between 23-50mm as the hooked rim is compatible with tubeless-ready tires or clinchers with a tube.

The rims are laced with straight-pull aero spokes to Hunt hubs with center lock brake rotor interfaces, plus they come with rotor lock rings, which is a nice touch. The freehub features three pawls and a 48-tooth ratchet for quick 7.5-degree engagement. Hunt has also accounted for all freehub styles, and you can pick between Shimano HG, SRAM XDR, Campagnolo, and Campagnolo N3W (Ekar), so drivetrain compatibility shouldn’t be an issue. They also include a spacer for 8/9/10 speed cassettes along with a few spare spokes, nipples, and washers.

Beyond the build, the performance of the 44 Aerodynamicist is also great. They feel lighter than their weight suggests when climbing and getting on the gas, yet reassuringly stable at speed and generally unfazed when subject to crosswinds. They also provide a good amount of comfort over less-than-perfect road surfaces like weathered pavement or the occasional detour down a gravel road. They also look fantastic, with a matte black finish and subtle logos that look classy and will go with any bike build.

At $1,279, the Hunt 44 Aerodynamicist still are no drop in the bucket, but they’re hundreds less than most moderately priced carbon road wheels. On top of that, Hunt offers a 3-year warranty and riders can purchase the H_Care lifetime crash replacement policy for $69. They also have a 60-day Ride and Return Policy, so you try these wheels with confidence knowing that you’re not committed if you don’t happen to like them. But, you probably will because these are excellent wheels, especially for the price.

Read our full review of the Hunt 44 Aerodynamicist Carbon Disc wheels.

Big Gains for Big Days is the Why behind the 36 Disc, according to Cadex. At 1354g with tape and valves installed, the Cadex 36 is an impressively light wheelset but delivers more than just uphill speed. With a 22.4 internal width and a hookless rim, the Cadex 36 Disc are also optimized for running bigger tires at lower pressure, which makes big days on the bike less exhausting through improved rolling efficiency and enhanced comfort. 

High tensile strength carbon spokes are a big part of the weight savings achieved in the Cadex 36 Disc but also make for an incredibly stiff and responsive wheel. The spokes are bladed for improved aerodynamics and stability in windy conditions. Cadex’s own R1-C30 low-friction hubs feature precision-machined internals and ceramic bearings which they claim roll up to 50% more smoothly than steel hub bearings. Additionally, Cadex uses what they call “Custom-Tuned Dynamic Balanced Lacing” to achieve a wider bracing angle and higher spoke tension to bolster stiffness and responsiveness.

Setup was quick and easy as the wheels come with tubeless tapes and valves installed. Tires seated easily with just a floor pump, but be aware that the Cadex 36 Disc rim is hookless, so it is absolutely critical to run compatible hookless approved tires. No clincher tires are compatible with hookless rims, and a fair number of “tubeless-ready” tires are not compatible with hookless rims, either, so it’s best to do some research prior to choosing your rubber. (They are currently selling the wheels as a set with tires included for $2,500)

“Big gains” is something that can be felt from the first pedal stroke. The Cadex 36 spin up very easily and hold speed incredibly well uphill. Stomping on the pedals, the lateral rigidity reminds one of a deeper rim, but with the responsiveness and zest of a wheel this light. Whether tapping out a deliberate, measured cadence or dropping the hammer, these wheels are happy to do whatever you please. And despite their stiffness, at 36mm deep, the Cadex 36 do still offer some forgiveness over road chatter, cracks, and bumps in the road. Handling at all speeds is predictable, precise, and they feel stable at speed and virtually unaffected by crosswinds.

While it can certainly be hard to justify the premium price tag of the Cadex 36 wheels at $1,400 and $1,800 for the front and rear, respectively, they are currently being sold for $2,500 as a set with a pair of Cadex tires. While that clearly isn’t inexpensive, it’s an easier pill to swallow and even undercuts the price of several other premium wheelsets. And, Cadex’s Composite Confidence Guarantee covers damage for the first two years, along with a 5-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

So, if you’re looking for some light, stiff, and classy-looking wheels to help make hills feel flatter, the Cadex 36 is worth a serious look. They don’t come cheap but these wheels offer premium performance for those seeking the best.

Read our full review of the Cadex 36 Disc wheels.

The Alpinist SLX rim is made from 6061 aluminum aluminum alloy with a shot-peened finish. The rim is a hooked and tubeless-ready design with a moderate internal width of 20mm and an external width of 23.5mm that will work great with tires from 25 to 30c. While a touch narrower than what is quickly becoming the norm, these rims still work great with the vast majority of tires most people are using for pure road riding. That said, the Alpinist SLX rim still manages to feel plush and maneuverable, especially when set up tubeless with 30c rubber. With aluminum rims and a lightweight overall build, it’s critical to choose the best tires, otherwise, the ride quality and rolling resistance will be less than ideal. And, being a more affordable aluminum option, it leaves room in the budget to upgrade tires as well. 

Moving away from the rim, it’s clear that Roval was committed to making intelligent choices in selecting the parts for the Alpinist SLX wheelset, making them as well-rounded as some more expensive custom-built wheels. First, we find Sapim D-Light spokes, which aren’t the lightest or most aero spokes, but do enhance the ride quality of the Alpinist SLX. Those are laced to the legendary DT Swiss 350 hub with a 36-tooth star ratchet system for solid 10-degree engagement under power. The DT 350 is also one of the most reliable and easily serviced hubs ever produced.

Setting up the Alpinist SLX tubeless was fairly easy, with both tape and tubeless valves supplied inside the box. We did need to use an air compressor to pop the tire beads into place, but once that was done, the tires held air perfectly. 

On the road, the Alpinist SLX were pleasant to ride at a steady pace across any terrain. Only during the most extreme maneuvers and accelerations was it evident that they weren’t quite as stiff and snappy as some carbon options we tested. It’s no surprise that many of the professional teams that Specialized sponsors use the Alpinist SLX as training wheels between races. These are comfortable, predictable, and stable wheels for munching up big miles.

If you want an affordable, comfortable, and worry-free upgrade to your stock aluminum wheels, the Roval Alpinist SLX are a smart pick. Just be sure to match them with a high-end tubeless tire to realize their full potential.

The “Black” in HED Ardennes RA Black is a reference to its namesake, the textured black braking surface that features “Turbine Braking Technology”. The main benefit of Turbine Braking Technology is that the textured surface dramatically reduces stopping distances and the force required at the brake lever, which is of particular importance when running rim brakes. HED makes some lofty promises that these wheels will stop up to 25% faster in dry conditions and as much as 70% faster in wet conditions compared to other rim brake wheels with carbon brake tracks. The other obvious benefit is that the black brake track looks super stealthy, just like carbon rims, but without the concerns around heat buildup at the brake track, and poor wet-weather braking performance.

While controlling your speed is obviously super-critical, these wheels are also focused on ride quality and performance. The rims themselves are designed and constructed to provide a comfortable yet lively ride with an internal width of 21mm that is well suited to pure road riding tire widths between 23 and 30c. Unlike disc brake wheels, brake track width and tire volume are more of a consideration, and here the HED Ardennes hit the sweet spot.

Those rims are laced to HED HU216 (f) and Sonic 545 (r) hubs with Sapim CX-Ray bladed spokes. The front wheel uses straight pull spokes and radial lacing while the rear uses J-bend spokes in a 2x cross pattern. These spokes are light, aerodynamic, and provide a great ride quality in addition to being relatively easy to find should you need to replace one. And, in our experience with HED Ardennes wheels, you may never need to replace one or even true your wheels. The 5-pawl freehub engages quickly, and while it has a somewhat aggressive freewheeling sound, it isn’t over the top.

HED includes tubeless rim tape with the wheels, but you’ll need valve stems to complete the system which they sell separately for $15 a pop on their site in a range of lengths. Outside of that, setting up tires proved to be super easy and only required the use of a floor pump.

On the road, the HED Ardennes RA Black feel efficient and comfortable and not far off from more expensive deep-section carbon hoops. Super discerning riders might feel a slight reduction in efficiency, but the ride quality, responsiveness, and comfort these wheels provide over rough pavement is hard to ignore. Likewise, the rim brake stopping power is the best we’ve ever experienced, competitive in power and modulation to hydraulic disc brakes.

So, if you’re not convinced that carbon fiber rims or disc brakes are for you, the HED Ardennes RA Black is our top recommendation. While $1,300 isn’t exactly cheap, they cost less than most carbon options while providing a nicely balanced ride quality, excellent stopping power, and good looks.

Read our full review of the HED Ardennes RA Black wheels.

Setting up the EP30 SL with tubeless tires was a cinch, thanks to nice and sticky tubeless tape that only requires one layer, and high-quality tubeless valves, which are included with purchase. Since the EP30 SL rim is hooked, you can run any tire under the sun with or without an innertube, which we love and applaud. While the rim is hooked, the hook is less pronounced than traditional clincher rims, a design HiFi terms “micro-hook”. The benefits are the tire security and compatibility of a traditional hooked design, with a more advanced rim/tire interface that allows the tire to better protect the top edge of the brake track from impacts with potholes and other road debris.

The EP30 SL’s 19/25mm internal/external width is a bit narrower than most road wheels being developed at present. Keeping in mind that the tires must safely clear rim brake calipers and narrow parts of the frame and fork, 19/25mm is a smart choice from a compatibility standpoint. Thanks to a ride quality that balances stiffness with a good amount of compliance, we found that with 25c and 28c rubber installed, the EP30 SL had a nice balance of speed and comfort, and allowed the tire to grip confidently at all times.

At 1320 grams, the EP30 SL is an ideal choice for hilly terrain, but far away from a niche wheelset for pure climbers. Not only were the 395g rims quick to spin up, but the 30mm deep profile was tenacious at high speed, helping us bomb down descents and charge across flat terrain like much deeper options. The EP30 SL rim offers plenty of stiffness, providing pinpoint maneuverability and surefooted confidence with the bike leaning through fast turns. Climbing on them is special, though. We set numerous personal best times on local climbs that we’ve ridden dozens of times while testing these wheels.

The braking performance of the EP30 SL rim was excellent, with zero shuttering, squealing, or brake fade. While we don’t recommend any carbon brake track wheel for day-in and day-out riding in wet and grimy conditions, we can confirm that the EP30 SL is ready to descend aggressively and ride in traffic with total confidence, in dry and slightly damp conditions. They also come with carbon-specific brake pads that we found to work great for slowing down in a hurry.

The EP30 HiFi Fidelity R36SL straight pull hubs feature high-quality Japanese steel bearings and use a 4-pawl system engaging with a 36-tooth ring. The R36SL hubs offer quick and reliable engagement, lightweight, and long-term dependability. The R36SL hubs are laced by hand to the EP30 SL rim with Sapim CX-Ray straight pull spokes. and Sapim Secure Lock Alloy nipples. The front wheel features an 18-spoke radial lacing pattern, while the rear utilizes a 24-hole 2:1 lacing pattern with 16 spokes on the drive side and 8 on the non-drive.

In the case of major incidents, HiFi offers a generous crash replacement policy that provides a 50% off MSRP discount on any wheel and necessary parts that are structurally damaged in a crash or accident. HiFi also guarantees their wheels to be free of manufacturing defects for 24 months from the date of purchase by the original owner. 

At $1970, the HiFi EP30 SL is a significant investment but will have you setting new personal bests and keep your beloved rim brake race bike on the road for many more years to come, instead of spending a lot more money to ride a different bike that is heavier and more complicated to maintain.

The Trimax 35 rim features a slightly more aggressive 35mm depth and material is milled away around the spokes nipples, ensuring a race-worthy strength-to-weight ratio and creating a striking aesthetic. While Vision offers no specific aerodynamic claims about the Trimax 35 rim, it’s documented that deeper rims provide an advantage when riding at higher speed, by giving the air more surface to flow across, thus reducing the turbulence and aero drag that slows the rim down.

The rim is wide enough across the spoke bed to work well with 28c tires but for the best aerodynamics, a 25c tire is ideal and will create a smooth transition from the rim to the tire sidewall. Thankfully, the Vision Trimax 35 is tubeless ready, so those smaller 25c tires will still be comfortable and fast-rolling because they can be run at lower pressure without a tube inside. 

While the Trimax 35 DB CL wheelset isn’t a featherweight option at 1650 grams, when set up tubeless and paired with a lightweight and supple tire, it’s a fast set of wheels. The deeper rim and shorter spokes react with vigor to sudden spikes in power. The only thing that holds these wheels back a bit at times is the 3-pawl freehub, which takes a moment to engage the rear wheel during sudden accelerations, which we found most noticeable when climbing. Once the climbing is done, the Trimax 35 wheels are more than ready to rip descents, corners, and long flat stretches of open road. 

We were honestly quite pleasantly surprised by the Vision Trimax 35 DB CL given their reasonable cost of just $550. Sometimes it’s easy to get swept up in all the latest and greatest tech when testing the best of the best. To their credit, Vision has created a fast and nice-looking set of wheels that won’t break the bank but might help you break away from the pack.

One of the standout features of the ARD44 wheels is the Fusion Fiber rims. Made in Utah by CSS Composites, Fusion Fiber has been used by Forge+Bond and in Chris King’s other recent complete GRD and MTN wheelsets. Using a thermoplastic resin, Fusion Fiber is not only recyclable but claims to absorb vibration better than traditional carbon fiber as well. On the road, the comfort is readily apparent as they soak up road buzz and impact as well as any other wheels we’ve tried. That smoothness translates directly to grip and rolling efficiency since everything seems less affected by imperfections in the road surface, handling is super calm and predictable, and the wheels are surprisingly quiet and damp sounding too (other than the freehub).

With a 44mm depth, the ARD44 rims offer a moderate level of aero advantage, which is enhanced by the hookless design for a smoother transition at the rim-tire interface. Despite the 44mm depth, we found them to be impressively stable in crosswinds where some deep section rims can feel sketchy. In varying winds, they did not waver or get pushed around and felt more similar to shallower designs. The hookless design and 25mm internal/30.5mm external width have been “aerodynamically tailored for 28mm-30mm tires”, meaning tires of those sizes will be the most aero-efficient. That said, they are claimed to work with tires up to 47mm wide, meaning they also have your all-road and gravel needs covered.

At the center of those rims are Chris King R45D hubs which are made in their factory in Portland, OR. These stunning hubs are available in a range of color options, have a center lock brake rotor interface, and can be purchased with Shimano HG, SRAM XDR, or Shimano Microspline freehub bodies. The house-made stainless steel bearings are ultra-smooth (plus you can upgrade to ceramic for $110) and feature King’s RingDrive system which has 45 points of simultaneous engagement, or 8°, for a zesty, precise feel. Twenty-four bladed, J-bend Sapim CX-Ray spokes connect the rims and hubs together.

At 1525g, the ARD44 isn’t the lightest wheelset around, but what little additional weight they have goes virtually unnoticed on the road, much the same way that cracked and weathered pavement seems to disappear beneath you. Should you manage to damage your wheels, Chris King’s Lifetime Warranty has your back, and they really mean it. If you damage your rim, they will pay for shipping both ways, a new rim and rebuild, plus a hub service. It doesn’t get much better than that.

At $2850, the ARD44 wheelset is well within premium-priced wheelset territory. While they aren’t the lightest, they offer a beautiful ride quality through their Fusion Fiber rims, bombproof Chris King hubs, excellent craftsmanship, and attention to detail. They are also great looking, with a raw carbon finish and subtle, matte King logos. For those in search of an elegant carbon wheelset to grace your forever bike and who value comfort and stability over outright speed, then the Chris King ARD44 may well be worth the cost.

Read our full review of the Chris King ARD44 road wheels.

A hookless rim is an interesting choice for a wheelset so steeped in road heritage, as the technology was first developed for mountain bike rims before becoming commonplace on gravel and cyclocross-focused designs. While it is true that tire options become limited with hookless rims, nearly all leading brands now offer a road tire that is hookless compatible.

For a road wheelset, the primary claimed benefit of hookless is the more aerodynamic and efficient profile that the tire assumes when installed. By smoothing the transition from rim to tire, airflow is less disrupted and the rim itself is less exposed to impact. Additionally, manufacturers claim the rim itself can be kept lighter without adding hooks. Yet despite these claimed advantages, there are plenty of riders who are opposed to hookless rims in road riding.

So, how does this new-school philosophy in rim design affect the ride characteristics of the 303 Firecrest? When paired with 28c tires (the minimum volume that is compatible, according to Zipp) and inflated to 70 PSI, the 303 Firecrest feels so smooth, that it takes some getting used to. On a few occasions during the first ride, we were compelled to look down to ensure there wasn’t a puncture. In reality, the 303 Firecrest and the wider tires were doing their job in perfect harmony, soaking up road buzz and decreasing rolling resistance, which in turn preserves more speed and more energy in the rider, a win-win! While that level of smoothness doesn’t always translate well to cornering, we found it felt natural, confident, and precise. This is due to the 30mm external rim width, which prevents the tire from deforming under the lateral force generated by leaning the bike into a turn. 

Climbing, the 303’s low weight was readily apparent, and they made easy work of even double-digit gradients. The rear hub’s 66-point engagement helps here as there is no lag when your cadence drops or pedaling gets choppy. At high speed, the 40mm deep rim was surprisingly efficient, reminiscent of a rim with greater depth. With the 303 Firecrest, it’s easier to hold onto higher speeds, because the entire wheel and tire (+ bike and rider) system is suspended more efficiently above the road, so the road is essentially smoothed out, and watts are thereby saved.

Testing this wheelset wasn’t as much an “ah-ha” as an “uh-huh”, as the 303 Firecrest has been and will remain on the short list of the best-performing road wheels available. Zipp realizes that their bread and butter – aerodynamics – has hit a plateau in development, and smartly pivoted to rolling resistance to stay ahead of the pack with the 303 Firecrest. At $2046, they are actually competitively priced compared to many top-tier models. It’s a hard wheelset to look away from and was even harder to send back to Zipp.

We had the chance to test the Aeolus Pro 49V back-to-back against the range-topping Aeolus RSL 51. On the same bike, with the same tires and tire pressure, riding the same 15-mile loop, it was honestly challenging to identify a difference in performance. If the test had been blind, we’re not sure we could have correctly which was the $1800 wheelset, or the one costing $1,000 more. Safe to say that whatever difference could be measured by CFD analysis, or by a truly rigorous road test using a power meter, the differences would be marginal. 

So, where exactly do the cost savings come from? The most direct cost-saving difference is the level of carbon fiber used in the respective rims. While the Aeolus RSL range features Bontrager’s lighter top-tier “RSL OCLV”, the Aeolus Pro range uses the slightly heavier “OCLV Next” carbon, to match the same level of strength as the RSL. The heavier rims are part of why the Aeolus Pro 49V weighs 1555g, while the Aeolus RSL 51 wheelset is just 1410g. 

Moving away from the rim, the Aeolus Pro 49V uses heavier hubs, which don’t use the same DT-Swiss internals as the Aeolus RSL 51. Still, the Bontrager Rapid Drive 108 hubs found on the Aoelus Pro 49V offer excellent engagement and a precise, snappy feel when accelerating and climbing. They also feature the same DT Swiss Aerolite Spokes, which can withstand super-high tension and have been tested to be one of the most aerodynamically efficient spokes available. 

Next to the Aeolus RSL 51, the Aeolus Pro 49V has a less refined finish, but it’s certainly still a classy-looking wheelset. As someone who likes to occasionally throw fast wheels on my gravel bike for a race, the extra 2mm of internal rim width and the extra $1000 in my bank account would choosing between the two super easy. While weight is what a lot of folks fixate on when upgrading wheels, in our experience this year testing wheels and tires, we’ve downgraded its importance somewhat, assuming it’s under 1600g. Aerodynamics and low rolling resistance are where it’s at for us, and the Aeolus Pro 49V delivers both in good measure. 

All Bontrager carbon wheels are warrantied for life for the original purchaser and come with the added protection of Carbon Care. If you structurally damage your wheels while riding in the first two years of ownership, Bontrager will replace them. This is a significantly more generous offer than what most carbon wheel manufacturers list as “protection”. So, if you’re looking for a versatile aero wheelset that is comfortable and reliable and has an excellent warranty, the Bontrager Aeolus Pro 49V is a winning pick.

At 25mm wide internally, the SES 3.4 is wide enough to support huge gravel tires but is also aerodynamically optimized for 28c road tires designed for road racing. Speaking of tires, the ENVE SES 3.4’s hookless rim is only compatible with approved hookless tubeless-ready tires. It is possible to run the ENVE SES 3.4 with tubes, but those tubes will still need to be used in conjunction with a hookless tubeless-ready tire. In most cases, such a combination will be heavy and add significant rolling resistance, so we recommend the ENVE SES 3.4 only for riders who intend to use tubeless tires. 

The SES 3.4 rims are different depths, but only marginally so, with a 39mm front and 43mm rear. The added depth bolsters responsiveness in the rear and the shallower front rim is more easily maneuvered, and also easier to hold steady in windy conditions. Responsiveness also gets a boost from the excellent ENVE Premium Road Hubs, which feature flange diameters, spacing, and spoke hole lacing that are all intended to maximize torsional stiffness, spoke tangency, and power transfer. 

Until a few competitors updated their wheels recently, the SES 3.4 were the most comfortable wheels we had ever tested. While they are no longer alone at the top in terms of ride quality, they’re still at the top. The SES 3.4 has an uncanny ability to ride pitch-perfect relative to whatever tire size and pressure is installed. Whether shod in 29c ENVE SES race tires at 68PSI, or a set of knobby gravel 42s, the ride is always responsive but well-damped, inspiring you to take any type of ride you choose.

The one thing we don’t like about the ENVE 3.4 also goes for every wheel ENVE makes, and a few other brands as well, and that’s internal nipples. This design saves a couple of watts of drag and gives ENVE wheels a sleek appearance, but truing the wheels becomes considerably more difficult when it involves tearing apart a complete tubeless tire setup, including removing the tape, before even beginning to adjust the spoke nipples. It’s not a huge issue, but most of the industry sticks with external nipples, for easy spoke tension adjustments that don’t involve tire and tape removal. 

That one issue aside, the ENVE SES 3.4 is everything we want a quiver-killer, all-around wheelset to be. As ENVE says, they are versatile, thanks to their width, aero of course (this is ENVE we’re talking about), light at 1455g, and fast, thanks to their low rolling resistance and excellent hubs. At $2850, they’re also expensive, but that’s no surprise with ENVE, a company that is still batting .1000 after a long time in the game.

And yet, the Dura Ace C50 cost $2,100 which is less than many of the other premium options on the market. It’s an interesting price point, just a few hundred dollars more than some newcomers without the race-winning pedigree, and nearly 15-20% less than other premium offerings from ENVE, Chris King, Zipp, and Roval. For racers running the requisite Shimano drivetrain, the allure of the C50 combined with its pricing makes them impossible to ignore. 

The C50’s 50mm rim is an all-around aero rim that has tangible watt-saving benefits when pedaling at high speed and also gives a huge boost on descents but never feels sluggish to spin up or maneuver. Its depth is only noticeable when starting from a complete stop and during very slow-speed maneuvers. Once you’re rolling, the C50 feels eager to attack any terrain or situation. For riders wanting a shallower rim that is quicker to spin up and change direction at high speed, Shimano offers the 36mm deep Dura Ace C36. For racers, and I do mean racers, wanting the most free speed available, the Dura Ace C60 takes it even deeper, for high-speed races on flat to rolling terrain. Of course, most of us only want to have one high-end wheelset that can do it all, and of the Dura-Ace range, the C50 is that wheel. 

We thoroughly enjoyed riding the Dura Ace C50, which is something that isn’t always the case with wheels this deep. While it’s nice knowing on a scientific level that wheels are fast because they are deep and aerodynamically optimized for slightly wider tires, often wheels of this depth feel cumbersome to spin up and less than eager to change direction quickly, and can be less than plush throughout long rides on rough roads. The C50s offer a damped ride quality and hum happily across broken pavement. They are nimble, allowing for easy course correction at high speed when the need arises. Climbing is surprisingly nice, with a direct, eager response to accelerations and a smooth and easy efficiency during steady seated efforts. All these things are great and should be checked off by any high-end 50mm wheel, but are all outshined by how the Dura Ace C50 responds to all-out throw-downs of power. These wheels light up and burn across the tarmac.

High praise aside, an important consideration with these or any road wheels from Shimano is that Shimano hubs are now only compatible with Shimano cassettes, and it’s not possible to run these wheels with any 12-speed drivetrain from SRAM or Campagnolo. Next, Shimano hubs use a cup-and-cone style bearing system that needs to be serviced at more frequent intervals than the much more common cartridge bearing hubs. Lastly, these are road wheels, not gravel-sometimes, do whatever wheels. They do not have the ride quality and handling characteristics that work well on super rough terrain, and what little gravel we did ride rendered them less than potent weapons.

So, for those running a Shimano drivetrain who want to race or just shred aggressively on paved roads, and who ride in dry climates or don’t shy away from a little proactive hub maintenance, the Dura Ace C50 wheelset is a clear winner in the all-around deep section carbon wheel category.

“Anywhr” is a fitting name for this wheelset, as it performs well on any surface, gradient, and wind condition. For us, the Anywhr 40 is most impressive on long rides where tapping out a steady pace over varied terrain is key, and wheels must balance aerodynamics, low inertia, and comfort. These wheels make sense for a large segment of riders, from dedicated road and crit racers, to endurance-focused g-roadie, or recreational riders who want to have fun and ride great wheels.

The Anywhr 40 were a breeze to set up tubeless, thanks to OTHR mounting and seating Vittoria Corsa Pro Control 30c tires before shipping the wheels. If you’re not a fan of doing tubeless setups at home, we recommend purchasing new tires with your Anywhr 40, to enjoy this convenience and get on the road quickly. 

Climbing and descending on the Anywhr 40 was dreamy. Uphill, the wheels held speed easily, seeming to smooth out the small acceleration and deceleration of each pedal stroke. This is made possible by not only the low rim weight of 395g but also the 36-tooth ratchet system in the rear hub, which engages the cassette quickly. On descents, the 24mm wide rim maximized the tire’s grip but also held shape perfectly to quickly change direction when needed. At high speed, the 40mm depth means the front wheel was stable and predictable, allowing us to descend aggressively with total confidence. 

The situation we weren’t blown away by the Anywhr 40 was in all-out sprints. These wheels feel more about consistent speed by way of low rolling resistance versus short bursts of acceleration. While some other wheels were a bit spicier than the Anywhr 40 when we had the urge to throw down our max power, those wheels’ deeper, heavier rims were also less comfortable, and not as easy to maneuver as the Anywhr 40.

After testing and loving the OTHR Anywhr 40, we’re scratching our heads and trying to understand why many of the high-end wheels we tested cost almost double. While they may not dominate the best wheels from Zipp, ENVE, and the like in any one area, they are equal to all these wheels in that  “meat of the bell curve” Ritte references, where we do 95% of our riding. For this reason, we think they are a solid value and are worth a serious look for anyone looking to upgrade this year.

In reality, the Shimano C32 is one of those rare but glorious products that receive very little hype and attention but deliver astonishing performance and value. On the road, the C32 is impressive, climbing much better than its weight of 1504g would suggest, gliding over weathered pavement with reassuring stability, and maneuvering precisely and confidently at any speed. 

Only at high speeds above 30 mph does it become obvious that the Shimano C32 are not as aero as some slightly deeper options in the 40mm range. That said, the C32 feel so stable and easy to maneuver at speed that it lends confidence which will in turn enable you to maneuver the bike more efficiently and go plenty fast. And, for those seeking a slightly more aero version, Shimano also makes the C46 with a 46mm rim depth.

Shimano lists one of the key features of the C32 as its ability to “be easily matched to any bike”. While it’s true that these wheels will work with any disc brake road frameset using 12×100 and 12×142 thru axles, and their subdued aesthetics won’t clash with any other equipment, the C32 is not currently compatible with bikes running SRAM or Campagnolo drivetrains. Without getting into the weeds, when running a 12-speed drivetrain, Shimano hubs are now only compatible with Shimano cassettes, and this is due mainly to SRAM’s adoption of a 10-tooth cog and development of their own “XDR” freehub system to match their 12-speed cassettes. If you’re running 11-speed SRAM and your cassette bottoms out with an 11-tooth cog, you do have the option to use the Shimano C32. 

In addition to limited compatibility, Shimano hubs use a cup-and-cone style bearing system that needs to be serviced at more frequent intervals than the much more common cartridge bearing hubs found in other wheels. Lastly, these are road wheels, not gravel-sometimes, do whatever wheels. While their moderate width and shallow depth could work well on well-packed gravel, with tires up to about 40c, we wouldn’t want to constantly expose the hubs to dust and grime that come with gravel riding. 

Those concerns aside, ride quality, precise handling, and easy acceleration are all reasons why this wheelset that costs just over $1000 is a great investment in your Shimano-equipped road bike. With the money saved by avoiding far more expensive wheels, you’ll be able to easily upgrade to a great set of tires to help the Shimano C32 Tubeless Disc wheels ride their best.

The AR 58 rim measures 58mm deep, positioning the AR 58 in the class of aero wheels that don’t just look fast, but offer a tangible feeling of free speed. The rim is optimized for 23-28c tires, although with a relatively narrow 19mm internal width, we found they handled and rolled best when shod with 25c tires. 

Out of the box, our test set of AR 58 was perfectly true and round, and the spoke tension was even. Setting the AR 58 up tubeless was a breeze, as the rims come pre-taped, and required only a floor pump to seat the tires. 

Braking is excellent on the rim brake version we tested, which is no surprise as Reynolds has long been a leader in carbon brake track performance. Reynolds’ proprietary Ctg2 brake track offers tremendous heat resistance, to prevent the dreaded loss of power and resin-melting that can occur quickly with carbon rims of lesser quality. Reynolds also includes a pair of Cryo blue brake pads, so you can be sure to have the best possible braking performance.

That said, these wheels aren’t for scenarios where braking is a priority. They wouldn’t be our first pick in mountainous terrain or urban settings. It’s not a knock on these wheels specifically, but if you’re considering a carbon rim brake wheelset upgrade, and like to climb and descend, or need to repeatedly accelerate and then stop, something with a shallower depth will fit the bill better. The AR 58 are about holding onto more speed with less effort. Group rides, flat-to-rolling road races, time trials, and high-speed KoM hunting are the realm of this seriously fast aero wheelset. 

At 1700g, with a narrower-than-average width, the AR 58 is ideal for a powerful rider who wants to turn a big gear quickly. If keeping the weight of your bike down is a priority, Reynolds also offers the AR 41, which offers significantly less aerodynamic advantage but sheds over 250g. 

The Reynolds AR 58 is a narrowly focused wheelset for a specific type of riding on roads that allow the speed to remain high at all times. That said, when used in its element, it’s one of the fastest and most fun-to-ride wheels we’ve ever tested, at a moderate price, comparatively speaking.

The Vanquish RC Performance lineup of wheels features the same rim profile as the more expensive and lighter Vanquish RC Pro lineup but uses a less expensive carbon fiber and slightly different hub internals to keep the price more approachable at $1,750 US. After spending time on a variety of HED wheels over the years from both the Performance and Pro levels, we feel that HED does an excellent job of preserving all the critical aspects of the Pro Series when tweaking the finer points to create the Performance line. Ride quality, handling, and reliability are all top-notch, just in a slightly heavier overall package. And, although the 1542g weight might make the bike feel a tad heavier to hold than some other mid-depth carbon wheels, the Vanquish “ride light”, meaning they feel quick to accelerate and hold speed well when working against gravity. 

Ride quality is direct but refined. With a 21mm internal width, the hooked, tubeless-ready Vanquish rim is optimized for tires from 25 to 30c and is compatible with both tubeless and clincher road tires. We found that the RC4 rode best with 28c tubeless tires at around 75 PSI (160lb rider), balancing low rolling resistance with razor-sharp handling. To be clear, these are road wheels, and while certainly compatible with larger gravel tires, are not as compliant as HED’s “Emporia” line of gravel wheels. We appreciate this, as we found that some wheels we’ve tried that are designed to ride well on both road and gravel lack the on-road responsiveness of the HED Vanquish. 

HED’s in-house designed GP Performance hubs feature stiff axles and a 5-pawl freehub for quick acceleration. Sealed cartridge bearings are easily replaced when the time comes. Sapim CX-Ray spokes complete the build and offer excellent ride quality and responsiveness. The HED Vanquish RC4 Performance wheelset is built by hand at HED’s facility in Roseville, Minnesota. In our experience, every HED wheel that comes out of this facility is perfectly built and runs for thousands of miles with zero issues. 

At $1,750, the HED Vanquish RC4 Performance has some stiff competition at that price point, and we feel it performs right alongside them. Sure, some options at this depth are lighter, but with the right tires at the right pressure, the extra 100g or so won’t factor into speed all that much.

The benefit is a rim that is not only better in calm conditions but also more stable in the wind and offers lower tire rolling resistance. Reduced rolling resistance is now the primary driver of increased speed, and while a lot of the gains are from tire compounds, rims like the Aeolus RSL 51 TLR Disc have grown wider – 23mm internally in this case –  to spread and support the tire so it can work as efficiently as possible. How efficiently you might ask? Well, according to Bontrager, when tested with a 25c Bontrager tubeless clincher the Aeolus RSL 51 TLR Disc saved 6.3 watts at 28mph, over the outgoing Aelous XXX 47mm with a sew-up tubular. 

Moving away from the exceptionally fast rims, Bontrager continued to choose the best for the Aeolus RSL 51 TLR Disc, building them with DT Swiss 240 hubs. The DT 240 is a step up from the venerable DT 350, providing a reduction in weight and offering good engagement in the rear by way of a 36-tooth star ratchet EXP freehub system. 

The Aeolus RSL 51 TLR Disc wheels feel incredibly fast on the road. The gains in aerodynamic and rolling efficiency are especially evident on downhills where even a moderately fit rider can easily hit or exceed the types of speeds for which these wheels are optimized. Even steep climbs were a welcome sight, as the responsiveness of the entire wheel system, and especially the rapidly engaging rear hub, seemed to flatten and shorten every steep pitch. 

At $2700, you’d expect nothing less, but it’s fair to say that it’s easy to spend as much or more and not get as much speed as the Aeolus RSL 51 TLR Disc delivers. Knowing that these wheels are easy to service, with external nipples, DT Swiss sealed bearing hubs, and come with a full crash replacement guarantee for 2 years, as well as a lifetime warranty, you can rest easy, knowing your money was spent on new PR’s, not gimmicks, and your investment is protected in the event of a crash.

At 21mm internal and 25mm external width, The 45 rim also supports the larger 28c and beyond road tires that have become the norm since the advent of disc brakes. Since the rim is micro-hooked, The 45 is compatible with any clincher or tubeless-ready tire on the market. The micro-hook offers the tire security of a traditional hooked rim but also smooths out the rim-tire interface for better aerodynamics and impact protection. Tubeless tape and valves are included with each set of The 45 Clincher Wheels.

Setting up The 45 tubeless was easy, with a single layer of HiFi’s own tubeless tape, and a standard floor pump. The 45 were shod in Vittoria Corsa Pro Control 28c tires, which measured 29.3mm when inflated to 75 PSI. 

On the road, The 45 Carbon Clinchers inspire the confidence to get up to speed and stay there, whether on windy flat sections, climbs, or descents. The Sapim bladed spokes and Japanese-manufactured stainless bearings inside the HiFi R36 hubs ensure that the entire wheel system runs comfortably and smoothly. Freehub engagement is rapid, thanks to a 4-pawl system engaging a 36-tooth ring in the rear, making those steep pitches and sudden surges of speed things to relish. 

At $2090, HiFi’s The 45 Clincher sits at a competitive price point alongside Shimano’s Dura-Ace C50 ($2099) and a few hundred dollars more than other high-achieving wheels in this test, like the HED Vanquish RC4 ($1750). Since you can’t really go wrong, the decision between these three wheels should be made based on the marginal differences. For instance, while the Dura-Ace C50 might have a bit more bling and carry a smidge more speed on the fastest routes, the cup-and-cone bearings in the hubs require more proactive maintenance and are only compatible with Shimano freehubs. While the HED Vanquish RC4 is less expensive and feels a bit more pugnacious on grippy climbs, the HiFi are more compliant and potentially a bit more aero thanks to 5mm of additional depth. 

In other words, HiFi’s The 45 Disc Carbon are a balanced, versatile, all-around great set of wheels that competes with some of the best around. They also happen to look great, in our opinion, and pair particularly well with HiFi’s black/gold handlebar tape.

The Classic Zeta Disc features a shallow aluminum rim that is compliant, easy to maneuver, and quick to spin up. The rim width is a conservative but reasonable 19.5mm internally, and 24.4mm externally, which means that the Classic Zeta Disc will work best with tires ranging from 25-28c. The Classic Zeta disc will safely accept tires larger than that but will create a bit of the lightbulb profile that wider rims prevent. If running wider tires in the 30-35c range is important, the Ritchey WCS Zeta Disc wheels are worth a look. 

For recreational road riding, the Classic Zeta Disc is a blissful mixture of smooth and compliant ride quality, easy acceleration, and stable handling. Compared to an OE (Original Equipment) wheelset, The Classic Zeta Disc is an impactful upgrade and well worth the cost of $449 US. 

The disc brake interface is 6-bolt, which is a less common spec of disc rotor, and something to be aware of when setting up the Classic Zeta Disc. It’s fairly unlikely that the rotors that are coming off of OE wheels are compatible, so factor in the expense of a pair of 6-bolt rotors into the setup cost of the Classic Zeta Disc. 

Aside from that small compatibility issue, the Classic Zeta Disc is an easy wheelset to own and ride. If you plan to use them on paved roads only, we recommend setting the Classic Zeta with innertubes, to avoid the additional expense of tubeless tape and valves, neither of which are included. In our opinion, the benefits of tubeless road tires are marginal at best with tires under 30c, which is simply a bigger tire than what is optimal for the Classic Zeta Disc rim. 

The hubs use sealed cartridge bearings which run smooth and are easily replaced when the time comes. Brass spoke nipples won’t corrode and lend a stout reliability to the build of the Classic Zeta Disc.

At 1750g, one could label the Classic Zeta Disc as a heavy road wheelset, but we take a more nuanced view, which is that it’s important to avoid compounding the weight of these wheels by pairing them with heavy tires. This is another reason to go with a lightweight 25-28c clincher and lightweight innertube, versus a likely heavier road tubeless tire setup. 

The Classic Zeta also makes a great workhorse training or winter wheelset for a classy metal bike, so you can preserve your carbon deeps for summertime when fitness and riding conditions are at their peak. At $449.00, the Ritchey Classic Zeta disc is a robust and classic wheel that will carry you through countless rides in efficient comfort with money left in your bank account.

The MonoRail uses folding front wheel trays with hook-shaped clamp arms that fit everything from 5-inch wide fat tires to narrow road treads and wheel sizes between 20 and 29 inches. The rear wheel is secured with a ladder strap and it even comes with extenders to fit those fat bike tires. It has a 60 lb per-bike weight limit and the trays are intended to fit wheelbases between 36 and 50 inches (1,270mm), so it should be able to handle all but the smallest kid’s bikes or some extra-long mountain bikes. The trays are laterally adjustable as well, so you should be able to avoid bike-on-bike interference, even with drop-bar bikes.

The remote tilt release handle is easy to access to fold the rack up or tilt it down, even with bikes loaded. An included hitch pin lock and cable lock are nice touches to help deter opportunistic bike thieves with lock pods that are keyed alike for convenience. One of our staff has been using this rack for over five years (it has been converted to a BackStage Swing Away), and it is still going strong with only a little rust starting to show. Should you need to expand capacity, Rocky Mounts sells a 1-bike add-on (2-inch receiver size only) that can bump you up to three bikes.

Given the comparatively lower price of the MonoRail, our complaints about it are surprisingly few. One thing worth mentioning is the lock pods that come for the hitch and cable lock have plastic bodies that can be easily broken. We’d suggest upgrading to something more robust and maybe consider adding a burly chain lock to keep the bikes extra secure. It also sits pretty close to the rear of the vehicle and may require the use of a hitch extension to avoid handlebar contact on certain styles of vehicles. A select few vehicles with rearward-facing mufflers may also be incompatible due to the potential to melt the plastic with hot exhaust. Thankfully, this issue seems relatively limited.

Beyond that, we feel the Rocky Mounts MonoRail is a great rack that performs above the asking price. Want easy access to the rear of your vehicle? The Rocky Mounts BackStage is essentially the same rack directly mounted to a swing-away arm.

The Piston Pro X is also incredibly versatile as the clamp arms are easily adjustable without tools to fit wheel sizes between 18 and 29 inches and everything from skinny road tires up to 5-inch wide fat bike treads. It can even handle bikes with fenders when used with the optional fender kit. A maximum wheelbase of 53 inches, or 1,346mm, works with the longest of mountain bikes, and the 67 pounds per-bike weight limit (60 lbs for 1.25″ receiver version, 42 lbs off-road) means that it’s capable of carrying heavy electric bikes. Kuat even sells an optional loading ramp so you can roll them into place instead of straining to lift them. One or two bike add-ons are also available, and just as expensive, to increase your carrying capacity to 3 or 4 bikes. 

If you get the Piston Pro X delivered to your home, assembly is quite easy. It also comes with some robust security features including a beefy metal hitch pin lock and a thick, 12mm cable that’s long enough to loop through both the frames and the wheels of two bikes. As an additional safety measure, the anti-wobble cam in the hitch itself requires a security allen key that is housed securely at the end of the rack so it’s always there when you need it. Integrated LED lights function as both brake lights and turn signals and are impressively bright. Kashima-coated pistons add a touch of bling, the powder-coated finish looks good, and the almost entirely metal construction should help ensure you get your money’s worth. Kuat also sells a license plate mount kit should you wish to add one.

Like most tray-style hitch racks, it is fairly heavy at 63 pounds, it is also quite wide and bulky, and it takes up a bit of storage space when not in use. The cost of this rack is undoubtedly the most significant barrier to entry, but for those who are willing and able to spring for the Kuat Piston Pro X, we doubt you’ll be disappointed. Don’t need lights or Kashima-coated Pistons? The Piston Pro is essentially the same exact rack without lights and a black coating on the pistons that’ll save you $300.

For a more in-depth look, read our full review of the Kuat Piston Pro X.

In addition to its legendary durability, the Heavy Duty Double is also impressively versatile. It can handle bikes up to 50 pounds each, fits 16” – 29” wheel sizes, and any tires up to 3.1” wide (and you can use their spacer kit for tires up to 5”). You can add on additional trays to extend the rack’s capacity to 3 or 4 bikes, too. It uses opposing ratcheting arms that sandwich the bike from the front and rear and touch only the tires, so there is no risk of damaging your frame’s paint or the finish of your rims. Also, the trays do not have a designated direction, so you can place your bike in the rack either way and adjust the bikes laterally to avoid bike-on-bike contact. 

The “tire hold” design and opposing ratcheting arms fold down to a very compact package when not in use, and when folded up, it sits close to the vehicle and is less obtrusive than many other options. It weighs a moderate 46 lbs, so carrying it isn’t too difficult, plus the trays fold in the middle making it one of the most compact and user-friendly tray racks to store when not in use. It also comes fully assembled, so all you have to do is remove it from the packaging and unfold it to prepare it for use. 

The Heavy Duty Double is also rated for use with RVs and travel trailers, as well as off-road use. The trays are also tiered slightly, providing a little more clearance for driving over water bars and the like. Have heavier bikes? The 2” Super Duty Double is essentially the same rack that can handle bikes up to 75 pounds. Have a 1.25” receiver? The Equip-D Double comes in both 1.25” and 2” sizes with similar functionality and a more convenient tilt-release handle. 1Up also sells a V Style Ramp accessory ($122) to make loading heavy bikes easier. In addition to accessories like light kits and locks, 1Up sells replacements for virtually every part of their racks.

There’s little not to like about the 1Up USA 2” Heavy Duty Double, but we found that the ratcheting clamp arms are not as user-friendly as some other models we tested, requiring two hands to open from their stowed position. The tilt-release mechanism is also more difficult to access, making it slightly more cumbersome to fold up when not in use (1Up sells the EZ Pull accessory to address this problem). It has an anti-wobble cam that requires a security allen key and comes with a hitch bar lock, but you’ll need to supply your own cable or chain lock to secure the bikes (something you probably want to do with other racks too).

Loading bikes is easy and intuitive with folding front wheel cradles and clamp arms to secure everything from 5-inch wide fat bike treads down to skinny road bike tires and ladder straps for the rear wheel. It will work with everything from 20 to 29-inch wheel sizes and the 50-inch, 1,270mm max wheelbase means it works with all but the longest of mountain bikes. A 60 lbs per-bike weight limit makes it capable of transporting your heavy e-bikes as well. The well-positioned tilt-release handle makes folding the rack up when not in use or tilting it down a breeze. An included hitch pin lock and cable lock add some peace of mind and security for the rack and bikes it carries. 

Swinging the rack out involves loosening a large blue handle and releasing a pin before pushing it off to the side, and it can be done with or without bikes on the rack. Closing it is just as easy and it feels very secure and wobble-free. Our experience has also shown this rack to be quite durable, as one of our testers has been using the Backstage heavily for the past 5 years and it is only now showing some signs of rust and corrosion, though it still works perfectly. 

We found little not to like about the Rocky Mounts BackStage, but it should be noted that it does sit quite close to the vehicle. Those with Sprinter vans or cabover campers (this isn’t generally an issue for vehicles with sloping rear doors) may find that wide handlebars conflict with the rear of the vehicle and may need to purchase a hitch extension or turn the handlebar of the inner bike when in transit. At 59 pounds it’s still fairly heavy and bulky, and it isn’t the easiest to move around or store when not in use. Beyond those concerns, we feel the Backstage is a fantastic option for just about anyone, but especially those seeking easy access to the rear of their vehicle. 

One of the highlights of the Epos is its impressively lightweight and compact folded dimensions. At a mere 38 pounds (39.4 with lights, license plate holder, and ABUS lock installed) with a folding design, moving it around is quite easy with a carry handle at the top and integrated wheels to roll it. You can carry it like a suitcase and it takes up very little storage space. An optional rack cover is also available for the tidiest storage experience.

Installing and removing the Epos is quick and easy with Thule’s stinger pin and locking anti-wobble knob design. The adjustable hitch switches between 2 and 1.25-inch sizes should you need to use it with different size receivers. On the vehicle, the trays fold down and are ready to carry bikes. An optional loading ramp can be purchased for rolling heavyweight e-bikes up into position. It also has a tilt feature for easy access to the rear of the vehicle.

The Epos has a unique telescoping arm design that can clamp your bike on the frame or the rear wheel for no frame contact. The swiveling heads can be aligned perfectly to the clamping surface with long, steel-reinforced, locking, ratcheting ladder straps. Ladder straps on the trays secure the front and rear wheels for three attachment points and a secure hold in transport. An optional High-Grade cable lock made in cooperation with ABUS integrates into the rack for a second layer of bike protection.

Versatility is another highlight with a high weight limit and huge range of bike fit. 75 pounds per bike (140 lbs total) means it should handle even the heaviest of e-bikes, and the telescoping arms and long straps can fit just about any frame or bike style (including bikes with fenders). It works with tires up to 3 inches wide (up to 4.7 inches with XXL Fat Bike straps), wheel sizes between 16 and 29 inches, and the 53-inch (1,350mm) max wheelbase length is more than enough for all but some seriously long outliers. 

Our main complaint about the Thule Epos is that the loading and bike attachment process is a little more involved than other models with three ratcheting straps and a telescoping arm. The rack is also made with a lot of plastic parts, which may present some durability issues if handled or treated carelessly. It’s also quite expensive, and optional features like lights, the license plate holder, and the high-grade lock only add to the cost. That said, if storability, a versatile bike fit, and the ability to carry heavy e-bikes are on your list of priorities, it may well be worth the asking price. 

Loading this rack is as easy as lifting your bike, placing your front wheel in the basket, and then looping the webbing cam strap through the rear wheel and over the pedal to secure it in place. The webbing strap holds the rear wheel against the lower crossbar while simultaneously keeping downward tension on the bike to prevent it from bouncing out of the rack on rough roads and keeping the pedals/cranks from turning and potentially doing damage to neighboring bikes. The Recon carries your bikes with no frame or fork contact.

The standard baskets can fit tires up to 3 inches wide and wheel sizes between 24 and 29 inches, so you can load mountain, gravel, or road bikes with no compatibility concerns. You also have the option to select Fat Bike (tires up to 5.1 inches wide) or Kids (wheel sizes 20 to 24 inches) baskets when purchasing, or you can buy them after the fact for $149 each. The 45 lbs per bike weight limit easily handles non-electric bikes and lightweight eMTBs, but many full-power electric bikes may be too heavy. 

The entire Recon rack is made from steel and it has a durable, black powder coat finish, and it is burly and exceptionally well-made. Beefy locking hardware holds everything together, and the massive pivot is overbuilt for stability, longevity, and smooth tilt operation, plus it comes with an anti-wobble hitch bar insert and a locking hitch pin. With bikes off the rack, the whole thing can be tilted down for easy access to the rear of your vehicle. It’s rated for off-road use and the vertical support is height adjustable so you can dial it in to your specific clearance needs.

Like other vertical racks, the Recon is heavy (92 lbs) and it is big. Moving it around and storing it when not in use is challenging without something like the 1Up Rack Stand ($309) which holds it upright and can be used to roll it as well. It also doesn’t come with any locks for the bikes, but 1Up sells a beefy, 9-foot, Recon-specific cable lock ($52), and a welded lock loop can be used with any aftermarket lock you choose.

At $1,200, the Recon 5 is very expensive but it still costs less than many tray racks with add-ons needed to carry four bikes. But, with legendary 1Up durability and a lifetime warranty, we feel the 1Up Recon Rack is an investment that’s sure to pay itself off over time. You can learn more in our full review of the 1Up Recon Rack.

The wheel cradles support the bikes by the front wheel with no frame or fork contact, making it compatible with your road, gravel, and mountain bikes. Out of the box, it’ll fit anything from 700c road tires up to 29″ x 3.0″ mountain bike tires. They sell wider fat bike tire cradles separately to fit up to 5.0″ tires. Both the front and rear wheels get strapped down for security in transit. The standard racks have 10-inch spacing between bikes, while the X versions (available in 3 and 5 bike sizes) have 15-inch spacing that is more easily compatible with drop bar bikes.

The 55 lbs per bike weight limit (230 lbs max) means it can handle most full-power e-MTBs. They come with a 2-year warranty, and wear parts like wheel straps are available as well as accessories like lights and locks. VelociRAX also happen to be some of the most affordable vertical hanging racks on the market, and the price includes a garage mount, so you can safely stow it upright when not needed on the car

and use it to store your bikes in a compact space!  

The FullSwing can carry up to 4 bikes and it holds them by the top tube of the frame on its support arms with padded cradles. Curved ladder straps called Zip Strips secure the bikes over the top tube, and each bike position also has an anti-sway attachment for the seat tube. This attachment style is user-friendly, and we found it to be quite secure. One very nice feature of the FullSwing is that the entire rack can pivot out and away from the back of the vehicle for easy access, even with bikes loaded. The support arms can be folded down when not in use, and it takes up less space than tray or vertical hang racks.

It has a 40 lbs per bike weight limit and a max weight capacity of 150 lbs. It won’t carry your heavy e-bikes, but it should be able to handle most standard non-electric bikes that have traditional frame shapes. Bikes with curved top tubes or full suspension bikes with complex designs can also fit but may require the use of the Yakima TopTube adapter ($49). The rack can be installed and removed without tools and the locking SpeedKnob secures the rack to the vehicle, while a thin cable lock extends out of the mast to lock the bikes.

Due to the fact that this rack secures the bike by the frame, it could possibly damage your frame’s paint. It is very difficult to avoid bike-on-bike contact with multiple bikes loaded, and it can also be fairly puzzling, but totally doable, to load 4 bikes onto the rack. The top tube hang design is inherently less stable, and the bikes tend to bounce and sway more than other styles of hitch racks.

Limitations of top tube hanging racks aside, the Yakima FullSwing is a solid option for families, less frequent rack users, and those less concerned with the finish of their bikes. The swing-away feature adds a high level of convenience and easy vehicle access. Don’t need the swing-away feature? The Yakima FullTilt 5 ($499) is essentially the same rack with a tilt feature and 5-bike capacity, and it’ll save you a couple hundred bucks.

Weighing in at a diminutive 37 pounds, the Transfer is lighter than most other tray-style racks, making it easier to install, remove, and move around when not in use. Still, it has an impressive 60 lbs per bike weight limit. The 2-inch receiver size can also be chassis mounted to an RV, although the weight rating drops to 40 pounds per bike (2-bike version only, no add-ons). It also comes with a cable lock to secure your bikes to the rack, as well as an anti-wobble cam that requires a security allen key to adjust. These security features may not be infallible, but they certainly do a lot to deter theft of both the rack and the bicycles you carry.

Our complaints about the Kuat Transfer are surprisingly few. Given its lighter weight, less robust build, and some plastic parts, it doesn’t strike as the most durable rack around, yet we have seen them last for several years of regular use. The location of the tilt release foot lever can also be a little awkward to operate, especially with bikes loaded. You can’t adjust the bikes laterally, so some bike-on-bike interference may be an issue, especially with drop-bar bikes. It also has a bit more involved assembly process than many other models we tested, but thankfully you only have to do it once (or not at all if you buy it pre-assembled from a shop). 

We tested the Transfer V2 2-bike, but it is also available in one-bike ($389) and three-bike ($589) versions. Add the Transfer 1-bike extension ($189) to any of them and you can get up to four bikes on this model for about the same price as many 2-bike models listed here. Just make sure you buy the 2″ hitch version if you plan on adding the extension.

While it is relatively heavy at 66 pounds, installing and removing the rack is otherwise very easy thanks to the tool-free SpeedKnob design that tightens the receiver arm in the receiver to eliminate wobbles and lock the rack to the vehicle. The tilt release handle at the end of the main support arm makes folding the rack up and down a snap and it can be tilted down and away for access to the back of the vehicle, even with bikes loaded. 

The large StrongArm hooks clamp down securely over the front wheel and accommodate wheel sizes between 20 and 29 inches and tires up to 3.25 inches wide, and the Fat Bike Kit makes it possible to carry bikes with tires up to 5 inches in width. The trays are designed to work with wheelbases up to 52 inches, or 1,320mm, with sliding rear tire cradles and ladder straps. For added visibility, Yakima also sells the SafetyMate ($219), a light and license plate kit to add to the StageTwo. We tested it, and it’s fairly easy to install and works quite well.

Not only does the SpeedKnob lock the rack to your vehicle, but the StageTwo also comes with cable locks that extend out of the clamp arms to loop through the frame or fork. Yakima also added a clever welded steel loop to the main support arm so you can attach an additional lock for added security. The trays are tiered slightly for ground and bike clearance, and the trays can be shifted laterally to try to avoid bike-on-bike interference, although this does require tools and a little time. Need to transport more than 2 bikes? The StageTwo 2-bike add-on ($599) can increase your carrying capacity to 4 bikes (2-inch receiver version only).

The StageTwo’s robust design and high weight capacity result in a rack that is undeniably big and bulky. This rack is not only relatively heavy, but it is also quite wide and will not disappear in your storage space. It’s also fairly expensive and extras like the RampUp loading ramp and Fat Bike Kit add to the price. That said, if you’re looking for a rack to transport your heavy e-bikes, or you simply want a tough and durable rack for everyday use, the StageTwo is the best Yakima rack we’ve tested.

This well-designed rack is super easy to use with some slick design elements and security features that set it apart from similar models. The remote tilt release handle is easy to access to fold the rack up, down, or tilt it away from the vehicle. The wheel clamps are easy to operate with large release levers that allow for one-handed adjustment of the arms for easy loading. The clamp arms can fit everything between 19mm road tires up to 3” and wheels between 20” and 29” diameters. The tiered trays have space for bikes with wheelbases up to 55”, 1,397mm, which means they can fit just about any bike and there’s plenty of room to offset them laterally to avoid bike on bike contact. 

Not only is the GuideRail easy to use, but it comes with robust security features to keep your rack and bikes safe. It comes with a locking hitch pin as well as a burly 10mm square link chain that can be looped around your bike frames and locked into the main support arm of the rack. This chain lock is much more substantial than most included locks and feels like more than just a theft deterrent. 

We have a couple of nit-picky complaints about the GuideRail. While the clamp arms are adjustable for different wheel sizes, it does require tools (included) to do so. It also sits quite close to the rear of the vehicle and may require a hitch extension to keep handlebars from making contact with the back of certain vehicles like camper vans. It’s competitively priced among similar racks, though at $849.95, it still isn’t exactly inexpensive. Still, the Rocky Mounts GuideRail is a great option that holds bikes securely while making contact with the tires only, and we’d happily recommend it to anyone. Interested in this rack and want a swing-away feature? Check out the Rocky Mounts AfterParty.

Check out our full review of the Rocky Mounts GuideRail.

Like most quality tray racks, the NV 2.0 is highly versatile and can handle just about any bike you have up to 60 lbs each. The NV 2.0 carries 2 bikes, and 1-bike and 2-bike add-ons are available to expand capacity up to 3 or 4 (2” receiver size only), although this decreases the per-bike weight limit. The front wheel cradles and hook-shaped front wheel clamps can accommodate any tire size up to 5 inches and wheel sizes between 20 and 29 inches in diameter. The rear wheel strap slides along the tray to fit wheelbases up to 50 inches, or 1,270mm, and they will fit most tires (fat tires require the Phat Bike Kit). If you’ve got heavyweight e-bikes, an optional Access Bike Ramp ($98) is available to roll bikes up into position on the trays.

The rack is fairly heavy at 56 lbs, but it’s easy to install and remove with a knob to add tension to the anti-wobble hitch cam. A locking hitch pin keeps the rack itself secure, while integrated cable locks extend out of the trays and help deter theft of your bikes. The tilt release lever can be operated with your hands or feet and makes folding the empty rack up or down pretty user-friendly. The NV 2.0 (not the Base version) also comes with the Trail Doc, a mini repair stand that extends out of the rack. This makes maintenance and repairs on a road trip or at the trailhead quick and easy without having to bring along a separate work stand.  

Like similar racks, the NV 2.0 is fairly heavy and bulky, making it somewhat inconvenient to store when not in use. The trays are also fixed in position and don’t allow for any lateral adjustment to avoid bike-on-bike interference. The front wheel cradles do adjust slightly to compensate, but some bike combinations may conflict. The NV 2.0’s price is in line with many other high-end racks, but it’s certainly not inexpensive. If you want to save a hundred bucks, the NV Base 2.0 is essentially the same rack with a matte finish minus the Trail Doc.

For a deeper dive, check out our full review of the Kuat NV 2.0.

Lifting heavy e-bikes onto the tray of a rack can be a challenge for many, so the OnRamp comes with a loading ramp that’s conveniently stored on the rack itself (you don’t need to stash it in your vehicle). This ramp fits into a slot on either end of the trays, so you can easily roll your bike on or off the rack. A center mast between the two trays has two swiveling clamps that hold the bikes by the top tube or seat tube of the frame. These clamps are height and angle adjustable and should work with most, but possibly not all, frame shapes. Long ratcheting ladder straps secure the front and rear wheels to the trays.

The high weight capacity and roll-on convenience of the OnRamp are certainly highlights, but it’s also fairly lightweight at just 43 lbs. Since it holds bikes by the frame, it works with bikes with fenders and a range of wheel and tire sizes up to 3.25 inches. A FatStrap Kit ($20) can also be added to fit tires up to 27.5 x 4.5 inches. 

While the OnRamp is a solid option for transporting e-bikes, it has a few downsides. The loading process is a bit clunky and awkward compared to many other models we’ve tested. Keeping bikes stable while securing them on the rack can be a challenge until you get used to the process, and having the help of a second person isn’t a bad idea. Likewise, the tilt release mechanism is tough to reach and definitely requires two people to tilt the rack with bikes loaded. Since it holds bikes by the frame, there’s absolutely no avoiding frame contact, and the frame clamps might not fit tight enough on thin tubed frames or around super bulbous frames.

Still, once you get the hang of using it, the Yakima OnRamp is a solid solution for transporting heavy bikes, and it costs less than other e-bike-specific racks. 

The North Shore Rack uses a fork cradle rather than a wheel tray, meaning they are designed to work with mountain bikes that have suspension forks. The crown of the fork slots down into the padded cradles while the rear wheel gets attached to a horizontal bar with a short length of rope. More recently, they have developed a road bike adapter ($75 each) that allows you to hang both road and gravel bikes from the cradles with the front wheel removed. 

The North Shore’s weight limit of 60 lbs per bike gives it the highest weight rating of all the vertical hanging racks we’ve tried and makes it capable of carrying heavy full-power electric mountain bikes. Once you get the loading process figured out, always load from left to right, it’s quick and easy to get bikes on the rack for another shuttle lap. Replacements are also available for the wear parts, so it’s easy to keep your rack fresh for its lifespan. 

While the North Shore Rack is a great option for transporting lots of bikes, it’s not without its faults. Over time, the fork cradles have been known to wear the paint off of fork crowns and leave unsightly abrasion marks. The front wheels need to be secured with a bungee or rope or they will spin freely while you drive down the highway. It also lacks any security features like a hitch pin lock or cable lock, so you’ll need to add that yourself to keep your bikes and rack secure. 

At just 32 pounds, the Sherpa 2.0 is one of the lightest tray racks on the market, so installing and removing it is a breeze compared to heavier models. Still, it can support two bikes up to 40 pounds each and is compatible with wheel sizes between 20 and 29 inches (20-24 inch wheels require using the included adapter) and tires up to 3 inches wide. Loading bikes is quick and easy with intuitive front wheel clamps and a ladder strap for the rear wheel. Included security features like a locking hitch pin and a long cable lock help to deter theft of both the rack and your precious rides. 

The Sherpa 2.0 does have some limitations, most notably the 40 lbs per bike weight limit that won’t support heavier electric bikes. Kuat also claims it is limited to bikes with wheelbases 47 inches, or 1,194mm, meaning that many of today’s modern mountain bikes will be too long. The trays are not adjustable laterally, so some bike-on-bike interference may be hard to avoid, especially with drop-bar bikes. Additionally, the rack’s tilt release lever position requires you to reach under the bikes to tilt it down when bikes are loaded. 

Regardless, we feel the Sherpa 2.0 is an especially attractive option for those who install and remove their rack frequently given its impressively low weight. If you transport lighter weight and smaller bikes primarily and don’t need to carry more than 2 at a time, the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is a user-friendly and reliable rack that not only works well but looks good doing it.

The Hangover has a tilt feature with a foot pedal to provide access to the rear of the vehicle as well as two mast angles to avoid tire-vehicle contact when in transit. The mast height can also be adjusted slightly for ground clearance. It comes with a locking hitch pin as well as a welded metal loop to run your own cable lock through the bikes. 

Unlike most other vertical hanging models, the Yakima Hangover is more widely available and carried by many bike shops and major online retailers, so it is easier to find. The downsides are that it holds the bikes by the fork crown and can do damage to the paint over time. It also won’t carry your road or gravel bikes, or your eMTBs…max bike weight is just 37.5 lbs.

OneUp has hung their hat on the patented oval design which is clearly visible in the taper/rise section of the Carbon handlebar. This ovalized section allows the handlebar to flex slightly for vertical compliance but remains stiff horizontally for precise steering control. If that sounds like marketing lingo, well, it is, but this handlebar works exactly as advertised out on the trail. The compliance takes the edge off larger impacts while the carbon construction helps to dampen the buzz of high-frequency vibrations to keep your hands feeling fresher for longer. Faction’s lab testing backs this up as well, with the OneUp Carbon (20mm rise) falling just below the average in terms of compliance.

Our editors have been riding OneUp carbon bars for several years and have always been pleased by the balanced ride quality and comfort they provide. In addition to the compliance and vibration-absorbing properties mentioned above, they have a crowd-pleasing shape with a neutral 8° back sweep and 5° upsweep. They only come in a 35mm clamp diameter, but they come in both 20mm and 35mm rise options so you can dial in the fit of your cockpit to suit most people’s needs. The 800mm width is plenty wide without being too wide, and we expect many riders will likely be trimming them down anyway, and they can be cut as narrow as 750mm if needed.

At just 228 grams (20mm rise), the OneUp carbon is competitively lightweight. There are lighter options for XC bikes, but it’s impressive for a bar made for aggressive trail, enduro, and gravity riding. It also looks pretty darn good with a matte black finish and super subtle gloss black logos, plus you can get decals ($7) in a huge range of colors to match other parts or show a touch of flair. OneUp also sells bundles at a slight discount where you can get the bar, stem, grips, and decals to replace your whole cockpit at once.

We’ve tested a lot of different bars over the years and for this review, and the OneUp Components Carbon is one that we keep going back to. We absolutely love it and at $160, it’s reasonably priced for carbon. And, if you’re not willing to spend that much, they also make an Aluminum version that we think is one of the best options if you’re operating on a tighter budget.

You can find out more in our full review of the OneUp Components Carbon Handlebar.

In the Faction Bike Studio test lab, we measured the compliance of four FSA Gradient Carbon bars which represent both both rise options (20mm and 30mm) in both clamp diameters. In the lab, 3 of those were in the top ten stiffest of the 42 bars measured, and the two 35mm clamp options were in the top 5. The 31.8mm models were notably less stiff, particularly the 30mm rise version that we’re including here. In fact, it falls right around the average in terms of stiffness/compliance compared to the rest of the group. On the trail, that compliance is certainly noticeable, as is this bar’s ability to filter out vibration for a nice, damp feel, though it’s certainly not lacking in responsiveness either.

FSA gave the Gradient Carbon bars a somewhat unique appearance with the rise/taper section being ovalized, but in the opposite way of the OneUp handlebars. While it seems somewhat counterintuitive, it provides a ride feel that we got along with well, at least in the 31.8mm clamp, 30mm rise version. Again, the other sizes tested quite a bit stiffer. The 8° back sweep and 5° upsweep should suit most riders just fine, as should the 800mm width that can be trimmed to suit your preference. Our test bar weighed in at 237 grams at its full width, which is competitive with similar models.

With a raw carbon finish and loud but relatively tasteful silver logos, the Gradient Carbon are nice-looking handlebars. And at $146, they undercut the price of even the other reasonably priced carbon options on the market by just a bit. So, if you’re looking for an affordable carbon handlebar, the FSA Gradient is a good option to consider, and we were especially fond of the balanced feel of the 31.8mm clamp, 30mm rise version.

Just like the carbon version, the unique, patented oval shape in the taper/rise section of the bar allows for more vertical compliance while remaining horizontally stiff for steering control. The result is a bar that is more forgiving on the hands and wrists, especially on larger impacts, and that ride feel is backed up by Faction Bike Studio’s lab testing that showed the Aluminum version was even slightly more compliant than the carbon versions. It doesn’t feel quite as damp as the carbon versions, however, but it has one of the most balanced and comfortable feels of any aluminum bar we’ve ever tried.

The OneUp Aluminum handlebar comes in a 35mm clamp size, your choice of 20mm or 35mm rise, and a standard 800mm width that can be trimmed down to as narrow as 750mm if you need. The 8° back sweep and 5° upsweep hit a sweet spot that should be comfortable for most users. It’s made from 7050 – T76 Aluminum with a shot-peened finish for durability and a black anodized finish with gloss black logos. OneUp also sells decal kits ($7) in a range of colors if you like to customize or match them with other components.

If you don’t trust carbon fiber or simply want a similar performance to the OneUp Carbon handlebar at a more wallet-friendly price point, then the $90 OneUp Components Aluminum handlebar should be on your shortlist. This handlebar combines the best attributes of the carbon version with the durability and lower price of aluminum, and we think it’s the best option for under $100.

You can learn more about the OneUp Components Aluminum handlebar in our launch article.

Not everyone is willing or able to spend upwards of $150 on a handlebar, and that’s where the PNW Range comes in. PNW Components is known for making reasonably priced components that work well, like their Loam dropper post, and the Range Gen 3 will still be a significant upgrade over most stock aluminum bars, assuming the 30mm rise works for you.

The Range Gen 3 comes in both 35mm and 31.8mm clamp sizes, both of which proved to be relatively compliant in our lab testing. However, the 31.8mm size proved to be much more forgiving. We spent more time test-riding the 35mm clamp size, and despite being slightly stiffer, it provides a comfortable and balanced feel, where steering feels precise and the bar takes some of the sting out of larger impacts. While these bars are quite comfortable and absorb some vibration, it isn’t quite on the level of some of the more expensive carbon competitors.

The Range comes in an 800mm width, which is quite normal, although our test bar measured about 5mm wider than that. Not a deal breaker since most people will be trimming them anyway, and on that note, PNW says they can be trimmed down to 740mm if needed. With 5° of upsweep and 10° of back sweep, the PNW Range has a bit more relaxed geometry than some other bars. The 10° back sweep in particular lends itself to more of an upright body position which is common on a lot of today’s long and slack bikes. The 30mm is the only option offered, which will likely work well for a lot of people, but may be a limiting factor for others.

Otherwise, the PNW Range Gen 3 is a good-looking handlebar that provides comfort and predictable handling in an affordable aluminum package. If you like the sound of a more relaxed 10° back sweep and the 30mm rise works for you, these bars are a great value.

You can learn more in our launch coverage of the PNW Range Gen 3.

In its quest to make a compliant handlebar, Roost has definitely succeeded, and all three rise options of the Titanium bars we tested were the most compliant in the Faction Bike Studio Lab. On average, the Titanium bars were approximately 30% more compliant than the bars tested made from aluminum or carbon fiber. That’s pretty significant, and that compliance definitely translates to use on the trail. In fact, you can even see a small amount of flex in the bars when you press on them in the ol’ parking lot test. On the trail, this compliance is quite noticeable, particularly when riding them back to back with stiffer bars. They soak up larger hits and impacts much more readily, and they do, in fact, provide an overall higher level of comfort.

All that compliance presented initially as a feeling of a slight reduction in handling precision, although, again, this was most noticeable when compared back to back with stiffer bars. It doesn’t take long at all to get totally used to the feel and they go unnoticed while riding, other than the increase in comfort, that is. Subsequent testing for several weeks showed that these handlebars simply feel great, and help reduce arm pump and fatigue, comparatively speaking.

While the Roost Titanium bars are lighter than most aluminum bars, at 303g (30mm rise), they are a bit heavier than most carbon options. For purposes that Roost claims are related to the construction of handlebars made from Titanium, they are only available in a 31.8mm clamp diameter. Roost offers three rise options, flat, 20mm, and 30mm, so you can choose the rise that works best for your needs. The 9° backsweep and 5° upsweep are pleasantly neutral and should work well for most riders.

The raw titanium finish and subtle matte logos of the Roost Titanium bars are undeniably classy, and Roost claims that any scratches can be cleaned up with a Scotch-Brite pad to keep them looking fresh for years. This is a good thing as Titanium is known for its impressive durability, which will make the high asking price of $295 a little easier to justify.

Creating a balanced ride feel while making a handlebar as light as possible isn’t an easy task, but Race Face was up to the challenge. Surprisingly, they went with a 35mm clamp diameter, but it works well and allows them to lay up the carbon in such a way that it provides compliance vertically while remaining adequately stiff horizontally for responsive handling. While we were initially skeptical of their claims, it was quite impressive how comfortable our hands and wrists stayed while testing this bar, especially on short-travel XC bikes with stiff carbon rims.

The 740mm width of the Next SL handlebar might sound pretty narrow, and it is narrower than most bars these days, but it’s actually a really sensible width for its intended use. Most serious XC riders don’t typically use handlebars that are much wider, and often they trim them even narrower depending on their preference. Starting at 740mm, this allowed Race Face to tune the bar’s stiffness/compliance for that width, rather than something wider that then gets trimmed down. Race Face claims the Next SL can be trimmed as narrow as 690mm, and that the flex characteristics remain the same in that range. And, if you like the sound of this bar but want something slightly wider, the Next (non-SL) carbon bar comes in a 760mm width and is claimed to weigh just 13 grams more.

Of course, this handlebar isn’t meant for gravity riding, and as such, it only comes in a 10mm rise and it has a weight limit of 266 lbs. That said, we’ve been thrashing on one of these bars on an unreleased test bike for weeks, and it certainly doesn’t feel fragile. Instead, it adds a bit of calm and dampness to what is otherwise a very sharp-feeling bike. So, if you’re looking for something lightweight that avoids feeling overly harsh, the Race Face Next SL is worth a serious look.

You can learn more in our launch article for the Race Face Next SL Carbon handlebar.

While most handlebars fall into the 8° to 9° back sweep range, that doesn’t mean it works for everyone. The folks at SQlab recognize that, so they, along with a few other brands, offer something different for those whose wrists could benefit from greater back sweep. Even for folks who get along generally fine with more standard back sweep measurements, like me, testing the 12° version of the 30X proved to be surprisingly comfortable. The first ten minutes or so felt a little different, but after that, the handlebar simply faded into the background and didn’t present any discomfort or handling issues.

SQlab only makes the 30X carbon in a 31.8mm clamp diameter, but the bar is quite stiff and responsive to handling input. It isn’t the most compliant handlebar around, but the carbon construction does a good job of muting some vibration and it doesn’t feel particularly harsh. Three rise options are offered, 15mm, 30mm, and 45mm, to suit varying needs, but it should be noted that the 45mm rise looks and feels a lot more like a 30mm rise from other brands.

Other than the more pronounced back sweep, the SQlab 30X Carbon looks just like any other handlebar with a matte carbon finish and subtle black logos. At $320, however, it’s pretty hard to look past the high asking price. But, if you’ve struggled to get comfortable with other handlebars, this may be the answer you’ve been looking for. And, the 30X Aluminum version is a much lower-priced alternative if you’re looking to experiment.

Hope makes the Carbon Handlebar in just one rise option, 20mm, but it comes in both 31.8mm and 35mm clamp sizes. This is one carbon handlebar that showed a significant amount of variability in its compliance in the Faction Bike Studio lab testing between the two clamp sizes. And while we’ve seen other reviews that claim the 35mm is more compliant, the test results say otherwise. For comparison, the 31.8mm clamp size had a below-average stiffness rating of 355 lbs/in, whereas the 35mm version measured above average at 436 lbs/in. So, depending on your preference, you could get a stiffer or more compliant version depending on the clamp size. We found that we preferred the 31.8mm clamp size as it provided more forgiveness in its ability to absorb larger impacts and vibration, quite similar to the OneUp Carbon described above.

The Hope Carbon bar comes in an 800mm width, and riders can trim them down as narrow as 760mm. Hope included guide marks for trimming the bars, as well as handy marks further inboard to facilitate the setup of your controls. It’s also impressively lightweight, tipping the scales at just 222 grams in the 31.8mm clamp size. The only minor quibble we have with this bar is that it comes with a slightly more aggressive 7° back sweep that lends itself best to more aggressive body positions. That said, that fits its intended use of aggressive trail and all-mountain riding where you’re often in the attack position.

At $215, the Hope Carbon Handlebar comes with a premium price tag, even when compared to most other carbon handlebars, but it’s undoubtedly a premium product too. If you’re a fan of Hope products, like the look of the raw carbon weave, or are simply looking for a lightweight carbon handlebar with nicely balanced vibration damping and handling precision, the Hope Carbon Handlebar won’t disappoint.

Carbon fiber is a great material for handlebars because it can be manipulated and laid up in ways to get desired performance characteristics. While many brands are going out of their way to make their bars more compliant and forgiving, it doesn’t seem like Nukeproof is going that direction with the Horizon V2 bars. In fact, these bars are unyieldingly stiff, meaning that they respond instantly to every bit of your handling input. While the carbon construction does absorb a tiny bit of buzzy feedback, the rest is up to your arm strength and suspension setup. And, for some riders, that may be exactly what they’re looking for.

That said, if you take a look at the stiffness graph in our buying advice section, you can see there is quite a bit of variability among the Nukeproof bars we tested depending on clamp size and rise. We’ve been testing the 35mm clamp, 25mm rise version for several weeks now, and it is definitely the stiffest of the models included in this buyer’s guide. Beyond stiffness, the Horizon V2 has a crowd-pleasing shape with a natural feeling 9° back sweep and 5° upsweep, and it comes in three rise options, 12mm, 25mm, and 38mm to dial in your perfect bar height. It comes in 80mm and 780mm widths, and the 80mm version has cut lines down to 680mm (although we’d expect the flex characteristics to change at that width).

The Nukeproof Horizon V2 Carbon has a classy finish that’ll look good on just about any bike, along with common touches like stem setup lines and textured areas in the stem clamp and control zones for a little extra grip. It’s not the lightest carbon handlebar around at 258g (35mm clamp, 25mm rise), but it’s lighter than aluminum and is among the most affordable carbon bars at $150.

The BZA certainly fits that description, but it manages to do so without being particularly punishing to the hands. Yes, it is stiff and it feels super precise in every handling scenario, but at the same time, it does a very respectable job of dampening vibration and providing a relatively calm, muted feel. In the Faction test lab, it definitely tested a bit over the average in terms of its stiffness, but its ability to absorb vibration on the trail proved to be better than some aluminum bars that tested to be more compliant. Still, they are on the stiffer side of the spectrum and best suited to aggressive riders and riding styles, yet they definitely feel, and tested, to be more compliant than Chromag’s OSX Aluminum handlebars.

The BZA comes in the 35mm clamp size and a standard 800mm width and they weigh in at just 230g (25mm rise). Three rise options are available including 15mm, 25mm, and 35mm, so most riders should be able to find their ideal bar height. At 9° back and 5° up, the sweeps are angled such that most riders should get along with them nicely. The BZA is impeccably finished, and while the branding is a bit more prominent than some other bars, the black/grey we tested look pretty awesome, and it’s hard to deny that the Chromag bear logo looks pretty darn cool.

While the Chromag BZA is often sold at $200, we’ve seen them going for much less at various retailers online, including the Chromag site. The $200 retail price seems a bit spendy, but if you find these on sale they are a much better value. Regardless of price, this is a lightweight carbon handlebar that provides impressive control without beating up your hands. If you’re looking for something a little more forgiving, the Chromag Cutlass (very similar but with a 31.8mm clamp size) was notably more compliant in the lab testing.

This is a burly handlebar made for the most aggressive riding, so it’s stiff and feels super responsive, and despite falling around the middle of the stiffness scale of the models testing (25mm rise version) in the Faction Bike Studio lab, it has a slightly more rigid ride quality than those numbers suggest. While it may flex around the average in the lab, that doesn’t necessarily translate into use on the trail as it transmits more feedback and doesn’t mute high-frequency vibration quite as well as some other carbon options, but in our most recent testing, we found that it doesn’t feel excessively harsh either. That said, heavier riders or those pushing hard on rowdy descents who demand precise handling response will be the most delighted by its performance.

The M7 is the only handlebar in the ENVE lineup that comes in a 35mm clamp diameter, and that is the only size offered. It comes in a relatively standard 800mm width and can be trimmed down to a minimum width of 760mm while preserving its flex characteristics. It is offered in three rise options, 10mm, 25mm, and 40mm, all of which share a relatively neutral 8° backsweep and 4° upsweep. As is typical of all ENVE products, it has a classy-looking finish in matte black with classic logos. Plus it comes with a decal sheet with numerous colors to match your ENVE wheels or other parts. Our test bar weighed 243g untrimmed in a 25mm rise.

At $190, the ENVE M7 is at the higher end of the price spectrum and is a premium carbon handlebar that’s made in the USA. It’s fairly lightweight, looks great, and is well suited to aggressive riders leaning toward the gravity side of the mountain bike spectrum. Those looking for a more trail-oriented model from ENVE would do well to check out the M6.

You can learn more in our tech coverage of the ENVE M-Series handlebars and stems.

With their aluminum handlebars, ProTaper has seemingly taken a straightforward approach without any obvious trickery in terms of design. While ProTaper says they “have never stopped pushing the limits of metallurgy”, this bar is otherwise exactly what it sounds like, a simple aluminum handlebar. For many, that simplicity may be just what they’re looking for, especially those seeking a super-compliant option. In fact, the three ProTaper AL models we tested (all 31.8mm clamp size) were among the most compliant we tested in the Faction Bike Studio Lab. That said, there is a bit of variability, as they become slightly more compliant as the rise increases among the three options offered, 12mm, 25mm, and 50mm.

ProTaper makes their AL bars in both the 31.8mm and 35mm clamp sizes, although we only tested the 31.8. They come in a generous 810mm width and have trim lines down to 720mm as well as markings on the stem clamp area and by the controls to facilitate setup. The 8° back sweep and 4° upsweep are relatively neutral and comfortable, and the option of 12mm, 25mm, and 50mm rise should make it so most people can find a rise to suit their needs. They come in raw silver, black, half silver/half black, and a limited edition throwback gold (25mm rise only).

With a weight of 317 grams (31.8mm clamp, 25mm rise), the ProTaper A25 is competitive with most other aluminum bars, plus it’ll be a bit lighter if you trim it down from its full 810mm width. What stands out most about this handlebar, however, is its high level of compliance that takes the edge of big hits and gives it a ride feel similar to the Roost Titanium bars at just a fraction of the cost. But, at $105, it is a bit more expensive than the other aluminum options we have listed here.

The paneling of the supple Thermo-stretch functional fabric creates a seamless area around the knee, preventing irritation and lending a natural comfort to the C3 Thermo Bib Tights+. This fabric also ensures a complete range of motion throughout the pedal stroke, while allowing the pad to stay perfectly in place at all times, never riding forward. 

The Gorewear Active Comfort seat pad insert is the entry-level insert in the Gore range and was chosen to help keep the price of the C3 Thermo affordable. Nonetheless, it is nicely sized, without excess bulk. The Active Comfort pad has a nice seamless feel where it transitions to the leg panels of the C3 Thermo. The density is on the soft side but still very comfortable and flexible while allowing it to remain comfortable up into the high 50s F. In front of the pad is the GOREWEAR Cup which is an anatomically pre-shaped insert in the front that protects from wind chill and is very breathable, according to Gore. While this might sound like a gimmick, it works effectively to keep the wind chill from reaching your sensitive bits. Additionally, Gore has positioned a wind and spray protection panel that extends along the groin and lower back, protecting this vulnerable area from road spray and harsh winter winds. 

The straps are a standout feature of the C3 Thermo. They lie perfectly flat, offer excellent stretch and hold, and are joined together in the back by a super breathable mesh panel. The strap and back panel are a big reason why these can be used in warmer temps as they allow some heat and moisture to escape. 

If you want a versatile, comfortable, and affordable pair of winter tights with some nice added features like the Gorewear Cup and a luxurious strap system, the C3 Thermo Bib Tights+ are worth a close look.

The Luxe bib tight is essentially Velocio’s fantastic Luxe bib short, extended down to the ankle. The Luxe fabric has an exceptional ability to regulate temperature. Even during 80°+ summer riding, the Luxe fabric never felt too warm, so we found it amazing that a pair of tights also made from this material could work well down into the upper 30s. 

The paneling and articulation of the Luxe fabric allow Velocio to construct the Luxe bib tight with minimal seams. This eliminates chafing, which can be an issue for many tights, especially around the back of the knee. In this area, the Luxe bib tights feature a small panel that surrounds the back of the knee with perfectly positioned, seam-free compression. 

The Luxe Bib Tight straps are exceptionally comfortable, laying perfectly flat and stretching enough to easily accommodate any riding position. Crossing in back to form an X means that the straps boost the lateral stability of the pad, keeping it stable and snug against the body at all times. The proprietary “Signature” chamois, developed in partnership with Cytech, is dense and supple, providing excellent breathability and never producing friction anywhere. The edges of the chamois transition seamlessly into the seat of the tights, which allows the chamois to flex and conform perfectly to your shape. Moving into different riding postures, or hopping on and off the saddle never caused the chamois to change position. 

Branding on the Luxe Bib Tight is minimal, which gives it a classy look, and means it can pair well with tops from different brands. In addition to black, the Luxe Bib Tight is also available in brown and navy blue if you want something a bit different. 

Versatility is key in a garment that costs $300, which is why I genuinely believe the Luxe isn’t overpriced, although it is expensive. It is breathable, stretchy, and lightweight enough to take the place of legwarmers in spring and fall. It’s also able to retain the heat generated from pedaling and create a warm barrier against cold and windy conditions in the dead of winter. In rainy conditions, the Luxe fabric repels moisture admirably and also dries very quickly if becomes wet. 

If you can only have one pair of bib tights, the Luxe is an excellent choice. Other bib tights might outperform it marginally in specific situations like extreme cold or heavy rain, but none of those competitors are as versatile or comfortable across such a wide spectrum of conditions as the Velocio Luxe Bib Tights.

The Pro Team Lightweight Tights feature the size-specific Pro Team Training pad, which is dense and supportive, and an excellent product in and of itself. The transition from the pad’s edges to the lycra shell does not feel perfectly seamless, however, which is a very small nitpick of an otherwise perfect family of bibs. The pad had an occasional tendency to detach ever-so-slightly from my inner thighs when I would hop off the saddle. It’s something that I hope Rapha figures out in the future, because some other brands have, and those pads stay perfectly bonded to my body 100% of the ride. 

The overall fit is snug without any pinching, rippling, or bunching. While some Pro Team items have a very specific body type in mind for the fit, the Lightweight Tights have such a nice amount of stretch, that they should work for a wide range of body types. There are no zippers on these or any other Rapha tights, and we think that’s a smart move. Zippers can fail and tend to irritate the skin and also affect fit around the lower calf. The lycra ankle opening of the Pro Team Lightweight is soft and flexible, making getting in and out a breeze. The same goes for the straps, which are well-executed and nearly identical to those on the Pro Team bib shorts. 

We do wish there were a few more reflective accents where motorists can see them. The two large reflective Rapha logos on each thigh feel like branding more than anything that enhances visibility. That said, riding in low-light conditions requires a bright tail light and there are other opportunities to add visibility to a kit. 

So, if you find leg warmers to be awkward or never seem to remove them, and you want a light, stretchy pair of tights with an excellent pad, check out the Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Tight. Again, these are most useful in the high 40s to low 60s F depending on the intensity of your riding.

Of course, the Polare 3 isn’t as versatile as other tights we tested and needs to be utilized in the right conditions and at the right intensity in order to shine. Ideally, the conditions would be absolutely frigid, near or even below freezing, and the intensity level would be low to moderate when using the Polare 3. The Gore-Tex Infinium is admirably flexible, and the fleece-lined interior does well to pull away sweat. However, the Polare 3 will feel clammy and cumbersome if the temperature rises significantly above 42 degrees F or the intensity level rises. So, we found ourselves using this bib tight on days when the risk of ice made riding high into the hills a bit risky and we just wanted to get out of the house and spin the legs. 

The pad is Castelli’s Kiss Air 2 and while serviceable and comfortable, does leave a bit to be desired in terms of stability and moisture management, compared to Castelli’s range-topping Progetto X2, which is featured on other bib tights of similar cost. In fairness, pad comfort isn’t going to be the primary concern when riding in deep winter’s most frigid conditions. 

Straps are a traditional mesh design that works well, and like the pad insert, wasn’t super important in rating the Polare 3, as riding in the appropriate conditions means that we always had on a burly base layer that isolated us from the straps. They certainly have plenty of stretch to be comfortable when standing and did the basic job of holding everything in place nicely. 

The ankles are zippered, which is one potential question mark for the long-term durability of the Polare 3 bib tight. Zippers do make sliding in and out of the Polare 3 much easier, however, since the Gore-Tex Infinium lacks the stretch required to easily pull on and off. 

If you like facing harsh winter conditions head-on and have other options for higher intensity or mild conditions, the Castelli Polare 3 has you covered when the temperature drops and you’ve still got to ride.

The weather in San Francisco, where the Thermal Carbo Bib Tight is designed, is notoriously variable and compartmentalized. You could go from a foggy drizzle and 48 F to full sun and 60 F within 10 minutes, making it tough to stay comfortable at all times. So, it’s no surprise that The Thermal Cargo Bib Tight is a versatile option that we found to be effective in temperatures ranging from the high 30s to the low 60s. 

The fit of the Thermal Cargo Bib Tight fit is certainly snug, but compared to other tights we tested, it’s not the most compressive. That said, it easily accommodates the individual shaping of the knee area as it flexes and extends throughout the pedal stroke and we found it helped excess heat escape more easily when things warmed up and also made getting in and out of them easy. 

The pad insert is made of Oeko-Tex-certified recycled fibers and provides a nice balance of support and flexibility. It’s an endurance-oriented pad that is dense and cushy, ready for big miles and the roughest surfaces. At the same time, the transition from the pad to the legs of the tights is smooth and the pad stays able to flex as needed with each pedal stroke. The straps are soft and stretchy but strong enough to keep everything, including the contents of the rear pockets stable and in the right place. The straps terminate relatively high on the back, at the top of a fleece-lined panel that not only provides additional insulation to the lower spine but also pads it from objects stored in the rear pockets.

The pockets – four in total – are easy to access and balance flexibility with durability so you can focus on riding while you insert and remove items. The low-back pockets are a great touch. These allowed us to keep seldom-needed items (keys, wallet) stowed away neatly and freed up the two leg pockets for things like snacks, a phone, and gloves. 

Small reflective tabs are sewn into the seam along the calf and are positioned high enough to never be concealed by shoe covers. The Mesa color that we tested received a lot of compliments on the road and certainly stood out against the ubiquitous black palette of most winter kit as it not only adds personal style but can also help motorists more quickly realize what they are approaching. 

Ornot apparel is designed and manufactured in California, and the Thermal Cargo Bib Tight features Bluesign®-approved fabric, meaning that they are produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Ornot has also offset its entire carbon footprint since 2019 and works to minimize its carbon footprint whenever possible. 

So, if you want to get a bib tight that is tailored to endurance riding, offers massive amounts of storage, is minimally branded and attractive, and is produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, the clear choice is the Ornot Thermal Bib Tight.

The pad is Castelli’s top-shelf offering, the Progetto X2 Air Seamless. It’s a perfect mix of dense support and supple flex, and in our opinion is a must if you choose a pair of Castelli bibs for any season. The straps use minimal material to generate a secure hold that is noticeably more comfortable in the riding position than standing upright. These weren’t our favorite straps to get in and out of, but once they are positioned over a base layer, they are quickly forgotten. They also feature a rear pocket at the bottom of the straps to add a little storage if needed.

The feeling of two very different fabrics took some getting used to, but after a few rides, the design began to feel more natural and make sense. The feeling of easy mobility around the knee, shin, and ankle is something that no other bib tight could match, whilst also providing the level of overall protection as the Free Aero RC. 

On the back side, Castelli has opted for a stitched rubber medallion featuring the scorpion logo, instead of the heat-transferred logos featured across the rest of the range. Two small reflective strips are heat transferred high on the back of the thigh. These add a little visibility, but we would’ve liked to see these not only larger but also stitched into the fabric. 

If you want a versatile winter tight that offers support and weather protection around the upper thighs and glutes, but an amazing amount of mobility for the knees, shins, and ankles, and features a top-shelf pad insert, the Castelli Free Aero RC is worth a look.

Although not quite a Scottish climate, the Pacific Northwest of the US gets plenty of rain, so we had plenty of chances to ride in the FS260-Pro Thermal II in wet conditions. We came away impressed with the water-repellent and PFC-free (Poly-fluorinated chemical) DWR treatment, which helps water bead up on the surface until it dries or gets blown away. 

We also appreciate how high the FS260-Pro Thermal II extends into the midsection, helping keep hips and abdominal muscles warm and relaxed. A zipper also helps keep this extra coverage from requiring any extra work to get into the FS-260 Pro Thermal when you need to relieve yourself. Endura also chose to add zippers at the ankles, making the FS260-Pro Thermal II one of the easiest pairs of tights to slide on and off. 

The FS260-Pro Thermal II features Endura’s 600 series pad which features gel inserts and a luxurious, dimpled surface, as well as a “Continuously Variable Profile” which Endura says enhances its ability to stretch. We found it up to the task of keeping us comfortable, motivated, and happy on long rides in nasty conditions. We found the straps to be a bit loose, due to how high they are positioned, atop the extended abdominal paneling in front, yet it never felt like they weren’t doing the job of holding the pad and tights securely in place.

Large reflective elements are placed high up on the back of the calf, which is smart, as they won’t be covered up by shoe covers. Silicone Endura logos grace the side of the thighs. Only time will tell if these thin, raised letters will hold up to harsh conditions on the road and in the laundry room.

If riding in wet conditions is part of your routine, and you want a bib tight that competes with tights at higher price points, the Endura FS260-Pro Thermal II is a model that is definitely worth trying.

The ‘VPDS’ acronym stands for “visco-elastic polymer dough”, which are essentially silicone inserts that can be found inside the pad. The pad is one of the best we tested, combining a minimal thickness of only 2mm, with excellent cushioning and support. This pad was definitely the standout feature of the Thermal VPDS tights. 

The waist of the Thermal VPDS tight is cut high, which helps keep the core and lower back muscles protected and more able to relax. Overall, the fit is very tidy, and although there are plenty of seams, they are intelligently placed and stitched flat to avoid irritation and bunching. Since the Thermal VPDS are not fleece-lined, they transition well into more mild temps, as high as the upper 50s. Breathability is excellent, and the svelte VPDS pad pulls away any moisture before it becomes an issue. 

A large POC logo on the rear lower leg adds visibility, although it is heat-bonded which means it could be susceptible to cracking and peeling over time. At the ankle, a tall, stretchy cuff keeps the fit of the Thermal VPDS tight, smooth, and snug around the calf. 

If you’re looking for a windproof and warm tight that doesn’t have the bulk that often comes from a thermal “Roubaix” style fabric, and also features an excellent pad, the POC Thermal VPDS could be right for you.

Starting with the pad insert, Castelli was able to save some cost here by opting to place the Kiss Air2 model. While not quite as heavenly as the top-tier Progetto X2 pad, the Kiss Air2 is still among the best pads available from any brand. This pad has a buttery-soft and subtly dimpled surface, and balances moderate density with excellent flexibility, taking the sting out of even the roughest roads. After testing this pad in so many pairs of bibs from Castelli, we’ve determined that really the only thing the Kiss Air2 gives up to the Progetto X2 is a marginal amount of breathability. In the context of tights designed for winter riding, this is much less of a concern because the temperatures are so much cooler. 

The Entrata Bibtight is comprised of Thermoflex fabric, which is warm and stretchy, but does not have the same level of water repellency as Nano Flex fabric that Castelli uses on some of its higher-end options. So, when riding in the rain or in a group where few or none of the riders are using fenders, the Entrata can get a bit soaked and feel a tad heavy. That said, Thermoflex is burly enough to keep the legs warm even if a little moisture gets in. 

Riding in cold and dry conditions was a joy with the Entrata Bibtight. The Thermoflex fabric has a natural, even stretchiness and the fleece backing was able to trap just the right amount of heat next to the skin across a wide range of temperatures from 35 to 60 degrees. 

The legs are paneled with all seams positioned to avoid irritation and allow for maximum range of motion throughout the pedal stroke. The ankles have a couple of nice touches that help set the Entrata apart from other bib tights at this price point. First, the zippers help getting in and out much easier, and it is covered by a reflective strip that is sewn into the seam that runs up the back of the calf area. So, you get visibility without having to worry about it cracking or peeling over time, and the zipper is hidden, for a clean look. 

The Castelli Entrata Bibtight might be an affordable option, but it doesn’t give up much performance to its more expensive counterparts in the right conditions. It’s not the most versatile when the rain arrives, but for a dry-weather rider, it’s a great pick that won’t break the bank.

We felt a sensation of being wrapped into this bib tight, versus having the bib tight stretched over us. This wrapping sensation is exactly what Assos was after when they chose the RX Evo Plus fabric for the Mille GT C2 Bib Tight. According to Assos, this fabric features asymmetrical stretch, which is what allows it to be shaped to wrap the rider’s leg so nicely. Other nice benefits of this fabric are resistance to both abrasion and blanching, which means the black hue of the Mille GT C2 should remain deep and lustrous throughout its service life. This fabric is also supremely versatile, trapping heat close to the skin precisely until sweat vapor begins to develop, at which point the Mille GT C2 is evacuated of any excess heat and any associated moisture. 

The Mille GT C2 pad insert is made up of compressive foam layers that combine to form an 11mm-thick endurance-ready platform. Thermoformed shaping of the pad reduces ridges and irritation, for a buttery smooth feeling that persists throughout long winter rides. The “GoldenGate” stitching pattern anchors the front and back but lets the insert’s body float, allowing the pad to move with your body. This design eliminates the most common point of chafing with pads from other brands, where the groin transitions to the glute. 

Around the waist, the Mille GT C2 features a soft, highly elastic material to improve comfort and hold, minus any pressure or pinching. Again, this sensation of being wrapped into the bib tights can be felt. The waistline is laser cut for a perfectly flat fit against the midsection, helping to prevent the base layer worn below from bunching or irritating the skin. The “X-frame” bib straps limit sag on the lower back panel of the Mille GT C2, stabilizing the insert and main body panel. The straps have plenty of stretch and strength, so they resist wandering along the shoulders and graciously accommodate any riding position.

The Mille GT is better equipped to handle cold and dry conditions than it is wet conditions. While we never had any complaints about riding in them in a light drizzle, we feel there are better options for dealing with the spray coming up from soaking wet roads. So, for the dry-weather cyclist who wants a luxurious and warm bib tight with a top-shelf pad insert, the Assos Mille GT Winter Bib Tight C2 is a winning choice.

A big part of the appeal of the MK3 Cargo Bib Tight is storage. 4 pockets in total – one per leg and two at the lower back – can hold more kit than most 3-pocket jerseys or jackets. So, for rides in mild conditions where efficient storage is an important objective, a pair of non-insulated cargo tights might make more sense than cargo bib shorts with thermal leg warmers that will eventually need to be removed and carried. 

A custom Elastic Interface® Space chamois insert is carried over from the MK3 Bib Short and is one of the best pad inserts available. The pad is sewn into a layer of material that floats freely inside the skin of the tights. This means that the pad can stay perfectly in place as you change position on the saddle. The pad stands on its own as a great feature of the MK3 Bib Tights, balancing dense support with supple pliability to always give us the perfect seat from which to pedal happily for long hours. 

The overall fit of the MK3 is excellent and truly shines when out riding, as 7Mesh has placed all the seams away from action points, avoiding the feeling of there being any extra material at all, let alone irritation or chafing. One unusual but intelligent feature is a trimmable hem at the ankle that can be cut with (sharp) scissors to achieve the perfect inseam length. 

The only limitation of the MK3 Cargo Bib Tight is frigid cold or heavy rain. The material simply isn’t suited to either one. So, if riding long distances in mild conditions with cargo is in your future, the 7Mesh MK3 Bib Tight is a great option to consider.

Warmth is provided by the Chrono Expert Thermals’s hi-loft Italian fabric which features a brushed-back facing that holds body heat to create a cozy microclimate next to the skin for good temperature regulation in cold weather. Giro also wisely added wind-resistant material to the central panel that protects your most sensitive areas, along with a DWR coating to fend off rain and road spray. 

Seated comfort is excellent, thanks to the Chrono Expert Thermal’s Renew Series Chamois, a triple density, 13mm thickness pad. Getting in and out of the Chrono Expert Thermal is easy, by utilizing locking zippers at the outer ankle which are smartly oriented at an angle that follows the natural position of the lower leg during the pedal stroke to avoid chafing. Silicone grippers ensure that the leg openings stay locked in place without digging or constricting the ankle’s movement. 

Above the waist, soft and stretchy mesh straps hit the mark for comfort and support while incorporating three rear pockets for discreetly stashing extra food or other small items. The fit of the Chrono Expert Thermal is generally quite good, but we did notice some puckering of the material at the stitching that runs along the medial glute area when standing. Once an aggressive riding position is assumed, the fit becomes more snug in this area. This is a fit issue that affects many tights, and only a few models we tested, all priced over $300, managed to avoid it. 

At $190, we feel the Giro Chrono Expert Thermal is a solid value because of its high level of versatility and for getting the essentials right, such as warmth in the seating area, water resistance, and helpful details like legit rear pockets and angled leg zippers. These are tights we would not hesitate to take out into the worst of the worst weather, or those days when it’s highly unpredictable. So, for riders looking for a single pair of winter tights that can do it all, the Giro Chrono Expert Thermal is a great pick.

The straps are wide and laser-cut, so they lie perfectly flat. Pearl Izumi also designed the straps to allow drop-tail nature breaks should that need arise. We never had to put this design to the test, but we’ve been in that situation on all-day epics before and it’s nice to know it’s there. 

Pearl Izumi added full PI Dry® water-shedding technology to protect from road spray and drizzle. There are also three reflective bars bonded to the fabric on each leg, around the outer calf. The placement of these reflective panels should be effective in helping motorists identify cyclists as they approach. Only time will tell how durable these panels are. Many heat-bonded panels like this end up cracking and peeling, but it’s variable from brand to brand. 

The dual-density Levitate™ Plus chamois provides an excellent balance of dense support and supple pliability, while also wicking away sweat to keep the seating area dry and comfortable. Whenever we stood up to accelerate or shifted position on the saddle in the Expedition Thermal Cycling Bib Tight, the pad stayed perfectly situated beneath our sit bones. 

The pockets use a slightly different design than most, made of a simple sleeve of lycra sewn into the seams. We would like to see a little bit more volume available, but there’s still plenty of space for a phone plus a few small snacks. These pockets are very quick and easy to access and hold items securely over even the bumpiest terrain. Unlike the other cargo bib tights we tested, the Expedition Thermal Cycling Bib Tight does not have additional pockets built into the low back. So, storage is reduced by 50% compared to some competitors. 

The Pearl Izumi Expedition Thermal Cycling Bib Tight is an excellent choice for endurance rides in cold weather, assuming the minimal storage capacity meets your needs. All other facets of this bib tight are top-notch, at a fair price, which is what Pearl Izumi is known for and continues to offer here.

The straps feel a bit grabby at first, but once in the cycling position, they melt away and leave no feeling of bulk between a base layer and jacket. The main fabric is fleece-backed and supremely stretchy, trapping just the right amount of heat against the skin while maintaining a sense of freedom during the pedal stroke. 

Zippered ankles make getting in and out easy, but probably are not necessary, considering the stretch in this fabric. It’s a subjective preference, but since bib tights are put on in the privacy of one’s home and stay on throughout the ride, zippered ankles seem like something that can fail and doesn’t always have a clear benefit. 

Somewhat disappointing in this $240 pair of tights is the lack of any reflective elements visible to motorists approaching from the rear. While a tail light can serve to alert motorists, the more visual cues the better, and this feels like a missed opportunity. 

Putting those two minor gripes aside, riding in the Bodyfit Pro was great. It’s easy to see why Sportful says this bib tight is the choice of so many professional riders on their sponsored teams. Cold windy mornings and damp, mild afternoons were no match for the Bodyfit Pro Bibtight. Keep in mind that there is no water-resistant treatment applied to the Bodyfit Pro Bibtight, so rides on soaked roads or in heavy rainfall could test the limits of its ability to protect and maintain comfort. 

For long rides in dry to damp conditions spanning anywhere from high 30s to low 60s F, the Sportful Bodyfit Pro Bibtight is a winning pick. We wish it were a bit less expensive, but it can likely be found on promotion at a number of retailers.

The DWR treatment is necessary because while Nano flex is indeed flexible, and vents well, the fabric itself doesn’t resist moisture intrusion very well. So, in the areas most vulnerable to road spray, like the lower back and torso, Castelli opted to build the Sorpasso Bibtight with Nano Flex Xtra Dry fabric instead. The Xtra Dry type of Nanoflex features a tighter knit on the outside and gets a more robust DWR treatment. 

The sizing of the Sorpasso is in keeping with everything Castelli makes, meaning that it runs a bit small. The actual fit is nicely balanced to accommodate any body type. The only small issue I found related to fit was that the seams around the pelvis could be better reinforced, as I did notice some fabric puckering in this area. 

The Sorpasso Bibtight features Castelli’s top-shelf pad, the Progetto X2 Air Seamless. It’s a dense but cushy pad that moves excess heat and moisture out effectively, so your seating area remains dry and comfortable in any weather or at any intensity level. The pad is integrated perfectly into the structure of the Sorpasso tights so that the transition is smooth and the pad remains stable while flexing with your pedal stroke. 

Reflective accents on the back of the ankle/calf area are a nice touch. The way the reflective strips slant inward looks a bit odd, and if the reflective material were placed higher it would be more effective, as it wouldn’t be concealed by shoe covers, 

The Sorpasso is a great option for long rides, simply because they are so comfortable. Seams are out of the way of the knee joint, the straps are forgotten after a few minutes of riding, and the pad is one of the best available. The combination of Nanoflex, Nanoflex Xtra Dry, and DWR coating enables the Sorpasso RoS Bibtight to transition easily through the spectrum of fall, winter, and spring weather without ever leaving you unprotected or feeling dragged down.

Leveraging its track record of producing great bib shorts, Pearl Izumi was able to transfer many features and design elements of their most expensive bib shorts into the entry-level Attack. Reduced paneling and seams and using raw-edge bib straps promises enhanced comfort along the legs and torso. Pearl Izumi’s excellent Escape 1:1 Chamois pad provides optimal moisture transfer and breathability.

Given the lower price point, we found the fit of the Attack to be impressive, especially when compared to bib shorts that cost almost triple the price. The leg length of 10.5” is perfect, and the compression of the Select Transfer fabric is up there with the best bibs tested. The straps are also well-designed, staying flat against the shoulders and never bunching or irritating the skin. The pad is suitable for rides up to 3 hours and stays dry and comfortable in warm conditions. 

Offered in two solid color options, Black and Navy, with only a single small Pearl Izumi logo, the look is subdued and timeless. These shorts are sure to go along with virtually any jersey and won’t ever go out of style.

It’s likely that if you invest in a pair of the Pearl Izumi Attack, they won’t be your last pair of bib shorts. They deliver on all the promises that bib shorts make, like better support, decreased pad friction, and better overall comfort on longer rides at a fraction of the cost of the high-end competition.  

The Elastic Interface® Space chamois is brilliant, delivering a dense and supple perch on the saddle. A wide central channel helps maintain good blood flow throughout the longest rides. Equally impressive is the positioning of the chamois, inside a floating pocket of material that runs from front to back, cradling the chamois and isolating it from the rest of the bib shorts. The benefit is that the chamois can move subtly with the rider’s body, without causing the shorts to drift across the saddle. The design works as intended, allowing for confident, stable moves from the tops to the drops and back again. 

The legs are raw cut and finished with printed silicone grippers, giving the MK3 a perfect fit around the quadriceps and hamstrings. The MK3’s Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified fabric has a subtle texture that provides a perfect dose of friction to keep the chamois perfectly in place on the saddle during even the most intense seated efforts.

The overall fit provides great compression and support, without feeling overly tight or stretchy. You won’t struggle to get the MK3 on, but once they are on, they feel snug and secure everywhere. Leg length is longer than average, but not so long that gaps form around the leg openings. The straps are seamless and 45mm wide, with an intersection at the mid-back at a softly brushed junction panel before transitioning to a single strap. The straps are delightfully comfortable in any riding position and keep the shorts and chamois situated perfectly. 

Aesthetically, the MK3 is clean and minimal, in keeping with the understated vibe of the brand’s product offerings. Very little stitching is visible, and just one small logo adorns the right leg. The MK3 is available in three colors, including black, navy, and peat. 

7Mesh uses only certified sustainable fabrics which meet Bluesign® standards for worker safety and environmental responsibility. It’s great to see that a product that performs this well can be produced ethically. 7Mesh also offers a generous crash replacement and repair policy, so you can ride the MK3 as hard as you want, knowing that they will take care of your bibs if something unforeseen should happen.

The 7Mesh MK3 sells for $200 US. While not exactly inexpensive, these bibs easily outperform similarly priced options from some better-known brands and are competitive with bib shorts costing upwards of 20% more. 

The pad, which Castelli calls Progetto X2 Air, feels dense but airy, and has the perfect amount of loft to it, like a firm and supportive mattress. There is a subtle structure to the Progetto X2 Air, which allows it to mute unwanted feedback from road bumps transmitted through the saddle, while never feeling bulky or restrictive of the pedal stroke. The pad’s structure also helps it remain flush against the body, never separating during out-of-saddle efforts, or shifting laterally while seated, helping you stay squared up and perfectly level on the saddle. Further enhancing rider stability is the ribbed texture of the fabric on the underside of the pad area. The ribs run perpendicular to the bike’s top tube, which will help limit some riders’ tendency to slide forward during intense seated efforts or when accessing the drops. 

The legs terminate at raw-cut edges with no stitching or silicone grippers like those you’ll find on most bib shorts. The leg opening is noticeably smaller than average, and the material in this bottom portion of the leg is super flexible yet substantial enough to firmly grab onto the quadriceps muscles. Introduce a little perspiration and the legs stay perfectly glued in place, with a light, comfortable, seamless feeling. 

Castelli has switched from heat-transfer logos to a handsome rubber medallion that is stitched into the shorts. Not only will the stitched medallion not peel, but it adds to the perceived quality of the bib shorts, signaling that the Free Aero RC is not meant to be pitched out at the end of the race calendar, and instead will stand up to years of heavy use.

The back and top sections of the straps, which sit on the rider’s scapular region, are bonded and reinforced, giving a feel that is pleasingly stable and flat. The reinforcement also ensures that the back of the bibs and the Progetto pad does not slide down and forward while riding. Meanwhile, at the front of the straps, the reinforcement is removed and the straps are semi-transparent. This yields a super-flexible zone to help the straps expand freely while putting the bibs on and also makes the front of the straps more comfortable in the hottest conditions when no base layer is being used. 

The fit of the Free Aero RC is race-oriented. The legs are cut slightly longer than average to cover and smooth airflow across the quadriceps and also offer greater support to these muscles. The Free Aero RC is significantly articulated for an aggressive riding position. Some will not find these to be the most comfortable bibs when standing upright. When seated on the bike, however, the cycling posture transforms the fit into a second skin. 

If going fast in comfort and style is your priority, the Castelli Free Aero RC is worth a serious look. 

While the Endurance 3 achieved the first two objectives, its fit wasn’t especially impressive relative to the best bib shorts out there. This is simply due to the relatively high prevalence of seams in a traditionally constructed bib short like the Endurance 3. More seams give rise to more puckering and bunching of the fabric, especially around the medial glute area. This is something that Castelli understands, and it’s on display in the Free Aero Race RC, which costs a bit more but uses a more advanced fabric that requires much less stitching and fits much better in the legs and glute area than the Endurance 3. 

All that said, the Endurance is a great choice for long rides, especially in warm conditions. Castelli’s Endurance Evolution fabric stays dry and cool, and there is no better pad than the Progetto X2 Air Seamless. The traditional mesh straps articulate well around the torso without pinching or grabbing. While straps have evolved beyond traditional mesh in higher-end bibs, these mesh straps are without any fuss or issues. 

Castelli did not use traditional silicone grippers on the leg openings of the Endurance 3, opting instead for its Giro3 gripper, which is very comfortable because it relies on compression, not surface friction, to hold the legs of the Endurance 3 perfectly in place. It’s worth noting that this is a somewhat delicate design, and may lose effectiveness if the Endurance 3 are machine dried repeatedly. 

Another small niggle with the Endurance 3, and most Castelli cycling shorts, for that matter, is the heat-transferred logos, which can peel and look a bit sad after about one season. Thankfully, Castelli has moved to a stitched rubber medallion logo on some of their more expensive models which helps enhance perceived quality and longevity. 

At $160, the performance of the Castelli Endurance 3 makes them a great value. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced bib short with a world-class chamois and excellent moisture control, the Castelli Endurance 3 is a solid choice.  

The brand’s mission statement holds that quality cycling kit has become prohibitively expensive and that by doing away with labels and other “B.S”, The Black Bibs will allow more riders to enjoy cycling, regardless of their budget. This approach is certainly commendable, but we don’t necessarily see these shorts as only for people who can’t afford something better. But it’s worth considering that $80 actually sounds about right for a foam pad sewn into a pair of lycra shorts, whether you’re a college freshman who just discovered road riding or a retired physician who rides 15 hours a week.

Still, it’s fair to ask what is missing from these $80 bib shorts, compared with options for a pair costing 3x as much. To understand the difference, you’d need to test ride or at least hold both types of bibs side-by-side. The Velocio Luxe, for instance, uses more refined materials which in turn facilitate more advanced design, and feature a more luxurious and expensive pad. The Black Bibs Ultimate, on the other hand, uses proven, albeit less exotic fabric, which requires a more traditional design that incorporates significantly more stitching. Essentially, these bibs are as good as anything was 20 years ago, but not as good as the best bibs being developed nowadays. 

Getting into the specifics, The Black Bibs Ultimate is made using 80% polyester and 20% spandex. The pad is sourced from DR Pad, based in Italy, and is triple density 80-95-120 kg/m3. Thickness is from 2-15mm, and a carbon antistatic layer is applied for increased comfort. The straps are a simple mesh, and the bands at the leg openings are silicone-infused to provide a gentle grip. The fit is good, considering that the fabric is not heavily articulated or especially supple, therefore requiring more stitching, which results in some slight puckering and bunching along the seams. 

The somewhat slippery fabric and positioning of the pad create a tendency to slip forward on the saddle, requiring occasional shifting of the body for maximum comfort. For this reason, these wouldn’t be our first pick for racing, as this would be at best a distraction, and at worst could compromise your ability to ride powerfully in a super-aggressive position for sustained periods. 

Cycling has enough status symbols and bib shorts don’t need to be another one. The Black Bibs deserve credit for offering a product with zero branding. It seems weird to pay for something, and then be a rolling billboard for that product every time you leave the house. Instead of logos, The Black Bibs offer a nice palette of colors, as well as tall and short inseam lengths, long strap options, and two less expensive models with the original bibs ($40) and Plus bibs ($65), as well as the Adventure bibs ($85) with back and thigh pockets.

If you are looking to ride more and spend less, and aren’t concerned with brand names, The Black Bibs Ultimate are a great pick. You can learn more about The Black Bibs in this article.

The race-oriented fit of these bibs is clear from the moment they’re put on. The fabric is highly compressive, and the straps feel short when standing upright. Once you’re on the bike, the CONCEPT feels more natural and comfortable, but if you’re on the cusp of sizes, we’d recommend going up, not down. One small critique of the fit is the leg length. For a bib short aimed at aero gains, the legs are fairly short. Covering more of the quadriceps muscles likely would have made the CONCEPT more aerodynamic than the ribbed material on the outer legs, chosen for its aero performance. 

Improved pedaling motion comes by way of a custom-designed fully integrated chamois pad that floats inside a fabric pocket, with only a small amount of stitching at the front and rear to anchor the pad in place. The pad is also rather small, providing excellent support and cushioning and support where it is needed, without any bulk due to excess material. While it is hard to say if pedaling in the CONCEPT bibs felt noticeably different or better compared to other high-end bibs, it certainly felt stable and fluid. 

Overall, the CONCEPT is a great pair of cycling bib shorts, but they were bested in the comfort department by Velocio’s own LUXE model. That said, if aero gains and supreme muscle compression are your priorities, the Velocio CONCEPT is certainly worth a look. 

Italian high-performance power Lycra fabric fits perfectly and provides wonderful support and compression. The fabric is also pre-shaped with multi-panel construction, to conform to the shape of the body nicely. A lumbar support panel, along with gentle silicone grippers on the raw edge hem bands ensure the shorts stay firmly in place hour after hour. 

Endura’s Ergonomistry philosophy guided the development of the excellent PRO SL EGM bib short. Developed in collaboration with world-renowned physiotherapist and ergonomist Phil Burt, the Ergonmistry concept aims to develop products that supply superior comfort and well-being on the bike. Having spent 12 years as Head of Physiotherapy at British Cycling, Burt has treated countless issues pertaining to pressure points resulting from sub-optimal bib short fit and ergonomics. The partnership is working, and these bibs are solid proof. The PRO SL EGM, gave zero pressure points or irritation, and the seated comfort only got better the longer the test rides went. The lumbar support panel also works to give the pad a wonderfully stable feel. 

At $230 US, the Endura Pro SL EGM presents a more affordable option than many similar bibs costing $50+ more. The Endura PRO SL EGM is also available in regular and long lengths to dial in the fit to your needs, along with three color options to suit your preference. 

Rapha’s Pro Team line is bifurcated into racing kit that is focused on aerodynamic gains, and training kit that’s designed for pouring on big miles day after day. So, it’s not surprising that the Pro Team Training bib shorts are supportive and luxurious. The fabric is lightweight but fairly dense, and adapts to a wide range of temperatures, so you can head out early in the morning and ride comfortably into the heat of midday. 

The chamois pad is size-specific and has a very structured, dense, supportive feel. As the miles pass, the pad becomes more comfortable and compliant. While it doesn’t match the seamless feel of the Velocio Luxe or the stability of the 7Mesh MK3, the comfort is excellent considering the fabric and construction of the Pro Team are more traditional. On that note, the Pro Team Training bib shorts use plenty of stitching and paneling. Happily, this does not result in any bunching, pinching, or loose-fitting sections. 

The fit is compressive but not overly tight, which makes sense for bib shorts that are going to be used for very long rides on successive days. The white straps are a nice touch since they stay invisible beneath lighter-colored jerseys. Most importantly, they are comfortably stretchy and soft, whether paired with a base layer or worn directly against the skin. Leg length is traditional, a bit shorter than many contemporary bib shorts. Thankfully, the Pro Team Traning is available in a long length for taller riders. 

For knocking out big training rides in style and comfort, the Rapha Pro Team Training Bib Shorts are a solid choice. At $210, these are expensive, but still considerably less than many other high-end options. If you’ve always been curious about Rapha bib shorts, these would be an excellent introduction, as they balance all the best aspects of Rapha fit, comfort, and style.