The Julbo Density is a new model from a brand that’s been producing eyewear for over 125 years. These featherlight shades are so light that you can hardly even tell when you’re wearing them, yet the large coverage lenses and great optics will have you seeing clearly on the road or trail.

The Density glasses tipped our scale at just 19 grams, which is the lightest weight of all the models we tested. While the differences in weight are fairly small between performance sunglass models, these shades are particularly lightweight. You can barely tell when you’re holding them in your hand, and they completely disappear when you put them on. They have a half-frame design that extends across the top of the lens and down to the nosepiece. Thin arms extend back over the ears with Grip Tech rubber that provides a gentle but very secure hold. In fact, it is impressive just how stable and secure these glasses are, whether riding through a rock garden, a washboard gravel road, or even while trail running.

These boldly styled glasses have a large 140mm x 59mm cylindrical lens that provides excellent coverage and an unrestricted field of view. They block wind impressively well, and you’re hard-pressed to see the frame or edge of the lens, even when you try. We tested the photochromic Reactiv 0-3 High Contrast lens which ranges between 87% and 12% visible light transmission (VLT) depending on the conditions. This contrast-boosting lens is essentially clear in dim light and darkens significantly in bright light conditions, providing an excellent range for whatever you may encounter on your ride. They don’t change immediately, mind you, but then again, none of them do. They are also currently offered with 3 other Reactiv lens options (all of which retail for $250) as well as Julbo’s less expensive Spectron 3 lenses (that cost less at $170)

Our complaints about the Density glasses are few. They are relatively expensive, and they only come with one lens. Given the usable VLT range of the Reactiv lenses, however, you really only need one. They are also so light that they feel like they could be quite fragile. We haven’t had any problems with our test pair, but you’ll want to take care not to crush these accidentally. And, the inner side of the lens has an almost tacky feel that makes them slightly harder to wipe clean.

Even with those minor qualms, we were thoroughly impressed by the Julbo Density and think it is one of the best cycling sunglasses on the market right now. If you’re looking for a super light, stylish, high-coverage option with great optics, we think you should check them out.

Tifosi has been producing performance eyewear since 2003 and has grown a reputation for making quality sunglasses at affordable prices. While many of the brand’s options have some late 90s futuristic styling, the Sledge is more in line with modern trends and is a large-lensed, full-frame model that’s suitable for any type of cycling or other outdoor activity. It can be purchased with either the single Fototec lens we tested, or it comes with three lenses, clear, AC Red, and a darker option. Tifosi also makes a half-frame version, called the Sledge Lite that comes in similar colors and lens options.

Selling for half the price, or less, than most high-end cycling shades, it would be reasonable to expect a reduction in optical quality from the Sledge’s lenses. While they may not boost contrast quite as well as some other brands, we found the optically decentered spherical lenses to provide super clear, distortion-free optics that are nearly on par with the more expensive competition. The Fototec lens we tested changes tint depending on the lighting conditions with an impressive visible light transmission range of 14% to 74%, making these a great option for anyone who wants a set-it-and-forget-it pair of shades that’s suitable for all lighting conditions. Should you choose the interchange version of the Sledge, you get three lenses that have you covered for all situations. The lenses are a little more challenging to swap than some other brands, but it becomes easier with a little practice.

The large lenses measure 135mm x 56mm and wrap around closely to the face providing an excellent shield for the eyes and protecting them from wind and dust very well. Four small vents at the top of the lens allow for some ventilation and help prevent fogging. The durable feeling frame is made of Grilamid TR-90, and there are hydrophilic rubber pads on the nose and arms that provide a stable and secure hold, even when wet. The frames are a little heavier and stiffer than some other options, but the performance on the road or trail is right up there with more expensive competitors. They also come with a zippered hard case and a microfiber bag for cleaning and storage.

Given their lower price point, the Tifosi Sledge gives surprisingly little to complain about. The close fit and wraparound style of the lens/frame, however, may make contact with some people’s cheeks and/or brow, and the nose piece is not adjustable to optimize the fit. While it isn’t necessarily distracting or problematic, it is possible to see the edges of the frame in your peripheral vision. They are also comparatively a little bit heavier weight at 37 grams.

Still, we think the Tifosi Sledge is a great pair of cycling sunglasses that should meet most riders’ needs without breaking the bank.

If you’re seeking goggle-like coverage and performance, the POC Devour is about as close as you can get to riding in goggles while wearing a pair of sunglasses. Designed to pair with the POC Kortal mountain bike helmet, the Devour offers some unique design features that make it an excellent option for any type of mountain biking, or for gravel and road riders seeking a full coverage option.

POC has been producing quality eyewear for years, and their experience shows in their excellent lenses. Made by optical specialist, Carl Zeiss, the cylindrical lenses provide crystal clear, distortion-free vision with the Clarity MTB Silver Mirror lens we tested providing a great contrast boost and versatile lens tint that works well in the changing light conditions often encountered on mountain bike trails. An additional clear lens is also included with each pair for dimmer light conditions, and POC offers the Devour in an assortment of different frame colors, lens tints, and reflective coatings.

The main thing that stands out about the Devour glasses is the massive lens size. Measuring a whopping 177mm x 66mm to the edges of the lens and 148mm x 58mm for the frame, these are some of the largest sunglasses on the market and they cover a lot of real estate on your face. They are nearly as large as a pair of goggles, except they sit off the face and avoid the warmth and stuffiness of foam padding. Still, they allow a decent amount of air movement with vents across the top of the lens and a slightly off-the-face fit that keeps fogging to a minimum. The lenses are also treated with Ri-Pel to protect them from dirt and shed water, plus an anti-scratch coating.

Hidden behind that huge lens is a full frame that holds the lens with six small tabs that hook over the edges from the back. The field of view is absolutely huge, but the vertical portion of the frame by the sides can be seen in the periphery if you look hard enough. The arms are dropped slightly to avoid contact with modern high-coverage half-shell mountain bike helmets like the POC Kortal, and the ends of the arms curve down behind the ears to prevent conflict with helmet retention harnesses. The arms are also adjustable for length, with four positions to fit varying head dimensions. Unfortunately, the nose piece is not adjustable, but the rubber pads grip the nose well and help keep the glasses super stable when riding over rough terrain.

At $250, these sunglasses certainly don’t come cheap, and we’d love it if they came with a hard case to protect your investment. Regardless, we feel the POC Devour is an excellent, albeit expensive, option for anyone seeking the coverage of goggles in a modern-looking pair of sunglasses.

For more information, check out our review of the POC Devour sunglasses.

Much like the Sledge, the Tifosi Rail is another great value in a market dominated by higher-priced competitors. These big, bold, frameless sunglasses provide excellent coverage, good optics, and come with three lenses included (or a single Fototec lens) at a very reasonable price. Tifosi also makes the Rail XC with slightly smaller lens dimensions and the Rail Race, which has vented lenses.

On the face, the Rail sunglasses could easily be mistaken for a more expensive pair of shades. The cylindrical lenses have been optically decentered and the optics are clear and distortion-free. With dimensions of 138mm x 59mm and a curved, wraparound shape, they provide excellent coverage and shield the eyes quite well with a massive field of vision, and it is difficult to see any part of the frame or edges of the lens. The three lens options, Smoke, AC Red, and Clear, provide all the options you need for any lighting conditions, and lens changes are very quick and easy. The darker Smoke lens is great for bright, sunny days, the AC Red works great for medium brightness or mountain biking in changing light conditions, while the clear is a great option for dim light or overcast days. Tifosi also sells the Rail with a single Fototec lens that adjusts tint depending on the lighting conditions.

Given the frameless design, the minimal frame elements include only the nosepiece and arms. Both have hydrophilic rubber touch points that grip well even when sweaty, and the nosepiece is adjustable to accommodate different nose bridge shapes for a personalized fit. The arms are fairly long, so it is possible they could contact some helmet shells or retention systems, though we didn’t have any issues with the helmets worn during testing. The frameless cylindrical lens doesn’t provide the most structure or rigidity, and we found them to be a little less stable than some other models over rough terrain. On smooth surfaces, especially when road biking, or for those with wider heads, they stay in position quite well.

For a budget-friendly model, the Tifosi Rail doesn’t disappoint, and we feel anyone seeking a large coverage, frameless pair of sunglasses for cycling should consider them. They may not have the brand recognition or “cool-factor” of glasses that cost double, or more, but they perform nearly as well at a fraction of the price.

Oakley has been at the forefront of the sunglass market for decades, creating boldly styled models with excellent optics. In the mid-1970s, Oakley started as a small brand producing motocross accessories and offered their first sport sunglasses in 1984. Since then, they’ve become one of the most popular brands in the business, with models made for everything from casual wear to cycling. They sponsor many cycling teams and athletes and are one of the most common sights in the pro peloton or any mountain bike race. The Sutro Lite is the half-frame version of the ever-popular full-frame Oakley Sutro. Oakley also makes the Sutro Lite Sweep, which is very similar but features a lens that is angled at the bottom, making it less squared off.

While most brands are making lenses with great optics these days, Oakley’s Prizm lenses stand out in a crowded market as being just a cut above the rest. Not only do the cylindrical lenses provide crystal clear, undistorted vision, but the Prizm technology does a wonderful job of boosting contrast and making the world appear to be in high definition. We tested both the Sutro Lite and Sutro Lite Sweep models with Prizm Black (11% VLT) and Prizm Sapphire (12% VLT) lenses, respectively. Both lenses worked very well for their intended bright light purpose but also proved to be surprisingly versatile on mountain bike rides and trail runs when encountering mixed light conditions. Of course, Oakley offers a wide range of lens options including Prizm Trail, Prizm Road, and even Prizm Golf, that are optimized to meet specific needs.

The Sutro Lite has a large but not enormous lens that measures 139mm x 58mm, as does the Sutro Lite sweep (just with a different lower lens shape). The look is reminiscent of some vintage Oakley Blades but with a more modern appeal. They wrap around nicely without sitting too close to the face, and the field of view is excellent, with virtually no frame or lens edge visible no matter how hard you try. Protection from the wind and debris is also great whether you’re hurtling down a backwoods trail or your favorite road descent.

The half-frame is made from Oakley’s O-matter material and it extends across the top of the lens and connects to the nosepiece. The arms are straight and fairly long at 138mm, with flexible ends that are covered in grippy, hydrophilic Unobtanium rubber. The nosepiece also has a removable Unobtanium rubber pad, and it comes with 2 thicknesses so you can swap it out for your desired fit. It is worth noting that the length of the arms does mean they may conflict with some helmet shells or harnesses, so it may be worth trying these on with your helmet(s) to see if they get along. In addition to the regular fit model we tested, Oakley also makes a Low Bridge Fit version for those with a lower nose bridge or high cheekbones.

While the Oakley Sutro Lite and Sutro Lite Sweep are quite expensive and only come with one lens, their optics are second to none in a market full of strong competition. Not only that, they look great and can easily transition from your bike ride to the beach, or even coaching your kid’s baseball team.

Smith Optics has been making high-quality eyewear for some time, and the Wildcat is one of their most popular models that has been a staple in their lineup for a few years. The Wildcat is Smith’s take on goggle-like coverage, with large cylindrical lenses, bold style, and lots of lens and frame color options to choose from. They also work well for any activity, whether that’s road, gravel, or mountain biking, paddleboarding, trail running, backcountry skiing, you name it.

Smith established itself as one of the leaders in the sunglass market some time ago, thanks in large part to the quality optics of their Chromapop lenses. Similar to Oakley’s Prizm technology, Smith’s Chromapop lenses provide crystal clear, undistorted vision with nicely enhanced contrast. They offer the Wildcat with several different lens options, with VLT % ranging from 10% for the Chromapop Black lens for dark conditions, down to 30% for the Chromapop Opal Mirror lens for more moderate brightness (other replacements are also available or lower light conditions). They also sell them with the Photochromic Clear to Gray lens we tested, which has a range of 20% to 85% VLT, making them a highly versatile option for changing light conditions. Each pair also comes with a spare clear lens for use on overcast days or in the deep dark woods, and lens changes are fairly quick and easy.

The Wildcat’s large cylindrical lenses measure 140mm x 62mm, providing a very large, but not excessively wide shield for the eyes. The lens is curved, but not dramatically, so they are a bit less prone to cheek and brow contact than models that wrap around tighter to the face. This also allows for a bit of air movement behind the lens to help prevent fogging, while still blocking the direct force of the wind, dust, and debris quite effectively. Despite their size, they still manage to be fairly lightweight at just 28 grams.

The frame is constructed from a hybrid of Grilamid TR90 and TPU, and it is a bit more flexible than some other models. This makes lens changes relatively easy, and it makes the glasses fairly forgiving to head size and shape. The Megol-coated arms and nosepiece do a fine job of holding the Wildcat secure in use, and the 2-position adjustment of the nosepiece makes it easy to dial in the fit for your face. They also come with a zippered hard case and a microfiber cleaning bag.

They aren’t exactly inexpensive, but we feel the Smith Wildcat is still a pretty solid value given their ability to work for virtually any outdoor activity you choose. With large coverage, great optics, and cool style, they’ll help you see clearly during any type of cycling or other outdoor activity and will look good doing it.

The 100% brand has roots in the motocross scene dating back to the 1980s, and over time they have grown their product offerings to include mountain bike apparel, protective equipment, and eyewear. They offer many models of cycling sunglasses, all of which feature quality lenses and bold, flashy styles. The 100% S3 is one of their latest models, essentially combining design elements of two other models, the more curvy S2 and the angular Speedcraft into a great-looking, high-coverage pair of shades.

It all starts with the lenses, and 100% uses its own HiPER lens technology that is intended to enhance contrast, boost color, and enhance detail. We tested the HiPER Crimson Silver Mirror lens with a 14% VLT that works best for bright conditions, but the amber tint proved to work well enough in medium and changing light conditions as well. We found them to work as advertised, boosting greens and browns while handling the transitions from light to shadows well. 100% makes a large range of lenses with different tints and reflective coatings, including those for low light and a photochromic option, and replacements range from $30 to $60 depending on the color and lens technology. Each pair also comes with a spare clear lens that’s easy to swap out for riding in low light.

The large cylindrical lenses of the S3 measure 145mm x 60mm and they provide excellent coverage. They block wind very effectively, and two small air scoops at the bottom of the lens allow for a small amount of air movement to keep fogging at bay. The 5.5 base curvature wraps around nicely without getting too close to the face, and the frame across the brow sits high enough that there are no distractions in your field of vision. The lenses are also scratch-resistant and a hydrophobic and oleophobic treatment helps repel water, dirt, and oils, making them easy to keep clean.

The half-frame design consists of a large nose piece that snaps into the lens and a tough TR90 frame that extends across the brow. The S3 has relatively long and straight arms,130mm from the hinge and 150mm measured from the edge of the lens, so that’s something to consider as they may make contact with some helmet shells or harness systems depending on the shape/model of helmet. The textured Ultra-grip rubber on the nosepiece and ends of the arms does a great job of holding the glasses securely on your head, and they come with an additional nosepiece that can be swapped out to adjust the fit if needed. A zippered hard case holds the glasses and spare lens, and a microfiber cleaning/storage bag is also included.

The Stone Grey colorway we tested is by far the most subdued option in 100%’s array of options that include bright-colored frames and reflective coatings. So, if you’re seeking a big, bold pair of shades to match your kit, riding style, or attitude, the 100% S3 might be the perfect fit. If you’ve got a smaller face or are looking for something a little different, 100% has a wide range of other options that may suit you even better.

Known primarily for their popular road cycling apparel, Rapha has been consistently adding to their catalog with a variety of cycling accessories, including eyewear. The Rapha Pro Team Full Frame is one of several models of cycling sunglasses they offer, slotting in nicely with the rest of their Pro Team collection of apparel, shoes, and more. The white frame we tested is perhaps the most flashy of the multiple options offered.

Given Rapha’s relative lack of expertise in eyewear, the quality of the Pro Team glasses optics is impressive. It seems they partnered with someone who knows a thing or two about eyewear to make their Toric spherical lenses. The spherical curve of the lenses is incredibly subtle, but what isn’t is the super clear vision you have when looking through them. The lenses are crisp, details are sharp, and the “contrast-enhancing lens technology” seems to work well to, you guessed it, enhance contrast. They seem to work similarly to Prizm or Chromapop lenses in that regard. We tested the Pink Blue lens that has a 21% VLT and found it to work well in conditions ranging from full sun to shadow-dappled mountain bike trails. They also come with an additional clear lens for those overcast or deep woods days. Rapha offers the Pro Team glasses with 5 different lens tints, with VLT%’s ranging from 10 to 21% (and Clear at 100%).

With lenses measuring 130mm x 53mm, the Pro Team are small to medium compared to most of today’s large coverage models. For those with smaller faces, or anyone who isn’t on board with the huge glasses look, the moderate size of the Rapha’s may be a better fit. At the same time, the pronounced wraparound and close-to-the-face fit provides excellent coverage and eye protection, and a very wide field of vision. Sure, it is possible to see the frame and the edges of the lens in the periphery, but you’ve got to try pretty hard to do it. Given their smaller dimensions, it’s actually quite impressive.

The Italian-made frame fully surrounds the lens and is constructed from tough but lightweight Grilamid TR90. Lens swaps are surprisingly easy as the frame has ample flex around the lens. The shorter-than-average arms are contoured to the shape of the head and are much less likely to conflict with helmets, and the textured Megol rubber tips provide excellent grip and stability. The nosepiece is also made of grippy, textured Megol rubber, and Rapha includes two thicknesses of pads that are easily swapped out to adjust the fit.

Overall, the Rapha Pro Team Full Frame is a great pair of cycling sunglasses that can rival the performance of the more established competition. While not giving up much in terms of coverage or protection, their slightly more modest dimensions make them a particularly attractive option for those with smaller faces or who prefer somewhat smaller glasses, and we feel that anyone looking to switch it up or complete their Rapha Pro Team kit give them a look.

The Momentum is one of the latest models in Smith’s growing and ever-changing lineup of cycling sunglasses. With Toric lenses, a close, wraparound fit, and quality Chromapop lenses, they make a strong argument for being your next pair of riding shades.

As with all Smith cycling sunglasses, the Momentum is available with several different lens options, ranging in price from $209 to $229 depending on the tint and technology. Depending on the color/tint, the Chromapop lenses range between 10% (Black) and 15% VLT, plus each pair comes with a clear lens for dim light conditions. We tested the Photochromic Clear to Gray lens that changes tint depending on the light conditions with a VLT range of 20% to 85%. They start out clear and darken enough to handle the brightest of full-sun conditions. The Toric lenses are curved to provide distortion-free vision no matter where you look, and the optics are super clear, and Smith’s Chromapop tech is right up there with the best in the business at enhancing contrast, color, and definition.

The 135mm x 65mm lenses are fairly tall and moderately wide, and they have a very pronounced wraparound fit. They sit quite close to the face and do a very good job of shielding the eyes from wind, etc., and peripheral vision is excellent. They are a touch on the narrower side compared to many other models, which may work great for those with medium to smaller faces. Conversely, they may be a tad narrow for those with larger facial structures. Given the close fit, those with more pronounced cheeks may find the bottom edge of the lens touches their face at times.

The half-frame design consists of a snap-in nosepiece and a thin frame that extends across the back of the top of the lens and connects to the arms by the corners of the lens. The arms are dropped by about a centimeter, positioning them lower which helps reduce the chances of conflicting with today’s full-coverage half-shell helmets. The arms also drop down behind the ears, making them even more accommodating in terms of helmet fit. The nose piece is also adjustable in two positions, and the Megol rubber on it and the arm tips help hold these shades very securely in use.

Our primary point of contention with the Momentum is that changing the lenses is surprisingly difficult, and there aren’t good instructions available anywhere. If you like changing your lenses frequently, there are much easier options in the Smith range and from other brands.

Lens changes aside, the Smith Momentum is a great new cycling sunglass model that is down for any type of riding you are. The Toric lenses provide excellent optics, they are super stable on the face, and the close, wraparound fit keeps the wind and anything else out of your eyes. Whether you’re slapping berms on the mountain bike or logging big miles on gravel or pavement, the Momentum has you covered, literally.

KOO is the eyewear branch of the Italian helmet brand, Kask, and they have been making cycling sunglasses since 2017. They’ve steadily been growing their product offering and presence in the cycling world, and they now have several models geared towards all types of riders along with goggles for MTB and snow sports. The KOO Demos is arguably the least flashy of all their models that has been “specifically designed with road and off-road cyclists, adventure-seekers, and cyclocross racers in mind.”

While KOO may not be a household name like some of the more popular brands, they clearly made every effort to produce some high-quality eyewear. The frames are made in Italy and they use lenses from the renowned optics exerts at Carl Zeiss. The cylindrical lenses are super clear and free of distortion, and they come in an assortment of tints and reflective coatings, as well as a Photochromic option. We had the chance to test both the Turquoise (11% VLT) and Red Mirror (23% VLT) lenses and found both to be impressively versatile across a large range of light conditions. They don’t seem to boost contrast quite as effectively as some other brands, but they do a great job of cooling harsh light and bringing up the colors a bit.

The 143mm x 60mm lenses are a great moderate size that should play well with most face sizes and shapes. They are large, but not enormous and they work well to shield the eyes from the brunt of wind and/or debris. Peripheral vision is mostly great, but the lower edge of the frame can be seen when looking down at a sharp angle. When looking straight ahead, as most of us do most of the time, there are no distractions. A total of 4 vents, 2 at the bottom and 2 at the top, promote airflow and keep fogging to a minimum.

The full frame is made from a tough-feeling plastic with most of it visible save for a small portion that is hidden behind the lower corners of the lens. This gives them an edgy, modern look, not unlike the 100% S3, for example. The arms are dropped slightly and are relatively straight and a moderate length with curved ends and grippy Megol rubber that grabs the head well. The nose pads also feature the same grippy rubber with some texture added, plus they can be adjusted in two positions to customize the fit. Koo also includes a second nose pad that can be swapped out for smaller nose bridges. On the road or trail, the Demos are impressively stable on the face, staying put through the roughest of rock gardens or bumpiest washboard gravel.

The KOO Demos are offered in a whopping 13 different frame and lens combinations with opaque and crystal frame options to choose from. They also sell a full array of spare lenses, and lens swaps are surprisingly quick and easy. If you’re tired of looking like everyone else and want to try something different, KOO’s cycling sunglasses are definitely worthy of consideration.

The Julbo Edge is a new model in the brand’s extensive lineup of performance sunglasses. While it shares similar aesthetics to their popular Fury sunglasses, they are a bit more angular and they have a unique floating lens that is connected to the frame with a magnet just above the nosepiece. They are undoubtedly quite flashy, they are offered with several different lens tints/technologies, and they provide good optics, albeit at a relatively high price.

Aside from their looks, one of the most striking things about the Edge is the magnetic lens. Not only does it make it incredibly easy to swap lenses, but cleaning them is a breeze when it’s been detached from the frame. Magnetic lens technology has come a long way, and thanks to small clips that secure it, it seems highly unlikely that it would ever come off unexpectedly in use. The Edge only comes with one lens, but Julbo sells additional Reactiv lenses ($160) or a clear lens ($45) for those looking to switch it up. They also come with a zippered storage case with a slot for a spare lens and a microfiber cleaning/storage bag.

The lens is fairly tall at 64mm, but it is one of the narrowest lenses we tested at 130mm wide. It wraps around enough that the edges of the frame aren’t too visible in the periphery unless you look for them. Still, they might be on the narrow side for those with wider/larger faces, but those with smaller heads may find these to be a refreshing departure from the width of many other models. Otherwise, the fit is quite good and they feel very light on the face with a weight of just 24 grams. It is worth noting that the frame/lens may make contact with some people’s noses depending on the flare of your nostrils. The full frame is mostly obscured from view behind the lens, and they have an almost frameless look to them. The arms are moderate length and play with helmets well, with Grip Tech rubber tips and an adjustable nosepiece that hold them securely in place.

We tested the Reactiv 1-3 Light Amplifier lens that changes tint depending on the light conditions with a large VLT range of 17% – 75%. This makes them suitable for virtually any lighting conditions you may encounter, and they really do help to brighten things up in the shadows. The optics are super clear and distortion-free, as expected at this price point. Compared to the High-Contrast lens we tested on the Julbo Density, however, we experienced lens flare in direct sunlight and an occasionally distracting reflection from the coating of the inner lens. Not a deal breaker by any means, but notable in comparison, and we would expect the other lenses to perform differently.

Those with narrower faces or anyone seeking a pair of glasses that’s super easy to clean and swap lenses could find a lot to like in the new Julbo Edge. With quality, light-amplifying optics, a light-on-the-face feel, and a bold flashy style, you’ll be seeing clearly and getting noticed at the same time.

Roka is an Austin, TX-based eyewear brand that makes everything from prescription glasses to casual shades and top-of-the-line performance sunglasses. The Roka CP-1X is one of several models of cycling sunglasses in the brand’s collection of sports eyewear, and they are worn and trusted by elite road and gravel racers and sponsored athletes. These full-frame glasses have a decidedly aggressive and racy style and they come in a variety of frame colors and lens options.

Given the range of glasses Roka makes, including readers, blue light, and prescription eyewear, it’s clear they know a thing or two about optics, and it shows in the excellent lenses of the CP-1X. The single lens has a 7 x 4 Toric shield lens that provides super clear, distortion-free vision. The Glacier Mirror lens we tested has a claimed 26% VLT that works wonderfully in bright to medium light conditions and proved to be particularly good for harsh midday sun out on the road. Still, it proved to work fairly well in mixed light conditions in the forest, helping to boost contrast and bring up color. It wouldn’t be our first choice for gloomy days in the forest, but Roka sells an assortment of replacement lenses ($70-$110 depending on the lens) for every light condition imaginable.

At 140 x 56mm, the CP-1X’s lens is large but doesn’t totally dominate the face. The tallest part of the lens is in the center and it tapers quite a bit out towards the sides, making them a good option for those with medium to smaller faces or anyone who doesn’t love the extra-large sunglasses look. At the same time, the wraparound fit sits close to the face and blocks wind very well no matter how fast you’re riding. The wraparound of the frame also provides excellent peripheral vision, and the frame stays completely out of view unless you’re looking at super extreme angles. This fit, when combined with the style of the frame, makes the CP-1X look and feel, for lack of a better word, fast.

The full frame of the CP-1X is actually two separate pieces with the lower and upper halves of the frame wrapping around the edges of the lens. The frame itself feels relatively tough and durable, and lens swaps are fairly quick and straightforward once you figure out the process. The arms have been designed to work well with helmets, and the relatively short, 119mm, temple length avoids unwanted interference with helmet shells and adjustment systems. One thing that stands out about the CP-1X is how exceptionally stable they are on the face. The textured GEKO rubber nose pad and arm tips really work well to keep these glasses securely in place no matter how rough the road or trail gets. Additionally, “customizable Titanium core wires” in the arms tips allow you to adjust them for an even more precise fit.

The Roka CP-1X is a high-performance pair of cycling sunglasses with great optics, excellent stability, and a unique, racy style. While the looks may not be for everyone, anyone seeking quality shades for aggressive riding or racing should check them out. And if the full-frame look isn’t for you, Roka also makes two half-frame models, the SR-1X with no lower frame, and the GP-1X with no upper frame, that are essentially the same glasses with slightly different aesthetics.

Oakley has a long history of creating wild, futuristic-looking sunglasses, and the Encoder Strike is one of the most recent examples. While not nearly as wild-looking as the Oakley Kato, the Encoder borrows some of its design elements while also harkening back to the original Razor Blades for a unique retro-future style. They are different from the regular Encoder, as the Strike version features six vents across the top of the lens to add some ventilation and the bottom of the lens is cut a little straighter. As with all Oakley cycling sunglasses, they have great optics thanks to their Prizm lenses, and they are also quite expensive.

Visually, the Encoder Strike makes quite an impression. The large, reflective, spherical, frameless lens is bright and bold with unique curves around the nose and across the top of the lens. There are few other glasses, except those made by Oakley, that look quite like these. The outward curves of the lens seem like it would be airflow-related, but structurally, it lends some rigidity to the frameless design. Holding that lens to your face is tasked to a pair of stiff, O-matter arms with Unobtanium rubber grips and an Unobtanium rubber nosepiece that is hidden inside the lens. They also come with a second, thicker nose pad, along with a zippered case and soft microfiber cleaning/storage bag.

When it comes to optics, Oakley’s Prizm lenses are top of the heap. Not only are they crystal clear, but the color boosting and contrast enhancement is some of the best, if not the best, on the market. We tested the Prizm Road lens with a 20% VLT and found it to be excellent for bright light conditions while remaining versatile enough for use on mountain bike rides going in and out of the shadows. Oakley also makes an assortment of lenses for specific uses including Prizm Trail, Prizm Field, Prizm Jade, etc., that are designed to meet the needs of different users.

A notable aspect of the lens on the Encoder Strike, however, is that the curved part of the lens by the nose and at the brow causes some distortion if/when it comes into view. While riding, our eyes are looking forward most of the time, but certainly not always. This distortion was most evident when down in the drops, for example, and looking up, as the curved upper position of the lens and the lens vents would come into view. Additionally, the oversized nosepiece is also quite noticeable. You get used to it, but at first, it is a bit distracting.

Beyond that, the Oakley Encoder Strike is a bold, flashy model that you’d expect from a brand that’s been constantly redefining sunglass style for decades. While they are expensive and the looks won’t be for everyone, those who are willing to take the leap will be rewarded with quality Oakley optics and eye-catching style.

The 100% Hypercraft SQ is a relatively new model in the brand’s extensive lineup of cycling and performance sunglasses. While they are still quite bold and flashy, these frameless shades represent a pretty dramatic shift away from the more frame-heavy designs the brand has been producing for years. There are three different models of Hypercraft glasses, with the SQ (square) falling in the middle in terms of lens size. These super lightweight glasses have great optics and a somewhat futuristic look that’s sure to get noticed out on the road or trail.

One of the first things that stand out about the Hypercraft SQ is their shockingly light weight. At just 21 grams on our scale, they are so light that they essentially disappear when you put them on. This is mostly due to the frameless lens and the thin, minimal arms that keep weight down to a minimum. Despite their light weight, they still have a moderately large 138 x 58mm lens that provides loads of coverage but avoids being excessively big on those with medium to smaller faces. The SQ in the model name stands for square, and while they aren’t exactly square, they are notably less angular than the regular Hypercraft or the Hypercraft XS (for small faces).

Our experience with 100%’s Italian-made lenses has always been positive and that continues with the Hyercraft SQ. The cylindrical lenses provide excellent, crystal-clear optics and the HiPER lens technology helps enhance contrast relatively well. The Red Multilayer Mirror lens we tested has a 21% VLT and works great for everything from full-blast sun to mixed lighting in the forest, plus they come with a clear lens for low light conditions. Changing lenses is also quite easy with the minimal frame elements. They also stay fog-free thanks in no small part to the slightly off-the-face fit and a couple of small top-of-the-lens vents that allow some air circulation.

Given the frameless design, the frame elements are limited to the thin UltraCarbon arms and the snap-in nose piece. The tips of the arms and nosepiece both feature Ultra-grip to keep them in place. While the glasses do stay secure for the most part, especially on road rides and smooth gravel, we did find they bounce around a bit more than some other models over rough terrain. This is primarily due to the frameless design and cylindrical lens that doesn’t provide as much structure or stiffness to squeeze against the sides of the head. Also, the Hypercraft SQ comes with two nose pieces, and even the wider one has a relatively narrow fit.

All that said, the 100% Hypercraft SQ is an impressively lightweight set of frameless cycling sunglasses that we feel is best suited to road cycling. The optics are excellent and they’re so light you’ll barely even notice you’re wearing them, yet they’re flashy enough that everyone will notice that you are.

Shimano’s Dura-Ace SPD-SL pedal is an uncompromised triumph of engineering and performance. It has no faults, downsides, or quirks, just pure race-winning efficiency, set-it-and-forget durability, and quiet simplicity. While researching these pedals, Google suggested the search “are Dura Ace pedals worth it?” At $280, it’s a question worth asking, but we say HECK yes!

Across the bike industry, many products are touted for their superior “stiffness-to-weight” ratio. It’s a simple-to-understand, and therefore simple-to-market concept – that something can be both lightweight and able to handle all the power you can throw at it. Most of the time this stiffness-to-weight narrative over-simplifies something that deserves a more nuanced assessment, like a frame or wheelset. But in the case of pedals, especially those meant for racing, stiffness to weight is bullet point number one. Overall, including cleat hardware, they are one of the lightest options on the market, and from the moment you first stomp on them, it’s evident that they are supremely stiff.

The latest version of the Dura-Ace pedal is the 9200, identical to the Dura-Ace 9100 model that “preceded” it. In fact, the core design of all Shimano SPD-SL road pedals hasn’t changed in decades. This design, dubbed “SPD-SL” is easy to install and adjust, runs smooth and quiet, and transfers power from your shoes to your crank arms with as little waste as possible. Thanks to oversized stainless steel axles and injection-molded carbon fiber body, you can actually feel a difference in the Dura-Ace model out on the road. It’s subtle, but there is just a bit less lateral flex through the pedal, and this creates a very pleasing feel under higher power efforts.

Installing the Shimano cleats is a breeze. Simply dab some grease on the threads of the bolts grab a 5mm torque wrench tool, and bolt the cleats to the sole of your shoe, including the provided rectangular washer. Slide the cleat around to adjust the fore/aft and toe in/out if needed. Shimano provides blue cleats with less “float” (2 degrees) with the Dura Ace 9200, which is a nice touch. Most folks who choose the 9200 pedal will appreciate the markedly locked-in feel that the lower float cleats provide. If it’s too rigid, you can always replace the cleats with the standard float option (6 degrees), which uses yellow color coding, and allows a bit more lateral movement in the ankle and knee, or for those who want no float, the red cleats have 0 degrees. Anyone with a wider stance width preference can also purchase the +4mm spindle version.

Release tension is adjusted independently, and has no bearing on how the pedal feels once the cleat has engaged. That said, all Shimano pedals require an intentional sideways kick to release the cleat. While this does take slightly more effort than other brands, the benefit is that the cleat will never come out of the pedal unexpectedly or even vaguely feel as though it might. Engaging the cleat requires some learning, but once you master the toe-in, heel-down sequence, it becomes intuitive and automatic.

Shimano’s Dura-Ace SPD-SL pedals are reliable to the point of being a “set-it-and-forget-it” component. They never make noise, not even in the sloppiest of winter conditions. Shimano isn’t disrupting the pedal market with the Dura Ace 9200, but it is continuing to dominate it because no other pedal offers the performance, simplicity, and reliability of this pedal.

It’s fair to ask what even separates Shimano’s flagship Dura-Ace pedals from its value-packed 105 PD-R7000 SPD-SL pedal, which is roughly half the cost. The two look virtually identical, with carbon fiber bodies with stainless contact plates, and both feature wide-set high-quality axle bearings. Although the 105 PD-R7000 are a bit heavier than their Dura-Ace and Ultegra siblings, due to being comprised of slightly different materials, the lower price and nearly identical performance mean that the Shimano 105 PD-R7000 is an excellent value. 

Functionally, the Shimano 105 pedals work nearly identically to the more expensive Ultegra and Dura-Ace models. The primary difference is that they weigh about 30 grams more for the pair, a difference that will likely go unnoticed by all but the most discerning of riders. They still have the same size wide platform for excellent contact and lateral stability, although the steel contact plates are smaller. They also share the same cleat attachment system with adjustable entry and release tension controlled by turning a small screw on the rear. The 105 pedals also share the same cleats, and installing them is quite easy.

Unlike the Dura-Ace pedals, the 105 model comes with Shimano’s yellow cleats that have 6 degrees of float. This provides a more forgiving interface for those who prefer more float or are just getting used to clipless pedals. Both the blue (2 degrees) and the red (0 degrees) are available aftermarket for those who prefer a tighter feel. Another difference is that the 105 pedals are not offered in a +4mm spindle option, so those looking to widen their stance width will still need to spring for the more expensive options.

On the bike, the 105 pedals perform dutifully and give little, if anything, to complain about. Clipping in requires the same toe-in, heel-down motion, that quickly becomes second nature. Assuming your cleats are adjusted properly, releasing from the pedals is just as easy with a twist of the heel, and unexpected clip-outs are a total non-issue, in our experience. They also spin smoothly, and unlike some other brands, remain virtually silent underfoot for seasons on end.

If you’re willing to accept a slight weight penalty, the Shimano 105 SPD-SL pedals are an excellent option that performs nearly on par with the higher-tier options in the brand’s lineup. There are less expensive pedals, but we feel the ratio of price to performance makes the 105 one of the best values on the market.

Originally based in France, Time was recently acquired by SRAM and continues to make excellent pedals across all disciplines. Time has a unique design that we’ll detail below, and a loud and proud European aesthetic that adds to the aggressive look of any road bike. The Xpro 12 is one step down from the range-topping, and wildly expensive, XPro 15, and it will save you a bunch of money in comparison, though they still aren’t exactly cheap either.

The XPro 12 features a carbon fiber body and titanium axle, both of which are expected features in a pedal at the $317 US price point. What is certainly not expected about the XPro 12 is the fairing that graces the bottom of the pedal and claims to make the pedal more aerodynamic. Is this noticeable in use, not necessarily, but Time still deserves kudos for giving the XPro 12 a highly stylized aero treatment. The fairing immediately grabs your attention, as it’s adorned with a large Time logo against a bright red backdrop. The faring also serves the purpose of protecting the carbon body from damage during crashes and from the routine abuse that almost all pedals take, since they sit far outboard of the frame of the bike. 

Clipping in and out of the Time XPro 12 is a pleasure. The iClic system delivers a more fluid and free step-in than any other pedal in this test. Time’s iClic design remains open whenever the cleat is disengaged from the pedal, and therefore is able to freely accept the cleat during the next step-in. Complimenting the iClic design is the oversized 725mm-squared surface area of the pedal, which provides added confidence during step-in, and a very solid base for throwing down big power. 

Float in the stock “free” cleat ranges between -5 to +5 degrees, and zero-float cleats are available for those who simply want a locked-in feel without any float adjustment. They also have 2.5mm of lateral float, which is noticeable. The 16-degree release angle of the XPro 12 feels very easy to unclip, without creating any fears that the cleat would disengage unexpectedly. The release tension is also adjustable between 3 different tension levels of the carbon blade, so you can fine-tune the XPro 12 to your preference in this regard. 

Out on the road, the XPro 12 delivers what you’d expect, which is a fluid, light feeling at the cranks, and quiet performance. Although Time pedals don’t have the same absolutely locked-in feel of Shimano SPD-SL, it’s easy to recommend them just as quickly to a rider who isn’t already accustomed to the Shimano feel. If you want to try a high-quality, and easy-to-use alternative to Shimano SPD-SL or Look Keo, the Time XPro 12 is worth a close look. It’s a classy product that will add an undeniable European flare to any road bike.

Look has always been at the cutting edge of clip-in cycling pedals, having brought the first widely-adopted model to market in 1984 with the PP65. Core design elements of the PP65 endure in many of Look’s pedal offerings to this day. The Keo Blade Carbon Ceramic pedal, however, represents a radical shift from the norm, by substituting a traditional steel spring with a  “blade” of carbon fiber that flexes open and returns shut to secure the cleat. 

Thanks to this blade of carbon fiber – handsomely decorated with Look’s Mondrian graphics –  the Keo Blade Carbon Ceramic achieves supreme weight savings, coming in at just 290g for the pair including cleats. This is even slightly lighter than Shimano’s flagship Dura-Ace pedals, which are our overall favorite. Stiffness and efficiency are also on par with Dura-Ace, thanks to a low 14.8mm stack height, and hardened steel axles. As the model name indicates, the Blade Carbon Ceramic also features ceramic axle bearings, which roll ultra-smooth and are not an option with Dura-Ace.

Out on the road, the Keo Blade Carbon Ceramic performs brilliantly, with a fluid but stiff response to even the angriest accelerations. These are pedals for racing, so it’s no surprise that they feel this way. The stock 12Nm tension carbon blades provide plenty of cleat security without feeling overly resistant to clip-ins, accompanied by a resonant and affirmative click. They come with Look’s Keo Grip cleats that have a small patch of TPU at the front and back to add a little grip when walking, with the standard version offering 4.5 degrees of float. Look also sells 0-degree and 9-degree float cleats if you prefer more or less float.

While the Keo Blade Carbon Ceramic are great-looking, lightweight, and high-performing pedals, there is an issue that seems to affect every Look pedal and actually stems from the cleat – persistent noise. Second, adjusting the release tension requires changing out the carbon blade, using multiple tools. It’s not something you’re going to do frequently, and perhaps never, but it is remarkable that the pedal has to be partially disassembled in order to make such a basic adjustment. Lastly, we have seen the blades crack. While this didn’t happen to our test pair, it is something we have witnessed twice. Look does offer a two-year warranty, and we would recommend stashing the extra blades provided in your saddle bag for any remote riding on these pedals.

Despite the abovementioned concerns, the performance of the Keo Blade Carbon Ceramic is impressive and certainly makes them fit for the purpose of racing. Recreational riders might be better served by Look’s Keo Max, which uses a traditional metal spring, but those looking for the super-smooth performance of ceramic bearings in a sleek and lightweight package should check out the Keo Blade Carbon Ceramic. Anyone looking to save a little money can opt for the Keo Blade Carbon with stainless steel bearings and a slight increase in weight.

Representing a departure from the more common style of pedals and cleats from Shimano, Look, and Time, Speedplay brings something unique to the table. While the brand has been around for a long time, they were recently acquired by Wahoo Fitness which has brought the pedals back to market. The Wahoo Speedplay Nano pedals deliver low weight, dual-sided engagement, clean looks, and adjustable float. Cleat installation is complex relative to other options. Still, once they are adjusted correctly, Speedplay pedals are indeed very nice to ride, with a fluid pedaling feel and lots of adjustability that could potentially unlock greater comfort and efficiency than more traditional options.

The Speedplay Nano is the top-tier option in the brand’s 4 models (not including the Powrlink power meter options), and they feature high-end materials like a brushed titanium spindle, along with carbon fiber in the circular-shaped body of the pedal. This combination of materials keeps the weight to a scant 170g for the pair (pedals only), bolsters stiffness, and enhances the aesthetics of any high-end road machine. Additionally, they have the lowest stack height of any model on the market, at just 11.5mm (or as low as 8.5mm with 4-bolt shoes), which promises marginally better cornering clearance.

While your bike might look and feel more svelte with Speedplay pedals installed, it is worth noting that the cleats are heavier than most, which results in a higher system weight than other high-end options. The reason Speedplay cleats weigh more is that instead of a standard 3-bolt cleat interface, they use a 4-bolt system that requires an adaptor (included) to work with most road bike shoes (unless you have 4-bolt shoes). This adaptor bolts to the shoes, and the cleat on top of that. The walkable cleat covers slip onto the cleats. It’s a relatively complex stack of hardware, and with all those layers, comes some extra weight. 

Like any other cleats, they can be adjusted fore-aft, left-right, and angled for the desired positioning. They also offer adjustable float between 0 and 15 degrees as well as an adjustable release angle between 0 and 7.5 degrees. All this adjustability should allow most users to find their perfect settings and potentially help mitigate knee pain for some riders. Our only complaint about the adjustability is that it requires a small Phillips head screwdriver when a hex head would be more likely already in the toolbox and help prevent stripping the head. Installing and adjusting the cleats requires care and some patience, including reading the printed directions. Once the float is adjusted right, however, the pedals feel awesome.

On the road, the Wahoo Speedplay Nano has a light, smooth, and efficient feel. While clipping in isn’t any easier than other pedals, it becomes automatic within a few rides. With most of the system’s mass contained in the cleats and connected directly to the shoes, they feel rigid and stable when ramping up the power. If you are already accustomed to the locked-in feeling of the other brands, however, take note that Speedplay pedals are easier to disengage, and in turn, don’t feel quite as secure during super hard efforts. Excessive ankle movement during the pedal stroke could result in the cleats disengaging from the pedals unexpectedly. We found this to be more common with the “easy tension” cleats that come with the Comp version, though it still happened a few times with the “standard tension” cleats of the Nano.

Walking with Speedplay cleats is easy, thanks to the walkable cleat cover that’s included in every set of pedals. Still, it’s important to avoid walking on surfaces that could cause debris to collect inside the cleat, and the same goes for riding. These cleats need to remain clean to engage the pedal securely, so they may require frequent cleaning should you ride in dirty conditions with any regularity.

Overall, the Wahoo Speedplay Nano is a beautifully engineered and manufactured pedal, that does provide a wonderfully smooth feel underfoot. They wouldn’t be our first choice for dirty conditions or super hard, sprint-effort style riding, but smooth pedalers, or those looking for more adjustability than other brands offer may find a lot to like here.

Time makes a wide range of road bike pedals, from the nearly range-topping XPro 12, down to the super affordable XPresso 2. At just $69, these are an accessible entry point to road clipless, and they feature a similar design and performance to the brand’s much more expensive options.

In our opinion, one of the best features of the Xpresso 2 is the iClic system that makes getting in and out of the pedals very easy, which is especially attractive for those new to clipless. When you clip out, the mechanism remains open until you clip back in, making these some of the easiest and most intuitive pedals to use. Still, they have three settings of tension adjustment to dial them in to your liking, as well as a large 700 mm-squared contact area.

The Xpresso 2 comes with iClic free foot cleats that allow +5 and -5 degrees of float. Additionally, they allow for 2.5mm of lateral movement, which may also appeal to those starting out who don’t want to feel too locked in to their pedals. The 16-degree release angle makes clipping out fairly easy while also helping to prevent unexpected releases. The Xpresso 2 are also compatible with Time’s fixed cleats that have 0 degrees of float and don’t allow any lateral movement for those who prefer a more solid connection.

For riders who are new to clipping in, the XPresso 2 makes a strong case by offering the iClic system at just $69. It is tangibly easier to use than any other clip-in pedal and will make you wonder why you ever waited to clip into your road bike. Those willing to spend a little more can find the same ease of use in the XPresso 4 and the XPresso 7, which have the same design but use slightly different materials and are both quite reasonably priced.

By using slightly heavier materials and placing slightly less emphasis on axle stiffness than its Dura-Ace counterpart, the Ultegra SPD-SL pedal from Shimano makes a strong case as a better option for most recreational riders. The PD-R8100 retains all the same attributes that made the Dura Ace pedals the winner of this test – excellent stiffness to weight, easy cleat set-up, and a silent and maintenance-free service life – but at a significant cost saving. 

Starting with an extra-wide injection-molded carbon fiber body, the Ultegra PD-R8100 asserts itself as a serious performance component. The substantial width of the pedal body distributes pedaling forces across a larger area of the foot for added efficiency and comfort on long rides.

The use of carbon keeps the weight down to 248g for the pair of pedals, only about 13 grams heavier than the Dura-Ace version. 

Moving inboard to the axle reveals the first easily discernable difference from the Dura Ace pedals, as the outer diameter of the axle is not quite as wide, resulting in a little bit more flex under big surges of power. Still, the Ultegra pedals acquit themselves well here, as it takes a huge wallop of wattage to even notice this slight difference. Within the axle, wide-spaced bearings ensure stable and even load distribution, helping the bearings stay smooth for many thousands of miles.

Unlike the Dura-Ace version, Shimano provides the standard, yellow cleats with 6 degrees of float, which is in keeping with the needs of recreational road riders who prioritize comfort as well as efficiency. Those who desire less float and purchase the blue (2.5 degrees) or red (0 degree) cleats and swap them out. Installation is quick and easy with the standard 3-bolt design that works on most road shoes. Entry and release tension is easily adjusted to suit your preference. Additionally, Shimano sells a +4mm spindle version for those looking to increase their stance width slightly.

Engaging the cleat involves the familiar toe-in and heel-down movement that most road pedals require and it becomes second nature. Clicking out does require a relatively deliberate twist of the heel and, while it may take a little more force than some other brands, it provides some assurance that your feet won’t unexpectedly come flying off the pedals when you’re putting down a hard effort.

If you want 95% of the performance of Dura-Ace with only the slightest weight penalty and $80 in your pocket to put towards other bike parts, the Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL pedals are a no-brainer. These are one component you can put on your bike and not think about for thousands of miles because they work, and they work well.

Weighing only 12 additional grams, and utilizing a more conventional spring-style tension system, the Look Keo 2 Max Carbon is a compelling alternative to the Keo Blade Carbon Ceramic pedals, at well under half the cost. 

The Keo 2 Max features a broad stainless steel plate to create a secure and efficient connection between the pedal and cleat, capable of withstanding race-winning efforts or just helping save a few watts during your next weekend adventure. The pedal body, as the name suggests, is injection-molded carbon fiber, which brings the overall weight down to a competitive 252g for the set (pedals only), and further bolsters stiffness. 

The most basic duty of a pedal is to secure the cleat, and to that end, the Keo 2 Max Carbon arguably is the best choice among Look’s offerings. While the more expensive Keo Blade is certainly an innovative design, which forgoes the traditional spring-tension design in favor of flexible carbon fiber “blades”, the Keo 2 Max sticks to the tried-and-true spring design, and thereby prioritizes reliability and affordability, while only adding a handful of grams. Opinions may vary, but we feel it seems like a more robust design than the Keo Blade Carbon, regardless of the fact that it costs significantly less. 

On the road, the Keo 2 Max Carbon is adequately stiff and provides excellent stability throughout all kinds of riding. Clipping in and out is easy and predictable thanks to the width of the pedal body. Not only is it easy to locate the entry point, but the shape of the pedal allows for instant confidence when pushing down hard to engage the spring and clip in. The efficiency of the Keo 2 Max Carbon feels excellent, thanks to high-quality steel axle bearings. The provided cleats offer a modest 4.5 degree of float, which should work well for most riders. Look offers replacement cleats in both 0 and 9 degrees of float for those with different needs. 

One of the only drawbacks to this and other Look pedals is the potential for the cleats to be noisy. We, and many others, have experienced this issue and it is something we hope Look eventually addresses with an update to the plastic used in their cleats as it slightly diminishes the user experience of an otherwise great product. 

Overall, there are no surprises with the Keo 2 Max Carbon. This pedal represents a refinement of everything that has made Look pedals great for decades. Racers on a budget and enthusiast riders should consider this pedal, as it will keep their bikes light, and provide a stiff, efficient, reliable connection to the crank arms without draining your bank account. 

Since being taken over by Wahoo Fitness, Speedplay road bike pedals have returned to the market and offer something completely different than the majority of other brands on the market. The Speedplay Comp is the least expensive model in the lineup, bringing a similar design and performance at a third of the cost of the top-tier Speedplay Nano.

Just like their more expensive siblings, the Speedplay Comp is based around a small, disc-shaped pedal body that has sleek, minimalist looks, an impressively low stack height, and allows for dual-sided entry. They use a slightly heavier Chromoly spindle and Grivory composite body material, but the pedals themselves are still fairly lightweight at just 233 grams for the pair. Unlike the Nano, which has a 180 lbs rider weight limit, the Comp has no weight restrictions.

Compared to more traditional pedal styles, the Speedplay Comp uses a 4-bolt cleat design that requires the use of an included adaptor on the majority of road bike shoes (unless they are 4-bolt shoes). The addition of the adaptor adds some complexity to the cleat mounting process, as well as some additional weight with the cleats plus adaptor coming in around 163 grams and bumping the total system weight up above similarly priced options from other brands. That said, they are more adjustable than most, and the walkable cover of the Speedplay cleats does make it relatively easy to walk around in your shoes.

Given the added complexity of the cleat installation process, we recommend paying attention to the included instructions to be sure you get it right. The nice thing is they offer fore-aft, side-to-side, and angle adjustments, as well as adjustable float from 0-15 degrees and an adjustable release angle between 0 and 7.5 degrees. This is more adjustability than most traditional systems offer, and it may be great for those who are seeking a very personalized pedal interface to enhance comfort or optimize their biomechanics and ergonomics.

The Speedplay Comp comes with “easy tension” cleats that allow for slightly easier entry and release, as compared to the “standard tension” version that has a more secure hold. It’s worth mentioning that these pedals are much easier to release from than other styles and they don’t provide as secure or locked-in of a feel, comparatively speaking. They do provide plenty of stiffness and a very smooth, fluid pedaling feel, but we found that super hard sprint efforts or lots of ankle movement could result in unexpected disengagement. We do, however, also expect that is something you’ll adapt to over time.

Another thing worth mentioning is that the cleats don’t get along well with dirt, so we’d recommend against using them for gravel riding or other dirty conditions. The cleat/pedal interface needs to be kept clean to clip in securely, so if you do get them dirty, they will likely require cleaning.

All that said, the Speedplay Comp is an affordable entry point for this unique pedal system. If you’re seeking more adjustability than traditional pedals offer or you just want to try something different, the Speedplay Comp is a slick-looking option that won’t break the bank.

The Keo 3 Classic Plus is an affordable, entry-level pedal from Look that features all the hallmarks of the Keo design, plus two stainless steel plates that create a secure and efficient connection between the pedal and cleat surface, saving you energy mile after mile. 

Much like the rest of Look’s road pedals, clipping into the Keo Classic 3 Plus is intuitive, and the cleat tension is easy to adjust to your preference with a small hex tool. They come with standard cleats that allow for 4.5 degrees of float, which is likely the sweet spot for most riders. Both 0-degree and 9-degree cleat options are also offered as an aftermarket purchase should have different needs. Cleat set-up is also very straightforward and quick with the traditional 3-bolt cleat that works on most road shoes.

With a sturdy Chromoly spindle and a Composite pedal body with 2 steel contact plates, the Keo Classic 3 Plus performs well out on the road. They feel stiff, stable, and responsive. Though the platform width and contact area are a bit smaller at 60mm wide and 400 mm squared, they still provide a large enough surface area and support for most recreational riding and riders.

Our test pair of Keo Classic 3 Plus pedals felt very smooth and efficient, likely due to the use of high-quality steel bearings. The use of less exotic materials, however, does result in a slightly heavier weight, which at 350 grams for pedals and cleats isn’t terribly heavy, especially considering the price. And, like most Look pedals, the cleats are a little more prone to creating noise compared to other brands.

Overall, the Keo Classic 3 Plus is a modern take on Look’s classic pedal designs. While they won’t blow you away with their performance, they are easy to get along with and are a sensible option for those just starting out with clipless that will absolutely get the job done at a very approachable price point.

If you’re searching for a “Goldilocks” of a gravel tire that can reliably handle a huge range of conditions with confidence, the WTB Raddler belongs at the top of your list. While the competition in our best all-arounder category was especially close, the Raddler stood out for its rolling efficiency, superb grip, and supple ride quality through all kinds of gravel, along with its surprisingly decent manners and handling on pavement.

One of the things we loved most about the Raddlers was how little we actually noticed them on our test rides. And that’s a good thing because you’re more likely to notice tires when they don’t perform well — washing out on loose corners, spinning out on climbs, bouncing on washboard, or buzzing over asphalt. But the Raddler consistently delivered a sure-footed performance and a great feeling ride that put it at the top of the class.

Fast-rolling yet grippy, the Raddler is the “radder” version of WTB’s popular Riddler. Currently available only in 700c, the Raddler comes in six versions, including 40mm or 44mm width, with options for casing construction and sidewall color. We tested the Raddler 40mm in black, with a supple 120 threads-per-inch (tpi) casing and WTB’s SG2 (Slash Guard) bead-to-bead puncture protection, weighing 522g. Only the 120tpi casing versions feature SG2, which adds some grams over their 60tpi counterparts, but we feel the added protection and more supple 120tpi casing is your best choice for both ride quality and ruggedness.

The tread pattern is similar to the Riddler, with small, tightly bunched, faster-rolling center knobs and taller/wider outer lugs for cornering – but the Raddler’s tread is deeper, more aggressive, and should last longer. On our most varied gravel routes, it transitioned from wet to dry to soft to hardpack and back again seamlessly, without jarring changes in the quality of handling, traction, cornering, braking control, or speed.

Despite the Raddler’s beefier tread, it also felt smooth on pavement, with only a hint of the noise you’d expect from such an aggressive tread. In addition to great handling on hardpack and loose gravel, it sailed through softer terrain with straight-line tracking, solid cornering, and ample grip for climbing and braking on steeper hills. In thick “peanut butter” mud, the tightly packed tread can get jammed up, but it clears quickly and maintained enough bite to get us through an occasional muddy stretch of trail. 

WTB says the Raddler “is an excellent choice for unpredictable roads or trails where traction is key, but efficiency is of utmost importance.” We couldn’t agree more.

The Continental Terra Trail checks all the boxes in the growing and super competitive market for all-around high-performance gravel tires: Light, super responsive, and reliably capable across a range of off-road conditions, as well as on pavement. Bonus: You can often find them for less than $50 on sale, a great bargain for a top-end tire.

The Terra Trail gets its supple, gravel-absorbing ride, along with a good deal of punction protection, from its 180tpi casing and ProTection sidewall protection. Continental’s race-proven Black Chili rubber compound also adds grip, speed, and durability. The results: An all-arounder that’s hard to beat for its combination of performance and value.

We tested the 700 x 40 version with black sidewalls, weighing 460g. The tread pattern is similar to Continental’s even lighter, more racy Terra Speed, but the knobs are also deeper, and more grippy and durable. The result: A tire that rolls especially well on both hardpack and loose gravel conditions, where they hold a line, corner, and handle higher speeds with predictable ease and added confidence. We found their handling less certain on matted, wet leaves and very soft, muddy conditions, where they tended to slip on steeper, off-camber hills and corners.

On pavement, the Terra Trails are smooth-rolling and grippy, although we did notice that the moderately aggressive tread produced a faint buzzing sensation on smooth, fresh asphalt. The added puncture protection and the sturdy Black Chili compound also means they are robust enough for E25-rated e-bikes.

If your rides are mainly off-road and cover a wide range of gravel, the Continental Terra Trail provides a great riding experience at a bargain price.

Read enough gravel tire reviews, and you get the impression that the Panaracer GravelKing SK+ is the standard by which other gravel tires are measured. And with good reason. They are among the most popular gravel tires, having been around since 2016 and gaining an almost cult-like following for their supple ride quality and predictable handling.

Compared to other all-around tires, the GravelKing SK+’s tread may look mild-mannered and sort of old-school – with a center section of small, evenly spaced, tightly packed square knobs, bordered on the shoulders by longer, low cornering lugs. But don’t let the simple looks fool you. The SK+ outperformed our expectations both on road and off and were the most comfortable tires overall in our tests – making them an especially solid choice for long, epic rides and varied conditions.

Panaracer says its “Zero Slip Grip rubber compound sticks like glue in corners.” We certainly agree. Along with the wider, compliant casing, the GravelKing SK+ delivered solid traction on leaves, slippery roots, loose dirt, and chunky old logging roads. While they aren’t ideal in deep mud, where the small knobs tended to get packed, on pavement the SK+ felt like riding a dedicated road slick, although with a small sacrifice in speed.

For our test, we chose the 700 x 43, weighing in at 540g, which is respectable for such a large volume casing built with Panaracer’s bead-to-bead ProTite Shield+ punction protection. Panaracer’s supple 126tpi AX-Alpha Cord casing gives the GravelKing its famously supple ride and additional resistance to cuts. While there are lighter versions of the GravelKing, the added puncture protection and wider 43mm casing are well worth a few more grams. Panaracer also makes it in sizes including 26 and 27.5-inch wheels, as well as a large range of widths for 700c to suit your preferences.

If you’re looking for a reliable, proven winner for all-around gravel cycling, the Panaracer Gravel King SK+ is a great choice.

When testing tires in real-world conditions, it’s important to use highly sophisticated, technical terms to describe them. For the Maxxis Rambler, ours would be, “These things are sweet!”

The Rambler was our favorite high-performance tire by a long shot. With handling in all conditions that is on par with our favorite overall tires, the Rambler stands out as a race-worthy all-arounder with its light weight, low rolling resistance, and consistent grip across rapidly changing terrain.

It’s no surprise to us that the 200-mile Unbound Gravel, the world’s most competitive gravel race, was won by Keegan Swenson on a set of Ramblers in 2023, which featured the race’s toughest conditions ever.

The Rambler is Maxxis’ most popular gravel tire and is available in a whopping 17 varieties, including 650B or 700, 38c to 50c wide, and 60 or 120tpi casing. While Keegan rode the 700 x 40 at Unbound, we opted for the 700 x 38 with Maxxis’ EXO cut-and abrasion-resistant sidewall protection – the lightest version of the Raddler at a remarkable 376g. 

Like other all-around tires, the Rambler tread features tightly packed center knobs designed to roll fast on hardpack, with beefier cornering knobs at the sides. But its small center knobs are also dimpled, or indented, giving them a suction cup-like look and fantastic grip in even the sketchiest conditions. As with other all-around models, it struggles in the deepest mud but seemed to shed it quickly and maintained grip on slippery, wet trails better than some others in its class.

Tire weight is critical when selecting a high-performance tire, but so is protection from punctures and cuts, and Maxxis has you covered with EXO, which protects the sidewalls. The tire is also available with Maxxis’s slightly heavier SilkShield protection, which runs bead-to-bead. Either are great choices, and the huge range of options in the Maxxis Rambler lineup will allow you to fine-tune your race-ready ride. 

There is something about the smooth rolling, comfortable, and grippy quality of the WTB Resolute across all the conditions that found us wanting to shut off the GPS and phone, toss the itinerary and just ride wherever the gravel or pavement and our whimsy took us, for days on end. You get the sense that the Resolute will get you there, and back, hassle-free, no matter what your route or the weather brings.

At 42mm and with a 120tpi casing, the Resolute’s larger, plush casing delivered outstanding ride quality. They are at the wider and heavier side of the tires that we tested, at 565g, but they felt much lighter and nimbler than expected, thanks to WTB’s fast-rolling rubber compound and its thin, flexible SG2 puncture protection. The tire comes in three other varieties, all 42mm wide but with the choice of 650b or 700c sizes and 60 or 120tpi.

Its tread pattern consists of small, square knobs packed more closely and aligned along the center and spaced more widely toward the sidewalls, helping these tires to roll fast on hardpack, hook up when cornering, and climb well on loose, rocky terrain. The relatively open spacing of the knobs also sheds mud well. Like the other WTB tires we’ve tested, we found these very easy to mount and set up tubeless with a tubeless pump.

The WTB Resolute is designed as an all-around, off-road tire, and they were acceptably quiet and smooth on pavement as well, although not the fastest rolling. Simply put: The Resolute is a tire that loves adventure. And it is our choice for the long haul, off-road, and year-round.

In no small part, the tremendous growth in gravel biking over the past decade is due to a cool quirk: people began to realize that these bikes designed for dirt roads — with their fatter tires, more relaxed frame geometries, mountain-climbing gears, and rugged components – also deliver an incredibly smooth, fun and capable ride on pavement. That’s where the Maxxis Receptor comes in.

In fact, if you live where the pavement is cracked, potholed, and showing its age, a gravel bike with the right tires can offer a big improvement in ride quality, durability, and safety over your old road bike and its skinny, slick tires. They can also open up entirely new cycling routes that switch from asphalt to hardpack dirt and back again, which you might have avoided on a road bike.

If you’re looking for a tire that can transform your gravel bike into a road warrior, check out the Maxxis Receptor. This semi-slick tire is designed especially for pavement and hardpacked dirt, with a fast-rolling, supple ride and a construction that can also handle light off-road duties. It would also be an excellent bike touring tire, capable of handling full loads and rougher roads.

The Receptor is available in 650b x 47 or 700 x 40, with added EXO sidewall protection and a supple 120tpi casing. We tested the 40mm version with a black sidewall, weighing just 417g. The tread pattern features very shallow, diamond-shaped nubs across the center that transition to slightly deeper tread and low cornering lugs on the sides. On the roads, the Receptor feels super light, agile, and responsive, yet corners like it’s on rails – riding much like a high-end road tire.

Off-road, the Receptor handles smooth, compacted dirt with equal ease, comfort, and impressive straight-ahead speed. Not surprisingly, the fine tread is prone to washing out on loose gravel, around dry sandy corners, and over rocky, rooted, or rougher terrain – conditions it isn’t really designed for.

If your gravel bike is primarily a road machine that occasionally takes you onto compact dirt roads and rail trails, the Maxxis Receptor is an excellent choice.

You’d expect that a review about a tire with “Dry” in its name would begin by describing how it handles in dry conditions. And the Vittoria Terreno Dry certainly excels on dry, compact dirt. We’ll get to that. But what blew us away is how well these “dry” tires also handled the frequently wet, slippery loose gravel conditions of northern New England during a summer of record rains and floods.

It wasn’t unusual to approach slimy roots and slick little uphills on a test ride, thinking, “Get ready to bail.” Yet, time and again, the Terreno Dry held firm and slip-free. So, although they wouldn’t be our go-to tire for mainly loose or wet conditions, you can count on the Terreno Dry to keep rolling well if your dry hardpack ride suddenly gets hit by a downpour or covers a section of wet logging road.

On dry, compact dirt, they handle like a high-end road tire – fast-rolling, compliant, and capable at high speeds, yet remarkably grippy and compliant. Cornering is predictable and solid on dry hardpack, but use caution when braking and also in wet or loose conditions, where they are apt to wash out or slide.

With a supple 127 tpi casing, the Terreno Dry comes in 650B and 700c, with 15 choices for width and casing construction, ranging from 54mm to 33mm wide. We tested the 700 x 38 tubeless with Vittoria’s TNT bead-to-bead puncture protection, weighing 490g. The same tire with TLR casing, which provides protection only under the tread, weighs slightly less at 450g.

The Terreno Dry’s “fish scale” center tread consists of tightly packed hexagon-shaped nubs that transition into more aggressive and deeper cornering lugs on the side. Built with Vittoria’s grippy yet durable 3C Graphene rubber compound, the little nubs work together to grab gravel from complex, multiple angles and edges simultaneously, giving the Dry impressive Velcro-like grip that performs well outside its stated range.

If you’re looking for a fast, light dedicated tire for dry conditions that’s capable of getting you through occasional wet, slippery stretches, the Vittoria Terreno Dry is a tire to grab you – and the road.

Mud comes with the turf if you ride gravel a lot, and during some seasons and depending on where you live, it can be unavoidable for weeks, even months. The Pirelli Cinturato Gravel S was designed for times and places like these, with fantastic grip and rugged construction to get you through the sloppiest of conditions.

In fact, you could have a little fun on a rainy day by seeing if you can get the Gravel S to spin out on a steep, slick gravel climb that would defeat other tires. It will be a challenge. Their uncanny grip easily topped any other tire in our testing – so much so that it took us a while to get used to how well they handle slop, wet leaves, and loose, slimy boulders. (And 2023 brought A LOT of rain to northern New England, flooding many communities along with roads and trails.)

If you’re an avid mountain biker, the Gravel S will feel happily familiar, with ride quality and trail manners that feel more like a high-performance cross-country mountain bike tire than a lighter, all-purpose gravel tire. Its SpeedGRIP rubber compound is tweaked from Pirelli’s MTB-specific SmartGRIP compound to offer better rolling resistance. And for the casing, Pirelli combined its road and MTB TechWALL technologies to create a unique, bead-to-bead puncture layer for gravel.

The 700c-only Gravel S comes in 40, 45, or 50mm widths, all 60tpi. We tested the 40mm version, listed at 540g. That puts it on the heavier side for a gravel tire, which should be expected given its beefier tread and sidewall protection.

Riding, we found the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel S performs best in its element: soft, slippery trails and muddy conditions. As you’d expect, it is not nearly as supple, nimble-feeling, or fast-rolling as an all-around gravel tire – a tradeoff that is well worth considering if you’re looking for a tough, great-gripping tire that can handle the most challenging slop and mud.

If your day-to-day commuter bike moonlights as a gear hauler, kid carrier, and gravel grinder on nights and weekends, the Schwalbe G-One Overland is a great one to have in your wheelhouse. Think of the Overland as the durable, reliable, do-everything SUV of gravel tires: Sturdy, smooth rolling on pavement, predictable and yet sporty enough to handle off-roading duties on the moderate-to-milder side of the gravel scale.

The Overland is a nice addition to Schwalbe’s popular G-One line, with features designed to handle the heavier loads, higher speeds, and braking forces of e-bikes and loaded touring. Available in 700×40, 45, and 50mm, it is built with a stout 67tpi black casing and Schwalbe’s grippy and long-lasting Addix Speedgrip rubber compound.

We tested the 700×40 version. Weighing in at 515g, it is on the heavier side for an all-around gravel tire, but it also felt fast rolling and comfortably smooth on pavement thanks to its tightly packed directional tread blocks; while its more pronounced side knobs hold firmly on paved and hardpack corners. The Overland is not intended for soft, wet, or muddy trails, but it handles smoother crushed gravel roads, hardpack, and sand with much more confidence than slick or file-tread tires.

One strength that really stood out for us was how nicely the Overland rolled over lousy pavement, from potholed and cracked city streets and construction zones to rough, chip-sealed country roads. When traffic forced us to choose a sketchy line through chopped-up asphalt or pushed onto the soft road shoulder, we were pleasantly surprised to feel confident, comfortable, and safer on the Schwalbe G-One Overland.

The Vittoria Terreno Mix is a versatile, do-it-all tire that sits in the middle of Vittoria’s popular cyclocross series, and it has gained in popularity on the gravel scene as well, with a wide range of widths and casing options for added durability and ride quality.

As the name implies, this is a great tire for variable conditions, one that you could easily leave on your wheels year-round without feeling like you “need” another tire. (But doesn’t everyone need more tires, and bikes, for that matter?)

In our tests, the Terreno Mix lived up to its reputation as a fast-rolling, sturdy tire off-road in all but the softest, wettest conditions, and they rolled smoothly and quietly on the pavement as well. There are eight varieties of the Mix, from 31 to 50mm wide, all 120tpi, with cut-resistant TNT, foldable or rigid casings depending on the size tire you choose. We tested the 700 x 38 with TNT casing, listed at 500g. 

More than any other tire we tested the ride quality of the Mix changed noticeably depending on tire pressure. Using an online tire calculator – such as Silca’s Pro Tire Pressure Calculator — we began at the recommended pressure and found that the Mix offers good, but not remarkable, performance over varied gravel conditions, with a sluggish feeling on hardpack and dry ground.

But with just a little more air – adding around 5 psi – they immediately felt faster rolling and more responsive. Likewise, when we lowered the inflation a few pounds, the grip and handling in wetter, softer conditions went from “meh” to “amazing,” especially on corners and slippery grass. It was like having two entirely different tires in one – and that’s a great thing if you’re comfortable making small inflation adjustments and have an accurate tire pressure gauge.

Vittoria’s Graphene 2.0 compound offers a nice balance of speed, grip, and durability, and adds confidence if you suddenly encounter a rough, sketchy patch on your ride. Not surprisingly, the Vittoria Terreno Mix also delivered superb performance on rail trails, which are generally dry, compact dirt with occasional stretches of sand, crushed stone, and loose, pebbly gravel.

While previous models of Giro flat pedal shoes never garnered much critical acclaim, the Giro Latch is deserving of high praise. This relatively new model provides excellent grip through the Tack rubber outsole, a predictable, muted pedal feel, and a balanced sole stiffness in a comfortable package. It also comes in a women’s version in smaller sizes and a few different color options.

It’s hard not to draw comparisons to the ubiquitous Five Ten Freerider Pro, as the Latch is very similar in looks, protection, materials, and construction. The Latch, however, is a tad narrower through the midfoot and heel, has a lower footbed, and is slightly stiffer. The soft, mostly seamless microfiber upper provides a high level of comfort straight out of the box. The heel cup is fairly low profile but provides a secure heel hold, likely due to the very good midfoot fit. A firm heel cup and light padding around the ankle combine with a reinforced toe box to provide average foot protection that should work well for most riding scenarios short of full-on DH riding. The Latch uses a standard insole design that works well enough, though those with high arches may be left wanting a little more support or an aftermarket footbed.

The Latch delivers an exceptional feel while riding. The sole is slightly stiffer than most other models and the Mute Foam midsole does a great job absorbing trail chatter and smoothing out the ride. While thin with a low stack height, the stiffer sole is supportive and doesn’t fold over the pedals at the midfoot, and provides solid pedaling efficiency. The Latch is still remarkably tactile but feels more muted, controlled, and efficient than the softer flexing competitors. While great on the pedals and reasonable for shorter walks, the low-profile tread design of the Latch doesn’t provide the best grip while hiking in loose soils or mud and the stiffer sole can feel a little blocky on longer hikes.

The Latch uses Giro’s Tack rubber outsole, which provides outstanding grip/traction on the pedals. In fact, it seems at least as grippy as Five Ten’s Stealth rubber, which is generally considered the gold standard. Unexpected pedal slips were a non-issue while wearing the Latch whether descending or climbing, and the grip is impressive, confidence-inspiring, and trustworthy in all situations and conditions. The Latch uses a friction grip approach, with 9 low profile pentagons arranged in repeating hexagonal patterns, which Giro calls the Gamma tread pattern.

The Latch’s microfiber upper is more water resistant than a canvas shoe but isn’t explicitly intended for super wet conditions riding. Perforations in the microfiber uppers provide respectable breathability, in line with similar models. While testing during a very rainy, hot, humid weather cycle, they weren’t unreasonably hot or wet and they provide a good balance of breathability and weather resistance for normal weather and riding conditions. The smooth microfiber upper dries quickly and is very easy to clean with a quick wipe down.

The Giro Latch is well-positioned to be a direct competitor to the venerable Freerider Pro, but not a direct copy – though they are similar on paper. The on-trail differences are subtle – the Latch is slightly stiffer, sits a little bit lower, and feels a touch more stable and efficient on the pedals. With comparable grip from the Tack rubber, the Latch is a great all-rounder for any trail rider, especially if you are looking for a lower volume fit in a traditionally styled flat pedal shoe.

You can find out more in our full review of the Giro Latch.

The Ride Concepts Accomplice is the brand’s new athletic-inspired mid-range model, aimed to be a versatile, low-volume shoe with moderate flex. This all-new model does away with a traditional tongue and instead uses a stretch “slip-tongue” that provides a super comfortable fit along with great grip from the Max Grip outsole. The Accomplice comes in both men’s and women’s versions, and in addition to the lace-up version we tested, the Accomplice Boa uses a Boa closure and retails for $140.

The Accomplice is designed around Ride Concepts’ low volume last which they claim is intended to provide a secure fit without the need to crank down on the laces. The flexibility of the nylon upper is comfortable right off the bat and the snug fit of the sock-like slip tongue really hugs the entire foot and locks it and the heel into place. The large heel loop helps with slipping the sock-like design on and the feel on the foot is reminiscent of a comfy skate shoe, though the Accomplice is relatively low-volume and low-profile overall. Like the Tallac Boa, we found the height of the toe box to be a touch lower than similarly sized models from other brands, though it broke in nicely after a couple of rides and didn’t pose any further fit or comfort issues.

The light amount of TPU reinforcement at the toe box is slightly less than shoes like the Five Ten Freerider Pro or Giro Latch but provides adequate protection for most trail riding scenarios. The nylon upper is padded consistently throughout the inside of the shoe, which adds to the high comfort but makes the Accomplice one of the warmer shoes tested. Though you can feel some air passing through the nylon upper, the cushioned lining and sock-like fit tend to trap heat and moisture a bit more than other shoes. And while it looks great, the nylon material absorbs moisture a bit more readily in super wet conditions. Likewise, the woven texture tends to trap dust and dirt and is generally harder to clean than smoother materials.

On the trail, the Accomplice is very similar in stiffness and power transfer to the Five Ten Freerider Pro – it’s a medium flexing sole with a very tactile feel and flex that drapes slightly over the pedals when weighted. While the softer flex may marginally reduce pedaling efficiency, it’s a familiar feel that many riders prefer and already get along with. Like the Tallac Boa, the level of pedal traction provided by the Max Grip outsole and hexagonal tread is impressive. Comparatively speaking, the grip offered is very nearly as good as the Freerider Pro or the Giro Latch. Off the bike, the Accomplice is comfortable for pushing the bike short distances or leaving on while you run errands after a ride.

The Ride Concepts Accomplice is offered at a fair price and it tops the comfort charts with its sock-like fit, and the on-trail performance is right up there as well. It’s a solid contender as a very comfy all-rounder and fans of models like the Five Ten Freerider or Giro Latch should consider them when it’s time for their next pair.

The Five Ten Freerider Pro is undoubtedly one of the most popular flat pedal mountain bike shoes on the market and for good reason. Five Ten set the standard for grip years ago with their Stealth rubber compounds, and other brands have been slow to catch up (though many finally have). Even with stiff competition, the Freerider Pro remains a highly versatile model with excellent grip and a loyal following. The Freerider Pro comes in a range of colors, the Pro Canvas (with a canvas upper), as well as a women’s version.

Given the popularity of the Freerider Pro, the fit seems to work for lots of people. They are true to size, but after testing them alongside a selection of other shoes, it became clear that they are a little higher volume in comparison to the Giro Latch or Fox Union, for example. The toe box is roomy but not cavernous. They should work well for those with average to slightly above average width feet, although riders with narrower feet may need to lace them a bit tighter to lock down the heel.

The Freerider Pro is a comfortable shoe and has a non-existent break-in period – the synthetic upper, midsole, outsole, and Ortholite liner are supple out of the box. The upper is perforated at the toe box and provides a reasonable amount of breathability. The water resistance is average for a riding shoe, it handles puddle splashes and light drizzles just fine, and the synthetic upper dries fairly quickly. It isn’t a heavily armored shoe, but the stiff and lightly padded heel cup and the reinforced toe box provide adequate protection for most riding.

On the pedals, the Freerider Pro has an outstanding feel – which is the primary reason people love them. The thin sole has a low stack height and is profiled to give the toes a slight lift, making being on the balls of your feet the neutral position, which interfaces well with most pedals. The Stealth S1 rubber outsole is the gold standard for friction-based traction and they certainly don’t lack grip. The grip is consistent at all temperatures and on all terrain – it’s a tacky rubber that sticks well to the pedal pins and other surfaces off the bike. The sole isn’t super stiff, instead flexing a little around the pedal body and providing a tactile feel. It is worth mentioning that the Stealth rubber does show wear marks from the pedal pins more quickly than other outsoles, though, in our experience, they continue to grip well and generally last for a season or two depending on how much you ride.

While not overly flexy, the sole of the Freerider Pro is similar to the Ride Concepts Accomplice and comparatively slightly softer than the Giro Latch, Specialized 2FO DH, or Ride Concepts Tallac Boa. While those stiffer shoes will provide marginally more efficient pedaling, the Freerider Pro offers a little more tactility and a balanced flex that so many riders have come to know and love. Off the bike, they are easy enough to walk around in and fine for quick hikes or sessioning features, but there are better options for adventure rides with big hike a bikes, like the Five Ten Trailcross XT, for example.

The Five Ten Freerider Pro has enjoyed a long reign of dominance as one of the best flat pedal shoes on the market and is still a great option. The Stealth rubber outsole provides excellent traction and balances the softer feel and roomy fit to be a versatile shoe that will serve most riders well. There are stiffer and more protective options, but the excellent pedal grip and balanced ride feel of the Freerider Pro make it a safe bet.

Ride Concepts has established itself as one of the major players in the mountain bike shoe market, and they offer a solid range of models for flat pedal and clipless riders alike. The Tallac Boa is among their most recent additions to the lineup and it is a uniquely styled shoe with looks reminiscent of some hiking shoes. It comes in both the Boa version we tested, as well as the more traditional Tallac with a lace closure that retails for $160. Ride Concepts also make a women’s version, called the Flume, that comes in smaller sizes and different colors in both the Boa-equipped and lace-up versions.

At $190, the Tallac Boa includes some premium materials and components – a continuous, breathable, and fairly water-resistant welded Cordura upper, Boa lacing, Max Grip outsoles, and D30 impact foam panels built into the insoles. Ride Concepts calls the fit medium volume and they feel very comfortable and secure right out of the box. The Boa closure and velcro strap over the toes are quick and easy to use, making it easy to get consistent tension across the entire foot, and a precise fit. The Boa system didn’t present us with any issues and worked particularly well in the wet conditions encountered during testing, but those who are wary of them will be happy to know the Tallac comes with the aforementioned lace closure as well.

We found the Tallac Boa to fit true to size, although the height of the toe box felt a touch restrictive at first. The Cordura upper material did break in pretty quickly, however, providing a bit more space for the toes to be comfortable. The uppers have a rugged and durable feel while still providing a great balance of breathability and water resistance. The material allows more air to pass through than microfiber or TPU uppers on other shoes, helping to cool the feet in hot, humid conditions. Still, we found them to resist water impressively well while testing in some seriously rainy and wet weather. The gusseted tongue also helps keep dust, debris, and mud from making its way inside. They are not waterproof, mind you, but they stand up very well to sloppy conditions.

Intended for trail, all-mountain, and enduro-style riding, the level of protection is slightly above average, with a stiff heel and reinforced wraparound toe box. The Tallac isn’t a straight-up downhill shoe like the Specialized 2FO DH Flat, but provides a similar level of protection as the Five Ten Freerider Pro or the Giro Latch and more than the Ride Concepts Accomplice, for comparison.

On the pedals, the Tallac Boa has a moderately stiff sole and very strong traction. The stack height is a little taller than most other models we tested which reduces the sensitivity or tactile feel on the pedals somewhat, but they provide ample support and great pedaling efficiency while the EVA midsole and D30 insole help to mute trail feedback and keep the shoes from getting bounced. The Max Grip rubber is perhaps a touch less tacky feeling than Five Ten’s Stealth S1, Giro Tack, or Specialized SlipNot ST, but when combined with the aggressive hexagonal tread design, it offers tons of traction on the pedals.

Another place the Tallac Boa shines is when the terrain forces you off the bike. Despite its stiffness on the pedals, the sole has been designed to walk well, and the overall more aggressive tread and reverse hex tread on the toe and heel provide great grip when your ride turns adventurous and you find yourself pushing your bike up or down the hill or scrambling up to a rocky vista point.

The Ride Concepts Tallac Boa is a nicely balanced flat pedal shoe with a well-rounded on and off-the-bike performance. The Max Grip sole is comparable in traction to any competitor and one that we’ll be pulling out for long trail rides, wet or unreasonably humid days, or high-impact days at the bike park. While the stiffer sole and high stack may be a turn-off to those who prioritize pedal sensitivity and tactility, the Tallac Boa is a great option that turned out to be a very pleasant surprise.

The Specialized 2FO DH Flat is an aggressive shoe purpose-built for downhill riding. Not only is the SlipNot ST one of the tackiest rubber compounds on the market, but the high level of foot protection, thick, damp midsole, and durable leather and textile upper make the 2FO DH a standout for DH and super aggressive riding.

The 2FO DH Flat uses Specialized’s Body Geometry fit, which has three main components. The Varus Wedge, longitudinal molded arch support, and Metatarsal Button are intended to provide better alignment of the foot and lower leg to enhance comfort and power. While that is hard to quantify, we found the platform and fit of the 2FO DH Flat very comfortable for longer days in the saddle and the feet felt fresher after long rides or when riding rougher terrain. In terms of fit, the 2FO DH Flat feels like a shoe built for high performance on the bike. The heel pocket holds the heel securely and the laces over the mid foot make it easy to get adequate tension. The forefoot is a little roomier, but it is worth noting that the toe box is tapered a bit more at the front than some other models, and if you have notably wide toes, you’ll want to try these on before you buy to ensure you get the right size.

As a DH shoe, it comes as little surprise that the 2FO DH offers quite a bit of foot protection. The toe box is heavily reinforced, and the medial ankle cuff is raised to add a bit of coverage from ankle strikes. The cushioned EVA midsole provides a good level of vibration dampening and is paired with an internal shank that adds stiffness and stability. Pedaling efficiency is solid given the stiffer sole and they don’t fold over the pedal the way some softer models do. Conversely, they don’t provide the same level of tactility as softer flexing shoes, but there is still enough feedback and pedal feel while delivering smooth and consistent power transfer. And, while they are marketed as a DH shoe, they also work well for all-day pedaling missions.

The SlipNot ST (Super Tacky) rubber is extremely tacky and grippy. If grip is your highest priority, the 2FO DH Flat has you covered. These shoes have the “stickiest” feel on the pedals of any shoe in this round of testing, providing a truly locked-in feel. They are so grippy, in fact, that they require very deliberate movements to reposition the feet. While this level of grip may not be ideal for those who like a bit of foot mobility, it is truly impressive and will definitely appeal to those who want to feel glued to the pedal pins. This is particularly great for their intended use, where you don’t want to worry about blowing off the pedals at high speeds in aggressive terrain.

During some particularly wet testing rides, the leather/textile upper proved to be surprisingly water-resistant and was easily one of the best at keeping the feet dry in sub-optimal riding conditions. Still, they remained relatively breathable despite the small and minimal ventilating perforations. While the uppers don’t let a lot of airflow into the shoe, the porous structure of the Xpel mesh lining and footbed does a solid job of transferring heat and moisture away from the feet while also providing a bit of cushioning. To be clear, they aren’t exactly airy like the Five Ten Trailcross XT or the Ride Concepts Tallac Boa, but they keep the feet quite comfortable.

For a burly, extremely grippy, protective shoe that manages water resistance and breathability quite well, the Specialized 2FO DH Flat is an excellent choice. The high performance and impressive pedal traction make these an excellent option for outright grip and aggressive riding on rough terrain.

While many of us are fair-weather riders, plenty of people don’t have the luxury of riding only when the sun is shining. If you ride in truly wet and sloppy conditions with any regularity, the Five Ten Trailcross GTX is a shoe you should consider. With a similar design to the summer and dry conditions-oriented Trailcross XT, the GTX version ups the ante of weather protection with a full Gore-Tex membrane and a tall neoprene ankle cuff to keep the elements at bay.

Much like the other models in Five Ten’s Trailcross line, the GTX has more of a running shoe or light hiker look than your typical flat pedal shoes. For some, the looks alone will be a non-starter, while others may find the aesthetic to be a refreshing departure from the norm. Looks aside, Five Ten still aims to pack all the performance you’d expect from a flat pedal shoe in a package made to stand up to rain, mud, slop, and cold temperatures.

The fit of the Trailcross GTX is similar to that of the XT model and more akin to a running shoe than other models the brand makes, like the Freerider Pro. They fit true to size, but the toe box is a bit more tapered overall, comparatively speaking. Still, they have a fairly average width and volume, but it might be worth trying these on if you’ve got wider-than-average feet or toes.

One of the most important aspects of any flat pedal shoe is grip, and Five Ten gave the Trailcross GTX a Stealth Phantom outsole that uses dual rubber compounds. While it is a bit less grippy than the Stealth S1 rubber on the Freerider Pro, we still found them to provide a confidence-inspiring level of grip no matter the conditions, aided by the dotty tread design and the moderate stiffness of the EVA midsole. Like other Trailcross models, the GTX also performs quite well off the bike with a heavily rockered toe and directional sole flex that allows for a very natural gait. The wider tread lugs at the toe and heel also work well to optimize grip when hiking on a wide range of surfaces and conditions.

The waterproofness of the Trailcross GTX got put to the test during a Scottish winter on the feet of Bikerumor’s Jessie-May Morgan. Through months of riding in notoriously wet and cold conditions, the Gore-Tex membrane managed to keep her feet dry, even when subjected to additional off-the-bike hose tests. Of course, it is still possible for some moisture to enter the shoes through the top of the neoprene ankle gasket, but when layered properly with the cuff of your riding pants over the gasket, they do a better job of keeping your feet dry than any other flat pedal shoes we’ve tried. On top of that, the Gore-Tex membrane breathes fairly well, helping evacuate perspiration, and we found the additional lining in the shoe helps the feet stay warm even in temperatures just above the freezing mark. That said, they aren’t ideal for riding in hot temperatures.

If your riding doesn’t stop when the seasons change, the temperatures drop, and precipitation starts to fall, then you should check out the Five Ten Trailcross GTX. With Five Ten grip and a Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet dry, these shoes will keep you comfortably on the trails through the worst conditions.

For more info, you can read our full review of the Five Ten Trailcross GTX.

One of the most recent additions to Specialized’s flat pedal shoe lineup is the 2FO Method. This reasonably priced model looks like a casual, cup sole sneaker for kicking around town, but maintains an excellent feel on the bike through the Specialized Body Geometry design, low profile upper, low stack height, and grippy SlipNot ST outsole. While the Method feels a little bit under-gunned during rowdy trail and downhill riding, it quickly became the go-to choice of choice for laps on the local pump track, dirt jumps, and more casual trail rides (especially any that ended at the pub).

Like Specialized’s downhill-focused 2FO DH Flat, the 2FO Method employs Specialized Body Geometry fit with a varus wedge, longitudinal arch, and metatarsal button. These features seem a little less dramatic/pronounced on the Method – it feels like a normal shoe (Vans come to mind) with some slight tweaks for better performance on the bike. Like other Specialized shoes, the Method fit more or less true to size. The toe box is a bit more tapered than some other brands, but the canvas upper is quite forgiving and broke in quickly. The internal heel counter works well and the feel of the low stack height and cup sole feels great on and off the pedals. Still, these wouldn’t be the first choice for long hike a bikes, but they are certainly comfortable enough for walking around town.

The 2FO Method has the most flexible sole of the all models tested, but not excessively soft. The overall sole stiffness and pedaling efficiency is a touch lower than the Freerider Pro, for example, but more in line with the Five Ten Freerider (not the Pro version) or Five Ten Sleuth. While this level of sole flex might cause some foot fatigue on a long, pedal-heavy trail ride, it is perfectly appropriate for the pump track, dirt jumps, shorter neighborhood trail riding, or anyone who prefers a softer flex and higher level of pedal feel. The SlipNot ST outsole is very tacky, much like the 2FO DH Flat, providing a trustworthy grip in most situations. Interestingly, we found it could be overwhelmed in super aggressive terrain or situations with high-frequency impact, primarily due to the softer, thin sole providing less support and dampening. That said, we found the grip and pedal feel to be great for their intended purpose, though they could be a little too grippy for those who prefer greater foot mobility.

The canvas material of the upper is not water resistant, nor does it promise to be. It readily soaks up moisture and dries slower than microfiber, TPU, or Condura uppers, making these shoes less than ideal for riding in wet conditions. Breathability is fair, slightly less than a pair of canvas Vans due to the thin layer of padding throughout. That said, they work well enough on hot days, assuming it’s also dry.

Though we can’t comment on long-term durability yet, our test pair is holding up well so far. Given the canvas uppers, we expect they could be more prone to damage from abrasion and may wear out a bit quicker than some models made with tougher, more technical materials. Still, they seem well constructed and we expect them to have an average lifespan.

While the 2FO Method isn’t our top pick for aggressive trail riding or wet days, they are a great choice for playing around on the bike and can seamlessly transition from your neighborhood ride, pump track, or dirt jump session to dinner, a friend’s house, or the bar. They look great and the sticky SlipNot outsole provides enough traction and support to push yourself on casual rides while still looking sharp. It’s a good shoe with a great feel for having fun on the bike, learning new skills, and not taking yourself too seriously.

Fox recently launched a small line of mountain bike shoes and the Union Flat is the model designed for use with flat pedals. It is similar in form, feel, and performance to the Giro Latch or Five Ten Freerider Pro – a good thing, as those are two of the best flat pedal shoes available today. The Union Flat sets itself apart from those shoes with its tough, rubbery upper, thin sole, and tacky Ultratac rubber outsole that can hold its own against any direct competitor. Fox also just released the Union Canvas which shares the same overall design but has a canvas upper and a lower price of just $120.

The Union Flat is a unisex model that fits true to length in US sizing and has an overall lower volume fit. Similar through the midfoot to the Giro Latch but with a narrower toe box, and less roomy overall than the Five Ten Freerider Pro. Though they are lower volume, the general feel on the foot is reminiscent of both the aforementioned shoes and the level of protection is similar, maybe a touch higher with the tough TPU upper. 

With a moderate sole stiffness, pedaling efficiency is similar to the Freerider Pro – stiff enough to be problem-free on most rides and with a nice tactile pedal feel. Riders looking for a slightly stiffer sole might lean towards the Giro Latch, but it was rare for the sole to fold over the pedals and lose support. The Union has a thin sole with a low stack height, which brings your feet closer to the pedals, and the slight flex in the sole helps them conform to the pedal shape for stability and control. Off the bike, the rockered profile and slight flex through the toes make them comfortable enough for short walks and hikes, but the Union is by no means a crossover bike/hike shoe, nor is it intended to be.

While isn’t meant to be a waterproof shoe, the one-piece welded upper is great on wet days. Some moisture can get in through the ventilation perforations, but otherwise, they shrug off mud, puddle splashes, and light rain much better than most. In normal wet riding conditions, the Union is a great choice that will keep your feet and socks dry longer than most other non-waterproof options, similar to the Ride Concepts Tallac Boa. Strong water resistance through the rubbery, welded upper does come at the cost of less breathability than some other shoes. The rubbery upper excels in keeping water out – which means it does keep some self-generated heat and moisture in.

As the flat pedal shoe market continues to mature, more brands have begun to crack the rubber code and challenge Five-Ten’s dominance in the grip department. Fox’s Ultratrac sole is an example of this – we found the traction of the Unions comparable to Ride Concept’s Max Grip compound and Five Ten’s Stealth S1, some of the grippiest options on the market. The tacky, slow-rebound rubber and slight damping from the EVA midsole provide reliable and predictable grip on the pedals in conditions ranging from dry to historically wet.

Riders looking for a versatile, grippy, and relatively water-resistant flat pedal shoe with a great pedal feel should consider the Fox Union Flat, especially those with a slimmer foot or who ride in damp conditions frequently. The low platform height provides a tactile pedal feel the Ultratac outsole is competitively grippy with other popular models. While there are stiffer and more protective shoes out there, the Union is a strong contender that can cover the bases from everyday trail riding to the bike park and is an exciting addition to the flat pedal shoe market from Fox.

Crankbrothers started making mountain bike shoes a few years ago with flat pedal and clipless models that share names with their pedal models. The Crankbrothers Stamp Boa is the top-of-the-line model in the range of three flat pedal shoes that are designed to work as a system with their Stamp flat pedal line. These fancy kicks feature a sleek profile, a great fit, easy adjustability, and a middle-of-the-road level of protection and stiffness. The tread design is optimized to work best with the platform shape and pin layout of Crankbrothers Stamp pedals. Although the Match MC2 outsole rubber isn’t as grippy as the outsoles on most other shoes we tested, they do, in fact, work better with Stamp pedals, and riders who appreciate a little easier foot mobility might still want to check out the Stamp Boa for their great fit, form, and finish qualities. The Boa version is the most expensive at $180, but they are also offered in Speed Lace and Lace versions that cost $150 and $130, respectively.

The Stamp is a very comfortable shoe right out of the box. Laces are still the dominant closure system for flat pedal shoes, but Boa dials are becoming more common and they make it very easy to get the shoes on and off and fine-tune the fit. The Stamp shoes fit true to size and have a relatively average width. Once they are on your feet, they feel very secure and it is easy to lock down the heel and get a very precise fit with the Boa system and velcro strap. The rubbery upper is supple and conforms nicely to the feet while the fully wraparound armored toe box and generously padded heel provide a mid-high level of foot protection. The toe is rockered significantly, which gives a very good feel on the pedals.

While the rubbery upper of the Stamp looks like it could be quite hot, the mesh panels and toe perforations provide a pleasant level of breathability. The rubber-coated upper repels water very well and the mesh panels have a hydrophobic coating and don’t easily soak through, making the Stamp a solid choice for damp rides. The uppers also have a durable feel and shrug off abrasion, suggesting they will also have a long lifespan.

As mentioned previously, the tread pattern on the Stamp shoe is designed to work with the Stamp pedals, though Crankbrothers states it should work well with any pedal. The Stamp pedals come in 2 platform sizes, with the small versions recommended for shoe sizes 5-10 US, and large sizes for 10-15 US. As we noticed when testing our size 7 US shoes, the deeper channels in the Match MC2 rubber outsole match up quite well with the small Crankbrothers Stamp 7 pedal, putting the pins within the channel and providing more of a mechanical connection to the pedals.

In addition to the Crankbrothers Stamp 7, we tested them with the grippy Nukeproof Sam Hill Horizon Pro Enduro pedals. While the traction was acceptable on both pedals, it is not at the level of the grippier options, resulting in more foot bouncing, particularly in rougher, faster terrain. The traction was more reliable on the Stamp 7 pedals, where you can feel the pins locked into the channels, but on either set of pedals, the overall level of friction grip was not competitive with grippier compounds.

However, if you feel too stuck on some of the stickier compounds or just like to be able to reposition your feet more easily, the Crankbrothers Stamp Boa is an otherwise outstanding shoe, even with the lower overall traction.

For more information, read our full review of the Crankbrothers Stamp Boa.

The Five Ten Trailcross XT is a fairly unique shoe that is advertised to be “as comfortable on the pedals as they are hiking.” They have more of a running sneaker look and feel, a comfortable fit, a very breathable mesh upper, and great walkability. While their on-bike performance is a little different than other models, it’s important to remember their intended use as a “crossover” shoe. They come in women’s version, and Five Ten makes other Trailcross models including the Mid Pro with a taller cuff and additional ankle protection, and the waterproof GTX version with a Gore-Tex membrane.

Right out of the box, the Trailcross XT fits like a comfortable sneaker. Given the sneaker-esque style, it has a lower volume fit and slimmer toe box compared to the Freerider Pro. Still, the mesh upper is relatively forgiving and accommodating and doesn’t require a break-in period. The heel is padded and shaped well and holds the heel securely and provides good ankle support. The toe cap and high-wear areas for pedaling are reinforced with a light rubbery layer. The toe box reinforcement provides some protection on the trail but is a bit softer than other reinforced options in the test. Similar to a trail running shoe, the sole is heavily rockered through the toe and thicker under the heel than the flatter, thinner soles of other riding shoes. The sole flexes naturally and they walk as well as a regular pair of running shoes with wider tread lugs at the toe and heel that help to enhance grip while scrambling up or down steep trails.

The mesh upper is exceptionally airy, dries extremely quickly, and evacuates heat well. It is easily the best-ventilated and most breathable shoe we tested and helps keep the feet cooler and more comfortable on the hottest of days. This comes at the cost of foot protection and also water resistance as water can easily pass through the mesh to the feet. That said, the material doesn’t soak up much moisture (though your socks will get wet) and the shoes dry out very quickly. While the mesh on our test pair is holding up well so far, it does seem a bit less durable and more prone to damage than tougher, thicker materials.

But how do they perform on the bike? The Trailcross is a unique shoe that has its place. Pedaling efficiency is similar to the medium flex shoes like the Freerider Pro, Giro Latch, and Fox Union, and Five Ten did a great job making the sole flex directional. They flex easily when walking, yet they avoid folding over the pedals excessively, similar to the aforementioned models. The Stealth Phantom rubber isn’t quite as grippy on the pedals as the Ride Concepts Max Grip or the Stealth S1 on the Freerider Pro but is adequate for casual rides on mellower terrain. The slight reduction in grip can also be attributed in part to the slightly higher stack of the sole, and the slight reduction in support from the uppers. That’s not to say they don’t grip well enough for most trail rides, they just wouldn’t be our first choice for high-speed, aggressive riding.

A lot of the time testing the Five Ten Trailcross XT was spent coaching a summer mountain bike camp, and they quickly became a favorite for that application. While they aren’t the shoes we’ll reach for for the most aggressive riding, they are definitely in the rotation for the hottest days, more casual rides, and anytime there’ll be equal time spent on and off the bike.

The Wolf Tooth Resolve is a new dropper model from Wolf Tooth Components. It features a short overall length and low stack height, a self-bleeding cartridge, the option to buy with travel-reducing spacers installed, a sensible seat clamp design, and is one of the best models on the market. After addressing some initial stickiness, our test post performed reliably and smoothly with light action, quick return speed, and a good feel when making small changes to saddle height. This performance is enhanced when paired with the beautifully machined Wolf Tooth Remote Pro lever, which is one of the best available. At 514 grams for the post in the 160mm length, the Resolve is also one of the lightest posts around outside of the super-light XC posts (the Fox Transfer SL and BikeYoke Divine SL).

Installing the Resolve is a snap and easier to fit in most frames with the short overall length/stack height, and attaching the saddle is very easy with the bottom of the seat clamp attached to the post. This feature makes the two-bolt design much easier to use than the two-piece (top and bottom) standard. The visual seat angle reference is also always a welcome touch. It comes in three travel lengths, 125, 160, and 200mm, and it can be shimmed to reduce travel for fitment purposes. Wolf Tooth will pre-install shims for you in 5mm increments (or you can order them to do it yourself or bring it into your local shop) so you can maximize your drop on your specific frame. Additionally, the post is fully self-serviceable (with the right tools and good mechanic skills), and every part is available from Wolf Tooth. You can even swap the lower portion of the post for a different diameter if you ever change bikes and need a different size.

The first impression of the Resolve wasn’t perfect with some sticking near the top of the stroke. After troubleshooting seat clamp tension and air pressure, we reached out to Wolf Tooth for assistance. They suggested cleaning the stanchion with alcohol and lightly greasing it with suspension grease (we used Slick Honey). After this, the post returned to normal function and was smooth throughout its travel, always went to full extension, and continued working well for the duration of testing, even through weeks of super wet and muddy conditions. In terms of micro-adjustability and smoothness, the Wolf Tooth Resolve is solid – not as quite smooth, predictable, and precise as the Fox Transfer or BikeYoke Revive, but similar in feel to the Crankbrothers Highline 7. It does require a bit more compression force than some, but nothing excessive and it may actually contribute to the ability to make small, precise adjustments, especially while climbing. The self-bleeding feature also means that it should never develop sag over time.

The Remote Pro lever is a standout on its own, with three horizontal mounting options, the ability to adjust the start angle, and short throw/light action, making it easy to find the perfect ergonomics. The medium size paddle is easy to find, there are no sharp edges, and the machined texture provides traction with or without gloves in all weather conditions.  

The Wolf Tooth Resolve is a great post that performs solidly and sports an exceptionally smart design, low stack height/overall lengths, an easy-to-use clamp design, and self bleeding cartridge. If you are looking for a user-serviceable, reliable, relatively smooth, and easy-to-install option, the Resolve should be on your list. And riders using any post should certainly consider the Remote Pro when considering any lever upgrades.

You can find out more in our full review of the Wolf Tooth Resolve dropper post.

The OneUp V2 Dropper is our pick for the best value dropper post, and it provides the widest range of travel and fitting options. It comes in a whopping 6 travel lengths between 90 and 240mm and all 4 post diameters (including 27.2 for gravel and XC bikes). At $230, the reasonably-priced OneUp V2 is smooth and performed reliably throughout the test period.

The setup for the OneUp V2 is quite simple. The barrel end of the cable slots into the bottom of the post and gets clamped at the remote where it is easier to deal with. Maximizing travel with the V2 Dropper is made easy thanks to the relatively short overall lengths and the super low, 33mm (compressed) stack height. The travel is also adjustable in 10mm increments and can be reduced using small pins, and it is fairly easy to do yourself using the procedure on their website (thanks to OneUp for providing detailed instructions in written form). OneUp also gets bonus points for their excellent online dropper post length selector tool, which also lets you know which competitors’ posts will fit your frame. The OneUp V2 uses a slotted head design to make saddle installation easier and although it is an improvement over most standard two-bolt designs, the larger heads (in the slots) make it slightly less functional than the slotted design on the Fox Transfer.

The latest OneUp V3 Remote ($45) uses a textured rubber thumbpad (which is replaceable and has a variety of color options) with a great shape and profile. The lever clamps are sold separately for $14.50, and they offer options for I-Spec, MMX, and a 22.2mm bar clamp. The V3 lever sits very close to the bar and is easy to keep out of the way with three horizontal positioning options to get it right where you need it. While it does not allow rotational adjustment, the position, ergonomic shape, light action, shorter throw, spring-loaded return, and tidy cable management make it among the best levers tested.

On the trail, the OneUp V2 post and V3 Lever perform reliably and flawlessly. It is worth noting that the V2 post compresses very quickly making it slightly more difficult to make precise micro-adjustments to saddle height. While not a deal-breaker by any means, it does require some getting used to compared to the Fox and BikeYoke posts, as well as the similarly priced PNW Loam post. Either way, it gets out of the way quickly when you drop it, returning consistently with an adjustable air spring to dial in the return speed to your liking.

With its reliable performance, low cost, a huge range of sizes, and adjustable travel lengths, the OneUp V2 Dropper is a great value that should appeal to riders of all sizes and budgets. The short overall length and stack height along with adjustable travel means most riders should be able to maximize drop on their setups, making it a particularly attractive choice for riders on small frames to replace stock posts to get more travel. For those with gravel and XC bikes, they also make the OneUp V2 27.2 in 90 and 120mm lengths.

The Fox Transfer Factory impressed with its smooth travel, light action, and a great seat clamp design, as well as maintaining relatively low stack height and overall lengths. At $359, it is towards the higher end of the price spectrum, and it doesn’t have a ton of fancy features or adjustment options (or any really). It is also the second heaviest post in the test (only lighter than the RockShox Reverb AXS). But the performance on the trail is simply outstanding.

The Fox Transfer comes in 30.9 and 31.6mm diameters and 5 travel lengths, increasing by 25mm between 100 and 200mm. The Performance Elite version uses the same internals but lacks the Kashima coat and retails for $309. While it is hard to quantify if Kashima is actually lower friction, the gold bling certainly helps it stand out. 

Setting up the Transfer is straightforward due to the standard design and lack of adjustment options – put the barrel on the end of the cable and onto the actuator, feed the cable through the housing, clamp in the lever, and go. Saddle installation is very easy as well thanks to the pivoting clamp bolts.

The Fox Transfer 1x Remote we used is similar to the post – no fancy bells or whistles, but a simple, ergonomic design with light action. The metal thumbpad is lightly textured for a bit of grip, and two mounting holes allow you to shift the lever laterally to find the right position. The low profile design is easy to keep out of the way, and the relatively short throw and light lever action make for easy post actuation.

On the trail, the Fox Transfer Factory performs reliably and extremely smoothly. It drops quickly when necessary but remains precise when making small adjustments with a consistent return speed. The Transfer does not have an adjustable air spring but the fixed spring rate seems pretty perfect anyway. While some people may prefer greater adjustability, we found it to work great while having one less thing to need to fiddle with.

We’ve seen complaints about reliability issues with the Fox Transfer post, but ours has worked perfectly at all temperatures and conditions throughout our test period. In fact, along with the Bike Yoke Revive 2.0, it’s one of the smoothest posts we tried. So smooth that it made many of the other posts we tested feel sub-par in comparison.

The Fox Transfer Factory isn’t the cheapest, lightest, most adjustable, or easily serviceable, but it still managed to seriously impress us with its overall performance. Given the range of sizes, relatively low stack height, and shorter overall lengths, most riders should be able to find a Transfer that works for them.

Exhibiting reliable, smooth performance and as the lowest cost post in our test, the PNW Loam Dropper is easily one of the best values around. With its solid, consistent feel, the PNW Loam post is a great option for most riders looking to upgrade from a stock post regardless of your budget.

The setup for the PNW Loam is about as standard as it comes. You install the saddle on the standard two-bolt design, attach the barrel nut, pull the cable through the housing (hopefully already in your frame), connect the cable to the lever, cut/crimp, and go ride. The overall length of the 150mm version is pretty good at 440mm (in line with the Wolftooth Resolve 160 (which has 10mm more travel) and Fox Transfer 150, though about 20mm longer than the OneUp V2 150) and the stack height is a reasonable 50mm (compressed) which is a bit taller than some other models we tested. Should you need to reduce the travel for ideal fitment, the Loam features a nifty tool-free travel reduction option. While most people won’t use this outside of the initial setup, it is a nice touch that will make fitting for folks right on the edge of the maximum travel length easy and straightforward.

The PNW Loam Lever Gen 2 utilizes a replaceable/customizable rubber thumb pad and a larger, rectangular shape. This is a quality remote lever, but we found the position of the lever is slightly less ergonomic than some due to the set angle, even with the three horizontal positioning options. The Loam has a reasonably light action (in line with the OneUp V3 lever but requiring more effort than the Fox Transfer) and the pad color can be customized along with the collar on the post if that’s something you’re into. Just be careful that your fingers are not covered in grease when you set the post up – especially if you have one of the lighter color pads like the bright orange we tested.

On the trail, the PNW Loam post fades into the background, exactly as a dropper post should. It works, and it works well. Return speed can be adjusted to dial it how you like, and the moderate compression force needed to lower makes micro-adjustments to saddle height straightforward.

At just over $200, the on-trail performance of the PNW Loam Dropper post hits well above the price point. The Loam should be shortlisted by any riders on a budget who are looking for an affordable and smooth dropper, and chances are you’ll be able to find an option that fits you and your bike. If you’re on the fence about upgrading your post, the PNW Loam is a top option that significantly outperforms its low price. For those with gravel bikes or older bikes with external cable routing, PNW also makes a variety of other models to suit your needs.

Check out our full review of the PNW Loam dropper for more info.

The Bike Yoke Revive 2.0 uses a unique, non-IFP (internal floating piston) design, as well as a Revive Valve to keep the post going up and down smoothly by allowing excess air to bleed into the shaft instead of into the oil. It also performs flawlessly and is one of the smoothest and most intuitive posts on the market, losing a tiny bit to the competition only due to its relatively long overall length and stack height. But, if it fits you and your frame (likely easy for anyone on a size medium or larger), the Revive provides top-of-the-line performance and an additional guarantee of reliability through the easy-to-use Revive Valve.

The Revive 2.0 comes in the standard 30.9 and 31.6mm diameters as well as the Revive Max 34.9 and Revive 27.2 (80mm travel only) to cover all possible sizes. It comes in 125, 160, 185, and 213mm drop lengths that should suit most riders’ needs, and while the stack height is quite reasonable at 42mm (compressed), the overall length is a bit longer than some others due to the 32mm long actuator at the base of the post.

Installing the Revive is a fairly standard procedure, although the cut end of the cable is at the post and needs to be inserted into a barrel which is a bit fiddlier than other posts. The seat clamp is a standard 2 bolt and barrel design and the Triggy Alpha remote has two horizontal positioning mounts and the option to adjust the lever angle. While the lever does have a slightly longer throw, it is light action, highly adjustable, relatively ergonomic, and the perforated machined thumbpad even matched the Hope Tech 3 brake levers on the test bike. 

The BikeYoke Revive 2.0 has an adjustable return speed, allowing pressures of 210-290 psi and providing an incredibly smooth, controlled stroke. It is worth mentioning that adjusting the air pressure requires an adaptor supplied by BikeYoke with the post, but you can get around this by removing the Reset Valve. After setting up the post initially, the Revive proved to be the smoothest post in the test group, slightly smoother even than the Fox Transfer. It is actually uncanny just how smooth this post really is. The high-end feel of the Revive post makes small imperfections in the feel of other posts much more noticeable.

The most unique feature of the Revive is the Revive Valve, a reset feature that bleeds air out of the system if your post develops sag over time. It takes just a 4mm hex key and mere seconds to reset the post if/when needed. This helps keep your post running smoothly, consistently, and reliably.

If the longer insertion length works for you, the Bike Yoke Revive 2.0 is arguably the smoothest, most intuitive, reliable design on the market and should absolutely be considered if you are looking on the higher end of the dropper post price spectrum.

For more information about the unique design of the Bike Yoke Revive, check out our deep dive into the original model just after it was released.

The RockShox Reverb AXS is the electronic version of RockShox’s longstanding Reverb dropper post. It was one of the first electric droppers on the market, and while it is very expensive, it is arguably one of the best droppers available. It isn’t plagued by any of the issues of the hydraulically-actuated version, like temperature sensitivity and more challenging installation (due to hydraulic fluid in the hose and remote), and it works impressively well.

The Reverb AXS comes in 30.9, 31.6, and 34.9mm diameters as well as 27.2mm in the Reverb XPLR AXS that’s made for gravel bikes. The larger diameters all come in 100, 125, 150, and 170mm drop lengths which should work for most people. Unfortunately, for the long-legged folks, it does not come in a 200mm length. The overall lengths are pretty reasonable, but it does have a longer stack height of 62mm (compressed) as a result of the taller silver collar and the motor/battery housing at the top of the post. It is also one of the heavier options with a measured weight of 655 grams (150mm length) for the post and 54 grams for the remote. For comparison, that is 162 grams heavier than the OneUp V2 and remote in the same drop length.

Given the lack of cables and/or hoses, setting up the Reverb AXS couldn’t be any easier. Simply insert the post into the seat tube, attach the remote to the handlebar, charge the AXS battery (takes about an hour), and then pair the two together (like pairing to a Bluetooth speaker). Attaching the saddle is super quick and easy too with a single T25 bolt to clamp the saddle rails as well as a super user-friendly tilt adjustment. The battery locks into place at the back of the post securely and firmly. Pressing a button on the post shows battery life, and it lasts a surprisingly long time. During testing, it was 42 hours of ride time (according to Strava) before the battery indicator turned red. The Reverb AXS remote uses a CR2032 watch battery, which SRAM says should last over two years and it is cheap to replace (less than $10 for any two pack). You can also use the SRAM AXS app to see battery percentages for both the post and remote.

Electronics aside, the Reverb AXS remote is quite different from any cable-actuated post remote. It is ergonomic, sits close to the bars, and has extremely quick action. Instead of pushing a lever to pull a cable, it is essentially just a light press of a button. Your thumb barely needs to move, and while it takes a few minutes to get used to, it makes regular remote levers seem archaic pretty quickly. The AXS remote, combined with the quick action of the post, provides an incredibly precise feel on the trail. For the post to continue dropping, you need to keep your thumb on the lever, so a quick tap on the lever won’t drop the post the entire way but does make it super easy to micro-adjust the saddle height. Because of the light action and ease of dropping 5-15mm with a quick tap, we found ourselves making those smaller adjustments notably more than with other posts.

The Reverb AXS has one of the fastest return speeds among the models we tested (second to the Fox Transfer SL), topping out audibly but not excessively hard. It isn’t adjustable, but for those who like a quick return speed, it will be just right. The overall action is quite smooth but requires moderate force to compress compared to some other models. The Reverb AXS includes SRAM’s “Vent Valve” to remove air from the internals located at the bottom of the post, which is easy enough to access with no cables to speak of. Our test post has not developed any squishiness at all, but the relief/vent valve is a good feature to have to avoid more complex maintenance. Ours has worked flawlessly through the test period, however.

Should you buy an $861 seat post? That’s entirely up to you and how much disposable income you have. That said, if you have the means, we think it’s one of the best droppers available and doubt you’ll be disappointed by the performance and quick, precise feel of the RockShox Reverb AXS.

For more info, check out our complete technical overview of the RockShox Reverb AXS near its launch.

The Bike Yoke Divine SL is the German brand’s top-of-the-line XC dropper. Weighing in at 451 grams for the post, the Divine SL is the second lightest post in the test and will save at least 50 grams off any trail/enduro option. Given its XC focus, it is only currently offered in shorter drop lengths of 80, 100, and 125mm.

Setting up the Divine SL is straightforward but does require the plastic sleeve tool included with the post to attach the cable nut assembly at the bottom of the post. This takes a few minutes longer than the direct cable end connection on most posts, but is very straightforward and poses no difficulties – just don’t lose the plastic tool to remove and attach the cable nut inside the bottom of the post tube, or the nut and plastic plunger piece!

The Divine SL has what Bike Yoke calls the “Tech-Climb” feature which adds a small amount of suspension action to the post, but only when it is in a middle position – fully extended or dropped are still locked. While this seems like an interesting feature, it managed to go completely unnoticed and didn’t seem to impact its performance either positively or negatively. Pressing on it by hand, you can feel about ½ to 1 cm of motion, and perhaps not noticing it while riding could be considered a success. Bike Yoke does say that reducing the air pressure in the post will increase the action of the Tech-Climb feature but even when lowered to 250psi, it didn’t seem to change the action much. Like the Revive 2.0, accessing the air valve at the top of the post to adjust pressure does require the use of the included adapter.

The Divine SL shares some of its internals with the Revive 2.0, and it is similarly smooth in its action. It doesn’t have the Revive feature, but Bike Yoke says it is designed to fully reset the hydraulic system with every full drop, much like the Wolf Tooth Resolve, and we never experienced squishiness or noticeable play. The micro-adjustability and smoothness were not quite as strong as the Revive 2.0 or Fox Transfer (non-SL version), but still near the top of the class for the posts in this test.

With max travel of 125mm, the Divine SL probably won’t be on everyone’s shortlist, but it is a strong contender for riders looking for a shorter travel, superlight, XC dropper post. The Bike Yoke Divine SL is very smooth, quick and snappy, and very lightweight, making it a great choice for XC riders looking to add an infinitely adjustable, high-performance dropper to their lightweight rigs.

At $300, the Crankbrothers Highline 7 sits directly in the center of the price range for the cable-actuated posts in this review. For a slight premium over some lesser-priced competitors, it performs exceptionally smoothly, features an easy-to-use pivoting bolt seat clamp, and everything except the cartridge is serviceable with very standard tools. It does have a longer stack height and overall length and fixed compression/extension speed, but the Highline 7 is a solid mid-range option for riders looking for smooth, controlled action in a post they’ll be able to pull apart and keep running for quite a while.

The Highline 7 comes in both the standard 30.9 and 31.6mm diameters and 100, 125, 150, 170, and 200mm drop lengths. The overall lengths and stack height are a little bit longer than most other models we tested, so that is something to bear in mind depending on your frame. For anyone with smaller seat tube diameters on their gravel or XC bikes, Crankbrothers also makes the Highline XC Gravel in a 27.2mm diameter that comes in 60, 80, 100, and 125mm lengths. Crankbrothers also makes the affordable Highline 3 dropper that retails for just $200.

Setting up the Highline 7 is very easy – you don’t even need a barrel for the end of the cable as it connects directly. We did not test the Crankbrothers Highline Remote, so we can’t comment on it, instead testing it with the Wolf Tooth ReMote Pro, which posed no problems. The rear bolt of the seat clamp pivots, making saddle installation easier than a standard 2-bolt design.

On the trail, the Highline 7 is reliable and has a very consistent, smooth feel in both compression and extension. It isn’t adjustable and the fixed rate is a touch slower than other posts like the BikeYoke Revive, Fox Transfer, PNW Loam, or OneUp V2, and it has a less audible top-out. While it isn’t too slow, necessarily, some may find themselves wanting the ability to speed it up.

Even with the slower speed, the Highline 7 is super smooth, probably the smoothest action of the low-to-mid price point posts tested. And, being fully user-serviceable with very standard tooling, along with including quality components like Trelleborg seals and IGUS LL glide bearings and keys, it should be easy to keep the smooth feel for the lifetime of the post. While the longer stack height and overall length, combined with the slightly slow compression and extension speeds, didn’t make it stand out compared to the best, we think most riders who can make the fit work and are looking for a serviceable, exceptionally smooth, controlled, and reasonably priced post will be very happy with the Crankbrothers Highline 7.

The Fox Transfer SL Factory is an extremely lightweight, two-position dropper post intended for XC and gravel riding. To achieve such light weight, the Transfer SL uses a much simpler mechanical spring (as opposed to a hydraulic cartridge), that only stops in two positions, fully up or fully down. Weighing only 441 grams for the 150mm travel option tested (less than 3 grams per mm travel), the Transfer SL is a good option for XC, gravel, or particularly weight-conscious riders, provided they get along with the two-position approach.

Given the lightweight focus of the Transfer SL and the intended audience of cross-country and gravel riders, it comes in sizes that line up with the bikes it’s designed to be used on. In the 30.9 and 31.6mm diameter, it comes in 75 and 100mm drop lengths. In the 31.6mm diameter, it also comes in 125 and 150mm lengths for weight-conscious trail riders. For those riding bikes with 27.2mm seat tube diameters, the Transfer SL 27.2 is available with 50 or 70mm of drop. In addition to the Factory version we tested, the Transfer SL Performance Elite skips the Kashima stanchion and retails for $329. Likewise, the Transfer SL 27.2 comes in both Factory and Performance Elite configurations at the same prices.

Setting up the Fox Transfer SL involves clamping the cable end in the cutout at the bottom of the post and running it through the plastic end cap, which was comparably easy to the standard barrel at the cable end used in most of the droppers tested. Unlike the BikeYoke Divine SL, the Transfer SL cannot be cut down to reduce the overall length/weight, and it has the longest overall length of any post in the test at 485mm for 150mm of drop (17mm longer than the Crankbrothers Highline 7). This shouldn’t pose too much of an issue on most XC frames but it is longer than average and should definitely be noted depending on the insertion length on your frame.

We tested the Transfer SL with Fox’s Transfer 1x Remote. It’s a simple lever but it works well with light actuation force and good ergonomics. Fox does offer a drop bar compatible lever for $55 for gravel riders who want a short travel post. 

While riding, the mechanical spring gives the Transfer SL the fastest return and drop speed of any post in the test. The spring only works to extend the post and doesn’t support the rider’s weight. It is so easy to drop, in fact, it feels like the floor is falling out from underneath you. It is impressively smooth, but the drop speed takes some getting used to, as does the fact that it will come back up to full extension if you don’t lower it all the way down. If you like to ride with your saddle in any position other than fully up or down, the inability to stop it anywhere in its travel will surely be missed. It is also worth noting that the two-position nature of the Transfer SL is not super visible in Fox’s marketing materials, but it is something that prospective buyers should definitely be aware of.

Fox claims that most XC and gravel riders surveyed ride mainly with their posts in a fully extended or compressed position and the Transfer SL Factory is a well-performing, quite snappy option if you do the same. This post is incredibly lightweight and sure to help you keep the weight of your race rig or gravel bike as low as possible while still enjoying the benefits of a dropper post.

Velocio’s LUXE bib is supremely comfortable in every way. The fabric used by Velocio – a blend of 63% Polyamide and 37% Elastane – dubbed “LUXE”, perfectly balances supple stretch with support and compression. The straps are seamless and utilize a crossing arrangement, forming an “X” across your back, keeping the shorts perfectly positioned over your longest rides. The leg openings are raw cut to prevent chafing and allow freedom of movement in the quads and hamstring muscles. The proprietary “Signature” chamois, developed with Cytech, is dense and supple, providing excellent breathability without a hint of friction anywhere. The LUXE is without fault and is a stellar choice for any challenging ride or tour. 

The fit of the LUXE is, well, ridiculously luxurious. With minimal seams, there are no puckering, bunching or irritating sections of material at all. The length of both the straps and legs is perfect, giving just enough stretch to stand comfortably, and covering just the right amount of the quadriceps muscles with an exceptional and supportive fit around the glutes. Unlike many premium bib shorts, the LUXE is not highly articulated to the riding position. So, they are perfectly comfortable when standing up, either out of the saddle or off the bike. 

Velocio’s aesthetic is minimal and stylish. Two tiny logos are the only branding on these bib shorts, and the LUXE will pair well with jerseys from any brand. The LUXE is offered in seven subtle colors which is great since you might end up wanting multiple pairs of these. They’re so good, in fact, that you may end up retiring a few pairs of your old shorts once you try them. 

The LUXE fabric is special. It instantly feels like a second skin from the moment you put them on, with just the right balance of compression and stretch. The fabric also manages moisture and temperature incredibly well. On a memorable test ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) in North Carolina, temperatures were all over the place. This ride entailed climbing up steep slopes out of Asheville in balmy conditions at the start, into a wintry mix of fog and wind along the upper sections of the BRP, near Mount Mitchell, with a long descent back down. Despite varying temperatures and conditions, the LUXE fabric helped maintain a perfect temperature and effectively controlled moisture throughout the entire ride. 

At $279, the Velocio LUXE are certainly expensive bib shorts, but they are more reasonable than some high-end offerings from other brands. After testing them rigorously and having a great experience with them, we feel they are a good value, even at a high price point. 

For riders who are beginning to challenge themselves with longer bike rides, but may not be convinced that bib shorts are worthwhile, The Pearl Izumi Attack is a great entry point. At $100, they are a value-packed option from a company that’s been producing quality cycling apparel and bib shorts for decades. 

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 7Mesh MK3 provides a perfect interface between rider and saddle by positioning all seams away from contact and stretch zones. The seamless fit, combined with a custom Elastic Interface® Space chamois ensures total comfort in any riding position, over any distance. 

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. 

Castelli has been making versions of the Free Aero bibs for many years, and the Free Aero Race has always been a winner. Having plenty of experience with its predecessors, the first impression of the latest Castelli Free Aero RC was excellent and only improved over the course of many test rides.

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. 

The Castelli Endurance 3 bib shorts feature Castelli’s range-topping Progetto X2 Air Seamless Chamois, integrated into a traditional, but refined pair of shorts. The objectives Castelli set for the Endurance 3 were exceptional seated comfort and moisture control, along with a great fit.

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 Black Bibs are designed by Starlight Custom Cycling Apparel, which has been making custom kits for race teams and bike shops for over 20 years. The goal of The Black Bibs is to compete with more expensive bib shorts but at a much lower price point. The Black Bibs Ultimate is their top-tier option coming in at $80 US, which is double the cost of The Black Bibs Original offering. 

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.

The CONCEPT bib short is ostensibly Velocio’s range-topping model, sitting at an eye-popping $309 US, 9% more than the LUXE, which is the winner for the all-around best bib short in this test. The CONCEPT is Velocio’s race-focused offering, promising improved pedaling motion, a highly compressive fit, and aerodynamically optimized performance. 

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. 

Endura’s Pro SL EGM Bib Short is designed to bring blissful comfort to your longest rides. Injected with medical-grade silicone at key locations within the pad to relieve pressure, the 800 Series Conform EGM Pad provides exceptional seated comfort.

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. 

While Rapha’s best-known bib short is the Classic II, the Pro Team line is arguably its more advanced offering. Adopting a more race-inspired fit and design, while retaining the comfort and coming in $50 US less than the Classic II, the Rapha Pro Team Training is a compelling option for both racers and avid recreational cyclists.

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. 

Castelli’s value-oriented Competizione Bib Short incorporates many features of its more expensive offerings, at a much more accessible price. The fit is still excellent – a hallmark of all Castelli bib shorts – and the construction quality is top-notch as well, meaning you’ll get a lot of great rides out of these bib shorts.

The Competizione features the Kiss Air2 pad, which is amazingly comfortable, thanks to its stretchy, soft skin-care layer that provides total freedom of movement with minimum bulk, according to Castelli. After testing, we can confirm it’s soft against the skin whilst on the saddle and agree that the Kiss Air2 pad is less bulky than the higher-end Progetto pad, and feels better able to contour to the body. The stability and moisture control of the Kiss Air2 isn’t quite up to the Progetto’s level but are still excellent.  

The fit is race-oriented with longer-than-average leg length and nicely articulated panels that create a smooth, aerodynamic fit in the riding position. Aerodynamic fabric, dubbed “Vortex” by Castelli flanks the outer legs. While it is hard to quantify its aerodynamic properties, it is definitely comfortable and breathes very well. 

The straps are a traditional mesh design with excellent stretch and a fabric soft enough to forego a base layer and wear directly against the skin. The Giro4 leg grippers are some of the best in the industry and have been used on Castelli’s most high-end bib shorts until very recently. 

Out on the road, the Competizione do the job they are there to do. They provide comfort and support thanks to a great overall fit and features that would grace the range-topping offerings of many of Castelli’s bib shorts from a few years back. If you are looking for a more affordable option with some of the best of Castelli’s technology included, check out the Competizione Bib Short. 

The Sportful Body Fit Pro LTD slots into the mid-range price point, but its features make it competitive with more expensive bib shorts from Rapha, Velocio, and Castelli. They aren’t perfect, but overall they are a treat to ride in and represent a solid value. 

The pad is the core of any pair of bib shorts, and the material, design, and positioning are all critical to how any pair performs. Here is where the Sportful hits the mark, with their TC (Total Comfort) Pro pad, featuring a triple-density design, with 5mm perforations that Sportful claims enhance airflow. While airflow doesn’t necessarily seem enhanced by the TC Pro pad, the perforated surface seems to lend a bit more flex to the pad, allowing it to conform perfectly to the body.

The fit is compressive and the sizing runs on the small side. The other models tested were all size medium but Sportful’s large proved to be a snug but comfortable fit. The Body Fit PRO LTD is much more comfortable on the bike than while standing up, which brings us to the one disappointment of the Body Fit Pro LTD, which is the straps. The material and design mean that the straps invariably twist and bunch up whenever they are pulled over the shoulders. Also, it takes more work to pull them on, because they are designed for an unwavering hold on the shoulders. Once the straps are flattened and positioned, they fit comfortably, although the strap material is rather rough to the touch, meaning we would recommend using these with a base layer to prevent irritation. 

Out on the road, the Sportful Body Fit Pro LTD are a joy to ride in, providing a unique feeling of a firm main body with a supple and plush pad. This encourages a more aggressive posture, without feeling any excessive pressure from the saddle. Thanks to this fit and feel, the Body Fit Pro LTD would make an excellent choice for fast group rides or races. 

Crankbrothers has been making components, tools, pumps, and various products for a long time now, but it came as a little bit of a surprise when they debuted a line of flat and clipless mountain bike shoes a few years ago. The Crankbrothers Mallet Boa is the range-topping clipless model that was designed to meet the needs of enduro and downhill racers and riders. While it may be aimed at more gravity-fueled riding disciplines, this versatile shoe is also great for trail riding with a reasonable weight, good pedaling efficiency, and supernatural comfort. The Mallet shoes also come in Speedlace and Lace versions that will save you $30 and $50, respectively.

Given their extensive line of pedals, it makes sense that Crankbrothers designed their shoes to work in combination with them, and they even include a set of Crankbrothers cleats pre-installed on all Mallet shoes. This is awesome if you ride Crankbrothers’ pedals as you get a fresh set of cleats, and all you need to do is position them in your preferred location to be ready to roll. If you ride any other brand of pedals, fear not, the Mallets also work great with any mountain bike pedals that use 2-bolt cleats. The Match Box cleat box is generously sized and allows for ample side-to-side and fore-aft adjustability including the “Race Zone” for those who like to slam their cleats way back for stability on the descents. The Match Box is also ramped at the front and rear which helps enhance the ease of clipping in and out of your pedals and the soles on either side of the cleats interface well with most pedal platforms for added stability.

Getting in and out of the Mallet Boa is quick and easy with a single Boa Li2 dial and a velcro strap at the top of the tongue, both of which make it a snap to dial in the tension for a secure and stable hold of the foot. Our size 9.5 US test pair fits true to size with an average width that should work for most people’s feet. We’ve heard others mention the EU sizing runs a tad big, however, so it might be good to try these on before you buy to ensure you get the correct size. Despite their tough and almost rubbery feel, the synthetic uppers are quite supple and conform nicely to your foot shape, and the padded tongue keeps the Boa wires from digging into the tarsal bones. Generous padding in the heel/ankle pocket is both plush and protective, and small silicone dots at the back of the heel helps hold it in place.

The sole isn’t super stiff, but it feels very well-balanced, and at no point did it feel like it was sapping power or efficiency, even on long trail rides with lots of climbing. It’s also well-damped and absorbs trail feedback and vibration to keep your feet feeling fresh. Other than the cleat box, the sole is fully covered with Match MC1 rubber that provides great grip off the bike, and the horizontal tread at the toe and heel actually work to add some traction when walking in loose soils. Generous sole rocker and a little flex through the toes make walking feel impressively natural. A sturdy rubber bumper wraps up over the toes for protection from rock strikes and the whole package feels tough and well-made.

Though the Mallet Boa is billed as a downhill and enduro race shoe, the reasonable weight of 860g for the pair (size 43.5) makes them well suited to any type of riding you’re doing short of XC racing, and they quickly became the go-to for after-work trail rides. This versatility makes them a great candidate for a one-shoe quiver if you split your riding between the bike park, enduro laps, and trail riding. Our only real complaint is that they aren’t the most breathable, and they can get a bit sweaty in hot weather. Beyond that, we were super impressed by the Crankbrothers Mallet Boa, and they quickly rose to the top of the field in this review.

Specialized makes a full line of shoes for all types of riding with their 2FO models covering the needs of riders ranging from trail to downhill. The budget-friendly 2FO Roost Clip and its flat-pedal twin, the 2FO Roost Flat, were greeted with much fanfare when they were launched a short time ago. While not the least expensive shoe on the market or that we tested, we feel its ratio of price to performance makes it one of the best values out there. This versatile trail riding shoe is impressively lightweight, has casual styling, and has a well-rounded performance within its intended application.

Specialized markets the 2FO Roost Clip as a shoe that can seamlessly transition from riding to post-ride activities, and they gave it an understated style. Hidden beneath that casual appearance are some great features that help it perform out on the trail. A 3/4 length Stiff Lollipop nylon composite plate runs from the cleat mount area back and provides a surprisingly solid pedaling platform. The Landing Strip cleat box offers ample adjustment that should allow most riders to position their cleats in their preferred location. At the front of the shoe, the sole flexes quite naturally, allowing for a relatively natural gait whether you’re pushing your bike up a technical section of trail or wandering around the grocery store after your ride, and the full-coverage SlipNot FG rubber soles provide great traction on a wide range of surfaces and interface well with pedals for lateral stability.

The shoes have a “relaxed fit” and incorporate Specialized’s Body Geometry construction and footbeds designed to optimize your leg alignment, and we found that they cradle and secure the midfoot and heel very nicely. Our test pair fit true to their EU size for length. Simple laces tighten the shoes over the top of the foot, and the uppers are constructed from supple synthetic leather that is lined with breathable AirMesh material that wicks away sweat and adds a little cushioning. The midsole features EVA foam that helps to dampen vibration, and there is a little added protection in the form of a rubber bumper that wraps around the front of the toes.

All this comes at a shockingly low weight of just 750g for our size 43.5 test pair, which is lighter than most comparable shoes on the market. Our only real gripe with the 2FO Roost Clip is the roomy fit in the forefoot, and the inability to tighten that portion of the shoe for a more precise fit. That said, this will be fine for those who don’t require the tightest fit up at the front of the shoe, or for those who have slightly higher volume or wider-than-average feet.

Still, we feel the Specialized 2FO Roost Clip is a solid option that will meet most riders’ needs without breaking the bank, and they’ll look pretty good doing it too.

If you look around the starting line of any professional cross-country, gravel, or cyclocross race, Shimano’s flagship cross-country race shoe, the S-Phyre XC9 is one of the most common models you’ll see. This top-of-the-line shoe has been around for many years and has seen incremental updates to help improve its performance while maintaining its signature, recognizable style, and top-shelf performance. It has some stiff competition from other high-end XC models, but the S-Phyre XC9 is still our favorite.

One of its standout features, of course, is its exceptional pedaling efficiency facilitated by the carbon fiber composite sole that is ultra-stiff with a stiffness index of 11 on Shimano’s scale. There is virtually zero flex in this sole, and all of your precious watts are transferred directly into the pedals. Dual Boa Li2 dials and a well-designed upper provide a very snug and secure fit that is not only comfortable but helps to maximize your power throughout the entire pedal stroke and helps to enhance control and stability. Weighing in at just 616g for the pair in a size 43.5, the XC9’s super light weight enhances efficiency even further.

The S-Phyre XC9 has a very precise fit that is on the narrow side of the spectrum in the “regular” width. Fortunately, they make a wide version of this shoe as well for those whose feet are wider than average. The closure system wraps around the foot for a very snug and secure hold, and the supple synthetic leather uppers conform to the feet very nicely. The thin, high-density footbed has adjustable arch support, and the textured material in the heel pocket locks the foot in and helps prevent any unwanted heel lift. These shoes essentially become an extension of your body. The heavily perforated uppers also do a great job of ventilating and allowing heat and moisture to escape.

Other than the immediate cleat mount zone, the carbon sole is completely covered in Shimano’s Ultread rubber. This helps to not only protect the carbon from damage but adds grip during those inevitable dismounts. The toe and heel feature aggressive lugs for additional traction in loose soils or mud, and the cleat mount zone is bordered by “pontoons” that interface with the pedal body and provide lateral stability. Shimano also includes a set of metal spikes that can be installed up at the toes for extra traction in extreme conditions you might encounter in a muddy cyclocross race. A rigid plastic heel cup and some light reinforcement around the toes add a small level of foot protection.

Given their outstanding performance, our complaints about the S-Phyre XC9 are few. As mentioned above, the fit of the latest version is relatively narrow, and we’d recommend that people try these on before they buy to ensure they work for your feet. Like most cross-country shoes, they also offer very little in the way of foot protection, and it’s best to avoid doing much walking or hike-a-bike in them. The price is also pretty hard to overlook but may be worth it for those seeking the performance this shoe provides. Like the sound of the S-Phyre XC9 but want to save a couple hundred bucks? The Shimano XC7 ($230) looks nearly identical but has a toned down, but still race-ready, sole stiffness index of 9.

The Shimano S-Phyre XC9 comes in whole EU sizes between 38 and 48 with half sizes available between 40 and 47. The wide version is offered in sizes 40-46. They come in Shimano’s signature blue, as well as more neutral white and black color options.

For the cross-country rider on a budget, the Scott MTB Team Boa strikes a great balance between price and performance. At a price that’s a fraction of the cost of the top-of-the-line models, these shoes offer the features and most of the performance we expect from XC shoes. These shoes are stiff, comfortable, and they look the part, without breaking the bank.

The Scott MTB Team Boa has a look reminiscent of the brand’s higher-end models. The shoes have an asymmetric, wrap-style tongue and single Boa IP1 dial pulls a wide flap over the upper and mid-foot with nice, even tension. A velcro strap over the lower foot is used to tighten the shoe closer to the toes. The overall fit is a touch roomier than the regular fit Shimano S-Phyre XC9 and the Fizik Vento Ferox Carbon, but we didn’t find it to be overly spacious either. The ErgoLogic footbed provides agreeable support and a very light level of cushioning. The synthetic upper can feel a little stiff initially, but we found them to break in and conform to the feet nicely after only a few test rides. Perforations in the uppers above the toes and on both sides of the feet do a commendable job of allowing the feet to breathe.

The sole is made with a nylon/glass fiber composite and has a stiffness index of 8. That’s compared to Scott’s top-of-the-line models that top out at 10 on their stiffness scale. While it isn’t the absolute stiffest shoe we tested, you’d be hard-pressed to notice any loss of power through sole flex. The cleat mount area offers a good range of adjustability that should be more than adequate for most users given the intended use of the Team Boa. The outsole features aggressive lugs at the toe and heel for traction should you ever have to get off and walk. The toe and heel also feature reinforced areas for a touch of foot protection and durability.

Like any other XC-oriented shoe, the foot protection offered by the Scott MTB Team Boa is fairly minimal compared to trail or gravity models. They’re okay to walk in, but these aren’t the shoes you want to be wearing for any extended hike-a-bikes. These also only come in full EU sizes between 40 and 48, so it can be a little harder for some people to get a precise fit without half sizes offered.

Those concerns aside, we feel the Scott MTB Team Boa is a great option for the XC rider or racer on a budget. This shoe delivers with solid power transfer, comfort, and style, without completely breaking the bank.

Mountain biking is an expensive sport, and it can be a challenge to find a decent entry-level clipless shoe for less than $100. The Giro Berm bucks that trend with a very wallet-friendly price, a high level of comfort, and a respectable on-trail performance. These shoes won’t blow you away with any one aspect of their performance, but they are simple and effective, leaving little to complain about. Especially when you take the price into consideration.

With two broad velcro straps as the closure, getting into, out of, and adjusting tension over the foot is quick and easy. Our size 44 test pair fit true to size in length, and the width is fairly average. There’s nothing particularly remarkable about their fit, but we found them to be surprisingly comfortable and very easy to get along with. There’s a decent amount of padding about the heel, some light reinforcement in front of the toes, and they offer protection similar to many trail-riding shoes. Despite their appearance, they also proved to be fairly well-ventilated with a large mesh panel over the toes and a few smaller mesh panels by the instep allowing for better-than-expected breathability.

The soles aren’t super stiff, but they’re not meant to be either. Under power, you can feel the sole flex slightly, especially when compared to stiffer XC shoes, but it isn’t egregious and we didn’t find that it caused foot or calf fatigue on the climbs or descents. That sole flex goes the other way too, and from the cleat mount area forward, it allows for a very natural walking motion. The outsole is fully covered in grippy rubber with a unique tread design that provides excellent traction on loose surfaces and rock. The cleats themselves sit just low enough to avoid clicking on the floor when you walk, and the tread on either side interfaces well with pedals. Our test pair also came with a “cover” that bolts into the cleat holes so you can use these shoes with flat pedals too.

Now, no one will mistake these shoes for their high-end counterparts, but that’s also not the point. The Giro Berm is a great entry point to clipless mountain bike shoes that is sure to satisfy the needs of most recreational riders. They come in whole EU sizes between 39 and 50, and two color options, dark shadow/black (tested), and the much brighter citron green/black combo. Giro also makes a women’s version of the Berm that comes in grey and purple.

The Shimano ME7 has been a staple in the brand’s shoe lineup for many years. While it has seen some incremental changes, it honestly hasn’t changed all that much from the original version, and that’s not a bad thing. One of the defining characteristics of the ME7 is its signature style, for better or worse. Looks aside, these shoes provide a stellar on-trail performance well suited to everything from trail riding to enduro racing.

The ME7 stands out from the crowd of similar-looking trail riding shoes due mostly to the neoprene ankle gasket and the large flap covering the speed lace closure system. While these features may be aesthetically polarizing, they are highly functional and do a great job of keeping the laces clean and tucked away and keeping most trail debris from entering. And, though it may look somewhat complicated, the speed laces along with the upper ratcheting strap make it very quick and easy to get the shoes on and off and do a wonderful job of securing the feet. With the proliferation of Boa dials, ratcheting straps are becoming less common on mountain bike shoes, but the ME7s are very well executed. In addition to being very low-profile, they make for quick and easy adjustments, even while riding. The speed laces over the midfoot are equally easy to use, pulling even tension while staying protected from damage under the velcro flap.

Our size 44 EU test pair fits true to size in length with an average width that should work for most people. Shimano also makes the ME7 in a wide version for those with above-average width feet. The supple synthetic uppers provide a high comfort level and ample support while riding. Perforations and small mesh panels on the uppers provide better-than-expected ventilation and breathability. The stock footbed is nothing special, but surprisingly comfortable with a good level of arch support and a little extra cushioning under the heel. The heel pocket is deep and well-shaped, yet it allows for excellent ankle mobility with no extra pressure on the achilles. The stretch neoprene gasket is also soft and forgiving and never caused any irritation during the many hundreds of miles ridden in these shoes.

With a midsole made from a carbon fiber composite, the Shimano ME7 offer a surprisingly efficient pedaling experience. Other than a little flex under the toes, these shoes are adequately stiff to not sap your power on long climb-heavy trail rides or during sprint efforts in enduro stages. The sole is covered in a dual-density Michelin OCX3 rubber compound with an aggressively lugged tread that provides excellent hiking traction with enough flex through the toes to make walking feel quite normal. The tread blocks bordering the cleat box interface very well with pedals and help enhance stability.

Our only qualms with the ME7 are that they only come in whole EU sizes, so riders between sizes may not get the most precise fit. The looks could be a deal breaker for some people, and they aren’t exactly inexpensive. That said, the Shimano ME7 became a favorite for their well-rounded performance and we feel this is one of the best trail riding shoes on the market.

When Fox launched their line of Union mountain bike shoes recently, they became one of the few brands that can outfit riders from head to toe with helmets, apparel, pads, and now footwear too. The Union Boa sits at the top-of-the-line model in their modest range of three shoes, and it quickly became a tester favorite for its versatility and all-around performance.

Fox took their time bringing shoes to market and they clearly did their homework and worked with several of the best mountain bikers on the planet during the development process. The three models include the Union Boa, Union ($180), and Union Flat ($150), all of which were designed to meet the demands of modern riders spanning from trail to downhill. The Union Boa features dual Boa Li2 closures, the Union is essentially the same shoe with laces and a velcro strap, while the Union Flat is designed for flat pedal riders with full coverage rubber soles and a lace closure.

While the Union Boa is used by downhill racers at the top end of the sport, we found it to be impressively versatile. This has to do with several factors, one of which is the reasonable weight. At just 867g for the pair in the size 9.5 US we tested, this is in the realm of most trail riding shoes, and makes it a viable option for those pedaling to the top of their descents or heading out for long, grueling trail rides. Another factor is the sole stiffness. The reinforced nylon shank provides a solid platform that provides excellent pedaling efficiency for most styles of riding short of XC racing.

Of course, Fox didn’t stop there. The midsole is cushioned with EVA foam which helps to mute trail feedback on the descents. The molded toe cap and heel are reinforced to offer protection against rock strikes, and the shoe has a robust and tough feel. This is partially to do with the weather-resistant welded uppers that easily shrug off abrasion and water. The cleat box is long and offers ample adjustment range for folks to mount their cleats in their preferred location, plus it is surrounded by a full-coverage Ultratac rubber outsole for lateral stability on the pedals and traction off the bike.

The Union Boa has a “standard fit” that feels very average in terms of width and volume, and we found them to fit true to size when going off their US sizing (the EU sizing seems to run a bit smaller than other brands). The Boa dials make it quick and easy to get the shoes on and off and allow for on-the-fly tension adjustments. Additionally, Fox has included insoles with adjustable arch support, so you can hopefully dial it in to your needs. Perforations above the toes and on the sides of the foot do a commendable job of ventilating and allowing the feet to breathe on hot days.

Out of the box, we found the uppers to feel a bit stiff, but they broke in nicely after just a few rides. The stiff soles offer excellent power transfer, but the limited flex through the toes doesn’t make them the best for extended hike-a-bikes. They’re also fairly expensive, but you can opt for the standard Union with laces and a velcro strap and save yourself a bit of cash. Regardless, the Fox Union Boa is an excellent entry into the shoe market, and we feel it is one of the best mountain bike shoes we’ve tested in recent years.

If your riding leans more towards the adventurous side of the spectrum or you regularly embark and multi-day bike-packing jaunts, then the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit is a shoe you might want to consider. While they are certainly suitable for everyday trail riding, one of their greatest strengths is their performance off the bike. These shoes are comfortable, relatively lightweight, and offer a blend of on and off-the-bike performance that sets them apart from most other models on the market.

To be clear, these aren’t the highest-performance shoes around. Those seeking a super stiff sole and the utmost pedaling efficiency will be a little disappointed by the middling stiffness of the X-Alp Summit. For more casual trail riding, however, the nylon composite soles offer adequate stiffness assuming you aren’t trying to PR every climb. Their middle-of-the-road stiffness is also why they work so well off the bike. The soles have ample flex through the toes, and when combined with the aggressively lugged Vibram ECOSTEP rubber outsoles, they make walking in loose conditions or scrambling over chunky rocks feel quite similar to wearing hiking shoes.

Overall, the fit is fairly neutral, about average from the heel through the mid-foot, and slightly roomier up in the toe box. Folks with average to slightly above average width feet will get along with them well, but those with narrow feet may find them to be a little too roomy. The synthetic uppers are quite supple and relatively thin helping to give them a light and airy feel on the feet with ventilation enhanced by perforations above the toes and along the sides of the feet. A single Boa L6 dial pulls tension over the upper and mid-foot along with a velcro strap to snug things up down by the toes. The uppers aren’t the most supportive, but they certainly are quite comfortable.

While the X-Alp Summit shoes fit into their niche very nicely, they sacrifice a bit of performance in some key areas as a result. The soles are far from the stiffest out there, and you can feel it flex a tiny bit under hard pedaling efforts, and the cleat is slightly noticeable under the ball of the foot. They also offer very little in the way of foot protection, and vibration dampening isn’t on par with most of the trail or gravity shoes we tested. They also only come in whole EU sizes, so those between sizes may have a harder time getting the perfect fit.

Those concerns aside, the Pearl Izumi X-Ap Summit is a sensible option for the rider who prioritizes off-the-bike traction and walkability and wants a comfortable shoe that performs quite well on the bike too. If you’re the type of rider who scrambles to every vista point or likes going on far-flung adventures that involve pushing your bike for extended periods, these may be just the shoes you’re looking for. Adventurous ladies will also be happy to know they make the X-Alp Summit Women’s.

Watch any Enduro World Series race and you’re sure to see many of the riders battling for the podium wearing the Giro Chamber II. A staple in the Giro mountain bike shoe lineup for many years, the Chamber II remains a popular model among the gravity and enduro crowd and even some aggressive trail and all-mountain riders. These shoes are heavily padded and offer great foot protection, though they come with a bit of extra heft and bulk as a result.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Chamber II is the plush and pillowy feel as there is a lot of cushioned padding around the ankle, heel, and tongue. Our size 44 test pair fit true to size with width and volume on the generous side of average that should work for a huge portion of riders. Simple laces work well to secure the shoe on the feet with a wide velcro strap at the top of the tongue to lock the heel down and secure your laces. The feet feel very well protected thanks in part to all the padding, but also the rubber toe cap and wider-than-average sole that helps ward off rock strikes.

Given their cushy comfort and skate-shoe styling, the soles with a “tri-molded shank” are stiffer than expected and provide a very solid pedaling platform while the EVA footbed and EVA midsole do a fine job of muting trail feedback and impacts. The entire sole is covered in Vibram Megagrip rubber for both pedal and off-the-bike grip, while a little flex in the forefoot allows for a relatively normal walking motion. The cleat box is offset heavily to the inside which helps avoid crank arm rub with the chunky soles, and Giro advertises a 10mm setback to the cleat mount zone compared to their regular shoes. This will likely be the sweet spot for a lot of riders, though it doesn’t have quite as much adjustment range as some other gravity shoes we tested.

All that pillowy comfort and foot protection does come with a bit of a weight penalty, and the Chamber II are the heaviest shoes we tested at 1,072g for our size 44 test pair. They’re also just generally kinda big and bulky compared to more streamlined models. Our only other qualm is that they only come in full EU sizes, so finding the perfect fit may be a little harder for some people. Beyond that, the Giro Chamber II is a great shoe for those who don’t mind a little extra weight for a comfortable and protective shoe for gravity-oriented riding that retains solid pedaling performance.

Specialized uses the S-Works moniker on their top-of-the-line, race-ready bikes, as well as some of their other products including shoes. The new Specialized S-Works Recon is their range-topping mountain bike shoe that is aimed squarely at the XC racing and gravel riding crowd. These shoes recently got a complete redesign, addressing some of the complaints about the previous version while making them lighter, sleeker, more accommodating, and better-looking than ever.

Many high-end XC racing shoes are essentially copies of road bike shoes, so it’s not too surprising that the S-Works Recon looks nearly identical to the S-Works Torch road shoe. Of course, there are some minor differences, but they are the same in many ways. One of those is the full carbon fiber sole that is incredibly stiff, thin, and lightweight with an “Internal I-Beam” for added strength. These soles have a very low stack and don’t flex under power no matter how hard you mash on the pedals. The uppers and closures are the same as the Torch as well, and while they are incredibly supple and comfortable, it’s easy to get a very snug, stable, and secure fit that helps further enhance both efficiency and control.

One of the big changes to the new S-Works Recon is more width in the forefoot which should be accommodating to more riders compared to the narrower fit of the previous version. While this may be slightly less ideal for those with narrow feet, the new arrangement of the dual Boa S3 dials manages to secure and snug the shoes for a precise fit and easy micro-adjustments. Additionally, the ankle cuff has been redesigned to be lower to prevent irritation and allow for excellent ankle mobility while the heel pocket is snug with friction material added to keep your heel firmly in place. Of course, Specialized has included their Body Geometry design into the shoe and footbed with the goal of aligning the lower leg and the footbed provides great support despite being thin and quite stiff.

The is a lot of visible carbon fiber on the sole of the S-Works Recon, but Specialized added beefy, but not replaceable, lugs at the toe and heel, a small patch of rubber under the instep, and large “pontoons” on either side of the cleat. The pontoons are “tuneable” and the shoes come with shims so you can adjust their height to dial in the shoe-pedal interface to your liking or specific pedals. Specialized also offers additional 3mm, 6mm, and 9mm shims and a cleat stacker should you need to account for leg length discrepancies. The aim of the tuneable pontoons is to provide a road bike-esque connection to the pedals for enhanced pedaling efficiency. In the stock configuration, our test shoes mated very well with all the different pedals we used them with.

Weight is also a concern for racers, so it’s not surprising that the S-Works Recon are absurdly lightweight. In fact, they are the lightest shoes we tested at just 590g for our size 43.5 test pair. This is particularly impressive given just how stiff, secure, and stable they are on the feet. Breathability is also fairly good, mostly due to the super thin and light construction of the shoes.

As with most XC racing shoes, foot protection is very minimal and is limited to a small rubber bumper in front of the toes and the asymmetrical plastic heel cup. There’s also virtually no sole dampening of any kind. And, while it is definitely possible to walk in these shoes, the unflinching stiffness of the sole and all the exposed carbon make these a very poor choice for rides that involve much, if any, time off the bike, especially if there are sharp rocks involved. They are also very, very expensive. That said, if you’re seeking the top-level performance and comfort these shoes provide for XC or gravel racing, the cost of the Specialized S-Works Recon shoes may well be justified.

Check out our first look at the Specialized S-Works Recon just after their launch.

The latest iteration of the Five Ten Hellcat Pro has been around for a couple of years and improved on the heavy and bulky predecessor in several ways. It’s still the burliest clipless model in the Five Ten lineup and is designed to meet the demands of downhill and enduro riders and racers. Given the significant reduction in weight compared to the old version, however, the Hellcat Pro’s appeal has expanded to include trail riders seeking extra foot protection on aggressive trails.

Despite the downhill focus of the Hellcat Pro, it has a surprisingly stiff sole that helps make it an efficient pedaler. Whether you’re grinding uphill for another lap or laying down the power in a sprint, there’s really no noticeable flex in the sole underfoot or torsionally. This translates to the descents as well, where the sole supports the foot and doesn’t flex around the pedal. It offers moderate vibration dampening, though not quite as much as some similar models. The sole features full coverage Stealth Marathon rubber with Five Ten’s signature raised dot tread pattern that provides good traction on firm surfaces and is harder-wearing than the rubber found on the brand’s flat pedal shoes. While these shoes are okay to walk in, the minimal sole rocker and stiffness through the toes make them feel a little blocky underfoot.

We found the Hellcat Pro to fit true to size with average volume through the mid-foot and a slightly roomier forefoot. The fit of these shoes will be welcome for those with wider feet but may prove to be a bit spacious for those on the narrow end of the spectrum. The laces work very well to secure the shoes snugly over the tops of the feet and the broad velcro strap at the top of the tongue helps keep the heel planted firmly in the heel pocket and keeps the laces tidy. A large mesh panel on the outside of the mid-foot and some perforations above the toes do a commendable job of ventilating, though these are far from the airiest shoes around. Given the gravity-oriented focus of the Hellcat Pro, foot protection levels are high, particularly at the front of the shoe where the toe box is heavily reinforced and coated in abrasion-resistant material.

While our test pair has held up well, we have seen friend’s Hellcat Pros suffer from sole delamination issues. A quick search online reveals that this isn’t an isolated problem, but it doesn’t affect all of the shoes either. It’s safe to assume that Adidas Five Ten is addressing the issue, and it is typically covered by warranty should yours suffer the same fate.

Based on our experience, however, the Five Ten Hellcat Pro is a solid option for trail, enduro, and gravity riders seeking a protective and stiff shoe for tackling aggressive terrain and riding at high speeds. Five Ten also makes the Women’s Hellcat Pro, which is offered in smaller sizes and different colors.