Rating: 4.5/5 Price: $10,000 Reviewed by: Jamie Hooper Published: August 15, 2024 Overview The Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXS replaces the Checkpoint SLR as Trek’s dedicated gravel race machine. Designed for pure performance with the aerodynamic integration of the Madone SLR and the comfort of IsoSpeed, the Checkmate brings a race-focused mindset to a platform still grounded in versatility. With tire clearance up to 45mm, … Continue reading Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXS Review: Race-Ready Precision for the Gravel Elite

Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) MSRP: $4,000 (Frameset) / $6,500–$11,000 (Complete Builds) Reviewed by: Jamie Hooper Published: April 30, 2025 Overview The 2025 Allied Able is no minor refresh—it’s a complete reinvention. With massively increased tire clearance, a significantly lighter frame, updated geometry, and better ride quality, this gravel bike feels purpose-built for modern off-road racing. Gone is the quirky elevated driveside chainstay, replaced with a … Continue reading Allied Able 2025 Review: Refined, Fast, and Built for Gravel Racing

Standert Kreissäge RS Review – The Premium Alloy Race Bike That Rivals Carbon Rating: 4/5 MSRP: $6,599 / £5,560 / €6,599 Category: Performance Alloy Road Bike Overview The Standert Kreissäge RS is a stunning aluminium race bike from Berlin that challenges the dominance of carbon fiber in the performance road category. With sharp handling, custom spec options, and a standout design, it’s a true enthusiast’s … Continue reading Race Bikes in 2025: All in on Alloy

Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty AXS (2025) – Review & Ride Summary Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5) MSRP: $6,500 Category: High-performance Gravel Bike Overview The 2025 Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty AXS builds on the legacy of its already iconic gravel platform with subtle yet smart upgrades. While it doesn’t revolutionize the category, it refines it — offering a smooth, confident ride on rough terrain and maintaining … Continue reading Seriously fun, seriously pricey.

2025 Canyon Exceed Review Rating: 4.6/5MSRP: €1,999 – €4,999Category: Hardtail MTB / Adventure XC Overview The 2025 Canyon Exceed signals a major shift in hardtail MTB philosophy. Once designed with XC racing in mind, the new Exceed now leans heavily into adventure-ready geometry, comfort innovations, and smart frame storage — making it a compelling option for endurance riders, gravel converts, and bikepacking fans. It’s not … Continue reading The Gravel Biker’s Dream MTB