Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXS Review: Race-Ready Precision for the Gravel Elite

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

Allied Able 2025 Review: Refined, Fast, and Built for Gravel Racing

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

kask protone icon helmet female rider

Kask Protone: Continuing The Legacy

Kask Protone Icon Helmet Review – A Modern Classic for All-Season Performance Rating: 4.4/5 MSRP: $300 / £245 / €275 / AU$409 Category: Road Cycling Helmet Overview The Kask Protone Icon is a refined update to one of Kask’s most beloved helmet designs. Balancing aerodynamic efficiency, ventilation, and style, the Icon remains a top-tier all-rounder. It may lack flashy features like MIPS or the most … Continue reading Kask Protone: Continuing The Legacy

Standert Kreissage RS Disc Bike

Race Bikes in 2025: All in on Alloy

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

Shimano 105 or Ultegra Di2: Marginal Gains?

Which Groupset Should You Choose? Rating: Budget is limiting factor both are 4.4/5 Category: Road Bike Groupset Comparison Overview If you’re shopping for a mid-tier road bike or looking to upgrade your drivetrain, the choice often comes down to two contenders: Shimano 105 Di2 and Shimano Ultegra Di2. Both offer electronic shifting, clean aesthetics, and performance-focused design. But is Ultegra’s higher price tag worth it, … Continue reading Shimano 105 or Ultegra Di2: Marginal Gains?

Seriously fun, seriously pricey.

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.

The Gravel Biker’s Dream MTB

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