The 'Mega Sale' features up to 50% discounts on a wide range of cycling kit, from shoes and tyres to bikes and accessories.

Summer may be drawing to an end, but as cyclists we all know there's usually something we need. This is a good chance to treat yourself ahead of the winter months.

For example, one of the best gravel bike tyres, the Vittoria Terreno T30 has 20% off in 40mm and 45mm sizes, and is available for $65.59, a healthy saving over the usual MSRP of $81.99.

Shop the Mike's Bikes Mega Sale – Ends on Sunday, August 16th.

The sale finishes on Sunday the 16th; that gives you plenty of time to browse the sales online, or even in-store if you are in the US, and grab yourself something exciting.

I've looked through the sale and have selected a range of discounted items that I think are really worth looking at. There are big-ticket items like high-end road bikes, and affordable quality sunglasses that I have used myself.

Mike's Bikes also offers FREE shipping on all orders over $99 (including all bikes).

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The Mike's Bikes 'Mega Sale' is US-only and officially ends on August 16, so grab a deal. Below you'll find the best prices on some of the highlighted deals from other retailers, relevant to your currency and location.

For riding glasses to perform at their best, they need to fit well, so getting the right ones for you and your proportions is a must. Oversized frames are definitely in vogue right now, but they are unlikely to work well if you have a smaller head. If that's you, avoid the Smith Syncline, Oakley Sutro, POC Devour and Madison Crypto models featured here.

With all of these considerations in mind, our experts have been putting the best mountain bike sunglasses to the test to compile this in-depth buying guide. We've covered every option here, from top-of-the-range to budget models.

Skip to the bottom of the article if you need advice on what to look for when choosing the best mountain bike sunglasses. Or if you're looking for models suited to a wider range of uses, see our guides to the best cycling glasses, and best cheap cycling glasses.

Best mountain bike sunglasses overall

All Julbo Fury models use the same lightweight full coverage frame, this holds the lenses in the center only to stop distortion and makes switching optics super easy. Ventilation gaps right across the top and sides, and a lower edge cut-out keeps steaming up to a minimum, too.

You can see the frames themselves all around your peripheral which might annoy some, but we found it's not enough to significantly reduce the field of vision. The soft shock-absorbing fixed nose pieces and elastomer ear grips keep the Fury secure even on the most furious descents. The locking hinges are still firm on all three sets, even after months of heavy use. There are also Fury S glasses for smaller heads, and kids' versions.

We found that the Class 1 optical quality is excellent with various fixed tints available. What really sold us on the Fury however, was its outstanding toughness. We tested three sets of Furys in pretty much constant rotation for several months, and they’re still virtually unscathed.

Our reviewer Guy Kesteven reported: "Not only does the Julbo Fury offer zero distortion, steam-free clarity, secure comfortable fit and full coverage protection in a variety of easy switch optics and frame colours, it's also outstandingly tough, which boosts its value right up to a wise investment rating."

To find out why we gave them a maximum five-star rating, read our full review of the Julbo Fury sunglasses.

Best budget mountain bike sunglasses

Tifosi is best known for designing top-performing sunglasses in all shapes and sizes at super-affordable price points. The Sledge is large lens option and aims to bring big coverage and styling with a wallet-friendly price tag.

The Sledge comes equipped with Smoke, All-Condition Red, and Clear interchangeable lenses. Not only does this make them great value, but it also means there's a lens tint option for every condition imaginable.

It's not just the lenses that have been well thought out though. The glasses look good with a frame that balances ventilation with aerodynamics in equal measure. Included in the box are a zipped hardshell case and a soft microfiber cleaning pouch.

I tested the Tifosi Sledge glasses over several months, and they were excellent performers that punched above their price tag. Three lenses means they are really versatile too.

For more info, see the full Tifosi Sledge review.

Best mountain bike sunglasses for field of vision

Despite the 100% Speedcraft SL's somewhat road-orientated stylings (they are Peter Sagan's glasses of choice), they are a great choice for off-road use too.

With a feather weight and an almost completely uninterrupted field of vision, we found it's easy to forget that you're wearing them. The pair I tested comes with the mirrored lens, clear lens, soft case, and spare nose grip that all fits nicely in a hard case.

The hydrophobic lenses stop large water beads from forming and while I found they occasionally misted up when I was working hard, the fogging quickly cleared. The Speedcrafts may look a little delicate, but I tested them on muddy, wooded trails for several months and the lens was still scratch-free.

The 100% Speedcraft SL is definitely a premium piece of eyewear. The overall package is comprehensive and helps make these top-end riding sunnies a worthy investment.

Check out our full review of the 100% Speedcraft SL sunglasses.

Best mountain bike sunglasses for comfort

Smith has decades of experience in eyewear design, so it's no surprise that this recently launched model hits the mark in a great many respects.

The Syncline gives goggle-like levels of eye coverage in a pair of MTB glasses. That means a huge lens (145mm wide by 70mm tall), with plenty of curve to give a super wide field of vision. The optical clarity is excellent too.

The glasses felt light on my face during testing and, despite their size, weigh just 35g. I didn't experience any pressure around the sides of my head or ears when riding in them for extended periods. Rubber sections on the arms give extra grip and comfort, while the rubberised nose-piece has three levels of clickable adjustment to help you dial in the best fit. Smith's proprietary rubber (called Megol) is designed to give extra grip when in contact with sweat.

The lens height can cause issues with deeper-fitting helmets, but to negate that, Smith has added a rubber bumper on top of the glasses where they could come in contact with the front of the helmet. While I definitely experienced some rattle on rockier descents, the bumper meant that it was less of an issue than it would have otherwise been.

There are five different options available for a range of light conditions, including a photochromic model. They all come with a spare clear lens and a very neatly designed hard case.

Best mountain bike sunglasses for lens quality

The Prizm Trail Torch lens that came with my test Sutro sunglasses is superb. The rose-coloured tint enhances contrast, making it easier to pick out what's what on the trail and works well in varied or dappled light conditions.

It's also extremely hardy. I've been riding in Prizm-lensed Sutros for several years, and despite being roughly shoved in packs and pockets, they are still scratch-free. In fact, I've got a pair of Oakley Radar EVs with a Prizm lens that I've had for over a decade, and it's still in great condition.

Despite affording substantial eye coverage, the Sutros rarely fog up, aided by a fairly deep nosepiece that helps to allow plenty of air to flow around the frames.

The Sutros weigh in at 32g, and feel pretty light on the face with no pressure on the ears. The arms were a good fit for my head, but they are on the longer side, so they did interfere with some deeper-fitting helmets, such as the Bell Super Air.

The Oakley Sutros are an excellent option for trail riding, that work brilliantly in all but the most dimly lit wooded trails.

Best photochromic mountain bike sunglasses

We've tested a number of different glasses with photochromic lenses and while they all darken rapidly, they take several minutes to clear again – which isn't great when you plunge from full sun into dark wooded trails. What makes the Rudy Project Cutlines stand out from the competition is that it uses a red-tinted ImpactX 2Laser lens, which works well even when darkened on dimly lit trails.

Another standout feature that really impressed me was how well the lens resists damage even after months of mistreatment during testing. Despite being shoved in pockets and packs – even when already dirty – the lens is still scratch and blemish-free.

It also stubbornly resists fogging most of the time. I did get some faint misting when coming to a stop after arduous hot climbs, but it cleared rapidly as soon as I started moving again. In my review, I summed up the Cutlines as "Overall, these are the best photochromic sunglasses for MTB I've ever tested."

For more, see the full Rudy Project Cutline review.

Best mountain bike sunglasses for optical clarity

Koo is the sunglasses partner for the helmet manufacturer Kask, and has a small range of sunglasses from casual to premium on- and off-road performance models. Spectros and Demos are at the top of this range, with the Demos being more orientated to off-road use, whether that's mountain biking, cyclo-cross or adventure riding.

They come with a Zeiss lens that wraps around the face to give better peripheral vision. The lens is vented and the glasses sit reasonably away from the face to keep them fog-free, although in our tests we found that does invite the possibility of more dust, bugs or debris getting inside.

Thin arms, two-position adjustable nose piece, ribbed nose pieces and Megol elastomer strips meant they played well with every helmet we tried them with, and we found they stayed securely in place when riding.

Reviewer Guy Kesteven reported that the, "Demos sunglasses deliver excellent optical clarity in a stable, comfortable format. They’re particularly good if you spend a lot of time head down, looking up in an aero tuck."

Best mountain bike sunglasses for coverage

Big sunglasses are on trend and whether you think they look cool or ridiculous, larger lenses have their benefits, offering a better field of view and more protection. If you are looking for the biggest pair of mountain bike sunglasses, nothing comes close to the POC Devour.

The huge interchangeable Carl Zeiss lens is mounted over the front of a smaller full-frame, which allows POC to offer unmatched coverage without affecting the ergonomics of the glasses. There is the option of a regular lens, Clarity Trail, or Clarity Road which gives complete protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays and is treated with an anti-scratch and Ri-Pel hydrophobic and oleophobic treatment to combat dirt, water, and sweat.

While they are designed to pair perfectly with POC's own helmets, we found they played well with all the other MTB helmets we tried too, despite the massive size. The adjustable arms sit close to the head to avoid any interference with deep helmets, although the hooked ends means they don't work with most in-helmet storage.

Our reviewer Graham Cottingham reported: "Unless you want to wear goggles, no other eyewear offers close to the coverage and field of view as the Devours, making them one of the best options out on the trail. The comfortable fit means they will also cross over to gravel and road duties too."

For more details, check out our POC Devour review.

Best goggle-like mountain bike sunglasses

Ok, technically, the Fox Purevues are goggles, but we've included them in this list as they have some glasses-like features and are made for open-face helmets, so they are worth considering and work really well.

Google-level eye coverage gives excellent protection, but the Purevues also afford decent peripheral vision – just like the best glasses. They're secured with a goggle strap, so there's almost no risk of them slipping off mid-ride.

Despite being designed for open-faced helmets, the Purevues work just fine with full-faces too. With less padding than regular goggles and fully open sections on either side of the nose, ventilation is really good, with fogging being a rare occurrence even when sprinting up bike park climbs in a full-face.

The cut-outs on the lower edge of the lens mean there's a little more pressure put onto the padded cheek sections, but I found the Purevues were comfortable to wear for long periods, making them ideal for trail and enduro riding.

At 102g, they're lighter than most goggles, but without a full external frame, the lens is not as well protected as other models. The slightly domed lens shape is a little unusual and a look that may not work for everyone.

Our test pair came with two clear lenses, but the red-coloured Vivid option has been well-received elsewhere and is said to work well in low light. As well as an extra lens, you also get two nosepieces, and everything comes in a sturdy storage case.

Best affordable mountain bike sunglasses

The large, big-coverage design of Madison's Crypto glasses is in line with all of the best glasses currently available, and the fact that the brand produces this awesome package at a killer price point is a big bonus too.

Madison ships all Crypto glasses with three lenses, all of which best suit certain conditions and environments. We're big fans of the clear option for UK winter riding, the darker option is great for bright days and sunnier climates, while the rose-tinted lens is a great all-rounder.

Thanks to the adjustable nose piece and non-slip rubber arm tips, you can be assured the Cryptos are going to remain secure when riding. The addition of a sturdy hard case and soft pouch means they'll be safe when you're not wearing them too.

We're also keen on the Crypto's more casual styling, which looks good off the bike as well as on.

How to choose the best mountain bike sunglasses

With so much choice out there, it can be really difficult to make a decision. Luckily we're here to help, so if you're struggling to figure out which mountain bike sunglasses would suit your needs more, here is everything you need to think about first.

How we test the best mountain bike sunglasses

Our experts tested these sunglasses out over many months in different light conditions, and various weathers, from cold and wet to dry and dusty. We assessed their performance in a wide range of categories, including coverage, optical clarity, steaming/fogging, fit and comfort, stability, weight, lens changing systems, and durability.

Our expert testers have many decades of experience riding affordable mountain bikes, which is how we picked the best budget options here. Something to bear in mind when looking at budget MTBs is that there will always be compromises. If a bike has a great drivetrain, it might have a lower-end suspension in order to keep the price down or vice versa.

Once you buy a bike, you might find that you want to upgrade some of the components. Tyres are consumables that eventually wear out, or you might want to swap your stock tyres to something that better suits your needs. Should either case happen, we've got guides to the best MTB trail tyres and best XC tyres, and we've also got a guide to the best MTB grips.

As everyone's idea of 'budget' can differ, we've chosen a range of affordable mountain bikes to allow riders to match their expectations to a specific price point.

Best budget mountain bikes

Best budget hardtail

Trek knows how to make a high-quality frame, and the Roscoe 7 Gen 4 comes with all the features and additions that you would want to find on a modern hardtail.

The top tube is low slung for plenty of standover height, there's a relaxed 65-degree head angle to aid confident descending, and Boost hub spacing on the fork and frame for increased stiffness and wheel upgrade potential later on. All the cabling is internally routed through the frame, and the bike also comes with a frame bag.

The specification is what you'd expect from the Wisconsin brand, including a decent quality, 150mm travel, air-suspension RockShox Recon Silver RL fork and Shimano CUES 1x10 drivetrain paired with TLR 30 rims and Gunnison Pro XR 2.4in tyres from in-house brand Bontrager. It also comes with a TranzX dropper post with 150mm drop on the size S, 170mm on M and ML, and 200mm on L and XL.

We've ridden various iterations of the Trek Roscoe. With its easy, confident handling and plenty of traction from the bigger tyres, it's a great option for beginner riders and dirt tourers looking for a little extra comfort, or trail riding predictability. The 150mm fork means the Roscoe is more capable up front than most of the other hardtails in this round-up, too.

Best full-suspension

Bet you weren't expecting to see a full-suspension bike in our list of the best budget mountain bikes, yet Marin has pulled it off.

Not only does the Rift Zone 1 have the on-trail benefits of full-suspension – adding confidence, grip, and control – it also manages to budget in a solid spec sheet that rivals some equally priced hardtails. There's also a choice of 27.5 and 29-inch wheeled versions.

There are a few compromises though, the X-Fusion rear shock is basic rather than brilliant, as are the Tektro hydraulic brakes. But overall, the Rift Zone is still a proper bargain and you can upgrade these components later if you wish.

As to be expected from an established brand like Marin, the geometry is sorted as well, with a 65.5-degree head angle, 77-degree seat angle, and decent reach numbers, which put you in a great position to shred the trail both up and down.

Best budget mountain bike for trail riding

Merida's latest Big Trail hardtail is an even more sorted trail steed than before. The previous model had really well dialled-in geometry and an excellent ride feel, but the new version has even more confident handling, guaranteeing good times on genuinely big trails. If you're looking for a budget hardtail that's got what it takes to go beyond blue-marked trails, this is the one for you.

While the 140mm RockShox Psylo fork, Shimano CUES groupset with hydraulic brakes, 2.5in wide tyre up front with a 2.4in rear, and a dropper post are all obvious highlights, there's some great 'hidden' detailing too.

Short seat tubes let you size up or down to get the reach you want for the kind of riding you do. There are twin bottle mounts and an accessory mount for trail essentials, but also a stealth kickstand and fender fixtures for weekday workhorse duties. What's not to love?

The Big Trail range consists of three models. While we've featured the mid-price, mid-spec Big Trail 500 here, all three bikes use the same excellent frame and bike setup, so the cheaper 300 model is well worth a look too. We've tested the slightly costlier model, so see our Merida Big Trail 600 review for a verdict on how the bike rides.

Best budget mountain bike for speed

If you're looking for a speed-hungry mountain bike at a decent price, the Specialized Rockhopper Expert is a good option.

A low overall weight (13.2kg, size large) provides an energetic and lively ride feel that encourages stamping on the pedals with enthusiasm. Paired with the smooth RockShox Judy air-sprung fork, low bottom bracket and fantastically well-modulated Shimano MT200 brakes, the Rockhopper oozes confidence on less technical trails. The amount of available fork travel increases with frame size, from 80mm on XS and S, up to 100mm for the L, XL and XXL. We're not really sure why Spesh gives smaller riders less suspension travel, but it's worth noting.

Something more significant is that, just like its previous, very similar iteration – the Specialised Rockhopper Elite reviewed by our tester, Jim Bland – this latest Rockhopper shares a potentially major drawback: a straight, non-tapered head tube. With all the best aftermarket suspension forks using tapered steerer tubes, there’s no room for upgrading the Rockhopper’s front-end performance with a better fork. While this could be a deal-breaker for some, if you're not planning any future fork upgrades, it won't matter at all.

As Jim said of the Rockhopper Elite, "If you think you’re a rider who will keep things stock and just ride, the Rockhopper’s trail prowess, excellent brakes and sorted gearing make it a great riding option that should provide years of fun."

Best budget mountain bike for all-round riding

The Marlin hardtail family are Trek's best-selling mountain bikes, which makes them some of the most popular in the world. It's easy to see why, with the Marlin 6's under 33lb weight, fast-rolling 29er wheels, and good looks all making it a standout performer.

Older Marlins had more upright geometry that was better suited to cross-country than trail riding, but the latest frames are longer and more relaxed. This increases stability and rider confidence, and is much more suited to tackling modern trails. Fast rolling tyres keep riding speeds up though, so this bike is definitely no slouch on flatter trails.

The Marlin's new trail-friendly nature is further enhanced with a TranzX dropper post, which allows you to lower your saddle so it doesn't hinder you when descending. The 100mm fork has far less travel than the Trek Roscoe or the Merida Big Trail though, so if you're looking to go beyond blue-marked trails, they are both better bets.

Trek has also taken the super smart decision to only use the most reliable equipment. This includes Shimano CUES gears, Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes, and a RockShox Judy fork, which means you get to ride more and worry about maintenance less.

We're less impressed with the decision to use a straight head tube on the frame though. Like the Specialized Rockhopper, this severely restricts any potential fork upgrades you may wish to make in future, as better quality forks require a tapered head tube. However, Trek has a workaround in the form of its FSA Orbit headset. This has an external bottom cup that makes the Marlin's frame compatible with tapered steerer forks.

There are four different Marlins at various price points. We reckon the Marlin 6 is the best bang-for-buck catch. While the Marlin 7 is the top specced model, you're not getting a whole lot more for your money. The two models below the Marlin 6 both have downgraded forks and fewer gear choices.

Things to consider when buying a budget mountain bike

Between us, our test team has tested a huge number of mountain bikes of all price points over the years. That's helped us identify exactly what to look for when buying a budget mountain bike. If the bike you're interested in ticks all the boxes on our checklist below, it's likely to serve you well. If you want more details after reading this, check out our article on 5 must-have features on budget mountain bikes.

• Geometry: Modern frame geometry can deliver a confidence-inspiring ride without the need for state-of-the-art suspension. A key number is the head angle – look for numbers less than 67 degrees, anything over that is likely to feel twitchy and nervous in trail situations. Reach is also a key factor, as longer numbers here will also help to boost trail confidence, though going too long can feel uncomfortably stretched for the rider. Look for around 470mm for a large frame, 450mm for a medium frame and 430mm on a small.
• Brakes: MTB brakes have moved on from grabbing the wheel rim to using specially designed discs (like most motor vehicle brakes) also known as rotors. Disc brakes are much more effective and come in two varieties – hydraulic and cable-operated (aka mechanical). Hydraulic brakes give more reliable stopping as the calipers self-adjust as the pads wear down, but cable operated are decent too. Out of the two types, we'd opt for hydraulics every time though.

• Skinny head tubes: The short explanation here is to just avoid them. Beneath your frame's skinny and straight head tube is a fork with a straight steerer. Straight steerers are an outdated fork standard as most forks now have tapered steerers that are wider at the bottom, and narrower at the top. While straight steerer-equipped forks aren't necessarily worse than similarly specced tapered models, if you want to upgrade to a better fork later on, you're unlikely to find anything that fits your frame.
• Thru-axles: Rather than using a skinny QR skewer rod (that hasn't moved on since they were invented in 1926!) to attach your wheels to your bike, any mountain bike worth its salt these days uses bolt thru-axles. They are threaded tubes that are much stiffer and more secure than QR wheel skewers and will ideally be on the fork and rear dropouts. Look for 'Boost-width' (110mm wide at the front and 148mm at the back) as this is the most commonly used standard these days, so will give you more choice if you decide to upgrade your wheels later.

Best budget mountain bike FAQs

How we test the best budget mountain bikes

All the budget mountain bikes tested here have been ridden on a wide range of trails, from singletrack to technical woodsy riding, in a variety of weather conditions, from bone dry to properly sodden. We test bikes over a number of months so we can assess how they fare over time.

When choosing the best MTB trail tyres, it's important to first establish a priority. If you want to save weight, there are lighter-weight options with thinner casings and lower-profile knobs, but if you want grip, a softer compound and more aggressively shaped lugs are usually preferable. With most things, there are trade-offs, as a lightweight trail tyre won’t offer a lot of protection when slamming through rock gardens.

The type of rider you are also matters. If you’ve got a slim build or are highly skilled, you can ride lighter-weight tyres with a thinner casing. If you’re a bigger rider, or you ride an e-MTB, we’d recommend a heavier tyre with a thicker sidewall. Increased weight, be it from rider or bike, will heighten the risk of pinch flats, or tyre burps if you're running tubeless (which we'd definitely recommend).

Whatever kind of mountain bike trail rider you are, our team of expert testers have put an extensive number of tyres through their paces and come up with our pick of the best MTB trail tyres you can buy.

For further help on choosing the right tyres for you, jump to the bottom of the article for our advice section.

Best MTB trail tyres

Best MTB trail tyre overall

The Maxxis Minion DHF was a game-changer when it first appeared, and it has continued to dominate the trail and hardcore front tyre market ever since. With its massive side knobs, it has great directional control and cornering grip, but still rolls faster than you’d expect. It’s really a front-only tyre (designed to be paired with the DHF II), but some riders like to run one at both ends. There are several casing and rubber compound options, but the sweet spot for trail riding is the 3C MaxxTerra with the Exo+ casing.

Exo+ is light reinforcement with an extra layer of reinforced material that runs bead to bead. It has a mesh-type structure that, according to Maxxis, improves tread puncture protection by 27 percent, sidewall durability by 51 percent, and pinch-flat resistance by 28 percent.

The 3C compound uses a hard base layer, which creates a solid foundation and stability to the tyre, there’s a medium center section for quick rolling and enhanced wear and soft low-rebound rubber edge lugs for the ultimate cornering grip. This custom compound does ramp up the cost, but in our tests, we found the Minion DHF was predictable and tenacious and, with its open tread and impressive wet weather performance, we could easily keep it on our bike all year round.

Our reviewer Guy Kesteven enthused: "If I had to pick a single (cost-no-object) tyre for every situation, it would be this one… It tips in really smoothly and predictably. Once you’re into the lean, you can also load it up aggressively on pretty much every surface from slippery gravel to winter slop and wet woods."

For more info, see our full Maxxis Minion DHF review.

Best aggro MTB trail tyre

If you want something with a bit more bite and traction than the Minion DHF, the also excellent Assegai is a brilliant choice. The flip side of that extra front wheel confidence is that it's a little slower, though.

It was developed by downhill racer Greg Minnaar, so naturally, it’s available with a reinforced DoubleDown casing, but the lighter Exo+ version is a better option for trail riding. The 2.6in tyre gets an extra layer of lightweight reinforced nylon called Silkshield. It adds weight, but the nylon has a sort of lattice work construction that adds casing stability (you can run lower pressure without the tyre folding), thorn-type puncture protection and pinch-flat resistance, which is really handy if you’re riding in the desert or rocky terrain.

Like most of the Maxxis flagship tyres, the Assegai comes with either MaxxTerra (medium) or MaxxGrip (soft) triple rubber compounds. What you’re looking at here is a hard, stable rubber base, a quick-rolling centre section, and then a soft rubber on the edge for grip. MaxxGrip tyres don’t keep their sharp edge for long, but a good call is to run a MaxxGrip up front with the harder-wearing MaxxTerra on the rear.

For trail use, we found the Assegai is one of the best all-rounders. It can handle hardpack and loose conditions as well as wet rocks and roots. Its open tread spacing means it even works in deep mud. You can easily ride this tyre throughout the year.

Our reviewer Paul Burwell reported: "Grip levels are superb with the softer MaxxGrip tyre – it feels so surefooted and never does anything unexpected. It’s really consistent at all lean angles, even chopping and changing lines through tight singletrack. It’s a real confidence tyre that lets you push the envelope without having to pay the consequences."

Find out more in our Maxxis Assegai 3C MaxxGrip EXO+ review.

Best lightweight MTB trail tyre

Depending on your riding, the Kenda Hellkat Pro is available in three different casing structures – ATC, AEC, and AGC. The middle letter stands for trail, enduro, and gravity respectively and from a structural point of view, the gravity casing has an aramid strip under the tread with an Apex chafer to resist pinch flats. The light enduro tyre eliminates this chafer, and the trail tyre gets thinner plies, a more resilient 120tpi casing, and an all-in weight of 902g, making it one of the lightest trail tyres in this category.

The Hellkat Pro uses Kenda’s ‘dual tread’ construction, which means the centre tread uses a firmer rubber and the edge lugs are softer rubber. We measured the hardness at around 55a, which is only medium/soft, but the company claims the rubber also has low-rebound properties, so on the trails there’s plenty of grip. The HellKat Pro doesn’t do anything weird – we found it’s stable, confidence-inspiring and predictable.

The tread has a flat profile and relatively open motocross-style tread with some deep lugs, which creates excellent bite and mud-shedding but also has a good turn of speed on the flats. Overall, a great tyre for all conditions, even those nasty ones in the middle of winter.

Our reviewer Paul Burwell summed up: "It has good grip and braking traction, rolls surprisingly quickly and the moto-x style tread works in most conditions. A summer tyre you could easily run over the winter."

For more, head over to our full Kenda Hellkat Pro ATC review.

Best front MTB trail tyre for grip

When WTB first launched the Verdict, it offered a mud version with deeper side knobs, but the standard tyre worked so well in the gloop (and elsewhere) that the mud tyre was gradually phased out.

The High Grip (triple compound) WTB Verdict is an absolute monster. It hooks up where others falter, and in all conditions too. This light version gets the company’s SG2 puncture protection, a double-ply 60Tpi casing that does add weight but still ensures the tyre has a supple and responsive ride feel. The Verdict can be fitted to either wheel but excels as a front-only tyre offering incredible hold on hardpack, loam or slippery mud.

Like most WTB tyres, the Verdict is tubeless-ready, but we found it can be tricky to seat on certain rim brands. It's only offered in a single 2.5in width, so you may struggle with clearance on some frames and suspension forks, especially if you run a mudguard.

At 1,150g for the 29x2.5in sizes, it’s not a lightweight trail tyre, but the trade-off is an awesome amount of grip, excellent pinch-flat resistance, and an impressive wear rate. It’s criminal how underrated this tyre is. In fact, back to back this with the tougher WTB Judge on the rear and you’re going to be unstoppable.

Our tester Paul Burwell noted: "The Verdict TCS Light High Grip never feels nervous, no matter what surface you’re riding on and, with its impressive wet weather performance, it’s a tyre you can easily run year-round."

Check out our full WTB Verdict TCS Light High Grip review.

Best front MTB trail tyre for control

The Butcher T9 Grid Trail uses Specialized’s latest blend of Gripton rubber. It’s comparable in terms of durometer to the softest compounds from other tyre manufacturers, but Specialized claims it has a lower rebound, so has better damping ability. On the trail, it's noticeable that it doesn't get pinged around so much, so you don’t have to work as hard keeping the bike under control, especially riding across rock or dry roots.

To resist flats in those situations, the 60tpi triple-ply Grid Trail casing has an extra floating protective layer that runs the full width of the tyre tread. This doesn’t really add that much weight – the Butcher is one of the lightest trail tyres tested – but it does add some stability, allowing you to run slightly lower pressures without the tyre tucking or folding under load. The lug layout is similar to the Maxxis DHR II, but they’re slightly deeper profile, so offer a little bit more bite in loam and the wet. The Butcher T9 works really well riding at slower speeds where you have to pick your way down, but it also has a good turn of speed for those long dirt road sections.

In our tests, we found the damping effect was obvious straight away. There was none of the very pressure-sensitive jarrings on really rough or sudden impacts and it didn’t crumple or fold suddenly if we dropped pressures low.

Our tester Guy Kesteven also found that: "Ripping them round the concrete hard bucket berms and rutted flat corners of the recent tundra weather on our test trails didn’t reveal any vices, just vast amounts of snarling grip."

Best front MTB trail tyre for winter

If you're after a tyre that will give you grip in the worst of wet mud, then look no further than the Specialized Hillbilly. The tyre uses the same excellent Gripton T9 60TPI compound as the Specialized Butcher.

The centre/shoulder tread pattern is very different though, following the classic ‘square studs with plenty of space around them’ format of most good soft condition tyres. The Hillbilly runs alternating pairs of knobs close together for a slight paddle effect, and the knob tops are siped (slotted) to help them to reshape and spread under load.

Weight is average for a modern 2.4in ‘trail tyre’ at 1,074g, but at 59mm across, they’re actually closer to 2.3 than 2.4in wide. There’s also a Gravity Grid version, but that takes weight beyond 1,300g, which is a hefty pedalling punishment for bombproof survival.

We found the grip and control levels are well up for extreme riding. Our tester Guy Kesteven said, "While they don’t ‘lean outwards’ to grab carving/off-camber traction automatically, the side knobs are well-supported enough to deliver the traction as soon as you tip the bars into the turn. The tread cleans super quickly even in clay conditions and when they do start to slide, it’s a very predictable, normally saveable push, rather than a sudden snap-out and dump-you situation."

Prices for the Hillbilly and the rest of Specialized's tyre range are extremely competitive, which makes them an even better choice.

For more info, check out our full Specialized Hillbilly tyre review.

Best rear MTB trail tyre overall

The Maxxis Minion DHR II was initially launched as a rear-only tyre, but it turns out to be a balanced all-rounder with an impressive performance on most surfaces – weathered hardpack, deep loam, and even sticky mud. There are front tyres with more bite in this guide, but on the rear, we've found the DHR II is peerless. In our tests, it did everything with assured confidence and felt stable even on loose or slippery off-camber. Rolling speed is a notch below some (choose the Dissector if you need that extra MPH), but braking traction is up there with the very best, especially if you up the size to a 2.5 or 2.6in.

It also comes with three casing options (Exo, Exo+, DD) allowing you to tune the weight and protection levels of both wheels to the terrain. For example, if you’re at the bike park or sessioning downhill trails on a long-travel trail bike, fit an Exo+ or DD on the rear, Exo on the front – it’s what bike manufacturers do. It can be a little draggy in the bigger sizes and with the DD casing, but it’s a solid tyre that won’t let you down.

Our reviewer Paul Burwell, reported: "The wide, open, block tread is utterly reliable whatever the conditions. Literally from loose, kitty litter trail centre surfaces in summer to dirty Welsh woods in winter, you can go super heavy on the brakes and slam lean angles knowing that a DHR II will let you get away with more than almost any other tyre."

See our full Maxxis Minion DHR II review for more.

Best rear MTB trail tyre for speed

There are more aggressive trail tyres in this buyer's guide, and while it can be run up front, the Maxxis Dissector we've found it works best on the rear if you want to add a bit of urgency to your ride. It doesn’t have the deepest lugs, so braking traction can be lacking in wet and slippery conditions as the shallow spaces clog up, but the flatter profile and smaller 2.4in size mean on hardpack or dirt roads it accelerates quickly and carries that speed for ages. The oversized side knobs and 3C MaxxTerra compound also allowed the tyre to hold a tight line on loose off-camber trails and if it did break away when we'd been too heavy on the anchors, it did so in a predictable manner.

If you ride hard and end up slamming into roots or catching stumps, you will want a bit more protection on the rear end and the Dissector does come with the Exo+ reinforced casing. This adds some stability to the tyre but also boosts puncture protection, both snakebite and thorn type. It would be nice to see a DD or gravity option, but with the focus on speed, this is the perfect foil to the Assegai or Minion DHF up front.

Our reviewer Guy Kesteven summed up: "Dissector boosts rolling speed and response, but still feels damped and anchored with great ‘grip to slip’ bandwidth for control surfers."

For deeper analysis, see our full Maxxis Dissector tyre review.

Best rear MTB trail tyre for grip

If you like to take risks or find yourself on a few downhill trails, the WTB Judge with the tough dual-ply casing and high-grip Tritec rubber has got your back. As the name suggests, the Tritec is a triple compound rubber, which consists of a hard base, medium rubber in the centre, and soft edge knobs. The tyre is also heavily reinforced, but that’s not at the expense of too much weight – the Judge is similar to the WTB Verdict.

It's no slouch either – in our tests, when the trail opened up, it picked up speed and carried that speed really well for a tyre this chunky. Lean into a turn or cross rut some off-camber and the tyre is predictable, surefooted, and confidence-inspiring. There are some burly centre bars and good depth to the side knobs, so we found braking traction was very good, and when it did give way, it was predictable, so we didn't end up face down in the dirt.

We have struggled to fit some WTB tyres tubeless; they take a bit of work to get the beads to seat, but they hold air better than most. The Judge only comes in a 2.4in width, but it’s a great tyre for crossover trail/enduro/e-MTB use.

Our reviewer Jim Bland concluded: "The competitive price, premium grip properties and high levels of protection make it a strong contender if you’re a gravity rider on the hunt for a year-round rear tyre that grips like stink and won’t flinch when you give it hell."

Check out the full WTB Judge review for more.

How to choose the best MTB trail tyres

The best MTB trail tyre has to be the best of both worlds, borrowing features from the best XC tyres to make them quick-rolling but encompassing the aggressive knobs, grip, and thicker sidewall protection of an enduro or DH tyre.

Trail riders still need to cover the ground efficiently, so the tyre needs to accelerate quickly, carry speed through turns, and not be too fatiguing on long rides. On the other side of the coin, a trail tyre needs to have good grip and traction because modern trail riders are venturing into more technical terrain and riding at greater speed. There’s more risk involved, so you need a tyre that is more robust, has a beefier tread pattern, and a thicker casing. And, because trail riders load the tyre more aggressively in corners, the compound generally must be softer too.

For more on tyre tech, see our guide on everything you need to know to choose the best MTB tyres for your riding.

FAQs

How we test the best MTB trail tyres

All the tyres in our review list have been thoroughly put to the test on a wide range of trails, and in all weather conditions, from dusty bone-dry to wet winter mud.

We test them out over several months so we can get a proper feel for how they respond in varying conditions and review their durability. Among the qualities we assess are grip, stability, mud clogging, damping, rolling speed, weight, ease of setup, and durability.

Personal preference and body shape will directly impact a saddle's comfort and performance. A perfect fit will give miles of comfortable pedalling, while even a little discomfort can quickly ruin a ride.

If you tend to find stock saddles uncomfortable, a narrower saddle could be the solution. A number of the saddles here are available in various widths. It's worth trying before you buy though, or measuring your sit bones to find out what width is best for you.

We've tested loads of mountain bike saddles and selected the very best for this guide. Our top choice is the SDG Bel Air v3.0 Lux-Alloy, while our pick for comfort is the Specialized Power Expert.

If you are confused about cutouts or pondering about padding, skip to the bottom for everything you need to know when choosing the best MTB saddle. Alternatively, see our article on saddle setup to find the perfect saddle position.

Best mountain bike saddles

Best mountain bike saddle overall

The SDG Bel Air saddle has been a classic since the original mid-'90s versions. The obvious change in the third-generation Bel Air is that it’s a lot flatter. That doesn’t mean the top profile has lost its subtly raised rear S-bend profile, but it’s nowhere near as deep underneath. If you get the measuring tape out, it’s also a bit shorter than before, but there’s still enough shuffling room without falling off the front compared to the latest stub-nosed setups. Its balance of sit-bone support and easy movement worked well for all our testers.

In terms of construction, the one-piece ATMOS ‘sonic-welded’ cover still gets protective corner bumpers, which is pretty rare these days. It’s really easy to clean, and in Guy Kesteven's testing, it survived several months of hard riding and several crashes without a scratch. The thin layer of EVA foam gives firm support over the flexible base, and the rails have a particularly narrow stance at the rear with flexible ‘free float’ anchors which we found increased mobility and helped reduce ‘bottoming out’ impacts.

Check out our full review of the SDG Bel Air V3.0 Lux-Alloy saddle.

Best mountain bike saddle for comfort

The Expert sits third in Specialized's Power range, above the Power Comp, (lighter but made with less durable materials), and below the Power Pro with Mirror (titanium rails and sophisticated 3D-printed cushioning), and the S-Works Power with Mirror (lighter, with carbon rails and shell and 3D-printed padding).

One of the saddle's key components is its lightweight hollow titanium rails, which are relatively rare at this price point. Even though at 230g, the overall saddle weight isn’t particularly low, the lighter rails allow the Power Expert to offset a decent level of cushioning without affecting the overall weight. The titanium also helps reduce vibrations through the saddle too. A cavernous central cutaway combines with a stubby, truncated nose, intending to ease pressure on your tender parts and making it ideal for long days out pedalling.

The Power Expert is definitely a comfortable saddle, as Sean Fishpool found out when he put it to the test. He noted that the "cushioning is firm enough to feel purposeful, but thick and compliant enough to be a genuine all-day companion, even when you’re shuttling between tarmac and rough ground. The short nose and the relatively narrow tip give a gloriously free-spinning, unencumbered feeling for your legs."

If you’re after a secure, comfortable all-day saddle, the Specialized Power Expert should be on your shortlist.

For info, check out our full review of the Specialized Power Expert saddle.

Best mountain bike saddle for women

Perhaps better known for its take on the best mountain bike tyres, WTB also does some great value saddles. The Koda was originally designed as a female-specific saddle with input from marathon MTB racer Rebecca Rusch, although it turned out to be popular with guys too. It comes in a Medium or Wide widths and a three different rail options – we tested the Cromoly version.

The standout feature of the Koda is its nose design. In our testing, we found the nose is wide enough so that you can comfortably sit on the front of the saddle on steep climbs, while also being short enough that it didn't get caught on our shorts. If you're not a fan of wearing MTB bibs with padding, we found the gel insert enhanced HLX padding to still be very comfortable.

After putting the miles in on the Koda, Guy Kesteven found the "slight raised rear, curved nose naturally puts you in the sweet spot too, with the same ‘just right’ grip from the perforated microfibre cover."

Best mountain bike saddle for XC

This is a true cross-country racer’s saddle, which saves the grams but you won’t be punished by their absence. Although the X-LR Superflow’s shape is discreet, that does not mean it lacks features.

The seat surface is upholstered in Fibra-Tex to give the saddle a durable finish and reinforced edges. Below that surface, the padding has two different levels which Selle Italia calls Dual Density, and is chosen to improve comfort.

Though the cushioning is thin and firm, we found it's surprisingly protective when combined with the little bit of natural flex in the carbon-infused shell underneath it, and it does have the magic feeling of being super purposeful and direct when you put the power down.

The real delight for our tester, Sean Fishpool, was the freedom of movement. He found the narrow front section gave plenty of room for unhindered pedalling, and the curved sides and relatively smooth materials made it super-easy to let the bike move under us when we needed to.

Check out our full review of the Selle Italia X-LR Ti316 Superflow saddle.

Best mountain bike saddle for gravity

The Spank Spike features a minimalist design meant for downhill and enduro racing, which means the saddle will stay out of your way when you're sending it at full speed. It's not the most lightweight saddle, but it's still pretty respectable considering it is ready to take on gravity duties.

The contact points and impact zones have been reinforced and optimised to stand up to aggressive riding. The surface finish of the saddle has a grippy texture to help maintain rider position on technical steep climbs, but we didn't find it so abrasive that it limited manoeuvrability and comfort. The broadness of the front section gave a stable grip for the legs when out of the saddle, and tester Sean found it a comfortable enough perch when riding further forward than normal while tackling steep climbs, too.

There are multiple colour options, including a Geoff Gulevich signature colourway, and the price of this saddle won't break the bank either.

For more, see our full Spank Spike 160 saddle review.

Best mountain bike saddle for narrow sit bones

The German company is a leading grip and saddle brand with designs that prioritise comfort. The SM series covers a wide range of saddles, which all come in two widths (144 and 156mm) for different-sized sit bones, along with male and female-specific options.

The standard SM saddle comes in three models at different price points with different construction and finishes – Sport, Comp, and Pro. It's also available in e-bike-specific, touring, enduro, and downhill versions.

I tested the 144mm SM Comp saddle, and the reduced width is a great match for my narrower sit bones. It's also proved to be a durable option after a year of regular use.

The orthopaedic foam is supportive and comfortable and hasn't shifted over time, while the microfiber surface has a hardy finish that is weather- and scuff-resistant.

A flatter design provides more freedom of movement to put down the power when riding in any position, and flanked sides reduce friction when pedalling.

How to choose the best mountain bike saddles

How we test mountain bike saddles

We test out saddles over several months, putting them through their paces on long, rough mountain adventures, fast trail blasts, and everything in between. We rate them according to comfort, maneuverability, robustness, firmness, weight, and durability.

Back to the top.

Some riders still prioritise maximum speed with minimum weight though, and once you start factoring in different riding conditions, the waters of which tyres to pick can get muddied still further.

That’s why we’ve brought two very different tyre experts together: Pure XC and South African stage racer, Aaron Borrill, and ultra-experienced tester, Guy Kesteven, who's been racing in every kind of British weather since the 1980s. Using the combined knowledge of these two experts, we've brought you a truly global perspective of the best XC tyres for every condition.

If you're new to cross-country riding or MTB in general and want to know more about how to choose your ideal speed-hungry tyre yourself, then we’ve got a tech FAQ at the end of this guide.

For more MTB tyre tech, see our article on everything you need to know to choose the best tyres for your riding. Or if perhaps you're here because you're an MTB-curious gravel rider, we also have a guide on the best gravel tyres.

Best XC tyres

Best classic XC tyre

The Vittoria Barzo is an absolute classic, particularly if you ride in dry, loose conditions and like to run high pressures. Aaron has spent thousands of miles training and racing with this tyre, including the technically demanding Absa Cape Epic in 2016 and 2017.

The tread pattern is burlier than some of the other options listed here, which means it digs into loose or even somewhat sloppy conditions better than most and clears OK as well. The hard, fast rolling Graphene compound still provides sterling straight-line speed, and the high-energy carcass feels fast too. If you want to run it as a rear, it works well, although many racers prefer using a Vittoria XC pairing of a Barzo up front with a Mezcal at the back.

The 120tpi nylon casing is strong, Aaron, our marathon tester, commented: "While there are lighter, perhaps somewhat livelier options available, the Vittoria Barzo is exceptional in all conditions, the only tyre I trust based on the thousands of trouble-free miles I've spent using them."

If you're looking to use the Barzo in rocky, rooty, or wet conditions, such as typical UK riding, Guy would definitely recommend opting for the Race Formulation upgrade (like the Mezcal we've listed below). It's much grippier and holds its shape far better at lower pressures than the standard harder compound. That said, Schwalbe's Rocket Ron is a more sure-footed option in slippery conditions.

For further info, see our full Vittoria Barzo tyre review.

Best budget and superlight XC tyre

If you're looking for one of the fastest and lightest XC tyres around, look no further than the Specialized S-Works Fast Trak. At 595g per tyre (29 x 2.20), it's the only option on this list that dips below the 600g threshold. Somehow, it still doesn't suffer from any hiccups in terms of protection, and we've used it for years with no dramas.

The relatively aggressive Gripton T5/T7 tread pattern rolls much faster than it looks – which makes it the go-to tyre for Specialized's trade teams at races such as the Absa Cape Epic and looser or wetter World Cup XC rounds. That makes it a great default fit for the front wheel and a great option for the rear in wetter / looser conditions.

Minimal weight means it's up the climbs or out of slow turns that the S-Works Fast Traks really give you the edge though. Accelerating and punching up steep kickers as though someone as slipped an SL e-MTB motor into your bike. The supple casing gives great ride feel and trail feedback, boosting compliance, traction and ride comfort. Like Schwalbe's Super Race, it also seems to help the S-Works tyres dodge impact and scuff damage better than a stiffer tyre. If you do want more physical protection though, the Fast Trak also comes in Control and Grid Trail versions, which work great for tougher, technical courses or 'downcountry' riding.

Not only is Specialized's XC tyre range one of the best performing fast rubber families, but it's also the most aggressively priced. Depending on your territory, that can mean they come in at a significantly lower cost than the priciest tyres here, making them an unbeatable bargain for cross-country cost-effectiveness.

For a deeper look at this tyre, head over to our full Specialized S-Works Fast Trak T5/T7 review.

Best XC tyre for all-conditions

If you're used to using a sketchy semi-slick for speed, the rapidity of Schwalbe's Rocket Ron will genuinely shock you. That makes it one of our favourite fit-and-forget year-round, all-condition speed options. The Rocket Ron has comparatively tall, angular tread knobs from the centre right over to the shoulder. That means it can pull trail tyre-style grip out of loose and sloppy situations far more reliably than other race tyres.

As a result, there's some rumble and growl on hard/road surfaces, but somehow that tread still rolls really well off-road and that's where Schwalbe's carcass tech really shines too. Choose the super supple, Super Race option and you'll get a tyre that glides and flows through rough sections without stalling or choking. It also finds extra grip where stiffer tyres slide and stutter. It performs predictably through a wide range of pressures too, so if you need to drop it into teen PSI numbers for max traction, it won't feel too drunk or floppy.

While it's got minimal physical protection, the Super Race carcass is supple enough to dodge the pinch puncture and rock scuff damage on the trail. Super Race only comes in the fastest, slipperiest AddixSpeed compound, so choose Super Ground in Addix SpeedGrip which adds an extra level of traction. Super Ground also adds more puncture and scuff protection without increasing weight. Alternatively, if you want a slightly faster Schwalbe front tyre for dry/loose/intermediate conditions, then check out the Racing Ray.

Inevitably, there are some downsides. That includes the usual Schwalbe premium price and the larger knobs will also wear down their cutting edges faster than a slick tyre. On the plus side, it's available in a huge range of sizes from 16in upwards. While the 750g weight will seem heavy compared to skinnier tyres, it's on par for the latest generation of larger-volume race rubber we've tested.

See our Schwalbe Rocket Ron tyre review for more detail.

Best XC tyre for speed

Continental's Dubnital is the successor to the Race King, which was arguably the fastest XC tyre for outright speed on the market. The downside of all that rapidity was minimal cornering and shoulder grip. The rounded carcass tipped into turns easily, but slipped out easily too. It also bounced and scuffed off rocks and roots rather than gripping predictably.

The Dubnital brings comparable rolling speeds to its predecessor and is as fast off-road as anything else out there (some rivals are faster on road, though). But unlike many of the tyres designed for outright speed, the Dubnital handles confidently and corners predictably even in treacherously wet trail conditions. Flexi knobs on the outside of the tread mean the tyres can drift rather than grip when cornering really aggressively, though.

It comes in Race or Trail casings and Rapid or Grip compounds. As you'd expect, the fastest combo is the Race Rapid, with the Trail Grip giving the most protection and confidence. Weight-wise, our 29x2.2in Race Rapid tyres came in at 621g each. The Trail option only adds 20g, so if you're unsure casing-wise, there's not much in it either way.

The Dubnital has a 330 TPI, single-ply carcass with a fairly shallow tread split into three sections. Stiffer central knobs, an intermediate transition tread, and then more flexible shoulder knobs on the outside of the tyre. It feels supple on the trail and just as fast as it's proved itself to be.

For more, see our full Continental Dubnital review.

Best XC tyre for dry, rocky conditions

Despite lacking the aggressive tread patterns of some of the XC tyres listed here, the Maxxis Aspen EXO is easily one of the most complete tyres on the market, built to deliver a balanced combination of speed and control. Lean into the first corner and the tyres bite with aggression, allowing you to push harder as you begin threading each corner together, thanks to the pronounced shoulder knobs.

Coming back to the tread pattern, the Aspens cope well in loose and wet conditions, too. They can withstand trail blow after trail blow if you're more of an aggressive rider who prefers hammering over obstacles as opposed to scything through them. As a result, Maxxis has used its EXO sidewall protection to promote confidence through rocky singletrack, and it works.

The strong sidewalls also allow you to dial in lower pressures, which unlocks even more assurance. To find the right balance requires some fettling, as tyre pressures are a personal choice. That said, once you strike that balance, you won't be disappointed. The Maxxis Aspen EXOs are easily the most underrated tyre on the market, and they shouldn't be because they're actually one of the best.

Our XC stage racer, Aaron, said: "There's a reason the Maxxis Aspen EXO is used by the world's best cross-country mountain bikers – they're fast and super-reliable."

For more information, see our full Maxxis Aspen EXO tyre review.

Best rear XC tyre for mixed conditions

Racing Ralph has been around as a name in the Schwalbe line up for decades, but it got a total overhaul a couple of years ago. That's added more grip and versatility while still keeping it a super fast, sweet riding tyre. While it's traditionally been used as a rear tyre in cross-country and marathon racing, it can also be used at the front in the right conditions now, too.

Ralph used to be a diamond tread semi-slick, but now it's grown short, closely spaced paddles across the centre to give much better grip in loose or soft conditions. That means you can pull the brakes and press the pedals a lot harder before it lets go and reshaped side knobs let you carry that speed through corners too. It does make the tyre more likely to clog in clay-style mud, though and it's not as fast as a slick tread like Schwalbe's new Rick XC or proven Thunder Burt options. The AddixSpeed rubber compound is a great balance of easy speed and decent wear without skating around and scaring you as soon as things get damp, too.

While tread and compound are great, the Super Race carcass is Schwalbe's real secret weapon. The ultra-supple construction means rolling resistance and speed sustain are outstanding. During back-to-back testing by Guy, it consistently outran less treaded tyres in roll-downs on smooth surfaces and left them for dead when things got rooty, rocky and rough. Despite nothing more than a thin anti-puncture strip under the tread, the supple construction helps it dodge damage compared to stiffer, reinforced tyres.

Even without any real reinforcement, it's relatively heavy, which inevitably cuts into instant acceleration. Schwalbe tyres also come at a premium price too.

For more, check out our full Schwalbe Racing Ralph review.

Best high volume, high velocity XC tyre

Pirelli's entry into the XC scene is a tough, grippy, great feeling, high volume tyre that's already seen World Cup and World Championship XC success with Evie Richards.

The tyres we reviewed are the Team Editions, distinguishable by Pirelli's signature bright yellow lettering on the sidewall. They also feature the brand's reinforced ProWALL casing for added protection against flats and tears. In terms of the tread, Pirelli has chosen a fast-rolling centre-tread pattern that mimics a lot of classic speed tyres like Hutchinson's Python and WTB's Nanoraptor. It morphs into wider shoulder lugs for impressive cornering grip.

As Aaron reported in his test: "Flick it into a corner and the tyre bites hard – you can feel them gripping, sometimes even hear the shoulder lugs as they fight for traction — which allows you to push harder and faster." That's a trait that's been used to great effect by Richards who wins a lot of her races by blasting the most technical descents flat out. A lot of that extra trust comes from the SmartGrip rubber, which is soft for an XC tyre and the damped, shock-absorbing nature of the ProWALL casing.

However, the rubber used is a single compound rather than being harder in the centre like most XC and trail tyres, so Scorpion doesn't roll as fast as it looks. The calm and controlled character of the tyres also makes them feel slower than a more lively, springy carcass. Despite a 120tpi, the XC RCs are not particularly light either, tipping the scales at 748g per tyre, which dulls acceleration. It does let you run lower pressures though, increasing the control and anchored feel of the tyre even further. Testing by Guy proved it's tough and controlled enough to handle seriously tech and tyre-traumatic environments like the brutally rocky Lake District in the UK, so it works as a fast downcountry option too.

In his review, Aaron also concluded: "The Pirelli Scorpion XC RC Team Edition 2.4 tyres prove wider doesn’t necessarily have to be slower. The traction and control benefits afforded by running lower pressures – something that has even greater potential on wider rims – far outweighs the benefits of lighter tyres."

Find our more in our full Pirelli Scorpion XC RC Team Edition 2.4 review.

Best XC tyre for dry/loose conditions

Vittoria's Mezcal has always been a super popular tyre, especially in areas where trail conditions are dry, dusty and loose. It's springy, skippy feel also makes it a favourite or riders who like to run higher, harder pressures. If that sounds like your kind of thing, then stick to the smaller sizes and you'll be as much of a super fan as Aaron was during testing: "As a long-time user of the Vittoria Mezcal and having raced on them in myriad countries, the way they perform never ceases to amaze me."

If there's one tyre brand that divides our XC test team though, it's Vittoria. Guy Kesteven found the older versions too slippery and skittery to feel confident on wet rocks and roots and didn't like the way they could suddenly fold and stumble if you dropped pressures low.

However, the latest Race Formulation version of the Mezcal has a new silicon-infused rubber compound and an all-new tougher, 2.4in wide carcass. Guy has been testing them for months and come away impressed as they're a lot more predictable at lower pressures. The new rubber recipe means they grip in a similar way to most other XC tyres, but the longevity of tread and construction seems even better. Unlike most '2.4in' tyres they actually blow up close to that rather than being much narrower. That does increase their weight in line with other larger volume new generation tyres, but what you lose on the scales you gain in confidence on challenging terrain.

Overall, a great update of a popular classic for more aggressive riders and courses, but still primarily a dry and loose conditions tyre rather than a wet weather winner.

For more info, check out our full Vittoria Mezcal tyre review.

How to choose the best XC tyres

While XC tyres increasingly share a lot of tech and trends with the best mountain bike tyres, there are still significant differences when it comes to race rubber. These include the rubber compound itself, durability, puncture protection, tread pattern, tyre width and tyre size.

We've covered the basics here and then covered other popular inquiries in the Q&A afterwards.

29inch wheels

29er wheels caught on first with XC riders when they realized the larger diameter meant a smoother, faster roll that literally outweighed the increased mass and slower acceleration. Now all XC race bikes, except some extra small-sized options, come with 29er wheels front and rear as standard.

Tread pattern

Big pointy knobs are great for grip but bad for rolling efficiency. That's why many of the fastest XC race tyres are what's called a semi-slick design. This uses minimal tread in the middle for a quiet, rapid roll with bigger shoulder knobs that add bite and grip when leaned into a turn.

The closer the spacing between knobs, the better they roll too. This is why you'll see some tyres like Hutchinson's Skeleton, Schwalbe's Racing Ray, Pirelli's Scorpion, Specialized's Fast Trak and others using an alternating tread that forms an almost continuous ridge down the centre of the tyre.

Rubber compounds

Harder compounds roll faster but give less grip and wear out faster. That's why a lot of designs use a dual compound with hard rubber in the centre for speed and durability and soft shoulders for cornering grip. Every brand has different recipes which they keep as closely guarded secrets, but a lot of new tyres are now coming with silicon-infused compounds. This tech comes from motorsport racing and is designed to increase wet weather grip and durability.

Carcass

XC tyres always used to have the lightest, thinnest possible construction to keep weight to a minimum for best possible acceleration. That's still the case with tyres like the Specialized S-Works range and narrower versions of other tyres here.

As courses have got tougher, though, the old wisdom that "to finish first, first you have to finish" means tyres have got a lot tougher too. That makes them more stable at low pressures, especially if the design includes reinforcement around the side wall.

Protection

As well as tougher construction in general, race tyres often come with some extra protection built in. That ranges from a thin strip of anti-puncture tape under the tread to a full reinforcing wrap from one edge of the tyre to the other.

Weight

Bigger, tougher tyres with more reinforcement are inevitably heavier, however. That means only one tyre here – the Specialized S-Works Fast Trak – weighs under 600g, and most weigh over 700g. That might not seem like a big difference, but even 100g between tyres means a lot more wheel inertia to overcome. As a result, your bike will feel slower when accelerating and climbing, particularly from lower speeds. Tougher, more controlled tyres can keep hold of speed much better through technical sections and turns, which is why most racers now run 2.4in wide options. They're still a lot faster and more responsive than trail tyres anyway – which now often weigh over a kilo each.

Price

Top quality XC tyres can cost as much as $100 / £80 / €100. Cheaper versions tend to be heavier and less grippy as they use less expensive materials in the carcass and rubber. That does extend tread life and rolling speed on road though, so they can be a good choice for bikepacking.

Specialized has also reduced its already aggressive pricing to super low levels recently too, making their XC tyre range absolute bargains if you want high speed without high spend.

Best XC tyres FAQs

How we test the best XC tyres

We've thoroughly tested all the tyres in this guide, putting them through some of the toughest mountain bike races in the world, in all weather conditions. We've been particularly assessing them for rolling speed, grip, puncture protection, weight and ease of fitting.

Investing in a pair of the best mountain bike grips will not only improve riding performance and help you to hang on to your handlebars on plummeting descents, but they will also deliver superior hand-grip and comfort, reducing fatigue over longer rides.

Just like the best mountain bike saddles and shoes, everybody has their preference when it comes to the best MTB grips, and what suits someone who has small hands isn't going to be comfortable for those with big hands.

Our experts have tested how a range of the best MTB grips handle in both wet and dry conditions, assessing their texture, grip, size, price, and durability.

There is a lot of choice when it comes to grips, so if you're not quite sure what you're looking for, skip to the bottom of the page where we explain how to choose the best MTB grips for you.

Best MTB grip overall

The original DMR Deathgrips are some of the most popular grips around – and for good reason. A three-texture grip combo blends a ribbed mushroom-style inner section and a knurled pattern with a waffle section for maximum palm and fingertip traction. The result gives really comfortable contact points with a superbly tactile level of grip.

DMR says it has tweaked the Deathgrip2 grip pattern for "millimetre-perfect positioning", but comparing the grips it's hard to see the difference. What is noticeable is that the inner core is now slightly tapered to give a more secure fit, the lock-ring is slightly narrower, and the grips get a robust, injection-molded, integrated end cap.

Like the original, the Deathgrip2 comes in three compounds – Gum (the hardest at 25A), Soft (20A) and Race (15A) – all are available flanged or flangeless.

I've used various sets of the originals over the years and have also been testing the Soft, Thick Deathgrip2s. The changes to the original may be small but they're significant all the same. The tough end caps mean the new grips are much more robust and can withstand being scuffed or dropped without serious damage. Tapering the inner core means the grips need to be tapped with a soft-faced mallet to fit, but there's zero movement on the bars once in place.

Only the most extreme-weight counters will care, but the weight of the grips has increased by a few grams – presumably due to the tapered core and sturdier end caps. I weighed a pair of flanged Soft, Thick Deathgrip2s at 114g (V1s were 108g), and the same spec flangeless versions at 106g (V1s were 98g).

Best runner-up

To be honest, performance-wise, there's very little to choose between the ODI Reflex and our top model, the Deathgrip2. However, being slightly cheaper and coming in a wider number of options, the DMR model takes the best grip crown.

Our tester, Neal Hunt, was so impressed with the Reflexes that they are now his go-to grips. Some of the features that stood out the most were the overall comfort and the brand's claims of longevity, which is a tricky balance to get right.

Although they come in at the pricier end of grips in this guide, the Reflexes are top quality and truly offer genuine performance benefits for a fraction of the cost of upgrading elsewhere on your bike.

The main upper part of the grip uses raised cushioned ribbed lugs that sit under your hands, the lower section incorporates a knurled area designed to help improve finger grip, and, like the DMR Deathgrip2, there's a mushroom section near the brake lever for comfort. Neal was also impressed with ODI's proprietary grip compound that offers helpful levels of damping and a decent lifespan.

For more, read the full ODI Reflex grips review.

Best super-sticky

Another top performer that delivered the goods in the wet and cold, as well as easier riding conditions, are the Gusset S2 Extra Soft MTB grips.

Guy Kesteven has tested hundreds of grips, but he rates the Gusset S2 Extra Soft as a great choice for anyone looking for a high-grip, all-weather compound, and they also come with a budget-friendly price tag.

The soft compound gives the Gussets a brilliant, locked-in feel, but they're also likely to wear out more quickly than most rivals. Handily, sensible pricing makes replacing them easier to bear. Gusset also offers a Standard S2 option with a harder-wearing rubber but with all the same features – if you'd rather something with a longer lifespan.

Want more detail? Check out our Gusset S2 Extra Soft Compound grip review for all the info.

Best eco-friendly MTB grip

Peaty's Monarch grips come in two texture options – Mushroom and Knurl – but both of those designs are more sophisticated than the names suggest. Both have ribbed mushroom sections near the thumb and forefinger section for comfort, and raised strips on the underside for extra finger grip. There's also a Pro option made with a dual-rubber compound and a cut-away section designed to reduce trail vibrations.

The grips have an offset core, so there's more of the 20A rubber on the upper section and they come in Thick and Thin options. But rather than being the same thickness throughout, the Monarchs are tapered, getting thicker along their length towards the end plugs. The Thin grips are 30mm at their thinnest and 32mm at the plug, while the Thick are 32 and 34mm.

Eco-credentials-wise, the cores are made using 80% recycled ocean plastic and the packaging is almost all cardboard, the only exceptions are two metal rivets.

In terms of performance, the Monarchs are up there with the best grips in this guide. Guy Kesteven tested them and was extremely impressed. "There are load of different grip options available, but for me, the Peaty’s approach of trying everything and cherry-picking the best parts of each really works.

"The tapered, asymmetric design means even the Thin knurled grips give super clean and precise feedback in all weathers without being bruising. Alternatively, the semi-ushroom design adds noticeable comfort without diluting bar control or compromising confident grip. The compound seems a great balance of tactile and tough so far, the pricing is reasonable and Peaty’s deserves credit for thinking eco where they can."

For more, see our Peaty's Monarch grips review.

Best MTB grip for comfort

Our best grip for the comfort spot is the Dread Lock from ODI. Tester Neal Hunt found the simple shape and soft-feeling foam compound made for a very comfortable grip that's ideal for XC and long-distance riders.

Design-wise, Neal loved the simplicity, and the Dread Lock comes with a straightforward, smooth profile and a gently contoured surface, which differs greatly from its feature-laden sibling, the ODI Reflex grip.

Overall, Neal was pleasantly surprised by the ODI Dread Lock grip, and compared with other foam silicone grips he's tested, the Dread Locks didn't suffer from premature wear and fragility. He found that you lose a bit of feel, and trail feedback can be muted, but they last well and are far more comfortable and robust than a classic foam grip.

For more detail, check out our ODI Dread Lock grips review.

Best super-soft compound MTB grip

The PNW Loam MTB grips are made from the brand's ultra soft and tacky 25a compound called Duro 'Happy Camper', which tester Guy Kesteven noted gave him an exceptional grip and stuck to his hands (gloved or bare) extremely well in all conditions.

In general, the grips wore really well after several months of hard use, but the downside of ultra-soft compounds is that they are more prone to tears if you crash or clip a tree.

Guy also found the tapered sleeves helped fit the Loams into place easily and they were totally secure. There’s a slight flare against the clamp with a thin wavy grip pattern inboard, a broad central bar, and then a fatter zig-zag pattern on the outboard top.

When riding, the grips deliver loads of rich trail feedback. The ribbed tread and multiple chevrons feel relatively firm for a soft compound, but offer all the support you need to rally hard.

Best MTB grip for smaller hands

The AMS Berm grips have a narrow and tapered profile that is more suited to smaller-handed riders. Measuring at just 29.5mm at the lowest point, that grows to 33.9mm on the outside diameter.

On test, Graham Cottingham noted that the AMS Berm MTB grips delivered plenty of tactile trail to hand feedback. Graham confirmed the better suitability to smaller handed riders noting that the inside area of the grip felt quite narrow in comparison to his normal go to grips – the very similar ODI Elite Flow.

Other stand-out plus points were the single collar design, which has a built-in rubber bar end – that Graham liked as it meant he could lean his bike anywhere without worrying about scratching anything.

Graham marked down the AMS Berm grips as he felt they lacked the tackiness of some other grips for the gloveless rider and they gave little in the way of damping due to their thinner profile. However, if you have small hands, like a tapered shape, and want a very direct bar feel, the AMS Berm grips tick all the boxes.

You can check out Graham's full review on the AMS Berm MTB grips for all the details.

Best MTB grip for bigger hands

Lizard Skins Oury MTB grips feature a simple old-school block design pattern that means the Oury's are easy to grip, and with a 32mm diameter, are super comfortable for the larger-handed rider. The compound is soft, but not too squishy and when combined with the large pad design it also helps eliminate vibration, numbness and slipping with the big, deep and soft rubber lugs also giving exceptional grip comfort.

The simple design gives them an old-school look too, and Lizard Skins offers various customization options, allowing you to choose the bar end style, collar color, and even engrave a message. Better still, the old-school aesthetic suits everything from a rigid single-speed to a long-travel charger.

Best lightweight MTB grip

The ESI Chunky MTB grips weigh in at 60g, which makes them some of the lightest MTB grips around. They come from the Arizona-based ESI, who were the first brand to make silicone foam grips that have inspired copycat versions from most of the other grip makers.

The ESI is basically a lightweight silicone tube that offers plenty of trail vibration damping, durability, and heaps of purchase even in the worst riding conditions.

ESI makes the Chunky in a range of shapes and sizes, including the Extra Chunky with a wider diameter and an extra 20g of weight compared to the standard Chunky that we prefer. We liked the slightly ovalized form and the 32mm of padding seems to offer the right balance between damping, comfort, and bar control in a superbly lightweight package. XC riders rate them, and if shaving the grams is your thing, then the Chunky grips are well worth a look.

How to choose the best MTB grips

Grips vary in shape from perfectly round tubes to ovalized cylinders, and some even have supportive wings. Round grips seem to be more responsive, while broad flat surfaces help to spread pressure over a wider surface area and are more comfortable for some.

However regardless of which shape you opt for, there are varying measurements that you'll need to be aware of when buying some new MTB grips.

Diameter

Usually grip width is measured in diameter, and this tells you what size/thickness they'll have, which is useful to know if you have particularly big or small hands. It tends to range between 25-40mm, with most coming in around 30-32. The diameter width indicates the kind of performance you'll get from them as well. For example, thicker grips will provide a more plush, comfortable ride due to the enhanced vibration damping they'll likely provide. However, their larger size will also likely cause a bit more strain on your hands while gripping them, which could cause them to fatigue sooner. Narrower grips won't be so cushy, but they'll offer the best grip and control because they're essentially easier to get your hands around.

Length

As you might have guessed, this is the measurement for how long the MTB grips are, from end to end. They tend to range between 128-140mm in length, with 130-135mm being the average size. This is useful to know if you're swapping out some old grips but really like the current positioning of your brake levers and shifters. Measuring the length of the exposed handlebar (or previous grips) will tell you what you need to look for.

Frequently asked questions

How we test the best MTB grips

We ensure to run the grips we're testing for as long as possible (at least several months) in a range of riding conditions to see how they perform in different weather/temperature/trail scenarios. We've also run many of the best grips here to total destruction in long-term tests and on our personal bikes.

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That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive jargon buster, to demystify the most common terms you’ll see when reading about action cameras and cycling safety cameras. Whether you’re looking for peace of mind from a rear-facing camera that records close passes, or you want the best possible video quality for filming rides, races or trail sessions, understanding the terminology can help you make a more confident decision, and get more out of the kit you already own.

This jargon buster is for cyclists of all kinds, and you don’t need a technical background to use it. Each term is explained in plain English, with real-world cycling context.

If you’re still weighing up your options, this guide works best alongside our roundup of the best action cameras for cyclists. And if you’re deciding between a traditional action camera and a dedicated rear-facing safety camera, our safety camera vs action camera guide breaks down the strengths and limitations of each. Together, these guides should help you cut through the noise and choose the camera setup that actually suits your riding needs.

Action camera jargon buster

Accelerometer

An accelerometer is a sensor that measures movement and changes in speed or direction. In action cameras, it helps the device understand how it’s being moved, which feeds into features like image stabilisation and orientation detection. In rear camera radars, the accelerometer can also be used to detect sudden speed increases in vehicles behind you, impacts or crashes, and automatically save or lock footage so it isn’t overwritten.

Aspect ratio

Aspect ratio describes the shape of the video frame, expressed as a ratio between its width and height, like 16:9 or 4:3. A wider ratio like 16:9 is standard for most screens and video platforms, while taller ratios can capture more vertical detail. Some action cameras let you choose the aspect ratio depending on whether you want a cinematic look or more flexibility to crop later. For cyclists, aspect ratio can affect how much road, sky, or surroundings are visible in the final footage.

Battery life (mAh)

Battery life tells you how long your action camera can run before it needs recharging. It’s measured in milliamp hours (mAh): the bigger the number, the bigger the battery capacity. But that figure doesn’t tell the whole story. Recording in high resolutions like 4K, using image stabilisation, or shooting at high frame rates will drain the battery faster. Cold weather also reduces its efficiency, something cyclists in the UK will notice on winter rides. Some cameras let you swap out batteries mid-ride, while others have sealed units, so it’s important to plan around your setup. For long days out, you might want spare batteries or a power bank.

Bezel

The bezel is the border around the camera lens or screen. On action cameras, bezels are usually kept minimal to reduce bulk and weight, but they still serve a protective role. A raised bezel around the lens can help prevent scratches when the camera is placed face-down or knocked during a ride.

BLE

BLE stands for Bluetooth Low Energy, a wireless communication standard designed to use very little power. It’s commonly used in cycling tech, including action cameras and rear camera radars, to connect with smartphones or bike computers. BLE allows devices to send small amounts of data (like status updates or control commands) without draining the battery. For cyclists, this means longer battery life while still staying connected.

Bit depth

Bit depth refers to how much colour information is recorded in each pixel of an image or video. Higher bit depth means smoother colour gradients and more detail, especially in shadows and highlights. While many action cameras record at standard bit depths suitable for everyday use, higher bit depth footage is particularly useful if you plan to edit your videos heavily. For most people sharing clips online, standard bit depth is fine, but understanding it helps explain why some footage looks richer than others.

Bit rate

Bit rate measures how much data your camera captures every second of video, expressed in megabits per second (Mbps). A higher bit rate means more information stored, resulting in sharper, more detailed footage. The downside is that larger files take up more space, requiring bigger and faster memory cards to handle the flow of data. If you’re filming epic rides and want professional-looking results, a higher bit rate is worth having. If you’re mainly recording commutes for peace of mind, you may be fine with a lower bit rate that saves space and is easier to share.

Companion app

Most action cameras are paired with a smartphone app that unlocks extra features. These apps let you control the camera remotely, preview your framing on your phone screen, transfer files, and edit on the spot. For cyclists, this is especially handy if your camera is rear-mounted or otherwise hard to reach. Some apps even let you add GPS overlays, trim highlights, or share directly to social media. Just bear in mind that using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to connect the app can reduce your camera’s battery life.

Compression

Compression is the process of reducing the size of video files by removing data that’s considered less important. All action cameras use compression to make footage manageable in terms of storage and playback. Heavier compression creates smaller files but can reduce image quality, especially in detailed scenes like fast-moving traffic or leafy roads. Lighter compression preserves quality but requires more storage space and faster memory cards. Understanding compression helps explain why two cameras with the same resolution can produce very different-looking footage.

Exposure

Exposure is all about how much light reaches the camera sensor, which determines how bright or dark your footage looks. Most action cameras set this automatically, adjusting to changes in conditions, but some might allow manual control for fine-tuning. For example, if you’re riding into a tunnel, the exposure will shift to brighten the shot. Too much exposure makes your footage look washed out, while too little makes it too dark to see detail.

Focal length

Focal length describes how ‘zoomed in’ a lens is and is usually measured in millimetres. Short focal lengths produce wide-angle views, which are common in action cameras because they capture more of the scene and intensify the sense of speed. Longer focal lengths zoom in on distant objects but show less of the surroundings. For cycling, wide focal lengths are ideal for capturing the road, traffic, and environment, especially on rear-facing cameras where context matters.

Frame rate (fps)

Frame rate is the number of individual frames recorded per second, expressed in frames per second (fps). Standard video often uses 30fps, but higher frame rates like 60fps or 120fps make motion smoother and allow you to slow footage down without it looking jerky. For cyclists, a higher frame rate is useful for capturing fast descents or close passes from cars, where detail matters. Just keep in mind that high fps recordings use more storage and battery.

Gyroscope

A gyroscope is a sensor that measures rotation and orientation. In action cameras, it works alongside the accelerometer to detect movement in all directions. This information is crucial for advanced stabilisation features and horizon levelling. In action cameras, the gyroscope helps keep footage steady even when the bike leans into corners or hits rough surfaces. It’s one of the things that makes modern action camera footage look so smooth and controlled.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

HDR is a mode that boosts the dynamic range of your footage, helping the camera capture both very bright and very dark areas more clearly. The result is video with richer colours and more detail, especially in high-contrast conditions like cycling on a sunny day with lots of shade. HDR can make footage look more natural and lifelike, but it can sometimes introduce ghosting or softness in very fast-moving shots.

Horizon Lock / Horizon Levelling

Horizon lock or horizon levelling is a feature that keeps the horizon straight, even if the camera tilts or rotates. This is especially useful for mountain bikers, as they lean and jump. With horizon lock enabled, the footage stays level, making it easier to watch and less disorientating. It relies on data from the camera’s gyroscope and accelerometer, and usually involves cropping slightly into the image to maintain stability.

Lens aperture

Aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that lets light reach the sensor. A wider aperture allows more light in, which improves low-light performance, while a narrower aperture lets in less light but can increase sharpness in bright conditions. Most action cameras use fixed apertures to keep things simple and compact, but the chosen aperture has a big influence on how the camera performs at dusk, dawn, or in overcast weather. For those riding in varied conditions, aperture can have a big impact on the consistency of the footage.

Livestreaming

Livestreaming lets you broadcast directly from your action camera to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, or Twitch. It’s a way of sharing your ride in real time with friends, family, or followers. While this sounds exciting, it does depend on having a stable internet connection (usually tethered to your phone) and will drain the battery quickly. For most, it’s more of a niche feature, but it’s a powerful option for events, races, or group rides.

Loop recording

Loop recording is a continuous recording mode where the camera automatically overwrites old footage once the memory card fills up. This is especially common with safety cameras. It means you’ll always have the last few minutes of your ride saved, without worrying about running out of storage. If there’s an incident during your ride, you can lock or save that clip so it doesn’t get overwritten, and many good safety cameras will do this automatically.

Pre-Recording

Pre-recording allows the camera to continuously buffer footage in the background, even before you press record. When you do start recording, or when an incident is detected, the camera saves the previous few seconds as well. This is particularly valuable for rear camera radars and safety-focused cameras, as it means you won’t miss important moments leading up to a close pass or collision, especially if you’re recording in reaction to something that’s already started happening. It’s a battery-eating feature, but adds significant peace of mind.

Resolution (1080p, 2.7K, 4K, etc.)

Resolution refers to the number of pixels in your footage, which determines how sharp it looks. Full HD (1080p) is still common, but 4K is now the standard for high detail. While higher resolution looks better, it also consumes more storage and battery, and most people will watch your clips on phones or laptops where 1080p is perfectly fine. For many, 4K is useful if you want to crop or zoom in later without losing quality.

Sensor size

The sensor is the part of the camera that captures light, and its size has a big impact on image quality. Larger sensors gather more light, which helps with low-light performance and colour accuracy. Most action cameras use small sensors compared to traditional cameras, but some premium models offer larger ones for better results. Bigger sensors mean clearer footage in varied conditions, though they often come with a higher price tag.

Shutter speed

Shutter speed controls how long the camera’s sensor is exposed to light for each frame. Faster shutter speeds freeze motion, making individual frames sharper, while slower shutter speeds let in more light but can introduce motion blur. In action cameras, shutter speed is often adjusted automatically, but it has a big impact on how smooth or sharp your footage looks. For cycling, fast shutter speeds are useful for capturing clear details of vehicles or road conditions, especially at speed.

Slow-motion / Slo-Mo

Slow-motion footage is created by recording at a high frame rate (e.g. 240fps) and then playing it back at normal speed. This makes fast action appear slowed down, allowing you to see details you’d normally miss. On the bike, slow-motion can capture technical movements on trails or add drama to highlights. It’s fun but not always practical, as high-frame-rate recording uses more storage and battery.

Stabilisation (HyperSmooth, RockSteady, etc.)

Stabilisation is technology that smooths out shaky footage, either digitally or mechanically. Brand names like HyperSmooth (GoPro) or RockSteady (DJI) refer to advanced digital stabilisation systems. For cyclists, stabilisation is essential: without it, your footage would be unwatchably shaky on anything but the smoothest tarmac. It works by analysing motion and cropping into the image slightly to keep things steady.

Timelapse / Hyperlapse

Timelapse is a feature that takes still images at set intervals and stitches them into a video that compresses time, showing a long journey in just a few seconds. Hyperlapse is a similar effect, but stabilised to give the impression of smooth motion while time speeds up. It’s a fun way to capture the essence of a long ride in a short, watchable clip.

Voice control

Voice control lets you operate your camera with spoken commands like “start recording” or “take a photo.” This is especially useful for cyclists who don’t want to take their hands off the bars mid-ride. It doesn’t always work perfectly in noisy or windy environments, but when it does, it’s a safe and practical way to control the camera.

Waterproofing / IP rating

Waterproofing tells you how resistant a camera is to water and dust, often measured with an IP rating. For example, IP68 means it’s dustproof and can survive full immersion in water. Many modern action cameras are waterproof to certain depths without a case, making them reliable in heavy rain or even river crossings. For UK riders dealing with unpredictable weather, waterproofing is essential.

White balance

White balance adjusts how colours appear in your footage depending on the lighting. In bright sunshine, video can look too warm and orange; in shade, it can look too cool and blue. Auto white balance usually does the job, but some cameras let you fine-tune it for consistency, especially if you’re editing multiple clips together. For most, it’s a set-and-forget feature, but knowing what it does can explain why some videos look ‘off’ in different conditions.

Zoom

Zoom refers to how close the camera can make distant subjects appear. Optical zoom uses physical lens movement and preserves image quality, while digital zoom simply crops and enlarges the image, reducing detail. Most action cameras rely on digital zoom, because of their compact lens size. For many, zoom is less about getting closer to distant scenery and more about cropping footage after the ride to focus on specific details, like number plates or road features.

However when you start the long process of researching different camera options, you’ll notice that there are two distinct types on offer: action cameras and safety cameras. So do you go for a dedicated safety camera, like the Garmin Varia or Cycliq Fly series, which are designed to work quietly in the background? Or do you opt for a standard action camera, like a GoPro, DJI Osmo Action, or Insta360, designed to deliver cinematic footage that’s not tailored specifically to cycling?

If you’re not sure what the difference is, or which is the right one for you, then you’ve come to the right place. Read on for the pros and cons of each, and the products we’d recommend as a starting point.

What is a safety camera?

Let’s start with the simplest option. A cycling safety camera is purpose-built to record video while you’re on the move. Many commuter and city cyclists opt for these because it’s the best way of capturing evidence of other road users’ behaviour, in the unfortunate event of a collision.

They often tend to be integrated into a rear or front light, so that they serve a dual purpose. They’re designed to quietly record in the background, capturing evidence if anything happens, while also helping you to stay more visible on the road.

In many cases with a safety camera, there will be a maximum duration you can capture before the recording loops back and starts overwriting the oldest footage. It’s the most efficient way of doing things, especially when you’re spending a lot of time on the bike: the camera is always recording, and you don’t need to worry about running out of space. You don’t need to fiddle with settings mid-ride, or worry that you weren’t able to turn it on in time to capture something as it happens. As long as you switch it on at the start of your ride, and have enough battery to last your journey, you’re covered.

Plus it’s very likely that in the event of an incident where you need to gather footage for evidence, you’re going to retrieve it soon after it happened, so there’s little concern about it being overwritten before you can access it.

Some popular examples of cycling safety camera ranges are the Garmin Varia and Cycliq Fly series.

Safety camera pros and cons

Pros:

Always recording: Safety cameras are designed to run continuously with loop recording, automatically overwriting old footage.

Integrated lights: Since they’re often built into front or rear bike lights, safety cameras can save cockpit space and serve the dual purpose of keeping you visible.

Incident detection: Many safety cameras include crash sensor technology, so that if the bike tilts suddenly or experiences an impact, footage is locked and saved.

Deterrence: A visible rear-facing camera can be a great deterrent, reminding drivers to give you more space, even if they’re not consciously aware of it.

Cycling-specific reliability: Since they’re specifically designed for cycling, safety cameras will likely have weatherproofing, battery life and mount design tailored for year-round commutes.

Cons:

Footage quality isn’t the priority: While generally good enough to identify vehicles and number plates, the video quality of safety cameras isn’t exactly cinematic. It serves a function, but don’t expect high quality film footage.

Higher cost per feature: You’re paying for practical light integration and specific safety features, rather than cutting-edge video specs.

Cycling-only use: Unlike a GoPro or Insta360, you won’t take one skiing or surfing, so if you want something to serve multiple sports, opt for an action camera instead.

What is an action camera?

If a safety camera is purpose built to keep you safe on the roads, an action camera is designed to capture the action in high definition.

Action cameras are built for all kinds of adventure sports, not just cycling, and their strengths lie in capturing high-quality footage in 4K, with advanced stabilisation features, and wide fields of view that make a mountain descent look as thrilling on screen as it felt in the saddle.

They won’t come with some of the cycling-specific features found on safety cameras, like the integration of bike lights or a bike mount as standard. You’ll need to explore various mounting options separately (Tom's guide to achieving a clean bike mount setup will help you there), and you won’t get incident detection either.

The other biggest difference is that whereas a safety camera continuously records on a loop, overwriting old footage, an action camera will record until the space is filled, and then it will stop. They usually won’t have enough space to record the entirety of a commute (unless it’s particularly short), because of the large file size that comes with the high resolution footage they produce, so you need to control when you do and don’t record.

This makes them less suited for commuting and road safety, and more geared towards people who want to record specific sections of their rides for sharing later.

If you’re an aspiring vlogger or adventure film maker, or if you just like to collect beautiful footage of the rides you’ve done to store for later use, then an action camera is your best bet.

Action camera pros and cons

Pros:

• Cinematic quality: Expect crisp 4K (or higher) footage, image stabilisation to smooth out the shakes, and good low-light performance.
• Multi-purpose use: Take the same camera on a beach holiday, to the ski resort, to a weekend race, or even for vlogging indoors. It can tick all those boxes and more.
• Multiple mounting options: Each camera brand will have an array of mounting options, from handlebar to helmet to chest strap, so you can find the one that suits your needs best.
• Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s Instagram reels, Youtube videos or your club WhatsApp group, the footage you’ll capture on an action camera is far more engaging than what you’ll get on a safety camera.

Cons:

• Shorter battery life: Since high-resolution recording eats batteries, you’ll be limited to recording around 1-2 hours before you run out of space.
• Manual operation: Without the continuous loop recording of safety cameras, you’ll have to remember to hit record, swap batteries, and manage SD card space.
• No cycling-specific features: You won’t get integrated lights, incident detection, or built-in looping.

Which should you choose?

There’s no definitive answer to this question, sadly, because it really depends on what you want to get out of your camera setup, and how you intend to use it.

Go for a safety camera if:

Your main priority is capturing evidence in the event of a road incident, and would benefit from hands-off operation, recording every second of your commute or training ride, and the reassurance of integrated lights and incident detection. The safety camera is a fit-and-forget product that’s designed to look after you.

Go for an action camera if:

You’re more interested in documenting, and re-living your rides, whether that’s for private use or sharing online. Action camera footage will be far higher quality, and you can use it for other sports and travel as well. It’s the best option for vloggers and adventure filmmakers who want to capture everything as it happens, in high definition, from the centre of the action.

Of course, there are many cyclists who will use both. If your budget can stretch to it, then the ultimate solution is to have a safety camera for the peace of mind, and an action camera for the highlight reel. That way you won’t drain your battery by recording endless traffic in 4K, but you’ve still got the option of capturing cinematic footage when you want it.

Safety cameras we recommend for cyclists

• Garmin Varia RCT715 – A rear light with radar and an integrated camera, so you get vehicle detection alerts plus loop recording.
• Cycliq Fly6 Gen 3 – A compact rear-facing light/camera combo, built to run all ride long.
• Cycliq Fly12 Sport – A front light and camera in one, handy for commuters who want front and rear coverage.

Action cameras we recommend for cyclists

• GoPro Hero 12 Black – The gold standard for action sports, with superb stabilisation and image quality.
• DJI Osmo Action 4 – Great low-light performance, often better for gloomy UK commutes.
• Insta360 X3 – A 360-degree camera that lets you reframe and edit creative angles post-ride.

Pre-season kit design and sponsor changeover news is coming thick and fast, and in a few short weeks, the 2026 race season will kick off. We've covered all the new WorldTour team kits recently, as well as Sam Welsford's move to the Ineos Grenadiers.

Before the racing starts, though, we can look forward to a relaxing and peaceful Christmas. If you are shopping for a cyclist, it can be difficult to know what to buy them, unless they have provided you with a very detailed wishlist!

If they haven't, you're in the right place, because the Cyclingnews tech team - Josh, Graham, Will and Tom - have handpicked three items each that, in our opinions, would make excellent Christmas gifts for our fellow cyclists. We have mixed it up and split our selections between things we would like to receive and items we would buy for another cyclist, making for a varied and interesting range of ideas.

There's a nice mix of items here, from tools, to tyre levers, overshoes to kids' bike seats. We hope you find something useful!

If you want even more choice, take a look at our Christmas gifts for cyclists.

In this guide each member of the tech team has picked out three of their favourite bits of winter cycling gear; one big ticket item, something mid-range, and a more basic item that we still love.

We've got comprehensive guides elsewhere for all the winter riding staples, from the best winter cycling jackets to the best winter cycling socks, and the best waterproof cycling jackets to the best bike lights to help you see as you head out into the gloom. As in those guides, the products below are backed up by comprehensive testing in the conditions the gear was designed for, and often a lot worse just to be sure.

With snow forecast here in the UK in the coming days, and a polar vortex bringing extremely cold conditions to North America, it's prime time to make sure your gear is going to look after you when it really matters.

Here in the UK, the start of 2026 has been one of the wettest on record. All this rain has broken road surfaces and washed all sorts of debris onto the roads, resulting in local lanes and training loops becoming a puncture minefield for your best road bike tyres. To avoid any expensive ride-ending catastrophes, swapping your lightweight tyres out for some more durable winter options is often a good move to make.

Anybody who has experience of winter cycling knows the despair of fixing a puncture by the roadside in the rain with freezing hands. Winter road tyres use more durable compounds and extra material, so although there is usually a little weight penalty, your ride won't be interrupted. On top of that, textured tread patterns and winter-specific compounds enhance grip in wet conditions. These days, the best winter tyres don't sacrifice much in the way of rolling resistance either, something we discovered in our rolling resistance lab testing.

We have years of combined testing experience here at Cyclingnews and have put in the hard miles to test a range of tyres and find the best winter road bike tyres. Based on outdoor performance, plus its excellent scoring during our lab testing, our top pick is the Continental GP5000 AS TR.

Read on to find which tyres we recommend you look for when choosing the best winter road bike tyre. If you still need some help, head to the bottom of the page for some useful buying advice.

Best winter road bike tyres

Best winter road bike tyre

Just like the Grand Prix 5000, the Grand Prix 5000 AS TR has become our benchmark winter road tyre to which all other tyres are compared. By reformulating the Black Chilli rubber for improved grip in the wet, thicker tread and more puncture protection, Continental blends the speed and performance of the standard GP5000 but comes prepared to take on all seasons.

Despite the GP5000 AS TR's all-weather capabilities, in our lab tests, its rolling resistance performance was very impressive. The Continental GP5000 AS TR was only 3.3 watts slower than its summer counterpart, fast enough that we would be tempted to run it all-year round.

When we ventured outside for real-world testing, we subjected the tyres to the muddy lanes, hedge trimmings, and various glass shards and debris at the side of busy roads that you would expect to cause a ride-ending puncture. Continental's Vectran Breaker puncture protection layer, four-ply sidewall and thicker tread shrugged it all off, and after several hundred kilometres remained puncture-free. The thicker tread will also offer greater mileage, so if you are racking up the winter rides, you won't need to replace tyres as often.

Like the GP5000 S, these are hookless compatible and are available in widths from 25c all the way to 35c, which should cover everybody's needs. Although bike tyre clearance will dictate the size you can run, we recommend getting the largest size you can to maximise the grip and comfort available.

To find out more, read our in-depth Continental GP5000 AS TR review.

Best for wet-weather grip

The S-Works Mondo is now Specialized's top winter weather tyre, replacing the much-loved, but flawed and dated, Turbo Cotton Hell of the North. Unlike the Turbo Cotton Hell of the North, which was designed to race in the spring classics, these are pitched as a proper endurance tyre, although they still offer plenty of performance.

While the S-Work's Mondo doesn't roll as fast as the very efficiant Turbo Cotton, 4.5 watts slower based on our testing, the S-Works Mondo is tubeless and hookless compatible and, most notably, comes in wider widths up to 35mm for added grip and comfort. Although it's slower than its cobble classic race tyre predecessor, which was a very fast tyre, and the Mondo comes in only a couple of watts slower than the GP5000 AS TR.

You're never going to notice such a small difference in rolling resistance out on the road, however, switching to a wider tyre adds volume, increasing the contact patch and allowing lower pressures to absorb vibrations more effectively. Specialized offers the Mondo in sizes up to 35c, assuming you have the clearance.

It's not only the Mondo's larger widths that enhance the grip. Specialized has employed its T2 (centre) and T5 (sidewall) Gripton dual compounds, combined with a slight file tread on the shoulders, which means this tyre performs very well in wet conditions.

Best budget winter tyre

Most brands offer all-season versions of their premium performance tyres, but they rarely offer the same for their budget options. The same applies to Vittoria's Rubino V. This isn't a tyre that's specifically designed for poor conditions but we think it's the best budget road tyre for winter riding.

Most importantly, we were impressed with the level of grip that the tyre offered, no matter the conditions. Cornering performance was reliable in both wet and dry conditions. Vittoria's bead shield and anti-puncture belt bolster durability, and during testing, we didn't have any problems with nicks or puncturing from the broken tarmac and general road crud that are a common occurrence on winter rides.

With cheaper tyres, durability comes at the cost of comfort as the cheaper materials used stiffen the tyre's casing. This wasn't the case with the Rubino V. We found they absorbed road buzz well, making them a comfortable choice for longer winter mile munching. They also come in 26c to 32c sizes, so you can spec larger tyre sizes if your frame can fit them.

Check out our Vittoria Rubino V review for more details.

Best for rough roads

The GoodYear Vector 4 Seasons tyre is, as the name suggests, a tyre for all seasons, but for our tech writer Tom it makes a fantastic, dependable winter tyre.

He rides all year round and has used these tyres for an entire winter of riding in the UK, it was also his tyre of choice when riding the infamous northern France cobblestones of the Roubaix Challenge. In all that time, he hasn't picked up a single puncture, which, whilst sometimes being down to the luck of the draw, is a promising sign of durability.

The Vector 4 Seasons is available in a range of sizes, from 25-32mm in both its tube type form and tubeless ready version, meaning it should hopefully please the majority of riders, unless you want to go even wider.

The tyres have a 120TPI (threads per inch) casing, and feature bead-to-bead GoodYear Armour puncture protection, along with an under-tread breaker belt for extra protection and GoodYear's Dynamic: Silica4 compound for improved wet weather grip.

The Vector's sidewalls are tough and durable, something I really valued when riding in Roubaix, where the rough surface presents a real risk of sidewall cuts and tears. If you are commuting or riding in poor conditions, they will stand you in good stead.

They don't feel completely dead and sluggish like some winter-specific tyres either, winter riding doesn't need to be boring miles and Tom enjoyed their quality, zippy ride feeling. When it rained, he didn't have any issues with wet-weather grip on slick winter streets and roads.

If you want some quality road tyres that are tougher and more durable than racier models like the Continental GP5000, my personal favourite, but still feel fairly quick, take a look at these.

Best for puncture protection

Falling somewhere in the middle of the bulletproof Gatorskin and the top-end GP5000, the Grand Prix 4 Season offers added puncture protection and durability without sacrificing too much in the realm of rolling resistance.

Available in sizes from 23c to 32c, the GP 4 Season sees a double-layer Vectran breaker to keep pointy road debris from meeting your tube and features the German brand's polyamide fibre DuraSkin sidewall to stave off cuts. When we reviewed the GP 4 Season, we found the durability to be nearly identical to the ultra-tough Continental Gator Hardshell, while offering considerably better road performance in terms of handling and comfort.

The GP 4 Seasons doesn't get the BlackChili treatment, instead, the tread is made from a relatively soft Max Grip Silica compound that holds onto wet roads well, is surprisingly supple and has proved to be hard-wearing.

There is one caveat, these aren't tubeless or hookless compatible. This will exclude a swathe of riders who are tubeless converts or have a bike with a modern hookless wheelset. If you want the best tubeless road tyre or all-season riding, while shaving off some rolling resistance, we recommend investing a little more money and getting Continental's GP5000 AS TR instead.

To find out more, read our Continental Grand Prix 4 Seasons tyre review.

Best all-road tyre

I can't resist the odd dirt detour on a road ride, and even in winter, I still find myself venturing down the occasional off-road lane. To handle such excursions, I opt for the Michelin Power Adventure Competition Line when it comes to winter riding. Technically, it's a gravel tyre, but it has all the makings of a superb wet-weather all-road tyre for riders looking for larger volume, more grip and enhanced comfort.

I have run the Michelin Power Adventure Competition Line for two winter seasons and found they excel on rainy rides, the Gum-X compound delivers reliable grip on wet roads and the treaded shoulders bolster this further by aiding mechanical grip.

They can't compete with a performance road tyre when it comes to rolling speed, but they don't feel slow, especially when tarmac surfaces are rough or traction is at a premium. Top-end speed isn't the be-all and end-all, especially in winter, and I am happy to sacrifice a little rolling resistance if it adds comfort, confidence and it means I can dabble in the odd off-road excursion.

It's also exceedingly tough, I hit a square edge hard enough to write off a rim, yet this tyre remained undamaged. Puncture protection is decent too, and over the course of two winters and thousands of kilometres, I have only suffered a couple of punctures.

The slick profile means it's obviously not going to handle muddy gravel riding and I had to be careful when lowering pressures as I did experience some rim strikes when running these at what would be deemed normal gravel pressures. However, neither of these factors is much of a concern for winter all-road or light gravel riding where I typically run higher pressures for the road anyway.

How to choose the best winter road bike tyres

• Do I need winter road bike tyres? This really depends on your winter road conditions. If you live somewhere with a mild dry winter, you may be able to ride summer tyres year-round. Harsher winter conditions, like the ones I experience in Scotland, will carve out potholes and wash debris onto the road, so a more durable tyre is needed.
• How much puncture protection do I need? For general winter riding, all the all-season road tyres we have recommended in this guide should perform well. If your local roads are particularly rough, then opting for a slick gravel tyre may be a better option. If your winter riding includes regular commuting and city riding, then picking a tyre with a thicker puncture-proof layer under the tread to protect against sharp objects.
• Should I choose tubeless winter tyres? Winter tyres feature a little more puncture protection already, but if you do puncture, the best tubeless sealant will plug any small holes that can be caused by glass, rocks or thorns. It does require a little more upkeep, so if you aren't a regular winter rider, you may be better off sticking with tubes.
• What size winter tyres should I choose? We like to size up a little bit for winter, bigger tyres offer more grip in wet conditions, more comfort and generally fend off punctures from rough road surfaces better. Before you commit to a wider tyre, make sure your bike has enough clearance for the extra width.

Everything you need to know about the best winter road bike tyres

If you are planning on a lot of outdoor riding this winter, your estimated weekly mileage and local road conditions will dictate what winter tyres are right for you. If your mileage is high and you're heading out whatever the weather a tyre with a little more weight and puncture protection will be the way to go. If your riding is mainly short weekend blasts and you want to keep up on a faster club run or group ride then a slightly faster rolling tyre with some additional protection may be the way to go.

How we test the best winter road bike tyres?

Reviewing the best winter tyres is no different from testing tyres in summer. Cyclingnews testing covers three areas; set up, ride feel and lab testing.

Set up involves weighing every tyre, fitting them to wheels, setting up tubeless if compatible and measuring their true width once mounted on a wheel.

Once set up our expert testers will ride them across a wide range of conditions, to determine the ride feel, handling comfort and durability in the real world.

Finally, many of the tyres in this guide are included in our bank of tyre rolling resistance data, this was collected at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub lab where we ran a series of tests on 24 road bike tyres using an efficiency rig. If you want to see the full results, check out our test where we found out which road bike tyres are the fastest.

If you're looking to follow a class online, the best known spin-style exercise bikes are from Peloton and Echelon, although both have a hefty up front price and a recurring monthly subscription.

If you're looking for a connected exercise bike, our top recommendation is the Echelon Connect Sport, which gives you much of the same functionality as the Peloton Bike, but at a more wallet-friendly price.

Basic exercise bikes are typically more affordable and don't require a monthly subscription. They let you sit on and pedal, with a dial to alter the resistance offered. They may fold away easily for storage and may be light enough to carry around the home.

Another alternative is a smart bike, which works with an indoor cycling app such as Zwift is a more sophisticated (and expensive) alternative to a smart trainer. There is a difference between indoor cycling vs spinning, but both types are broadly classed as exercise bikes.

Choosing the right exercise bike for you can be difficult. Below, you'll find our pick of the best exercise bikes, from the basic to the sophisticated. Towards the bottom of the page, there's a buyer's guide to how to choose, which explains the key features of an exercise bike, while our glossary will explain the terms you'll read below.

Best exercise bikes

Best budget Peloton alternative

This budget Echelon exercise bike, the Connect Sport, offers much of the functionality of its higher-priced siblings but saves money by excluding a front-mounted screen. Instead, owners of this exercise bike will need to bring their own screen, which if you already own a smart device such as a tablet (or want the versatility of owning a separate tablet device) won't be an issue at all. Simply load up the Echelon Fit app on your device, connect the bike via Bluetooth, and you'll have access to all the classes you need.

It comes with a 7kg flywheel, which left us wanting more on occasion, although the magnetic resistance did help to prevent the draggy feeling that can plague some of the more budget exercise bikes. A total of 32 resistance levels offers a good spread of difficulty levels, while the 96 x 51cm footprint is stable enough for all but the most rigorous efforts.

You can make Echelon purchases even more affordable with our Echelon coupon codes.

Best budget Peloton Bike

Exercise bikes have been in gyms for as long as we can remember, but Peloton has changed the game and reinvigorated a segment of indoor training for the masses beyond the Zwifters. In terms of the Peloton Bike itself, it's really not all that revolutionary; a knob near the handlebars adjusts the resistance, a 17kg flywheel maintains inertia, the saddle and bar position are adjustable without tools and there is no freewheel so you can't coast.

But it's not the bike itself that has created the phenomenon, it's the sweatproof 21.5-inch touch screen at the front. This enormous head unit is WiFi, ANT+ and Bluetooth enabled and runs the Peloton app which features thousands of pre-recorded classes as well as live classes run by professional instructors.

One thing the app doesn’t do is adjust the resistance; you’ll have to do that manually to hit your targets. The higher-priced Bike Plus, seen below, can offer this functionality.

As with any of the other training apps, the sessions range in difficulty from easy spins to disgustingly difficult; there are scenic rides too. Peloton has also added a community aspect to its ecosystem; you can follow and chat with other people who are doing the same class and see live rankings on who is pushing the most watts.

Best premium Peloton alternative

The EX-5S is a more premium step into Echelon's ecosystem, and in this case, there's no need to bring your own screen, since it comes with a large 22-inch sweatproof HD screen mounted up front. A slightly larger footprint helps to offset the top-heavy weight added by the screen, so I found that it remained stable in all workouts, and it's widely adjustable, so it will fit most of the family.

The same 32 levels of resistance provide the variable resistance, however, unlike even the budget smart bikes, it still doesn't offer 'ERG' mode, so all resistance changes will need to be done manually, rather than electronically.

Best Peloton exercise bike

Peloton's most recent response to the rise of the smart bike is the Bike Plus. This takes the original Peloton Bike and adds a slew of updates like a larger screen that is more adjustable, more speakers, a better camera, Apple Watch integration, USB-C charging and more. However, for us, it's the integration of 'auto follow' that sets this Peloton apart from its direct competitors.

Auto-follow - perhaps better known as 'ERG' mode among the smart bike scene - allows the app (in this case, the Peloton app) to control the resistance, rather than relying on the athlete to twist the knob on the top tube (though this does still exist). It also includes a power meter to more accurately measure and report on a rider's output. In use, I found this could be a little delayed at times, but it mostly made life easier, not having to remove your hand from the bars to adjust the resistance.

Among this genre, I see the Peloton Bike Plus as the most complete device currently available, but in my opinion, from both a technological and user interface standpoint, smart bikes still win out due to the addition of gradient replication, power measurement accuracy, and the varying choice afforded by third-party app connectivity.

Read our comprehensive review of the Peloton Bike+ for more.

Best for features on a budget

The 'Basic Exercise Bike 100' from Domyos is a very simple design, but while I found that the overall number of features is low, each one is a welcome inclusion that adds to the experience without unnecessarily adding to the overall cost.

Up front, there is a multi-position handlebar that offers no fewer than 10 different positions. There's a small LCD display at the centre that offers the basic ride metrics like speed and time.

There are a couple of small caveats: at higher resistances, I found the resistance pad can start to heat up and smell due to friction. This isn't detrimental to its performance, but will likely accelerate wear over time. Secondly, the Domyos exercise bike's stability can falter during all-out sprint efforts, as it's not the most planted of things. A small trick here: if your floor is flat enough to do so, remove the adjustable feet and place the bike onto an indoor trainer mat for grip. This lowers your centre of gravity by a couple of inches and helps keep it a little more stable.

Those aside, if you're after a simple exercise bike without the big expense, the Domyos 100 is a good place to look.

Thinking about investing in an exercise bike? You can often save on selected models and accessories by checking our Decathlon coupons before you buy.

Best basic exercise bike to design your own workout plans

Merach's exercise bike offers useful features on a budget. The accompanying app allows you to design your own workout plan and sync your data to Zwift, Apple Health and Google Fit and there's even a gamified ride option.

There are 16 resistance levels to choose from and, in addition, it tilts on its axis through 6 degrees, so you can simulate shallow climbs and descents. The 10kg flywheel is adequately heavy for a basic exercise bike and should help with ride feel. It does contribute to a 50kg claimed weight, so you're not going to want to move the Merach around and will need a dedicated exercise space for it.

Best basic spin bike

The Schwinn IC7 is a good at-home replica of the 'spin' bikes you'll likely know from the gym. Its fixed freehub and 18kg flywheel take a little bit of extra torque to get going, but the inertia generated helps to prevent that 'pedalling-through-treacle' feeling you can get with cheaper, lighter flywheels.

The IC7 comes with an LCD display that shows your speed, time, distance, RPM, and estimation of calories burned. Its 58cm width and 45kg weight help to make it stable, and while it's certainly possible to unsettle it, I found that doesn't happen during normal use, even when sprinting.

It also comes with dual-sided pedals, which include SPD 'clipless' pedals as well as a toe clip side, so you can wear your normal shoes, and this also means it's rideable straight out of the box. Like other simple exercise bikes, you will have to bring your own entertainment, but it comes with a screen holder at the front, as well as a bottle holder for your hydration. And finally, its fit is widely adjustable, so it'll be good for the whole household.

The best exercise bikes compared

How to choose the best exercise bike for you

With such a wide array of different options competing for the title of best exercise bike, making a decision on which to buy can be daunting. In this section, we'll run you through a few questions to answer and considerations to make, which should steer you in the right direction.

• What type of exercise bike do you want? Do you want a spin bike, a basic model or one with more interactivity - the difference is explained below. Do you want an upright or a recumbent model?
• Do you want interactivity? Do you want to be connected to classes and other riders, or are you content to ride alone?
• Do you want automatic resistance changes? Do you want resistance controlled by a class or are you happy to adjust resistance yourself?
• Do you want to keep abreast of your heart rate, power output and other stats? Not all exercise bikes measure these or have connectivity to other devices.
• Do you have somewhere to keep it? Can your exercise bike stay out all the time, or does it need to be portable and foldable?
• How much do you want to pay? Peloton and some other options require an up-front purchase for the bike then a recurring charge to access classes (although you can rent the Peloton Bike rather than pay up-front).

All you need to know about the best exercise bikes

Best exercise bikes: glossary

• Basic exercise bike: Does not usually link up to an app and often has manual resistance adjustment.
• Cadence: The number of times the pedals are turned per minute.
• ERG mode: The exercise bike adjusts the resistance automatically, following the changes in effort level in a workout.
• Flywheel: Driven by the pedals, usually via a belt, to provide inertia.
• Indoor cycling app: An app that runs on a smartphone or other device to deliver a workout, often with a ride simulation. May link to the exercise bike to automatically change resistance.
• Power meter: Measures how much effort you're exerting when riding against the exercise bike's resistance.
• Recumbent exercise bike: An exercise bike on which you sit lower down behind the pedals on a seat rather than above them on a saddle.
• Resistance: The drag created by the exercise bike to make pedalling harder.
• Smart bike: Can be linked wirelessly to an indoor cycling app to change the resistance as you ride.
• Spin bike: An indoor bike with a heavy flywheel and usually without a freewheel, designed for spin classes.
• Spin class: An instructor-led workout with differences in pedalling speed, which can be delivered over the internet or in a group class.
• Turbo trainer: A device that connects to the rear of an outdoor bicycle to provide resistance to pedalling when riding indoors.