Oakley has added a new shape to its long-running Radar sunglasses range. The Radar EV Heater sunglasses increase the lens height and extend it to the sides, which Oakley says delivers unobstructed vision for cyclists. 

They join the Radar EV Advancer glasses, which have a vented lens, and the Radar EV Pitch glasses, which offer wider side coverage.

The usual Oakley materials have been used: the O-Matter plastic frame, two sets of Unobtainium nosepads and non-slip earsocks, which Oakley claims grip better the more you sweat to help keep the glasses in place. 

Oakley uses its Prizm high-definition lens in the new eyewear, which comes in up to nine lens/frame colour options, depending on geography, including two polarised lenses. Oakley rates the size as XL. Prices start at £196 / $244 / €222.

We have Oakley Radar reviews at BikeRadar going right back to 2007, when we described the then-new sunnies as “a fantastic design, very well made, and the new lenses are excellent”. We grumbled about their price even then, though.

Plus new Cybr Lightning

Oakley’s second new model is the rimless Cybr Lightning, which joins its existing Cybr families. There’s the same mix of plastics as in the Radar EV Heater sunnies. The lens is vented for additional airflow and is treated with Oakley’s Iridium surface coating. 

Oakley says the Cybr Lightning glasses are designed for running, but they would be an equally good choice for cyclists, with the lack of an upper frame ensuring forward vision when nose to the bar. The size is rated as L.

There are up to five lens/side-arm colour choices, again depending on where you live, including a salmon pink low-light option. Prices start at £164 / $204 / €185.

Oakley has added a new shape to its long-running Radar sunglasses range. The Radar EV Heater sunglasses increase the lens height and extend it to the sides, which Oakley says delivers unobstructed vision for cyclists. 

They join the Radar EV Advancer glasses, which have a vented lens, and the Radar EV Pitch glasses, which offer wider side coverage.

The usual Oakley materials have been used: the O-Matter plastic frame, two sets of Unobtainium nosepads and non-slip earsocks, which Oakley claims grip better the more you sweat to help keep the glasses in place. 

Oakley uses its Prizm high-definition lens in the new eyewear, which comes in up to nine lens/frame colour options, depending on geography, including two polarised lenses. Oakley rates the size as XL. Prices start at £196 / $244 / €222.

We have Oakley Radar reviews at BikeRadar going right back to 2007, when we described the then-new sunnies as “a fantastic design, very well made, and the new lenses are excellent”. We grumbled about their price even then, though.

Plus new Cybr Lightning

Oakley’s second new model is the rimless Cybr Lightning, which joins its existing Cybr families. There’s the same mix of plastics as in the Radar EV Heater sunnies. The lens is vented for additional airflow and is treated with Oakley’s Iridium surface coating. 

Oakley says the Cybr Lightning glasses are designed for running, but they would be an equally good choice for cyclists, with the lack of an upper frame ensuring forward vision when nose to the bar. The size is rated as L.

There are up to five lens/side-arm colour choices, again depending on where you live, including a salmon pink low-light option. Prices start at £164 / $204 / €185.

Oakley has added a new shape to its long-running Radar sunglasses range. The Radar EV Heater sunglasses increase the lens height and extend it to the sides, which Oakley says delivers unobstructed vision for cyclists. 

They join the Radar EV Advancer glasses, which have a vented lens, and the Radar EV Pitch glasses, which offer wider side coverage.

The usual Oakley materials have been used: the O-Matter plastic frame, two sets of Unobtainium nosepads and non-slip earsocks, which Oakley claims grip better the more you sweat to help keep the glasses in place. 

Oakley uses its Prizm high-definition lens in the new eyewear, which comes in up to nine lens/frame colour options, depending on geography, including two polarised lenses. Oakley rates the size as XL. Prices start at £196 / $244 / €222.

We have Oakley Radar reviews at BikeRadar going right back to 2007, when we described the then-new sunnies as “a fantastic design, very well made, and the new lenses are excellent”. We grumbled about their price even then, though.

Plus new Cybr Lightning

Oakley’s second new model is the rimless Cybr Lightning, which joins its existing Cybr families. There’s the same mix of plastics as in the Radar EV Heater sunnies. The lens is vented for additional airflow and is treated with Oakley’s Iridium surface coating. 

Oakley says the Cybr Lightning glasses are designed for running, but they would be an equally good choice for cyclists, with the lack of an upper frame ensuring forward vision when nose to the bar. The size is rated as L.

There are up to five lens/side-arm colour choices, again depending on where you live, including a salmon pink low-light option. Prices start at £164 / $204 / €185.

Mason will display the Macro32, an adventure hardtail with unreleased 32in wheels from Hunt, at Bespoked Dresden 2026. 

The bicycle company says the bike is “the first 32in bike of its kind from a UK brand, and probably the first like this in the world”.

It takes Mason’s Macro29 bikepacking adventure bike and adds 32in wheels, one of cycling’s biggest tech trends.

Founder and designer Dom Mason says he’s watched the progression of 32in wheels “from afar”.

“I was sceptical and didn’t want to jump in because it was the ‘next BIG thing’. It’s no good making an adventure bike with rare wheels and tyres that you can’t find a replacement for if disaster strikes in the middle of a big ride,” Dom Mason says in the bike’s official press release. 

But he says that it seems as though a “critical mass” has been achieved: “We are seeing a really usable selection of 32in tyres in various widths, from most of the big makers, along with the emergence of suitable suspension forks from brands like DTSwiss.”

• You may like: ‘We hoped they wouldn’t be as good’: what the bike industry really thinks about 32in wheels

“Not a concept bike”

Bespoked Dresden gets underway today, Friday 11 September, but the independent bicycle show has already proven itself as a testing ground for 32in wheels. At Bespoked London 2026 in April, several frame builders had 32in bicycles on display and many were one-offs. 

Mainstream brands have also released 32in prototypes, including Scott’s 32in gravel bike and Canyon’s custom Grizl for LeBron James. 

But Mason says the Macro32 “is not a concept bike”: “We have identified true potential and we are in serious development, with a view to adding the Macro32 to our range for 2027.” 

Mason says its supported riders Josh Ibbet and Angus Young will ride the final development of the bike during the inaugural 1,460km Taurus Mountain Race in October.

It will then refine and tweak the bike where necessary, and finalise the geometry and features ahead of its official release next year.  

Macro “lends itself perfectly” to 32in wheels

Mason says the aluminium Macro “lends itself perfectly to the inherent advantages of a large fast-rolling wheel”.

It adds that the geometry of the adventure hardtail bike is also a natural fit for the larger wheel size. It says it can design three sizes – medium, large and extra large – without making compromises to rider fit, efficiency or clearances.

“We don’t want to lose the engaging and dependable ride feel of the Macro, purely for ‘straight line speed’. Keeping the rider-compartment similar to the Macro29 is key here, along with keeping BB height, wheelbase and trail angles in check.

“New seatstay, chainstay and seat tube design were all necessary, once again carried out in conjunction with our master tube makers at Dedacciai, Italy.” 

The bike will also use Mason’s HotShoe2 carbon fork. The clearance for a mudguard and large tyres means it can accommodate 32in wheels. 

New Hunt Proven 32in wheels 

Fitted to the Macro32 are 32in wheels from Mason’s long-term collaborator, Hunt.

The two companies have worked together closely since Mason was founded in 2014, with Hunt producing wheelsets for its bikes.

Now Hunt has developed the Proven 32in wheelset, which debuts on the Mason Macro32. 

Mason has revealed little about the wheels and Hunt is yet to respond to BikeRadar’s enquiry about them, but we know the wheels use Boost spacing. This could help retain the stiffness and strength, even if some brands have opted to use Super Boost spacing for the wheel size.

The Macro32 also features new 32in adaptors for the Tailfin Speedpack. Bespoked Dresden will be the first time they’ve been on display at a bike show. 

Mason will display the Macro32, an adventure hardtail with unreleased 32in wheels from Hunt, at Bespoked Dresden 2026. 

The bicycle company says the bike is “the first 32in bike of its kind from a UK brand, and probably the first like this in the world”.

It takes Mason’s Macro29 bikepacking adventure bike and adds 32in wheels, one of cycling’s biggest tech trends.

Founder and designer Dom Mason says he’s watched the progression of 32in wheels “from afar”.

“I was sceptical and didn’t want to jump in because it was the ‘next BIG thing’. It’s no good making an adventure bike with rare wheels and tyres that you can’t find a replacement for if disaster strikes in the middle of a big ride,” Dom Mason says in the bike’s official press release. 

But he says that it seems as though a “critical mass” has been achieved: “We are seeing a really usable selection of 32in tyres in various widths, from most of the big makers, along with the emergence of suitable suspension forks from brands like DTSwiss.”

• You may like: ‘We hoped they wouldn’t be as good’: what the bike industry really thinks about 32in wheels

“Not a concept bike”

Bespoked Dresden gets underway today, Friday 11 September, but the independent bicycle show has already proven itself as a testing ground for 32in wheels. At Bespoked London 2026 in April, several frame builders had 32in bicycles on display and many were one-offs. 

Mainstream brands have also released 32in prototypes, including Scott’s 32in gravel bike and Canyon’s custom Grizl for LeBron James. 

But Mason says the Macro32 “is not a concept bike”: “We have identified true potential and we are in serious development, with a view to adding the Macro32 to our range for 2027.” 

Mason says its supported riders Josh Ibbet and Angus Young will ride the final development of the bike during the inaugural 1,460km Taurus Mountain Race in October.

It will then refine and tweak the bike where necessary, and finalise the geometry and features ahead of its official release next year.  

Macro “lends itself perfectly” to 32in wheels

Mason says the aluminium Macro “lends itself perfectly to the inherent advantages of a large fast-rolling wheel”.

It adds that the geometry of the adventure hardtail bike is also a natural fit for the larger wheel size. It says it can design three sizes – medium, large and extra large – without making compromises to rider fit, efficiency or clearances.

“We don’t want to lose the engaging and dependable ride feel of the Macro, purely for ‘straight line speed’. Keeping the rider-compartment similar to the Macro29 is key here, along with keeping BB height, wheelbase and trail angles in check.

“New seatstay, chainstay and seat tube design were all necessary, once again carried out in conjunction with our master tube makers at Dedacciai, Italy.” 

The bike will also use Mason’s HotShoe2 carbon fork. The clearance for a mudguard and large tyres means it can accommodate 32in wheels. 

New Hunt Proven 32in wheels 

Fitted to the Macro32 are 32in wheels from Mason’s long-term collaborator, Hunt.

The two companies have worked together closely since Mason was founded in 2014, with Hunt producing wheelsets for its bikes.

Now Hunt has developed the Proven 32in wheelset, which debuts on the Mason Macro32. 

Mason has revealed little about the wheels and Hunt is yet to respond to BikeRadar’s enquiry about them, but we know the wheels use Boost spacing. This could help retain the stiffness and strength, even if some brands have opted to use Super Boost spacing for the wheel size.

The Macro32 also features new 32in adaptors for the Tailfin Speedpack. Bespoked Dresden will be the first time they’ve been on display at a bike show. 

Mason will display the Macro32, an adventure hardtail with unreleased 32in wheels from Hunt, at Bespoked Dresden 2026. 

The bicycle company says the bike is “the first 32in bike of its kind from a UK brand, and probably the first like this in the world”.

It takes Mason’s Macro29 bikepacking adventure bike and adds 32in wheels, one of cycling’s biggest tech trends.

Founder and designer Dom Mason says he’s watched the progression of 32in wheels “from afar”.

“I was sceptical and didn’t want to jump in because it was the ‘next BIG thing’. It’s no good making an adventure bike with rare wheels and tyres that you can’t find a replacement for if disaster strikes in the middle of a big ride,” Dom Mason says in the bike’s official press release. 

But he says that it seems as though a “critical mass” has been achieved: “We are seeing a really usable selection of 32in tyres in various widths, from most of the big makers, along with the emergence of suitable suspension forks from brands like DTSwiss.”

• You may like: ‘We hoped they wouldn’t be as good’: what the bike industry really thinks about 32in wheels

“Not a concept bike”

Bespoked Dresden gets underway today, Friday 11 September, but the independent bicycle show has already proven itself as a testing ground for 32in wheels. At Bespoked London 2026 in April, several frame builders had 32in bicycles on display and many were one-offs. 

Mainstream brands have also released 32in prototypes, including Scott’s 32in gravel bike and Canyon’s custom Grizl for LeBron James. 

But Mason says the Macro32 “is not a concept bike”: “We have identified true potential and we are in serious development, with a view to adding the Macro32 to our range for 2027.” 

Mason says its supported riders Josh Ibbet and Angus Young will ride the final development of the bike during the inaugural 1,460km Taurus Mountain Race in October.

It will then refine and tweak the bike where necessary, and finalise the geometry and features ahead of its official release next year.  

Macro “lends itself perfectly” to 32in wheels

Mason says the aluminium Macro “lends itself perfectly to the inherent advantages of a large fast-rolling wheel”.

It adds that the geometry of the adventure hardtail bike is also a natural fit for the larger wheel size. It says it can design three sizes – medium, large and extra large – without making compromises to rider fit, efficiency or clearances.

“We don’t want to lose the engaging and dependable ride feel of the Macro, purely for ‘straight line speed’. Keeping the rider-compartment similar to the Macro29 is key here, along with keeping BB height, wheelbase and trail angles in check.

“New seatstay, chainstay and seat tube design were all necessary, once again carried out in conjunction with our master tube makers at Dedacciai, Italy.” 

The bike will also use Mason’s HotShoe2 carbon fork. The clearance for a mudguard and large tyres means it can accommodate 32in wheels. 

New Hunt Proven 32in wheels 

Fitted to the Macro32 are 32in wheels from Mason’s long-term collaborator, Hunt.

The two companies have worked together closely since Mason was founded in 2014, with Hunt producing wheelsets for its bikes.

Now Hunt has developed the Proven 32in wheelset, which debuts on the Mason Macro32. 

Mason has revealed little about the wheels and Hunt is yet to respond to BikeRadar’s enquiry about them, but we know the wheels use Boost spacing. This could help retain the stiffness and strength, even if some brands have opted to use Super Boost spacing for the wheel size.

The Macro32 also features new 32in adaptors for the Tailfin Speedpack. Bespoked Dresden will be the first time they’ve been on display at a bike show. 

Gravel is currently the most exciting cycling discipline. Gravel racing has changed rapidly from the realm of plucky amateurs to a full-blown professional racing scene and the tech has evolved to keep pace.

The initial crop of specialist gravel race bikes were essentially road race bikes with slightly larger clearance and tweaked geometry. That’s all changed in the last couple of years, with the gravel bikes now offering massive clearance as riders realise that traction, stability and mud clearance are essential for success.

At the same time, 32-inch wheels are bubbling under for gravel, as for XC mountain biking. Most brands are approaching 32in cautiously, held back by the lack of component choices, but an increasing number of 32in gravel bikes are being launched. 

Meanwhile, ultra-distance gravel riders are demanding more capable bikes for long-distance rides and suspension is becoming an important consideration.

At present, barely a week goes by without an announcement of a new gravel bike that is lighter, faster or more capable, invariably with larger tyre clearance. Below are five new gravel bikes that have got us excited about the direction of travel in gravel bike design.

Scott Addict Gravel

While many of its competitors have gone aero with their latest gravel bikes, Scott has focused on low weight, shaving 75g off its previous-generation Addict Gravel to reach a claimed 794g for the HMX frameset, with a 7.8kg claimed weight for the top spec in size M.

The frame is less stiff, too, which Scott says increases traction, and there’s a new cockpit with a forward sweep and drops shaped to fit your palms.

Tyre clearance has ballooned to 57mm, and both stack and reach have been increased, paired with shorter stems. There’s greater bottom bracket drop and increased fork rake, although the chainstays remain at a road-bike like 425mm despite the increased clearance.

Scott has hidden a tool kit under the down tube and more tools in the bar ends, while there are bags to match and fork-leg mounts that don’t use the standard positioning and place the load further rearwards for better handling.

There’s no 32in wheel version of the Addict Gravel though, despite Robin Gemperle winning this year’s Unbound XL on a prototype. 

Factor Elara

While Scott hasn’t gone aero with its new gravel bike, Factor has with the Elara, which replaces the Ostro Gravel and, Factor says, has aerodynamics on a par with road bikes.

It’s another gravel bike that can handle 57mm tyres, while keeping short chainstays – in this case 423mm. Reach has increased from the Ostro Gravel, but trail has decreased and there’s a wide-stance fork akin to that of the Factor One aero road bike.

Despite the clearance, the Elara can still be set up 2x as well as 1x, while in-frame storage helps keep draggy spares out of the way. Black Inc, Factor’s component brand, has supplied a new cockpit and 64mm-section, 30mm-internal-width wheels to match the Elara.   

Winspace G5

Winspace is one of a growing number of Chinese bike brands making their presence felt for Western riders. Its G5 aero gravel race bike costs around half as much as established brands’ offerings. It, too, has in-frame storage and big clearance, bettering Scott and Factor by 1mm at 58mm at the front, although with 53mm at the rear.

Winspace says an unpainted size-M frame weighs 950g and a frameset costs only £1,650 / $2,200 / €1,933. You can buy a complete bike with carbon wheels and a Winspace Adventure one-piece carbon cockpit for between $4,799 with GRX RX825 Di2 and $5,999 with Force XPLR AXS. Pay an extra $500 and you can swap in a RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR 30mm-travel suspension fork.

Mosaic GT i55 32

While Scott has shied away from 32in wheels, they’ve been embraced by Mosaic Cycles for its titanium gravel bike. Mosaic claims the bike has been designed from the ground up for 32in wheels, whereas it suggests other brands adapt an existing 700c frameset for the larger wheel size.

It reckons it has overcome the disadvantages of the larger wheels: higher stack, longer wheelbase, increased toe overlap and longer chainstays. In return, 32in wheels offer potentially better roll-over of rougher trails, greater momentum and increased stability.

A new carbon fork helps reduce stack and offers 55mm tyre clearance. A curved seat tube and 3D-printed chainstay yoke help keep chainstay length down to 445mm or less and retain a standard gravel chainline despite using Boost axle spacing.

• You may like: ‘We hoped they wouldn’t be as good’: what the bike industry really thinks about 32in wheels

Quirk Kegety

Mosaic says its gravel bike will in future move from custom to small-batch builds, but London-based Quirk Cycles already uses small-batch production with stock geometry for its steel Kegety gravel bike.

Made of Columbus Life steel with a 3D-printed head tube, seat cluster and dropouts, it’s a bike focused squarely on gravel adventure riding and is based on owner Rob Quirk’s bike designed for the inaugural Silk Road Mountain Race. 

There’s 50mm tyre clearance, while Quirk fits an ENVE gravel cockpit and fork, with a Chris King headset. It prices the Kegety frameset at £4,999 with full builds from £10,550.

• You may like: Rob Quirk traded art for craftsmanship – and now he’s building a global cycling brand

Gravel is currently the most exciting cycling discipline. Gravel racing has changed rapidly from the realm of plucky amateurs to a full-blown professional racing scene and the tech has evolved to keep pace.

The initial crop of specialist gravel race bikes were essentially road race bikes with slightly larger clearance and tweaked geometry. That’s all changed in the last couple of years, with the gravel bikes now offering massive clearance as riders realise that traction, stability and mud clearance are essential for success.

At the same time, 32-inch wheels are bubbling under for gravel, as for XC mountain biking. Most brands are approaching 32in cautiously, held back by the lack of component choices, but an increasing number of 32in gravel bikes are being launched. 

Meanwhile, ultra-distance gravel riders are demanding more capable bikes for long-distance rides and suspension is becoming an important consideration.

At present, barely a week goes by without an announcement of a new gravel bike that is lighter, faster or more capable, invariably with larger tyre clearance. Below are five new gravel bikes that have got us excited about the direction of travel in gravel bike design.

Scott Addict Gravel

While many of its competitors have gone aero with their latest gravel bikes, Scott has focused on low weight, shaving 75g off its previous-generation Addict Gravel to reach a claimed 794g for the HMX frameset, with a 7.8kg claimed weight for the top spec in size M.

The frame is less stiff, too, which Scott says increases traction, and there’s a new cockpit with a forward sweep and drops shaped to fit your palms.

Tyre clearance has ballooned to 57mm, and both stack and reach have been increased, paired with shorter stems. There’s greater bottom bracket drop and increased fork rake, although the chainstays remain at a road-bike like 425mm despite the increased clearance.

Scott has hidden a tool kit under the down tube and more tools in the bar ends, while there are bags to match and fork-leg mounts that don’t use the standard positioning and place the load further rearwards for better handling.

There’s no 32in wheel version of the Addict Gravel though, despite Robin Gemperle winning this year’s Unbound XL on a prototype. 

Factor Elara

While Scott hasn’t gone aero with its new gravel bike, Factor has with the Elara, which replaces the Ostro Gravel and, Factor says, has aerodynamics on a par with road bikes.

It’s another gravel bike that can handle 57mm tyres, while keeping short chainstays – in this case 423mm. Reach has increased from the Ostro Gravel, but trail has decreased and there’s a wide-stance fork akin to that of the Factor One aero road bike.

Despite the clearance, the Elara can still be set up 2x as well as 1x, while in-frame storage helps keep draggy spares out of the way. Black Inc, Factor’s component brand, has supplied a new cockpit and 64mm-section, 30mm-internal-width wheels to match the Elara.   

Winspace G5

Winspace is one of a growing number of Chinese bike brands making their presence felt for Western riders. Its G5 aero gravel race bike costs around half as much as established brands’ offerings. It, too, has in-frame storage and big clearance, bettering Scott and Factor by 1mm at 58mm at the front, although with 53mm at the rear.

Winspace says an unpainted size-M frame weighs 950g and a frameset costs only £1,650 / $2,200 / €1,933. You can buy a complete bike with carbon wheels and a Winspace Adventure one-piece carbon cockpit for between $4,799 with GRX RX825 Di2 and $5,999 with Force XPLR AXS. Pay an extra $500 and you can swap in a RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR 30mm-travel suspension fork.

Mosaic GT i55 32

While Scott has shied away from 32in wheels, they’ve been embraced by Mosaic Cycles for its titanium gravel bike. Mosaic claims the bike has been designed from the ground up for 32in wheels, whereas it suggests other brands adapt an existing 700c frameset for the larger wheel size.

It reckons it has overcome the disadvantages of the larger wheels: higher stack, longer wheelbase, increased toe overlap and longer chainstays. In return, 32in wheels offer potentially better roll-over of rougher trails, greater momentum and increased stability.

A new carbon fork helps reduce stack and offers 55mm tyre clearance. A curved seat tube and 3D-printed chainstay yoke help keep chainstay length down to 445mm or less and retain a standard gravel chainline despite using Boost axle spacing.

• You may like: ‘We hoped they wouldn’t be as good’: what the bike industry really thinks about 32in wheels

Quirk Kegety

Mosaic says its gravel bike will in future move from custom to small-batch builds, but London-based Quirk Cycles already uses small-batch production with stock geometry for its steel Kegety gravel bike.

Made of Columbus Life steel with a 3D-printed head tube, seat cluster and dropouts, it’s a bike focused squarely on gravel adventure riding and is based on owner Rob Quirk’s bike designed for the inaugural Silk Road Mountain Race. 

There’s 50mm tyre clearance, while Quirk fits an ENVE gravel cockpit and fork, with a Chris King headset. It prices the Kegety frameset at £4,999 with full builds from £10,550.

• You may like: Rob Quirk traded art for craftsmanship – and now he’s building a global cycling brand

Gravel is currently the most exciting cycling discipline. Gravel racing has changed rapidly from the realm of plucky amateurs to a full-blown professional racing scene and the tech has evolved to keep pace.

The initial crop of specialist gravel race bikes were essentially road race bikes with slightly larger clearance and tweaked geometry. That’s all changed in the last couple of years, with the gravel bikes now offering massive clearance as riders realise that traction, stability and mud clearance are essential for success.

At the same time, 32-inch wheels are bubbling under for gravel, as for XC mountain biking. Most brands are approaching 32in cautiously, held back by the lack of component choices, but an increasing number of 32in gravel bikes are being launched. 

Meanwhile, ultra-distance gravel riders are demanding more capable bikes for long-distance rides and suspension is becoming an important consideration.

At present, barely a week goes by without an announcement of a new gravel bike that is lighter, faster or more capable, invariably with larger tyre clearance. Below are five new gravel bikes that have got us excited about the direction of travel in gravel bike design.

Scott Addict Gravel

While many of its competitors have gone aero with their latest gravel bikes, Scott has focused on low weight, shaving 75g off its previous-generation Addict Gravel to reach a claimed 794g for the HMX frameset, with a 7.8kg claimed weight for the top spec in size M.

The frame is less stiff, too, which Scott says increases traction, and there’s a new cockpit with a forward sweep and drops shaped to fit your palms.

Tyre clearance has ballooned to 57mm, and both stack and reach have been increased, paired with shorter stems. There’s greater bottom bracket drop and increased fork rake, although the chainstays remain at a road-bike like 425mm despite the increased clearance.

Scott has hidden a tool kit under the down tube and more tools in the bar ends, while there are bags to match and fork-leg mounts that don’t use the standard positioning and place the load further rearwards for better handling.

There’s no 32in wheel version of the Addict Gravel though, despite Robin Gemperle winning this year’s Unbound XL on a prototype. 

Factor Elara

While Scott hasn’t gone aero with its new gravel bike, Factor has with the Elara, which replaces the Ostro Gravel and, Factor says, has aerodynamics on a par with road bikes.

It’s another gravel bike that can handle 57mm tyres, while keeping short chainstays – in this case 423mm. Reach has increased from the Ostro Gravel, but trail has decreased and there’s a wide-stance fork akin to that of the Factor One aero road bike.

Despite the clearance, the Elara can still be set up 2x as well as 1x, while in-frame storage helps keep draggy spares out of the way. Black Inc, Factor’s component brand, has supplied a new cockpit and 64mm-section, 30mm-internal-width wheels to match the Elara.   

Winspace G5

Winspace is one of a growing number of Chinese bike brands making their presence felt for Western riders. Its G5 aero gravel race bike costs around half as much as established brands’ offerings. It, too, has in-frame storage and big clearance, bettering Scott and Factor by 1mm at 58mm at the front, although with 53mm at the rear.

Winspace says an unpainted size-M frame weighs 950g and a frameset costs only £1,650 / $2,200 / €1,933. You can buy a complete bike with carbon wheels and a Winspace Adventure one-piece carbon cockpit for between $4,799 with GRX RX825 Di2 and $5,999 with Force XPLR AXS. Pay an extra $500 and you can swap in a RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR 30mm-travel suspension fork.

Mosaic GT i55 32

While Scott has shied away from 32in wheels, they’ve been embraced by Mosaic Cycles for its titanium gravel bike. Mosaic claims the bike has been designed from the ground up for 32in wheels, whereas it suggests other brands adapt an existing 700c frameset for the larger wheel size.

It reckons it has overcome the disadvantages of the larger wheels: higher stack, longer wheelbase, increased toe overlap and longer chainstays. In return, 32in wheels offer potentially better roll-over of rougher trails, greater momentum and increased stability.

A new carbon fork helps reduce stack and offers 55mm tyre clearance. A curved seat tube and 3D-printed chainstay yoke help keep chainstay length down to 445mm or less and retain a standard gravel chainline despite using Boost axle spacing.

• You may like: ‘We hoped they wouldn’t be as good’: what the bike industry really thinks about 32in wheels

Quirk Kegety

Mosaic says its gravel bike will in future move from custom to small-batch builds, but London-based Quirk Cycles already uses small-batch production with stock geometry for its steel Kegety gravel bike.

Made of Columbus Life steel with a 3D-printed head tube, seat cluster and dropouts, it’s a bike focused squarely on gravel adventure riding and is based on owner Rob Quirk’s bike designed for the inaugural Silk Road Mountain Race. 

There’s 50mm tyre clearance, while Quirk fits an ENVE gravel cockpit and fork, with a Chris King headset. It prices the Kegety frameset at £4,999 with full builds from £10,550.

• You may like: Rob Quirk traded art for craftsmanship – and now he’s building a global cycling brand

ENVE released the first Melee in 2022, and four years later the company that made its name through wheels and finishing kit has unveiled the second generation of its race bike. 

But while the original could fit large 35mm tyres – putting it at the forefront of the growing tyre width trend – the new Melee v2 sees clearance cut to 33mm. 

This is part of ENVE’s more focused objective for its latest bike. Instead of being a race bike for everyday riders, ENVE has pushed the new Melee to be “a lighter, faster and more complete modern race bike”. 

To this end, ENVE says the tyre clearance maintains the volume required for modern road racing, while reducing weight and drag. 

Reduced surface area and new parts

ENVE hasn’t only reduced the Melee’s tyre clearance, it has also cut the road bike’s surface area by 7.5%. 

The Melee has a new smaller headset, which allows for a refined head tube shape that contributes to the bike’s lower surface area. ENVE says the new seatpost has a more efficient aero profile, while cutting weight.

The new ENVE SES Aero Bar is said to reduce drag, and you can add shaped pads for extra comfort. There is even new bar tape that is 1.2mm thick and minimises “the amount of material exposed to the wind”. 

Meanwhile, ENVE’s latest SES Aero Bottle Cages reduce “the aerodynamic losses that come from adding hydration to the bike”.

Faster and lighter 

All these changes appear to have made a difference when it comes to wind-tunnel testing. 

ENVE measured a 17-watt aerodynamic improvement over the previous Melee at 50kph. This includes 11.4 watts from the frame, fork and seatpost; 3 watts from the new bar and bar tape; and 2.6 watts from the bottle cages with standard round bottles. 

ENVE’s test results suggest the new Melee is faster than the Specialized Tarmac SL8 and Trek Madone. With bottles, cages and a rider, ENVE says the Melee is 3-4 watts faster than the Madone (with Trek’s aero bottles) and the SL8. 

The changes have also lowered the bike’s weight. In the Ultralight Black finish, a size-56 Melee v2 weighs less than 800g. A complete bike can hit the UCI’s minimum weight of 6.8kg when fitted with a SRAM Red AXS groupset or equivalent build. 

Tweaked geometry

ENVE has tweaked the Melee’s geometry to better suit racing.

The stack height on sizes 56 to 60 has been reduced by 11mm through changes to the frame and handlebar designs.

ENVE uses five fork rakes across its seven sizes “to maintain consistent handling throughout the range”. 

It has also increased the seat tube length of the larger sizes for more flexibility with saddle height. 

ENVE Melee v2 specs

The new Melee v2 is available through ENVE’s Spec’d for Speed programme. This enables you to configure complete bikes with SRAM Red or Force AXS groupsets, plus ENVE SES wheels and cockpits. 

An ENVE Melee v2 chassis (with a seatpost and cockpit) costs £5,299 / $5,800.

ENVE Melee v2 Pro Red

• Frameset: ENVE Melee v2
• Groupset: SRAM Red AXS
• Wheels: ENVE SES Wheels
• Cockpit: ENVE Aero Pro
• Tyres: ENVE SES Road tyres
• Price: £13,199 / $13,950 / €15,199

ENVE Melee v2 Premium Red

• Frameset: ENVE Melee v2
• Groupset: SRAM Red AXS
• Wheels: ENVE SES 4.5 Pro or SES 6.7 Pro
• Cockpit: ENVE SES AR 
• Tyres: ENVE SES Road tyres 
• Price: £12,399 / $12,250 / €14,199

ENVE Melee v2 Premium Force

• Frameset: ENVE Melee v2
• Groupset: SRAM Red AXS
• Wheels: ENVE SES wheels 
• Cockpit: ENVE SES AR
• Tyres: ENVE SES Road tyres 
• Price: £10,499 / €11,999

ENVE Melee v2 Foundation Force 

• Frameset: ENVE Melee v2
• Groupset: SRAM Force AXS
• Wheels: ENVE SES Wheels
• Cockpit: ENVE SES AR
• Tyres: ENVE SES Road tyres 
• Price: £8,899 / €10,149

ENVE released the first Melee in 2022, and four years later the company that made its name through wheels and finishing kit has unveiled the second generation of its race bike. 

But while the original could fit large 35mm tyres – putting it at the forefront of the growing tyre width trend – the new Melee v2 sees clearance cut to 33mm. 

This is part of ENVE’s more focused objective for its latest bike. Instead of being a race bike for everyday riders, ENVE has pushed the new Melee to be “a lighter, faster and more complete modern race bike”. 

To this end, ENVE says the tyre clearance maintains the volume required for modern road racing, while reducing weight and drag. 

Reduced surface area and new parts

ENVE hasn’t only reduced the Melee’s tyre clearance, it has also cut the road bike’s surface area by 7.5%. 

The Melee has a new smaller headset, which allows for a refined head tube shape that contributes to the bike’s lower surface area. ENVE says the new seatpost has a more efficient aero profile, while cutting weight.

The new ENVE SES Aero Bar is said to reduce drag, and you can add shaped pads for extra comfort. There is even new bar tape that is 1.2mm thick and minimises “the amount of material exposed to the wind”. 

Meanwhile, ENVE’s latest SES Aero Bottle Cages reduce “the aerodynamic losses that come from adding hydration to the bike”.

Faster and lighter 

All these changes appear to have made a difference when it comes to wind-tunnel testing. 

ENVE measured a 17-watt aerodynamic improvement over the previous Melee at 50kph. This includes 11.4 watts from the frame, fork and seatpost; 3 watts from the new bar and bar tape; and 2.6 watts from the bottle cages with standard round bottles. 

ENVE’s test results suggest the new Melee is faster than the Specialized Tarmac SL8 and Trek Madone. With bottles, cages and a rider, ENVE says the Melee is 3-4 watts faster than the Madone (with Trek’s aero bottles) and the SL8. 

The changes have also lowered the bike’s weight. In the Ultralight Black finish, a size-56 Melee v2 weighs less than 800g. A complete bike can hit the UCI’s minimum weight of 6.8kg when fitted with a SRAM Red AXS groupset or equivalent build. 

Tweaked geometry

ENVE has tweaked the Melee’s geometry to better suit racing.

The stack height on sizes 56 to 60 has been reduced by 11mm through changes to the frame and handlebar designs.

ENVE uses five fork rakes across its seven sizes “to maintain consistent handling throughout the range”. 

It has also increased the seat tube length of the larger sizes for more flexibility with saddle height. 

ENVE Melee v2 specs

The new Melee v2 is available through ENVE’s Spec’d for Speed programme. This enables you to configure complete bikes with SRAM Red or Force AXS groupsets, plus ENVE SES wheels and cockpits. 

An ENVE Melee v2 chassis (with a seatpost and cockpit) costs £5,299 / $5,800.

ENVE Melee v2 Pro Red

• Frameset: ENVE Melee v2
• Groupset: SRAM Red AXS
• Wheels: ENVE SES Wheels
• Cockpit: ENVE Aero Pro
• Tyres: ENVE SES Road tyres
• Price: £13,199 / $13,950 / €15,199

ENVE Melee v2 Premium Red

• Frameset: ENVE Melee v2
• Groupset: SRAM Red AXS
• Wheels: ENVE SES 4.5 Pro or SES 6.7 Pro
• Cockpit: ENVE SES AR 
• Tyres: ENVE SES Road tyres 
• Price: £12,399 / $12,250 / €14,199

ENVE Melee v2 Premium Force

• Frameset: ENVE Melee v2
• Groupset: SRAM Red AXS
• Wheels: ENVE SES wheels 
• Cockpit: ENVE SES AR
• Tyres: ENVE SES Road tyres 
• Price: £10,499 / €11,999

ENVE Melee v2 Foundation Force 

• Frameset: ENVE Melee v2
• Groupset: SRAM Force AXS
• Wheels: ENVE SES Wheels
• Cockpit: ENVE SES AR
• Tyres: ENVE SES Road tyres 
• Price: £8,899 / €10,149