Our annual Bike of the Year awards are now in their 17th year, and 2025 has been as tough a year as any to select our shortlist and arrive at winners for each of our road and gravel categories – as well as an overall victor.

Tough, but not impossible… and Cannondale’s five-star Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense has been crowned as our overall Road Bike of the Year for 2025, while also topping the endurance bike category.

We all have different needs from our bikes, but our annual Bike of the Year awards offer the opportunity to shine a light on those that stand out from the crowd, be it for their innovation, success on the podium or sheer ingenuity.

Bike of the Year is a long-term project that begins at the end of the previous year’s edition, and this year we’ve focused our attention on the three key categories we know you love to read about – race bikes, endurance bikes and gravel bikes.

Since 2024’s Bike of the Year, we’ve tested dozens of bikes across all categories, with road lead Ashley Quinlan and Bike of the Year stalwart Warren Rossiter taking the best of the bunch, and pitting them against one another to find a winner.

Across the three drop-bar categories – race, endurance and gravel – we whittled the selection down to five bikes worthy of a ‘Highly Commended’ accolade, before pulling out the standout pairs into a finalists’ shootout for each category and an overall winner debated.

The results?

Over the next week, we’ll be bringing you in-depth coverage of our finalists in each category, and analysis on the current state of play across the endurance, race and gravel bike sectors.

And on Tuesday 9 September, we’ll announce our Mountain Bike of the Year for 2025 – stay tuned for that.

Why the Cannondale Synapse is our Road Bike of the Year

Just as in 2023 (Vitus Venon Evo) and 2024 (Giant Defy Advanced Pro 2), our overall winner is an endurance bike – a category that has seen rapid change in recent years to make these bikes more versatile than ever, without losing any of the joy of a go-fast road machine. 

This year’s winner, the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense, landed at BikeRadar HQ hot on the heels of the sterling performance of the flagship (and eye-wateringly expensive) Synapse Lab71, and had much to live up to. 

However, it packed all the same integrated tech as the newly-launched flagship model into a machine that Warren described as setting  “a new gold standard” for what we should expect of endurance bikes in 2025 and beyond.

While the Cube Attain, Parlee Ouray and Cervélo Caledonia 5 also earned ‘Highly Commended’ awards in the endurance category, the Cannondale Synapse and Boardman SLR 9.4 Ltd were selected by Warren to go head-to-head in the final.

The Boardman SLR 9.4 Ltd offered tough competition – in our eyes, it’s one of (if not the) standout value proposition of 2025, with an enviable spec list including a handlebar that would cost over a fifth of the bike’s total value if you bought it aftermarket, with no notable shortcomings elsewhere.

Both bikes scored a rare five-star rating in testing, owing to their respective strengths and dearth of weaknesses, but for its forward-thinking design, both Warren and Ashley agreed during final deliberations that the Synapse took the tape by a whisker.

Warren’s verdict

“The Synapse represents the new template for a non-racing road bike,” says Warren. “It has handling that’s swift and stable, and it delivers confidence in spades. It’s compliant but doesn’t lose the excitement that comes from a stiff bike, plus it features the most usable application of the SmartSense system to date.”

He concludes: “The Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense is an exciting ride and a sensible choice – it’s a rare thing to draw both those conclusions about a single bike.”

• Read Warren’s dedicated head-to-head between our two endurance bike finalists – Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense vs the Boardman 9.4 Ltd

Overall and Endurance Bike of the Year winner

• Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense review

Highly commended

• Boardman SLR 9.4 Ltd review (runner-up)
• Cervélo Caledonia 5 Ultegra Di2 review
• Cube Attain C:62 SLT review
• Parlee Ouray SRAM Red AXS review

Introducing our Race Bike of the Year

Turning to race bikes, the Cervélo S5 takes the title after going head-to-head with the Colnago Y1Rs in our category final.

Despite fierce competition from some outstanding contenders, with the Van Rysel RCR Pro, Scott Addict RC 20 and Trek Madone 7 SLR earning ‘Highly Commended’ nods, our two finalists here showcase cutting-edge aero designs.

Indeed, both bikes featured at the front of the 2025 Tour de France but while that fight ended up being decidedly one-sided in favour of the Colnago Y1Rs-riding Tadej Pogaçar, BikeRadar’s lead tester, Ashley Quinlan, looked past the Slovenian phenom and instead found that the S5 was the more worthy winner of our Race Bike of the Year category.

Why? While both bikes are undoubtedly expensive – the cream of the racing crop – the Cervélo S5 simply offered more for a keen racer’s money. The build is practically unimpeachable, and while the Y1Rs offers a little more customisability overall, this can be more than made up for with the money left over once the specs have been equalised.

Ashley also found the S5’s ride quality and handling to be a little more polished than the Y1Rs – a marginal win, but where the details really matter among two outstanding contenders, that’s where the devil lay.

• We will publish our final shootout between the Cervélo S5 and Colnago Y1Rs on Wednesday 3 September

Ash’s verdict

“The Cervélo S5 offers a well-balanced ride quality and excellent handling, underpinned by a devilish turn of speed,” says our road lead, Ashley Quinlan. “It’s also stable in changing wind conditions, though perhaps its biggest asset is how easy it is to ride quickly – it feels as fast as any aero road bike I’ve tested.”

Race Bike of the Year winner

• Cervélo S5 (Dura-Ace Di2) review

Highly commended

• Colnago Y1Rs review (runner-up)
• Scott Addict RC 20 review
• Trek Madone 7 SLR Gen 8 review
• Van Rysel RCR Pro review

And our Gravel Bike of the Year?

Rounding out our drop-bar awards, the Parlee Taos Force AXS is BikeRadar’s Gravel Bike of the Year for 2025.

Pitched against the mountain bike-inspired Mondraker Arid Carbon RR in our gravel final, Parlee’s Taos took the crown thanks to its mightily impressive versatility and progressive design.

If there was a gravel bike to rule them all, this might be it, leading Warren to believe that it’s the best all-round gravel bike he’s ever tested. 

That said, the Arid’s chops when things get gnarly earn it high praise – if off-road fun on a gravel bike is what you’re after, then look no further.

Elsewhere, the Cannondale Topstone, Kinesis Tripster AT+ and Wilier Rave SLR all earn ‘Highly Commended’ awards in a hard-fought category.

• Find out how Parlee Taos and Mondraker Arid stacked up against one another soon, with our head-to-head review due to be published on Monday 1 September

Warren’s verdict

“Parlee has managed to combine the best elements of a gravel race bike – low weight, pedalling efficiency and fast handling – with the traits of more adventurous designs – large tyre capacity, smooth riding over rough ground, and stable handling and control on technical trails,” says Warren.

Highly commended

• Mondraker Arid Carbon RR review (runner-up)
• Cannondale Topstone Carbon 1 Lefty AXS review
• Kinesis Tripster AT+ review
• Wilier Rave SLR ID2 (full review to come)

What we tested

We established three categories in our road and gravel Bike of the Year test this year, distilled from five in recent years to reflect what we know you (our audience) love to read about.  

This saw us put every race, endurance and gravel bike that we’ve reviewed in 2025 in the pot for consideration, with the finest five examples for each category examined once more.

The two standout candidates from each group of five were then put forward for a dedicated head-to-head test, with back-to-back testing conducted to find a winner for each category, with Warren and Ashley then coming together to decide on an overall winner.  

Everything from established market leaders to emerging newcomers have been represented throughout the past year, and there should be something to suit most budgets by checking out our reviews and buyer’s guides.

• Read our road bike reviews
• Read our gravel bike reviews

Bike of the Year is supported by Auto-Trail

Big thanks to sports campervan specialists Auto-Trail for supporting our Bike of the Year 2025 test. Head to auto-trail.co.uk for more details about their range, including the cycling-specific Auto-Trail Expedition 68, which features a purpose-built bike garage.

Previous Road Bike of the Year winners

Bike of the Year – the industry’s most prestigious annual bike test – has been running since 2009, with previous winners including some of the biggest names of the past two decades, as well as breakthrough brands earning their place at the top table.

2024
Giant Defy Advanced Pro 2

2023
Vitus Venon Evo RS Aero

2022
Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0

2021
Boardman SLR 9.4 AXS

2020
Cannondale SuperSix EVO

2019
Rondo HVRT CF0

2018
Giant TCR Advanced 2

2017
Specialized Roubaix Comp

2016
Cannondale CAAD12 105

2015
BMC GF01 Disc 105

2014
Cannondale Synapse 5 105

2013
Giant Defy Advanced 2

2012
Focus Izalco Pro 3.0

2011
Storck Scenero

2010
Cannondale Six Carbon 105

2009
Giant TCR Advanced 3

Europe is packed with incredible cycling destinations, often just a short hop from the nearest city.

Among them are the ‘Great Lakes’ of northern Italy, in the foothills of the Alps. Less than a two-hour drive from Milan, Lakes Como and Garda combine breathtaking scenery with easy access.

Here are five reasons why Milan, Lake Como, and Lake Garda should be at the top of your cycling bucket list.

Planning your trip has never been easier. Skyscanner’s free city break tool lets you map your route, book flights, hire a car, and reserve hotels all in one place. That means less time on logistics and more time on the road, soaking up Italy’s best cycling routes.

Tick off more from your cycling bucket list

Use the Skyscanner City Break tool to plot your next cycling trip across Europe

Try the free trip planning tool

1. Start in Milan: Canals and countryside on your doorstep

Kick off your cycling trip by cruising along Milan’s famous Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Martesana – two of Italy’s historic canals.

Naviglio Martesana, in particular, is well-suited to cycling, with a 30km cycle path to enjoy.

Plan your cycling trip to Milan

• See cheap flights to Milan
• See cheap car hire options from £4 per day
• View cheap hotels

2. Celebrate cycling at the Garda Bike Festival

Each spring, the Garda Bike Festival draws riders from across Europe for road cycling, mountain bike and eMTB events. Even better, this takes place alongside a huge expo showcasing the latest cycling gear.

The next exhibition is set for 1 to 3 May 2026, so use the Skyscanner tool to start planning your trip in advance.

Plan your cycling trip to Lake Garda

3. Ride the Limone floating cycle path

Lake Garda’s floating cycle path extends for 2.5km, hanging over the water for spectacular lake and mountain views.

Cyclists of all abilities can enjoy the smooth surface and stunning panoramic vistas, making it a must-ride for anyone looking to combine riding with unforgettable scenery.

Plan your cycling trip to Lake Garda

• See cheap car hire options in Garda from £10 per day

4. Make the Madonna del Ghisallo pilgrimage

Near Lake Como, the Madonna del Ghisallo climb is a must for road cyclists. Ride past the chapel, explore the cycling museum, and soak in sweeping lake views. Push a little further and the surrounding roads reward you with rolling hills, charming villages and panoramic views.

Plan your trip to make the Madonna del Ghisallo pilgrimage

5. Challenge yourself

The 160km loop around the entirety of Lake Como is an epic endurance ride for advanced cyclists and features a mix of flat roads, rolling hills and short climbs.

Plan your cycling trip to Northern Italy

• See cheap hotels near Lake Como
• See cheap car hire from £6 per day

Tick off more from your cycling bucket list

Use the Skyscanner City Break tool to plot even more rides across Europe

Try the free trip planning tool

Microshift manufactures drivetrain components for all cycling disciplines, including mountain, road and gravel bikes.

The brand may be off the radar for some riders and tends to feature on bikes at the low- to mid-range of the market. Its products are generally priced below SRAM or Shimano components at comparable spec points.

A large proportion of its range is compatible with Shimano’s shifting systems. This is because Microshift uses the same cable pull ratio on certain products. It makes Microshift products ideal inexpensive replacements if you’re shopping on a budget or can’t find Shimano in stock.

Microshift is unusual in that it also shares the same cable pull ratio across many of its road bike groupset and mountain bike groupset components. This means riders can mix and match, for example, drop-bar shifters with mountain bike groupsets, creating a mullet drivetrain on a budget.

We have also seen what’s to come from the brand after spotting Cypher, Microshift’s first electric groupset at Eurobike this year.

It also produces less common shifter styles, such as thumb and bar-end shifters, for most drivetrains. All of this makes Microshift a popular option with dedicated home tinkerers.

In this article, we will delve into the full Microshift product range, explaining the hierarchy of its groupsets for road, gravel and mountain bike components. We’ll also outline the compatibility of its parts with those from other manufacturers.

Microshift road groupsets

Microshift’s road groupsets are compatible with Shimano parts because both brands use the same pull ratio, making them an inexpensive replacement.

All cassettes can be fitted onto Shimano HG freehubs.

Microshift R8

• 8-speed
• Cage lengths: short, long
• Rear derailleur material: steel, composite
• Compatibility: Shimano road

The R8 groupset is a part of Microshift’s R-Series of components and sits at the bottom of the brand’s hierarchy, but uses the same shifting technology as others in the range.

Available with a single, double or triple-chainring setup, the R8 family can be specced with either drop-bar shifters or Microshift’s Xpress flat-bar shifters.

Cassettes range from 12-28t to 11-34t and are available in a silver or black finish.

Microshift R9

• 9-speed
• Cage lengths: short, medium, long
• Rear derailleur material: aluminium, steel (cage)
• Compatibility: Shimano road

The R9 features the same shifting system as the R8, but has an aluminium rear derailleur as opposed to steel, offering a weight saving.

The R9 groupset is compatible with single, double or triple-chainring setups, with the option of a drop-bar or Microshift’s flat-bar shifters. The R9 is also available with bar-end shifters for time trial bikes, as well as thumb shifters for a ’90s mountain bike aesthetic.

Cassettes range from 11-25t to 11-34t.

Microshift R10

• 10-speed
• Cage lengths: short, medium, long
• Rear derailleur material: aluminium, steel (cage)
• Compatibility: Shimano road

The R10 groupset tops the R-Series range and features an aluminium-machined rear derailleur that still uses the steel cage found on the R8 and R9.

The R10 is compatible with double or triple chainrings, with the same options of drop-bar, flat-bar, bar-end and thumb shifters as the R9.

Cassettes range from 11-25t to 11-34t.

Microshift Centos

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13317537

• 11-speed
• Cage length: short
• Rear derailleur material: aluminium
• Compatibility: Shimano road

The Centos groupset is Microshift’s 11-speed offering, which the brand says offers race-level shifting performance.

Unlike the R-Series, the Centos’ rear derailleur features forged aluminium construction, as well as an aluminium cage.

It’s only compatible with a double chainring with a short cage, and is positioned near to Shimano’s 105 groupset in terms of performance.

Centos is available with drop-bar shifters with 12mm of adjustable reach that can be set by a screw under the hood. It’s also available with Centos Xpress and Xpress Plus bar shifters, as well as thumb shifters.

Cassettes range from 11-25t to 11-34t.

SQUIRREL_13317537

Microshift Cypher

While the specs of Microshift’s first electric groupset are unknown, it appears to take a lot of inspiration from the brand’s Sword groupset, with 10-speed shifting and cable-actuated brakes.

We spotted the groupset at Eurobike this year, where it was specced on a children’s Giant Seek road bike.

We’ll likely see the groupset launched sometime in late 2025.

Microshift mountain bike groupsets

Some of Microshift’s mountain bike groupsets are compatible with Shimano because they use the same pull ratio.

The brand has also released its own proprietary shifting system on the Acolyte, Advent and Advent X groupsets. These aren’t compatible with Shimano’s drivetrains, but the cassettes can be fitted onto an HG freehub body.

While Microshift makes gravel-specific groupsets, many of its mountain bike groupsets can be paired with drop-bar levers. This enables you to choose from a wide range of durable components for your gravel riding exploits.

These models include the Advent X, Advent and XLE.

Microshift Mezzo

• 8/9-speed
• Cage length: short, long
• Rear derailleur material: aluminium, composite, steel (cage)
• Compatibility: Shimano mountain

The Mezzo groupset is Microshift’s lower-tier mountain bike groupset, which the brand says is aimed at mid-level mountain bikes.

It can be set up as either 8- or 9-speed and is compatible with double or triple chainrings.

The rear-derailleur outer link is made out of a composite, while the body is forged aluminium.

The Mezzo groupset is available with Microshift’s thumb tap shifters and is compatible with Shimano’s mountain bike drivetrain components.

Cassettes range from 12-28t to 11-34t and are available in a silver or black finish.

Microshift Marvo

• 9-speed
• Cage length: short, long
• Rear derailleur material: aluminium, steel (cage)
• Compatibility: Shimano mountain

The Marvo sits just above the Mezzo in the Microshift line-up, with the rear derailleur featuring full-metal construction for durability on the trails.

Available with Microshift’s Xpress shifters, the Marvo groupset is compatible with a double or triple chainring.

Cassettes range from 11-32t to 11-36t.

Microshift XLE

• 11-speed
• Cage length: short, medium, long
• Rear derailleur material: aluminium, steel (cage)
• Compatibility: Shimano mountain

The XLE is the brand’s mid-range groupset. The XLE rear derailleur is the first in Microshift’s line-up to feature a clutch. This makes it compatible with 1x setups.

XLE is also compatible with a double chainring and uses Microshift’s Xpress flat-bar shifters, or drop-bar shifters if you’re of a gravel persuasion.

Cassettes range from 11-40t to 11-46t.

Microshift XCD

• 11-speed
• Cage length: medium
• Rear derailleur material: aluminium
• Compatibility: Shimano mountain

The XCD is Microshift’s top-of-the-line Shimano-compatible mountain bike groupset, featuring a full-aluminium rear derailleur that can be specced with or without a clutch.

XCD is only compatible with a 1x setup using Microshift’s Xpress Plus shifter.

Cassettes range from 11-42t to 11-46t.

Microshift Acolyte

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13317550

• 8-speed
• Cage length: super short, medium
• Rear derailleur material: aluminium with a steel cage
• Compatibility: Acolyte range only

The Acolyte is the first groupset in the Microshift range that uses the brand’s proprietary cable pull technology. This means it’s incompatible with Shimano’s mountain bike components.

The Acolyte rear derailleur is constructed from aluminium and features a steel cage with the option of a clutch.

A ‘Super Short’ cage enables the rear derailleur to be used on 20in wheels for kids’ bikes or folding bikes.

Positioned for light trail use and commuting, the Acolyte groupset is only compatible with a 1x drivetrain.

Cassettes range from 12-42t to 12-46t.

SQUIRREL_13317550

Microshift Advent

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13078233

• 9-speed
• Cage length: medium, long
• Rear derailleur material: aluminium, steel (cage)
• Compatibility: Advent range only

The Advent is a mid-tier mountain bike groupset using Microshift’s proprietary cable pull ratio.

Compatible with single or double chainrings, the Advent’s rear derailleur can be specced with a clutch for keeping the chain in check on bumpy descents.

There is a large choice of shifters, with the groupset also able to use Microshift’s drop-bar levers and bar-end levers for gravel bikes.

Cassettes range from 11-42t to 11-46t.

SQUIRREL_13078233

Microshift Advent X

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13139407

• 10-speed
• Cage length: medium
• Rear derailleur material: aluminium
• Compatibility: Advent X and Sword only

The Advent X is Microshift’s top-tier groupset using its proprietary cable pull ratio.

Compatible only with a 1x setup, the Advent X’s rear derailleur features full-aluminium construction, as well as a clutch to keep the chain running smoothly.

Aimed at performance mountain biking, the groupset can also be specced with drop-bar levers for gravel riding.

The Advent X is available only with an 11-48t cassette.

• Read our Microshift Advent X review

SQUIRREL_13139407

Microshift gravel groupsets

Microshift has long made mullet drivetrain compatible components for gravel bikes, but has only recently delved into gravel-specific groupsets with its Sword range.

Microshift Sword

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13140159

• 10-speed
• Cage length: medium and long
• Rear derailleur material: aluminium
• Compatibility: Advent X and Sword range only

Microshift Sword is the Taiwanese brand’s new mechanical gravel bike groupset that’s available in 1x and 2x options.

The shifters have received a radical redesign, similar in appearance to a Shimano GRX-815 Di2 lever, albeit less angular. There’s texturing on the hoods for improved grip and the shifters are cable-actuated, meaning you cannot run hydraulic disc brakes on this groupset.

The rear derailleur has also been redesigned with a clutch for improving chain retention.

The 1x drivetrain option is paired with an 11-48t cassette, whereas you’ll need to use an 11-38t cassette on the 2x alternative.

Be aware the groupset doesn’t include a namesake chain, bottom bracket, brake calibers or disc brake rotors, so you’ll need to factor these into the cost too.

• Read our Microshift Sword review

SQUIRREL_13140159

Microshift city bike groupsets

Microshift also produces a wide range of shifters that are compatible with internal gear hubs.

This includes drop-bar, trigger, twist, bar-end and thumbie-style shifters for Shimano 8- and 11-speed Alfine hubs, as well as 3-, 7- and 8-speed Shimano Nexus hubs.

Shimano only produces trigger and grip shifters for these hubs. Microshift’s range opens up options for using an internal gear hub on any bike.

A drop-bar gravel bike with an internal gear hub? We like it.

See zwiftinsider.com/tiny for current Tiny Race details.

Shimano has launched its new XTR PD-M9220 pedals, which offer a wider platform, removable pins and improved bearing seals.

The mountain bike pedals match the new Shimano XTR Di2 groupset, which launched in June, and come with the brand’s new multi-entry cleats. 

Tailored to aggressive trail and enduro riders, these pedals are more of an evolution than a revolution. However, they pack features that should mean they remain frontrunners in the crowded mountain bike pedals market. 

• New Shimano RX910 S-Phyre gravel shoes optimise power transfer with “revolutionary” Pontoon cleat system

Increased durability

Shimano says that the XTR PD-M9220 pedals focus on durability, with a robust outer cage protecting the binding mechanism from rock strikes and trail impacts. 

This added toughness means extra weight. Shimano claims the PD-M9220 pedals weigh 435g, which is 40g heavier than the previous XTR PD-M9120 pedals.

Durability is also aided by the improved seal design, which should reduce any play and keep the bearings running smoothly for longer.

Enhanced control

Shimano also had “enhanced rider control” in mind when creating the PD-M9220. 

It says the pedals have “a wide contact area that improves pedalling efficiency, assuring no wasted power when charging uphill”. 

Shimano has also combined the wider raised pedal platform with four adjustable traction pins, which were not present on the previous model. 

The pins increase traction on the bottom of the shoe, adding resistance to guard against accidentally unclipping, and improving stability and control when you’re not clipped in.

New multi-directional cleats

Shimano has confirmed the PD-M9920 pedals will ship with the newly released MT001 pedal cleats as standard.

The two-bolt SPD cleat is the first major update to Shimano’s SPD cleat platform in nearly 30 years.

Whereas Shimano’s previous cleats required you to clip in ‘toe first’, the new cleats provide multi-directional entry for easier engagement.

While Shimano says the cleats are targeted at all riders – and should be particularly useful for beginners learning to use clipless pedals – they’ll also prove useful for enduro and trail riders who find themselves frequently clipping in and out. 

Shimano says its new RX910 S-Phyre gravel shoes resolve the contradictory demands gravel racing puts on your footwear. 

Gravel racing requires the power transfer you get from road shoes and cleats, and off-road traction for technical terrain.

But Shimano says its latest gravel shoes resolve this by “offering unmatched power transfer, walking stability, and all-day pedalling comfort in one streamlined package”. And a big part of how the RX910 S-Phyres do this is Shimano’s new and “revolutionary” Pontoon cleat system.

The Pontoon cleat system

The Pontoon cleat system has a pair of modular, replaceable TPU contact blocks, which complement the lugged outsole. Shimano says these blocks “dramatically improve the shoe-to-pedal contact point” to optimise power transfer. 

“The system enables a road-shoe-like pedalling interface while maintaining SPD compatibility and off-road functionality,” Shimano says. 

While conventional gravel shoes have blocks mounted on their outsoles, Shimano says the RX910’s ‘pontoons’ are part of the cleat interface. This means they move with your cleat position to provide “consistent support and efficiency”. 

Shimano says it developed its latest shoes with the professional gravel racer, Pete Stetina. “For me [the Pontoon cleat system] is the most exciting point of this shoe,” says Stetina. “You now have road stability and power transfer while still having the offroad benefits of mud shedding and quick engagement of SPD.”

Shimano’s stiffest sole and other features 

The RX910 S-Phyre’s power transfer is also aided by its carbon sole, which scores 12/12 on Shimano’s own stiffness scale. 

This is two points stiffer than the previous RX801 gravel shoes and the same stiffness level as the Shimano S-Phyre RC902 road shoes. 

Elsewhere, Shimano says the RX910s have a seamless midsole construction to reduce stack height and improve pedalling efficiency.

Drainage holes will let water escape from crossing rivers and on rainy days, and provide ventilation in hot weather. 

When it comes to fit, Shimano has equipped the RX910s with Boa dials for micro-adjustments. An anti-twist heel cup and surround wrapping upper should help hold your foot comfortably. 

The shoes weigh a claimed 304g (size 43) and come in a range of standard, half and wide sizes. 

They will cost you £369.99 / $480 / €419.95. 

You may like

• Shimano just made the biggest change to SPD cleats in 30 years – and it’ll make clipping in easier than ever
• New Shimano XTR pedals focus on durability and control, and come with the brand’s latest multi-directional cleats

Shimano has updated its iconic two-bolt SPD cleat system for the first time in “nearly 30 years”, enabling riders to clip in to SPD pedals from multiple angles.

Built around the same two-bolt design as Shimano’s existing SH51 SPD cleats (which launched in 1995), the new CL-MT001 cleats feature a modified leading edge.

This is claimed to enable riders to connect to the pedal from multiple angles, rather than needing to lead with the front edge.

While that’s still an option, Shimano says the CL-MT001 cleats enable riders to clip in by engaging the rear first, then the front, or to “simply stomp straight down” on the pedal.

Launched alongside a new set of flagship gravel cycling shoes, the S-Phyre RX910s, and a new XTR PD-M9220 trail pedal, Shimano says the CL-MT001 cleats offer a number of advantages for off-road riding.

Enduro, cross-country, gravel and cyclocross riders, for example, “will appreciate the quick re-engagement that is critical after dismounts or foot dabs in technical terrain”, Shimano says.

The Japanese brand also says the new cleats should make the experience of using clip-in pedals more intuitive, and says the multi-entry engagement offers “added peace of mind”.

Because the new CL-MT001 cleats use the same two-bolt mounting system as existing SPD cleats, Shimano says the new cleats are “fully backwards compatible with all existing two-bolt Shimano SPD pedal and shoe systems”.

This means riders can upgrade their existing systems simply by replacing their cleats.

A Shimano spokesperson told BikeRadar that there are no plans to phase out the existing SH51 cleat. The CL-MT001 will be an additional option for two-bolt SPD pedal systems but Shimano is “confident it will become the new standard for clip-in pedals.”

The new Shimano CL-MT001 cleats are available now and cost £19.99 / $20 / €22.99.

You may like

• Everything you need to know about cycling with cleats
• Shimano SPD vs SPD-SL pedals: what’s the right system for you?
• Shimano SH51 vs SH56 cleats: what’s the difference?

Chris Froome was airlifted to hospital following a “serious training crash” in the south of France on Wednesday

The four-time winner of the Tour de France, and Great Britain’s most successful Grand Tour rider, was flown to the hospital by helicopter after crashing near Toulon, 170km away from his Monaco home.

While it’s unclear what caused the crash, Froome’s team said “no other cyclists or vehicles were involved” and that he was “stable”. 

Israel-Premier Tech’s statement also confirmed that Froome had sustained a pneumothorax, five broken ribs and a lumbar vertebrae fracture. He will receive surgery today (Thu 28 Aug).

French newspaper L’Equipe reported that Froome remained conscious after the crash and was able to speak to those around him. 

It’s a blow for the 40-year-old, who was dominant on our screens between 2012 and 2017, winning everything from Grand Tours to Olympic medals.

Froome suffered a heavy fall at the Critérium du Dauphiné in 2019, which saw him taken into intensive care.