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What trends are emerging for 2026? We have tested 13 new road bikes for the coming season and determined which bikes are emerging in each segment. The models include gravel, endurance and race bikes.
It is said that people often emerge stronger from crises. This impression could also be gained by anyone closely following the development of the road bike market. The unprecedented market slump after corona, increased energy costs due to the war in Ukraine, diffuse future prospects in world trade due to America's tariff policy: like many other industries, the cycling world is also struggling with a variety of problems. However, if you take the number of new launches as an indication of the state of the industry, there are increasing signs that things could slowly be looking up again.
We tested these road bikes from 2026
Overall, it is noticeable that the models are by no means only being developed in small steps, as is usually the case: a little lighter here, a little more comfortable there. It seems important to many manufacturers to deliver strong sales arguments with really new products. Some bikes make a remarkable technical leap, such as the new Cervélo R5, which has lost a good kilogramme and underlines a renaissance of extremely light competition bikes. Others are changing their character, like the Scott Addict endurance racer: with a storage compartment in the frame, a customised frame bag and 34-millimetre tyres, it is evolving from a pure sports machine into a versatile and comfortable bike for travelling and touring that also works well off the beaten track.
Gravel bike trends 2026
And the gravel bikes? New products from Canyon, Rose and Specialized show a clear trend: more off-road capability, more storage space, more practical additional features - they are developing into powerful touring bikes that can take you almost anywhere. At the same time, many manufacturers are offering a lightweight, sporty counterpart - the most recent example is the Stevens Camino RS.
A very notable trend is the integration of battery and light, partly powered by a hub dynamo: this means that power for lights, mobile phone, sat nav or even the gears is always on board. In our modern times, these bikes are a powerful declaration of independence: not only can you escape your own crises with them, at least temporarily, but in future you can also use them for longer and even at night. Have fun with Browse the tests!
Jens Klötzer
Editor
