TOUR reader survey 2024: Road bike of the year - these are the winners

Racing bike of the year 2024: Competition/Race

1st Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL8

The new Tarmac from Specialized earned its victory in this category with a new top score in the TOUR test. As the ultimate race all-rounder, it combines impressive lightweight construction (6.6 kilograms) and first-class aerodynamics (209 watts). With its torsion-resistant frame and sporty, stretched seating position, it embodies the character of a true thoroughbred racer. It is particularly noteworthy that the exclusive S-Works version was the first racing bike with disc brakes to achieve a score of 1.3.

>> The Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 in the TOUR test

2nd Cube Litening Aero C:68X

The Cube Litening Aero C:68X is characterised by its top aerodynamics at an affordable price. In the TOUR test, the bike from the German bike manufacturer achieved an impressive aero performance of 207 watts, making it one of the fastest production bikes in the world. A major contribution to the first-class aero performance is made by the high-quality wheels, which can be found in almost all equipment variants. The Cube also impresses with its extremely fair prices: The various equipment variants cost around 25 per cent less than comparable competitor models.

>> The Cube Litening Aero C:68X in the TOUR test

3. Cannondale SuperSix Evo

The SuperSix from the US manufacturer is a versatile competition all-rounder and epitomises the current trend. Although the frame shape is rather conventional compared to aero specialists, the SuperSix is one of the fastest bikes in the TOUR test (207 watts). The Hi-Mod 2 version weighs 7.2 kilograms, but this is well concealed by the Cannondale in practice. The bike also scores with excellent suspension comfort.

>> The Cannondale SuperSix Evo in the TOUR test

Road bike of the year 2024: Marathon/Endurance

1st Canyon Endurace CFR

Aero development is also unstoppable in the marathon bike sector. An impressive example of this is the new Endurace CFR from Canyon. In addition to an optimised frameset, which TOUR has not yet tested in the wind tunnel, the bike is traditionally characterised by excellent suspension comfort and a geometry that is suitable for long distances. The mini storage compartment in the top tube makes a saddle bag superfluous. In the CFR version, performance clearly takes centre stage.

>> The Canyon Endurace CFR in the TOUR test

2. Pinarello Dogma X

Pinarello presented an exclusive Dogma version of its Marathon platform for the first time in autumn 2023. One striking innovation is the X-Stays suspension concept, which is designed to effectively compensate for bumps in the road surface in conjunction with wide tyres. The carbon racer also impresses with its finely graduated frame sizes totalling eleven and a high-quality frame.

>> The Pinarello Dogma X in the TOUR test

3rd Specialised S-Works Roubaix SL8

Since its introduction more than 30 years ago, the Specialized Roubaix has gained a reputation as one of the most comfortable marathon bikes. The latest version, launched in autumn 2023, continues this tradition and offers outstanding suspension thanks to a suspension system between the stem and head tube as well as wide tyres. The SL8 goes one step further: with a frame and fork that offer space for gravel tyres, the Roubaix also feels at home off-road. As a result, the Specialized is now also represented in the up-and-coming niche segment of all-road bikes.

>> The Specialized S-Works Roubaix SL8 in the TOUR test

Road bike of the year 2024: Gravel/Cyclocross

1st Canyon Grail CFR

Even before its market launch in late summer 2023, the new Canyon Grail has already caused a stir with its victory at the Unbound, the unofficial gravel world championship in the USA. With its high level of suspension comfort, upright riding position, stable straight-line stability and well thought-out luggage solutions, the Grail is perfect for long days in the saddle. In contrast to the previous model, whose double handlebar cockpit was the subject of controversy, this version has a more pleasing appearance thanks to its flat aero handlebars.

>> The Canyon Grail CFR in the TOUR test

2nd BMC Kaius

The race gravel bike Kaius from the Swiss bike manufacturer is specially designed for fast off-road rides. The high-quality Kaius 01 One impresses with its impressive acceleration and sporty, stretched seating position, which is reminiscent of racing bikes for the road. Particularly striking is the narrow aero handlebar, which has been specifically designed to be flexible and therefore absorbs impacts better off-road than other gravel bikes without suspension. With a weight of just 7.6 kilograms on the TOUR scales, the Swiss "gravel tiller" is one of the lightest gravel specialists on the market.

>> The BMC Kaius in the TOUR test

3rd Cervélo R5-CX

Cyclocross bikes are discontinued models? Not if you have a model like the R5-CX under your saddle. Thanks to its low weight, this no-frills cross-country bike sprints effortlessly over hill and dale and handles quick changes of direction with ease. In addition, the generous tyre clearance of the bike, which is ridden by all-rounder Wout van Aert, makes it possible to transform it into a race-oriented gravel bike. This means you can also master challenging terrain with the grippy studded tyres.

>> The Cervélo R5-CX in the TOUR test

Readers' Award - the most popular brands in the TOUR readers' survey

Best complete wheel brand

1. Place Canyon
2. Place Specialised
3. Place Colnago

Gearshift/brake/crank

1. Place Shimano
2. Place SRAM
3. Place Campagnolo

Handlebar/stem

1. Place Ritchey
2. Place Zipp
3. Place Syntace

Impellers

1. Place DT Swiss
2. Place Zipp
3. Place Mavic

Tyres

1. Place Continental
2. Swallow place
3. Place Pirelli

Pedals

1. Place Shimano
2. Place Look
3. Place Speedplay

Saddle

1. Place Selle Italia
2. Place Fizik
3. Place SQ-lab

Clothing

1. Place Castelli
2. Place Assos
3. Place Gore Wear

Glasses

1. Place Oakley
2. Place Uvex
3. Place Rudy Project

Bike computer/GPS device

1. Place Garmin
2. Place Wahoo
3. Place Sigma

Helmet

1. Place Giro
2. Place Abus
3. Place Uvex

Cycling shoes

1. Place Shimano
2. Place Sidi
3. Place Specialised