Happiness. One word, one feeling. As unique as the people experiencing it. For some, it’s achieving a long-held dream or the fleeting moment of a brilliant victory. For others, it’s the purchase of a new bike or outfit. And yet others seek their happiness in ultimate performance.
In life, there’s never an absolute right or wrong. Only perspectives and viewpoints. What remains are the consequences of our decisions. Especially marginal gains come at a cost. And sometimes those costs can be quite steep – both financially and in terms of safety.

For this issue of GRAN FONDO, we’ve pulled out all the stops. We’ve asked uncomfortable questions, ridden through hell with the latest technologies, and, along the way, we’ve decoded the biochemistry of human happiness. And how about the good life? Of course, that’s in here too! In the end, it’s not just about chasing happiness, but also finding it.
Here’s a preview of the stories you’ll find in this issue:
You can download the new issue now in our magazine app – free as always! If you don’t have the app yet, you can find it here in the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or in the Play Store (Android Smartphones & Tablets).

A dramatic post-thunderstorm sky pays homage to your Strava PR, and the golden light of the evening sun casts long shadows across the asphalt. You’ve got a tailwind as you crest the final climb… And there it is, that fleeting, indescribable moment: You feel light, all of your troubles have melted away. Cycling can make you happy, and it’s addictive. But how do you achieve this drop bar high?

What’s the connection between design classics by the likes of Vitra, Knoll, USM, and bikes? Why should every well-furnished home have at least one bike on a stand or wall mount? And what’s even more exhilarating than spending the whole day on a bike? We commandeered one of Germany’s finest furniture stores, arranged some wickedly expensive furniture, and drilled holes in every other wall. Dive into our ultimate guide to integrating bikes into your home decor!

Carbon and aero wheels are the upgrade dream of many roadies. But what remains after stripping away the marketing promises? Hardly any other upgrade offers as much promise as a set of coveted wheels. But no other component costs as much. We tested 11 of the most exciting and trendy models and tell you what really matters when buying wheels.

Two incidents in the pro peloton have sparked many debates about the safety of hookless rims. The UCI is looking into it, but what does all this mean for us, the end users? We set out to shed light on the background and asked industry insiders the crucial question on all our minds: hooked or hookless? We’re unanimous: performance, yes! But at what price?

Paris-Roubaix needs no introduction: ancient cobbles, brutal winds, and all-out racing all the way to the Roubaix velodrome. We’re about to embark on a journey through the ages on the Specialized Roubaix SL8 to one of the sport’s most unique places, where history meets the future in the form of cutting-edge road bikes riding full-gas over ancient roads. How would this particular Roubaix fare at the Hell of the North, its namesake race?

On the quest for happiness, there’s a lot to try out. No matter what you consider (personal) happiness, you can only know once you’ve experienced and felt it. I hope this issue gives you food for thought and inspiration to discover the countless facets of happiness: on the saddle, in everyday life and beyond. Enjoy reading!
Yours,
Robin Schmitt
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
GRAN FONDO

Enjoy the mix of articles that have made it into this issue, and grab yourself some inspiration! Get the latest issue directly on your device if you already have our app. Otherwise, simply install it from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or the Play Store (Android Smartphones & Tablets). Have fun reading. Here’s to maxing out the Vorfreude for whatever you’ve got planned for this year.
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Words: Robin Schmitt Photos: Jan Richter