The all-road category is so broad that the various interpretations can be miles apart. However, the bikes all have one thing in common: the potential for road bike adventures far off from perfectly manicured asphalt. So, we grabbed ten of the hottest all-road bikes currently on the market and plunged head-first into an adventure. We came back with all the information you need to find the best all-road bike for you.
Rugged cliffs, lonely roads, olive groves, easterly gusts, and an unobstructed view of the sea. The small fishing village of Cadaqués on the Catalan coast offered the perfect conditions for us to test and compare the hottest all-road bikes of 2023. And to discover new things, experience adventure, and enjoy the Spanish Dolce Vita to the fullest, of course. You can quickly see why Salvador Dali decided to live here almost 100 years ago. An internationally acclaimed surrealist artist, best known for his eccentricity and wild parties, meets a traditional fishing village.
If you look at the all-road bikes of our test field, you can see a similar break with tradition. Road bikes packed with features and offering up to 50 mm tire clearance, 650B wheels, electric assistance, and suspension are met with indignation from the stuffy road bike scene. It’s a clash of cultures reminiscent of the wild artist’s parties in the tranquil bay. But progress only comes from pushing boundaries, trying new things, and questioning the norm. Inspired by the landscape of the Cap de Creus and the spirit of surrealism, we let ten promising all-road bikes battle it out in our big group test, all of them tackling the topic of all-road from very different angles. Grab an aperitivo, sit back and find out how the all-road segment has changed, and which bike is right for you!
What is an all-road bike?
Looking at the drop bar segment from “normal” road to gravel, you might ask yourself how it’s possible to clearly differentiate these bikes from each other. Case in point, the UCI Gravel World Championship was won on a modified road bike. It seems as if the only real difference is the factory-specced tires. To make matters worse, these segments are further divided into niches, and you’ll still find huge differences between the bikes within these niches, as you can see in our gravel race bike shootout. While the purpose of thoroughbred road bikes is relatively clear, all-road bikes are optimised to cater to a wide range of use cases.
So, how do you define an all-road bike? It’s a reasonable question considering our wildly heterogeneous test field, as the different brands have occasionally vastly different interpretations of the all-road segment. A look at history often provides some clues, but are marathon, endurance, or touring bikes the ancestors? Never mind! All-road needn’t be historically justified, as it can be clearly defined by the demands of modern roadies, which have changed significantly in recent years. Catering to new terrain, a more adventurous spirit, a wider range of use cases, and more openness and enthusiasm for technology requires a road bike that’s fast on the tarmac while being comfortable and versatile enough to venture off-road. There’s no need to narrow this definition down any more than that, because you don’t choose a category when you buy a bike, you choose a bike! What it says on the label doesn’t matter. It must simply cater to your riding style and needs. The individual categories no longer serve as a rough guide and the bikes within a category can be worlds apart. In addition, bike categories are as changeable as riders’ needs and the technologies used. Besides, there have always been – and always will be – good and bad bikes within all segments. The kinds of bikes that suit your riding style and the terrain in which you ride, and those that make riding feel like an uphill battle!
So, how do you define an all-road bike? It’s a reasonable question considering our wildly heterogeneous test field, as the different brands have occasionally vastly different interpretations of the all-road segment. A look at history often provides some clues, but are marathon, endurance, or touring bikes the ancestors? Never mind! All-road needn’t be historically justified, as it can be clearly defined by the demands of modern roadies, which have changed significantly in recent years. Catering to new terrain, a more adventurous spirit, a wider range of use cases, and more openness and enthusiasm for technology requires a road bike that’s fast on the tarmac while being comfortable and versatile enough to venture off-road. There’s no need to narrow this definition down any more than that, because you don’t choose a category when you buy a bike, you choose a bike! What it says on the label doesn’t matter. It must simply cater to your riding style and needs. The individual categories no longer serve as a rough guide and the bikes within a category can be worlds apart. In addition, bike categories are as changeable as riders’ needs and the technologies used. Besides, there have always been – and always will be – good and bad bikes within all segments. The kinds of bikes that suit your riding style and the terrain in which you ride, and those that make riding feel like an uphill battle!
The all-road bike group test at a glance:
| Model | Drivetrain | Wheelset | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argon 18 Krypton | Sram Force aTap AXS | HUNT Four Season Disc | 8.56 kg | € 6,175 |
| Merida Scultura Endurance 9000 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 | Reynolds ATR DB | 7.90 kg | € 6,399 |
| Parapera Atmos^2 | Campagnolo Corus | Parapera Carbon SLS 30 | 7.32 kg | € 5,390 |
| Pinarello x | Shimano 105 Di2 R7100 | Fulcrum Racing 800 | 9.04 kg | € 5,660 |
| Rondo Ratt CF | Shimano GRX RX810 | Rondo X Hunt Gravel X-Wide | 8.98 kg | € 4,699 |
| Rose Reveal Plus | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 | Rose RC Fifty Disc | 11.24 kg | € 6,499 |
| Scott Solace eRide 10 | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 | ZIPP 303 Firecrest | 12.36 kg | € 11,999 |
| Specialized Roubaix Comp | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | dt swiss r470 | 8,74 kg | € 5,600 |
| Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 4 | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 | 8.54 kg | € 10,999 |
| Wilier Granturismo SLR | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 | Wilier Triestina SLR38KC | 7.56 kg | € 10,300 |
| Ø | 9.02 kg | € 7,372 | ||
The most important tech features of all-road bikes
First up:
All-road bikes are road bikes first, and road bikes must perform on the road. If the bike doesn’t feel lively on asphalt, it won’t be much fun to ride, and having fun is our top priority. To have fun, it’s essential that the bike you choose also suits your riding style. Even the fastest, lightest, and most high-performing all-road bike won’t be fun if you prefer leisurely weekend tours and a compliant ride quality. If that’s the case, you shouldn’t be afraid to admit it, and not let yourself be fooled by a bike’s sporty good looks. Besides the basic requirements mentioned above, which apply to any road bike, all-road bikes must meet certain demands that make them fun even on bumpy gravel and cobbled roads, combining comfort and speed. The following technical specs are crucial for all-road bikes:
The best all-road bike tires
With an average tire width of 34 mm, our test field reflects the current standard in the all-road sector. The SCOTT Solace eRIDE 10 with 38 mm tires and the RONDO Ratt CF with fat 47 mm tires are the outliers here, standing out from the crowd. Wide tires dampen vibrations, offer more traction, and thus increase the bike’s versatility. We wouldn’t fit anything narrower than 30 mm on an all-road bike. For added traction, durability, and puncture protection, most brands resort to special tires with a smooth tread in the centre and slight knobs on the shoulders, tubeless setups, and more robust casings. A good compromise between weight, traction, and puncture protection.
How much tire clearance does an all-road bike need?
Of course, these increasingly wide tires require the appropriate clearance in the frame, and many all-road bikes also come with fender mounts. They keep you clean and dry on your commutes but require additional clearance in the frame. This is something to keep in mind if you want to continue following this trend in the longer term, as your frame will need ample tire clearance for both mudguards and increasingly wide tires. On average, the bikes on test can accommodate 37 mm wide tires without fenders. Anything less than 32 mm is no longer up to date, and, fortunately, all the bikes on test make the cut. The SCOTT Solace eRIDE 10 blows the competition out the water with its 50 mm tire clearance. Only the widest gravel tires will max this out.
Damping on all-road bikes
Depending on the terrain, wide tires aren’t enough to soak up intense vibrations and big impacts. Over time, this leads to all kinds of issues, robbing you of strength, causing pain, and damping the fun if nothing else ;). To counteract this and keep you smiling on rough terrain, many brands have come up with creative technical solutions. From compliance in the carbon frame to adjustable shock absorbers in the steerer tube, elastomers in the seat stays, 650B wheels with extremely wide tires, and flex in the carbon seat post. However, more complex doesn’t always mean better. A carefully designed and built carbon frame can also be supremely comfortable.
All-road ebikes
Motorised road bikes. A must-have? – it’s controversial. For many, however, the support of an electric motor is the only way to enjoy the sport. Their biggest point of critique – the added weight – is continually being minimised by manufacturers year after year. The MAHLE X20 hub motor in the ROSE REVEAL PLUS and the mid-mounted TQ HPR50 motor in the SCOTT Solace eRIDE on test are the lightest systems currently on the market. Can they offer sufficient support to compensate for different fitness levels on the climbs, while having hardly any negative effects on the handling and remaining lively when riding above the 25 km/h limit? We put the two all-road ebikes through the wringer to find out whether they can expand your horizons or limit them instead.
The do-it-all road bike
To be capable of tackling all roads, an all-road bike should be versatile and adaptable:
Mounting points for bags and fenders extend a bike’s range of possible use cases. Whether for commuting, touring, or in winter. It lets you optimise the bike for various applications. The Argon 18 Krypton delivers on this front, equipped with all the necessary bosses and eyelets, along with a convenient storage compartment in the down tube and clearance for up to 40 mm tires. Thanks to the opening in the down tube, you can always have your tools, spares, and emergency snacks within reach – brilliant!
Who tested the bikes?
To Martin, an all-road bike must be the perfect all-rounder. The bike, its integrated features, and optional extras must result in a coherent package. Versatility is equally important, because Martin wants a do-it-all bike that’s fun in a variety of situations. As a former triathlete and drop bar aficionado, Martin is an experienced rider, and he values bikes with balanced handling.
Anyone who cracks the 1,000-metre altitude mark on their morning commute to work and clocks well over 20,000 km a year on their bike can compensate for bumps and vibrations with their own physique. For a rider like Calvin, elaborate damping mechanisms are nothing but ballast. He wants minimal weight, agile handling, and an aggressive riding position. The faster the bike the better.
As a mountain biker, Juli typically rides off-road on knobby 29″ tires. His ideal all-road bike doesn’t need any unusual damping elements. What he wants is a relaxed riding position and playful handling, allowing the bike to perform just as well on a quick ride to the ice cream parlour as on a leisurely weekend outing. Reliability is another important criterion, because he already has enough flat tires and destroyed rims to deal with on his mountain bike.
Jan loves fast descents and long tours. Predictable handling and a high level of composure are particularly important to him. For long days in the saddle, his perfect all-road bike should offer good ergonomics, sufficient damping, and mounting points for his bikepacking gear. The bike must perform equally well on spontaneous off-road detours as it does on long climbs with luggage and the daily commute to the office.
As a professional runner, Aina is new to road bikes. Thanks to years of training, she’s super fit, though she isn’t used to the specific demands of road cycling. Therefore, her perfect all-road bike should be easy to handle and instil her with confidence on descents. Speed comes second to Aina, since having a good time on the bike is what she values most. As such, her top priorities include comfort, gear range, and reliability.
For Robin, it’s the adventure that counts: his perfect all-road bike lets him ride to the summit on a whim, spontaneously take a gravel detour to the beach, or do another climb because his legs are still feeling fresh. Versatility, reliability, and fun handling are on the top of his list of must-haves. The goal isn’t best times, but good times, and he doesn’t mind if the good times roll a little slower.
Which all-road bike is right for you?
A good bike is like a good pair of shoes – it must fit. Therefore, the best bike is only as good as it’s capable of meeting your requirements and riding skills. To make your search a little easier, we would like to introduce you to a few rider types, matching them with the most suitable all-road bikes from the test field. If you can identify yourself with one of these, you’ll know what to look for when buying.
The experienced, competitive rider
Are you a racer at heart, but looking for more comfort, traction, and puncture protection? The Wilier GranTurismo SLR, Parapera Atmos² and MERIDA SCULTURA ENDURANCE 9000 are good examples of all-road bikes that are clearly trimmed for speed but still live up to their all-road bike classification. With a more aggressive riding position, fast gearing ratios, a lot of carbon, and minimal added weight in the form of mounting points or other features, none of these bikes tip the scales at more than 8 kg. Their fast looks serve as motivation, but the responsive handling requires an experienced rider to realise their full potential on the road. In terms of comfort, these all-road bikes are reduced to just the minimum level of vibration damping necessary, placing a greater emphasis on efficient power transfer.
The explorer
Every adventurer needs a safe harbour, and every journey into the unknown requires a reliable vehicle. Likewise, the explorer roadie needs a faithful companion, an all-road bike that will tackle everything, that’s reliable, comfortable, stable, versatile, and prepared for all eventualities. The bike should have a lot of mounting points, like the Argon 18 krypton, an upright riding position, and lots of compliance, like the Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 4. The explorer’s all-road bike certainly isn’t the lightest or fastest, but it’s robust enough for rough roads and meandering detours, all while providing enough comfort to let you keep going even after a long day in the saddle. The gear range should also offer sufficient reserves to make easy work of steep climbs with a fully loaded bike. Useful features like integrated storage compartments, hidden multitools, and extra bottle cage bosses are always welcome.
The mountain goat with electric assistance
A bike to free your mind, to compensate for different fitness levels, or simply to ride further and higher than you could otherwise. All-road ebikes like the SCOTT Solace eRIDE and ROSE REVEAL PLUS expand the horizons for all those who need or want just a little support. To have as little impact on the handling as possible, bike brands rely on lightweight motors, such as the MAHLE X20 or TQ HPR 50, powered by 250 to 500 Wh batteries, or smaller motors with a throttled power output and correspondingly reduced power consumption. By now, lightweight motors have become so compact that they’re almost invisible on the bike, requiring a closer look to reveal that you’re riding an ebike. Moreover, all the ebikes on test give you the option of adding a range extender for those particularly long rides.
The newcomer
Anyone who is new to road cycling and doesn’t really know what the future of bike riding might hold and therefore wants to keep their options open is well advised to go with an all-road bike. Their versatility, focus on comfort, and upright riding position make them particularly accommodating to newbies All-road bikes with lots of straight-line stability and predictable handling are the best option, providing a large margin for error. The gear range should be wide enough to allow for easy climbing, so that you don’t have to push when things get steep. As a beginner, you probably won’t want to fork out on a flagship bike, so you should look for a high-quality frame as a starting point. Entry-level components can be upgraded as you progress. The Pinarello X meets all these requirements, convincing our test riders with a high level of comfort and balanced handling.
A dreamy, treacherous test track
The mountains and the sea bask in the glow of the setting sun. Your thighs are burning, and your mind is already on the menu of the small restaurant at the end of the street. A strong gust from the left slams the bike to the ground and instantly brings your thoughts back from Croquetas and Cerveza. Ouch – this test track has a knack of catching you off-guard.
Planning a test track for all-road bikes isn’t quite as easy as it sounds, because it must cover a wide variety of conditions and terrain, and in the right balance too. We opted for an 80/20 split: 80% asphalt – some of it smooth and new, some of it rough and potholed. The remaining 20% was gravel, cobbles, and hardpack. Steep climbs, fast descents, and fast turns included. A challenge for both (wo)man and machine, paired with breath-taking views of the mountains and sea. For us, all-road also means good times, letting your mind wander, adventure, and dolce vita. Of course, the test track had to offer a generous helping of this too. A lonely road that winds its way up past Dali’s former dwelling in amongst the olive groves, offering views of the Mediterranean Sea, and culminating at a remote lighthouse restaurant on Spain’s easternmost point, reached via a series of fast climbs and descents. Superb! On top of that, the heavy cross winds, sharp stones, loose gravel, and nightly return trip after wine and paella provided for thrills. A track as varied as the bikes in the test field.
What is the best all-road bike?
To crown the best all-road bike is no easy task. The various usage areas, riding styles, and road conditions are too diverse. Nevertheless, there are many useful features, innovative advancements, and well-thought-out overall concepts that can be compared. Equally important to us is the riding pleasure! Bikes that have been optimally designed and equipped for their intended use and inspire the rider to go the extra mile ultimately result in the best time in the saddle.
The Best in Test all-road bike of 2023: SCOTT Solace eRIDE
The greatest fun, the most versatile applications, and the highest-quality overall package. No other bike in the test could shine in so many different ways.The SCOTT Solace eRide convinces even the e-bike skeptics with its versatility, well-thought-out features, sharp looks, and tremendous riding pleasure, securing a well-deserved victory. Well done!
Best Buy: MERIDA SCULTURA ENDURANCE 9000
Merida interprets all-road with a sporty approach, and it suits the SCULTURA ENDURANCE 9000 extremely well. A high-end equipment combined with tremendous propulsion, responsive handling, stylish looks, and above-average riding pleasure, all at a below-average price, clearly make the SCULTURA ENDURANCE 9000 a definite buying recommendation.
All roads lead to Rome
No two all-road bikes are alike. The different brands approach the topic of all-road bikes from very different angles. They resort to unusual technical solutions for added comfort, and integrate compact electric motors very discreetly, all offering their own unique interpretation of the broad all-road category. That’s great for us as riders! Because the wide variety of roadies demands a wide range of options. Fortunately, you’re not on your own, because our group test is here to help you sift through this flood of different bikes, guiding you on your way to finding the best all-road bike for you.
All bikes in test: Argon 18 Krypton | Merida Scultura Endurance 9000 | Parapera Atmos^2 | Pinarello x | Rondo Ratt CF | Rose Reveal Plus | Scott Solace eRide 10 | Specialized Roubaix Comp | Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS Gen 4
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Words: Jan Richter Photos: Jan Richter Robin Schmitt
