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Our top stories of 2019

Rien ne va plus, all bets have been placed, 2019 is history. Before we start working diligently on our new year’s resolutions (or break them within the blink of an eye), we want to reminisce over the highlights of the past 365 days. Here are our top stories of 2019!

It might seem like an eternity since SRAM released their new AXS system but look at the calendar and you’ll see that the American brand’s wireless shifting system was released at the beginning of 2019. We were one of the first magazines to have the opportunity to do a full test of the SRAM RED eTap AXS drivetrain.

A lot of our time in the last few months has been occupied with countless hours of testing, evaluation and discussion to help make your future purchases as easy as possible. While our yearly gravel bike group test asked the question of which bike performs best off the beaten track, we also wanted to find out the best way to tune your gravel steed. The answer: your tires! We compared ten different options to find the best one!

But we haven’t just been wildly typing at our keyboards. We went on tour through Europe together with the Dropkick Murphys and tore up the streets of Berlin with Band Manager Jeff Castelaz. But we also learnt more about what it means to both a father and a rockstar.

Last summer we spent some time with the e-experts at our sister magazine E-MOUNTAINBIKE and took a closer look at what might be the most polarising topic in cycling at the moment: E-road bikes. We reviewed 13 of the most exciting models in our group test with multiple discoveries and some unexpected tops and flops.

For us, road biking is about more than just racking up the kilometers as quickly as possible. Of course you know that already. This year we took our alternative approach to the extreme with a trip involving Birkenstocks, Ikea bags and grandma’s garden. You’ll find out how and why in our story Summer Camp 2.0.

For our UK editor Cat, cycling is about more than just turning the pedals. In her article she talks about the challenges of being a mum and how she wants to prove to her son and herself that bridging the gap between changing nappies and riding bikes doesn’t have to mean an end to racing

If you find this story as inspiring as we do and want to keep fit through the winter months without having to travel to warmer climes, our group test of the best smart trainers might be just the ticket. We tested seven of the most interesting bike trainers and pitted them against each other. Some might say it’s unfair, others that it reflects the real world: we compare different concepts and designs with prices ranging from € 79.90 to € 3,299.99 and pushed ourselves to the limit during testing.

If your resolve extends past just getting fitter and you want to take things into your own hands by doing more work on your bike, you should take a closer look at our “Know How” section. You’ll find step by step instructions on how to keep your bike happy and ready for next season.

Just in case you didn’t notice during the highlights, a lot happened in 2019! We’re already revving up our engines for next season’s story but we also want to take this moment for something very important: to thank you all. Without you, we wouldn’t exist! Thank you for following us, engaging with us and for celebrating all the good times in the drops. To 2020, your health and all our good fortunes. Cheers!


Here you’ll find all our top stories of 2019:

SRAM Red eTap AXS in-depth review – The wireless 12-speed groupset under scrutiny

SRAM’s newest 12-speed groupset, Red eTap AXS, comes with a long list of promises and innovations. It’s meant to be faster, quieter and more efficient, but how do those claims pan out with real-world riding? The only way to find out is to take the new SRAM Red eTap AXS groupset to the streets and put it through its paces.

Full article: SRAM Red eTap AXS in-depth review – The wireless 12-speed groupset under scrutiny


The best gravel bike of 2020 – 14 models in review

Gravel tracks, tarmac, multi-day tours or post-work rides – freedom on two wheels is only complete when your bike isn’t at its limit and happily acts as your partner in crime for no questions asked riding fun. But is it gravel, cyclocross or all-road bikes that guarantee those good times? We tested 14 of the most exciting models available.

Full article: The best gravel bike of 2020 – 14 models in review


What’s the best gravel tire? – 10 models in comparison

The best and most effective upgrade on your bike? A perfect tire. With all of gravel riding’s intricacies, it is particularly important to have firm and safe contact with the ground. To help you find out which is the best gravel tire, we alternated between putting on our lab coats and putting in the miles on gravel roads, forest highways and flowing trails.

Full article: What’s the best gravel tire? – 10 models in comparison


Touring Europe with Dropkick Murphys – Rockstars, Dads & Roadies

What do pro road cyclists and tattooed rockstars have in common? What does it mean to be a dad and a rockstar? And how do you raise 26 million dollars for charity? We joined Dropkick Murphys on their European tour, rode bikes with their manager Jeff Castelaz, rocked out at their gigs, and learned what really matters in life.

Full article: Touring Europe with Dropkick Murphys – Rockstars, Dads & Roadies


The best E-road bike of 2019! – 13 of the most exciting models on test

Unloved outgrowth or promising new trend? The E-road bike market has been gaining momentum for the 2019/2020 season, not least because of a wave of new models and innovative concepts – at this point, all of the big players have an electric road bike in their portfolio. To us, that can only mean one thing: it’s time for the first E-road bike group test!

Full article: The best E-road bike of 2019! – 13 of the most exciting models on test


Summer Camp 2.0 – 10 kilometres with Birkenstocks and roll mats

Roads like the Mortirolo, Alpe d’Huez or Tuscany’s Strade Bianche are the benchmarks on many cyclists’ wishlists. But are they actually the roads to happiness?

Full article: Summer Camp 2.0 – 10 kilometres with Birkenstocks and roll mats


Left Holding The Baby – Should racing mums be confined to the sidelines?

“You’ve had a baby, your priorities will change!” They definitely did for me. Sitting on the turbo trainer is a distant memory and there are a lot less spontaneous meals out than there used to be. But one new priority that has emerged is to teach my son never to question whether a woman should or could do anything she wants to do.

Full article: Left Holding The Baby – Should racing mums be confined to the sidelines?


The best bike trainer 2020 – 7 smart trainers for Zwift & co. on test

Do you want to liven up your training by riding a turbo on Zwift? Or would you rather have a structured training plan on another type of smart trainer? There’s an option for almost everyone on the indoor bike trainer market. From bike rollers to the KICKR BIKE, we’ve tested seven different indoor trainers.

Full article: The best bike trainer 2020 – 7 smart trainers for Zwift & co. on test


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