The Rose Backroad FF Force XPLR AXS has been crowned Gravel Bike of the Year 2026, a testament to its exceptional performance and value. This accolade was awarded following an extensive test day where an eight-member jury evaluated nine contenders, ultimately placing the Backroad FF at the top. Its impressive intrinsic speed and competitive pricing led the jury to overlook minor drawbacks, solidifying its position as the frontrunner. (grinta.be)
Giant’s Revolt Advanced SL 2 secured the second spot, maintaining its reputation as a consistent podium contender. The Ridley ASTR, notable for being the only bike in the lineup equipped with an aluminum wheelset, clinched third place, highlighting the potential of its frame design. (grinta.be)
Rose Backroad FF: A Familiar Contender
This isn’t the first time the Backroad FF has participated in this competition. In 2024, it secured second place with the same SRAM Force XPLR AXS setup, following the Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0 and preceding the Canyon Grail CF SL7 AXS. The outcome of each competition is influenced by the day’s reference framework, including the competitors, their configurations, respective price points, and riding characteristics. (grinta.be)
Equipped with 40mm wide tires, the Backroad FF wasn’t the most comfortable gravel bike of the day. However, the high-quality groupset, cockpit, and wheels offered at a modest price point tipped the scales in its favor, placing it above the new Giant Revolt. (grinta.be)
Giant’s New Revolt: More Race-Focused in the SL Version
The Giant Revolt Advanced SL 2, now in its latest iteration, offers enhanced speed while maintaining comfort. The CXR 0 wheels with carbon spokes contribute to its refined handling but also increase the price tag: €6,499 for a bike with SRAM Rival XPLR AXS components is not exactly cheap, and this likely prevented the new Revolt from securing the top spot. (grinta.be)
Ridley as – A Slightly Surprising – Bronze Medalist
Finally, the Ridley ASTR charmed the jury. This is also a very fast bike with room for very wide tires. The fact that the riding characteristics are not too hindered by the relatively heavy DT Swiss G1800 Spline wheels and the 50mm wide Schwalbe G-One Evo R Pro tires speaks in favor of the Ridley. After the test rides with the ASTR, every jury member returned with a smile. (grinta.be)
Full Reviews in Grinta! 117
Curious about our final verdict on the Rose Backroad FF, the Giant Revolt Advanced SL, and the Ridley ASTR? You can read it NOW in Grinta! 117. This is not entirely coincidentally a special issue focused on gravel. (grinta.be)
Rush to the nearest newsagent or bookstore, or visit our webshop. (grinta.be)
Want to Test These Gravel Bikes Yourself?
Both Giant and Ridley are participating in Grinta! Test Fest this year. On Sunday, September 20, you’ll find both brands at Test Fest Valkenburg, and also the following week – on Saturday, September 26 – you’re welcome at Test Fest Geraardsbergen to put the new Revolt and the ASTR through a thorough test ride. (grinta.be)
On this page, you’ll find an overview of all brands participating in Test Fest 2026. (grinta.be)
Would you prefer to register immediately? Here you can buy tickets for Test Fest Valkenburg and Test Fest Geraardsbergen. (grinta.be)
Gravel Bike of the Year – How We Proceeded
Every year, our technical editorial team searches for the Gravel Bike of the Year. The reviews of the podium bikes are published in Grinta! 117, the other participants appear online in the run-up to the publication of that magazine. (grinta.be)
To award the title ‘Gravel Bike of the Year’, we organize a test day where all jury members – this year there were eight – try all the bikes one after the other on exactly the same lap. After each test ride, a bike receives scores in several fixed categories: steering behavior, comfort, versatility, aerodynamics, innovation… The points are multiplied by a certain coefficient, depending on the price range. The lower the price, the higher the coefficient. This way, bikes with a sharp price-quality ratio have an advantage and not necessarily the most expensive bikes come out best. During the testing of the bikes, the jury members do not talk to each other about their experiences, so as not to influence each other. At the end of the test day, all points are added up and we discuss the results together. (grinta.be)
You Should Know This:
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Brands choose themselves whether or not to submit a bike for the election. The list of participating bikes below is not the result of a pre-selection.
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A participating bike may cost a maximum of €7,000.
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The test jury consists of our technical editors, supplemented by some experienced gravel bikers from various backgrounds – both recreational and competitive riders.
The Participants This Year:
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Merida Mission 9000
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Guava ACE Di2
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Cube Nuroad C:62 SLX
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ACOL Tus