Effetto Mariposa Flowerpower Wax is a chain lube for the 21st century and beyond, offering not only the best performance of any drip lubricant ever tested but also an environmentally safe formulation that includes no harmful additives and is plant-based.

During this test, we were impressed with how quiet the chain remained, especially in the absence of the additives that many other lubes include. When it was time to reapply (after multiple bike cleanings, by the way) we were further impressed with how clean the entire drivetrain was. Chainrings, cassette, derailleur pulleys and, of course, the chain itself were virtually spotless. This also has to do with the fact that we followed Effetto Mariposa’s advice about stripping the chain clean before the initial application, something that’s necessary to get good results from any wax-based chain lubricant. 

Effetto Mariposa claims 600km, about 370 miles, per application of Flowerpower when riding on dry paved roads. Our test period for Flowerpower was extremely wet, so we’ll have to take them at their word there. We can confirm that Flowerpower held on effectively during wet test rides and only needed to be reapplied after 200km of wet conditions riding, which is still quite impressive. We’d expect to go much further between reapplications in dry conditions.

When everything in the bike industry seems to be getting crazy expensive, we appreciate Effetto Mariposa ensuring that each container of Flowerpower exceeds 50% wax-to-water ratio, which means that compared to some other brands, you’re getting as much as 20% more lubricant per ounce of volume. And, even if you only get half of their claimed distance between reapplications, a bottle still lasts a long time.

On top of that, the independent test lab, Zero Friction Cycling, has tested Flowerpower and honored it as the best drip wax chain lubricant available for its wear rate and contamination resistance. It’s moderately expensive but not astronomically priced, won’t hurt the planet, and isn’t a just bottle of mainly water claiming to be chain lube. For all these reasons, Effetto Mariposa Flowerpower our favorite Drip Wax Lube and makes a great choice whether you’re just getting into the world of wax-based lubes, or have been doing it for ages with a different brand. 

Squirt Long Lasting Chain Lube is a blend of paraffin and hydrocarbon waxes, water, and emulsifiers, and applies milky white and then dries after application. The dried, or cured lubricant forms a shield against contaminants that would otherwise cling to the surfaces of the chain rollers and accelerate the wear that eventually kills every chain. With Squirt, and many other wax-based lubricants, this wear is significantly delayed, allowing chains used in dry, and less dusty environments to last a long time.

With Squirt, it’s important that the chain, even if brand new, is completely cleaned beforehand, ideally by submersion in a degreaser. This deep cleaning will open up all the nooks and crannies of the chain so that the wax can penetrate and coat all surfaces and then cure to provide a waterproof barrier against contamination and the premature chain wear it brings on. If Squirt is applied to a less-than-perfectly clean chain, it will still work well but will collect more grime and need to be reapplied more frequently to keep the chain humming nicely. 

Squirt is an efficient lubricant, meaning that it spreads out easily across a fully cleaned chain, and keeps it running smooth and quiet for a better-than-average interval. The result is that a 4 oz bottle can easily last 10,000 km of road riding in mostly dry conditions. Better yet, a new and perfectly clean chain lubricated with Squirt may also reach 10,000 km before it reaches the .5mm of wear between rollers which indicates that the chain should be replaced. 

Some riders note that using wax-based chain lubes like Squirt results in more chain noise than oil-based lubricants. While we agree with this premise broadly speaking, Squirt is one of the best options available for noise reduction among the cohort of wax-based drip lubricants. We also would rather have a chain lube that helps our chain last longer, saves our chainrings and cassette, and is clean to the touch than a lube that makes our chain silent for a while. 

At $3.75 per ounce, Squirt Long Lasting Chain Lube competes well with other drip-on wax lubricants that sell at double the cost. It helps the chain last longer, keeps it quieter than many other wax-based options, and provided that the chain is prepped correctly, ensures a buttery-smooth operation of the drivetrain. Just be advised that it can separate if it is allowed to freeze.

Ceramic Speed UFO Drip All-Conditions is a wax-based liquid chain coating that goes on wet from the bottle, then bonds to the chain’s internals, creating exceptional lubrication, reducing friction for better performance, and protecting the drivetrain from premature wear. Ceramic Speed also claims that UFO will last 300km per application (in dry conditions), a promise which we were keen to put to the test. 

First though, came the chain prep required for UFO and all wax-based lubes of its kind. Preferably, switching to UFO coincides with replacing the chain, but even if the chain is fresh out of the box, you’ll want to have it cleaned such that all the factory coating is removed. This is critical because UFO is designed to slowly penetrate and spread all throughout the chain, and it won’t be able to do that with contamination or factory grease in its way.

With the release of the newly updated UFO drip lube, Ceramic Speed changed the application instructions to a method that sounds like it will induce folks to use up a bottle more quickly. We stuck with the tried and true method of simply applying a generous dollop to every chain roller, then backpedaling the chain to help it work its way in. The white color stands out and helps identify any rollers that were missed along the way. We let the chain sit overnight so that the UFO coating could cure completely and then went out into the toughest conditions for a chain lube – a group road ride on wet roads with nary a fender to be found. 

While we didn’t do 300km that day, we did hit triple digits and came away impressed with how smooth and quiet the chain was throughout the ride. After cleaning the bike off with a hose, cleaning wipes, and another hose rinse, the chain was virtually spotless and still ran nearly silent. Given the amount of road grime and water the chain was exposed to on that ride and subsequent cleaning, we are convinced that Ceramic Speed’s claim of 300km is fairly reliable. Of course, results will vary based on many factors specific to each rider, but it’s nice to know that a chain coating that costs $7.10 per ounce is tough enough to hold onto the chain through some nasty riding conditions. 

The new, updated formula of UFO Drip All-Conditions from Ceramic Speed is non-toxic and biodegradable, meaning it’s a better choice for your health and the planet. At $24 for 100ml, it’s certainly not cheap, but considering that a little goes a long way, literally, and that wax-based coatings can extend the life of drivetrains significantly, we see UFO drip more as an investment than a splurge. Along with updated packing, UFO Drip also now comes in Indoor and Wet Conditions formulas.

For more info, read our full review of Ceramic Speed UFO Drip.

absoluteBLACK GraphenLube is an ultra-premium wax-based drip chain lube that utilizes graphene nanoparticles, making it highly effective in all the ways that wax-based lubricants should be. It’s clean, quiet, efficient, and I’ll whisper it again….quiet. It’s essentially the drip equivalent of Absolute Black’s immersive GraphenWax, in a form that’s much easier to use.

According to absoluteBLACK: “Graphene – the wonder material that is still not commonly used because of its incredibly high cost, is a great additive for a few reasons. It has an extremely low friction coefficient in all environments, is far stronger than any known material…and can cling to metal, protecting friction surfaces from excessive abrasion. Moreover, it repels the water and is not permeable to air reducing therefore oxidative stress on the metal surface. Even a single atom layer is enough to reduce the friction considerably.”

absoluteBLACK GraphenLube absolutely must be applied to a new and fully stripped clean chain. It’s not that it won’t work otherwise, but rather it would simply be a bit of a waste of this magical potion to apply it to a contaminated or factory-greased chain. And, at over $40/oz, it’s not a lubricant you want to spray about carelessly. 

What separates GraphenLube from other lubes, even other wax-based lubes that incorporate graphene, is the noise and chatter reduction absoluteBLACK achieves. Even fully cross-chained and chopping away out of the saddle to crest a roller, the chain felt serene, quiet, and in harmony with the cassette and chainrings. Riding on fully drenched roads was no different. Our chain felt proofed against the elements while riding and was still going strong after three days of abusive exposure to road spray and bike cleaning. 

This lube is very expensive, even compared to other high-end lubes, but if you must have the best, and the cost is not a concern, absoluteBLACK GraphenLube is the one to choose. Whether your motivation is to save watts, enjoy a quieter drivetrain, or protect your top-of-the-line components from premature wear, GraphenLube does it all. 

You can learn more in our tech coverage of absoluteBLACK GraphenLube.

Although Silca is best known for its immersive and drip-on wax chain lubes, they wisely recognize that not everyone has the patience or desire to completely strip a brand-new chain with toxic chemicals before applying chain lube. For riders who want the best lubricant that can be dripped on during a pre-ride bike check and reapplied whenever and wherever, Silca offers its brilliant and oil-based Synergetic Wet Lube.

Traditional oil-based “wet” chain lubes are great at keeping the chain quiet and shifting smoothly, but the oil-based compositions also attract and absorb dust and dirt particles, eventually forming a grinding paste that can drastically accelerate the wear of not only the chain itself but also cassettes and chainrings. None of these items are inexpensive to replace. 

The independent chain lube tester, Zero Friction Cycling, found that Silca Synergetic Wet Lube was the only wet lubricant ever tested which produced zero chain wear in preliminary rounds of testing. What this means in the real world is that if Synergetic is applied every 500 miles and ridden in favorable conditions like dry weather on clean pavement, you can expect to increase the service life of your drivetrain components by a significant margin over other wet lubes.

If ridden in wet conditions on grimey, or even unpaved roads, Synergetic is a great performer, keeping the chain quiet and shifting smoothly for many hours, and its ability to protect the drivetrain remains stronger relative to other wet lubes used under similar conditions. According to Silca, because Synergetic Wet Lube “forms a durable Tribofilm at the metal surface, and is strongly attracted to itself, the lube proves to be exceptionally waterproof, remaining inside the chain even in testing under full water submersion.”

Silca Synergetic Wet Lube is a wonderful option for riders who are not interested in the lengthy process of applying wax-based chain lubricants, but who are conscious of drivetrain wear and the costs that it incurs, and also want to maximize the efficiency of their drivetrain and, along with it, their speed while riding. At $25 for 2 oz, Synergetic sits at the premium end of oil-based lubricants. Still, it’s important to note that thanks to its fine applicator, Synergetic coats very well with just a small amount from the bottle, and once applied, extends the life of drivetrain components, making it a great investment to make in your bike. 

More info in our coverage of the launch of Silca Synergetic Wet Lube.

While we wouldn’t recommend using traditional WD-40 as a chain lube, the brand has developed a line of chain lubes and cleaners that are certainly worthy of consideration. The WD-40 Specialist Bike Wet Lube is their wet conditions lube that’s a great, inexpensive choice for those who ride in wet, muddy conditions regularly.

Like most wet lubes, it goes on thick, is easy to apply, and you don’t need to let it cure overnight before heading out for a ride. It clings tenaciously to the chain in wet conditions helping your drivetrain remain quiet and spinning smoothly. The caveat is that like other wet lubes, it picks up a lot of grit and grime, so your chain needs to be cleaned frequently and re-lubed regularly. And, it’s certainly not ideal for riding in dry conditions as it will attract and cling to lots of dust.

While the details of the composition of WD-40’s Specialist Bike Wet Lube are scarce, the proprietary oil-based blend is “not hazardous” according to the safety data sheet. Regardless, it hangs tough in the wet conditions it was designed for, and WD-40 claims that it “performs in freezing temperatures to keep you riding all winter long.”

If you’re looking for a quality wet conditions lubricant to get you through the worst riding conditions, the reasonably priced WD-40 Specialist Bike Wet Lube is a great option to consider. With frequent chain cleanings and reapplications, this lube will keep you running smooth and quiet through your wettest rides without breaking the bank.

According to Wolf Tooth’s co-founder Brendan Moore, WT-1 Chain Lube is best described as a “premium synthetic drivetrain treatment” because it not only lubricates the drivetrain but also actively pushes contamination out of the chain so that it can be easily wiped away. Eventually, according to Wolf Tooth, WT-1 will penetrate completely into the chain’s internals, and displace all of the contaminants, allowing the chain to run smooth and silent while staying super clean. Perhaps the best part for many riders is that all these benefits come with zero chain prep required. 

To test these claims, we applied it to a used chain that was well-contaminated from wet-weather commuting miles. The chain hadn’t been ridden, cleaned, or lubricated in a long time, so in the work stand, before the application of WT-1, it was squeaky and the shifting was sticky and slow. After applying WT-1 and wiping away the excess, we spun the drivetrain through about 30 cycles. The chain was immediately running more quietly with WT-1, which was no surprise.

What was surprising was the amount of sludge that quickly appeared on the surface of the chain riding the bike around later that day. While unsightly, this was WT-1 doing exactly what it’s designed to do, which is pushing out old contamination from deep within the chain. As we continued to ride and wipe away the newly-surfaced crud from the chain throughout the week, the chain and drivetrain became smooth, quiet, and eventually fairly clean in appearance. It was not “eat off it” clean like a dip waxed chain, but it was clear that the chain was no longer acting as an abrasive wear accelerator for the cassette and chainrings.

So, if you’re the type of rider who chuckles at the thought of spending 24 hours prepping your chain so you can apply a $50 lubricant, the WT-1 Chain Lube is probably a better option for you. Its oil-based composition means it can go on dirty, and clean the chain while you ride, increasing your enjoyment of riding while preserving your expensive drivetrain components.

Read our review of the Wolf Tooth WT-1 Chain Lube.

Pedro’s Slick Wax Chain lube is a wax-based lube that is environmentally friendly as it contains a plant-based and biodegradable chemistry and no PTFE. It’s also one of the cleanest running lubricants we tested, assuming it’s applied to a clean chain from the get-go. 

Application is best done by holding the bottle above the chain as it passes over the top of the cassette and dripping it onto the chain while backpedaling the bike. Unlike many wax-based lubricants, Pedro’s Slick Wax is quick to penetrate the chain and creates a protective coating that reduces wear and noise. Keep in mind that although penetration is quick, Slick Wax, like other wax-based lubes, works best when given at least 12 hours to cure. 

While it is intended for dry and dusty conditions, we were impressed by how clean Slick Wax kept our whole drivetrain during sloppy winter rides. Riding without fenders, and getting home with clothing and bike covered in road spray, we found that the chain, chainrings, and cassette were all virtually spotless. Slick Wax also hung tough through repeated bike washes and a week of riding in nasty conditions. Eventually, the chain began to whisper a bit, but a quick wipe down and reapplication of Slick Wax returned it to near silent and buttery smooth running.

Another detail we appreciated was the odorless nature of Slick Wax. We’re not sure what started the trend of making chain lubes smell like food products, but thankfully Pedro’s isn’t following it.

If you want a chain lube that keeps your drivetrain clean, is safe for the environment, and doesn’t smell up your garage, Pedros Slick Wax is a great choice that’s also reasonably priced.

Silca’s Super Secret drip lubricant promises to deliver the low-friction, chain-protecting, and silent-running magic of a hot-melt dip wax without any of the hassle. Super Secret contains Tungsten Disulphide, also known as WS2, which Silca calls the “most lubricious additive” available. Super Secret has been independently tested and verified to be nearly competitive with dip waxes in terms of friction losses and chain wear rates. In other words, it’s an easy-to-use lubricant that can help riders save a few watts (Silca claims up to 7w) and a few dollars by making the chain run smoother with less of the abrasion that leads to chain wear. 

What sets Silca Super Secret apart from all other drip-on wax-based lubricants, such as Squirt, absoluteBLACK GraphenLube, and Ceramic Speed UFO Drip, is that Super Secret is able to immediately penetrate and spread throughout a perfectly clean chain. All the other lubricants mentioned can take longer to fully penetrate. Of course, this is contingent on the chain being perfectly clean, which is to say, brand new, and cleaned by submersion in mineral spirits. Still, you need to give it 12 hours to cure for maximum effectiveness.

So, while Super Secret drip lube is less work than a hot-melt wax, it’s not as simple as opening the bottle and dripping it onto the chain. While deep-cleaning the chain does sound like a lot of work, and yes, it is a bit of a faff, Silca offers an excellent step-by-step guide on chain prep and lubricant application here. Regardless, it’s an impressively effective drip-on chain coating that repels dirt, stays clean to the touch, helps reduce friction, and runs super quiet. It has also proven itself in Zero Friction Cycling’s independent testing as one of the best lubes available for dry conditions.

If $45 sounds outrageous for an 8 oz container of chain lube, keep in mind that the application intervals are quite lengthy, so a bottle goes a long way. Also, Silca Super Secret’s ability to delay drivetrain wear means that it will likely save many hundreds of dollars in chain, cassette, and chainrings replacement costs. 

Find out more in our launch coverage of Silca Super Secret Chain Lube.

Motorex Chainlube with PTFE is a synthetic dry conditions chain lubricant that repels dust and dirt and is perfect for rides and races where maximum drivetrain efficiency is the priority. PTFE, which is the generic name for Teflon, reduces friction, albeit marginally. Other additives help Motorex Chainlube achieve excellent penetration and thereby help the chain articulate more freely around chainrings cassette cogs and derailleur pulleys for smooth shifting. 

We found that Motorex worked brilliantly in dry conditions but required frequent reapplication to keep the chain running quietly. This is typical of dry lubes, as they are not all that viscous just a few hours after applying. However the benefit of dry lubes – Motorex Chain Lube being no exception – is that assuming the chain isn’t contaminated with dust or dirt, you can simply wipe the chain with a dry cloth and apply more chain lube, skipping the pre-cleaning associated with wet lube reapplication. 

While it is expressly intended for dry conditions, we were impressed with the performance of Motorex in dry and wet conditions. When many dry chain lubes would have been compromised or completely washed off the chain, Motorex Chain Lube with PTFE held on for a couple of hours of riding in the rain, long enough to make it home before the dreaded squeaking of an under-lubed and abrasive chain was heard. 

If you ride in dry conditions and want a reasonably priced, easy-to-apply chain lube with race-ready performance, Motorex Chainlube with PTFE is a good option to consider. 

Gold Chain Lube by Rock ‘N’ Roll is an excellent lube for nasty winter conditions. According to Rock ‘N’ Roll, it coats the chain in a “wet membrane” that lubricates contact points and also blocks out contamination for long application intervals, and is intended for use on both mountain and road bikes. 

Rock N’ Roll Gold is surprisingly tenacious and held up through a week of road riding in nasty conditions, about 200 miles in total, without any excessive noise, grime build-up, or need to be topped up. When we eventually heard the subtle rasp of a thirsty chain and pulled it off for a deep clean, we were impressed with how the contamination appeared to be suspended in the membrane of Gold, on the outer surface of the links, and how the chain was otherwise quite clean. 

Like other Rock N’ Roll lubes, Gold separates easily and needs a good shake before applying, and it is relatively low viscosity. Application of Gold is best done by holding the bottle above the chain and cassette, and squeezing it gently out as you back-pedal the bike being sure to give it a good soaking. Cross-chaining the big chainring and biggest cassette cog helps expose more of the chain for quicker penetration into the links. Since it works as both a cleaner and lube, you’ll want to be sure to wipe the chain clean after the initial application and first ride to remove the contamination that comes to the surface.

While Rock ‘N’ Roll asserts that Gold can go on without any chain prep, we found that this didn’t work as well when other types of lubricant were already present in the chain. If that is the case, we recommend a deep clean prior to application. If a different type of Rock ‘N’ Roll has been used previously, however, there is no need to clean the chain. Rock N’ Roll Gold also works best when given several hours to cure before riding.

At $8 for a 4-ounce bottle ($2 an ounce), Rock N’ Roll Gold is relatively affordable compared to most other competitors. That said, the thin nature of the lube and the soaking application recommended by Rock N’ Roll means that you’ll go through it a little quicker than many others.

Rock N’ Roll Holy Cow Chain lube is formulated to offer the benefits of both wet and dry chain lubricants. This means that like most wet lubes, it will penetrate quickly and protect the chain in nasty conditions, but like a dry lube, it doesn’t pick up as much contamination as most wet lubes. Holy Cow is also intended to be an all-in-one lube and chain cleaner that will push out contaminants that are already hidden deep inside the chain. Its secret formula is not oil-based, but beyond that, composition details from Rock ‘N’ Roll are scant.  

Like other Rock N’ Roll products, Holy Cow requires vigorous shaking to mix before applying as the ingredients tend to separate relatively quickly. Look at the bottom of the bottle to ensure the active ingredients have detached and mixed into the rest of the liquid before dripping Holy Cow on your chain. It also comes out of the bottle very quickly due to its low viscosity, and Rock ‘N’ Roll recommends really soaking the chain by gently squeezing a continuous stream of lubricant over the chain as you backpedal that crankset, to help the lubricant spread evenly and penetrate the rollers of the chain. Letting Holy Cow cure overnight is ideal for achieving optimal results. 

On the road, Holy Cow Chain Lube worked as expected to keep the chain running smoothly and quietly, but did require a reapplication after only 100 miles, which was a bit surprising. To its credit, Holy Cow did seem to help clean the chain and get pretty nasty initially, although a quick wipe down and reapplication brought it right back to life. Subsequent treatments, especially in drier conditions, proved to be longer lasting and did not attract lots of contaminants. 

We are confident that with consistent and correct application, combined with occasional deep cleans of the chain, Rock ‘N’ Roll Holy Cow will provide a great ride experience and allow you to get more mileage from your drivetrain, by removing and deflecting contaminants. At just around $8 for a 4 oz bottle, Holy Cow’s reasonable price and solid performance make it a good value. 

Manufactured in Maxima’s Southern California factory, their Chain Wax Lube is an all-conditions lubricant that uses Parafilm, which goes on wet to quickly penetrate rollers and outer plates of the chain, and then quickly dries to protect these surfaces from grime and dust as they operate in contact with each other. Not only does Chain Wax protect well, but it also lubricates and keeps the chain super quiet right from the first application – something that not all wax-based chain lubes can deliver.

Parafilm is a semi-transparent, flexible film composed of a blend of waxes and polymers. It is highly malleable, which makes a great additive in chain lubricant, which must penetrate tiny gaps in the construction of the bike chain. Applying Maxima Chain Wax is easy, thanks to a long and fine applicator. This type of applicator makes it easy to precisely deposit lubricant only where you want and in the correct amount, to avoid waste and extend the life of the 4 oz bottle. 

Maxima Chain Wax performed well in wet conditions which included a 10-mile stretch of hard-packed gravel. Although our chain was exposed to a lot of contaminants including dirt, and grimy road spray, it stayed clean and quiet throughout the ride. After cleaning the chain without removing it from the bike, and reapplying, we were able to ride for almost 150 km in dry weather before feeling any excessive stiction in the drivetrain and hearing the rasping of a chain that needed to be re-lubed. This is a respectable application interval for wax-based drip-on chain lube, so we recommend Maxima Wax Lube for riders who are on the road frequently and don’t want to reapply every ride.  

The only thing we weren’t huge fans of was the smell, which can charitably be described as a Cinnamon sent. We recommend wearing latex gloves when handling, applying, or cleaning off Maxima Chain Wax, as the scent is tough to get off of hands if they come in contact. Beyond that, the Maxima Chain Wax Parafilm Lube is inexpensive compared to many other competitors, easy to apply, and helps keep your drivetrain running quietly for a relatively long time between applications.

Muc Off designed their Dry Weather Lube to perform in dry to slightly damp conditions. It’s wax-based and also biodegradable, which means that it won’t be able to cling to the chain well in steady rain, with road spray from both wheels assaulting the drivetrain. Even in perfectly dry conditions, we found that Muc Off Dry Lube didn’t keep our chain quiet for very long, despite solvent cleaning the chain prior to the first application, and letting the lube cure for 24 hours before riding. So, we only recommend Muc Off Dry Lube for a bike that sees dry weather and for a rider who likes to do routine maintenance like cleaning and lubricating the chain weekly, if not more often. 

Thankfully, Muc Off provides a fine-tipped applicator on the bottle of Muc Off Dry, so that the lube only goes where it’s needed, and doesn’t end up getting over-applied and then wiped off the chain before it’s even penetrated the links. This easy and precise application helps prevent dust and dirt from finding errant lube and contaminating the chain. 

Additionally, Muc-Off has stopped using PTFE across its entire range of products. So, while the previous version of this lube was not completely biodegradable, the latest version is.

Muc Off Dry also feels very light when riding. While it’s not the quietest of lubricants, it did give the chain fast-running and slick-shifting performance for about 70 miles on the road before needed to be topped off. If you are looking to keep your drivetrain very clean and ride in dry conditions, Muc Off Dry Lube is a solid and reasonably priced choice at only $12 for a 4 oz bottle. 

Muc-Off C3 Ceramic Wet Weather Lube is an oil-based wet lube with fluoro polymers and boron nitride additives that help it repel water and penetrate quickly into the chain, where it protects against wear and ensures silky smooth shifting in even the nastiest conditions including mud and constant rain. 

While it works as advertised, it also builds up a significant amount of crud that needs to be cleaned quickly and thoroughly in order to ensure the chain and drivetrain stay free of buildup that can be left behind by contaminated wet lubes. It’s also important to never overapply Muc-Off Wet Lube, as any excess lube can mean more likely contamination and build up on the other parts of the drivetrain, such as chainrings, cassette, and rear derailleur pulleys. Thankfully, all Muc-Off lube bottles feature a precision applicator, so it’s easy to get the lube where you want it, the chain rollers, and nowhere else. Muc-Off even supplies a small flashlight with Wet Lube so you can easily see where the lube has coated the chain. 

We tested Muc-Off Wet Lube for 3 days of rainy riding and even though the rides were rather short, we still needed to do a full degrease and reapply after each ride, due to the state of the chain. That said, during these sopping wet rides, the chain felt great, running smooth and quiet, with excellent shifting performance. 

We recommend Muc-Off C3 Ceramic Wet Lube for rides in extremely wet conditions after which not only the chain, but also the cassette, chainrings, and rear derailleur pulleys will all receive a thorough cleaning. It’s not a lube for riders who like to just lubricate the chain, ride, and then top off when the chain gets noisy. At just $17 for 4 ounces, it’s easy to keep Muc Off Wet available for the worst conditions you’ll face. 

The Ornot Handlebar Bag is one of the best all-around handlebar bags we’ve ever tested, combining brilliant function and beautiful design into an astonishingly light 260-gram 3.1-liter package. The original Ornot Handlebar Bag set the bar for the industry and Ornot has made significant changes in the updated Ecopak version, moving that bar higher still. 

By selecting Challenge Ecopak material, Ornot is not only able to achieve an excellent volume-to-weight ratio, but do so with 100% recycled material. The Ecopak material is treated with PFC-treated DWR for weatherproofing and feels like a material that will stand up to whatever comes its way for many years. 

Inside the Ornot Handlebar Bag sits a rigid frame sheet that ensures the bag holds its tubular shape at all times. Importantly, however, the Handlebar Bag isn’t a perfectly tubular shape. Rather, it is flattened in the section where the zipper sits, giving the zipper track a huge boost in rigidity, making this by far the easiest and most consistent zipper to operate with one hand. The YKK zipper also has an exceptionally smooth feel, almost as though it’s been pre-broken-in, and it wraps around the outer left edge of the bag, which provides added leverage when initiating closure.  

The previous version of the Handlebar Bag had straps that were in a fixed position, but Ornot has switched to Voile straps that can be attached to the bag 4 or 6 inches apart to suit individual hand positions and handlebar accessory setups. This is a big improvement, as it can be positioned completely out of the way when riding with hands on the tops of the bars and helps ensure it stays perfectly stable. The included tether cord is super stretchy and allows the bag to be anchored to the frame or stem with plenty of tension, bolstering its stability even further. 

Aside from the ample, 3.1-liter main compartment, auxiliary storage is nicely arranged, with an external phone holster with a security cord on the right side of the bag, two easy-access external stretch pockets on the rear, a large external stretch pocket on the front, and an internal clip for securing keys quietly. 

The Ornot Handlebar Bag – ECOPAK sells for $86 and is available in three colors, Coyote, Black, and White. It’s a great choice because it’s big enough for an all-day or multi-day adventure, and light enough to just free up your pockets and lower back on any road ride. 

You can learn more in our full review of the Ornot Handlebar Bag.

The Lead Out! Mini Handlebar Bag keeps your essential cargo organized and quiet, whether you’re setting the pace at the front of a group ride, or venturing into rugged and remote terrain. While the Mini Handlebar Bag has a minimal and clean aesthetic, it is a refined and robust bar bag that performs brilliantly in all the key areas. It is durable, quiet, unobtrusive, and just the right size for daily rides. 

The Mini Handlebar bag holds 1.3 liters and measures 8” x 3.5”. These figures mean that you’ll be able to stuff the essentials inside and have plenty of space to move and position your hands around the entire handlebar. The tidy strap system helps here, too. Low-profile quick-release cam buckles keep the straps secure and elastic bands contain the tips of the straps so they don’t flap around and impede the top section of the handlebar.

Organization is also top-notch, ensuring that all essential items have a dedicated space inside. A small zippered exterior pocket is positioned on the left side of the main compartment and is useful for storing keys, or other small items that won’t need to be accessed frequently. Inside the main compartment, a mesh panel helps keep larger, heavier cargo, like a compact 4:3 camera or multitool stable and quiet.  

The Mini Handlebar Bag is also built to last and ready for adverse weather conditions. The exterior features 840D Ballistic Nylon Carbonate fabric, which is abrasion-resistant and water-repellent thanks to an environmentally friendly DWR treatment. While not fully waterproof, the Mini Handlebar bag will easily fend off mud, road grime, and light rainfall. Inside, orange Robic 210 Baby Ripstop fabric makes it easy to quickly spot the item you’re looking for. Lead Out! is committed to sustainable practices, partnering with the best ethical factories around the world, sourcing only environmentally friendly materials, like Bluesign or OKEO-TEX certified fabrics, and treating them with 100% PFC-Free DWR.

The zipper pulls are made of paracord, making it easy to open and close the Mini Handlebar Bag with one hand while riding. Heat shrink wrapping around the zipper pulls keeps the Mini Handlebar Bag quiet on rough roads. The Mini Handlebar Bag is available in black, gray, and orange, and a reflective stripe adds visibility for oncoming motorists in low-light situations.

At just $50, the Lead Out! Mini Handlebar Bag is a smart choice for the road cyclist who wants additional storage, or to carry little to nothing in their jersey pockets. The Mini Handlebar bag is ready to meet the demands of your most epic rides, with fuss-free performance and elegant minimalist style.

Arundel’s Mini Bar Czar has a novel, clever design that works brilliantly, weighs next to nothing, and like everything from Arundel, looks the business. Designed for “racy adventure” as Arundel puts it, the Mini Bar Czar holds a compact 1.15-liter volume and weighs just 110g.

The weight savings are possible because of the welded seam construction, thin but durable polyester material, and magnetic closure system. That’s right, no zipper. A simple pull of the front flap disengages the magnet and gives quick access to the single interior compartment, and a gentle downward tap on the flap shuts the Mini Bar Czar tight again. As a bonus, there is no zipper constantly flapping around and making noise, which is an issue with many bags.  A shock cord keeps everything stable by anchoring the Mini Bar Czar to the head tube or stem. Minimal Velcro straps secure the Mini Bar Czar to the handlebar and lie flat. The straps can also be rotated around the handlebar to clear space for hands when placed atop the bar. 

The dark gray fabric of the Mini Bar Czar is subtly decorated with a matte black Arundel badge, giving this bag a humble but business-oriented look. Its flattened oval shape not only helps the magnetic closure system to operate more easily but also keeps the weight of the contents closer to the handlebar, which minimizes bouncing on rough sections and fits a surprising amount of gear for its capacity. 

Arundel’s Mini Bar Czar is a great example of minimal design, not only in terms of its aesthetics but also its function, as it manages to eliminate the zipper thereby making getting in and out a much simpler and quicker task. At $70, the Mini Czar Bar Bag isn’t as affordable as most bar bags of its size, but it outclasses and outperforms most competitors. 

The USA-made Mission Workshop Toro is a super light, mid-sized bar bag that quickly converts into a messenger bag with an included shoulder strap. Constructed from Dimension Polyant X-Pac material, the Toro is also waterproof, rugged, and beautifully built. 

The Toro features built-in cloth straps that effortlessly attach to any style of handlebar, round or aero. Hypalon lash points on the front of Toro allow for the mounting of lights and other accessories. Because of its 9” length, The Toro will work best with handlebars sized 42cm or wider. On our 40cm handlebars, the edges of the Toro tended to rub against our index fingers when climbing with our hands placed on top of the bars. 

On the road, the Toro impressed us with its stability and did not affect the handling of our bikes at all, thanks to its low weight of just 140 grams. Stability is also bolstered by an internal frame sheet stiffener that helps the Toro retain its barrel shape at all times. We found the 1.7-liter capacity to be pretty ideal for everything we need from short loops to all-day rides. To help keep noise to a minimum, the Toro features an internal clip that easily secures your keychain. For those with larger storage capacity needs, Mission Workshop also makes the Toro Grande that holds 4.68 liters of cargo.

Operating the YKK zipper is easy to do with one hand while riding, even when the Toro is empty. The zipper track is reinforced and rigid, but the zipper glides smoothly and consistently in both directions. In keeping with Mission Workshop’s design principles, the Toro’s branding is minimal, with a subtle laser-etched logo incorporated into the black trim on the front of the bag.

Available in 13 colors, the Mission Workshop Toro will add plenty of charisma to the cockpit area of your bike and can compliment just about any paint scheme or overall bike aesthetic. At $105, the Toro doesn’t come cheap but is a premium handlebar bag with zero compromises and a great investment in making your epic rides a bit easier to manage. 

Roadrunner’s West Coast Burrito Bar Bag will make you want to drop out of real life and see just how far you can ride with the gear and snacks you can stuff inside…which is quite a lot. At 5 liters, this is certainly more bag than you need for a simple day ride, but when riding sun up to sundown, or stringing together multiple big days, it’s an efficient and convenient 1-piece storage system. 

Considering its huge volume, the West Coast Burrito is remarkably tidy and stable. An internal frame ensures that the West Coast Burrito’s Cordura body retains its cylindrical shape, and a robust three-strap mounting system gives it a tenacious hold even when fully loaded with cargo. It also features ample exterior storage, with a zippered side pocket flanking each side for small items like lip balm and credit cards, as well as elastic webbing in front for securing extra clothing. The West Coast Burrito also converts into a shoulder bag, by using Roadrunner’s Universal Shoulder Strap, available separately. 

YKK water-resistant zippers are used throughout the West Coast Burrito, as well as the entire Roadrunner bar bag lineup. The only limitations of the West Coast Burrito are that it will likely not suit bikes 50cm and below, or handlebars less than 42cm in width. In the former case, because it’s 6” tall, the bottom of the bag could conflict with the front tire. In the latter, because it’s 11 inches (28cm) wide, The West Coast Burrito’s outer edges may rub against the thumbs when riding with hands on the hoods. It may also be a bit too big for those times when you aren’t carrying that much gear.

Assuming your cockpit and front-end stack height are not an issue, the West Coast Burrito bag is a gloriously tidy and easy-to-use bag that can simplify your least predictable adventures and elevate the style of your bike. At $125.00, it’s a premium piece of kit, but lives up to its price and then some. 

Wizard Works Lil Presto is a large and in-charge barrel bag, with a capacity of 3.4 liters. Designed for rides where being fully prepared is key, the Lil Presto invites you to pack whatever you fancy inside and cradles it all securely while adding an undeniable touch of class to your bike’s cockpit area. 

Perceived quality is a rather subjective honor to give to a product, but we think it’s well-deserved. As soon as it was out of the package, we wanted it on the bike and full of snacks and clothes to help keep us comfortable on a remote and epic ride. The Lil Presto stands out because of how it interacts with the senses, particularly sight and touch. The form of the bag is very tidy – a solid tubular shape with no excess material anywhere. Sourced from a mill in Germany, the beautifully woven Cordura fabric covering our Lil Presto test bag feels like it will last into the next century.

Using the Lil Presto out on the road only enhanced our perception of its quality. The YKK Aquagard zipper is a joy to operate single-handedly, with no resistance to closing and a smooth gliding action, and allows the Lil Presto to protect the contents from the elements for hours on end. The side pockets and front daisy chain both work effectively for stashing small items and mounting accessories like clip-on lights. Inside, a brightly colored liner made it easy to distinguish contents for quick access. 

Another nice touch is the inclusion of foam spacers that allow the bag to be mounted further away from the handlebar, freeing up room for cables, fingers, or bar-mounted accessories. The only minor quibble with the Lil Presto is the anchor cord, which connects the back of the bag to the frame head tube or stem. It doesn’t stretch like a bungee and isn’t quite long enough to use on one of our bikes which has a 120mm stem. Of course, it’s not actually part of the bag, and could be easily replaced with something more accommodating of longer stems, if needed. While other brands have switched to a Bungee-style strap, Wizard Works is sticking to a static cord because they provide a tighter hold when riding on rougher surfaces. 

Wizard Works also offers the Lil Presto in a “small” version at 1.8 liters in volume, which, like its big sibling, is still fairly spacious in the context of barrel bags. So, if weight is a concern and 3.5 liters sounds like too much, then the small Lil Presto is worth a look. 

Overall, the Wizard Works Lil Presto is a super-classy bar bag that prioritizes high quality, durability, and easy operation while signaling to the world that its users have great taste. You’ll be happy to look down at it time after time, as you reach for the next delicious snack or layer to keep you warm.

The Rapha Bar Bag is an elegant and functional bar bag that’s ready for a double century, a short ride to the office, or anything in between. Designed in London, this polyester bar is DWR-treated to be highly water-resistant, can be mounted within the front triangle, and converts easily into a mini-messenger bag for off-the-bike carry. At 2 liters, it’s arguably the perfect size, providing ample storage space while not crowding the cockpit area. 

Attaching the Rapha Bar Bag is quick and simple, using three durable Hyperlon straps each with a plastic buckle. The rear strap is long enough to easily accommodate race bikes with an aggressive handlebar position, well forward of the headtube. This bag is unique in that it can also be mounted within the front triangle, with an extra strap on one end that captures the seat tube, giving more options for placement on the bike. It also converts to a cross-body carry with the stowable shoulder strap.

The 2-liter main compartment has two internal mesh pockets and a quick access pocket, allowing you to separate items based on how quickly and frequently you’ll need to access them. In addition to the main compartment, a small zippered compartment graces the lower face of the bag and in true Rapha style is lined with bright pink fabric with an inspirational, “Pack Light. Travel Far” printed in silver. The Rapha Bar Bag also features a daisy chain on the front that allows easy lashing of accessories like a headlight or hand pump. The material is reflective and adds a significant amount of low-light visibility. 

On the road, the Rapha Bar Bag is quiet, stable, and easy to zip with one hand. While the strap position is not adjustable, the spacing is optimal for mounting accessories to the handlebars and leaving space for thumbs on top of the handlebar when climbing. 

Relative to its competition, the Rapha Bar Bag is moderately priced at $70 and offers some flexibility in terms of mounting options and off-the-bike shoulder carry. It’s also highly water-resistant, built to last, and has the timeless style of all things Rapha.

The Kestrel Bar Bag from Swift Industries is a beautifully crafted 2-liter handlebar bag made from Challenge Sailcloth Ecopak and lined with 400D Nylon Packcloth, featuring YKK water-resistant zippers and plenty of storage options. This bag leans a little more toward the bikepacking side of the spectrum both in its shape and modular design.

In addition to the 2-liter main compartment, the Kestrel features a smaller exterior zipper pocket on the lower face of the bag, and a third zippered pocket on the interior for securing valuables. On the rear face of the bag is where things get interesting. Molle webbing allows the Kestrel to integrate with two styles of modular storage accessories, called the Rando Pocket and the Sidekick Stem Pouch, available separately from Swift. With both of these add-ons installed, the total storage capacity reaches a whopping 4 liters, while preserving ample space on the bar tops for free hand movement and mounting other accessories like a computer or headlight. On the bottom of the Kestrel, lashing points provide a perfect place to mount a hand pump or rain layer.

Mounting the Kestrel to the handlebar is easy and quick, using the included rubber Swift Straps and stretchy shock cord. Getting the Rando Pocket and Sidekick Stem Pouch connected is also straightforward, and it’s clear that Swift Designers approached this additional modular storage as an essential part of the Kestrel, not as an afterthought.

Despite not having an internal frame support like the Bandito bag, the Kestrel is rigid enough to make one-handed zipper operation consistent and easy. On rough surfaces, even when all three optional pieces are loaded up, the Kestrel system stays quiet and stable. 

Like all Swift Industries products, the Kestrel isn’t cheap. Starting at $120 for the main bag and topping out at around $220 including the optional Rando Pocket and Sidekick Stem Pouch, the Kestrel a piece of kit that will keep you organized and prepared on epics rides or bikepacking adventures and signal to the world that you appreciate quality design and sustainable production. 

The ALMSTHRE Signature Bar Bag is a functional and aesthetic triumph, made of water-resistant ripstop nylon, offering choice in mounting position, and brilliant organization throughout its 2.4 liters of capacity. An internal frame support ensures the Signature Bar Bag retains a cylindrical shape and helps make zipping the bag open and closed a two-finger job with zero effort. The zippers are waterproof and feature stretchy pull cords for easy grab and zero noise. 

Mounting the Signature Bar Bag to your handlebar setup and hand position preferences is easy, thanks to a pair of anchoring loops for the handlebar straps. The inner loops are great for riders who like to use the tops of the bars when climbing, as the straps will fit neatly in the gap between the stem and the inner edge of the bar tape. If lights or a computer are already mounted in that space, then the outer loops will space the straps much farther apart. 

With a 2.4-liter capacity and 7.5″ x 5″ dimensions, the Signature Bar Bag falls into that “just-right” size range that avoids being too large or too small and it doesn’t dominate the front of the bike. In the main compartment, a mesh pocket helps secure heavier items like a camera lens or smartphone. On the user-right side of the Signature Bar Bag sits a large zippered compartment for small, less frequently accessed items like keys or a credit card. Out front, a daisy chain offers additional mounting positions for a headlight or mini pump. 

Available in six lovely colors, the Signature Bar Bag will coordinate easily with any bar tape or frame color. At $65, this full-featured bag is a solid value that will keep your jersey pockets free, and your gear organized, while elevating the look of your bike’s cockpit area. 

The Smuggler is the original bar bag released by Orucase, and is a brilliant option for adding a small amount of extra storage to your bike when riding fast is the objective. At just 86 grams including the straps, it’s one of the lightest bar bags available, with zero compromise in quality or durability. Available in an array of colors, the Smuggler can accentuate the vibe of your bike nicely. 

One thing to be aware of is that The Smuggler does not feature an anchor cord to connect the back of the bag to the frame or stem. While subsequent bags from Orucase have adopted this design, we didn’t have any problem without one while testing the Smuggler. Part of this is based on not carrying anything especially heavy, like say a tall can of beer, or an entire repair kit inside. We used the Smuggler to store extra clothing that we removed throughout longer rides as the weather warmed up. Another reason why the Smuggler remains so stable without an anchor cord is the rubber Orucaser Gear Staps, which provides a tenacious grip on the handlebar to prevent the bag from rotating around the bar on rough surfaces.

The low weight of the Smuggler belies its rugged construction, which feels like it is ready for all kinds of punishment, thanks to its Challenge EPX200 material. This gave us the confidence to stuff whatever we didn’t want to carry into it quickly and get back to riding our bikes fast. In addition to its low weight, the Smuggler takes up minimal space in the cockpit, leaving ample room for all the important things you might need on your handlebars, including your thumbs when climbing with hands on the bar tops. It also doesn’t catch a huge amount of air, thus minimally affecting aero efficiency.

If you want to free your jersey pockets and lower back from the lightweight items that you shed throughout the day, and appreciate minimal, but rugged design, then the reasonably priced Smuggler by Orucase is a great handlebar bag for you. 

Blackburn’s Grid Handlebar Bag provides quick access to things that are less than ideal for jersey pockets, such as a phone, wallet, jacket, or homemade snack. An interior mesh pocket helps with the quiet containment of smaller items like keys and earbuds. Built with tough and reflective materials, the Grid is ready for any adventure, day or night, paved or not.

The Grid uses tidy D-ring velcro straps that rest flush against the handlebar and leave plenty of space for fingers on the top section of the handlebar. The zipper track is stable and stiff, with a smooth-gliding zipper for easy one-handed opening and closing while riding. Keeping the Grid ultra stable is a lower bungee cable with a secure cinch hook which ensures it will never come loose and fall off on the road.

The Blackburn Grid uses a well-padded structure to retain its shape well, although it’s not a fully rigid cylinder like some barrel bags. The Grid’s interior fabric is bright red, which helps quickly identify the items you’re looking for. While the Blackburn Grid has a subdued gray color and minimal branding, it is also the only bar bag we tested with robust reflective visibility. The entire face of the bag is reflective and lights up super bright when hit with light from oncoming cars. This makes the Blackburn Grid a great choice if your rides tend to start early or end late, and you ride in an urban setting with lots of motorists. 

At just 106g and $45, The Blackburn Grid is a highly reflective, low-volume, and high-performance bar bag that’s also budget-friendly. 

Arundel’s Handlebar Czar is a 2-liter, water-resistant bar bag with sonic welded seam construction. This handsome and classy bag features a glossy black exterior that aesthetically sets it apart from the crowd of barrel-shaped cloth-covered bar bags we tested. The sonic welding method ensures that the Handlebar Czar retains its shape when empty, bolsters stiffness to make the zipper easier to operate, and also keeps the weight down. 

The Handlebar Czar mounts with two simple velcro straps that can be positioned close-in to the stem, or wider apart on the bar tape. Instead of the typical cord that anchors most bar bags to the frame or stem, the Handlebar Czar relies on a simple rubber twist tie that wraps around the cable and housing. If your bike has hidden cables, you can still fit a small bungee cord to the Handlbar Czar, although that will need to be purchased separately. The Handlebar Czar can be anchored from the sides, by connecting to the handlebar just below the shift lever, using included cords. 

At the base of the face, a small mesh pocket holds small items that need to be accessed easily on the ride. It’s not designed for valuables like keys or credit cards but is useful for bars, gels, or wrappers. There is no dedicated pocket or internal compartment for things like keys, earbuds, or multitool on the Handlebar Czar, but the bright orange inner lining makes it easy to find the item you’re looking for. 

On the road, the Handlebar Czar worked flawlessly, staying quiet and accommodating all kinds of things easily, from food to clothes, to a compact 4:3 camera and two lenses. Everything stayed quiet and dry, even on rough roads. 

At $80, The Handlebar Czar is priced close to some stiff competition, but competes admirably and is worth a hard look by riders who want something a bit different and and appreciate its elegant look. 

The Mini Handlebar Bag is a stout and stable compact bar bag that is well-made and thoughtfully designed, just like everything else Ornot makes. This 140-gram, 1.15-liter bag holds the essentials, and looks darn good doing it, without taking up too much space on the bars. 

Like the larger Handlebar Bag, the Mini is crafted with the same 100% recycled ECOPAK material that’s been treated with a PFC-treated DWR for weather resistance. This material feels tough, durable, and ready for years of faithful service, and while it isn’t completely waterproof, it fends off light amounts of moisture with ease. The Ornot Mini Handlebar Bag holds its tubular shape thanks to an internal structure that also gives the zipper track a boost in rigidity, making one-handed zipping smooth and easy and preventing it from flopping around or sagging.

Two simple hook and loop straps make attaching the Mini super easy and the elastic tether cord ensures stability over imperfect pavement or rough gravel roads. The 1.15-liter volume is a great size to keep essentials like snacks, a phone (Ornot claims it fits an iPhone Max), keys, or a light, packable layer. There’s also an internal zippered pocket to keep your keys and credit card extra secure. A webbing strap across the front of the Mini has a reflective strip to add a hint of visibility and creates attachment points to clip smaller items externally.

The Ornot Mini Handlebar Bag – ECOPAK sells for $54 and is available in three colors, Coyote, Black, and White, and it also comes in a standard version that sells for $10 less and comes in several different color options. It’s a great choice for road and gravel cyclists looking for a little extra convenient storage because it won’t weigh or slow you down while keeping your ride essentials in arm’s reach. 

The Lowland Crafts Handlebar Bag is handmade to order in Portland, Oregon, using your choice of duck canvas or Otterex fabric in a wide variety of colors. The design is simple and easy to use, consisting of a large main compartment, plus a smaller zippered compartment on the lower face of the bag, useful for securing things like keys, credit cards, and earbuds. Three buckled straps hold the bag securely to the handlebar and headtube.

The total storage capacity is 2.2 liters, which is impressive when considering the low weight of just 150g. That low weight is due in part to the lack of internal structure, which means that the Lowland Crafts Handlebar Bag will work best when carrying softer and lighter items like clothing and snacks. 

The straps are one of the best features of the Lowland Crafts Handlebar Bag. While their narrow width and small buckles require a bit of touch to position and adjust, the benefit is that they are super-low bulk and don’t interfere at all with riding, and the super soft surface won’t affect the frame paint on the head tube. 

While the Lowland Crafts bar bag exudes a cheerful and casual vibe, it’s ready for fast-paced road rides and epic adventures. The wrap-around zipper gives easy access with one hand, even while riding, and the very soft and flexible material stays quiet over rough road surfaces. 

The Lowland Crafts Bar Bag is simple, but it gets the important things right. It’s easy to get into with one hand, stays quiet on rough roads, and the straps give your hands plenty of space while providing excellent stability. At just $55, with custom colors, the Lowland Crafts bar bag is a great way to free your jersey pockets and add some pizzazz to the cockpit of your bike. 

The Swift Industries Bandito is a 3.25-liter barrel bag constructed using ECOPAK recycled polyester fabric, claimed to be equivalent to 4 plastic water bottles removed from ocean beaches. A rigid internal frame sheet gives the Bandito a permanent cylindrical structure, making it stable on rough roads, easy to zip open and shut, and beautiful as it sits proudly in the cockpit area of any bike.  

A daisy chain on the front panel can be used to lash headlights and other accessories like a hand pump. D-ring clips on either side of the Bandito allow attachment of a shoulder strap that is available separately from Swift Industries for off-the-bike cross-body carry. Rubber Swift Straps connect the Bandito to the handlebar and have only one pair of mounting loops, which are spaced fairly wide apart but hold the bar very securely for excellent stability. 

The Bandito has one main interior compartment and no external pockets. While this does limit organization options, it helps keep the Bandito lightweight for its size and simple to use. The 400D Packcloth interior lining is a gray color that does not offer super high contrast but is light enough to easily spot the item you’re looking for. The Bandito is available in four beautiful colors – Coyote, Black, Redwood, and the gorgeous teal color that we tested. An optional foam spacer kit sold separately allows the Bandito to be positioned further away from the handlebar to open up access to a secure and powerful grip on the top section of the handlebar, or to make space for other bar-mounted accessories. 

At $95, The Swift Industries Bandito is a premium bar bag that will last ages and make your long rides more enjoyable. With all the storage space The Bandito provides, you’ll never have to sacrifice carrying an essential item or ride with overstuffed jersey pockets again.

The Rapha Explore Bar Bag is rugged, refined, and ready for any adventure. Made from Ripstop nylon, and graced with timeless style as well as plenty of smart features, it will keep your cargo dry, organized, and quiet on even the roughest roads and in the worst weather, year after year. 

Two zippered compartments help keep items organized and quiet. Large elastic loops on both zippers allow you to easily hook a finger into the loop, to gain better leverage. The back of the Explore bar bag is covered in protective Hypalon, to prevent brake hoses and gear cables from damaging the bag as they rub against it. Integrated velcro straps make attaching the Explore Bar Bag simple and quick. The straps are decorated in a geometric pattern that gives the Explore Bar Bag a little extra pop. Overall, this is a beautiful bag that is a study in minimal design. 

At $80, the Rapha Explore Bar Bag is up against some stiff competition but does have an edge in water resistance. The lightweight recycled nylon shell is DWR-treated, the seams are taped, and the interior is coated with polyurethane to keep all but the worst rain from creeping in. The zippers are also recessed within the shell to further mitigate water ingress. 

The Explore Bar Bag not only converts to shoulder carry but also works great as a hip pack, whether or not you’re on the bike. When not in use, the straps tuck away behind the Hypalon backing, staying quiet and invisible, albeit a bit fiddly to stuff back in there. If you’re looking for a versatile, virtually waterproof, and durable bag with a beautiful and understated aesthetic, the Explore Bar Bag is a great pick. 

The ALMSTHRE Compact Bar Bag is the perfect size and shape for fast roads when you need just a bit of extra storage. As the word compact suggests, this is essentially just a smaller version of the Signature Bar Bag that has half the volume of its larger sibling but otherwise looks pretty much identical.

This barrel-shaped bag is an inch smaller in diameter than the Signature Bar Bag but it has the same “hard-shell” construction, so it holds its shape perfectly and has ample rigidity to make opening and closing the main zipper nice and easy. It’s made with a tough water-resistant nylon material with waterproof zippers, so it fends off light showers, road spray, and mud with ease. The quality construction and hard-shell design combine with the adjustable attachment straps and elastic tether cord to make the Compact Bar Bag impressively stable in use. The handlebar straps can also be adjusted laterally with two positions to suit your needs.

The 1.2-liter volume is on the smaller side but is perfect for conveniently holding essentials like a phone, nutrition, gloves, or a packable layer in arm’s reach while freeing up your jersey pockets. The main compartment holds the bulk of the volume and features an internal mesh pocket to help keep things organized. On the outside of the bag, a zippered pocket on one end and a mesh pocket on the other fit smaller items while a daisy chain on the front is available for clipping on a light for those twilight rides.

Available in six lovely colors, the Compact Bar Bag will coordinate easily with any bar tape or frame color. At $55, it’s $10 less than the Signature Bar Bag from ALMSTHRE but offers half of the storage space. We feel that the Compact Bar Bag is, therefore, a smart choice for riders who want to keep their load light, while preserving space around the bars for easy hand movement, and minimizing the aero penalty of using a bar bag. If that sounds like you, then this full-featured bag is a solid value that will keep your jersey pockets free, and your gear organized, while elevating the look of your bike’s cockpit area. 

The Helix Bar bag is a large 3-liter bag built from durable “tarp” material according to Chrome Industries. It’s a tough bag that will keep the contents stable, quiet, and dry. While it can easily be mounted to drop or flat handlebars, Chrome designed the Helix to be equally useful off the bike. By deploying the stow-able cross-body strap that’s built into the bag, the Helix transforms into a mini messenger or hip pack. 

The shape of the main compartment bag is better suited to carrying than proper road cycling for a couple of reasons. First, its boxy shape rests comfortably against your back but creates a significant amount of aerodynamic drag when mounted to the handlebars. Of course, all bar bags are going to cost a few watts of drag at speed, but with the Helix, it’s noticeable in real-time. Second, because the bag is 6 inches tall – about double the height of the typical bar bag – it could be a little too tall for smaller frame sizes (52cm and under) as the front tire could touch the bottom of the bag. 

The Helix features a different zipper design than most bar bags. The zipper wraps around the upper edge of the bag and faces the rider, allowing the top to open wide for clear and easy access to all contents. We liked this for adding and removing items while at a stop, but while moving, the Helix lacks the structure to allow for one-handed opening and closing of this wrap-around style zipper. 

The Chrome Helix is a great bag for the right situation, but that’s something other than a fast-paced road ride. For riders who are commuting or cruising around town, and want to be able to take their gear with them off the bike, the Helix is a great option. It could hold a huge camera, a handful of cold beverages, or loads of packable clothing. At $45, it’s an inexpensive way to keep a lot of gear organized on days when your adventures involve not only cycling but also spending some time on foot. 

The RockBros Bike Handlebar Bag is a midsized handlebar bag, with a storage capacity of 2 liters, perfect for holding everything you need but don’t want to stuff into jersey pockets. It’s easy to install with a three-point attachment system with buckled straps. At 9.5” in length, the RockBros Bike Handlebar Bag is on the wider side of things, best for bars of at least 42cm or wider. 

As it does not use any internal reinforcement, the Bike Handlebar Bag can be easily folded up to store when needed. RockBros also includes a shoulder strap that can attach to the Bike Handlebar Bag and convert it to a shoulder bag for off-bike carry. An elastic cord on the front of the bag can be used to lash additional items when the main compartment is already full. Additionally, you’ll find one small mesh side pocket to organize small items like earbuds or used snack wrappers. 

While RockBros shows the handlebar bag as able to mount vertically to the seatpost or along the frame top tube, we found that in both these positions the bag wasn’t stable and constantly interfered with our legs while pedaling. When mounted to the handlebar, however, stability is relatively good, and noise is kept to a minimum.

The Rockbros Handlebar Bag is available in Black and Dark Green, both colorways feature classic woven fabric that will age gracefully and conceal the inevitable smudges and dust that collect on handlebar bags when used in wet or dusty conditions. While it isn’t quite as refined as any of the other models we tested, at $21, it’s half the price of the next least expensive option, making it an affordable choice for the infrequent user or the rider on a super tight budget.

The Supacaz Super Sticky Kush tape may have a somewhat misleading name since it isn’t especially “sticky” or “cushy”, but it’s nonetheless our favorite bar tape available at the moment. The Polyurethane surface feels more grippy than sticky, and this feeling remains consistent whether riding in dry conditions, or with sweat and rain in the mix. Rather than being “kushy” the Super Sticky Kush has more of a firm and moderately damped feel that translates to excellent handlebar control and road feedback. The PU top layer is also formulated to resist sweat, harsh climates, and UV rays, helping it resist degrading over time.

Beneath the surface, Super Sticky Kush Star Fade Tape features a Kush Foam mid-layer to enhance shock absorption, adding control on downhills, in corners, and on rough roads. We were seriously impressed with Super Sticky Kush’s ability to let through just the right amount of feedback on any road surface. Ripping corners on smooth roads, we could feel every wrinkle in the pavement, and on weathered surfaces, our hands felt suspended just enough to avoid any discomfort.

The backing of Super Sticky Kush is also not particularly sticky. This lack of adhesion is a good thing, though, because it means that the tape can be easily removed and re-wrapped, and won’t leave a nasty candy-cane pattern of foam stuck to your bars when the time comes to replace it. Additionally, this tape is super easy to wrap, with just the right balance of stretch and structure to forgive less-than-perfect wrapping technique, but also wrap and hold flat against the handlebars for a uniform surface and consistent feel. It can be pulled extremely tight for maximum road feel, or with moderate tension for some added cushioning.

Supacaz has an unmistakable look that forgoes text in favor of an intricate star graphic that is embossed into the surface. The Star Fade pattern we tested is subtle but classy, with just a hint of oil-slick coloring (or several other options) that glimmers in the right lighting, and fades from the tip of the drop section to a flat black as the bars bend upward toward the hoods. It’s a fun but mature aesthetic that adds visual depth to the handlebar without pulling away too much attention from the rest of the bike. Aluminum Star Plugz are anodized and feature the Supacaz logo laser etched into the surface, and the screw into the handlebar tips and expand to ensure Super Sticky Kush stays put.

At $45, the Supacaz Super Sticky Kush tape is a premium option with top-notch performance and is designed to last for thousands of miles. If wrapped correctly and kept clean, it will outlast lesser tapes that use more basic foams and surface materials. 

A Service Course is a European spa for pro team bikes. They radiate with the sweet aromas of rubber and grease, and the soothing sounds of hissing presta heads, perfectly tuned drivetrains, and exotic accents. While this might not sound exactly like your home workshop, you can still treat your bike to a fresh bar wrap inspired by this bike geek’s paradise at a reasonable price that isn’t typically associated with Zipp’s high-end reputation. 

Zipp’s Service Course Bar Tape is moderately stretchy, ensuring it’s easy to wrap, since no mechanic, pro or amateur, wants to be sweating over such a simple task. It comes in two versions, road with a smoother polyurethane finish, and CX with a textured outer layer for the demands of cyclocross racing. The Road version we tested has a smooth polyurethane surface embossed with the Service Course logo that provides great grip in all conditions and has a nice clean look that we think most riders will appreciate.

The Zipp Service Course road tape delivers excellent grip, cushioning, and control, for the demanding high-mileage and high-speed racer, or casual weekend enthusiast. The Service Course tape lies perfectly flat, complimenting the sleek lines of your carbon fiber aero super bike, or your classic steel all-rounder. We’ve also had the chance to test this tape on some stock gravel builds and it has performed just as well on rough gravel roads thanks to its great blend of grip and cushioning from the foam backing.

Available in classic color options of red, white, and black, Zipp Service Course – Road is a high-performance upgrade for your handlebars that will give you the confidence to attack and push it to the limit. At $27, it is priced lower than many tapes that it outperforms and outlasts. Even if it’s never been to a service course, your bike knows you care when you choose Zipp Service Course Handlebar Tape. 

Utilizing PEBAX foam, similar to that used in the tires of Formula One cars and record-breaking running shoes, Silca’s Nastro Cuscino 2.5mm bar tape damps as well as other bar tapes that are 3.5mm thick, while preserving useful feedback and handlebar control. 

Although the edges of the wrap were thinned and the durometer of the TPU softened in a 2022 update to the original Nastro Cuscino design, the current version still requires a relatively firm grip and attention to detail to achieve optimum results. Thankfully, Silca provides a butterfly-shaped piece that covers the clamp of the brake levers, meaning you won’t need to contort the tape all that much around the tight bend behind the hoods. Silca also included a handsome aluminum end plug with their logo laser etched, for a classy and secure finish at the end of the handlebar.

Once wrapped, Nastro Cuscino is a beautiful addition to the cockpit area, laying flat along the handlebar, and displaying a unique embossed pattern with no branding. Not only does the pattern look great, but it also enhances grip in the most extreme situations, dispatching sweat and rainwater to help you stay safe and in perfect control. Damping is excellent and hits the sweet spot of taking the edge off low and mid-frequency bumps while tuning high-frequency buzz just enough to preserve useful feedback in corners and at high speeds. 

At $50, the Silca Nastro Cuscino is the most expensive tape we tested but does come with a 1-year crash replacement discount, meaning that in the event of a crash, Silca will discount a replacement roll down to $35. We suspect that once you experience the refined ride quality it offers, the cost will be quickly forgotten.

ENVE Handlebar Tape is one of the most technically advanced tapes available and is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort, control, and style while being easy to wrap and hard-wearing. It’s been around since 2019 and has slowly but surely made its way onto the bars of many riders seeking a balance of all conditions grip and effective cushioning.

Comfort is delivered through a pairing of 3mm thickness along with a silicone backing layer. This tape is ready for the roughest roads and prioritizes cushy comfort over direct feedback making it a good option for all-road and gravel riding as well. While there is some variability in how thick some tape feels relative to its labeled thickness, we can confirm that ENVE Handlebar Tape adds significant girth to the handlebar, and it wraps every bit of 3mm thick. 

Stretch is plentiful, making ENVE Handlebar tape a breeze to wrap around any shaped bar, from a traditional round affair to the most aggressively profiled aero shapes on the market. It’s also quite long at 2,500mm per roll, which means it’s long enough to wrap handlebars up to 50cm. Have bars with aero tops that are meant to be left exposed? If you pull tightly enough, you could potentially get two full bar wraps in one box with ENVE Handlebar Tape. 

ENVE Handlebar Tape features a functional style that uses a deconstructed “ENVE” logo embossed into the tape’s surface to ensure grip in all conditions, especially the wet. While ENVE is adamant that its bar tape isn’t just a fashion accessory for bikes already draped in their carbon parts, ENVE Handlebar tape is undeniably posh when used as such. At $40, it’s a premium bar tape and is available in three safe colors – black, white, and gray.

Fizik Tempo Bondcush 3mm Soft bar tape takes some explaining but is nonetheless a great bar tape that’s gained a loyal following over the years. “Tempo” simply refers to the highest-performing level of bar tape that Fizik offers. “Bondcush” is a layered mid-padding polymer foam that aids the absorption of road buzz. Fizik then bonds this polymer to a Microtex outer layer to create a thick, comfortable, and durable tape, ready to take on all kinds of roads. 

“Soft” denotes Soft Touch, which is a unique surface feel that mimics the feel of silky-smooth felt and adapts perfectly to any weather or moisture condition thrown its way. This is an especially smart choice for bikes that are ridden in rain or extreme heat, as the “soft touch” surface is highly effective at absorbing moisture while retaining a pleasant feel and providing total control. 

The Tempo Bondcush 3mm Soft tape is available in 5 colors, but to our eye looks best in black, since the grain of the Softouch material is oriented in different ways along the spiral wrap, and gives the handlebars a luxurious and classic appearance. Wrapping is fairly straightforward, although this isn’t an especially stretchy tape. It does like to spiral and lay flat, so with moderate grip pressure and generous amounts of overlap, we were able to achieve a tidy wrap with little effort.

When Tempo Bondcush tape is exposed to heavy perspiration, hosing off the handlebars and patting them dry with a towel after your ride will help preserve the edges of the tape. Acids in sweat can cause the edges of Tempo Bondcush to peel and crack if left unchecked for too long. If this tape has an Achilles’ heel, this is it. Because the soft touch material is so absorptive, it needs to be cleaned regularly, otherwise, it will degrade. It should also not be left in direct sunlight for too long, as it can dry out, lose its relaxing feel, and eventually crack.

At $45, the Fizik Tempo Bondcush 3mm Soft is a premium handlebar tape that offers brilliant performance in wet conditions, and a uniquely pleasant feel when dry. If kept clean, it can last thousands of miles and will always bring a pleasant feel to your handlebars from the moment you roll out the door. 

Constructed of polyurethane rubber and shock-damping foam, with a substantial thickness of 3.3mm, Arundel Wraptor Wrap is not as easy to wrap as many other handlebar tapes. Simply put, it doesn’t stretch…like, at all. That said, once we found the correct level of tension during our first pass, Wraptor Wrap became more easily managed, and after that, wrapping the other side of the bar was a breeze. Once muscled into place, it was abundantly clear that the short period of struggle was well worth it, as our handlebar looked positively regal and felt ready for any condition imaginable. 

Arundel offsets the embossed logos on only one edge of the Wraptor Wrap, which means you can orient the overlap of the tape to hide or expose the logos. Unlike most other branding, we love the old-world-inspired typeface of Arundel and feel that on the rich matte polyurethane rubber surface, the embossed text adds a bit of depth and class to the Wraptor Wrap when left exposed. 

On the road, it’s easy to feel why this tape is named after a bird of prey. The grip is unwavering, even in sopping wet conditions, and in dry, Wraptor Wrap offers a supple, effortless grab for perfect control of the bars. To its credit, Wraptor Wrap feels much thinner and more direct than its 3.3mm width would suggest it might. While some other tapes this thick end up blunting road feedback to a fault, Wraptor Wrap filters out the low and mid-frequency vibrations and translates high-frequency buzz into a coherent, palatable stream of usable sensation. 

This is classic bar tape for classy bikes. It’s not particularly light, and it’s also not flimsy disposable junk that’s meant to wear out quickly so it needs to be replaced. Wraptor Wrap will enhance not only the look but also compliment the ride quality of a well-built road machine. At just $27.95, it’s surprisingly inexpensive when compared to many other options that don’t match its performance. Just don’t try to wrap it when you’re tired. 

FSA’s PowerTouch Handlebar Tape is a comfortable, grippy tape that’s all about restoring your bike’s appearance and feel, with minimal fuss. It’s a hybrid cork material but feels far more advanced and comfortable than traditional cork ribbon-style tapes. 

FSA PowerTouch features no built-in branding, so it will look great on any bike, and with eight colors to choose from, you can keep it simple with black or white, or coordinate with your desired color scheme. FSA does include bold brand stickers that can be placed on the front of the top section of the handlebar for a race day vibe.

Wrapping PowerTouch is super-easy, thanks to the gel that is bonded to the underside of each roll. The gel stretches to conform to the handlebar surface, eliminating the need for adhesive. When it’s time to replace PowerTouch, or if it needs to be re-wrapped, it comes off cleanly, without tearing or leaving residue on your bars. 

Out on the road, PowerTouch performed brilliantly, with plenty of damping, and a less bulky feel than expected from a 3mm tape. The subtle dimpled texture provided a secure and comfortable grip during sprints, and helped us keep our hands, wrists, and forearms relaxed on rough sections of road. 

At $33, FSA PowerTouch is a relatively affordable option that competes with tapes that are 20% more expensive and should last just as long, assuming it’s wrapped nicely and kept clean. If your bar tape has seen better days, replace it with FSA Powertouch and enjoy the restorative benefits of this modern high-performance offering.

Staff writer Ron Frazelle claims the Camp and Go Slow Western Rattler Bar Tape is “The. Best. Bar. Tape. Ever.” In fact, he liked it so much that he even included it in his 2023 Editor’s Choice list. That’s incredibly high praise from a man who has ridden A LOT of bikes and used A LOT of different bar tapes in his day.

The Camp and Go Slow Western Rattler is a bit of an outlier compared to most of the other products in this review. This is primarily due to the unique styling with the Western (brown) or Eastern (green) Rattler diamond pattern and the texture of the “woven” nylon blend surface. Beneath the nylon surface is a 1.5mm foam backing, creating a tape that’s 1.9mm thick according to our calipers. It comes in two 3,300mm long rolls, which is more than enough for the widest bars, leaving plenty of extra for creating something like a matching chainstay protector on your handmade frame with a custom build.

The woven nylon surface texture is comfortable and feels great on bare hands and is extra grippy with gloves, and the 1.5mm foam backing offers a light amount of cushioning. It isn’t super stretchy, but it’s still fairly easy to wrap and rewrap numerous times if you need. The woven texture does get dirty from sweat and grime, but it cleans up nicely and easily with soap and water when it needs a refresh. And, based on Ron’s long-term testing, it seems to be one of the most durable options around.

It comes in a nice reusable bag, and while it doesn’t come with finishing tape or end plugs, you probably already have some electrical tape and old plugs at home. At $44, the Camp and Go Slow Western Rattler Bar Tape is on the more expensive side but we feel it’s got the longevity, and the style, to justify the asking price. Coming from a brand with a name like Camp and Go Slow, this bar tape isn’t aimed at racers, instead, it’s meant for those who want to enjoy the ride and have their bike look awesome while doing it.

Cinelli’s Cork Ribbon Handlebar Tape is a traditional bar tape that gives any bike a bit of vintage styling and a traditional feel at the front end. A mix of natural cork and synthetic foam allows Cinelli Cork Ribbon to perform in all conditions, whether it’s absorbing sweat or rain, or insulating against cold.

Due to its seemingly endless stretch, Cinelli Cork Ribbon easily hugs the curves of any handlebar and can be wrapped tightly to provide firm, direct feedback, or more softly to enhance vibration-damping characteristics. The backing is super sticky, so once it’s on the bar, there’s no need to worry about it losing tension. This is by far the easiest tape to wrap in our test group, assuming you get it right the first time. 

Grip is accomplished by friction on the surface of the Cinelli Cork Ribbon, thanks to tiny pores and the texture of the material. It doesn’t have a tacky, grippy feel like more contemporary tape, but rather a rougher, friction feel. It also doesn’t like to lay especially flat, even if it’s wrapped extra tight. Whether the wavy surface is pleasing or not is just a matter of personal taste, but it’s a feature of the Cinelli Cork Ribbon. 

Cinelli Cork Ribbon is available in a variety of classic colors that will complement or contrast any color scheme out there. At just $20, it’s an inexpensive way to rejuvenate your bike for the upcoming season and beyond. 

Lizard Skins DSP Bar Tape is a stretchy, tacky, and hard-wearing tape that’s available in four thicknesses, from super thin 1.8mm, 2.5mm, and 3.2mm, to the chunky 4.6mm version to cater to those with varying needs and preferences. Thinner widths offer super low weight, flatter surface, firmer feel, and ultimate feedback and control, while thicker widths protect hands from rough road surfaces, with a thick, squishy wrap that tunes out road buzz and helps you stay relaxed on long rides. 

We tested the 2.5mm thickness of the DSP Bar Tape which has a tacky and compliant feel, with a subtle cross-hatched texture to increase friction for enhanced grip. We found that the DSP Bar Tape can feel a bit slick in the presence of rain and sweat, but sheds excess moisture well and returns to its super grippy feel quickly. 

Wrapping instructions for DSP state that it should not be stretched, but we disagree with this, based on our experience of wrapping it dozens of times over the years. Despite its slightly delicate and flexible feel, Lizard Skins DSP is hard-wearing tape. We’ve never ripped it by stretching it hard when wrapping, nor seen it rip while installed, even after many thousands of miles of service. To finish the wrap, Lizard Skins now provides solid thread-in handlebar plugs with every roll of DSP Bar Tape.

Lizard Skins DSP Bar Tape is available in a whopping 16 color options, many of which perfectly coordinate with iconic bike brand colors, so you can be sure to find one that suits your aesthetic. At $45, Lizard Skins DSP is one of the most expensive models available but offers a rare blend of low weight, super-comfortable grip, and hard-wearing durability that have made it one of the most popular bar tapes on the market for many years.

Ergon BT Allroad tape is 2.5mm thick and made with EVA foam and an anti-slip polyurethane surface, designed to ensure maximum comfort and control on all roads, paved or not. 

The printed surface pattern not only adds visual depth to the Ergon BT Allroad Tape, but also doubles as a wrapping guide, showing how much overlap is ideal for a firm, neutral, or extra cushy feel. The surface is also designed with a two-way texture, so depending on which direction the tape circles that handlebar, it will feel more or less grippy. Ergon has produced this video that explains how to wrap the BT Allroad to achieve the best results possible. 

BT Allroad also includes four pieces of extra tape that are shaped to fit the drop and forward-curving sections of the handlebars, where extra cushioning is always welcome. We had an easy time wrapping BT Allroad Tape and loved the forest green hue of our test tape. It’s a classy-looking wrap that’s void of any branding and compliments any bike nicely. 

On the road, we found that BT Allroad lived up to its promise of supreme comfort on any surface. All frequencies of vibrations are muted or at least blunted beyond worry. Feedback remains decent, providing enough feedback on road surface conditions to corner and maneuver confidently in any scenario. 

At $37.95, and available in five tasteful color options, Ergon BT Allroad Tape is a premium option that offers enhanced comfort, versatile performance for any type of road riding, and a classy aesthetic that will add style to the cockpit of your road or gravel bike. 

HiFi’s Precision Premium Bar Tape has bold styling that’s sure to turn heads, but its appeal is more than skin-deep. This flashy tape offers a stellar blend of precise control, all-conditions grip, and long-term durability. 

Large HiFi logos are embossed in gold on the otherwise black surface, adding tactile and visual texture to your handlebar. The Precision Premium Bar Tape is fun to wrap, not only because the HiFi logo stacks up nicely as it spirals around the bar, but because this tape lays perfectly flat regardless of how much overlap is applied to each layer. It’s not a super stretchy tape but is pliable enough that you won’t be straining to make it behave. 

The HiFi Premium Bar Tape measures 2mm thick with our calipers and therefore offers a nicely balanced level of cushion with minimal bulk. We also loved how seamless this tape felt along the entire surface of the bar, regardless of hand position. In both wet and dry, with and without gloves, the HiFi Bar Tape performed perfectly and kept us perfectly in tune with the front end of our bike. 

HiFi Precision Handlebar Tape comes with custom locking bar end plugs that finish off the tape job for a super clean and matching look, plus they can be used for future wrapping when it’s time to replace your tape. At $30, this is an affordable tape that is a no-brainer if you’re already running HiFi wheels, but can also be an eye-catching upgrade to any road bike that costs less than many similar options. 

Fizik’s Vento Performance racing series tape is designed in collaboration with professional cyclists and prioritizes feedback, lightweight, low bulk, and an extremely grippy feel. As such, the Vento Microtex Tacky isn’t the cushiest option, instead, the 2mm Microtex material has a focus on pin-sharp handling and control. The tacky finish adds a sticky non-slip surface for a secure hold in all weather conditions, with or without gloves. 

The Vento Microtex Tacky Bar Tape is available in seven Bi-color gradient-fade options that will coordinate with any bike for a race-ready and contemporary look as well as eight solid colors ranging from subdued to super bright. This impressive color range means there’s something to suit every preference and likely match any color theme.

Wrapping the Microtex Tacky Bi-Color bar tape requires care if you want the color gradient sections to match each other. Overlap less, or pull more tightly on one side, and the color gradient will extend closer to the hood, for example. Simply keeping the wrap tidy and flat is easy, however. With a reasonable level of adhesive applied to the backing, it is also easy to remove and re-apply if needed.

Out on the road, we were amazed by how much road feel was transmitted through the Vento Microtex Tacky tape. It wouldn’t be our first choice for the roughest roads, but if the tarmac is clean, the control and confidence at the front of the bike are top-notch when running this tape.  

At $35, the Fizik Vento Microtex Tacky is a mid-price point tape that offers premium styling and performance that few other tapes can match or even approach and is a great choice for those who prioritize precise handling above all else.

Arundel’s Gecko Grip bar tape consists of EVA foam and ventilated polyurethane in a laminated, layered construction. It’s a thinner tape that prioritizes grip and feedback from the road over cushioning on rough surfaces. Gecko Grip easily fends off sweat so it can be wiped clean with a wet rag easily after any ride. By taking the time to gently clean Gecko Grip with water and mild soap, you can prevent it from drying out and help it last as long as possible. It’s a tape that feels dramatically better with just a little bit of care and attention. 

Gecko grip has an interesting texture embossed into the surface, with a continuous grip pattern punctuated with the Arundel script at the edge of the wrap. Placing the script near the edge gives a choice in whether to display the branding or hide it, depending on which way the tape is oriented as it spirals the bar. As mentioned above in our description of the Wrator Wrap, we enjoy the old-world-inspired typeface of Arundel and chose to leave it exposed for what we think is a classy look. 

We found that the ventilated polyurethane surface and dimpled texture provided a grip that we’d describe as natural, comfortable, and balanced, without any excess friction or sticky sensation in both wet and dry conditions. Being one of the thinner tapes we tested, however, it doesn’t provide lots of vibration-dampening, instead, it has a relatively direct feel that’s best for those riders who enjoy a bit of feedback from the front of the bike and tend to ride smoother surfaces most frequently.

Available in 6 classic colors, it’s easy to coordinate Arundel Gecko Grip with most bikes’ color schemes. The affordable price of only $22.95 is also one of the least expensive we tested and lines up with the tremendous value Arundel provides in everything they make. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced tape that provides a better grip than classic cork for a similar cost, check out Arundel Gecko Grip.

Easton makes some of the most comfortable handlebars out there, so it makes perfect sense to apply their expertise in this part of the bike the actual point of contact with the hands. Right out of the box, it’s clear that the mission of Easton Microfiber Tape is to kill off any unwanted road buzz. It’s a supple, thick tape that stretches easily to wrap into a cushy, grippy barrier that pampers your hands on even the roughest road surfaces.

Easton Microfiber is a breeze to wrap because its extreme stretch easily forgives any lapses in focus while looping it around the bar. It can also be overlapped generously to bolster thickness and vibration damping, or with less overlap for a more direct feel. Either way, embossed Easton logos will grace the edges of some spirals, along with a neat dots and dashes pattern across the rest of the surface. Once wrapped, it’s a tidy-looking tape and lays perfectly flat across the entire bar. 

On the road, Easton Microfiber tape delivers all the vibration damping we could ever want, taking the edge of low-frequency hits like potholes and driveway ramps while letting us feel the grain of weathered pavement as we carve through fast twisty sections. The Microfiber surface provides a grippy texture that performs well in a range of conditions both with or without gloves.

At $30, Easton Microfiber Tape is an affordable way to increase the comfort of your road bike. Available in a classic palate of six colors to coordinate well with any bike’s paint scheme, it will also accentuate your style as you roll along in total comfort and control. 

Giro has been making cycling shoes for many years but until recently, their flat pedals shoes were pretty lackluster compared to the competition. That all changed when they launched the Latch Women’s flat pedal shoes a couple years ago, a move that catapulted them to the top of many “best of” lists, including this one.

Straight out of the box, the Giro Latch looks great with relatively traditional flat pedal shoe styling, and they come in three color options including the Harbor Blue/Sandstone (greenish) color we tested. We found them to be immediately comfortable with no break-in required thanks to a true-to-size fit, crowd-pleasing medium volume, and a nicely shaped heel cup that grabs your ankle and keeps your heels locked down. Traditional laces do a great job of drawing tension evenly over the top of the foot with an elastic retainer to keep them tidy while you ride. The lightweight Microfiber upper material is fairly weather-resistant but respectably breathable on hot days due to a large number of perforations above the toes, sides, and even the heels of the shoes. Coming in at just over 319 grams at size 42 (9.5 US W’s), they are super lightweight for their category of shoe.

More importantly, they perform very well on the bike. While the soles feel fairly stiff initially, they’ve got a nicely balanced flex that’s stiff and supportive enough to feel efficient while pedaling while flexing just enough to maintain a good pedal feel. The Mute Foam midsole is noticeably damp, providing comfort on the pedals through the chunky descents and resisting getting bounced while remaining thin enough to feel the pedal underfoot for a strong grip on the pins. Giro’s proprietary Tack Rubber outsole is also nice and tacky to maintain grip when you need it, but the fairly shallow Gamma tread design allows for predictable foot mobility when necessary. Off the bike, the Latch is comfortable and easy to walk in although the shallow tread can be a little slippery in mud or snow.

During testing, the Giro Latch Women’s quickly became the go-to flat pedal shoe of the test group. Despite lots of abuse, the uppers are still in great shape and have proven to be super durable. The soles continue to offer an ideal blend of grip and predictable mobility and the Tack rubber barely shows any signs of wear after months of use. That durability along with a great performance, competitive price, and a one-year warranty make these shoes money well spent.

Ride Concepts made waves when the brand launched a few years back and they continue to be one of the dominant mountain bike shoe brands, especially when it comes to flat pedals. The Livewire Women’s was one of their original models, and it remains in the lineup and has become quite popular given that it’s one of the most affordable models on the market. It has seen some minor changes over time, most recently the move to the Max Grip outsole that has improved its grip on the pedals.

The Livewire has a snugger fit than any of the other flat shoes tested. They are made with RC’s Low Volume last that “is designed for an athletic fit” and intended to provide support and security without the need to crank the laces super tight. As such, they work best for those with low to medium-volume feet, and even then, the toe box can feel a bit cramped which can be relieved by sizing up which Ride Concepts suggests anyway. The tighter toe is due to the custom molded TPU toe protection that does not stretch over time, and while it does provide great toe protection, it won’t really break in and give you more space.

The uppers are constructed of synthetic panels on the sides with “abrasion-resistant mesh” that allows for pretty good breathability on hot days but offers very little in the way of weather resistance. These shoes will get wet on rainy days, stream crossings, and hiking through snow patches. Simple laces effectively snug up the shoes as needed with an elastic lace tuck to keep them in line. The Livewire has a gusseted tongue that helps keep it lined up, provides a snug and secure fit, and also works to keep dirt and debris from entering your shoes. The heel cup is nicely padded to keep the heel in place and provide a little extra protection, and the aforementioned molded TPU around the toes helps keep them well-protected too.

The soles have a flex level 3 on RC’s scale of 1-5, providing a good middle-of-the-road stiffness that works well across most riding styles. They feel efficient and supportive enough to prevent foot and calf fatigue on long pedaling missions and chunky descents while still providing ample feedback from the pedals. The outsole is made of Ride Concept’s tackiest Max Grip rubber with a hexagonal dot tread pattern that we feel rivals the best grip of any model tested and these shoes cling well to the pedal pins. Off the bike, they walk fairly well, but we’ve found they tend to slip around a bit in loose dirt, mud, and snow during hike-a-bikes.

Overall, we feel the Livewire Women’s is a great shoe for any rider, whether you’re just getting into the sport or are an experienced rider who just wants a reasonably priced shoe that will last. These shoes perform nearly on par with more expensive options and are versatile enough to work well for everything from pedal-heavy trail rides to long days lapping the bike park. Ride Concepts also makes a Youth and Men’s version of this shoe, so you can get the whole family matching out on the trail if that’s your thing.

The Five Ten Freerider Pro set the benchmark for flat pedal shoes years ago and it continues to be one of the most popular models on the market. It has enjoyed a very long run of dominance, but recently it has seen some stronger competition. Still, it is one of the best all-around models there is, with grippy Stealth Rubber soles and a design that hasn’t made any significant changes over the years because it hasn’t needed to.

Overall, the Freerider Pro has a comfortable and crowd-pleasing fit, but we found they run a bit larger size-wise than other models and we sized down a half-size to get the right fit. Even then, the toe box is a bit roomier, allowing a bit more movement of the toes and making them more accommodating for those with above-average width feet. That said, riders with narrower feet might find them to be a bit too roomy. Standard laces tighten the shoes over the mid-foot although the lack of a specific lace retainer means you have to use the tongue holder to pin them down while riding.

The synthetic leather upper material breaks in nicely after a few rides while feeling quite durable and weather-resistant. Ventilation perforations through the uppers are limited to the area above the toes, however, the larger diameter of the holes still provides reasonable breathability. They also have a stiff, abrasion-resistant layer around the heel cup and toe, extra padding on the medial ankle for support, and a reinforced toe box to ward off rock strikes and the like.

On the bike, the soles provide great support for the feet with a sole stiffness that lends itself well to long trail rides or days at the bike park alike. They don’t provide the most pedal feedback, but once the feet are planted on the pedals, they tend to stay put. One of the primary reasons for this is Five Ten’s Stealth S1 Rubber outsole with the classic raised dot tread design which is sticky and grabs hold of the pedal pins for a tenacious grip. The tradeoff for that grip is that we found the soles tend to show wear a bit more quickly than other shoes we tested, but the grip remains solid even as they wear. Off the bike, they are comfortable to walk around in, but the flat sole and shallow tread don’t provide the best traction when hiking in loose or slippery conditions.

The Freerider Pro Women’s has a classic look and comes in a range of color options to suit varying tastes, including the Taupe/Purple we tested, as well as a Canvas version that is made partially from recycled ocean plastic. They also have a great size range, going all the way up to 10.5 and 11 for women. While the Freerider Pro may have very strong competition these days, it’s still an excellent option for any rider.

The Giro Sector Women’s is a performance-oriented clipless mountain bike shoe that leans well towards the XC side of the shoe spectrum. With stiff soles, a streamlined design, Boa closures, and a super breathable upper, these shoes are a great option for those who prioritize comfort and pedaling efficiency. They’re also quite versatile and can easily span riding styles from pedal-heavy trail rides to XC races and long days out on the gravel bike.

The Sector W’s is made with a super breathable mesh upper material that Giro calls Synchwire. This coarse mesh material has a thermo-bonded exo structure that covers large portions of the Synchwire material, but it is still incredibly porous and allows for very impressive breathability. The airflow in these shoes is incredible and they are great for riding in warm to scorching hot conditions. Additionally, the uppers have a good amount of flexibility and they conform to the feet quite nicely. We found they fit true to size with a snug, performance fit that is enhanced by the dual Boa L6 closure. The Boa dials make it super quick and easy to get these shoes on and off, plus they’re incredibly easy to adjust on the fly to change tension during your ride. Both the toe and heel feature reinforcements to protect them, but otherwise these are a thin and lightweight model that doesn’t offer much foot protection. Regardless, we found them to be super comfortable and secure on the feet.

The midsole features a stiff carbon composite plate that enhances pedaling efficiency. Along with the snug and secure fit of the uppers, the soles feel like they are transferring virtually all of your pedaling energy into forward momentum with plenty of support to keep the feet and calves from getting fatigued on long rides. The outsole consists of a dual-injected rubber tread with large tread blocks under the heel and bordering the cleat box, with some smaller lugs at the toe. This tread provides surprisingly good grip off the bike, but the stiffness of the soles means they still aren’t the best for extended periods of walking. Still, the cleat box is deep enough that the cleats don’t protrude from the sole when walking on rocks or stopping to grab a mid-ride espresso. They are also capable of fitting removable toe spikes should you wish to add them for grip in loose dirt or muddy conditions.

The construction and features of the Sector Women’s sets them apart and they are in a different performance class from all of the other women’s specific shoes we tested. The fit, comfort, breathability, pedaling performance, and even the look of these shoes are a cut above the rest. That is also reflected in the comparatively hefty price tag, but if you’re looking for a high-performance shoe that has you covered for everything from racing to training in warm to hot weather, the Giro Sector is a great option to consider.

The Shimano XC3 Women’s shoes have a high-end look and feel but come at a fraction of the cost of more expensive XC-style models. With a seamless synthetic upper and Boa closure, these shoes provide a glove-like fit and a high level of comfort with a moderately stiff sole that should work well for many riders and types of riding.

The XC3 Women’s shoes have a seamless, perforated upper with an overlapping tongue that provides a comfortable and secure wraparound fit. Shimano says it fits like a glove and we found that they do, which is partly because they have a lower volume fit. In fact, we’d say that Shimano’s Dynalast fit is the lowest volume of all the models we tested, particularly around the toes, yet the “anatomically curved last that eliminates angles and conforms better to the natural contours of your foot” shows in the fit being perfectly snug but not in a bad way. The shoes are cupped in the right places while still allowing our tester’s foot to sit in an athletic position inside.

The synthetic uppers have lots of perforations above the toes to allow them to breathe, but the rest of the shoe can feel a little stuffy. The flip side is that they repel moisture better than similar options. The toes and heels are protected with a bit of reinforcement with an abrasion-resistant coating to protect those high-wear areas. The single Boa L6 dial works well to snug the shoes around the foot, although the placement in the center takes a little getting used to when putting the shoes on and taking them off the first few times.

Moving to the soles, the XC3 has a glass fiber-reinforced nylon midsole with a stiffness rating of 5 on Shimano’s scale of 1 to 11. While that falls around the middle of their stiffness scale, we found they still provide an efficient pedaling experience thanks to the secure fit while avoiding ever feeling like they are too stiff. The “rubber XC racing pattern outsole” tread pattern walks and hikes surprisingly well, it is less aggressive than some while still having plenty of grip. The cleat box has raised lines so the cleats stay put while attaching and adjusting making it easy to match both sides and get a precise cleat placement.

This Shimano XC3 W’s is an affordable cross-country or gravel shoe that has sleek looks and high-end features at a very approachable price. They aren’t the stiffest shoes out there, but they are sure to meet the needs of most non-competitive riders. Whether you’re grinding gravel or heading out for casual XC rides, these are a lightweight, well-priced option to consider.

The Ride Concepts Hellion Clip Women’s is the clipless version of the brand’s popular flat pedal shoe, the Hellion. As such, it looks quite similar with a few different features that are designed to enhance its performance for clipless pedal riders. Most notably, they’ve beefed up the sole stiffness, changed the sole rubber compound, and added a velcro strap at the top of the laces to better lock the heel in place. We feel they’re a good option for everything from aggressive trail riding to sessioning laps at the bike park.

The Hellion Clip has a low-volume fit that, not surprisingly, works well for low to medium-volume feet. The fit is quite snug and secure and the lace closure allows you to get a custom fit around the mid and upper foot. The Velcro strap at the top of the tongue adds a bit of additional security to lock the heel down into the heel pocket for pulling up on the pedals while climbing or sprinting and to keep the feet feeling secure over rough terrain on the descents. The microfiber uppers feel a little stiff out of the box and take a few rides to break in and they’ve proven to be quite durable and weather-resistant, but they can feel a bit warm on hot days even though they have quite a few perforations to allow some breathability. That said, they are quite protective with a stout feel, a medium level of padding throughout, and TPU abrasion resistance around the toe and heel with substantial internal reinforcement for the toes.

The EVA midsole works well to mute vibration while the RC Powerdrive shank adds some stiffness and support to give the shoes a flex rating of 5 on Ride Concept’s scale of 1 to 5. While they are noticeably less stiff than the XC-oriented Giro Sector, for example, they provide a reasonable level of stiffness for a shoe of this style. The slight flex in the soles combined with their heavier weight doesn’t make them feel like the most efficient shoes, a tradeoff for their foot protection and downhill-oriented performance, but they work well enough to get you to the top and then shine on the descents. The outsole consists of Ride Concept’s Clip Grip rubber with a raised hexagonal tread. The long cleat box with 42mm of adjustment range means there are plenty of options for cleat placement and clipping in and out with these shoes is a breeze. They are fairly easy to walk around in, but like flat pedal shoes with similar sole designs, they don’t provide a ton of traction in loose conditions.

The Ride Concepts Hellion Clip Women’s is a beefy all-mountain shoe that caters more towards riders with a focus on the descents. They provide good foot protection, a durable construction, and styling reminiscent of your favorite flat pedal shoes in a clipless package. They aren’t the lightest or the stiffest, but they work well for their intended purpose of dropping your heels and descending with confidence and style.

The Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit is a unique clipless model that combines medium sole stiffness with a lugged Vibram outsole to create a shoe that performs relatively well on the bike and better than most off the bike. We found they are best for casual-paced, adventurous rides where the terrain might force you off the bike and onto your feet regularly.

The X-Alp Summit Shoes have a seamless, perforated synthetic upper that is secured over the foot by a single Boa L6 dial and a velcro strap to pull some tension over the forefoot. They have a fairly roomy fit, especially in the forefoot, that will work best for those with medium to above-average-width feet. This reviewer has a lower volume foot, and while they felt relatively good initially, the higher volume of these shoes became more apparent as they broke in. That said, they are quite comfortable and the single Boa dial works well to tension the shoe over the upper and mid-foot. The Velcro strap, however, doesn’t do much to snug the shoe around the forefoot, unfortunately. Depending on the volume of your feet, this could provide an excellent fit or result in a bit of movement and potentially a slight reduction in control. The X-Alp Summit is also well-ventilated with ample perforations above the toes and along the sides of the foot, as well as a then mesh tongue that helps keep the feet cool on hot days. Light reinforcement of the toes and generous padding around the ankle pocket provide a bit of additional protection for the feet.

The X-Alp Summit has a nylon composite sole that Pearl Izumi claims balances pedaling efficiency with walkability. The flex of the sole most certainly benefits their walkability and gives them a very natural walking feel with flex through the toes, and the lugged Vibram ECOSTEP outsole provides confident traction more akin to a hiking shoe when you’re pushing your bike up or down a steep section or walking out to a rocky vista point. On the pedals, however, they are by far the softest flexing of the clipless models we tested and you can definitely feel that in comparison. Still, they provide adequate support underfoot for more leisurely riders who aren’t as concerned with maximizing their power or toeing the line at races. A large adjustment range in the cleat box provides the option to find your ideal cleat placement.

While we certainly wouldn’t call these the highest-performance shoes around, the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Summit Women’s delivers on the goal of creating an adventure-ready shoe that performs nearly as well off the bike as they do on. If you’re more focused on fun and adventure and prefer comfort over power, these shoes might be the perfect match.

The Scott MTB Comp Boa Women’s is one of several women’s mountain bike shoe models in their line and the least expensive with a price of just $120 at retail. It’s got similar looks and some of the features of its higher-end siblings, just in a slightly relaxed package that should suit more casual riders a bit better.

The MTB Comp Boa has what Scott refers to as their Sport Fit with a relaxed and larger volume last. This should work well for those with wider and higher volume feet, especially in the forefoot and toe box where the added volume is the most noticeable. Even with lower-volume feet, the Boa L6 dial works well to get them snug around the upper and midfoot while the uniquely angled Velcro strap over the forefoot worked admirably to add a little tension up front. Still, if you don’t have a higher volume foot, there will likely be a bit of wiggle room by the toes. The synthetic uppers are supple out of the box and quite comfortable with a mesh panel over the toes and loads of perforations on the sides of the feet that provide great breathability. The toe box is nicely reinforced to take the sting out of rock strikes and abrasion-resistant material has been added at the toe and heel as well.

The nylon/glass composite sole has a stiffness rating of 6 on Scott’s scale of 1-10, giving them pedaling efficiency that is better than expected for the price. They feel stiff and supportive underfoot, helping transfer your energy directly into the pedals without being punishingly stiff the way some uber-stiff soles can feel. That said, if these shoes are too high volume for your foot, some of your power could be wasted by excessive foot movement. The outsole consists of a number of sole lugs made from Scott’s Sticki Rubber which provide decent off-the-bike grip on most surfaces along with two fixed toe spikes to claw into loose soils or mud. The stiffness of the soles, however, doesn’t lend itself well to prolonged periods of hike-a-bike. The cleat box is a bit longer than average for an XC-style shoe, which makes it easier to find your ideal cleat placement.

If you’ve got wider than average feet and you’re looking for an XC-style mountain bike shoe that provides an efficient pedaling experience and is offered at a very reasonable price, the Scott MTB Comp Boa could be the ideal shoe for you. Whether you’re a trail rider, XC enthusiast, or gravel rider, these shoes perform well, look the part, and won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Shimano makes a handful of women’s mountain bike shoes and the GR5 is their budget-friendly flat pedal model. While they recently added some new models to their line, the GR5 is still widely available and very reasonably priced, especially now that it can be found on sale from most retailers. We found it to be a very comfortable shoe that will work best for those with high-volume feet and who might prefer a sole that is a bit less grippy than the competition and allows for easier foot mobility.

The Shimano Volume Last is on the higher volume and of the spectrum, meaning there is a lot of space around the toes and the upper part of the feet, making them a solid option for those with voluminous or wider feet. That said, the heel cup with the asymmetric cuff provides additional ankle protection and some added security to hold the heel in place even with a medium-volume foot. The durable synthetic upper lined in mesh features a lightly textured toe protection to provide abrasion resistance and there is an added layer of the same textured material stitched around the heel. The upper did stretch and pack out quickly, but the materials seem very durable and the shoes are well made. There are ample perforations above the toes and on the sides of the uppers, allowing for good breathability while remaining fairly weather-resistant.

As expected with a less expensive shoe, the flex is on the softer side but they have a very distinct pedal feel and provide enough midsole support even on long descents. Given the softer flex and thinner midsole, you can feel the pedal pins and there is a high level of feedback. Shimano’s rubber sole is not the grippiest either, so adjusting the foot on the pedals comes easily and you will always know where you are placed on the pedals, but they don’t cling to the pins like other shoes we tested. This can be a pro or a con, depending on what you prefer, as it means your feet can be less planted without proper pressure control. But, if you like it to be easier to move your feet around, these could be a great option. That said, we found that when the rubber got cold, the grip was noticeably reduced. Off the bike, they do hike relatively well for a flat-soled shoe. The softer flexing sole along with the added toe and heel ridges in the outsole seems to work for added grip.

While they aren’t the grippiest shoes around, the Shimano GR5 W’s is a comfortable higher volume model that allows easier foot mobility, looks good, and won’t break the bank. They could be a great option for the rider on a budget, especially for those with wider feet and for whom grip isn’t the highest priority.

The Evoc Hip Pack Pro 3L + 1.5L Bladder has enjoyed a long run as one of the most highly regarded mountain bike hip packs on the market. Though there are many imitators, the Hip Pack Pro still deserves a place at the top for its excellent comfort, stability when riding, well-executed storage, and the option to carry water in the included 1.5L bladder, bottles, or both.

One of the best features of the Hip Pack Pro (and what differentiates it from the standard Hip Pack 3L) is the broad, stretchy, overlapping waist belt that hugs the body and makes it not only very comfortable but impressively stable in use. Unlike simpler strap designs that are static, this one is a little bit dynamic, so it moves well with the body and doesn’t dig in anywhere, even with the pack fully loaded. The waist belt also widens as it meets the main body of the pack, making a larger contact area where the wings cradle the hips. Also helping to enhance comfort is the well-executed Airflow back system with open mesh atop deep ventilation channels that keep air moving as well or better than any other model we’ve tried. The Ventiflap feature also allows you to adjust how closely the pack sits to your back with the pull of a string for extra ventilation on the climbs, and even Airo Flex the waist belt allows air to pass through.

The Hip Pack Pro 3L has, you guessed it, 3 liters of storage capacity. The pack has 2 primary zippered compartments with the main one housing the included 1.5-liter bladder (it is also sold without the bladder for less) behind a nylon sleeve along with adequate space for a packable layer, spare tube, mini-pump, or other larger items. The front compartment folds down for quick, easy access with 3 mesh storage pockets to organize tools and a zippered internal pocket for valuables. Two sizeable pockets on the hip wings provide additional storage space for snacks or smaller phones and there’s a key clip inside too.

The 1.5-liter bladder has a slide-open top that makes it easy to fill and clean, and the hose has a quick connect fitting that makes removing it from the pack super easy. If that isn’t enough water, there are two expandable mesh bottle holders with retention cords that hold bottles securely. Impressively, even when fully loaded with water, tools, and other gear, the back panel of the pack retains its structure well, and if you’re carrying less, the side compression straps can be used to snug it up and keep it tidy.

Overall, we don’t think it gets much better than the Evoc Hip Pack Pro 3L. And, it’s also pretty easy to find on sale right now considering an updated version called the “Pro 3” just released that’s essentially the same with updated colors, graphics, one less bottle sleeve, and a bump in price to $150.

Patagonia has been slowly but surely growing its line of mountain bike apparel and accessories including the affordable and well-designed Dirt Roamer Bike Waist Pack 3L. With excellent comfort, great stability, a good storage layout that includes two water bottle sleeves, a smart built-in external strap system, and a $69 price tag, it represents the best ratio of performance and price of any model we tested.

While the Dirt Roamer is a medium-volume, 3-liter pack, we were consistently surprised by how much we could fit into it. With minimal padding and stretchy materials, it adapts to larger loads than expected, and the well-designed external strap system makes it easy to attach knee pads or a jacket on the outside. The main, top entry pocket is surprisingly roomy, with two open compartments against your back for tools and a large open area for snacks, a first aid kit, or other bulky items. The smaller zippered front pocket holds a phone safely and has a key hook so you’ll be able to drive home even if you forget to zip it up. Lastly, two zippered hip pockets are surprisingly spacious and allow for quick and easy access to snacks and other essentials while you ride.

Two bottle sleeves, one on each side of the main compartment, are quite easy to reach and fit standard-size water bottles snugly and securely with retention cords that keep them in place no matter how rough the trail gets. Depending on your needs you can carry two, one, or no bottles, and the bottle sleeves can also double as a place to stash a light packable layer. Even when fully loaded with gear and water, we found the Dirt Roamer to be exceptionally stable, secure, and barely noticeable on our hips and back in all riding, hiking, and even running situations.

Patagonia is often associated with high-end products and correspondingly high prices, but at $69, the Dirt Roamer Waist Pack is one of the least expensive models we tested and a great value. This pack looks good, fits great, carries well, and has your water and storage needs covered for most rides without breaking the bank.

The Osprey Seral 4 is a medium-volume hydration pack with a simple design and a 1.5-liter hydration bladder. With only a main compartment with a small zippered section inside of it, the Seral 4 prioritizes comfort through stretchy mesh hip bands, easy bladder fills with a convenient handle, and good stability with a slim design that sits in the small of your back.

The Seral 4 takes a relatively no-frills approach when it comes to storage. There’s a single zipper across the top to access the main compartment that comprises the entirety of the pack’s carry capabilities. Inside this compartment, the 1.5-liter bladder sits closest to the back, separated from the rest of your gear by a small nylon sleeve. Otherwise, it’s basically just an open area to toss your stuff into, along with a small zippered internal pocket on one side to keep important things separated. The less refined design makes it a bit of a free-for-all storage-wise, but you can cram quite a bit into the 4-liter space. Even when fully loaded, the pack conforms nicely to the body and remains stable on the lower back, and when it isn’t full, compression straps tighten up the load.

The simple design continues through the hose routing, which exits the main compartment in an opening directly at the end of the zipper. This, along with the built-in bladder handle, makes it very easy to remove the bladder for refilling or cleaning. The handle is a great touch, making it easy to work with and hold the wide, flat bladder while filling. We typically prefer a quick-connect system where the hose meets the bladder, but the open design and easy hose routing of the Seral 4 make it unnecessary.

At $90 retail (often found on sale for less in previous year’s colors), the Osprey Seral 4 is a solid value, especially for those who might prefer the more open storage design. It’s exceptionally easy to use, reasonably comfortable, quite stable and should meet most riders’ basic needs quite well. Need more storage capacity? The Oprey Seral 7 ($110) fits nearly double the volume with two storage compartments, more organization, and zippered hip pockets.

USWE might be better known for their super stable hydration backpacks for motocross and mountain biking, but they make several models of hip packs with the same intent. The USWE Zulo 6 is the largest hip pack they make with a 6-liter storage volume, a 1.5-liter hydration bladder, a super comfortable overlapping belt, and excellent stability while riding, even when fully loaded.

The Zulo 6 has a broad, overlapping waistband, similar to the Evoc Hip Pack Pro 3L but even wider. It wraps comfortably around the waist and distributes the weight and pressure more evenly for extra comfort, even with a heavier load. The “banana shape” of the pack gives it contours that conform to the shape of the body when wrapped around the hips, contributing to its stability in use and overall comfort. Compression straps keep the load close to your back, and the ventilated back panel does a reasonably good job of keeping things cool, although the extra width of the waistband does feel a bit warmer overall than those that are a bit narrower or more air-permeable.

The 6-liter storage capacity of the Zulo 6 is broken into two compartments. The main compartment opens wide and houses the 1.5-liter water bladder along with space for bulkier items like a tube, first-aid kit, mini-pump, and packable layer. The front compartment folds open to reveal three mesh sleeves and a zippered pocket for tools or other things you want to keep organized and easy to find when you need them. Zippered hip pockets on the waistband add additional capacity and on-the-go access to smaller items like snacks. While it doesn’t necessarily look as voluminous as the 6-liter capacity might suggest, we always found a way to get everything we needed in this pack, and the extremely stable and comfortable fit kept us riding with the Zulo 6L even when we didn’t need its full volume.

The Zulo 6 comes with a 1.5-liter hydration bladder that makes drinking while you ride a breeze. It does not have the capability to carry any additional bottles, but when combined with a bottle on the bike, we found it to be adequate for just about any length of ride. With a quick-connect fitting at the bladder/hose junction, removing it for filling or cleaning is a breeze, and the slide top opens up nice and wide for both as well. Getting the full bladder back into the pack is a bit of a squeeze, however, so we found it best to leave the bladder inside when filling most of the time.

If you want the best of both worlds – to pack heavy but feel light in terms of pack stability and weight management, we feel the USWE Zulo 6L is one of the best options available today. If you’re looking for something smaller, USWE also makes the Zulo 2 Plus with a 1-liter bladder and 2 liters of cargo capacity.

The Bontrager Rapid Pack has been around for a few years and is an excellent option for those looking to carry just the essentials in a super comfortable and stable hip pack. This low-profile model has a simple design that carries a single water bottle centered between two stretchy pockets that make up the 1.64-liter cargo capacity.

While the dual pocket design is not ideal for larger or bulkier items, you can fit a surprising amount of gear and snacks into them. You can easily fit a multitool, tire levers, CO2, a tube, and small snacks like candy bars, gels, or bags of fruit snacks. Where the pocket size can be limiting is with longer, flat items like cell phones or mini-pumps, but it swallows the essential tools well with a touch of room to spare for keys and a bit of food. It’s not really the ideal pack for rides where you’re carrying a spare layer, but we’ve seen riders stuff a super packable wind shell into one of the stretchy pockets in a pinch.

The central bottle sleeve holds a water bottle very securely, and it’s relatively easy to reach back and grab without needing to spin the pack toward the front. When used in combination with a bottle on the bike, we found it provided enough water storage for most short to medium-length rides. And, even when fully loaded with a bottle and gear, the Rapid Pack is the most stable and unobtrusive of all the models we tested, nearly going unnoticed while out on the trail. It’s also slim enough that you could wear it under your jersey or mountain bike jacket.

If you’re looking for an affordable, sleek, and very well-executed hip pack to carry the essential gear plus a bottle, the Bontrager Rapid Pack is worthy of serious consideration. This pack is so comfortable and stable that you almost forget you’re wearing it, yet all your gear is still right within arm’s reach. Bontrager also makes a version of the Rapid Pack with a bladder called the Rapid Pack Hydro ($100) that’s essentially identical but comes with a 1.5-liter hydration bladder.

Thule is much better known for making a huge range of racks and related products for bikes, skis, and other outdoor gear, but the brand has been making a push into the luggage and pack market as well. In fact, they’ve got a pretty big lineup of travel luggage as well as ski packs, hydration backpacks, and hip packs for mountain biking. The Thule Rail 4 is the largest of the three hip pack models they make with a 4-liter cargo capacity, a 1.5-liter water bladder, and a very well-organized and structured storage layout.

The main things that set the Rail 4 apart from the competition are the shape of the pack and the way that the storage is organized and compartmentalized. The structured design forces you to follow its organizational strategy to get the most out of the low profile, medium volume pack, but we were happy to adapt to the very well-considered layout. This isn’t the kind of pack you just stuff things into willy-nilly, instead, everything has a place, and when you pack it as intended, it results in a very tight and well-organized package. And, it also holds its shape, for better or worse, better than pretty much any other pack we tried, maintaining its streamlined rectangular look for a super tidy appearance.

With a velcro flap front pocket, centered zippered phone sleeve, and compartmentalized main pocket/bladder area, the Rail 4 is a great choice for organized riders looking to separate snacks, cell phones, and tools. This pack holds the essentials and you can squeeze a light, packable layer in there if needed as well. While it doesn’t have zippered pockets on the hip wings, there are two mesh pockets that Thule refers to as “jersey pockets” that are a great place for on-the-fly items like small snacks or gels. The zippered phone sleeve is also a nice touch as it keeps the phone separated from the rest of your gear in a soft pocket that’s relatively easy to reach back and access while riding or when stopped.

Even when packed full, the Rail 4 is stable and predictable, with the broad, overlapping mesh waistband holding it in place comfortably. The waistband is similar to those found on the Evoc Pro 3L, USWE Zulo 6, and the Deuter Pulse Pro 5, and it works in the same way to distribute pressure more evenly while keeping the pack from bouncing around over rough terrain.

The 1.5-liter bladder provides the water storage of the Rail 4 along with the unique ReTrakt hose management system. Instead of a tiny magnet, they’ve created longer magnetic strips on the hose and waistband that hold it super securely and make it very easy to remove and replace. We wished the bladder/hose connection had a quick release so the bladder could be more easily removed for filling and cleaning, but it’s easy enough to fill without removing it from the pack.

If you prioritize organization, then the Thule Rail 4 is a solid choice that’s well-designed, super stable, and competitively priced compared to similar options. If you don’t need that much storage capacity, the Thule Rail 2 and Thule Rail have similar designs in smaller packages. For more info, you can check out our Thule Rail launch article.

The German brand, Deuter, has been producing some of the best backpacks on the market for over 100 years. While hiking and skiing backpacks and luggage are their bread and butter, they’ve also been making a small line of mountain bike hip packs for several years. The Pulse Pro 5 is their top-of-the-line hip pack and one of their latest models. With a 1.5L bladder, space for an extra water bottle, and an extremely usable, well-organized five-liter capacity, it’s our pick for longer rides and carrying lots of gear.

Interestingly, much like Evoc, Deuter makes the Pulse 5 and the Pulse 5 Pro with the “Pro” moniker denoting the overlapping waistband. This is an upgrade over the static belt and along with the highly padded back, it keeps the Pulse Pro 5 comfortable on longer rides. Given this pack’s greater cargo capacity, however, we found it to be a bit less stable over rough terrain compared to some other options when packed to the gills with water and gear. Not a deal breaker by any means, and the stability was also much better when carrying a lighter load.

The Pulse Pro 5 has 5 liters of cargo capacity, but surprisingly, it feels like you can pack more into it than the larger volume USWE Zulo 6, primarily due to the shape of the pack and the layout of the storage. The main compartment houses the wide, winged 1.5-liter water bladder and has ample room for larger items like a tube, mini-pump, and packable layer. The zippered front panel folds down to reveal two open mesh organization pockets for tools and one zippered mesh pocket for other small/medium-sized items. Moving outward, the rider’s left side has a water bottle sleeve with a retention strap and the rider’s right side has a small zippered mesh hip pocket that’s good for keeping a phone or other essentials easily accessible. Additionally, a stowable strap system is included to lash bulkier gear like knee pads to the outside of the pack.

The wide, wing-shaped bladder of the Pulse Pro 5 is nice in that it spreads the volume of water out into the hip wings and over a larger area in the pack. That said, it makes it more difficult to worm back into the pack when it’s full. Regardless, the slider top of the bladder opens nice and wide for filling and cleaning with a handle of sorts that makes it easy to hold open under the faucet. The hose also has a quick connect fitting and it secures on the waistband with a small clip that we found to be less likely to pop off than many of the magnetic attachments.

Overall, the Deuter Pulse Pro 5 is a great option for longer rides or heavy packers who like to carry lots of water, gear, and snacks. It’s not the most stable pack we tested, but it is quite comfortable and something we’d reach for all day over a backpack for rides where you’re bringing lots of gear.

The Evoc Hip Pack 3L is a medium-capacity hip pack featuring a 1.5-liter water bladder in a fairly open top access area, a dual zip/velcro top closure compartmentalized section for tools and small items, and two small hip pockets, one with a key ring. It is quite similar to the Hip Pack Pro 3L detailed above, just without the stretchy waistbelt or any sleeves to carry water bottles.

While there is nowhere to stash an extra water bottle, the 3-liter cargo capacity, smart organization layout, and 1.5-liter water bladder should provide just enough space and water to be prepared on short to medium-length rides. Organizing the essentials into the Evoc Hip Pack 3 is intuitive – larger items like a tube, mini-pump, and packable layer fit easily into the main compartment with the water bladder. Smaller items like a multitool, CO2 cartridges and nozzle, and tire plugs were easily organized in the compartments of the front, fold open pocket, a great area for anything that will live in the pack and you want to find easily. The small pockets on the hips are great for small items like snacks, chapstick, or keys, but they aren’t quite big enough to hold a phone.

The bladder is easy to remove, fill, and reconnect with the high-quality quick-connect fitting at the end of the hose. The slide top opens wide for easy filling and cleaning and has a great leak-free seal. The hose is attached to the waistband with a magnet and it is easy to reach, drink, and replace while riding. The grey color of the hose looks pretty cool, but it does hide any mold growing inside that would be more obvious with a clear tube.

Once loaded up, the small footprint and low profile of the Hip Pack 3L sits well in the small of the back, feeling very stable and secure. While the waist belt is not stretchy like the Pro version, it still feels quite comfortable in use. The strap system, while very secure and easy to get on and off, isn’t the easiest to adjust on the fly, however, as the slip lock slide buckles require some extra fiddling to tighten and loosen.

Beyond that, we feel the Evoc Hip Pack 3L + 1.5L Bladder is a great option that should serve most riders well. It’s well organized, stable, and a good size for carrying the gear and water needed on most medium-length rides.

The PNW Rover is a 2.72 liter capacity hip pack, with a bespoke look and feel. While it is fairly small, the large main compartment, zippered phone sleeve, and two small hip pockets keep things organized while easily fitting all of the essentials, and the detachable bottle holder (it comes with one but can carry up to 2) allows you to carry ample water on your rides.

We love how the Rover is organized and constructed – a simple yet effective layout, comfortable back and hip padding, water-resistant Sailcloth fabric, waterproof zippers, and a dedicated, padded phone pocket. It feels very well made and durable, plus the materials provide great water resistance for riding in the rain or wet trails. The roomy main pocket opens nice and wide and holds more gear than expected given its 2.72-liter capacity with mesh pockets on both sides to keep things organized so you don’t have to fish around to find your tools. The neoprene-lined front pocket also keeps your phone relatively well protected in the event of a crash while the small zippered pockets on the hip wings provide easy access for items you want to keep in arms reach.

The PNW Rover comes with one detachable bottle holder and you can add an additional Booster Bag Water Bottle Holder for $15, giving it water storage nearly on par with most packs that have 1.5-liter water bladders. Of course, you can also stuff a packable layer or other gear into the bottle holders to expand the cargo capacity. The only issue we really had with the Rover, however, is that when carrying bottles, they tend to swing around over rough terrain. This doesn’t really affect the pack’s stability, though we found it to be a bit distracting and something that could be improved on an otherwise stellar pack. We did find that you can mount the bottle holder inside of the compression strap for enhanced stability, though that doesn’t appear to be the recommended way to do it.

Still, the PNW Rover is a great-looking and well-made pack that’s got your cargo-carrying needs handled for most rides. With good weather resistance and a tough, durable feel, we think it’s a solid choice that should last a long time and is great value at $79. For more info, check out our PNW Rover launch article.

The Hot Laps 5L has been a staple in Dakine’s lineup for many years and it is among the most popular models you’ll see out on the trails. It hasn’t changed much over the years, but the recent redesign now includes a fleece-lined hip pocket that’s large enough to fit a phone for protection and quick and easy access while you ride. Otherwise, it’s a fairly straightforward pack that gets the job done and comes in way more color options than any other hip pack we know of.

The Hotlaps is available in 1, 2, and 5-liter capacities with the 5 also coming with a 2-liter water bladder. Whether you’re going for a quick local ride or out for a long day, the Hot Laps has the storage and hydration capacity for you to bring adequate sustenance and supplies. The storage consists of a large water bladder compartment that also has room to stuff some other items inside along with it. The front pocket opens nice and wide with ample space for bulkier items along with some organizational pockets and straps to keep it from becoming a free-for-all. Stowable straps on the bottom of the pack are there when you need them to attach pads or a jacket to the outside of the pack and the sizeable hip pocket on the right side of the waist belt fits a phone or a pair of shades.

The 2-liter capacity of the Hydrapak reservoir is more than most hip packs and provides ample water for just about any length of ride. It’s quite easy to pull out the pack and the slide-top closure makes it easy to fill and clean. The hose nests in a magnetic clip that’s easy to reach and replace whether you’re still rolling or stopping for a break.

The large hip wings and back panel are covered in Airflow mesh that provides decent breathability and relatively good stability. The one caveat, however, is that when this pack is fully loaded with gear and water, it tends to bulge a bit which results in slightly reduced stability. Also, the 2-liter bladder takes up a bit of the cargo space when full, effectively making the storage feel a bit smaller than 5 liters.

Regardless, the Dakine Hot Laps 5L is still a solid option for any length of ride but especially those big days where you need to bring lots of water. Assuming you don’t overpack it, it’s comfortable and stable, good-looking, and ready to stand up to years of use. Plus, the wealth of color and pattern options means you should be able to find something that suits your personal style, and the $100 price tag comes in a bit lower than most other bladder-equipped competitors.

Fox Racing makes just about every article of apparel and accessories you can think of for mountain biking, including three models of hip packs. The Fox Standard Hip Pack is a relatively low-volume, streamlined model with a 2-liter cargo capacity and two collapsible sleeves for water bottles. Given the limited storage, it’s best for shorter rides or carrying the essentials in warmer weather when you’re not bringing along spare layers.

The Standard Hip Pack has a very slim rectangular shape with storage split into two zippered compartments. The main compartment holds the bulk of the cargo capacity and is best for larger items like a tube, first aid kit, and a mini pump with small divider pockets to keep tools organized. The zippered front panel folds down to reveal a zippered mesh pocket and additional space for smaller items. The only real downside to the slim shape of the pack is that oddly shaped tools or snack containers may be more difficult to fit and there aren’t any hip pockets for those things you want to access on the go. That said, you can wear it under a mountain bike jacket or jersey if you aren’t carrying any bottles.

The two bottle sleeves hold regular-size water bottles and they collapse down when not in use to maintain the sleek looks of the Standard Hip Pack. You can carry up to 40 or 50 ounces of water depending on bottle size, which is roughly the equivalent of packs with a 1.5-liter bladder, and they’re relatively easy to reach back and pull out on the fly. We did notice, however, that with two full bottles, the pack had a tendency to bounce a bit over the rough stuff compared to some other options.

Overall, at $70 the Fox Standard Hip Pack is an affordable low-volume option for bringing the essentials on your daily rides. With a well-organized 2-liter cargo capacity and the ability to carry up to two bottles, it has you covered for short to medium-length rides where you don’t need to bring tons of gear. Should you need more cargo capacity, Fox also makes the Lumbar 5-Liter Pack ($125) which has 5 liters of storage space and comes with a 2-liter bladder.

The Castelli Espresso GT Glove is the best all-around winter glove we tested. While it does not win outright on any individual criteria, it’s clearly the glove of choice for riders who only want to buy one pair of gloves that will protect them for a few hours of riding during 95% of the conditions that winter will throw at them.

To be fair to the Espresso GT, its comfort is absolutely top-shelf and we’d quickly point out that its breathability is simply on another level compared to similarly warm models. That’s important because conditions in winter are highly variable, day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute. Changes in ride intensity relative to speed, changes in altitude, changes in precipitation, and wind speed all conspire to make keeping hands comfortable a tricky test.

The Espresso GT features PrimaLoft Gold insulation along with a GORE-TEX membrane that makes them completely waterproof and windproof. While Castelli isn’t explicit about what makes the Espresso GT breathe so well, this is really what separates it from other gloves offering a similar level of warmth and protection. Why this breathability is so important isn’t about extreme cold, but rather more mild conditions. Most gloves in this category are not useful above the mid-40s F and thus leave a gap where they are way too warm. Thanks to their impressive breathability, this gap all but disappears with the Espresso GT.

This leads us to another great feature of the Espresso GT, which is the zippered back. While other gloves offer a nice flexible cuff, the Espresso GT goes further, opening up completely thanks to a YKK zipper that runs from the cuff to the knuckle area. This makes removing and refitting the Espresso GT mid-ride super easy, which is a nice upgrade over all the other winter gloves we tested.

At $120, the Castelli Espresso GT Glove sits at a high price point but offers a corresponding level of performance thanks to a pitch-perfect blend of warmth, waterproofing, breathability, and ease of getting in and out. If you only want one glove for anything winter will throw at you, the Espresso GT is the one to buy.

The Crosspoint Waterproof Knit Gloves from Showers Pass provide excellent protection from the rain to keep your hands dry while cycling. The Crosspoint Gloves are fully waterproof with 3 bonded layers: a wear-resistant knit exterior that feels like a regular knit glove, a waterproof-breathable Artex membrane, and a Coolmax moisture-wicking antibacterial knit lining.

What makes the Crosspoint shine is their simplicity and supple comfort during the ride, especially considering how much protection they provide against rain and wind. The Crosspoint gloves are barely noticeable after a few minutes on the bike because they fit and articulate so well. When the intensity ramps up, there is no loss of control or feedback through the handlebar, making the Crosspoint glove a great choice for fast group rides and road races. Silicone print on the palm provides a reliable grip in wet conditions. 

While the Crosspoint Waterproof Knit gloves fit and feel like just about any other knit option, Showers Pass ups the ante with the Artex membrane. Most knit gloves only provide moderate protection from wind and little, if any, protection from water, so this really expands the versatility of these gloves to a much wider conditions range.

At just $47, the Crosspoint is a great value and outperformed a few gloves we tested that were nearly double the cost. Showers Pass also keeps the branding on these gloves subtle, so they pair well with whatever winter kit you choose to wear. If you want a simple, durable, and high-performance glove that is ready for anything from fall all the way through to spring races, check out the Crosspoint Waterproof Knit Gloves from Showers Pass.

The name of the Ornot Merino Gloves is a bit of an oversimplification. While they are 20% Merino wool, there are a host of other materials, mainly nylon and polyester, that help them fit and perform better than a 100% merino glove ever could. Thankfully, these gloves still feature that soft and natural comfort we associate with wool fiber. 

Before even putting on the merino glove, we knew they would be comfortable, just from their appearance. The blended fabric is clearly well-sourced and has a nice density to it. The Merino Gloves are not articulated, but that’s not necessary for a high-quality merino-blend fabric in this application, as its stretch allows it to conform perfectly to the individual shape of the hands and fingers. The Bluebird color scheme of our test pair is brilliant and gives the merino glove a cheerful look that actually makes us want to wear them. The subtle Ornot patch on the cuff also matches the pattern of the grippy texture applied to the palms, giving them a subtle yet classy style. 

Getting the merino gloves on was even easier than expected, because the cuff is ribbed and the wrist hem is reinforced, making it easy to tug on this part of the glove to get them in place. These gloves make a great “just in case” option for rides that start or end in colder weather, or feature long descents. Keep them in your pocket until your hands are cold, and they will still be super easy to put on, even while riding. 

Of course, the Ornot merino gloves also work great for rides that start cold and stay cold. They pack a surprising amount of protection for such a lightweight and simple glove. A big reason why they stay comfortable in cold conditions is that they breathe well, preventing any chilling effect from clammy hands. Yet, there is enough density in the weave of the merino blend to block light to moderate wind.

If you’re looking for a lightweight, packable glove that excels in mild to moderately cold weather, such as the mid/low 40s F, the reasonably priced Ornot Merino Glove is a great choice. 

You can usually tell a good product when it doesn’t change year after year, or better yet, ever, like the Rapha Deep Winter Gloves. These gloves are aptly named and are honestly overkill for what most riders are willing to venture out into during the dark and cold months. But for those of us who road ride just as much in the winter as in the summer, these are a wise investment in comfort.

Built with a bevy of technical layers, including a waterproof and breathable OutDry membrane, as well as PrimaLoft insulation, it’s fair to say that your enthusiasm to ride might fade before you hit conditions these gloves can’t handle. We’ve ridden them in sleet, hail, and wind chill into the single digits, for century rides and beyond, and never once lost feeling in our fingers. 

The fit of the Rapha Deep Winter Gloves is on par with their excellent protection. Because of the articulated shaping, these ride like much thinner gloves. There is just enough freedom inside to allow the hand to relax and move naturally, which is vital to maintaining circulation and comfort. Although Rapha offers a merino liner (sold separately) to go inside, we think it would need to be exceptionally cold for that to be necessary.

Getting into the Deep Winter Gloves isn’t hard, assuming you’re still at home and your hands are still warm. Thankfully, a wide Velcro strap ensures that the generously sized, flexible cuff is sealed completely against cold air and moisture. The shell also extends separately over the cuff, allowing the sleeve of a jacket to slide between them for a nice sandwich of protection around the wrist.

When things warm up, the Rapha Deep Winter Gloves do an admirable job of staying comfortable, but there is only so much a glove this burly can do to wick away sweat vapor. The good news is that the lining is so luxurious and fits so well that even with a bit of moisture build-up, there is no discomfort or loss of dexterity. 

If you love heading outside to ride when others on the group text have lost hope and given in to the indoor trainer, or you hate cutting the ride short because of numb hands, the $190 price tag for the Rapha Deep Winter Gloves makes some sense. There are less expensive gloves that can match their comfort or their protection, but few that can do both.

Pearl Izumi’s AmFIB Lobster Evo Gloves take the simple route to keeping your hands super warm by grouping the outer fingers together instead of isolating each finger on its own. The look of these gloves is a bit different, and dexterity isn’t their strong suit, relative to less protective, more stretchy gloves, hence the reference to lobster claws.

However, when you consider that the ring finger and pinky do virtually nothing for shifting and braking, while the warmth gained from the split-finger design is substantial, the AmFib Lobster Evos make a lot of sense. It’s a function-over-form product, and when it’s below freezing and we’re 20 miles from home, the look of our gloves is about the furthest thing from our mind.

Digging deeper into the technology of the AmFIB Lobster Evo Gloves, we find a 170g PrimaLoft Gold insulation w/Crosscore technology, which provides supreme warmth while minimizing bulk. The AmFIB fabric that constitutes the main body is highly water-resistant and windproof but also articulates easily to the position of riding on the brake hoods. An Ax Suede Laredo synthetic leather palm makes the AmFIB Lobster Evo Glove as grippy as it is durable. A 3D-shaped gel pad provides bar comfort without any loss of feedback or control at the handlebar. 

One of the drawbacks to a glove like the AmFIB Lobster Evo is that it might be able to protect against conditions that you’re just not that interested in riding in. This is a glove for folks who live and ride where winter is harsh and relentless and isn’t just a game of waiting for mild conditions to go outside. Likewise, while you are still able to use the pointer and middle fingers independently, these gloves are simply bulkier than lighter options, and therefore dexterity and tactility are slightly limited as a result. Given the right conditions, however, that is a tradeoff that most people are willing to make for warm hands.

If you routinely face sub-freezing temps or maybe have issues with keeping your hands warm in the upper 30s to low 40s with traditional five-finger glove designs, the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Evo Glove is a great pick. At $95, they’re also offered at a competitive price relative to the competition.

While not completely waterproof, as their name might suggest, Sportful’s No Rain Gloves are made to fend off light precipitation and road spray, and do so effectively. The No Rain Gloves also feature a dense pattern of silicone across the un-padded palm for exceptional grip and dexterity whether shifting, braking, sprinting, or taking a selfie.

What impressed us most about the No Rain Gloves, however, was how incredibly comfortable they are. From the moment we put them on, our hands felt cradled by their soft interior, which provides balanced stretch and light compression across every part of the hand and fingers. Every seam is positioned correctly to avoid irritating or restricting the fingers, which helps them achieve a level of comfort that its rather simple construction hides nicely. 

On the road, the No Rain Gloves feel weightless and take away nothing from the control and feedback we are accustomed to when riding gloveless. Depending on the intensity of the ride, the No Rain Gloves can protect against temperatures as low as the upper 30s F, provided it’s dry. At a more chill pace, the No Rain Gloves can breathe well enough to be comfortable into the low 50s. The sweet spot is high 40s F, with light precipitation. The No Rain material not only expels small amounts of water readily, but also seems to adapt to a humid environment to become even more comfortable. 

Those who live in mild but damp winter climates could get a lot of use out of the Sportful No Rain Gloves. They are perfectly suited for the best conditions of temperate winter riding, with light precipitation and temps that rarely approach freezing. Even for milder days in typically harsher winter climates, the comfort of the Sportful No Rain makes them worth having as an option, at just $50.

Rapha’s Merino Gloves are a wonderful choice for milder temperatures and weather and place a premium on grip and dexterity in all conditions, as well as touch-screen compatibility by featuring a palm constructed with Ax Suede. The top panel on the back of the Merino Glove is a merino blend that is 38% merino wool, and 62% nylon. The weave of the top panel is a waffle pattern that encourages body heat to insulate the hand until it turns to sweat vapor, then wicks away quickly. 

One of the reasons some folks avoid wearing gloves is that palm padding can take away from handlebar control or even affect bike fit in some cases. Thankfully, the Rapha Merino Gloves have no padding and the AX Suede palm is thin and provides a great bar feel so controlling the front of the bike feels just like riding gloveless.

Designed to slide seamlessly under jacket sleeves, the ribbed cuffs are elasticated for a secure fit, with a pull tab making for easy removal. While they are not designed for steady rain, they can protect your digits from road spray on long wet descents, or a moderately damp road race or group ride.

The Rapha Merino Gloves are a great option for mild conditions, from the upper 50s to mid/low 40s, depending on intensity. They are on the expensive side of the spectrum for what they are, but if you prioritize dexterity, natural bar feel, and touchscreen compatibility, these are a great option to consider.

The Assos Ultraz Winter Glove is the warmest glove Assos offers and is built for deep winter riding, featuring Assos’ twinDeck construction, a double-layer of brushed Lycra, and the Airblock membrane. This type of fabric increases loft to keep warm air close to the skin to insulate the hands, while the Airblock membrane fends off the bitterly cold winds of winter.

The fit of the Ultraz Gloves is excellent, assuming you choose the correct size. These ran smaller than we expected, and our tester’s hands were cramped and restricted in the size large Ultraz on his typically size large hands. So, size up and you’ll be able to enjoy how well the Ultraz articulates to the position of riding on the brake hoods. 

The Ultraz Gloves feature a neoprene cuff to seal out the elements and fit easily under most jackets’ wrist cuffs. A Microfiber palm and padding keep hands comfortable on the bars. On the outboard side of the pinky finger, a reflective fabric lends a hint of visibility for the low light conditions of winter riding. 

As is the case with much of the Assos winter collection, the Ultraz Winter Glove does not protect against steady rain and road spray. The Ultraz gloves are hydrophobic enough to cope with light and intermittent moisture for a long time though. Being designed in Switzerland, this makes sense, as this alpine climate has little rain in the winter, but a consistent pattern of snowy stretches punctuated by cold, windy, dry days.

So, if that sounds like the climate where you ride, the Assos Ultraz Winter Gloves could be a great pick. Just trust us when we say that you’ll want to size up for a comfortable fit with great dexterity.

Featuring a durable nylon construction and insulation in key areas, the Sportful WS Essential 2 Glove with GORE-TEX Infinium is a versatile model for moderately harsh winter conditions. The gloves work well in temperatures ranging from cool to cold, depending on riding intensity, and conditions between dry and damp.

Gore-Tex Infinium is one of the most popular and effective materials in the world of cycling apparel, as it is highly water-resistant, blocks wind, and breathes easily, thanks to its densely woven but lightweight composition. It provides a nice balance of moderate warmth and good weather protection for riding in light, intermittent showers, or on unpredictable weather days. The microfiber palm is soft and padded for a nice balance of support and cushioning, along with a great feeling of control and feedback on the handlebars. Silicone texture applied to the areas that interface with the brake hoods further bolsters confidence in wet weather.

The velcro closure ensures that winter stays out, and a microfiber panel down the center of the inner wrist helps increase grip when sliding the WS Essential 2 Gloves on and off. The length of the cuff also ensures gap-free coverage of the wrists when worn with a cycling jacket. The WS Essential 2 Gloves are also available in a nice selection of colors that can coordinate or contrast with many of Sportful’s most popular winter jackets. 

The Sportful WS Essential 2 Gloves are comfortable across a wide range of temperatures from the mid-50s down to the high 30s F, possibly even lower at very high intensity, making these a sensible option for the conditions experienced most often during early season training and racing.

The Perfetto Light Gloves from Castelli are highly adaptable to a wide range of conditions, because they stand up resolutely to cold wind and light rain, but also offer excellent breathability and are supremely light. The key to the Perfetto’s versatility is GORE-TEX Infinium fabric, which provides complete protection from wind and a high level of water resistance in a thin material that never feels clammy or heavy, even if temps or the ride intensity soar. 

The Perfetto Light Glove features the Castelli Damping System (CDS) on the palm to absorb jarring vibrations. This gel pad is positioned at the lower-middle portion of the palm and noticeably dissipates road buzz and adds security to the grip over bigger hits like potholes and fissures in weathered road surfaces. 

Around the CDS palm, silicone grippers further bolster grip and dexterity, allowing the Perfetto Light to mimic that feeling of riding gloveless. Touchscreen-friendly material on the thumb and forefinger ensures relatively good smartphone control while reflective accents lend a bit of visibility for motorists.

We wish these were made in colors to match or contrast the wide range of color options available in the Perfetto range of jerseys, but alas, the Castelli Perfetto Light is only available in black. Still, these are attractive and low-profile gloves that are great for fast rides and races in mild to moderately harsh winter conditions.

An excellent choice for damp and cold early-season races and fast-paced training rides, Rapha’s Pro Team Winter Gloves use a warm, fleece-lined fabric for wind protection and breathability. The exterior is treated with DWR to fend off light rain and road spray. 

The palm is suede which means that the Pro Team Gloves have excellent grip in dry or wet conditions as well as all the control and feedback akin to riding gloveless. The index finger and thumb feature a conductive material that is touchscreen-compatible for relatively easy operation of smartphones and cycling computers. 

The Pro Team Winter Gloves cuffs are handsomely stamped with the Rapha Pro Team type and are also elasticated so they merge well with jacket sleeves to keep the elements out while a burly pull tab provides a generous anchor for pulling the Pro Team Gloves on and off. 

The Pro Team Gloves work well in a wide range of temperatures and conditions, depending on riding intensity. At higher intensities, they will protect against moderate amounts of rain, road spray, and wind, in temps as low as the low 40s F. On easier-paced rides, the Pro Team Gloves breathe well enough to stay comfortable up into the mid-50s F. 

Overall, the Pro Team Gloves are a massive upgrade over their predecessors, because they not only offer better performance but look and feel made to hold up to much greater use and abuse. At $110, the Rapha Pro Team Winter Gloves aren’t exactly cheap, but for riders who tend to ride in milder winter conditions or at very high intensities, they could be the perfect quiver-of-one glove for all your winter riding.

The Pearl Izumi Cyclone Gel Glove is a perennial bestseller for cool weather, and it’s easy to understand why when looking into all the nice benefits they offer at such a reasonable price. 

On the back of the Cyclone Glove, the three-layer softshell material provides a luxurious fit, robust cold-weather protection, and excellent dexterity. An Ax Suede Uno synthetic leather palm allows four-way stretch for unparalleled fit, breathability and bar feel. The cuff is extended to encourage overlap with jacket sleeves for a fully sealed wrist. 

The index finger and thumb feature a conductive material that is touchscreen-compatible for easy operation of smartphones and cycling computers. A large patch of reflective material spans the back of the Cyclone gloves, adding well-positioned visibility for rides in low-light conditions.

While gel padding inserts in a winter glove may not be for everyone, we acknowledge that many riders are used to having them in summer gloves, and will appreciate the continuity of having them in the Cyclone Gel during their winter riding.

The Pearl Izumi Cyclone Gel Gloves are an excellent value not only because of the $45 retail price but also because they are useful during the many months of the year when temps hover in the mid-40s for at least a few hours daily. If you’re looking for a glove to get you through most fall, spring, and mild winter conditions, these are a versatile and affordable option to consider.