"The last 12 months have been packed with new bikes, and I've spent a lot of time riding all kinds. From mega-days on the road bike, big elevation days to celebrate my birthday, to multi-day bikepacking trips on gravel bikes, and even a gravel event on an XC mountain bike - I've done it all. Trail bikes from Specialized and Revel, an XC-ish bike from Transition, a gravel bike from Kona, and a steel all-road bike from Stinner Frameworks; this list has it all."
"I've been Revel Rascal-curious since 2021, and after years of yearning, I was finally able to swing a leg over a Rascal. I know they say never meet your heroes, but that is not the case with the Rascal at all. I'm already a massive fan of the trail bike category, and the Rascal SL is hands down the best 130mm bike I have ever ridden. Read the full review here so I don't have to keep waxing poetically about the nimble little ripper."
"Specialized made waves with the SJ 15 this year, and after pivoting to Evo-only for the future, the SJ 15 now features a Genie rear shock with a piggyback and a 160mm fork. While still in the trail bike category, the SJ 15 Evo now punches closer to an enduro bike platform that lets you get away with a whole lot more while still being a relatively efficient climber."
Over twelve months of riding included mega road days, high-elevation birthday rides, multi-day gravel bikepacking trips, and a gravel event on an XC mountain bike. Featured bikes include trail bikes from Specialized and Revel, an XC-ish model from Transition, a Kona gravel bike, and a steel all-road bike from Stinner Frameworks. The focus is on the best non-electric bikes of 2025, while acknowledging standout models from 2024 and earlier. The Revel Rascal SL is highlighted as the favorite mountain bike and praised as the best 130mm bike ridden. The Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Evo shifts toward an enduro-capable platform with a Genie piggyback shock and a 160mm fork.
Read at BikeMag
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