For the third consecutive year the editors of Road Bike Action have had the honor of both nominating and voting for the winners of the three road bike category awards that get announced at the annual Interbike Gala, which is held during the three-day bike show at the Mandalay Bay Hotel (September 21–23).
The basis for our selections was twofold: all of the bikes and products had to be tested by the RBA staff, and they had to be available for retail purchase from August 1, 2015, to June 1, 2016.
With this year’s nominees now selected, we are looking forward to getting started on compiling our list for next year’s awards. Look for the 2016 winners to be announced later this week and in the January 2017 where you’ll also find our coverage of all the latest bikes and gear from Las Vegas.
Don’t forget, we still want to know what you thought was the best product upgrade you either saw or rode this year. Send your votes for a chance to win a personalized Cat5 Gear Bag to: letters@roadbikeaction.com
www.interbike.com
THE BIKES
1. Giant TCR Advanced Pro 1: The best example of pro-level trickle-down technology and performance. Simply put, it’s the best value we’ve seen all year.
2. Open U.P.: With a frame design unlike any other that maximizes its versatility for both on- and off-road use, Gerard Vroomen engineered the best gravel bike to date.
3. Bianchi Specialissima: No other bike we tested better encompassed Italy’s history and passion for cycling. Both its appearance and ride quality were the essence of a superlative!
4. Norco Tactic SL: A combination of racing geometry and aero tubing profiles mixed with disc brakes and thru-axles makes this bike a true embodiment of what a modern race bike can be.
5. Trek Domane SLR: Big performance gains by providing even more comfort in this second-generation design. It’s easily the most compliant road bike in the field.
6. Felt F1: Exemplifies all the qualities you want in a race bike: lightweight, stiff and, thanks to the TeXtreme composite, durable.
THE COMPONENTS
1. Campagnolo Potenza: Utilizing many of the same design features of their higher-end components, Campy brings their vaunted component legacy down to the entry-level rider.
2. Lauf Grit fork: Strange-looking to be sure, but with its 30mm of travel, the suspension fork opens up a new frontier for increased compliance, comfort and safety.
3. Shimano 105 Hydro disc brake: Shimano answered the call for many entry-level riders looking for the power and consistency of hydraulic brakes on bikes that they can better afford.
4. SRAM Red eTap: Simplifying electronic shifting by going wireless. The new group allows for easier bike builds, cleaner looks and great shifting performance.
THE ACCESSORIES
1. Specialized Airnet: Chock-full of features, what the Giant TCR is to trickle-down bike technology, the Airnet does the same for helmet—style, performance and value.
2. Garmin Varia Rearview Radar: Varia Radar keeps an eye on what’s going on behind you with radar technology, providing proximity warnings for approaching vehicles. Anything that increases rider safety is a big deal.
3. Wahoo ELEMNT: Filled with features that simplify the use of a cycling computer. The ELEMNT offers mapping and possibly anything else one might need on the bike.
4. Schwalbe Pro One: The German rubber delivered the goods with solid traction, super-fast performance and a great ride quality.
5. Tacx NEO Smart Trainer: The direct-drive design is quiet, super easy to use (even when it’s un-plugged) and is uping the level of technology in the market.