Product test
Shimano’s new GRX groupset for gravel bikes passes with flying colours
by Patrick Bardelli
These were the hottest brands in the bike sector in 2023
9.1.2024
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
Who supplies the best components and what is your favourite outfit to ride in? The bike magazine "Gran Fondo" asked its readers these and other questions. Here are the answers.
Last year, the German "Gran Fondo Cycling Magazine" surveyed around 13,000 bikers about their favourite brands. Among other things, Specialized was voted the most popular bike brand. The Gran Fondo editorial team also asked its readers about the best brands in the accessories and clothing sectors.
From the responses, the magazine compiled a top 3 ranking list in various categories, broken down according to the responses of the German-speaking and international readers who took part in the survey. These are the results:
Shift group/brake/chain
Shimano, Sram, Campagnolo
When it comes to the drivetrain and brakes, the majority swear by products from Shimano first and foremost. Followed by Sram and Campagnolo. I was recently able to test the new GRX groupset for gravel bikes from Shimano and I am in one word: convinced.
Shoes
Shimano, Specialized, Fizik
When it comes to shoes, the Japanese products are also highly favoured by the readers of Gran Fondo Cycling Magazine. Followed by Specialized and Fizik. I'm also fully in line here, as I've been riding a Shimano shoe for wide feet for a few weeks now.
Clothing
Rapha, Assos, Castelli
Nothing beats the stylish clothing from Rapha for bikers. But the Swiss brand Assos and clothing from Castelli are also popular. I can well understand this, as I ride my gravel bike with products from both brands in winter and summer.
Saddle
Selle Italia, SQlab, Fizik
Until last spring, I swore by saddles from the Selle Italia brand, then I switched to a product from SQlab and have been sitting even more comfortably on my bike ever since. Incidentally, the Fizik brand came third in the survey.
Tyres
Continental, Schwalbe, Vittoria
The tyres from Continental come out on top in the Gran Fondo survey. Followed by Schwalbe and Vittoria in second and third place. I've been riding Schwalbe's "G-One R" for some time now and am very happy with it.
Helmet
Giro, Poc, Kask
When it comes to helmets, the majority favour products from Giro. Poc and Kask are also popular brands. I switch back and forth between the "Helios Spherical" from Giro and the "Ravel" from Alpina. Both helmets impress me with their technology and comfort.
Goggles
Oakley, Uvex, Alpina
When it comes to cycling glasses, I only agree with the results of the survey to a limited extent. And there is a simple reason for this: the best sports glasses currently available on the market come from Switzerland and are called "Optray" from React. This is not a vote against Oakley, Uvex and Alpina, but simply my subjective opinion on this topic.
Bike computer
Garmin, Wahoo, Hammerhead
And finally, a look at the display. When it comes to bike computers, the products from Garmin are by far the most popular. Followed by Wahoo and Hammerhead. At the end of 2022, I was able to compare two devices from Garmin and Wahoo. You can find my test report here:
And the full results of the Gran Fondo Cycling magazine survey can be found here.
Cover photo: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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