2025 Buyer’s Guide: Best racing-winning road bikes

Trek Madone SLR 9 Gen 8

$22,000
Marking a shift in Trek’s lineup, the eighth-generation Madone replaces its predecessor along with the outgoing lightweight climber, Émonda. Gone are the dramatic aero tube shapes of earlier Madones in favour of a slimmer frame using Trek’s top-end 900 Series OCLV carbon-fibre formula. The company says the latest Madone is as aero as the Gen 7 bike when combined with the new RSL aero bottles and cages. IsoFlow, the exhaust port in the seat tube, returns to add compliance for the rider. Up front, there’s a new one-piece aero handlebar for better ergonomics. Five stock paint schemes are offered, and for an extra $4,500, this stunning mirrored Chroma Interstellar design. (trekbikes.com)

No. 22 Reactor Aero

US$15,000 (frameset)
While the Reactor Aero is currently in its prototype phase—with its planned release late in 2025—No. 22 has 3D printed the new bike. The company says the new frame has a 30 to 40 per cent aerodynamic advantage on its current Reactor and Aurora models. The freedom in 3D printing methods have allowed for increased stiffness in the down tube for power transfer, while maintaining titanium’s renowned ride quality. Frameset weight is TBD, however, confirmed is how much lighter your wallet will be after forking over the US$10,000 to US$15,000 for the frame, fork and headset. Expect a final production model to clear 34-mm-wide tires and sport a T47 bottom bracket, with seven sizes ranging from 48 to 60 cm. (22bicycles.com)

Scott Addict RC 20

$8,499
The Addict was born in 2007 and anointed the lightest race bike in the pro peloton at the time. The latest Addict, in the RC 20 build, weighs a scant 7.3 kg with Shimano Ultegra Di2 spec, 30-mm-wide tires and alloy stem. In order to shave an impressive 300-g from the last Addict, Scott’s engineers modified their mould and layup techniques. The bike’s new geometry is still responsive, but now clears 34-mm tires. Each Addict includes a T25 tool hidden in the handlebar. It’s there so you can conveniently adjust the stem, bar, seatpost and even bottle cage bolts. (scott-sports.com)

Argon 18 Sum

$6,400
The Argon 18 Sum is a performance road bike with a well-chosen spec. Available in six sizes from XXS to XL, the frame’s carbon layup is engineered to be both lightweight and aerodynamic. The build on this model includes Shimano’s reliable 105 Di2 system, as well as Scope S4. A wheels paired with 28-mm Vittoria Corsa tires and Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes. FSA cockpit components, including the Energy SCR Compact handlebar and SMR-II stem, complete the build. While paint won’t make you fast, Argon’s stunning colour options on the Sum are worth noting. You can get this model in podium grey gloss, race day red gloss or in gorgeous British racing green. (argon18.com)—Jake Williams