We’ve always believed in doing things our own way. Designing bikes we want to ride, engineering them without compromise, and proving that an independent British brand can punch well above its weight. Today, that belief has been validated on one of the biggest platforms in the cycling world.
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the Vielo R+1 has taken 3rd place overall in BikeRadar’s highly coveted 2026 Endurance Bike of the Year awards.
Taking on the World
BikeRadar’s Bike of the Year test is notoriously rigorous. It’s the gold standard of cycling journalism, pitting the absolute best machines in the world against each other over thousands of miles and punishing terrain. To even be nominated is an achievement; to step onto the podium is something truly special.
To stand on the podium alongside—and finish ahead of—some of the cycling industry’s largest and most established global manufacturers is a deeply humbling moment for our small team. For an independent British brand, earning recognition at this level on an international stage proves that staying true to a singular, uncompromised vision really can make a mark on the world.
We’ve always known that our obsessive attention to detail, rider-first geometry, and unwavering dedication to the 1x drivetrain philosophy creates a superior ride experience. Seeing the expert test team at BikeRadar recognise and reward that exact feeling is a monumental moment for all of us at Vielo.
Why the R+1 Stood Out
The endurance category is arguably the most competitive in the sport today. Modern riders demand a near-impossible balance: blistering speed, all-day comfort, and razor-sharp handling.
The Vielo R+1 delivers exactly that. Because we design our frames exclusively around a 1x drivetrain, we don’t have to make the compromises other brands do. This focus allows us to optimise bottom bracket stiffness, improve aerodynamics, and engineer a remarkably compliant rear triangle that doesn't just mute road buzz—it glides over it.
The result is a ride that the BikeRadar judges simply couldn't ignore: uniquely fast, unapologetically smooth, and undeniably Vielo.
Curious to see what a podium-proven, globally recognised British road bike feels like?
Book a Test Ride of the Vielo R+1
(You can read the full breakdown of the 2026 Endurance Bike of the Year podium over at BikeRadar here.)
