The Best Bike Brands Of 2024: A Complete And Comprehensive Guide

Year founded: 1976 | Headquarters: Waterloo, Wisconsin | Top model(s): Marlin, Domane, Madone, Checkpoint

Founded in 1976 in a small red barn in Wisconsin, Trek has grown from a modest operation to a global leader in the cycling industry. What began as a vision to build better bikes for passionate riders has evolved into a renowned brand known for innovation, quality and performance. Trek has pioneered numerous advancements in bike technology, from carbon fiber frames to suspension systems, and today the brand builds a wide range of rides, from road and mountain bikes to electric bikes and commuter models. With a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, Trek provides a reliable riding experience while striving for a more sustainable and inclusive cycling culture.

Year founded: 1996 | Headquarters: Koblenz, Germany | Top model(s): Aeroad CF SL 8 Disc, Spectral 125 CF 8, Grizl CF SLX 8 Di2

Our in-depth profile of Canyon paints a picture of a brand that cemented itself in the American market rather quickly, pioneering the now-popular model of selling directly to consumers. The German brand offers a range of bikes to rival any of the biggest producers, building starter models with very basic equipment all the way up to dream machines with top drivetrains and carbon engineering. However, where Canyon has built a substantial following is in mid-range bikes like the Endurace CF SLX 8 Di2 we tested, which gets any enthusiast a lot of bike with gravel wheel flexibility at a very competitive price point. 

Year founded: 1993 | Headquarters: Santa Cruz, California | Top model(s): Hightower 3, Tallboy

Santa Cruz bikes are known for being great because the company controls so much of the design and construction process within its own four walls on the central California coast. The brand is best known for an array of downhill and cross-country mountain bikes that are simply fun to ride and stand up to the demands of even the most discerning riders. The Tallboy made our most recent list of the best mountain bikes as a legacy-enduring downhill rig with low maintenance and a very high fun potential. 

Year founded: 1995 | Headquarters: Aliso Viejo, California | Top model(s): P-Series, Soloist, Caledonia

Bikes from this Canadian brand are simply engineered for speed. Founders Phil White and Gérard Vroomen essentially revolutionized the competitive time trial and aero segment of the road bike category with some early designs that changed the shape and style of these specific, performance-driven machines. Much of that engineering has made its way into modern mainstay models like the Soloist, S5 and Caledonia. People who ride Cervélo love Cervélo, and often are loyalists for life. 

Year founded: 1972 | Headquarters: Dajia District, Taiwan | Top model(s): Revolt, Propel, Talon

Since its inception in 1972 in Taiwan, Giant Bicycles has emerged as one of the world’s largest bicycle manufacturers. From humble beginnings producing steel-frame bicycles, the label has become synonymous with cutting-edge innovation and quality craftsmanship, standing at the forefront of several industry breakthroughs, including the introduction of lightweight aluminum frames and the development of compact road bike designs. With a focus on research and development, Giant continually pushes the boundaries of bicycle technology, offering a wide range of bikes suited for various riding disciplines.

Year founded: 1974 | Headquarters: Morgan Hill, California | Top model(s): Diverge, Sirrus, Stumpjumper, Tarmac, Crux

There might not be a name more synonymous with across-the-board biking than Specialized. The California company is responsible for sport-defining bikes in every category of cycling, celebrating 50 years in the business in 2023. Stumpjumper, Aethos, Diverge—these are all game-changing