The best climbing bikes have been losing popularity to the best aero bikes in pro cycling at races such as the Tour de France but there’s still some excellent new lightweight bikes for 2026. Here’s our top 6 best climbing road bikes that offer low weight, high stiffness and excellent ride feel.
Our top picks for 2026 include the Scott Addict RC, the Specialized Aethos 2, Tadej Pogacar’s Colnago V5Rs, Merida Scultura and the Giant TCR climbing bike.
Let us know what you think is the best climbing bike in the comments below…
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26 Comments
It’s all just marketing nonsense. There’s no such thing as an aero bike or climbing bike.
No AX Lightness?
TCR squad!
Supersix Evo 🤔
I like the Scott too. But I think it comes with a 52/36 crank, I would want a compact 50/34 on a climbing bike.
If you want to climb faster, there's a simple solution; get an E-Bike…….job sorted; why make things harder?
What about the Orbea Orca ?
What about Cervelo R5. Sepp kuss uses it. and it's incredibly light
Aweosme, took delivery of the Scott addict rc pro last week, just waiting for the weather to get better so I can get outside on it!
My 6 month old Aethos Comp 105 Di2 ain’t dead. To me it’s a rocket ship.
LOL! You have some good content, but sponsoring brand conflict of interest much? LOL
La culpa de que las bicis de escalada no las utilicen los pro es de la UCI, si bajacen los pesos se verian mas en el peloton, la calidad de las bicicletas a subido mucho desde que la UCI puso la norma de 6.8. con lo cual esa norma es absurda, como lo es en si la UCI.
Ypi can't buy a scott for love nor money.. seems they're out of stock all the time!
I would love to ride an Aethos with aero wheels and aero cockpit 😊
Great video, love these little 6-8 minute long ones, very informative and feel like a “little extra!”
I’ve been struggling a little with the Colnago C68R but will persevere.
Scott rc pro owner, what a bike 🤝
Im a proud owner of a Scott Addict RC 10 highly recommended
I’m lucky enough to own a TCR and a Scultura. The TCR is an excellent bike but it’s not as comfortable, fast or nimble as the Scultura. I seem to sit on the TCR but blend with the Scultura.
Hard to explain the difference, but the Scultura is just better. IMO.
Just picked up an Aethos 2 Pro, quite pleased coming off an old tarmac.
The best climbing bikes are from about 15 years ago.the best climbing bike is the lightest bike as for aero can anyone do 30MPH up steep hills 🤣🤣🤣. Cycling weekly used to be great now it’s just a bunch of corrupt pricks
Why didn’t you include the last BMC TeamMachine?
Bianchi?
Aethos 2 s-works is just different gravy
BMC Teammachine SLR01 owner here. Ya never tested one, have ya?
Merida Scultura 4000 budget king absolutely! Swap on Reserve 34|37 TA DT350, TPU tubes, Vittoria Corsa Pro tires and M8100 chains recently. Oh, man! It's a 7.8kg climbing beast like other 10k priced bikes!
I ride Caledonia rival , its a beast when it comes to climb