Bargains in the winter sale: Road bikes, gravel bikes & smart trainers on offer

Trek Madone SL6: professional look for amateur athletes

The Trek Madone is one of the most victorious racing bikes on the professional scene. The Lidl Trek pros on the men's and women's teams ride an exclusive top version of the Madone SL, but regardless of the Grand Tour design, the mid-range model can also claim to be one of the more eye-catching competition bikes on the market at the moment.

This is due to the almost sculptural-looking construction on the seat tube, which the Americans refer to as "Isoflow". The cut-out in the rear triangle already characterised the predecessor, but otherwise the current race model no longer shares many similarities with the former aero racing bike, but rather presents itself as a versatile all-rounder.

In terms of weight and aerodynamics, the attractively designed racer does not occupy a top position compared to the competition, but in terms of riding stability, the chassis comes close to the level of the top bikes and stays on track even at high speeds. Thanks to the first-class bottom bracket stiffness, power can be efficiently transferred to the road.

The Madone's greatest strength is its high level of riding comfort. Thanks to the "Isoflow" technology, the seat dome and seat post can move freely compared to conventional designs, meaning that the suspension travel is above average. >> Offer: currently 2999 Euro instead of 4999 Euro instead of.

Scott Addict Gravel 10: For fast gravel hunts

With its current model range, Scott can claim to have ingeniously transferred the speed feeling of a racing bike to off-road terrain. Gravel motorways are the Scott's preferred terrain. This is where the torsionally stiff bike shows off its extremely smooth ride and is confidence-inspiringly safe on the track at top speed.

The riding position is sporty, but other manufacturers are now going further and focussing on more aggressive geometries. The Scott is not one of those comfort wonders; bumpy roads are definitely noticeable on the saddle and handlebars. Unlike many other gravel bikes, the Scott Addict Gravel 10 comes with a double crankset. The gear range is therefore wide, and the reduction in the lowest gear means that even steep climbs can be mastered easily. >> Offer: currently for 4444 euros instead of 5299 euros.

Rose Backroad GRX RX 820: Comfortable all-rounder

The Rose Backroad GRX RX820 fulfils all the wishes of gravel enthusiasts. It is light, comfortable and well equipped. With the 1x12 gear ratio, it is also equipped for steep climbs, although the jumps between the individual gears are greater than with a second chainring. The riding position on the bike is moderately sporty, the seat post provides visible and noticeable suspension and smoothes the ground effectively. The relatively wide, flared handlebars with a shallow bar arch also make it easier for gravel newbies to handle the bike on more demanding terrain.

>> Rose Backroad GRX: Test winner in the big TOUR gravel bike test

The Bocholter makes up for the lack of a second chainring with the twelfth sprocket and brake booster plus 180 mm disc at the front. This and a slim nine kilos allow almost more speed than you can muster in the riding position. You don't sit extremely behind the cranks, but the scales show a lot more weight on the rear wheel, which makes for double the comfort. The front wheel sits loosely, you have less weight on your hands and therefore experience fewer bumps. With plenty of mounting points for bottle cages, panniers and a lighting system, the Backroad can also be upgraded to a robust touring or commuter bike. >> Offer: currently for 2199 euros instead of 2800 euros.

Van Rysel RCR: Top smart trainer at a favourable price

The RCR model is the top of the range of new smart trainers recently launched by sports equipment discounter Decathlon. The device is aimed at cyclists who want to do a lot of intensive indoor training. With a maximum output of 2800 watts, it also covers the sprint performance of professional racing cyclists. The Smarttrainer can simulate inclines of up to 27 per cent and the manufacturer states that the measurement accuracy is ±1 per cent.

The RCR creates an authentic and realistic riding experience by translating the virtual ground into perceptible vibrations and implementing resistance changes directly and sensitively. The foldable legs reduce the space required after training without compromising stability during intensive sessions.

The new Zwift Click & Cog system simplifies operation during virtual rides. The system consists of a special sprocket (Cog) on the trainer and a handlebar controller (Click). This controller works in parallel with the app-based controller and gives riders more control over their training. The pre-assembled cog makes it easier to switch between different bikes and supports all common 8-, 9-, 10-, 11- and 12-speed groupsets. Offer: currently 679 euros instead of 799 euros.

>> Smarttrainer test: How the Van Rysel Interactive Trainer RCR from Decathlon performs

Lapierre Xelius DRS 6.0: All-rounder with competition ambitions

The Xelius model was originally the lightweight racer of the French brand Lapierre, but in the course of model upgrades it has also improved aerodynamically and with its all-round characteristics has taken on the role of competition racer in the Lapierre portfolio. In the higher-quality 8.0 version, it is the most important work tool for the riders of the Picnic PostNL team led by the German John Degenkolb. As a 7.1-kilogram racing machine, the professional version has already impressed with a respectable aero result.

The lines of the Xelius with the seat stays attached to the top tube are striking - the brand face of the manufacturer from Dijon, so to speak. The elaborately designed tube knot is intended to allow the seat tube to deform over its entire length and thus increase suspension comfort. However, this does not result in outstanding suspension performance - probably also because the aerodynamically optimised profiles of the frame tubes and seat post set limits to what can be achieved. The bike is firmer than the predecessor model and therefore obviously meets the tastes of racing cyclists.

In terms of aerodynamics and weight, the Xelius confirms its competitive character. Although the bike doesn't stand out in any discipline, it doesn't show any significant weaknesses either. In the 6.0 model version, it is equipped with the SRAM component group SRAM Rival eTap AXS as well as high-quality DT Swiss wheels (E1800 Spline) and the top tyre Schwalbe One in 25 millimetre width. >> Offer: currently 2945 euros instead of 4199 euros.

Garmin Tacx Neo 2T: Smart trainer with a great ride feel

The Tacx Neo 2T is a powerful smart trainer and compatible with almost all rear axles found on road bikes as well as gravel and mountain bikes. Its brake output of 2200 watts enables training up to the high-intensity range, including sprints, and hill climbs with gradients of up to 25 per cent can be simulated. The manufacturer claims deviations in measurement accuracy of less than one per cent; according to Tacx, the usual calibration of the device before training is not necessary. In practice, the Neo 2T impresses with a very smooth ride and high accuracy. >> Offer: currently for 809 euros instead of 999 euros.

Click here for more top offers

• Northwave Celsius XC Arctic GTX cycling shoes: currently for 149 euros instead of 269 euros
• Cyclite Frame Bag Small frame bag: currently for 85 euros instead of 99 euros
• Castelli Entrata Long Bib Shorts: currently for 79 euros instead of 109 euros.
• Santini women's jersey Furia Smart: currently 71 euros instead of 89 euros
• Bianchi Milano long sleeve jersey: currently for 129 euros instead of 219 euros
• Poc Vetral Air MIPS road bike helmet: currently for 185 euros instead of 259 euros
• Gorewear C5 thermo bib shorts: currently for 73 euros instead of 159 euros
• Le Col Pro Air Cap: currently for 19 euros instead of 33 euros
• Kinetixx Logan winter cycling gloves: currently for 24 euros instead of 35 euros
• Giro Aries Spherical Mips helmet: currently for 254 euros instead of 320 euros
• Cyclite Handle Bar Aero Bag handlebar bag: currently for 80 euros instead of 149 euros