The Eddy Merckx 525R has been named Best Road Bike at this year’s BikeRadar Awards, earning one of the most respected accolades in the cycling industry. The award follows extensive real-world testing by the BikeRadar team, with the 525R receiving a 4.5-star rating. Their verdict is clear: “The Merckx 525R is stiff, responsive, fast-handling, efficient-feeling and, above all, fun.” It is a fitting description of a bike created to deliver a pure road cycling experience while bringing the legacy of Eddy Merckx into a modern performance bike.

The 525R was developed as a contemporary race bike, combining responsive handling with an efficient and fast character. Every aspect of the bike is designed around the demands of riders who want performance without losing the feeling and enjoyment that make road cycling special.

That balance is exactly what stands out in the BikeRadar verdict. The 525R is not defined by a single characteristic, but by the way its stiffness, handling and efficiency come together on the road. It is a bike that responds when you push the pace, feels precise through corners and remains engaging to ride.

Being named Best Road Bike by BikeRadar is therefore a strong recognition of what the 525R set out to be: a modern performance road bike with the unmistakable character of Eddy Merckx. The award also comes in a particularly meaningful year for the brand, as the 525R was launched to celebrate the legacy of Eddy Merckx. More than simply carrying the name, the bike brings that racing heritage into a contemporary road bike built for today's riders.

Best Road Bike. 4.5 stars. And, above all, fun to ride.
The BikeRadar verdict is in.