Bike Festival Riva del Garda 2026: Gravel bikes, e-bikes, stars - all the highlights!
On the first weekend in May, bike fans, scene legends, professional athletes and industry experts flocked to the FSA Bike Festival in Riva del Garda to test new products directly on the trails, compete in races, discuss trends at the Expo and get to know the beauty of Garda Trentino at various side events.
The awards - award-winning products
The jury met in the run-up to the festival to honour the exhibitors' highlight products. The awards were then presented in three categories at the start of the festival on Friday. The award-winning products could of course all be admired throughout the festival on the Expo site - and some of them were also available for testing. And the following products won:
- Gravel: Scott Solace
- Innovation: Uvex CCubed Padding System
- Sustainability: Vittoria Terreno Pro Gravel Race
Biker's Choice Award
The new Biker's Choice Award, in which visitors voted for the best Expo appearances, attracted lively participation: Thule (Best Stand), Sher (Best Crew), MIPS (Must-have Gadget) and Vittoria (Best Experience) were honoured. "This year, the interaction with the audience was outstanding. Through simple and practical product tests, we were able to make our innovations more tangible for consumers," said Loredana Calo from the Vittoria Group.
The Expo highlights
Bosch Update and Fast Charger
As in the previous year, Bosch will be using the Bike Festival in 2026 as a stage for its innovations in the e-bike sector. The focus will be on the Performance Upgrade 2.0: this software update will make the Performance CX and CX-R e-MTB motors even more powerful. In future, up to 120 Newton metres and 600 percent support will be included in the data sheet. All Bosch innovations can be experienced live on the Expo site.
In addition to the comprehensive software package, the Swabians have also introduced a fast charger that is designed to charge up to three times faster than the conventional 4A charger with 12 amps and 500 watts - and weighs less than a kilo. Another new feature is the open interface, which can be used to connect Bosch drives with end devices such as Garmin. Here are all Bosch innovations in detail.
Maxxis tyres in 32-inch
The Bike Festival in Riva makes it clear once again: the large 32-inch wheels are no longer just a marketing gimmick in a niche market, but are having a noticeable impact on current developments in the mountain bike sector. While many manufacturers in the industry are still working on prototypes and concept bikes, one company has already firmly incorporated the 32-inch theme into its sales programme for 2026: Maxxis.
The tyre manufacturer is picking up on the trend with not one, but five tyre models for 32-inch bikes: the Aspen ST, which is specifically designed for gravel bikes, the classic Aspen as a link between cross-country and marathon, the Aspen AT as a pure XC tyre and the familiar Forecaster and Dissector treads for trail use. A tyre should cost 75 euros. This means that the 32-inch models are five euros more expensive than the 29-inch versions due to the higher material costs.
Super expensive CNC-E-MTB with Maxon motor
The new Pole Hiisi also attracted attention at the Bike Festival in Riva del Garda - an e-MTB that deliberately sets itself apart from classic categories. The Finns consistently rely on their own unique concept: a completely CNC-milled aluminium frame that is not welded but assembled from precisely manufactured half-shells. The result is maximum manufacturing precision and a design that clearly stands out from the carbon mainstream.
The platform approach is particularly exciting: several areas of use can be covered with one frame - from trail to gravity. This is made possible by 150 to 200 mm of suspension travel and various wheel set-ups from Full-29 to Mullet. Pole wants to bring together several bike categories in a single system. The Hiisi is also going its own way when it comes to the drivetrain. Instead of relying on the usual industry leaders, a lightweight Maxon motor is used, combined with an integrated 600 Wh battery and an optional range extender. The new Pole is very limited. Initially, only 40 complete bikes and ten framesets will be available. Prices start at an impressive 15,000 euros. Pole offers the lightest bodies at 19.6 kilograms.
More exclusive XC racer from Spain
The Spanish luxury brand Unno attracts all eyes on the festival site with the Horn. The cross-country bike, which is consistently designed for racing, combines a particularly light setup with modern, downhill-orientated geometry. The top version weighs just 9.6 kilograms, making it one of the lightest fullys in its class.
The approach is particularly exciting: instead of focussing exclusively on efficiency, the Horn combines classic XC character with trail suitability. A flatter front end, 120/110 millimetres of suspension travel and long, smooth geometry make it clear that the bike is also designed to excel in more demanding terrain.
The elaborately constructed carbon frame is designed to find the optimum compromise between stiffness and weight. This positions the Unno Horn as an exclusive high-end racer for ambitious riders - with a clear focus on performance and noticeable downhill qualities.
Raymon Tarok with Avinox M2S
One of the few coveted test bikes with the new Avinox M2S is available from Raymon. However, the Tarok is not only a special Avinox e-MTB, but also because it is one of the lightest in its class. The top model is said to weigh well under 21 kilograms - without any trick parts, but with solid tyres. The suspension travel is 160/150 mm and the slim chassis is of course made of carbon. Also noteworthy: Raymon is one of the few manufacturers to use the particularly slim new 700 series battery. This means that the full 1500 watts and 150 Nm are available.
As usual with Raymon, the focus here is also on the price-performance ratio. The entry-level model is available from €5,999. It offers a full carbon frame, the Avinox M2S and a 700 series battery. The top model mentioned above costs €10,000 and is equipped with first-class components, including Fox Factory suspension.
Radon Recap: lightweight E-MTB at the best price
At the Bike Festival in Riva del Garda, Radon presents its latest E-MTB offensive with the new Recap. The bike comes as a lightweight trail platform with a full carbon frame - a first for Radon - and relies on the latest fifth-generation Bosch Performance Line CX motor.
With 150 mm front and rear suspension travel, modern geometry and an integrated 600 Wh battery, the Recap is positioned between trail and all-mountain. Weight and handling are clearly prioritised over maximum range. If required, the capacity can be extended to up to 850 Wh using a range extender. The aim is to achieve the most agile riding experience possible with full motor power. Overall, the recap shows where development is heading: powerful drives, intelligent integration and lighter, versatile platforms. An exciting new addition that will also attract a lot of attention at the festival.
Chiru Veldt: Gravel bike in 32 inches
There is a lot to discover on the new Chiru Veldt: It is one of the first gravel bikes in the world to utilise the unusual 32-inch wheel size. The titanium frame combines a classic tubular construction with partially 3D-printed elements, while the show bike on display with high-quality components from Garbaruk and Bike Ahead is a truly high-end one-off.
The Veldt also stands out from the crowd in technical terms. The head tube features a specially developed rigid titanium fork, which is consistently designed to the 32-inch standard. The frame itself is made of grade 9 titanium tubes and emphasises the bike's exclusive claim. Carbon wheels from Bike Ahead in 32 inches are installed to match, which alone are priced above the 3000 euro mark. They are fitted with the new Maxxis Aspen ST 2.15 tyres, which are now available as standard.
In practice, the large wheel format seems surprisingly agile: the acceleration is lively and direct. When manoeuvring in tight spaces for the first time, the handling seems a little more sluggish than on classic gravel bikes. However, this impression is quickly put into perspective on loose surfaces, where the Veldt rolls along confidently and efficiently. However, it is also clear that this bike plays in an exclusive league and, with its ultra-light components, is clearly aimed at lovers of high-quality technology. It will therefore be interesting to see how 32-inch gravel bikes in the € 2000 class will ride.
The races on Lake Garda
Bike Festival Marathon
The sporting highlight of the festival in 20256 was the traditional marathon. The Ronda Extrema is particularly tough: 83 kilometres and more than 3,400 metres in altitude await the starters - in typical Lake Garda style with steep climbs, of course. Those who prefer something a little less demanding will find the right challenge in the Ronda Grande with 58 kilometres and 2,400 metres in altitude. The Ronda Piccola with 31 kilometres and 1,065 metres in altitude is ideal for cross-country racers or beginners to the marathon.
Results Ronda Extrema Ladies
- Weinbeer, Anna
- Daubermann, Luisa
- Peretti, Claudia
Results Ronda Extrema Men
- Goria, Stefano
- Smeenge, Tim
- Foccoli, Davide
Results Ronda Grande Ladies
- Kuhnlein, Yvonne
- Somavilla, Bianca
- Winner, Katharina
Results Ronda Grande Men
- Dalvai, Armin
- Laschewski, Noah
- Plaickner, Simon
Results Ronda Piccola Ladies
- Eckerle, Anna
- Decarli, Stefania
- Leidl, Louisa
Results Ronda Piccola Men
- Ritt, Elias
- Spahn, Hannes
- Brown, Max
Bosch E-MTB-Challenge 2026 around Lake Ledro
The Bosch E-MTB Challenge was once again an established sporting highlight this year, with many top international riders taking part. Everyman bikers also got their money's worth and were able to join stars such as Danny MacAskill on the long lap. Frenchman Theo Ruhlmann and German Helen Weber, both from the Rotwild Schwalbe Gravity Team, finished at the top of the podium in the professional category.
Men - Pro-Class
- Theo Ruhlmann, Theo
- Muller, Kenny
- Grant, Kelan
Ladies - Pro-Class
- Weber, Helen
- Spielmann, Anna
- Mosely, Tracy
MAXXIS Gravel Garda Trentino
Free start, timing, spectacular routes and refreshment stops - this combination made the event special. 179 gravel fans took the opportunity to register for the Maxxis Gravel Trentino on Sunday morning. The route led through the Valle dei Laghi, past vineyards and terraced fields. Whether with racing ambitions or as a relaxed ride.
Winner women (100 km)
- Mcloughlin, Katharina
- Reiffers, Anne
- Bossini, Sara
Winner men (100 km)
- Toccoli, Zaccaria
- Hamm, Florian
- Ancarani, Luca
Women (55 km)
- Jacobs, Heike
- Zorzi, Anna
- Faber, Marieke
Men (55 km)
- Salmaso, Luca
- Pozzati, Maonola
- Herrmann, Felix
Date for 2027 has been set
After three intense days of top international sport, a great response from the public and a varied programme, the organisers are already focusing on the next edition: the festival is set to become increasingly open and inclusive, creating real added value for the region and everyone involved. The next Bike Festival Riva del Garda will take place from 30 April to 2 May 2027.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
