As we head into our final season of the year, I thought it was time for a quick roundup of all the five-star ratings we have awarded so far in 2026. Of the 150+ reviews published (with many, many more waiting or in progress), we have awarded just 12 products full marks.<\/p>\n
This isn’t unusual; we operate a strict rating system here at Cycling Weekly, which you can read all about on our ‘how we test’<\/a> page. For reference, in 2025, we awarded just 24 five-star ratings all year, which means we’re tracking a little behind, not that there is a quota, of course \u2013 it’s up to the brands to make excellent products.<\/p>\n This number does not include bikes; so far this year, we have awarded just three bikes the perfect score. The most recent is the Megamo Pulse 04 SLR<\/a>, which Tech Editor Aaron put through its paces and said, “is a value race bike option that shouldn’t be ignored.” Tech Writer Hannah was also a big fan of the updated Liv EnviLiv Advanced SL.<\/a><\/p>\n 5 stars: Superb, best in class, and we couldn’t fault it<\/p>\n Cycling Weekly Tech Team<\/p>\n So, what has been awarded five stars so far in 2026?<\/p>\n Velocio is the big winner so far, with two of the New England brand’s products earning 5-stars. Tech Contributor Tim Russon awarded both the Luxe Bib Shorts<\/a> (which I’m also a big fan of) and the Alpha Air Jacket<\/a> the full complement of stars.<\/p>\n There are a number of the best road bike wheels,<\/a> scoring well in 2026 \u2013 including the Parcours Strade GT wheels<\/a>, which are truly pushing the boundaries of what is possible with bike wheels.<\/p>\n The lack of tech is noticeable; however, as we head into Fall\/Winter, it’s worth calling out our best radar bike light<\/a>, the Garmin RearVue 820.<\/a><\/p>\n