Bikes Of The Tour
What is the Tour?
The Tour de France is the most prestigious and iconic event in professional cycling and one of the most famous sporting events in the world. First held in 1903, it has grown into a global sporting spectacle that showcases the world’s best riders over three weeks of intense competition each July. Travelling through France and often neighbouring countries, the race tests riders with gruelling mountain climbs, flat-out sprints, and strategic time trials. With the coveted yellow jersey symbolising the overall leader, the Tour is as much a mental and tactical battle as it is a test of physical endurance. For fans and riders alike, it’s the ultimate celebration of the sport of cycling.
How close are consumer bikes to the Tour bikes?
Ever wondered how different the pros bikes are, compared to those on the market? Let's take a deep dive into the bikes that 10 out of the 24 teams are will be using to find out. At the top level of cycling with the support of best bike brands, teams have numerous bikes at their disposal. For example, each rider will receive a minimum of 6 bikes per season. A race bike of each Aero, Endurance and Timetrial models, and then a training bike of each aswell. It is also important to add, while you can often purchase similar bikes to the pro's, the Tour de France often see's riders using prototype equipment from brands before they are released on the market. We are going to take a look into the most popular models the teams are using in this years race.
Arkea B&B Hotels
Arkéa–B&B Hotels have been racing on Bianchi bikes since 2022. In this years edition of the Tour de France, the team will race aboard the Bianchi Oltre RC and Specialissima RC. The Oltre RC is built for pure speed, and will be used predominantly on the flat or sprint stages. Whereas the Specialissima RC is a lightweight climbing machine and will purely be ridden on the mountain stages. Both bikes are equipped with top of the range Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupsets and hydraulic disc brakes.
The team rolls on Vision Metron SL wheels in 46mm or 60mm depths, tailored to stage demands for optimal aerodynamics and weight. Vittoria Corsa Pro tyres provide race-proven grip and speed on varied terrain. With a refined setup combining lightweight efficiency and aerodynamic performance, Arkéa–B&B Hotels are ready to take on the Tour’s toughest challenges.
The Oltre RC is designed for those who want to ride fast. For cyclists who are looking for the best performance possible, the Oltre RC is the most aerodynamic and responsive machine in the Bianchi road range. Whether it is in sprinter territory or flat breakaway days, the Oltre RC was made to ride fast.
If you want to ride or race the same bike as Arkea B&B Hotels, you can. The team race aboard the Oltre RC, however the lower models such as the Oltre PRO and Oltre Comp are also available. The main difference between these models is fewer weight savings, and equipped with groupsets and wheelsets further down the pecking order which are friendlier in price but equally as high performing.
Bianchi Oltre
Bianchi Specialissima
EF Education EasyPost
For American pro team EF Education Easy post, 2025 is the 10th year of partnership with Cannondale bikes. For this years Tour, EF will be racing on the the LAB71 SuperSix EVO, which has already taken Richard Carapaz to a 3rd place in the Giro d'Italia this year.
Like the majority of teams in 2025, EF’s LAB71 bikes will be kitted out with Shimano Dura-ace Di2 groupsets. They will be rolling on Vision Metron SL wheels paired with Vittoria Corsa Pro tyres, matching the Vision finishing kit throughout the bike. However components such as cranks and chainrings are supplied by FSA.
The LAB71 Supersix EVO is the fastest, most versatile and ultralight race bike Cannondale have made so far. The LAB71 has been the bike of choice for the EF team in most road races so far this season, and even one day classics such as Paris Roubaix and Strade Bianche on the gravel roads of Italy.
The Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 bike the team use, is also available for the consumer. However, as the price point is so high for the LAB71 there are other models in the SuperSix EVO range including the Hi-MOD models which have been inspired by the LAB71. All SuperSix models use the lightweight Evo carbon frame, but are equipped with different groupsets depending on the price point.
Cannondale SuperSix EVO
Visma Lease a Bike
Dutch team Visma Lease a Bike have opted for Cervélo bikes since 2021. With multiple bikes to choose from in the Cervélo range, the S5 and R5 are the bikes chosen for Tour de France this year. Which have taken the team to many victories so far in 2025, including winning the Giro d’Italia with Simon Yates.
Visma’s bikes are equipped with SRAM Red AXS in 2025 delivering wireless shifting. The team has also opted for Reserve 52/63 carbon wheels again rolling on Vittoria Corsa Pro tyres. Visma bikes are completed with Vision finishing kits and Prologo saddles.
The Cervélo S5 is a pure aero machine built for the sprint stages, whereas the R5 is at home in the mountains. The Soloist may be different to the bikes of the pros but was made for longer rides that require more comfort and when the road surface gets rough. With it’s lighter frame, the Soloist is also responsive when the road goes up. Being the most versatile and compliant machine in Cervélo’s road range, the Soloist is the chosen weapon for cobbled classics like Paris Roubaix.
All models in the range include the Cervélo All Carbon frame, however group sets will vary depending on the price point. Just like the team issue, all models have tyre clearance up to 34mm and are equipped with disc brakes.
Cervelo Road Bikes
Intermarche Wanty
Belgian team Intermarché Wanty have been partners with Cube bikes since 2015. The Belgian team will race onboard the Cube Litening Aero C:68X and Litening Air C:68X for this years Tour, with last years green jersey winner Biniam Grimay looking to retain his jersey in 2025.
Their bikes are kitted out with 12-speed Shimano Dura-ace Di2 groupset paired with Streem Vonoa carbon wheels from Newmen, in a variety of depth options. The bikes finishing kit is Cube’s own, and the team will ride on Prologo saddles.
The Cube Litening Aero C:68X is Cube’s aero road bike constructed from premium C:68X material and built to offer maximum aerodynamic performance for the sprint stages. However the Litening Air C:68X is ideal for most road terrain and is lighter in weight for the mountains.
To ride something similar to the pros, the Cube Agree C:62 is the closest available at this time. The Agree C:62 features a lightweight carbon road frame with a slightly more relaxed geometry perfect for long days in the saddle. However components and groupset set up will be different depending on the price point, but you will still experience the same level of performance, just at a different weight.
Cube Agree C:62
Team Jayco Alula
Australian outfit, Jayco Alula have been partnered with Giant since 2022. For the Tour, the team will be racing both the Giant Propel and TCR, which have already taken the team to multiple stage victories in this years Giro d’Italia.
The Giant Propel Advanced SL is the teams weapon of choice for the flat, sprint stages. Whereas the TCR Advanced SL is lighter in weight for the big mountains. Both of these are equipped with CADEX WheelSystems and Shimano Dura-ace Di2 drivetrain components. Components such as saddles and tyres are also supplied by CADEX.
It may not be in the same colour scheme, but you can race the same bike as the pro’s. Available for the consumer, the Propel SL range uses the same Advanced SL-Grade Composite material as the team issue bike. As well as the same frame, the higher-end models include the CADEX 50mm carbon wheels. However further down the range, components and overall weight will differ depending on the price point.
The same goes for the TCR, if you want the same lightweight climbing machine as the pros, you can. Similar to the Propel, the further down the range you go, components and overall weight will differ depending on the price point. It is important to mention that Advanced SL models in both Propel and TCR feature integrated seatposts so will need to be cut, ideally after a bike fit.
Giant Propel
Giant TCR
Bahrain Victorious
Bahrain pro cycling team, Bahrain Victorious have been partnered with Merida bikes since 2017. Like previous seasons, the team will be racing onboard the Merida Reacto in this years Tour. Which has already propelled the team to major victories such as stage victory at Paris-Nice and Criterium du Dauphine.
The team has equipped their Reacto machines with full Shimano Dura-ace Di2 electronic disc brake groupsets, Prologo saddles, Vision finishing kits, and are rolling on Continental tyres and Vision metron wheelsets.
The Merida Reacto is a proven race-winning machine. Not only is the Reacto made for all-round speed with its aerodynamic tubing and responsive handling, but the latest version of the Reacto also demonstrated its versatility when Sonny Colbrelli piloted this aero bike to a win in an epic, wet and muddy edition of the Paris-Roubaix in 2021.
You can have the same speed and versatility with your own Reacto. Bahrain Victorious use the top-level Reacto Team frame with CF5 carbon, however lower models such as the Reacto 7000 with CF3 carbon have fewer weight savings but keeps the same tubing and geometry. With similar performing groupsets and wheelsets, you can ride just as fast for less.
Merida Reacto
Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe
German pro cycling team, Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe have been racing Specialized bikes since 2017. The Specialized Tarmac SL8 is the teams bike choice for the 2025 Tour and for all road racing following a successful start to the season with stage victory at the Giro d’Italia.
Their Tarmac SL8 race machines will be built up with SRAM Red AXS Groupsets, rolling on Roval Rapide CLX 2 Wheels and Specialized Turbo Cotton tyres. Accompanied with Specialized and Pro finishing kits, and saddles.
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 is an all-in-one race bike. With a super lightweight frame, legendary Tarmac ride quality and handling, and aerodynamic profiling make the SL8 16 seconds faster over 40km than the previous Tarmac SL7 model. With the SL8, you can ride fast everywhere.
The Tarmac SL8 may be the pros choice, and it can be yours too. Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe use the SL8 frame with FACT 12r carbon, however lower Tarmac models like the SL8 Pro use FACT 10r carbon with fewer weight savings but keep the same ride qualities and tube profiling. The main difference also comes with lower specification wheels and groupsets, which add a few more grams in weight but do not take away the Tarmac’s lightweight characteristics.
Soudal Quick-Step
Belgian outfit Soudal Quick-step have raced onboard Specialized bikes since 2006 and will continue doing so until 2027. For the Tour this year Quick-step have opted for the Tarmac SL8 as their weapon of choice. Which has already won multiple stages of Paris-Nice, the Tour of Romandie and the Criterium du Dauphine.
The teams Tarmac SL8 has been kitted out with Shimano Dura-ace Di2 groupsets, Roval Rapide CLX 2 wheels and Specialized Turbo Cotton tyres. Accompanied by Specialized and Pro finishing kits and Specialized saddles. With these combinations, the Tarmac SL8 could well have another Grand Tour win under its belt in 2025.
Soudal Quickstep are one of two World Tour teams to race onboard the Tarmac SL8 and this is no coincidence. The Specialized Tarmac SL8 is the ultimate road racing bike, and will conquer most road terrain. With a super lightweight frame, legendary Tarmac ride quality and handling, and aerodynamic profiling make the SL8 16 seconds faster over 40km than the previous Tarmac SL7 model.
The Tarmac SL8 may be the pros choice, and it can be yours too. Quick-step use the SL8 frame with FACT 12r carbon, however lower Specialized Tarmac models like the SL8 Pro uses FACT 10r carbon which fewer weight savings but keep the same ride qualities and tube profiling. The main difference also comes with lower specification wheels and groupsets, which add a bit more grams in weight but do not take away the Tarmac’s lightweight characteristics.
Specialized Tarmac
Lidl Trek
American team Lidl Trek have been partnered with Trek bikes since 2011. For the Tour this year and for all most road stages, they have opted for the Madone SLR Gen 8 as their weapon of choice. The Madone has taken Mads Pederson to multiple stage wins of Giro d’Italia this year and the Ciclamino jersey.
The teams Madone SLR bikes are equipped with SRAM Red AXS groupsets, Bontrager Aeolus wheels and Pirelli Zero Race TLR tryes. Accompanied by Bontrager finishing kit and saddles. With these combinations, the Madone SLR could well be in on its way to many more stage victories in this years race.
The Madone SLR is the ultimate road racing bike, purpose built to go faster, climb stronger and ride longer. With a super lightweight and aerodynamic frame, featuring Full System Foil Aero tubing optimising airflow around the entire bike, makes for a very and smooth ride.
The Madone SLR Gen 8 that the pros will be using can be yours too. The team use the 900 series carbon frame which is an option available on the market and is very close to the bikes the pro's use. However the lower SL models like the SL 6 uses 500 series carbon which have fewer weight savings but keeps the same ride qualities and tube profiling. The main difference also comes with lower specification wheels and groupsets, keeping the price down, which add a bit more weight but do not take away the Madones fast riding characteristics.
Trek Madone
Groupama FDJ
French team Groupama FDJ were founded in 1997 and have been partnered with Wilier for the 2025 season. For this years Tour de France, the team have chosen the Filante SLR as their all-round race bike, perfect for the flat sprint stages and intermediate mountain stages. The Filante SLR has taken the team to stage victory already this season at the Tour de Suisse.
The teams Filante SLR race bikes are built up with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupsets, Miche Kleos RD wheels and Continental Grand Prix 5000 TT tryes. Accompanied by Wilier aero finishing kit and Prologo saddles. With this set up, the Filante SLR could well ensure Groupama FDJ are at the pointy end of this years race.
The Filante SLR is Wiliers all-round race bike, offering the riders a bike perfect for the flat or sprint stages but still lightweight enough for a day in the mountains. A super lightweight and aerodynamic frame featuring liquid crystal polymer optimises the stiffness to weight ratio to make a very fast race bike.
The Filante SLR that the pro’s will be using features a HUS MOD carbon frame which is very close to the Filante SL, which features a NHU-MOD carbon frame. This carbon has fewer weight savings but keeps the same ride qualities and tube profiling for the same ride quality. The main difference is the SL also comes with lower specification wheels and groupsets, keeping the price down, which add a bit more weight but do not take away from how fast the bike is to ride.
