Author Sam Challis
Sam Challis

Sam Challis

Technical editor

Sam Challis is a technical editor at BikeRadar, responsible for our road and gravel coverage. He considered himself a road rider for many years but unashamedly jumped on the gravel bandwagon when it became de rigueur and can now often be found exploring the bridleways and trails near his home in Dorset. He has a borderline obsessive interest in cycling tech and enjoys tinkering with bikes almost as much as riding them. Previously the technical editor of Cyclist magazine, he has nearly 10 years of experience writing about tech trends, quizzing the biggest brands in the business, and testing the latest bikes and kit. As a result, Sam has developed distinct and well-informed opinions on what road and gravel products should offer riders. Sam's young family means his legs aren’t quite as strong as they used to be, but he rests easy in the belief that if you can’t go fast, look good and everything will turn out okay.

Recent articles by Sam Challis

The Specialized S-Works 7 Lace is the long-awaited alternative to the Boa-dial original

Specialized introduces another derivation of its top-tier S-Works 7 shoe, and it might just be the most popular yet
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Two new pairs of 100% sunglasses, Le Col turbo kit, eco-friendly Peaty's brushes and a great-value lid from Bontrager

Along with this week's BikeRadar highlights
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DT Swiss ERC 1100 DiCut 45 wheelset

A go-fast wheelset for regular roads
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Oakley Encoder sunglasses

Introducing the Katos' bigger little brother
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Sam Challis's Gear of the Year 2021

Sam has gone off the beaten track this year. Not too far, though
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WTB's new gravel tyres, a pocket workshop from Wolf Tooth, slip-ons from Chrome and GripGrab's new oversocks

Plus some of this week's best bits
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Rapha expands winter wear across Pro Team, City and Explore ranges

Rapha now offers two new Pro Team Gore-Tex jackets, an expanded City line, more Explore options and some special retro kit
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The 100% Eastcraft and Westcraft sunglasses bridge the performance-lifestyle gap

Aviator-esque designs fit both shield and dual lenses and come with removable side shields
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Cannondale collaborates with British fashion designer Stella McCartney to produce 18 limited-edition bikes

Cannondale’s SystemSix, SuperSix EVO and SuperSix EVO CX bikes each get bold makeovers
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The new Orbea Terra could be the most customisable gravel bike you can buy

The Terra’s versatile design combined with Orbea’s MyO program offers the rider choice, so much choice
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Evans Cycles enters the smart trainer market with the Pinnacle HC Home Turbo Trainer

Evans Cycles’ in-house brand adds another product category to its already expansive range
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Rebecca Richardson’s custom 4.7kg Specialized Aethos

We take a close look at the lightweight bike Richardson rode at this year’s UK National Hill Climb championships
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You can now have the Canyon Grizl with an alloy frame and rack mounts (it's more affordable, too)

The new Canyon Grizl AL bikes offer the same tyre clearance as the Grizl CF but come in at a lower price point and offer more mounting options
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