The Libre CR has been awarded Editor’s Choice by Zach Overholt, and the reasoning is refreshingly straightforward: it’s a gravel bike that gets the balance right.
Rather than chasing ever-wider tire clearance, the Libre CR sticks with 700c x 45mm tires, a size Zach notes is still ideal for a large percentage of riders. It delivers comfort and confidence on gravel without giving up the road-friendly feel that makes long pavement miles genuinely enjoyable.
Zach highlights the Libre CR as a robust option for riders who split their time between asphalt and dirt. It’s easy to outfit with a rack for locks or gear, and with a swap to 40mm slicks, it becomes a smooth, efficient road bike. Updated geometry and sizing over the previous generation, along with a solid build spec, round out the package.
The Libre CR still stands out as a versatile, real-world gravel bike built for how people actually ride. “I see the Libre CR as a better option for someone looking for a bike that will be on the road as much as it will be on gravel.” - Zach Overholt
