2025 has been a monumental year for gravel biking, introducing innovative designs and impressive capabilities that cater to every riding style. Whether you're chasing speed on sleek race bikes or venturing into the wild with robust bikepacking setups, there’s a bike for everyone.

Among the standout contenders, two gravel bikes have earned their place at the top: the Mondraker Arid Carbon RR Force AXS and the Parlee Taos Force AXS. Both are built for performance and adventure, combining progressive geometry with sleek aerodynamics — perfect for tackling technical trails.

Meet the Mondraker Arid Carbon RR Force AXS

The Arid is a masterpiece from Mondraker, specifically designed for rugged, chaotic terrains. With a stiff frame for maximum power transfer and a clever design that ensures comfort, the Arid shines in low-grip situations. Its unique carbon layout enhances compliance, crucial for rough rides.

Bikepacking enthusiasts will appreciate its thoughtful features, including ample clearance for 50mm tires, multiple bottle mounts, and a versatile rear dropout design for drivetrain customization. Plus, its sleek internal routing keeps cables out of the way.

Introducing the Parlee Taos Force AXS

Parlee's Taos is a carbon marvel, showcasing years of experience in the gravel bike arena. With a longer frame and a focus on speed without sacrificing comfort, the Taos is touted as Parlee’s fastest yet most forgiving bike.

Made in Portugal, its raw-waxed finish eliminates the stress of paint chips—just a quick buff and re-wax, and it’s as good as new. Featuring innovative design elements like a flip chip dropout for tuning the head angle, the Taos is ready to roll on smooth roads or bumpy trails alike.

A Close Geometry Match-Up

Despite their different approaches, both bikes boast impressive geometries. The Mondraker Arid features a long reach optimized for technical descents, while the Taos is slightly shorter, creating a riding experience that appeals to a broader audience. Both models leverage slack head angles for stability over rough surfaces.

Performance Showdown: The Rides

As I tested these bikes across various terrains, it was clear both excelled, yet each has its nuances. The Mondraker Arid, while looser on the road, truly comes alive on the chaotic trails, handling steep climbs and tricky descents with unparalleled confidence.

Conversely, the Parlee Taos shines on smoother gravel and tarmac, providing a fun ride that keeps up with road bikes, making it the perfect choice for riders who appreciate versatility.

Bottom Line: Arid vs. Taos

In the final verdict, while the Mondraker Arid is unmatched for adventurous, technical trails, Parlee’s Taos earns accolades for its all-around versatility. If you crave high-performance gravel adventures and plan to explore every nook and cranny, the Arid is your go-to.

However, if you desire a bike that can easily transition between gravel rides and longer endurance outings, the Taos may just be worth the investment. Whichever you choose, both are exceptional contenders in the world of gravel riding!