Bikes Of 2025: Noble GX5

 It's another end-of-year period on the blog. You know what that means? Yep! Another round of my bikes I used in 2025. This round-up will not include some of the bikes I did not use this year much, or at all. I focus only on the bikes that played a big role in my riding during this year.  As always, any changes or future plans for any bike I feature will also be detailed. I hope that you enjoy this year's round-up.

The Noble Bikes GX5 is surprisingly still relevant in 2026.

The Noble GX5 is an unusual bicycle. First of all, there are not very many of these around. The company never really got off the ground, in terms of sales, and now it is gone, I think, although the website is updated to 2025. (See the GX5 page HERE)

Secondly, the bike was designed by a former Raleigh product engineer who sat in on my conversation with their team at Raleigh when the Tamland was in development. So, there is somewhat of a chance my basic geometry ideas trickled into the design of the GX5, and by their charts, I would say this is true. But this is purely speculation on my part. 

Keeping in mind the GX5 came out in 2018, I think it was, and the following details of this bike might surprise you. While the GX5 was claimed to only have clearance for 40mm tires, it easily swallows 47's, and 45's fit all day. So, this is still pretty relevant in terms of the mainstream tire fitments out there. It could become out of date in 2026, but my guess is gravel bikes will pull back somewhat from the MTB wheels and tires to more aero, lighter tires and wheels again. 

The slightly longer top tube, slack head angle, lower bottom bracket, and internal routing of cables is all right on the money from a spec viewpoint in 2026. While the cables do not route through the stem and head tube, I am VERY happy they do not. That is just stupid, (have you seen the damaged steer tubes from cable rub on the internet?), and unnecessary. 

I point all this out because I've had thoughts of passing the Noble GX5 down to someone else. Then I realize I'd pay a lot more just to get something even close to what I already have, so.....why?

Don't fix what ain't broke. Right.... 

So, this bike continues on as being my lightweight, racier option, and it is quite comfortable and capable, now that I have the State Bicycle Co. Monster Gravel Fork v2 on it. This fork can also handle a 29" x 2.1" tire, so I also now can get the benefit of a big, fat tire when desired where it would matter most. 

The Noble GX5 isn't out of date, even though I have had it for six years already. I suppose I could put an electronically shifted drive train on it, but, really? Why do this when I have a bike which does what I need it to flawlessly already? I wouldn't turn my nose up at an opportunity to do a switch to electronic shifting, but I do not need it. 

So, my plan is to just keep using the Noble GX5 when the situation calls for a light, fast bike or if  I just want to ride it. I suspect it will stick around here for quite some time.