Our review ratings explained

What's outstanding, what's average and what's rubbish

Russell Burton / Immediate Media

Published: January 1, 2010 at 12:13 pm

We rate every single product we review on BikeRadar with a score out of five.

In doing so, we take into account its performance relative to its rivals, its cost, its durability, its 'I want' factor and opinions of our experience team of reviewers.

We're well aware that ratings mean different things to different people (and, indeed, can vary between publications), so here's a quick overview of what our review scores mean.

Half stars are also awarded, where a bike or product's performance falls between the definitions below.

5 stars – Exceptional: a genuine class leader

By definition, this is a rare occurrence – it’s not often something is close to being perfect.

4 stars – Very good: one of the best you can buy

Excellent but not quite a class leader. This product meets and/or exceeds expectations and claims.

3 stars – Good: it’ll do the job

This is a positive review. It works as intended but is not among the best in its category.

2 stars – Below average: flawed in some way

This might be a good product, but for some design or material fault which lets it down.

1 star – Poor: simply put, don’t bother

We do not recommend you buy this product.

0 stars - Dangerous, stupid or both

We do not recommend readers use this product at all.