Bike Test: Hosking HR 5 Ridden & Reviewed
For most professional cyclists, retirement follows a well-trodden path – wrap up with a team, secure a long-term sponsorship with a familiar bike brand, and continue riding their flagship models as a brand ambassador.
But Aussie cycling champion Chloe Hosking has never been one to rest on her laurels or follow tradition.
After 15 seasons in the pro ranks, the Australian cycling star retired from WorldTour racing, completed a law degree, and launched her own bike brand.
In doing so, she became the first female professional rider to establish a bike company, bringing high-performance alloy road and gravel bikes to market with the goal of making top-tier performance offering more accessible to a wider range of riders.
A Career Of Speed and Strategy
Hosking’s journey began on the track, where she quickly made a name for herself with national silver and bronze medals. She then moved to road racing, carving out an impressive career that included a Commonwealth Games gold medal, stage wins at the Giro Rosa, a sprint victory at La Course by Le Tour de France, and home-soil triumphs at the Tour Down Under.
Even while competing at the highest level, Hosking balanced elite racing with study and earned an undergraduate degree in journalism before completing her law degree. But cycling – and the dream of launching her own bike brand – remained a major life goal.
In 2023 Hosking Bikes became a reality, with Chloe and partner Jack showcasing two different models at the 2024 Tour Down Under in Adelaide.
Hosking Bikes: Disrupting the Status Quo
Hosking’s approach to bike design seems to be as bold as her sprinting style, and rather than follow the carbon fibre trend, she focused on high-performance aluminium. Often overlooked these days, alloy offers a wide range of benefits and has plenty of loyal and locked-in followers.
As a frame material, alloy keeps costs down while delivering durability, stiffness, and a smooth ride. The result? A range of bikes that are race-ready yet far more attainable than those from major brands. Plus, with modern frame building, shaping, and welding techniques, alloy has become a truly versatile option.
For this maiden Hosking Bikes review, we went away with one of the standout models in the lineup, the HR5. A performance alloy road bike designed to excel on a variety of terrain, we were itching to get going with it.
‘After retiring from pro cycling, Chloe completed a law degree and launched her own bike brand.’
Alloy Performance, Carbon Feel
During testing in the Northern NSW hinterland, the HR5 proved its versatility. On long, rolling rides through the lush valleys of the Murwullimbah caldera, it felt like the perfect Gran Fondo or endurance bike, comfortable and composed over extended distances.
The bikes also ride surprisingly well, as we found during that recent road trip. New (review) bike day just happened to coincide with my birthday, and within a few short kilometres of rolling out, I was thinking the Hosking HR 5 would be the perfect present.
I was riding with my uncle and his regular Tuesday morning bunch. “Our group is quite unique,” he said as we rolled through the greener-than-green Cedar Creek Valley west of Murwillumbah.
“We ride on Tuesdays and play golf on Thursdays,” he continued. “Would you like to join us later in the week?”
Politely passing on the golf offer, we pressed on to ride up the typical regional road. The carbon wheels and 30mm tyres took the borderline country road, occasional patches of loose gravel and small potholes in their stride.
From the first few kilometres on the Hosking HR5, it was clear this wasn’t your average alloy bike. The ride quality, responsiveness, and attention to detail reflect Hosking’s many years of experience in the pro ranks.
High-End Vision Metron Components
Equipped with Vision Metron 45mm carbon wheels and 30mm Vittoria Rubino rubber, the HR5 handles everything from smooth tarmac to rough country roads with confidence.
It absorbed road imperfections well, delivering a surprisingly smooth ride for an aluminium frame while still offering the stiffness needed for powerful sprints.
The bike’s aesthetics are equally striking—a matte grey front triangle transitions into a metallic bronze rear, with deep red forks adding a bold finishing touch. The Hosking logo bridges the colours, being split between the grey and maroon.
There’s an oversized, aero-optimised down tube, slightly dropped rear stays, and rear-wheel cutout in the seat tube all enhance aerodynamics and efficiency. The alloy aero seat post and secure four-bolt clamp assembly ensure a solid fit, eliminating any chance of slippage.
When the road opened up – like during a morning sprint between Macksville and Nambucca Heads – the HR5 came alive, delivering a sweet burst of speed and a race-ready feel, particularly when tucked low in the drops.
Despite its alloy frame, the HR5 doesn’t compromise on high-end components. A Repente saddle, top-tier Vision wheels, and a sleek one-piece cockpit add a premium touch, ensuring both performance and compliance. It’s also highly adaptable, with clearance for up to 32mm tyres, making it a great choice for riders who want extra versatility.
A Legacy Beyond Racing
Chloe Hosking’s impact on cycling extends far beyond her professional career. With Hosking Bikes, she’s proving that top-tier performance doesn’t have to come at an eye-watering price – and that alloy still has a place in the road cycling landscape.
Whether you’re chasing Strava segments, rolling with the weekend bunch, or tackling all-day adventures around an extinct volcanic caldera, it’s a bike that ticks all the boxes and delivers without breaking the bank. Ride On’s recommendation? Very impressive, and it’s definitely worth a look at the range.
Where to Find Hosking Bikes in Australia
Crankys Bicycle Worx – 2/2 Frencham Pl, Downer, ACT
Pushys Canberra – 79 Collie St, Fyshwick, ACT
Bike Place – Shop 3/29-31 Saltaire Way, Port Kennedy, Western Australia
For further details visit www.hoskingbikes.com
