Coffee Talk with CANYON RAD PACK

Cycling and coffee go hand in hand—the pre-ride espresso that wakes you up, the mid-ride café stops that recharge your energy, and the post-ride coffee gatherings that bring the community together. To celebrate this shared passion, we spoke with the CANYON RAD PACK and the founders of RAD RACE, who have teamed up with ALRIGHTY to bring this coffee-loving cycling culture to life.

Did you know that the average coffee drinker consumes 2–3 cups per day—just like most of the RAD PACK? Or that espresso was originally created in Italy as a quick “shot” of energy for city riders? With coffee fueling rides across the world, we asked the team about their rituals, favorite cafés, and funny moments involving caffeine and cycling.

How did you get to know ALRIGHTY and why did you decide to partner?

Ingo shared: “We went cycling in Munich and ended up at the ALRIGHTY roastery in the Werksviertel, enjoying an amazing coffee. We fell in love instantly. Later, we found out that our friend Manuel Neuer is one of the makers behind ALRIGHTY, and we loved it even more. Now we serve ALRIGHTY in our shops in Hamburg and Berlin and at our events, and our visitors can’t get enough of it.”

What does coffee culture in cycling mean to you?

Ingo: “Cycling without coffee just doesn’t work — they truly belong together. An espresso before the ride and a cappuccino right after are essential. Nothing more, nothing less.”

How do you take your coffee normally? 

Most of the RAD PACK drink espresso, though cappuccinos are also popular. John swears by his recipe: a 40 ml espresso shot topped with 140 ml of foamed cow’s milk. Moritz prefers his flat white with oat milk.

Do you drink your coffee before, during, or after a ride?

Mainly before and after. On longer tours, Lulu and Juli love a mid-ride coffee stop—unless Ruben is there, who never stops for coffee;)

How many cups per day do you drink on an average day?

On average, 2 cups. But some push the limits: Manu drinks 4 espressos daily, while Ruben fuels his energy with 2 double espressos before yoga and 4 more throughout the day—a habit left over from his party days (we guess).

What's your favorite ALRIGHTY coffee?

The team’s unanimous favorite? Easy Espresso.

Manu: “It’s very balanced—not too nutty, not too chocolaty, not bitter. Smooth and full-bodied, perfect in the morning or after a meal.” John adds: “I love the caramel and chocolate notes. It’s quick to dial in and consistent across batches. Not too fruity, not too roasted—just right.”

Any fun memories about coffee stops at rides?

Lulu has the best story: “During a bikepacking trip in Greece, I realized at a coffee stop that I’d left my wallet at a restaurant the night before—120 km away. It was nearly 40°C, and I had zero motivation to ride back. Luckily, the restaurant owner was driving in our direction and delivered my wallet to the café. We ended up staying there and spent the night on the beach.”

Have you tried not to drink coffee/drink tee instead?

The team tried switching to tea—John, Ruben, and Manu all gave it a shot. But coffee still wins. As Mate puts it: “Tea just takes too long.” John loves the ritual of making coffee, while Manu once attempted a coffee-free vacation: “I quickly realized I had withdrawal symptoms—especially headaches. Instead of relaxing, I spent my holiday fighting caffeine withdrawal.”

Coffee shop you would recommend?

Here are some of the CANYON RAD PACK’s favorite cafés around the world:

• Kyso Café – Munich, Germany

• JOSEF P – Tegernsee, Germany

• Café Golkofer – Egling, Germany

• Cafe Zenzimilia – Blaichach, Germany

• People People Coffee – Cologne, Germany

• Kaffeeschmiede – Steyr, Austria

• La Cabra – Aarhus, Denmark

• Lyckans Stenugnsbageri – Hunnebostrand, Sweden

• ANNNA – Girona, Spain

• Nomad Frutas Selectas – Barcelona, Spain

• Whole Earth Café – Scarborough, South Africa

• Good Riddance Coffee Co. – Cape Town, South Africa

• La Cabra – New York, USA