Starling Cycles in the UK is celebrating 10 years in business with a trip down memory lane, complete with a feature-length video and some of founder Joe McEwan's favorite photos. Watch it here...The post 10 Years of Starling Cycles (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

In our latest Make Your Own Bikepacking Gear (MYOBG) tutorial, Mireille Kidd shares a step-by-step guide to sewing a handy tool roll for organizing all your bits and bobs, complete with multiple pockets and a simple closure. Find Mireilles how-to and explore our wide-ranging archive of other DIY projects hereThe post Make Your Own Tool Roll appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Demi Vollering produced one of the biggest victories of her career in Montreal, finally becoming elite road world champion after a dramatic finale against Kasia Niewiadoma and Elisa Longo Borghini. Back home in the Netherlands, however, the way that triumph was shown on television quickly became a s...

The 2026 Arizona Trail Race starts tomorrow morning from the US/Mexico border, with just over 40 riders split between the full 853-mile route and the shorter 300-mile option. In this preview, we look at what's to come, including this year's route and a few riders to watch...The post 2026 Arizona Trail Race Course Preview and Who To Follow appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

The Spiny 2 is the 2nd generation of Spiny EV Solutions SLs e-bike conversion kit. With updates based on real-world feedback, the Spiny 2 aims to improve upon the performance, compatibility, and user-friendliness of its predecessor. Like similar conversion systems, the Spiny 2 is intended to convert the bicycle you already own into an e-bike. It is designed around broad bicycle compatibility with easy installation and removal as one of its highlighted selling points.Cyclists shouldnt have to choose between the bike they already love and the convenience of electric assistance. We built Spiny 2 to make that choice unnecessary giving riders real electric power when they want it, without turning their bike into a permanent e-bike. -Marco Cocchiarella, co-founder of Spiny.According to the brand, after the initial mounting and sensor setup, the Spiny 2 can be attached to the bike in as little as 3 seconds. The compact friction-drive system can deliver peak output of up to 750W, 35Nm of torque, and up to 90 km of range, and comes in several configurations to meet varying market requirements. It is easily removable and reportedly weighs just 2.2 kg. It launches on Kickstarter today. Lets check it out.Spiny 2 DetailsThe Spiny 2 is an e-bike conversion kit that the brand says can turn any bike into an e-bike in 3 seconds after the initial mounting and sensor setup. The system attaches via a mounting bracket on the bikes frame and delivers assistance with a roller contacting and driving the rear tire. As such, it does not require the replacement of the rear wheel, hub, or any other components.Quick and easy attachment and removal of the Spiny 2 is one of its key features. After the mounting and sensor setup, the Spiny 2 just clicks on and off the mounting bracket, with no power cables to reconnect or motorized wheels to reinstall. The claimed weight of the motor and battery unit is just 2.2 kg (4.9 lbs), making it easy to remove and take with you when your bike is parked.Power SpecsSpiny says this compact little friction-drive system is capable of some impressive power output. For the U.S. market, it is rated at 250W nominal, with peak power output up to 750W for a top pedal-assisted speed of 20 mph (32 km/h). In Canada, peak output is limited to 500W, and the versions for most other markets are rated at 250W, topping out at 25 km/h (15.5 mph).SensorsSpiny says the Spiny 2 uses speed and cadence sensors to monitor rider input. When the system detects pedaling, the motor engages the rear tire in 0.25 seconds, delivering assistance based on the selected PAS level (1 to 5). When pedaling stops, the motor is designed to lift off the tire while coasting.Assist LevelsThe Spiny 2 offers five levels of assistance ranging from light support to a stronger boost for tackling hills or riding at higher speeds. They say that riders can change assistance levels through the Spiny app or an optional Bluetooth remote. On that note, the Spiny app also provides information on battery level, speed, and other metrics.Battery and RangeThe Spiny 2 is powered by a 266Wh battery which provides a claimed assisted range of up to 90 km 956 miles) under ideal test conditions. Of course, that number sounds entirely unrealistic, because it is. Actual range will likely be significantly less than that, and vary based on terrain, road surface conditions, rider weight, assist level, and more.The Spiny 2 is rated IP65 for weather resistance. Additionally, the brand says the interchangeable dual-compound tire-friction pad is engineered to maintain consistent contact between the drive roller and tire in changing riding conditions.CompatibilityThe Spiny folks say the Spiny 2 was designed around broad bicycle compatibility. Since it does not require a specific hub, wheel, or drivetrain standard, it is compatible with most road, city, hybrid, and touring bikes, as well as both rim and disc brakes. The main requirement is adequate clearance for the mounting system between the frame and rear wheel, and they have a downloadable measurement guide so prospective buyers can check before ordering.Additionally, Spiny makes an optional Sport Adapter, which repositions the system to fit on bicycles with tighter frame clearance. Theyve also created a Brompton Adapter to make it compatible with folding bikes.Bikes with rear suspension are not compatible with the Spiny 2. The brand also says that bikes equipped with rear fenders or mudguards may require slight modifications where the motor contacts the tire.Spiny 2 SpecsWeight: 2.2 kg (4.9 lb)Dimensions: 225 200 90 mm (8.9 7.9 3.5 in)U.S. Power: 250W nominal / 750W peakCanada Power: 250W nominal / 500W peakMost Other Markets: 250WMaximum Assisted Speed: 25 km/h (15.5 mph) in most markets; 32 km/h (20 mph) in the U.S. and CanadaMaximum Torque: 35 NmBattery: 266Wh, 25VBattery Life: 800+ charge cyclesRange: Up to 90 km (56 miles) under ideal test conditionsCharging: USB Type-C PD, approximately 04 hoursAssistance Levels: 5Activation Time: Approximately 0.25 secondsConnectivity: Bluetooth Low EnergyWeather Rating: IP65Brake Compatibility: Rim and discWarranty: 12 monthsIn the Box1 Spiny 2 motor and battery unit2 Speed and cadence sensors1 Frame mount/positioner4 Frame adapters1 Allen key2 Wrenches6 Sensor rubber ringsOptional accessories include a Bluetooth Remote Controller, Sport Adapter, Brompton Adapter, Second Bike Kit, Quick Charger, Carrying Bag, Spare Battery Pack, replacement Tire Friction Pad, Anti-Theft Lock, and Mudguard.AvailabilitySpiny 2 will be available via Kickstarter starting today, September 30, 2026. Early backers can reserve the device at a special Super Early Bird price.Worldwide delivery is currently estimated for April 2027, approximately five months after the campaign closes. Final shipping costs will vary by destination.For campaign updates, pricing, and special offers, visit the official campaign page.

For the CRAFTED bike show, Cane Creek commissioned a local artist to hand-paint a dozen Helm MKII Forks. Continuing their Artist Series, these suspension forks arent just static works but moving canvases. Learn more about the unique pieces belowThe post Check out the Hand-Painted Artist Series Helm MKII Forks appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

The second annual Golden Horseshoe Race took off this weekend, with about a dozen riders taking on a 1,650-kilometer bikepacking route through Ontarios backcountry. In this report, organizer Theo Verdecchia shares a mid-race update on the riders and how the event is unfolding. Find that and photos from the route here...The post A Mid-Race Update from the 2026 Golden Horseshoe Race appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Christian Scaroni left Montreal convinced Italy had ridden well enough to come away with more than ninth place. A few days later, the same core of riders are already looking towards another medal shot at the European Championships. Italy were aggressive throughout the elite men's World Championship...

Remco Evenepoel heads into the European Championships in Ljubljana as the overwhelming favourite. The absence of defending champion Tadej Pogacar, who has been ruled out following the injury he suffered at the Vuelta a Espana, leaves the Belgian as the leading contender for the continental jersey on...

If you shop online for bike parts, then its fairly likely youve come across Worldwide Cyclery. If youre familiar with the online retailer, then you might also be aware of its other brands: Trail One Components and KETL Mtn Apparel. While they are run as separate, distinct brands, they are all under the same operational umbrella, and Worldwide Cyclerys founder Jeff Cayley is the CEO of all three.We first reported on KETL back in 2017, shortly after the brand was launched at Frostbike by QBP. In 2020, KETL was acquired by the team at Worldwide Cyclery. In the years since, KETL has grown and expanded its product range beyond mountain bike apparel to include outdoor clothing for everything from hiking and trail running to winter sports and travel.Having purchased numerous parts from Worldwide Cyclery in the past decade or so, KETL Mtn Apparel has been on my radar for several years, but Ive never tried any of its mountain bike gear until this summer. A few months ago, I got my hands on KETLs Skid Mark Cordura Pro shorts, Wayward Performance Tee, and Canyon Cargo Bib liner, and have been riding in them off and on ever since.KETL Skid Mark 12 Cordura ProCheck Price at KETL Mtn ApparelSpecificationsMSRP: $129Materials: 4-way stretch Cordura ripstopInseam Length: 12 inchesPockets: 2 hand pockets, 2 zippered thigh pockets, 2 zippered rear pocketsMeasured Weight: 300 grams (size M)Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXLProsModerate priceStretchy and comfortableGood bike-specific cutSubdued stylingCordura material is tough and durableConsCordura material is fairly warmPerhaps a couple too many pockets for dedicated MTB shortsHeavier weightJeremy BensonIf youre reading this and wondering why Im reviewing shorts at the end of September, thats fair. But I found the Skid Mark shorts to be best suited for riding in cooler weather, and have been enjoying them more now that summer is behind us. KETL makes these shorts in two different fabrics. Ive been testing the Cordura Pro version made with a 4-way stretch Cordura material thats claimed to be insanely tough yet light and breathable. They also come in a less expensive (just $74) non-Cordura version that looks identical and weighs a bit less, too.Fit-wise, it seems fairly obvious that these shorts were designed by people who actually ride bikes. Theyve got a 12 inseam length, a slim, tailored fit, gusseted crotch, and an angled hem. Ive found the angled hem avoids annoying contact with the calf when pedaling, provides a little extra coverage for the thigh, and interfaces well with the low-profile knee pads I often wear.The size medium is a perfect fit on my 32 waist.Theres a zipper fly with a snap and a built-in adjustable belt with a metal G-hook. The belt offers a couple of inches of adjustment to optimize the fit, and a strip of silicone around the inside of the waistband locks them in even further. Overall, the fit feels pretty streamlined and purpose-built for riding bikes with no excess material to flap in the wind or snag on your saddle.The Skid Mark shorts have a total of six pockets. Thats great if youre really into pockets, but I think its a bit excessive on a pair of dedicated mountain bike shorts. I appreciate the jeans-style hand pockets when Im not riding, and the back-loading zippered thigh pockets are highly functional both on- and off-the-bike. I could definitely live without the two zippered back pockets, and I think the shorts would probably be better off with two fewer pocket linings hanging inside, too. While the Cordura material is indeed quite stretchy, I found it gave these shorts more of a midweight feel, and they ran a bit warm during the hotter days of summer. Its fairly thin, but the tough fabric simply doesnt let much air pass through it, in or out. The linings of the six pockets also add some additional layers and warmth. Sure, the ventilation holes in the crotch and the lower back helped a tiny bit, but these were not the shorts I was reaching for if the temperature was 80 F or more.Lots of layers of material for all the pockets on the Skid Mark shorts.Recently, however, that midweight feel is something Ive grown to appreciate about these shorts. On cool evening rides, the Cordura material blocks the wind and keeps the chill off my upper legs. When I heat up on climbs, the material dries pretty quickly, helping to avoid the chill of riding in sweaty shorts. They seem particularly well-suited to moderate fall temperatures, or just anytime it isnt super hot. Im calling them my shoulder-season shorts.And they feel bombproof, too. On a recent ride, I unexpectedly lost front wheel traction and slammed super hard while wearing the Skid Mark shorts. I had cuts and abrasions all over the right side of my body, including my face it was a good one. My right hip/thigh took the brunt of the impact and resulting slide across the loose, gritty dirt. After I gathered myself, I got up and brushed the shorts off, and I expected them to be a little thrashed, but it looked like nothing even happened. I may have gotten a little bruised and battered, but these shorts took it in stride.KETL Canyon BibCheck Price at KETL Mtn ApparelSpecificationsMSRP: $169Materials: 77% polamide, 23% elastaneWeight: 189 grams (size M)Seat Pad: 10mm thick Italian made quadruple layer chamoisPockets: 3 rear cargo pocketsSizes: S, M, L, XL, XXLColors (grippers only): Rust, Clay Topo, Grey TopoProsComfortable chamoisWide leg gripper keeps shorts in placeGood rear cargo pocket designNo useless cargo pockets on legsConsMinimal compressionBody material isn't the fastest dryingJeremy BensonThis year, Ive had the chance to try a number of new bib liners, including KETLs Canyon Bib. Like most other MTB-specific bib liners, these are made to be worn under a pair of baggy mountain bike shorts. The body of the bibs is made of a lightweight spandex-like material, with a large mesh panel on the back between the bib straps. Theyve got 3-inch-wide leg grippers, a 10mm-thick Italian-made quadruple-layer chamois, and three rear cargo pockets.The 3 grippers have a fine texture on the inside.I got the Canyon Bib in a size medium, and the fit is pretty spot on for me at 60 and 170 pounds. KETLs size chart puts me in a large based on height and a medium based on weight. Ive got long legs and a short torso, so Im glad I went with the medium. The body material used in these bibs also has very little compression compared to the Fox Tecbase, for example, so the slightly snugger fit of the medium is definitely appreciated.Also helping to keep them in place are the super wide leg grippers. These have a fine, grippy texture on the inside and just enough compression to keep them both comfortable and secure on my legs. Likewise, the bib straps on the size medium are the perfect length for my frame, with light tension over my shoulders keeping the shorts and chamois in place and providing support for the cargo pockets.Italian-madeThe 10mm thick Italian-made quadruple layer chamois is on what Id call the thinner side of the seat pad spectrum. That said, it has multiple densities of padding, with a well-considered shape that provides targeted cushioning for the sit bones along with a central channel to relieve taint pain. It isnt what Id call cushy, but in my experience, its comfortable and unobtrusive, and seems to manage moisture pretty well.The cargo pockets have been designed to overlap the waist of your baggy shorts.On the back, the three-pocket layout is well executed and provides plenty of room to carry snacks, tools, a packable layer, or even a water bottle. I especially like that the lower half of the pockets is separate from the bibs, easily overlapping the waistband of my shorts. Some cargo pockets conflict with shorts when full, but thats not an issue with the Canyon Bib. Im also glad they did not include cargo pockets on the thighs because I find them to be completely useless once you put shorts over them anyway.A water bottle fits easily, and theres plenty of space for the rest of your essentialsOverall, the Canyon Bib has been serving me pretty well, and my complaints are limited. That said, I prefer a bit more compression than they offer, even in a liner. The material used for the main body seems to retain a bit more sweat/moisture than some of the other bibs Ive been using lately, too. Its not a deal breaker, but theyre usually a bit soggy when I finish rides. Lastly, and the same goes for many bib liners, a pee flap would be a very user-friendly addition.KETL Wayward Performance TeeCheck Price at KETL Mtn ApparelSpecificationsMSRP: $59Material: 53% polyester, 40% recycled polyester, 7% spandex: 129 gsmMeasured Weight: 142 g (size M)Features: Microfiber glasses wipe, zippered side pocketSizes: S, M, L, XL, XXLColors: Blue, Black, Green, GreyProsComfortable materialQuick dryingGood on-bike fitHidden pocket and eyewear wipeVersatile enough for use off the bikeConsShoulders could use a little more articulationJeremy BensonThe Wayward Performance Tee is a short-sleeve bike jersey thats made from a lightweight, breathable, snag-free polyester/spandex blend. The material has a UPF 30 rating and a subtle, tightly spaced stripe texture on the exterior. The Wayward has a drop-tail hem, an integrated eyewear wipe, and a small, hidden zippered pocket for a credit card, key, or snack. It comes in four solid colors: blue, black, green, and grey.Im a pretty big fan of technical mountain bike clothing that doesnt necessarily look like mountain bike clothing, and thats exactly what the Wayward Tee is. I could wear this shirt just about anywhere, and it wouldnt be out of place. It looks like a casual T-shirt, yet it performs well on the bike, too.I have a size medium, and it fits me well enough, although if I were to get another, I think Id probably size up to a large. The medium isnt necessarily too small, but Im close to maxing out the shoulders and the chest. Regardless, its still quite comfortable and avoids being excessively baggy or too loose, which I like. The flatlocked seams appear heavily reinforced, yet they lay nice and flat and havent caused any irritation.The fabric is super soft and feels good against the skin. Its light, airy, and seems to wick moisture pretty well, and it dries very quickly when it gets sweaty. It performed well on hot summer days and continues to do so in the cooler temps of early fall. The materials moisture wicking and quick drying have been helping me regulate temperature in the heat and cool alike.I was also wearing this shirt during the hard crash mentioned above. I expected the shoulder to be a little shredded, but the only damage is a barely visible little pinhole. I wish I could say the same for my shoulder Either way, Im impressed by its durability given its light weight.Hidden pocket and an eyewear wipe. Its a T-shirt, so realistically, there isnt a lot to it. I appreciate the inclusion of the eyewear wipe and have used it numerous times. I didnt even notice the zippered pocket for the first few rides since its so well hidden along the seam. I havent used it yet, but its a nice touch should I need to someday, and it doesnt detract from the otherwise clean and minimalist aesthetic of the shirt. The two small logos are super subtle, too.My only gripe is super minor. I think the shoulders could use a bit more articulation to better match the riding position, but perhaps that would be resolved if I had the larger size. Otherwise, this is a comfortable and good-looking mountain bike shirt that performs well on the bike. Its also a versatile piece that easily transitions into other activities like trail runs and hikes and doesnt look out of place when I stop for a beer after.Final ThoughtsOverall, Ive found KETL Mtn Apparels mountain bike gear to be comfortable and well-made. Its worth checking out if youre looking for some new gear and are interested in trying something different. You can find all of the pieces I tested, plus the rest of KETL Mtn Apparels outdoor and travel apparel on the brands website: ketlmtn.com