Specialized has filled out the Tarmac SL9 family, and the most interesting addition is the new Tarmac SL9 S-Level. It sits directly under S-Works and replaces the old Pro level in Specializeds road lineup. Same race-bike shape, same aero work, same top-tier drivetrain options, but a slightly heavier carbon frame and a parts kit that trims the price before it gets fully silly.When the Tarmac SL9 first arrived, it was S-Works only. That meant FACT 12r carbon, Roval Rapide CLX III wheels, CeramicSpeed bearings, the S-Works Power with Mirror saddleyou get the idea. It was all the top-of-the-line kit for the top-of-the-line offering. That is still the halo version, and Specialized lists the S-Works SL9 frame at 687g, with complete builds starting at 6.5kg. We reviewed it here, and loved it. (All Photo/Specialized)Tarmac S-Level SL9The new S-Level version keeps the core SL9 performance story but uses a different carbon recipe. Instead of the S-Works FACT 12r frame and fork, the S-Level gets a FACT 10r frame with a FACT 12r fork. Specialized says FACT 10r has the same aero profile, stiffness, and compliance as FACT 12r, just with a little more weight. Whats the difference? The real difference between S-Works and S-Level is a touch more weight and ride quality, if you can feel it. S-Works is the lightest frame, lightest finishing package, CeramicSpeed bits, CLX wheels, and every top-shelf touch Specialized can throw at it. S-Level is the same SL9 platform for riders who still want RED or Dura-Ace, a one-piece Rapide cockpit, and a properly race-ready build but dont need every last gram shaved from the bike.S-Level Still Gets the Fast StuffThe S-Level is not a dressed-up mid-tier frame with a fancy name. Specialized lists the Tarmac SL9 S-Level with an 822g FACT 10r frame, Roval Rapide CL III wheels, Roval Rapide integrated cockpit, and a claimed complete weight of 7.1kg. The Shimano version gets Dura-Ace Di2, while the SRAM build gets RED AXS; no mid-tier builds.The S-Level also keeps the SL9 aero features: the narrower Speed Sniffer head tube, Win Fin at the rear, dropped downtube, and Flow Fork. Not up to date on the Specialized vernacular? WellSpecialized says the Speed Sniffer is 4mm narrower, with a 10 percent reduction in frontal area, while the twisted-blade Flow Fork smooths airflow and reduces drag.Where S-Level Gives Up GroundThe S-Level saves money by stepping down around the edges, not by gutting the build. The wheels are Roval Rapide CL III, not the S-Works Rapide CLX III wheels. The saddle is a Power Pro Mirror, not the S-Works Power with Mirror. The S-Level also uses the S-Works Tarmac SL8 carbon seatpost, while the S-Works SL9 gets the newer tapered S-Works Rapide Post. Both S-Level builds still get dual-sided power meters. The SRAM RED AXS version uses SRAMs integrated power meter, while the Dura-Ace Di2 build gets a 4iiii Precision Pro dual-sided meter on the Shimano crank.So, no, S-Level is not cheap. But it is meaningfully less painful than S-Works. So you can save around $4,000 if you dont need the S-Works logo and the CLX wheels, but its a choice that only a few can actually afford. Plus, $10,000 for a bike is still wild, but not as wild as it can be, apparently.Specialized S-Level Tarmac SL9 PricingS-Level SRAM RED AXS build: $10,500 S-Level Shimano Dura-Ace build: $9,999.99S-Works Tarmac SL9 SRAM RED AXS build: $14,000 Expert and Comp Join the SL9 PartySpecialized also added more normal-person SL9 builds, at least by modern race-bike pricing standards.The Tarmac SL9 Expert uses the same FACT 10r carbon platform, but gets a two-piece alloy bar and stem, Roval C38 carbon wheels, and the S-Works Tarmac SL8 seatpost. It comes with either SRAM Force AXS or Shimano Ultegra Di2, with no power meter included. Cyclingnews lists the claimed weight at 7.55kg for a size 56, with pricing at $7,000 for the Force AXS version.The Tarmac SL9 Comp also uses FACT 10r carbon, but drops to DT Swiss R470 alloy rims on Specialized hubs. Drivetrain choices are SRAM Rival AXS or Shimano 105 Di2. Claimed weights are 8.14kg for Rival AXS and 8.21kg for 105 Di2, both in a size 56. Pricing is listed at $4,500.What S-Level Really MeansS-Level first showed up on the Crux, and now it makes even more sense on the Tarmac. The old Pro name always needed some explaining. S-Level is clearer: not S-Works, but closer to it than Expert.For racers buying their own bikes, that matters. The S-Works SL9 is still the lightest, cleanest, most expensive version. It gets the FACT 12r frame, CLX wheels, CeramicSpeed bearings, and the full halo build. S-Level gives up some weight and a few top-shelf parts, but keeps the race shape, the top groupset, the aero cockpit, carbon race wheels, and a power meter. S-Works is the dream build, but the S-Level is more of the real racers reality. specialized.com

Cian Uijtdebroeks turned fourth stage of 2026 Vuelta a Espana into a true survival test. The Movistar Team rider faced the races first major mountain stage with a small fracture in his left ankle, confirmed by doctors after his crash on Stage 2. The Belgian had been cleared to continue despite the...

Once finished, there will be a direct, segregated route from OConnell Bridge to Sutton Cross. Construction has started on installing a quick-build segregated cycling link from Connolly Station to the south quays, part of this years planned Dublin City Centre Transport Plan measures. It will include a unique feature for Ireland: A two-way cycle path in the centre of a street. But unlike such cycle paths in some other counties, this centre-of-road path is planned to be protected by large planters.The project will start at the current southern end of the Clontarf to City Centre route outside Connolly Station. At this point there will be a traffic-light-controlled switch-over to a new two-way cycle path running in the middle of Amiens Street. The two-way cycle path in the centre of the road will have no points where motorists can cross over it.The route will then run on the east side of the traffic island between Busras, Custom House and the IFSC, before crossing over to the east side of Custom House and finally running along the Talbot Memorial Bridge where it will link with the two-way cycle path on the South Quays from the Docklands to OConnell Bridge. IMAGES: Above: An artists impression of the route as it crosses the River Liffey; Main article images: Photo of the works starting (Photo: Thanks to Johnathan Randall).As reported in June, in a report to local area councillors, Claire French, a senior engineer with the traffic and transport section of the council, said that the link between the Clontarf to City Centre route and the Liffey Cycle Route at Georges Quay would be an interim project, with a longer-term project being developed by the councils Active Travel team.As reported in 2024, the missing link had been planned to be filled in soon after the Clontarf route was built.On the interim project, French said: A new cycle lane layout will be installed which has not previously been implemented elsewhere in the country. This involves the creation of a protected two-way cycle lane located in the centre of the roadway between traffic lanes. Due to traffic volumes, the absence of right turns along the route, and the significant width of the road, this location is particularly suitable.She said that an advantage of the design is that it avoids busy bus stops while reducing interactions with buses. She said that in most cases, the cycle path will also go through junctions with general traffic without requiring separate green time, meaning the two-way cycle path will flow at the same time as the main flow of traffic and buses.French said: While this arrangement would not be appropriate in most parts of the city, the layout at this location makes it well-suited.This website reported last year and again at the start of this year that a two-way cycle path on Gardiner Street, which would link to the project now under construction, would also start this year. But its unclear whether the Gardiner Street project will progress this year. Artist impressions and draft drawings:MORE:Report on Amien Street to Georges Quay Interim Cycle Route

The 2026 World Championships in Montreal promise to be quite a bit more open race compared to previous editions. That does not mean that Tadej Pogacar wouldn't be a big favourite to complete a hat-trick, but his rivals sense an opportunity to catch the Slovenian off-guard. And Denmark brings no less...

A young man in his late teens who was cycling was killed at around 8.05pm this evening in the area of Nugentstown, near Kells, Co.Meath.A Garda Press Office spokesperson said: Garda are appealing for witnesses following a fatal hit-and-run road traffic collision at Nugentstown, Kells, Co. Meath, on the evening of Tuesday 25th August 2026. The collision involving a van and a bicycle occurred at approximately 8:05pm.The van failed to remain at the scene. The cyclist, an adult male aged in his late teens, was pronounced deceased at the scene, the spokesperson said. Garda said that his body was conveyed to the mortuary at Our Ladys Hospital Navan, where a postmortem examination will take place in due course, and the coroner has been notified.The spokesperson added: Garda are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward. Anyone who may have been travelling in the area of Nugentstown, Kells, Co. Meath, on Tuesday 25th August 2026 between 7:30pm and 8:30pm, and who may have camera footage, including dash cam or mobile phone recordings are asked to make this footage available to investigating garda.Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact Kells Garda Station on (046) 928 0820, or the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.The road remains closed with local diversions in place. IrishCycle.com is in the process of confirming which road this happened on. This article will be updated once that information is confirmed.

Carlos Rodrguez approaches the Vuelta a Espaa with a different goal from the one he had in mind at the start of the season. The Netcompany INEOS rider was left out of the teams Tour de France eight, a decision he admits was a heavy blow both mentally and physically. It was a shock and my body fe...

This Thursday, August 27, the City Councils Transportation Committee will take up an issue that is becoming increasingly important on our streets: e-bike safety.The meeting is scheduled for 10:00 AM at City Council Chambers (1300 Perdido Street), and the current, not-yet-finalized agenda includes a presentation from the New Orleans Health Department on e-bike safety, along with updates from RIDE, RTA, the Ground Transportation Bureau, and a tentative update from Amtrak on the one-year anniversary of the Mardi Gras Service.We want you to be part of the conversation.E-bike use and accessibility continue to grow in New Orleans, which means more people are getting around our city by e-bike. Thats a good thing. E-bikes can make it easier for people to get to work, school, appointments, and community events, and they can open up bicycling to people who might otherwise have difficulty riding a traditional bicycle.At the same time, were seeing growing concern about serious injuries and fatal crashes involving e-bikes and other electric-powered devices.We believe both things can be true.We need a thoughtful, multi-pronged approach to safety that doesnt simply lump every electric-powered two-wheeler into the same category. There are important differences between a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 e-bike and a higher-powered e-moto (a term that is becoming the norm in bike advocacy circles as of late); and those differences matter when were talking about safety, education, enforcement, and regulation.The League of American Bicyclists recently highlighted this very issue in its webinar, E-Bikes, E-Motos, Oh My: Navigating New Devices and Laws for E-Bikes. Their discussion with advocates from several states emphasized the need for clearer definitions, better communication, and thoughtful engagement among legislators, transportation agencies, law enforcement, health professionals, and the bicycling community. Click here for webinar recap and recording.So heres our ask:If youre available Thursday morning, please come to the Transportation Committee meeting and make a public comment.You dont have to be an expert. We want you to share your experience.Maybe you regularly use an e-bike and want to talk about how it has benefited your life.Maybe youre a parent who has questions about young people and e-bikes.Maybe youve seen behavior in your neighborhood that concerns you.Maybe youre excited about the possibilities e-bikes offer but think the rules need to be clearer.All of those perspectives belong in this conversation.In person comments are limited to 2 minutes so make sure to keep it to the point. If you cant attend in person, you can also submit a written comment through the City Councils meeting page: Transportation Committee Meeting August 27Please note that Public Comment submissions usually wont open till the day before the meeting and usually are only allowed till 8:00 am on the day of the meeting (I do not make the rules). These comments become part of the public record, although we want to be transparent that online comments are not always read aloud: particularly if a meeting runs long.What does Bike Easy want to see?We believe the goal should be safer streets for everyone: not more regulation for regulations sake.That means working together to:Clearly distinguish legal Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes from higher-powered e-motos and other motorized vehicles.Make the rules around speed, age, helmets, trail access, and equipment easier to understand.Address unsafe operation, excessive speed, and illegal modifications.Give law enforcement and city agencies better tools for identifying different types of electric vehicles.Improve crash data so we understand what kinds of devices are actually involved in serious crashes.Invest in education alongside enforcement.Continue building safer streets and infrastructure for everyone, regardless of how they get around.We dont believe this conversation has to be polarized.There are communities around the country working through these same questions, and there are models we can learn from. The Leagues recent webinar highlighted both the challenges and the importance of engaging stakeholders early and often when developing policy.As an organization, Bike Easy is open and willing to continue working with City agencies, health professionals, law enforcement, riders, and community members to find practical strategies that make our streets safer for everyone.Want to learn more about e-bikes?Weve put together resources to help:Bike Easy: Understanding E-BikesA quick introduction to the different types of e-bikes and what riders should know.Read Bike Easys Quick Tips: Understanding E-BikesLeague of American Bicyclists: E-Bikes, E-Motos, Oh MyA recap of the Leagues August 11 webinar examining emerging e-bike and e-moto policies around the country.Read the Leagues Webinar RecapBike Law Louisiana: A Comprehensive Guide to E-Bikes in Louisiana: Laws, tips, and choosing the best e-bikeA Louisiana-specific resource covering e-bike classifications, state laws, safety considerations, and what to know when choosing an e-bike. The guide also helps explain why not every electric-powered bike-like vehicle necessarily qualifies as an e-bike under Louisiana law.Read Bike Law Louisianas E-Bike GuideAnd were putting education into practice.Later this month, Bike Easy is partnering with BlueKrewe to offer our new Smart E-Biking Workshop, designed to help e-bike riders: and people interested in riding e-bikes; understand what e-bikes are (and arent), how to ride safely and courteously, and how state and local laws apply. The September 26 in-person workshop will include a presentation, Q&A, an opportunity to ride a Class 1 e-bike, and the option to earn the League of American Bicyclists E-Bike Smart Certificate. This class will cap at 15 people so make sure to register.Learn more and register for the Smart E-Biking WorkshopFinally, help us keep doing this work.Bike Easy is a small nonprofit, and our members are the biggest source of our political and financial support. Our August Keep Bike Easy Rolling campaign is focused on building a stronger base of Sustaining Members so we have dependable monthly support for advocacy, education, and community work like this.If you believe in having an organization at the table advocating for easy, safe, and fun bicycling for everyone in Greater New Orleans, please consider becoming a Sustaining Member today.Lets show up Thursday, share our experiences, listen to one another, and help shape what safer e-biking looks like in New Orleans.In Service,{{broadcaster.name}}Executive Director at Bike Easy

Irish Rail has said it issued a tender seeking contractors to design and build the charging infrastructure required for the new battery-electric Dart+ trains to operate to Wicklow Station.The semi-State company said that subject to planning and funding approvals it expects construction to start in 2027 and services to begin operating from 2029.Mark Gleeson, a spokesperson for Rail Users Ireland, said: We welcome the progress on upgrading Wicklow station to support the battery Dart operation. This will be transformative, increasing service frequency from as little as six a day to hourlyThe fast-charging system is already in place at Drogheda train station, enabling Dart services to start operating on the Northern Line ahead of overhead electrification. Drogheda Dart services are expected to start next year, while Wicklow services are expected in 2029. In a statement today, Irish Rail said: The charging infrastructure forms part of the Wicklow Rail Capacity Enhancement Project, funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority, which will improve rail connectivity between Dublin City Centre and Wicklow Town.The design and build contract for the new infrastructure at Wicklow will include installation of a new substation to provide for fast charging, installation of an overhead charge system (OHLE) on platforms 1 and 2, and systems and engineering works to support the infrastructure.To support the operation of the battery-electric (BEMU) Darts, infrastructure is required to charge the Dart batteries on arrival at Wicklow Station. The BEMUs will utilise the existing overhead line equipment from Dublin to Greystones. The pantograph (connecting arm on Dart) will then be lowered, and the Dart will run on battery power between Greystones and Wicklow, where they can be fully charged before their return journey, the company said.Irish Rail said: This next phase of expansion of the BEMU infrastructure to Wicklow Station follows the successful development of the charging infrastructure at Drogheda Station on the Northern Line. Infrastructure at Drogheda is currently being tested alongside the new fleet to be ready for use once the first Dart+ units enter service from 2027 onwards.IMAGE: A photo of inside the cab of a new Dart+ train with the railway and seafront in Wicklow Photoshopped into the window.

The 2026 Vuelta a Espana may be over already after its fourth stage. Tadej Pogacar left no room for doubts as he cruised to a solo victory following a 50-kilometer attack. However behind the red jersey, a thrilling battle for the remaining podium spots takes place. And against many predicitions, Pri...