Il Lombardia will take place on the 10th of October 2026. The race is the ultimate culmination of the Italian autumn classics, having the status of fifth and last monument of pro cycling. WithTadej Pogacarabsent this year, there will be a new winner after five editions. Below, you'll find informat...

As far as the best bike lights go, there are plenty to choose from, but my personal favourite rear light that comes with a few extra tricks up its sleeve and provides a load of extra safety features is the Garmin Varia RCT715.It's not just a rear light but a radar and camera packed into its lightweight and compact package, making it the leading choice for a bike radar light.Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Sales may have ended, but there are still plenty of genuine bargains, and the Garmin Varia RCT715 is down to $348; that's 13% off its list price of $399.99.At Amazon UK, the Garmin Varia RCT715 is reduced to $299.99, from 349.99, a 14% reduction.Below, I've added the details for the US and UK discounts, and as these were part of the Amazon Big Deal Days offers, it's unlikely these will be around for much longer.Save 13%. The Garmin Varia RCT715 is a brilliant piece of cycling tech that I never ride without. As well as providing a superb rear light with a load of visibility options, it has a built-in rearward camera and a very clever radar function. The Varia will alert you and record approaching traffic from the rear, giving information on how far, how fast and how many are on your tail.Price check:Garmin $399.99|Walmart $399.99View DealSave 14%. The Garmin Varia RCT715 has 50 off for UK Amazon shoppers. is one of the best pieces of cycling tech I've used, and a brilliant rear light with a few extra tricks up its sleeve. The radar detection system and a camera work together to provide visual and audible alerts for vehicles approaching from behind. It also records your ride, and the safety features make it for me a flawless piece of cycling kit.View DealAs much as I personally rate and recommend the Garmin, I haven't actually reviewed it. However, in the Cycling Weekly Garmin Varia RCT715 review, it backed up my own opinions and scored a well-deserved 4.5 out of 5 stars.Our expert tester highlighted that the Varia is a really impressive unit capable of filming, providing a rear light and incorporating a radar. It will also link to the best bike computers, including non-Garmin models.For me, like most Garmin products, the Varia is well made, has a straightforward setup and is easy to use. Whilst the camera film quality is excellent and the rear light is good, the radar is the standout feature. It gives really accurate information to plan your movements on the road.

At Roc dAzur this week, Intradrive is launching its new GD8, a sealed 8-speed gearbox powertrain for eMTBs. The GD8 combines an 8-speed gearbox drivetrain with wireless shifting and a pedal-assist drive system into a single unit. Intradrive says it has been working on the GD8 for a decade. We first saw it as a prototype in 2022, again in a more refined package in 2023, and most recently at Sea Otter this year. Now, its finally in production and already being incorporated into new eMTB models.Combined with the GD8 launch, two partner brands are also debuting new bikes with Intradrives new powertrain. The German brand Alutech is introducing a GD8-equipped version of its ePelmo e-enduro bike. The upstart French brand Obscur is also launching with its very first eMTB built around the GD8 system. The first units are slated to ship in December, and Intradrive says there are more brands to follow in 2027, and it is taking enquiries for 2028 and beyond.The GD8 houses the gearbox and motor in a single unit.Intradrive GD8 DetailsIntradrive is based in Edinburgh, Scotland, where it was co-founded by engineers and mountain bikers Mark Ravilious and Peter Slotwinski. They tell us the GD8 has been in development for ten years, and now its not just production-ready, but already in production and making its way onto new bikes in the next couple of months.According to Intradrive, Cars keep their gears in a sealed gearbox. The GD8 does the same for e-bikes, replacing both the motor and the derailleur drivetrain with one sealed unit built for durability, low maintenance, and full repairability.The 8-speed gearbox is sealed from mud and dust and protected from damage.Instead of a fragile derailleur hanging off the back of your bike, the 8-speed gearbox is sealed from dust and mud and protected from damage from rock strikes and crashes. The sealed gearbox is also claimed to be very low maintenance, requiring an oil change every 10,000 km. Its also compatible with belt drives and chains, so brands can choose what works best for their needs.The Alutech ePelmo combines the GD8 with a Gates belt drive.Additionally, it moves nearly all of the weight of the drivetrain components to a position low and centered on the frame, reducing unsprung mass. The claimed weight of the Intradrive GD8 is 4.5 kg, not including the battery.Intradrive tells us that the 8-speed gearbox offers a 480% gear range. Shifting is electronic with a wireless Bluetooth remote, and shifts are actuated in approximately 0.1 seconds under load, while coasting, or standing still. There are options for top-tube integrated or bar-mount displays, and the system works with the Intradrive app for OTA updates. The GD8 motor has a nominal power rating of 250W and peak power of 700W.The GD8s wireless remote and top tube display, as seen on the Obscur Enyx.Unlike some eMTB drive systems, the Intradrive GD8 does not include proprietary batteries. This gives bike brands the ability to choose the battery size and shape, offering greater flexibility in frame design. On that note, the GD8 uses the Shimano EP8 mounting interface, which means that it can be incorporated into both new frame designs and existing EP8-compatible platforms.The GD8 uses the Shimano EP8 mounting interface.GD8 Key SpecsSpeeds: 8, electronically shiftedGear range: 480%Shifter: Wireless BluetoothShift time: approx. 0.1 secondDisplay: Top tube or bar mount optionApp: Intradrive app, with over-the-air (OTA) software updatesRated / peak power: 250 W / 700 WWeight: 4.5 kgMounting: Shimano EP8 interfaceFinal drive: Chain or beltBattery: Bike-specific, chosen by bike brandServicing: Oil change every 10,000 kmOrigin: Designed and built in the UKThe Alutech ePelmo is one of the first bikes available with the Intradrive GD8 powertrain.In ProductionIntradrive says the GD8 is designed and built in the UK using a European supply chain. The first production run is currently underway, with 70 units on order and deliveries starting in December of 2026. The aforementioned Alutech ePelmo and the new Obscur Enyx are the first production eMTBs to feature Intradrives new GD8 powertrain. The brand tells us that an additional 12 brands are evaluating the system, and more models will be announced in 2027.Riders have put up with bent hangers, worn chains and endless adjustment for too long. We designed the GD8 so brands can put the gears where they belong, sealed inside the bike, without starting a frame from scratch. Production is the starting point, and were already working with brands on what comes next.-Peter Slotwinski, co-founder, IntradriveWith production ramping up, Intradrive is also looking to the future and is open to enquiries from brands developing eMTBs for the 2028 model year. They believe the EP8 mounting interface will allow brands to easily test the system before committing to new tooling, and test systems and integration support are available now.Brands or riders interested in learning more about the Intradrive GD8 Powertrain can do so on the brands website: intradrive.co.ukAnother view of the Alutech ePelmo GD8.Intradrive GD8-equipped BikesIntradrive is focused on business-to-business, and calls the GD8 a B2B solution that simplifies e-bike design and makes traditional gearing systems obsolete. At Roc dAzur, the Intradrive GD8 is debuting on two eMTB models. AlutechThe German brand Alutech has incorporated it into its highly flexible ePelmo platform, which is available with several different drive systems. It has a hydroformed aluminum frame with 150mm of travel front and rear. It pairs the GD8 with a Gates belt drive and is priced at 11,499 (including 19% VAT). Head to the Alutech website to learn more: alutech-cycles.comObscurObscurs first eMTB, the Enyx, is equipped with the Intradrive GD8 powertrain.Obscur is the other GD8 launch partner. This is a brand-new French eMTB brand started by composites specialists at Workshape with 20 years of experience building carbon fiber parts for aeronautics and aerospace. Obscurs first bike is the Enyx, an all-mountain model designed and produced in the brands workshops in France. The Enyx pairs the GD8 with a high-modulus carbon frame, 150mm of rear travel, a 160mm fork, and MX wheels.After twenty years making carbon parts for aerospace, we wanted our first bike to be as durable and repairable as its frame. The GD8 puts the gears inside the bike and lets us lower and centre the heaviest components, and you feel that the moment the trail gets technical.-Simon Rubet, ObscurAs mentioned above, brands choose the battery to go along with the GD8 powertrain, and Obscur appears to have designed its own. Rather than a tube shape occupying the downtube, it features a unique, compact shape that keeps the weight of the 842 Wh battery as low as possible in the frame. Along with the gearbox powertrain, this unique battery shape and placement result in a very low center of gravity, which should theoretically enhance traction and improve handling.The Obscur Enyx is being offered in two complete builds. The standard Enyx build includes Formula suspension and brakes. The Enyx Ultra steps up to an hlins suspension package and Hope GR4 brakes. Alternatively, riders can build up their own Enyx with the frame kit. You can learn more about Obscur and its first eMTB, the Enyx, on the brands website: obscur.bike

A lot of mountain bike shoes talk a big game about being waterproof, but Crankbrothers latest rainproof Stamp Trail (and presumably Mallet Trail) Speed Lace Seal shoes use a few simple tricks to actually keep your feet dry. Ive only just started riding in the wet with the new Trail Seal shoes its been super dry at home until this week, so Im not sure how they will hold up over time. And honestly, there are few details that I dont love. But I took these new Stamp Trail Speed Lace Seals out for a rainy trail ride through plenty of mud, puddles, and wet underbrush, and my feet stayed cozy and dry until I got home a couple hours later.So, lets give them a closer lookCrankbrothers Trail Speed Lace Seal waterproof MTB shoes(Photo/Crankbrothers)Crankbrothers designed their new waterproof Trail Speed Lace Seal mountain bike shoes for wet and unpredictable shoulder season riding. Built with a waterproof membrane and a unique 360 ankle wrap to keep the elements out, our Seal shoes are built to keep you comfortable when the conditions get uncomfortable.Most mountain bike shoes billed as waterproof are usually either still low-cut obviously filling up with water from the top in actual rain, or heavy high-top boots often limiting ankle mobility for comfortable pedaling or still letting water and debris in around the cuff. The new Crankbrothers Trail Speed Lace Seals are neither, and thus avoid the most common waterproof flaws.What makes them different?(Photo/Cory Benson)The all-new Trail Speed Lace Seal shoes essentially start with a conventional low-top main construction. Not so different from the other two Speed Lace shoes they debuted over the past year. To me, that means tightening them feels OK, but not exactly a perfect balance of lace tension across my foot. Although, generally good enough for riding in less precise, wet & slippery autumn and winter riding conditions.Then, Crankbrothers add a loose-fit slip-on neoprene cuff on top of that, even adding an extra bit of elastic on the outer edge, so you can pull them on with the heel loop at the back. Nothing revolutionary, yet. (And I wish the loop was a bit bigger, as I cant fit my fat index finger into it with any gloves on!)(Photo/Crankbrothers)But then, most importantly, they get a super-stretchy rubberized Seal strap that stretches around the neoprene cuff, velcros in place, and literally seals out water and debris around your leg.(Photo/Cory Benson)This means you get normal ankle flexibility like a low-top. You get an extended neoprene cuff thats loose enough to easily get in and out. Then, you also get another extra seal on top, which keeps out almost all water running down your leg. And importantly, that last seal layer extends high enough and stays thin enough that your riding pants slide over top. So, water and mud runs down your leg, and never gets into the cuff of these waterproof shoes to start with.Tech detailsmulti-layer laminated membrane construction for waterproofing and breathability360 ankle wrap Seal to keep water out from the topflexible structured main body for mid-level relaxed fit upper support with low-rebound EVA midsolewide-opening elastic & neoprene mid-cuff with heel pull tab to slip the shoes onsingle pull Speed Laces secured with a locking slider for easy fit adjustment, with elastic lace retention looplow-absorption interior materials to dry and stay comfortable even when your feet sweat or eventually do get some water insideTPU-reinforced toe protectionreflective logos on heel & toe for added visibility available with two outsole options to Match with Crankbrothers pedals: soft, grippy Stamp rubber for flat pedals, or medium grippy Mallet MC1 sole with fiber-reinforced nylon shank for more support and SPD-style clipless pedal compatibility(Photo/Cory Benson)371g per shoe claimed for Stamp, 492g per shoe claimed for Mallet (size US 9 / EU 42)366g per shoe actual Stamp (size US 10 / EU 43.5)unisex US sizing; available in half sizes 5-13, plus 14 & 15Crankbrothers Trail Speed Lace Seal shoes Pricing, options & availability(Photo/Cory Benson)The new Crankbrothers Trail Seals come in two variants both in the same single olive green and grey look. The Stamp Trail Speed Lace Seal shoes I tested for flat pedals sell for $210. And the identical-looking Mallet Trail Speed Lace Seal shoes with a reinforced shank and cleat recess for clipless pedals sell for $230.Both are available now in the same unisex US size range, either directly from the Crankbrothers online shop, or their retailer partner bikeshops.Crankbrothers.com

MBH Bank CSB look set to continue their rapid rise through the professional ranks in 2027, with Lotto-Intermarch's Lorenzo Rota and EF Education-EasyPost's Samuele Battistella reportedly poised to join the Italian ProTeam. Neither transfer has yet been officially announced, but La Gazzetta dello Sp...

Each new generation of Exposures compact UK-made cycling headlights brings more power, but this new Strada mk13 road bike light packs many more upgrades in the same CNCd aluminum housing. More than 17% more road-tuned light output in the same lightweight, compact all-in-one format is great. But smarter automatic dimming of the high beam against oncoming traffic, ANT+ connectivity, USB-C charging, reverse powerbank function, improved display, and especially an all-new, more universal-fit mount really make this a much more versatile headlight for classic road, all-road, and gravel riding. And of course, there are bigger batteries inside too, to get a minimum 2-hour runtime on the brightest settign, and dozens of output modes to keep you riding up to 36 hours in the dark2026 Exposure Strada mk13 compact road bike headlights(All photos/Cory Benson)Exposure calls the Strada their flagship road riding light. And while it may look almost exactly like their often-more-powerful off-road lights, theres plenty of smart new tech inside this new road-specific headlight. While most of their off-road lights lean toward massive brute force light output to illuminate the trail ahead, the Strada mk13 is a bit more focused. Two high-powered LEDs offer up to 1700 (RS) or 2000 (SB) lumens in a controlled manner, equally splitting power between a wide, flat beam to light up the road just in front of you, and a more powerful, more-focused spotlight that pushes further down the road for high-speed visibility.AKTiv auto-dimming 2.0Probably the smartest Strada feature is its AKTiv auto-dimming of the high-beam spot light. Already optional in the previous generation, the new mk13 light gets better auto-dimming standard. The new Strada 13 adds a second forward-facing light sensor to better detect a wider spectrum of oncoming lights, so your headlight responds more quickly and accurately to oncoming traffic. This lets you run your light on max power even where you are sharing the road.Plus, the new sensors and upgraded controls, smoothly ramp your own light output back up after traffic passes, so you can see clearly with less dramatic light output change.And if you dont want auto-dimming, you still have the option to disable it. Be advised though, Aktiv is typically not enabled as a default from Exposures UK factory, and requires an extra-long press of the single control button to enable it.What else is new?It seems like an obvious one, but Exposure has been gradually rolling out USB-C compatibility to each of their lights as they are upgraded. This speeds up charge times. But it also adds the ability to use the Strada 13 as a powerbank to charge external devices, too. You simply have to long-press to activate reverse charging.The Stradas also include one of Exposures newest forged alloy mounts a more universal, combined round bar AND GoPro-style mount. It still uses their secure quick-release keystone cleat attachment. But now all road lights come out of the box with a mount that will also fit many integrated cockpit setups. Were hoping this new mount will come standard on the MTB lights soon as well, and be available aftermarket!Better display and connectivityOne other minor pain point for new users unfamiliar with Exposure controls is how one button and several different short/long/combo presses control everything. Its something you can easily adapt to, but not really intuitive. But now with a bigger OLED display and simple 3-color LED indicators, its much easier to see what is happening.Single-press to check mode & battery status. Double-press to turn on, then single-press to change levels. Press and hold to cycle through mode options, activate Aktiv, and powerbank mode. Then, press and hold to turn off. Its all much easier to understand with the easy-to-read display.Lastly, Exposure also adds ANT+ connectivity, which let me pair the headlight with my Wahoo Elemnt cycling computers for easy touch screen controls, all in one place with my radar taillight controls. Theres also the option for a wireless remote, too. But with Aktiv auto-dimming and cycle-computer control, I cant see much need for an extra remote switch.Tech details>17% boosted light output: now 1700lm RS & 2000lm SBsame 2-36 hour run times thanks to upgraded batteries and improved efficiencyall-new quick-release cleat mount, compatible with 31.8mm, 35mm round bars, AND GoPro-style mountsnew USB-C connection for faster charging and reverse powerbank functionalityAktiv auto high-beam dimming standard, now more accurate with 2 wide spectrum light sensorsnew ANT+ connectivity to compatible cycling computersCNC-machined 6063 alloy housing with bolt-on cleat mount2x Bright White XHP35.2 5700K LEDs for bright illuminationroad-specific beam pattern 1x 13 focused spot to see far ahead, 1x flat 20x100 beam for wide peripheral visionside cutouts in the housing for 240 visibilitynew larger OLED display for easier setup & status, plus 3-color LED indicators1-button setup & control7 typical programmable modes, each with 2-3 light output levels, plus flashing modeIP67 waterproofing for use in all weather conditionsIK09 impact ratingkey dimensions: Strada mk13 RS: 105mm long x 50mm diameter, 8Ah Li-ion battery, 218g claimed (actual) weight Strada mk13 SB: 105mm long x 54mm diameter, 12Ah Li-ion battery, 280g claimed weight100% UK-made in West Sussex, EnglandExposure warranties all lights for 2 years, 3 years if bought direct from their website, LEDs guaranteed for lifedesigned to work for many years, Exposure also services (and can sometimes update) previous-generation lights for much longerRiding with the new Strada 13 RS & Aktiv dimmingHaving used Exposure lights on and off for more than a decade off-road, the new universal bar/GoPro mount was probably the first thing that impressed me with the Strada 13 before I even got it out of the box and turned it on. I like the quick release of Exposures cleat mount, but honestly struggled to like their original band clamp bar mount. The clamp felt fiddly, wasnt quick to swap from one bike to the next, and was useless on integrated cockpits. (The most recent bar clamp update last year was at least a subtle improvement.)Now, the new clamp is easier to fit to 31.8mm or 35mm bars, or importantly to fit under most out-front-style computer mounts. Thats a critical requirement in the days of integrated bars of road, gravel & mountain bikes. But is also opens up many more mounting possibilities for bikepacking, one type of riding we do quite a lot with lights bolted to our bikes these days.Then, out on the road at night, I was really impressed with how smoothly and seamlessly the Aktiv automatic dimming worked. The high beam spot intensity drops immediately when it detects an oncoming light both an approaching car or even another bike with a powerful headlight. And then, it smoothly ramps light output again once you pass the opposing traffic, delivering a seamless return to max illumination. Its a feature that feels like it would be great for any type of riding that would ever meet other road or trail users, even off-road.On-Road TakeawaysSo far, the 1700 lumen output of the Exposure Strada 13 RS feels like plenty for road riding. But I could also see the 2000lm SB version as a better fit for gravel. If you need more power, the cheaper, lighter 2650lm Race 19 would be nice for more off-road riding, but without the convenience of Aktiv dimming and road-tuned beam pattern that are really nice for gravel roads, and much better anywhere you share with traffic.The Strada is designed to work above or below the bar with laser-etched side graphics in both orientations as a reminder. The 2 LED layout isnt exactly symmetrical top to bottom, though. While I think Exposure lights have traditionally been designed for mounting over the bar, I actually prefer the light cast with the Strada under the bar (like I have it here), as it has a bit more of a pronounced upper edge cutoff, with little excess light cast up into the sky.But while Exposure offers more powerful options in similar form factors and pricing levels, this combination of more versatile on-road features combining smart dimming, road-tuned beam pattern, upgraded display, and ANT+ connectivity makes the new Strada 13 family a solid option for long road, all-road & gravel riding as darkness creeps in with the return of ever-shorter days.Exposure Strada mk13 road bike headlights Pricing, options & availabilityThe new 13th generation of Exposures Strada roadie headlight now comes in two versions. Both of which include the Aktiv auto-dimming as standard. The Strada mk13 RS is the standard Road Sport version, retailing for 355 /$385 / 355 with its 1700 lumen peak output. The slightly larger diameter, slightly heavier Strada mk13 SB, aka Super Bright, version sells for 415 / $450 / 415 with a peak 2000 lumen output. That makes it more suitable for a bit of off-road gravel riding, too. Both also come standard with the new 35/31.8mm round bar clamp and detachable GoPro-style mount, and a USB-C to C charging cable with built-in LED indicator (but no charger).Pick up either one now, directly from Exposures website or their global retailer network.ExposureLights.com

The Dutch government is running a campaign to encourage more cyclists to wear helmets

Our 258th gear giveaway comes from the small team at Revelate Designs in Alaska, who will hook up a couple of randomly selected winners with Burrote rack-top bags and matching Constrictor Straps. Find details on how you can win and sign up to support our work as a member of the Bikepacking Collective here...The post Collective Reward #258: Revelate Designs Burrote Rack-Top Bags appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Paul Seixas may already have the legs to win Il Lombardia. Brian Holm is less convinced that the 20-year-old always has the race management to match them. Ahead of Saturdays final Monument of the season, the former Danish professional has placed Seixas among the five riders he believes can challeng...

CyclistKicking up dust: The new DMT IAAN gravel shoesThe all-new DMT IAAN gravel shoe is designed for those of us who prioritise riding at speed and in comfort rather than seeking out the gnarliest rock-strewn off-road terrain. By combining peerless practicality with lightweight, speed-focused design, the Italian company just might have created the ideal shoe for leaving the limits of tarmac behind.DMTThe shoes innovative, transparent and lightweight upper uses what DMT calls dimple technology (think golf balls) to optimise airflow, reduce drag and increase performance at head-down, full tilt velocity. Beyond the clear aerodynamic benefits, the IAANs transparent mesh construction employs polyamide and TPU materials to bolster the shoes structure without adding bulk, for increased stability and breathability.DMTBut speed is nothing without control, and this is where the DMT IAAN plays its trump card. These shoes arent designed for maximum performance at the expense of comfort and practicality. A newly developed sole offers enhanced grip through a softer compound and redesigned tread blocks, for better traction both on the ride and when walking across mixed surfaces, giving you all the multi-purpose versatility you could ever ask for from a pair of gravel shoes.DMTs IAAN shoes are designed to strike the perfect balance between performance, practicality and riding comfort.DMTThe toe box of the shoe has been reinforced to offer extra protection from the inevitable impacts that off-road riding throws at us, while the precise fit adjustment provided by an asymmetric Boa dial closure system is designed to reduce instep pressure points and bolster riding comfort off the beaten track.Practical, light, protective, rapid the DMT IAAN sets a new standard for performance gravel riding.DMT IAAN shoes are available in either white/lilac or sand for 279. For more information, visit dmtcycling.comThe post Kicking up dust: The new DMT IAAN gravel shoes appeared first on Cyclist.