Antnio Morgado has taken his second consecutive victory at the Figueira Champions Classic. The UAE Team Emirates - XRG rider won under different circumstances than last year, however his spotless performance saw him be the strongest on the day once again. Since starting his season, he hadn't finis...

If I could ask my Salsa Blackthorn to be my Valintine, I wouldOh, hi I didnt see you there.So, it seems that Truckee, Californias BlackHeart Bike Co. is in a sincere search for community-first retailers, who see cycling as culture, connection, and belonging, not just commerce. This request isnt just about expansion. BlackHearts updated dealer program invests in shops that build riding communities, with strong margins, co-marketing, support, and belonging. (Photos / BlackHeart Bike Co.)BlackHeart Bike Co.s founder, Zach Lambert, makes it real simple: We would rather work with a handful of independent shops who have shared ethos than be just another bike on a rack.Not unlike last Summer when Surly Bikes posted a Craigslist ad launching its new Skid Loader eCargo bike, BlackHeart Bike Co has put out a Craigslist Missed Connection in hopes to find that right dealer out there.Take a look.BlackHeart Bike Co Missed ConnectionsYoung bike company seeks meaningful relationship with independent, community-driven bike shop. Hey! You are the independent, community-driven bike shop on the sunny corner with the cute dog sitting out front. We were the young bike company that came by but didnt want to be too forward. Weve met countless bike shops over the years that were always looking for the next quick sale.But then we sawyou.It was clear you put in the work for long-term commitment valuing community, conversations, dialing in every detail for pros while taking the time to explain the basics to new folks, and helping to write love stories between rider and machine.Did you see us too?In a world of big bike brands going all in on direct-to-consumer models telling you one thing on Sunday and then pushing online sales on Monday you wont find any commitment issues here. Were different. Were that rare brand that doesnt just talk the talk we own our own independent shop (Luft Los Angeles) and designed our updated B2B programbecausewe know what you need: better margins, no minimums, exclusive territory, and inside marketing support.Take a chance.BlackhHeart Bike Co. was built on the belief that riding is not just exercise; its an expression of who you arem how you ride, and who you want to be. The updated dealer program is about investing in community-first retailers to restorethe heart of cycling.Will you be our Valentine? PS: If this is you, hit us up at hello@blackheartbikeco.comBut SeriouslyWhy should you be a BlackHeart Dealer?We build a cycling culture free from unwritten rules and pressures to conformTimeless, simple, and responsible bikes that work better for 90% of cycling enthusiastsCompetitive dealer pricing model with extended terms for select dealersIntelligent model year strategy with MAP protectionInside brand communication and supportCo-marketing and event support, including frameset giveawaysInquire about all things BlackHeart Bike Co. by hitting the link below. BlackHeartBikeCo.comThe post BlackHeart Bike Co. Craigslist Ad Looks to Hook Up w/ New Dealers on Valentines Day appeared first on Bikerumor.

The Tour de la Provence moved forward despite the freezing conditions at the summit finish of the Montagne de Lure, and it was America's very own Matthew Riccitello who took the win on what was his first in-race climbing challenge after joining Decathlon CMA CGM Team. It couldnt have gone better....

If your riding calendar swings wildly between fast group rides, big mountain exploration, and long gravel detours, youve probably felt the pain of choosing the right wheels for the day. For most of us, that wheelset is a bit of a unicorn. It should be light enough to glide up climbs, wide enough to accommodate a range of tire widths, and strong enough not fold under a good gravel day. Bonus if that wheelset doesnt cost as much as a mid-level road bike.Rolf Primas EOS AR wheelset hits three out of the four of those marks.(All photos/Jordan Villella)What Are They? Rolf Prima EOS AR WheelsThe Rolf Prima EOS AR (all-road) wheels are the Eugene brands flagship all-road wheelset. Designed to take on most that the road (and some gravel) can throw at you without overreaching into a single category. The EOS AR has all the trademarks youd expect from a Rolf Prima wheelset: brand-defining paired spokes, classic graphics (everyone knows theyre Rolfs anyway), and high-flange hubs. Each Rolf Prima wheelset is hand-built in Eugene, Oregon, and the EOS AR is no different.Doesnt Rolf already have an all-road wheelset? They do; the Aeres4 AR is another AR Rolf wheelset, but it lacks the high-end trimmings of the EOS. On paper, they have nearly the same rim: 40mm deep, 31mm external, and 25mm internal. But its the build, hubs, and price that set the two apart. If were splitting hairs, Rolf also has another all-road wheelset; the Hyalite Carbon. But looking at the offering on the Rolf site and seeing the all road ahead, I can imagine these will all be absorbed into one wheelset line moving forward.Hands On Classic Rolf Styling Lets start with the rim. The EOS AR centers on a 40mm-deep carbon rim with a modern 25mm internal width and a 31mm external width with a hooked design. Rolf claims the EOS AR can accomdate tire widths from 28mm-50mm, with a sweet spot in the middle. I found this to be mostly true; the 31mm external width covers the excess of the bead well, but doesnt really cut it up to 50mm. For 50mm I would rather have a 29mm internal or something that doesnt squeeze the tire profile into a light bulb shape. However, the middle (30-45mm) widths are where the EOS AR shines more on that in the ride review.The 40mm rim depth is the standard for all road and all-around aero road wheels, but Rolf has quietly offered this depth for many years. Now, however, with the slightly wider internals and a finishing package thatss drool-worthy, they have a true top-end contender. The EOS AR is deep enough to offer meaningful aero gains on the road, but wide enough to properly support larger rubber for comfort and control. Plus, that 3mm wide rim bead can take some hits from gravel, potholes, and what have you, and still hit the group ride the next day.Whats The Weight?Our set came in at 1,400 grams (front 634g, rear 766g). The weight isnt as impressive as some of the featherweight climbing wheels on the market. However, they ride like a much lighter wheel. The EOS AR 16 paired spoke design helps keep rotational weight down and gives the wheels a smooth spin-up on climbs.Real Talk Can Paired Spokes Cut It?Rolf Primas hallmark paired-spoke design remains a defining feature. With just 16 spokes front and rear, the setup looks minimalist, but ride quality tells a different story. I had many friends ask me whether these wheels would hold up with only 16 paired spokes, given the rides we took them on.Now, Ive ridden Rolf Prima wheels many times before, I raced them on the road (many years ago), and wrote about them for a while. Ive never had any issues with the paired-spoke design. Yes, they can be slightly tougher to treat when and if something knocks them out of true. The internal nipples mean that you cant throw them on a truing stand and quickly dial them in. But in the hands of a solid mechanic, youll be just fine.I had a pair of Rolf Prima tubular wheels that I raced for cyclocross for many seasons. They took unbelievable abuse; they only gave up with a ghost in a pile-up crash after someone stepped on the hub and broke the flange. I definitely dont think the paired spoke design is a weakness.The Build Rolf Prima EOS AR The Rolf Prima EOS AR wheels are definitely the top end of the brands all-road offering. The price reflects this at a cool $3,099; these wheels are going into do I just buy another bike? territory. But if youve done your research and know what you want, these wheels offer lots of top-end trimmings. (Our review wheelset came with a swappable freehub from White Industry.)The XST 7.0 hubs are a highlight and are a White Industry design. Rolf uses Enduro XD-15 ceramic bearings paired with their high-engagement T2 drive system and a titanium freehub body.A note on Enduro XD-15 ceramic bearings. The Enduro XD-15 ceramic bearings are among the most resilient Ive ever used. Ive had them in bottom-bracket and pulley-wheel form on many bikes, and they seem to get faster with age. They, however, are not cheap (usually around $500 for a full wheelset), so Rolf Prima specing this on a wheel is advantageous for those who know.Durability is also a focus here. The hubs come with a Cerakote finish that looks like a matte grey but shows neat flecks in the sun. The Cerakote finish is more than an aesthetic upgrade; it resists corrosion and wear. Something that you wont see right away, but after many rides (and maybe years on the wheels), they should be the same as when you unwrapped them. These feel like hubs built for years of use rather than a few seasons of racing.Rolf Prima EOS AR Wheelset Tech SpecsClaimed wheelset weight: ~1,385 g, Front: ~610 g, Rear: ~775 gRim construction: Carbon clincher, tubeless-readyRim depth: 40 mmInternal rim width: 25 mmExternal rim width: 31 mmBrake compatibility: Disc brake, Center LockSpoke count: 16 front / 16 rearSpoke type: Sapim CX-Ray bladed spokesHub model: Rolf Prima XST 7.0 Center Lock hubsHub coating: Ballistic armor finish for durabilityDrive engagement: T2 high-engagement freehub systemBearings: Enduro XD-15 ceramic bearingsAxle Compatibility: 12 mm, 15 mm, and QR-compatible options, 12142 mm, and QR-compatible optionsFreehub Options: Shimano HG 10/11-speed, SRAM XDR 11/12-speed, Campagnolo 11/12-speed/N3WPrice: $3,099Made in the USAHow Do They Ride?Most, if not all, of the time on the Rolf EOS AR wheels, I spent on the road with a pair of 30mm tires. Im a big fan of the 30mm tire; its big enough for exploring and fast enough for racing.Having come off a set of 60mm deep wheels, my first rides on the Rolf Prima EOS AR felt like flying. I paired them with a set of Challenge Elite TLR tires, and I felt like I was riding tublars again. Not only because the Challenge tires can feel that way, but because the wheel felt so light and springy. But the wheels were also stiff. It surprises me every time I ride them, but the Rolf wheels are stiff and responsive. The spoke tension is fairly high on those 16 paired spokes, but still, that stiffness doesnt translate to a harsh ride.(A round but not flat-looking profile of the 30mm Challenge Elite pairs well with the 25mm internal width of the EOS AR. Photo/Jordan Villella)On terrain that would constitute an all-road greatest hits, I took the EOS AR through the paces. The rough gravel that connects flowing farm scenery and the odd double track that cuts out some dangerous high-traffic roads. The EOS AAR performed excellently. The responsiveness of the wheels is a notable sensation. Whether sitting or standing, the wheel felt light and easy to spin. On the open road with loads of wind, I never felt as much as a twitch out of them. Granted 40mm isnt really that deep, but confidence in having a steady wheel in the cross winds is a luxuary.As for the chattery chewed-up bits of road, the EOS AR held its own. They dont feel like super supple gravel wheels with a 25- or 30mm depth, but they arent harsh either. Its a nice mix of solid feedback and rounding off the rough edge.Who Are They For?This is the tricky part. Are the Rolf Prima EOS AR the one wheel to rule them all for your style, or are they a set that only comes out for special occasions? I see them as the only wheel needed for many performance riders. That said, the price is a heavy lift for most and puts them out of the affordable territory by a few thousand dollars.However, if you believe (and I do) that you can eliminate a few wheelsets from your garage and replace them with one, that makes the price worth it.Theyre fast enough to matter on pavement and tough enough to trust when the route turns questionable. If your riding style refuses to pick a single surface, the EOS AR might be the last wheel upgrade you need for a long time.Rolfprima.comThe post Rolf Prima EOS AR Wheels Review: One Wheelset, No Wrong Roads appeared first on Bikerumor.

The 2026 Tour de la Provence will take place from the 13th to the 15th of February, giving continuation to the French stage-racing calendar and also returning to the mountains, where the race has in the past seen notable performances. We preview stage 3, which is estimated to start and finish at 11:...

Matthew Riccitello has started his time with Decathlon CMA CGM Team perfectly and this afternoon he won stage 2 of the Tour de la Provence. The queen stage saw INEOS Grenadiers in control, but the French team ultimately had the strongest rider on the day. The stage took place as initially planned,...

UAE Team Emirates - XRG have taken their second win of the day (atfer Marc Soler won the GC at the Vuelta a Murcia) at the Figueira Champions Classic, as defending champion Antnio Morgado has soared to a second consecutive win in Figueira da Foz - this time around beating Alex Aranburu in a two-rid...

The first Portuguese race of the year, the Figueira Champions Classic is taking place today.The race comes as a precursor to the Volta ao Algarve, which will begin next week. It features a hilly terrain, with a final circuit in which two short but very steep climbs will be passed that provide excel...

Stage 2 of the Vuelta a Murcia has been cut and neutralized. After the strong winds completely blew the opening stage apart, after most of it was already cut; even worst consequences have surged from the second day of racing. Stage 1 of the race was cut to a mere 83 kilometers, and the race neverth...

From the 16th to the 22nd of February, the peloton will be in the Middle East for what is the second World Tour stage-race of the season: the UAE Tour. The race, characterized by its flat stages and hot weather, will once again host some of the world's very best. We preview the race ahead. The race...