Spot Bikes recently introduced the 3rd generation of its hardtail mountain bike, the Rocker 3. Spot tells us that it completely redesigned the carbon frame to improve its ride quality and enhance capability while maintaining the light weight and efficiency its predecessors were known for. Like the previous versions, the Rocker 3 is adaptable for different drivetrain configurations, including single-speed belt drive and geared setups. Lets check it out.Spot Rocker 3 DetailsAccording to Spot, ride feel was one of the main priorities in the Rocker 3s redesign. So, they set out to design a hardtail with the upsides of titanium and steel without the downsides, including heavier weight. They say that the new Rocker 3 has been designed from the ground up, and it goes back in time to take its biggest leap forward.From the ArchivesSpot says it pulled some of its favorite steel and titanium frames out of storage and put them on their testing equipment in an effort to quantify what makes metal bikes ride the way they do. According to Spot, We recorded how the frames responded to loads in different directions: lateral, torsional, vertical compliance, pedaling stiffness, twist, and play. Where did they move, and how much? Where did they resist movement? We started putting numbers to feel.Metal Feel, Carbon WeightClearly, there is something they and many riders love about steel and titanium frames, and these tests allowed them to zero in on what gives them that unique ride feel and try to apply that to a carbon frame. Using advanced carbon modeling and precision layups, Spot says they were able to design and manipulate every part of the frame to their exact specifications to create the performance they were after.Ultimately, they claim this approach makes it possible to have our cake and eat it, too. Spot says the Rocker combines the response, precision, low weight, and vibration damping of carbon, with the forgiveness, traction, and natural movement we loved about our best hardtails.Whats Changed?According to Spot, updates to the frame design include a smaller diameter downtube and a slimmer, lower top tube. These changes combine to reduce the stiffness of the front triangle, allowing it to twist, splay, and move more naturally beneath the rider.At the back of the bike, Spot says its scalloped chainstay shape enhances vertical compliance and comfort while remaining laterally stiff. The seat stays get progressively thinner as they approach the seat tube, with a distinctive kinked shape that gives them room to flex vertically.While those changes combine to increase frame compliance and forgiveness, theyve done the opposite in other areas. Spot says to increase pedaling stiffness, material was added to the non-drive chainstay. Thats one of the advantages of working with carbon fiber: the ability to fine-tune the design and construction to create the desired performance characteristics.Overlay showing the geometry of the Rocker 2 (red) vs. the Rocker 3 (beige).GeometryAccording to Spot, while redesigning the Rockers frame, they revisited and updated its geometry. They tell us that it is longer, lower, and slacker than its predecessor. Its not a massive departure from the Rocker 2, but the head tube angle has relaxed from 67 to 66.4 (120mm fork), and reach measurements have grown by 5mm across all sizes 475mm on a large frame. Bottom bracket drop has increased/lowered by 12mm to 62mm.One of the biggest differences is in rear center lengths. They still offer 15mm of length adjustment, but the minimum and maximum lengths have been reduced by 12mm. Now, riders can choose between rear centers as short as 426mm, as long as 441mm, or anywhere in between. It comes in four frame sizes: S-XL.Drivetrain OptionsAs with the two previous generations, the Rocker 3 is compatible with belt-drive singlespeed and geared drivetrain setups. The Rocker 3 has a new dropout design that allows for the aforementioned 15mm of rear center length adjustment. It features larger clamping screws for a more robust connection, as well as a locking tensioning system for enhanced axle security. Additionally, they say that removing the wheel wont impact the chainstay adjustment, belt tension, or brake alignment.Now, with the updated dropouts, Spot says the full range of chainstay adjustments is available to geared builds with a UDH dropout compatible with conventional derailleurs and SRAM Full Mount drivetrains. Of course, Spot Bikes has been evangelizing, innovating, and patenting belt-drive technology for years, and the Rocker 3s adjustable dropouts still make it easy to tension a belt. But now, Spot has taken belt security and retention a step further with its Spotter system.Spot SpotterWith the Rocker 3, Spot is also introducing the Spotter, a unique belt retention system. The Spotter is a small guide positioned below the belt at the rear sprocket. Under normal riding conditions, it sits just clear of the belt. In cases where the belt begins to climb away from the sprocket, such as during hard compressions, for example, the Spotter limits the belts movement and keeps it engaged.Spot says the enhanced belt security of the Spotter allowed them greater freedom when designing the Rocker 3 to achieve their desired flex and compliance goals. Frame flex and belt retention are no longer mutually exclusive. Spot says that knowing the Spotter is there when needed also allows them to run smaller sprockets to maximize ground clearance. By moving from a 46 x 28 combination to a more compact 42 x 26, we gain about 7mm while keeping the overall ratio nearly identical.Other DetailsThe Rocker 3 frame has a threaded 73mm bottom bracket shell. Cable routing is internal with guided sleeves for ease of maintenance and rattle-free riding. The drive side chainstay also features molded rubber protection to keep chain noise to a minimum. Additionally, they added ISCG tabs so riders can run a bash guard if desired.Build OptionsThe Rocker 3 is available in two colors: Aspen Glow or Talus Grey. It can be purchased as a frameset, or in three complete builds in singlespeed or geared drivetrain configurations. The frameset goes for $2,999 and weighs a claimed 3.3 pounds in size medium.Rocker 3 4-Star: Singlespeed $4,099, Geared $4,399Fork: RockShox SID Select, 120mmDrivetrain:Singlespeed: SRAM S1000 Eagle cranks, Gates CDX Centertrack / 42t front 26t rearGeared: SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission 12-speedBrakes: SRAM Motive V2 Bronze 4-piston, w/180/160mm HS2 rotorsWheels: DT Swiss M1900 Spline 29Tires: Schwalbe Rick Evo, XC Pro, Speedgrip, 29x2.4Cockpit: Race Face Aeffect stem and Aeffect R handlebarSeatpost: Bike Yoke ReviveWeight (size M): Singlespeed: 23.7 lbsGeared: 25.8 lbsThe Rocker 3 with the 6-Star Singlespeed build in Aspen Glow.Rocker 3 5-Star: Singlespeed $4,599, Geared $4,899Fork: RockShox SID Ultimate, 120mmDrivetrain:Singlespeed: SRAM S1000 Eagle cranks, Gates CDX Centertrack / 42t front 26t rearGeared: SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission 12-speedBrakes: SRAM Motive V2 Bronze 4-piston, w/180/160mm HS2 rotorsWheels: DT Swiss XM 1700 29Tires: Schwalbe Rick Evo, XC Pro, Speedgrip, 29x2.4Cockpit: Race Face Aeffect stem and OneUp Alloy handlebarSeatpost: Bike Yoke ReviveWeight (size M): Singlespeed: 23.0 lbs Geared: 25.4 lbsRocker 3 6-Star: Singlespeed $6.999, Geared $7,299Fork: RockShox SID Ultimate, 120mmDrivetrain:Singlespeed: SRAM XX SL Eagle cranks, Gates CDX Centertrack / 42t front 26t rearGeared: SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS Transmission 12-speedBrakes: SRAM Motive V2 Ultimate 4-piston, w/180/160mm CLX Centerlock rotorsWheels: Zipp 1ZERO HITOP SW 29Tires: Schwalbe Rick Evo, XC Pro, Speedgrip, 29x2.4Cockpit: Race Face Aeffect stem and OneUp Carbon V2 handlebarSeatpost: RockShox Reverb AXSWeight (size M): Singlespeed: 21.1 lbsGeared: 22.6 lbsThe Rocker 3 with the 6-Star Geared build in Talus GreyAvailabilityThe new Spot Rocker 3 is available to preorder now, with shipping starting in November. Head to the Spot website to learn more or place an order.spotbikes.com

Primoz Roglic isn't ready to call time on his stellar career just yet, at least that's according to his wife,Lora Rogli-Klinc. The Slovenian turns 37 later this year and has not yet confirmed that he will continue riding after making an honest admission after Il Lombardia. The Red bull - BORA Hans...

In a world increasingly flooded with AI-generated imagery, we're doubling down on the real thing. Issue 17 of The Bikepacking Journal celebrates human creativity with commissioned artwork, hand-illustrated maps, and a beautiful poster-sized print. We're excited to share a sneak peek. Find out what's coming and learn how to reserve your copy before the October 17th deadline hereThe post Theres No AI in Print: A Peek at The Bikepacking Journal 17 appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Leo Hayter will remain with Modern Adventure Pro Cycling for the 2027 season, extending his stay with the American team after a promising but injury-disrupted first year. The British rider returned to racing in July following a back problem and recorded two professional podium finishes before perica...

Jeppe Corfitzen once looked destined for a career in professional football. The Danish winger had emerged as one of Lecces most promising young players in Italy, but three anterior cruciate ligament injuries and seven operations eventually forced him to abandon that ambition at just 21. He is now s...

A group of ten mechanical engineering students from ETH Zurich in Switzerland recently created what they are calling the AutoBike. It is designed to function like a normal bike while riding, with the capability to drive itself to a bike-share station as needed. These students developed the AutoBike from a concept to a working prototype capable of fully autonomous runs in a span of just nine months. They believe it could be game changing for the bike share industry.The team of mechanical engineering students behind the AutoBike.What Problem Does AutoBike Solve?According to Markus Bacher, the CEO of PubliBike, Switzerlands largest bike-sharing system, Redistributing the bikes is one of our biggest operational challenges. One-way trips and popular routes can often result in poor distribution of bikes, meaning that some stations are full while others are left empty. This leaves some riders unable to find bikes when they need them.To remedy this, bike share companies have traditionally relied on crews using vans to pick up and redistribute (aka. rebalancing) the bikes to spread them more evenly throughout their service areas. Not only is this time-consuming, but it also adds labor and vehicle costs to the equation. Not to mention, in some areas, bike share companies can be fined for poor bike distribution. According to information provided by the folks at AutoBike, the estimated per-year running cost of just one bike-share bike is roughly 2,200 CHF or $2,780 USD, and roughly 30% of that is spent on redistribution.Given that all bikes will still need maintenance and e-bikes will still need charging or battery swaps, AutoBike will not completely negate the need for bike-share companies to have employees. But they believe it could help to reduce costs significantly with fewer man-hours and vehicles required to redistribute the bikes. Furthermore, they say better distribution results in greater bike availability, thereby reducing the number of bikes, potentially by half, needed in a bike-share fleet to serve the same number of riders.How Does It Work?According to the folks behind the AutoBike, it rides just like a normal bike-share bike. The autonomous steering and braking modules are hidden within the frame, and the retractable support wheels fold up and away for normal riding. Riders take the bike where they need to go and park it like any other bike share. The difference is, the AutoBike can then drive itself where it is needed.Once parked, the retractable wheels deploy to balance the bike when stopped or when moving on its own. It uses 360 LiDAR to map its surroundings, including people and other obstacles, and navigate a safe path around them. The steering and braking modules are integrated discreetly into the downtube of the frame, with the bikes computer, battery, and safety systems stored in a compact box above/around the rear wheel. It is designed to move at a walking pace when self-driving. Check out the video below to see it in action.Are Autonomous Bikes Legal?Autonomous vehicles are becoming increasingly common, but their legality varies by location. According to AutoBike: In Switzerland, the Ordinance on Automated Driving has allowed driverless vehicles since 1 March 2025, on routes approved by the canton and supervised remotely by an operator (ASTRA). We are in contact with ASTRA about how this applies to AutoBike. Rules differ from country to country, which is why we start on private grounds and in approved zones.How Much $ Could It Save?The AutoBike is designed for and aimed squarely at the bike-share market. The folks behind it believe that it could reduce fleet size and significantly reduce the per-bike running cost for bike-share companies. On its website, AutoBike even has a savings calculator that companies can use to estimate the potential savings of using its autonomous bike technology.Coming to a City Near You?Dont expect to see your city streets filled with bike-shares that are driving themselves around just yet. The AutoBike is currently just a working research prototype. That said, AutoBike says now that its autonomous test drives have been completed, they are currently talking to potential partners about running pilot programs. Interested parties can head to the AutoBike website to learn more or get in touch.autobike.ethz.ch

Paul Seixas has won this weekend's edition of Il Lombardia, becoming the youngest ever winner of the Italian monument and taking over the race after Tadej Pogacar had won it for five consecutive editions. On the CyclingUpToDate Podcast, Rben Silva and Gavin Quinn have discussed the Frenchman's perf...

Today, MET introduces the Parachute MCR 2, the 2nd generation of its convertible full-face mountain bike helmet. Like the previous version, the Parachute MCR 2 plays double duty as both a half-shell and full-face, but MET says its design has evolved to keep up with the changing demands of riders and the sport. It carries over some of the features of the original, including the MCR (Magnetic Chinguard Release), but MET claims that it is more ventilated, lighter, and safer than its predecessor.MET Parachute MCR 2 DetailsConvertible mountain bike helmets have been around for years and are a versatile option for riders seeking one helmet for all of their riding. That was the idea behind the original Parachute MCR, and it continues with the 2nd-generation MCR 2. Its a lightweight, airy open-face half-shell for the climbs or mellower trail rides, and it converts quickly and easily to a full-face for more coverage and confidence when gravity takes over.Safety is ScienceThe original Parachute MCR came out back in 2019, and seven years is a very long lifespan for any mountain bike product. MET recognized this and gave the 2nd generation a major overhaul to keep up with the ever-evolving sport of mountain biking. MET says the Parachute MCR 2 was born around the concept of Safety is Science, an approach that starts in our own lab.According to MET, this scientific approach included conducting and analyzing 823 impacts in its own lab during its development. To learn more about METs test lab, check out this article. Beyond its own impact testing, the Parachute MCR 2 carries CE, CPSC, and ASTM DH certifications, plus the NTA-8776 e-bike certification. Additionally, they tell us the removable chin guard exceeds ASTM deflection limits by 40-50% and provides a balance of stiffness and controlled energy absorption.Inside, the Parachute MCR 2 is equipped with Mips Air Node Pro rotational impact protection system. This low-profile, lightweight Mips system is integrated into the padding and is intended to enhance safety while remaining unobtrusive, quiet, and having little to no impact on ventilation. MET tells us they are waiting on the official data from the Virginia Tech helmet test lab, but their in-house testing makes them hopeful for a 5-Star rating.Magnetic Chinguard Release (MCR)The Parachute MCRs namesake Magnetic Chinguard Release (MCR) system carries over from its predecessor, allowing for quick and easy conversion between half-shell and full face modes. MET says this proprietary attachment system has been redesigned for improved ergonomics with gloves. In addition to the magnetic chinguard, the chinstrap is also secured with a convenient Fidlock magnetic buckle.Improved VentilationThe Parachute MCR 2 features 24 vents with optimized internal air channels. According to MET, testing in the wind tunnel showed a 25% improvement in ventilation compared to its predecessor.Safe-T Heta Fit SystemThe Parachute MCR 2 comes in three shell sizes, S, M, and L, claimed to fit riders between 52 and 61cm. METs Safe-T Heta Fit System is incorporated to dial in the fit for each individuals head. Similar to most helmets on the market these days, this system offers circumferential adjustment for tension around the head, along with some vertical adjustability to optimize its position on the occipital lobe. MET says this system provides a secure and stable fit in both full-face and half-shell modes.Super VisorThe Parachute MCR 2s visor is adjustable to make room for goggles and eyewear underneath. That includes space for sunglasses stashed in the integrated sunglasses ports. Additionally, MET says that for added safety, the visor is designed to flex or detach under certain impacts.Lighter WeightMET claims an impressive weight reduction of 100 grams compared to its predecessor, with the Parachute MCR 2 coming in at 730 grams in size medium in full-face mode. All things being equal, a lighter helmet should theoretically be easier on the neck over the course of long rides or rough descents.Parachute MCR 2 SpecsWeight M size: 730g (full-face mode)Sizes: S (52-56cm) | M (56-58cm) | L (58-61cm)Certifications: NTA 8776 | ASTM 1952-15/2032-15 | CE | US | AS-NZColors: Sonic Blue, Tofu, BlackKey FeaturesIn-mould polycarbonate shell with EPS linerFull-wrap construction enhancing durabilityNTA 8776 certified for higher-energy impactASTM 1952-15/2032-15 certifiedMips Air Node Pro rotational management systemMCR Magnetic Chinbar Release system24 vents with optimized internal channelingFlexible and adjustable visor allowing goggle storageSafety-release visor detaches in the event of a crashIntegrated sunglasses portsOptimized fit: comfortable and secure internal shapePricing and AvailabilityThe new MET Parachute MCR 2 has a retail price of 370 | 330 | US $435. It officially launches today, but this new convertible lid wont be available for purchase until November. Head to the MET website to learn more and check availability in your region.met-helmets.com

Hats off to Michelle Roth, the first woman to complete the 2026 Arkansas High Country Race and the fourth-place finisher overall! Beyond taking the women's win, Michelle also set a new FKT for the singletrack variation of the challenging 1,020-mile route across the Natural State. Learn more here...The post Michelle Roth Wins 2026 Arkansas High Country Race! appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

CyclistPro Log: Ciccone signs for Pinarello Q36.5; Riders protest at Il Lombardia and Paris-Tours; Seixas becomes youngest ever winner of Il LombardiaWelcome back to another edition ofPro Log. Heres a rundown of the latest results before we get started:Il Lombardia, Sat 10th October:1st Paul Seixas, Decathlon CMA CGM, 5h 49min 28sec; 2nd Enric Mas, Movistar, +48sec; 3rd Giulio Ciccone, Lidl-Trek, +1min 05sec.Tour of Chongming Island, Overall, Sun 11th October:1st Lorena Wiebes, SD Worx-Protime, 8h 17min 17sec; 2nd Lara Gillespie, UAE Team LIMAD, +15sec; 3rd Clara Copponi, Lidl-Trek, +26sec.Paris-Tours Elite, Sun 11th October:1st Per Strand Hagenes, Visma-Lease a Bike, 4h 31min 46sec; 2nd Jasper Stuyven, Soudal Quick-Step, +02sec; 3rd Christophe Laporte, Visma-Lease a Bike, +02sec.Paris-Tours Espoirs, Sun 11th October:1st Hctor lvarez, Lidl-Trek Future Racing, 3h 57min 30sec; 2nd Mathias De Keersmaeker, +50sec; 3rd Antoine Basset, Bourg-en-Bresse Ain Cyclisme, +53sec.Giulio Ciccone signs for Pinarello-Q36.5A.S.O. Germany/Marcel HilgerThe most active team on the market this season continue their rampage as Pinarello Q36.5 have swooped in to sign Giulio Ciccone from Lidl-Trek.The Italian announced his departure from Lidl-Trek, where hed been since 2019, prior to Il Lombardia, his final race of the season, and hell join Tom Pidcock on a rapidly growing team that have added ten other new signings for 2027 so far including Mauro Schmid, Ethan Hayter and AJ August.Ciccone has had a strong season, with multiple podiums including at the recent European Championships road race and Il Lombardia, and he claimed the mountains classification at the Giro dItalia too. Hes been at the front of races throughout autumn, and will form a formidable hilly Classics partnership with Pidcock.Riders protest at Il Lombardia and Paris-ToursXavier Pereyron Riders delayed the start of Il Lombardia and Paris-Tours this weekend in order to highlight concerns over a lack of safety in races. The protest at Il Lombardia was first, delaying the racing by five minutes, with multiple riders posting a statement surrounding safety on social media in a united front.The peloton remained still as the flag dropped, and Remco Evenepoel was handed a microphone to get the message across: We lost the life of a brother and of a colleague, so we want to make this statement to show to the world that we cannot keep accepting the fact that guys are getting injured or literally dying in what we like the most to do. This is why we want to spend five minutes [remaining still] to make our statement towards organisations, to the public, to everybody that is following cycling, because we cannot accept the fact that people are dying.To the organisers who organise races in the future, please make sure that we can race safely, and that we can just do what we like to do without being worried about cars, motorbikes, all that stuff, coming into the course.Finlay Tarling died at the Volta a Portugal in August after he was struck by a non-race vehicle that had got onto the course on a descent. In September, Louis Leidert of Lidl-Trek Future Racing faced two cars on the road in close succession while time-trialling in Germany on the opening stage of Sauerlandrundfahrt. In October, a delivery van driver drove between groups of riders at Coppa Bernocchi, and at Tre Valli Varesine, a police motorbike drove the wrong way down the course and hitMarcel Camprub and Tom Gloag of the Pinarello Q36.5 team.At Paris-Tours on Sunday, the day after Il Lombardia, Dorian Godon acted as the spokesperson to double down on Evenepoels message.Paul Seixas wins Il LombardiaXavier PereyronAt just 20 years of age, Paul Seixas became the youngest ever winner of Il Lombardia on Saturday. The Frenchman distanced his rivals on the Civiglio, upping the pace until no one could hold on, and remained solo for the final 18km to win his first Monument just two weeks after his disappointment in the World Championships, where he cramped in the race finale.Behind, Vuelta winner Enric Mas finished second after distancing Giulio Ciccone, who finished third. A handful of riders retired from pro cycling at the final Monument of the season, including Pello Bilbao, who went out on a high by finishing seventh.Egan Bernal is unsure of his futureA.S.O./Charly LpezNetcompany Ineoss Egan Bernal has released a statement saying he plans to start the 2027 season but is unsure what the next few years hold for him. The Colombian is contracted through 2029 with the team, but it had been rumoured last week that he was considering retirement.Bernal took to social media to explain that he ended his season after his 20th place in the Tour de France, a race he won in 2019, to rest and recover the tranquillity that, he says, is sometimes lost with competing.I have had conversations with the team and we are all on the same page: I want to give myself the necessary time and space to face what comes with the same conviction and dedication that I have always had, he said. I dont know exactly what the next few years will hold for me, and I dont think I have to know everything right now either.For now, I want to enjoy the present, live this moment and let time put things in their place.Bernal suffered a life-threatening training crash in 2022 and has not returned to the Grand Tour-winning level he previously enjoyed, having to recover from almost 20 broken bones and undergoing multiple surgeries after the accident. Doctors described his chances of being paraplegic as 95%, but he recovered to return to racing that year in the Tour of Denmark. His first victories post-recovery came in 2025 as he doubled up in the road race and time-trial at the Colombian National Championships, and won Stage 16 of the Vuelta a Espaa.Lorena Wiebes dominates Tour of Chongming IslandSD Worx-ProtimeIn classic Lorena Wiebes fashion, SD Worx-Protimes star sprinter won all three stages of the Tour of Chongming Island, topping the general, mountains and points classifications in the process. UAEs Lara Gillespie twice finished second to Wiebes and came second on GC as a result, with Lidl-Treks Clara Copponi in third.The post Pro Log: Ciccone signs for Pinarello Q36.5; Riders protest at Il Lombardia and Paris-Tours; Seixas becomes youngest ever winner of Il Lombardia appeared first on Cyclist.