"We were both totally shocked, it didn't even occur to us that someone might take the bike because it is so big and heavy"

On the 27th of July both men and women tackle one of the most important races of the year. The Olympic Games begin and on this Saturday the best time-trialists go head to head in Paris to fight for the Olympic title. We preview the race ahead.The course in Paris is rather simple. Both men and women...

Continental, DT Swiss and Swiss Side have partnered to develop the Aero 111 a tubeless aerodynamic road racing tyre designed specifically for the front wheel.First spotted at the Tour de France but now officially launched, the design sees cavities in the tread function as vortex generators, which are said to help air stay attached to the front wheel, in order to improve aero efficiency and handling.While the tyre is optimised for use with DT Swiss ARC, AR and A, and ERC, ER and E wheels, Continental says it will provide a competitive advantage to riders using wheels from other brands, too.The tyre is available exclusively from online retailers Bike24 (Europe) and Competitive Cyclist (US), as well as direct from Swiss Side, costing 119.95 / $120.95.Setting a "new benchmark" in aero performanceThe Aero 111 tyre is designed for the front wheel only. - Continental / DT Swiss / Swiss SideThe Continental Aero 111 tyre features 48 cavities set within the tread, referred to as vortex generators, which the brand says are intended to help control the airflow as it passes over the front tyre and wheel.Developed with aerodynamics specialists Swiss Side, and using DT Swiss wheels to model performance, the pattern is said to trip the airflow, creating a more turbulent boundary layer (the layer of air closest to the surface of the rim).The air is then said to stay attached to the rim for longer, delaying flow separation and, in turn, maximising the sailing effect.We spotted the tyre at the 2024 Tour de France Grand Dpart in Florence. - George Scott / Our MediaFor context, the pursuit of more efficient aerodynamics is often centred on the idea of keeping air attached to the profiled body for longer when air becomes prematurely detached from the body (otherwise known as separation of flow), it creates a wake, which causes drag.The sailing effect is generally maximised when the airflow is controlled to the point where it creates a higher pressure zone behind the profiled body. The higher pressure then effectively pushes the body into the lower pressure area ahead of it.Wind tunnel testingContinental / DT Swiss / Swiss SideWhen mounted to a 62mm-deep DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut wheel (which has a 20mm internal rim width), DT Swiss says a 700 x 26c Aero 111 tyre is slightly more aerodynamically efficient compared to a 700 x 25c Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR tyre when exposed to 30kph winds at 0-10 degrees of yaw.Between 10-20 degrees of yaw, though, the Aero 111 tyre is claimed to be up to around 6 watts faster, which corresponds to an approximate -2.5 watt sailing effect, according to Continental.Continental / DT Swiss / Swiss SideTested at 45kph, the main benefit is seen at 15-20 degrees of yaw, delivering up to around 18 watts improvement (translating to an approximate -10 watt sailing effect), according to the testing figures provided.Tests were also conducted at 30kph using a 700 x 29c Aero 111 tyre mounted to a 45mm-deep DT Swiss ERC 1100 Dicut wheelset, compared to a 700 x 28c GP 5000 S TR tyre.Continental / DT Swiss / Swiss SideThe graph reveals similar aerodynamic performance up to around 7 degrees of yaw, after which up to 20 degrees of yaw the Aero 111 tyre is shown to be up to 4 watts more efficient.Continental / DT Swiss / Swiss SideTested against selected competitors from Schwalbe, ENVE, Vittoria, Cadex and Pirelli, the Aero 111 is also shown to be more efficient across the 0-20 degree yaw angle range.Again, this comes from the testing figures provided as part of the Aero 111 launch.The Schwalbe Pro One TLE (700 x 25c size) is the closest-performing tyre, overall, at 30kph, and the Cadex Aero Tubeless (also 700 x 25c size) closest at 45kph.Continental / DT Swiss / Swiss SideIts worth noting that, when asked, the brands wouldnt supply exact figures for the tests so all figures and comparisons stated (above and below) are extrapolated from the graphs supplied by the brands, with a margin for error.That said, Swiss Side confirms that all graphs display the aggregated results of multiple tests carried on a rolling wheel rig in Swiss Sides wind tunnel, and that further tests carried out on full bike setups corroborate the findings.Swiss Side also says tests have also been carried out on wheels with 20, 22 and 24mm internal rim widths, with similar trends seen.Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the tyre is developed with DT Swiss, its not disclosed what alternative wheels the Aero 111 tyre has been tested with.Improved handlingThe tyre is being used by the Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale team, paired to a GP 5000 S TR at the rear. - Tim de Waele / Getty ImagesThe brands also claim that the Aero 111 tyre brings improvements to bike handling, thanks, they say, to its ability to reduce the force of the air detaching from the wheel-tyre system, compared to a Continental GP 5000 S TR tyre.At both 30 and 45kph, the Aero 111 tyre is said to bring consistently-increasing steering moment force (measured in Newton-metres) from zero to +/- 20 degrees of yaw, rather than the sudden change typically seen with a GP 5000 S TR tyre.Continental / DT Swiss / Swiss SideIn this instance, a 700 x 26c Aero 111 tyre was fitted to the same DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut wheel, but pitched against a wider 700 x 28c GP 5000 S TR.Continental / DT Swiss / Swiss SideThe grey lines in the graphs show the sudden decrease of required steering force (shown to be around 10 degrees of yaw at 30kph, and 15 degrees of yaw at 45kph), effectively illustrating the moment at which the air typically detaches from the test wheel when using the GP 5000 S TR reference tyre.The brands say that this sudden change in force acting upon the wheel causes less stable handling, bringing about more steering corrections, and in turn forces the rider to slow down (or use a less aerodynamic position).GP 5000 S TR DNAThe Aero 111 tyre is said to have most in common with a Continental GP 5000 S TR in terms of construction. - Simon von Bromley / Immediate MediaContinental says the Aero 111 tyre uses the same technologies as its Grand Prix 5000 TR family of tyres, which includes the GP 5000 S TR, GP 5000 AS TR and GP 5000 TT TR.When asked, Continental confirmed that the tyre is most similar to the GP 5000 S TR in terms of construction, and that the tyre is suitable for use on both hooked and hookless rims.Continental says the Aero 111 tyre uses its BlackChili compound, contributing to low rolling resistance and exceptional grip in both wet and dry conditions, although it has been modified slightly to accommodate the vortex generators.While the brand doesnt offer any comparison with competitors, our own rolling resistance testing has showed the GP5000 S TR to be competitively efficient versus rival tyres, while offering good grip and suppleness on the road.Both the GP 5000 S TR and GP 5000 AS TR rate highly among competitors already. - Ashley Quinlan / Our MediaThe brand says its Active Comfort Technology also helps the tyre absorb vibrations, with a 2 x 220 TPI (thread-per-inch) casing.Ultimate expected tyre life isnt published, but the brands say that the tyre has been used for over 2,500km before any negative aerodynamic impact is seen from the worn vortex generators.The brands also say the Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale WorldTour team has been using the tyre in training since December 2023, with no negative reports (relative to the GP 5000 S TR tyre).A 700 x 26c tyre is said to weigh 250g, while a 700 x 29c tyre is quoted at 280g for comparison, weve weighed a 700 x 28c GP 5000 S TR tyre at 280.6g.Continental Aero 111 pricing and availabilityThe Aero 111 is being distributed in Europe and the US, with availability in the UK subject to import duties.The Continental Aero 111 tyre is available today, from Bike24 in Europe and Competitive Cyclist in the US, as well as from Swiss Side.The tyre is set to cost 119.95 / $120.95. Both 700 x 26 and 29c sizes come in a black sidewall only.UK customers are able to buy from Bike24 and Swiss Side (with the price subject to exchange rates and import duties from the EU).DT Swiss also offers the Aero 111 tyre with selected wheelsets (listed below) as part of a new wheel-tyre system for a 100 upcharge, fitted with a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) inner tube. A GP 5000 S TR tyre is fitted to the rear wheel.DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 80DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 62DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 50DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 38DT Swiss ARC 1400 Dicut 80DT Swiss ARC 1400 Dicut 62DT Swiss ARC 1400 Dicut 50DT Swiss ARC 1400 Dicut 38DT Swiss AR 1600 Spline 30DT Swiss A 1800 Spline 30DT Swiss ERC 1100 Dicut 45DT Swiss ERC 1100 Dicut 35DT Swiss ERC 1400 Dicut 45DT Swiss ERC 1100 Dicut 35DT Swiss ER 1600 Spline 30DT Swiss E 1800 Spline 30

The new Tour champion would need another 18 stages to beat Mark Cavendish's tally of 35

The UCI points scored during the Tour de France have been added to the rankings and the standings have changed quite a bit. However at the top that is not the case as yellow jersey winner Tadej Pogacar has extended his lead even more and only one rider has more than half the points of the UAE Team E...

WTB has refreshed its gravel tyre range, offering new width options for established models and introducing the semi-slick Vulpine S its fastest gravel tyre yet. The brand has also added the Macro 2.4 to its mountain bike tyre line-up.WTB Resolute 50The Resolute is designed for use in all conditions. - WTBThe new 50mm-wide Resolute is designed for all-weather riding.WTB says the gravel tyre is a good option for riders who dont want to swap between condition-specific tyres.Square knobs are said to provide consistent performance on a variety of surfaces and terrain.The centre tread is tightly packed to aid rolling resistance, while WTB has left areas on the mid-tread free to aid mud shedding.The tyre's round profile is said to increase cornering ability on loose and hardpack terrain.The Resolute 50 features an aggressive tread pattern. - WTBThe tyre uses the brand's SG2 protection layer. This extends from bead to bead to fend off punctures.The tyre is available with either black or tan sidewall tyres.The Resolute 50 is available now for 65 / $69.95 / 59.95.WTB Vulpine 45The Vulpine 45 is designed to be used in mixed conditions. - Nick Clark / Our MediaThe Vulpine 45 features a semi-slick tread. The largely uninterrupted centerline of knobs is claimed to provide low rolling resistance. The rest of the tyre is covered with a tightly packed tread, which WTB says gives predictable cornering traction on many surfaces.The tread pattern features many small knobs. - WTBThe updated Vulpine also features the brand's SG protection. As the name suggests, the tyre is only available in a 45mm width.The Vulpine 45 is priced at 65 / $69.95 / 59.95.WTB Vulpine S 40/45The Vulpine 45 is said to be WTB's fastest gravel tyre. - WTBThe Vulpine S 40/45 is an all-new option with a fully slick centreline tread.This slick piece of tread decreases rolling resistance while the round tire profile and tightly-spaced knobs provide predictable cornering traction on hardpack terrain.The slick centre line should reduce drag. - WTBWTB says this is the fastest gravel tyre it makes.The tyre is available in 40mm or 45mm options.Like the regular Vulpine, it's priced at 65 / $69.95 / 59.95.WTB Macro 2.4WTB says the Macro 2.4 is grippy and fast rolling. - WTBOnly available in a 2.4in option, the Macro is a new cross-country tyre with a dynamic tread pattern", pairing a tightly packed tread on the centreline that decreases in density towards the shoulder.WTB claims the tread on the centreline offers unmatched speed and braking traction. The wider spacing at the edges aids mud shedding.Larger lugs on the side of the tyre provide increased traction in the corners. WTB says the rounded profile gives a smooth transition as you pitch in and rail through turns.The shoulder knobs are very widely spaced. - WTBPunture protection comes in the form of WTBs SG tech.Flat fibres are used in the sidewall instead of traditional round fibres. WTB says this enables it to tune the ride characteristics more accurately,WTB says the Macro measures a true 2.4in and weighs 732g.The tyre has a black or tan wall casing for 75 / $76.95 / 69.95.

We are currently in the middle of the 2023-2025 UCI Rankings cycle, which will decide the 18 teams that will be attributed a World Tour license from the 2026 season onwards. Whilst UAE Team Emirates largely dominates the rankings, at the bottom the Tour de France has not seen life get any easier for...

Further to yesterdays post, in which I pushed George Plimptons Y-Foil a.k.a. The Charity Ride Destroyer to its very limits (or at least gently nudged it towards the general vicinity in which it limits might presumably be found)you may have noted that the bike has rather a tall fork crown, which Paul of Classic Cycle has compared to high-waisted jeans:I had just assumed the frame must require an unusually proportioned fork because the frame is optimized for aerodynamics and blah blah blah, but according to Y-Foil nerds on the Internet its because Trek designed the bike to be compatible with a suspension fork:Today of course gravel bike suspension forks are becoming increasingly common, Lob help us:[My gravel bike suspension fork buyers guide: Dont.]But like so many other ideas in cycling that are currently popular, this is nothing new, and for awhile there riders were even deploying them at Paris-Roubaix:Anyway, if what Ive read is true and the Y-Foil is indeed suspension-corrected, this adds an entirely new dimension to its dorkiness, and its becoming increasingly clear to me that when it comes to fully comprehending the nature and magnitude of its dorkitude Ive only just barely begun to make out its contours in the fog.Also further to yesterdays post, my thoroughly scientific testing confirmed that George Plimptons Y-Foil a.k.a. The Charity Ride Destroyer is indeed faster than The Ultimate Dad Bike:Exhilarated by the thrill of discovery, I resolved to speed-test yet another bike. But which? La Faggin con Spinerghese? The Cervino with its pro-quality tubular tires and cutting-edge componentry from 1982? But testing yet more road racing bikes just seemed like splitting hairs. Then it hit me: why not try something different, like the Homer?Setting out, I knew the Homer would be slower than both the Mond and the Foil. The real question was: How much slower would it be? So I strapped on a pair of sandals and hit the road. The result?Yeah, thats right: while the Homer was slower than the Y-Foil, it beat the LeMond by 15 seconds.How could this be?!? How could the Homer, complete with full fenders, touring tires, a headlight sitting out there in the wind, and 36-spoke wheels (well 36 rear, 32 front) perform nearly identically to the featherweight LeMond with its minimally-spoked ultralight race wheels? Well, I have a few theories:Jan Heine is right and wider tires are faster (even when theyre rugged Schwalbes with reflective sidewalls and not supple Heinian tires)Due to the aforementioned wider tires, plus the bikes inherent stability thanks to its long wheelbase, I was able to ride faster over the rough sections of the bike path where the roots are forcing the pavement to buckleThe Homer is more comfortable, and so I was able to spend more time in the dropsWhile I honestly thought the Homer would be measurably slower, once I got started maybe I subconsciously hoped for an upset and thus made more of an effort without realizing itIronically the handlebars on the Homer are narrower than the bars on both the Y-Foil and the LeMond, so maybe handlebar width is even more important than stuff like spoke count, which would certainly explain why the pros are riding such narrow bars these daysAs an old, out-of-shape, and balding semi-professional bike blogger, I simply do not ride fast enough to realize any of the benefits of aerodynamic bicycle equipmentI think each one of these theories has merit, but ultimately I suspect its that last one that explains like most of whats going on here.

Merida is focusing on fun times and value with its updated Big.Trail range of hardtails.The trail hardtail is often ignored, with high-tech, super-specced full-suspension rigs stealing the limelight. However, with far fewer moving parts, the hardtail shouldn't be overlooked, especially if youre looking for grins that dont cost the earth.Meridas refreshed Bike.Trail 29er bikes aim to provide those smiles, without you needing to visit the bank manager.The new bike range has updated geometry with longer reach, slacker head angles and steeper seat angles, as well as sensible tyre choices and a sturdy 140mm-travel fork.Refined chassisReady to get shreddy. - Ian Linton / MeridaThe Big Trail's alloy frame has been built with trail performance in mind, according to Merida, thanks to a modern shape that shouldnt baulk at steep and technical terrain.However, Merida has given a nod to versatility, recognising that many people will want a bike to do numerous jobs.This means at the back there are hidden rack and mudguard (fender) mounts, and even kickstand mounts for cross-town jaunts. There are also attachment points for Merida's large MTB fender, borrowed from the brand's One.Forty and One.Sixty models. This bolts directly onto the rear seatstay brace.Merida is confident in the chassis abilities, with the frame rated to Category 4, meaning you can race enduro on it.Merida's extended rear fender can be bolted straight into the frame via these holes in the rear brace. - Ian Linton / MeridaMod consSRAM's Univeral Derailleur Hanger sits at the back of the bike, ready to accept a SRAM Transmission direct-mount rear derailleur, or offer up easy replacement if you bend a traditional derailleur hanger. An ISCG05 mount wraps around the threaded BB shell.Theres chunky chainstay protection, to reduce chainslap noise, which can be distracting on the trail. Its made from two materials a rigid plastic that means theres no glue required to attach it to the bike, and a softer rubber that dampens noise, bolstered by air pockets to ensure a silent ride.The Boost-spaced rear end can accept up to 2.4in tyres, mounted to Meridas own 30mm internal-width rims.Cables enter the frame via the headset. - Ian Linton / MeridaInternal routingPerhaps the most obvious feature of the cockpit, at least in the absence of clutter, is the Wire Port, Meridas system of running cables and hoses into the down tube, via the headset. This includes a two-piece headset cover, made for Merida by Acros, which is claimed to provide impressive durability thanks to its sophisticated seals.Want to carry loads on the bike, rather than your back? Theres space for two bottles (Merida claims the Long and XLong frame sizes can carry two 700ml bottles, while even the XShort can take one 700ml and one 500ml) plus a mount under the top tube to attach tools and a tube.This is in addition to Meridas multi-tool stashed under the saddle.Sorted shapeMerida's Big.Trail range is built for laughs on the trail, with modern geometry, powerful brakes and grippy rubber. - Ian Linton / MeridaThe Big.Trails geometry is defined by Meridas Agilometer philosophy. Rather than small/medium/large frames, Merida dub their sizes from XShort to XLong, across five sizes.While the previous Big.Trail reviewed as part of our 2024 Budget Mountain bike of the Year test wasnt old-school in its shape, with a 65.5-degree head angle and 435mm reach in a Medium, Merida has grown the Big.Trail further.The head angle has slackened by 1.5 degrees to a raked-out 64 degrees, while reach figures have increased a Mid size has a reach of 455mm, 20mm longer than the previous-generation Medium model.We love to see little aesthetic details. - Ian Linton / MeridaSeat tubes are designed to be short this allows for longer-travel dropper posts, plus gives you the ability to pick a frame size on reach, rather than seat tube length.Seat tube angles are steepened to 76.5 degrees, from 75.5 degrees, while the bottom bracket sits 70mm below the axles nice and low. XshortShortMidLongXlong Seat tube angle (degrees)76.576.576.576.576.5 Head tube angle (degrees)6464646464 Chainstay (mm)435435435435435 Seat tube (mm)385400420445475 Top tube (mm)559581603630657 Bottom bracket drop (mm)7070707070 Wheelbase (mm)11651189121412431272 Standover (mm)715721724726729 Stack (mm)627636645654663 Reach (mm)415435455480505 Edit Table Pick your partsIt's great to see product managers fitting properly punchy brakes to their hardtails. - Ian Linton / MeridaThe Big.Trail will come in three builds, all with 140mm-travel forks, Shimano brakes and Shimano gears.They come with Meridas own dropper post, though, in a nod to value. The travel of the dropper post is fixed rather than adjustable as found on Merida's full-suspension bikes.Dropper travel ranges from 150mm on the XShort frames up to 230mm on the XLong bikes, so plenty of ability to get the saddle out of the way.Prices are included below, though European prices may differ, depending on territory.Merida Big.Trail rangeMerida Big.Trail 300The entry-level Big.Trail 300 has SR Suntour suspension and Kenda tyres. - MeridaPrice: 1,100 / 1,300Fork: SR Suntour XCR34 2CRBrakes: Shimano MT200Drivetrain: Shimano Cues U400Tyres: Kenda RegolithClaimed weight: 14.7kgMerida Big.Trail 500In the middle of the range is the Big.Trail 500, with a Psylo fork and Cues U6000 groupset. - MeridaPrice: 1,500 / 1,775Fork: RockShox Psylo Silver RCBrakes: Shimano MT410Drivetrain: Shimano Cues U6000Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF / Maxxis DissectorClaimed weight: 15.1kgMerida Big.Trail 600The top-of-the-range Big.Trail 600 has a Deore groupset, Pike fork and four-piston XT brakes. - Ian Linton / MeridaPrice: 2,000 / 2,350Fork: RockShox PikeBrakes: Shimano XT M8120Drivetrain: Shimano Deore M6100Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF / Maxxis DissectorClaimed weight: 14.2kg