Trek Just added three new mountain bike helmets to its lineup, and they all feature their WaveCel protection. First introduced under the Bontrager logo in 2019, WaveCel was Treks answer to other advanced helmet protection systems. The cellular grid inside the helmet can flex, crumple, and glide in impacts to reduce impact and rotational forces before they meet your head. While the concept behind WaveCel hasnt changed, the actual product has. Trek has directly addressed feedback from customers (including us), that the initial WaveCel design tended to run hot. This new version includes 10% larger cells to allow for more airflow and cooling (more on this later), with the added benefit of it being 15g lighter. Now, Trek is adding three new MTB helmets with WaveCel technology, the Blaze, Rally, and Quantum. All of the helmets feature some level of deeper coverage and include 5-star ratings from Virginia Tech. Blaze 3/4 Convertible HelmetAt the top of the range is the new $249 Blaze WaveCel MTB helmet with its unique removable 3/4 coverage. For riders looking for more coverage than a half shell, but without going full face, 3/4 coverage helmets have become more popular. But for long, hot climbs, it would be nice if you could remove that extra coverage to cool things down. Thats exactly what the Blaze helmet allows with easily removable ear coverage. Each side has a single release lever on the inside which allows the cover to pop right off. To put them back, select the proper side (the covers are labeled L and R), line up the pins, and pop it back in. The covers are small enough that you can store them in a large pocket or bag, and their removal really does make for a cooler ride. Along with the removable 3/4 coverage, the Blaze includes a number of premium features including a three-position, goggle-optimized visor with a magnetic breakaway system. The visor easily pops out and pops back in with magnets on each side, and the adjustment offers positive detents that wont slip accidentally. Additionally, youll find sunglass storage in the visor so it wont poke through the vents into your head. The design also seems to work better with more sunglass earpiece shapes after testing with glasses that had completely straight earpieces and some with radically curved earpieces. At the back is a goggle strap gripper, and a Fidlock magnetic buckle secures the helmet.Theres also a removable Blendr mount for lights and cameras that uses a friction fit plus a magnet to keep it in place. Fit is adjusted with a micro-adjustable BOA fit system, which includes a four-position height adjustment for the cradle. On the Scale, our medium sample seems to have come in under claimed weight at 487g with the 3/4 coverage installed, but over claimed weight at 399g without it installed. The Blendr mount adds 26g. Priced at $249.99, the Blaze WaveCel is available in three sizes.Removeable coverageUpdated lighter and cooler WaveCel5 star rated from Virginia TechCooling front ventsBreakaway magnetic visor with sunglass storageGoggle optimized design with rear strap catchRemoveable Blendr mountBOA fit systemLayflat cam-locking strap dividersFidlock buckleCPSC / CES/M/L sizesBlaze WaveCel First Impressions Last month, I ended up getting a sneak peek at the Blaze WaveCel helmet while I was visiting BOA at their HQ. In addition to the new shoes from Ride Concepts, some of us also got a chance to ride in the new Blaze helmet. It was a fairly hot day in the mountains above Denver and we set out to pedal up to the top of the new Virginia Canyon MTB park which is currently in development. I was very happy to have the ability to remove the ear covers during the climb as it was noticeably cooler, and the added protection wasnt needed during the climb. Once we got to the top though, I was just as happy to reinstall the covers for some added protection. Overall, I have to say that the new generation of the WaveCel helmets seems to run cooler. I was sort of dreading the heat based on my prior experience with WaveCel, but the new Blaze helmet fortunately didnt leave my head on fire. It seems more likely that the large frontal air intake vents are mostly responsible for the helmets improved cooling ability, but either way, its an improvement. In terms of fit, the Blaze seems to have an extra-long and narrow profile compared to many of the helmets Ive tried. The BOA system does a great job of cinching it down and pulling my head to the front of the helmet, but it does result in my ears being positioned right at the front of the ear holes. It works for me, but its one of those fits that youll want to try before you buy. Rally WaveCel MTBTake the Blaze and get rid of the removable 3/4 coverage completely, and you will get something very similar to the Rally WaveCel. Featuring the same updated and cooler WaveCel tech with large frontal cooling vents, the Rally is a modern trail helmet with deep coverage. The Rally has many of the same features as the Blaze including the sunglass storage in the visor, a goggle-friendly design with a rear gripper, a removable Blendr mount, a Fidlock buckle, and a BOA fit system. For the actual weight, our medium Rally helmet came in at 377g, and the Blendr mount adds 26g. FitLike the Blaze, the Rally has a fairly long and narrow profile that requires me to cinch the BOA dial quite a bit to dial in the fit on the medium. Once dialed in, the helmet feels quite comfortable, but if my head was any wider at the temples, it would be too narrow (despite being a fairly wide helmet on the exterior).Interestingly, the Rally is the only helmet of the three to carry AS/NZS standard certification for Australia and New Zealand, and it also adds an XL size (only in black). The price drops significantly from the Blaze with a $159.99 retail for the Rally. Quantum WaveCel HelmetRiders looking for a lighter trail helmet with a little less coverage, the new Quantum steps in. Equipped with the updated WaveCel system and front cooling vents, the helmet should let in more airflow. It has deeper coverage for a trail helmet, though not as deep as the Rally or Blaze.Fit is adjusted with Treks Headmaster III fit system, and the helmet uses a standard buckle. The visor-based sunglass storage of the other helmets is replaced here with grippy channels on the helmet, though youll still find a three-position visor. With a claimed weight of 330g, the Quantum WaveCel will be available in S/M/L and XL in black only for $124.99.trekbikes.comThe post New Trek WaveCel MTB Helmets Get Cooler, Blaze Includes Removable Ear Covers appeared first on Bikerumor.

Ever wondered if handling and ride experience differ between larger and smaller sizes of the same bike?

It's road bikes and e-bikes galore plus a perfect 10 for Tailfin in our latest update to the road.cc Recommends section, with both of Canyon's latest performance road bikes picking up 9/10 scores

Racing for the first time in five months following injury, Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL's Max Poole has been incredibly impressive at the 2024 Vuelta a Burgos and with one stage to go, overall victory is well in sight.After an impressive individual time trial on stage 4, the 21-year-old Brit now sits...

Katy Marchant finishes fourth as Hetty van de Wouw takes silver

From the 5th to the 9th of August the peloton will tackle the Vuelta a Burgos. The Spanish race is the single most important race in preparation for the Vuelta a Espana and features opportunities for the climbers, time-trialists and sprinters alike. We preview stage 5.The final day of racing takes...

CyclistThe six British riders at the Tour de France Femmes 2024The Tour de France Femmes begins on Monday. Starting in the Netherlands, the race will take riders through Belgium and France, finishing on Alpe dHuez on Sunday 18th August.Last years highest placed British rider on GC was Claire Steels of Israel-Premier Tech-Roland, who finished in 18th place, 17min 21secs behind race winner Demi Vollering (SD Worx). Steels isnt competing this year, so here are the six riders looking to hold up the British end.Alice Towers (Canyon-SRAM)Tim de Waele/Getty Images21-year-old Alice Towers joined Canyon-SRAM in 2023 and quickly made her Grand Tour debuts at La Vuelta Femenina and the Tour de France Femmes. In the latter, she placed 5th in the young riders classification and followed this with multiple top ten stage finishes at the inaugural Tour de lAvenir Femmes U23 race.A steady development is key and shell be a vital part of Canyon-SRAMs team goals for the Tour de France Femmes as they aim for the maillot jaune with Kasia Niewiadoma. Related Posts Cyclists Tour de France Femmes predictions 2024 The climbs that will decide the Tour de France Femmes 2024 Who are the favourites for the Tour de France Femmes 2024? How to watch the Tour de France Femmes 2024 Tour de France Femmes 2024: Route, start list, how to watch and all you need to know Pfeiffer Georgi (DSM-Firmenich-PostNL)James YorkPfeiffer Georgi took a phenomenal victory in the National Championships this season, attacking on the final lap for back-to-back wins in the road race.The 23-year-old also had a successful Classics campaign. At Paris-Roubaix Femmes she provided one of the moments of the race upon realising she had made the podium ahead of the masterful Marianne Vos.Georgi recently rode to second place overall at the Baloise Ladies Tour behind Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) and lines up at the Tour de France Femmes to help the team in their goals of stage wins with sprinter Charlotte Kool and a strong result on GC for Juliette Labous.Becky Storrie (DSM-Firmenich-PostNL) Luc Claessen/Getty Images)Becky Storrie will also be on the start line of the Tour de France Femmes for DSM-Firmenich-PostNL, helping Georgi with the team goals of stage wins and a good GC placing. She has had a steady season of riding at the UAE Tour, Setmana Ciclista Valenciana and the Tour de Suisse.Storrie broke her collarbone in a training accident earlier in the year before La Flche Wallonne and missed a month of racing. A crash at the recent Giro dItalia Women was initially reported as a re-fracture for the Manx rider, however it was confirmed to be the same collarbone break, just still in the process of healing. She withdrew from the race on the next stage.Her last victory came from a solo attack at the Lincoln Grand Prix in 2022 when riding for CAMS-Basso.Natalie Grinczer (Roland)A.S.O./Charly LopezNatalie Grinczer stepped up to WorldTour level this season with Roland Cycling and raced in the Classics of the Amstel Gold Race, La Flche Wallonne and Lige-Bastogne-Lige. Unfortunately, Grinczer crashed heavily at La Vuelta Femenina in May and during her recovery stated she could remember nothing about it and that it left her with lingering challenges.A mid-season transfer last year to Lifeplus-Wahoo following financial difficulties with French Continental team Stade Rochelais Charente-Maritime gave her a last-minute spot on the Tour de France Femmes start list. She placed 30th overall.In a previous interview with Cyclist, she said, Im not going to take each day for granted. Im definitely not going to hide away until tomorrow because your race can be taken away at any moment.Lizzie Holden (UAE Team ADQ)A.S.O./Thomas MaheuxLizzie Holden signed for UAE Team ADQ in 2023 and won the National ITT Championship that same year, finishing 14 seconds ahead of Anna Morris. She raced in the Giro dItalia Women where teammates Chiara Consonni sprinted to victory on Stage 2 and Erica Magnaldi finished 14th overall.This will be her third participation in the Tour de France Femmes.Anna Henderson (Visma-Lease a Bike)Unipublic/Sprint Cycling AgencyAnna Henderson has really made a home for herself at Visma-Lease a Bike, having joined the team in 2021. She recently won a stunning silver medal in the time-trial at the Olympic Games behind Australias Grace Brown and thrives in races against the clock, winning the British ITT Champion title for the second time this year. A career-defining moment was Henderson leading the 2023 Vuelta Femenina, resplendent in red after Visma-Lease a Bike won the opening team time-trial. She also finished second overall and in the mountains classification at the Tour of Britain Women this June while racing for Great Britain. Shell line up for the Tour de France Femmes alongside Marianne Vos, Riejanne Markus and Fem van Empel.For more on the Tour de France Femmes, visit our hub page. Related Posts Cyclists Tour de France Femmes predictions 2024 The climbs that will decide the Tour de France Femmes 2024 Who are the favourites for the Tour de France Femmes 2024? How to watch the Tour de France Femmes 2024 Tour de France Femmes 2024: Route, start list, how to watch and all you need to know The post The six British riders at the Tour de France Femmes 2024 appeared first on Cyclist.

With one stage of the 2024 Vuelta a Burgos to go, Sepp Kuss sits atop the general classification by just 5 seconds. Nevertheless, Team Visma | Lease a Bike have full confidence in their leader."As a team, we'll give it our all to help Sepp cross the finish line in the leaders jersey," Team Visma |...

Darren Rafferty (EF Education-EasyPost) has put in a strong TT ride on todays stage 4 at Vuelta a Burgos (2.Pro) to move in the general classification on a day when Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) came storming back into form. Eddie Dunbar (Team Jayco AlUla) also have the 18.5km TT into Pampliega a good rattle; []The post Rafferty in strong Burgos TT, Dunbar in Irish champs colours | Video appeared first on Sticky Bottle.

CyclistI want to go for as long as I can: George Bennett Q&AAfter working for others for many years, this year youre focussing more on your own goals. Was this a key factor when you moved from UAE Team Emirates to Israel-Premier Tech?It was something I was seeking out. I like working for people but I definitely get a better version of myself going for results. I like the balance. Like this year Ive spent a lot of time riding for other people already, but Ive had Abruzzo [Giro dAbruzzo, where he came third] and Ill get other chances. Related Posts We expect a completely new level from Tadej Pogaar: Mauro Gianetti Q&A Everything leads towards the Olympics: Josh Tarling Q&A Valentin Madouas Q&A: The one major objective for my career is to win a stage at the Tour de France It took me a while to learn how to ride for other people when Rogli came along [Bennett was at Jumbo-Visma with Primo Rogli until 2022]. Its not that I dont like it. Riding for a guy like Stevie Williams [teammate at Israel-Premier Tech] is great; its easy when its your mates. I enjoy that aspect, but I do need those times to ride for myself.The team environment seems really positive. Was that a big draw?You look at everything when youre looking at teams: your role, equipment, how the team is run in terms of business, performance, all the systems they have in place. Another thing is the intangible vibe, the atmosphere, the momentum they have a good group of guys that all enjoy each others company. We hang out together, we train together outside of races. Its important and it creates that momentum. And it means that theres more cohesiveness on race day.Eloise Mavian/TornantiPhysically youre in great shape. Have you changed anything? The big changes are around the race programme, not just going from race to race and being absolutely in a shell. Last year I did crazy stuff. I was at the nationals in New Zealand on Sunday, flew that night, was racing on Tuesday or Wednesday, and on the road for six weeks. Theyre the kinds of things that I just dont have the engine for. Ive got an OK engine if its treated well. It has to come straight out the workshop and I can be good for sure, but it has to be very well-tuned.It helps that my trainer and I have a really good partnership. He respects the fact that Ive been doing this a long time and I know what works for me. I know what really gets me going well. I stumbled across that recipe years ago but in the last few years I havent had a chance to cook with it. Now Im doing it again and straight away Im seeing results.Youve supported top riders at Jumbo-Visma and UAE Team Emirates. What was the contrast like between those teams?UAE as a group was really fun. Tadej Pogaar was so talented that it just worked. It was very relaxed. I really enjoyed Jumbo for their professionalism I got that absolute process of the little things. I was probably more at home at Jumbo just because they knew me; they knew how I worked and what made me good.What are the biggest improvements youve seen in the sport throughout your career? There are the obvious ones: eating, altitude, equipment, aerodynamics. And thats accounted for all this change of speed, races being taken on further out. Off the bike, VeloViewer and knowledge from the DSes has changed racing a lot in my career. I used to look at a profile and go, Theres a climb here, theres a climb there. And youd be surprised by a lot of corners and a lot of climbs that you didnt know were there. Now everyones fighting for every corner.When I was 15, I would stay up all night on Saturday and do 100km with my friends on Sunday. I didnt even have my own road bike. Now at 15, kids are already weighing their food and going to altitude. By the time they turn pro they already know more about the sport than I knew when I was 25. Im yet to see how that affects them later in life. You hear, Oh, theyll have shorter careers, but for me theyll have more successful careers. Theyll be better for longer.Post-cycling, do you see yourself becoming a DS? Not a chance. Sitting in a team car looking at an iPad doesnt interest me one bit. I would stay in the sport, for sure. Im deeply interested in the aerodynamics and the physiological part of cycling, so I could see myself in some kind of performance role.Im 34 now, but honestly I still want to ride for four, five, six more years. Ive got no stopping point on the horizon, no date in my mind. I want to go for as long as I can.Whats your career highlight so far? Thats easy. Tour de France 2017. I was up there coming into the last week and then I got sick. So it was the best and the worst. It was this breakthrough stage for me; suddenly I was in the front group with Richie Porte and Chris Froome. I felt like Id broken through with the big boys. It was this magic moment in my life where I thought, I can be a GC rider at a Grand Tour.Outside of results, its times where Ive overcome problems, like the side stitch [Bennett had major surgery for slipping rib syndrome in 2019]. Thats been a fight for me for years, and stole years of my career. Then theres moments where you realise youre getting on top of it, and its just this relief, this euphoria, because the futures open for you, you know?What race would you love to win? Tour de France, obviously. To be the World Champion, thatd be unreal. This article originally appeared in issue 155 of Cyclist magazine. Click here to subscribe Related Posts We expect a completely new level from Tadej Pogaar: Mauro Gianetti Q&A Everything leads towards the Olympics: Josh Tarling Q&A Valentin Madouas Q&A: The one major objective for my career is to win a stage at the Tour de France The post I want to go for as long as I can: George Bennett Q&A appeared first on Cyclist.