The new lineup of BMC URS gravel bikes includes four models, all with unique features, clearance for 47mm tires, and geometry that BMC claims is optimized for a wide range of conditions. Learn more about the lineup and take a closer look at the BMC URS 01 LT here...The post New BMC URS Gravel Bike Lineup Drops Today appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Trek has launched its updated gravel bike line-up, with its first dedicated gravel race bike the Checkmate SLR and the Checkpoint SL Gen 3, a more versatile option for adventure riding.The Checkmate SLR gravel race bike has 45mm tyre clearance. It takes cues from the recently revised Trek Madone SLR Gen 8, but with added practicality for gravel riding through the use of an IsoSpeed decoupler for boosted compliance and integrated frame bag mounts.The third-generation Checkpoint SL takes things a step further with integrated down tube storage and more generous 50mm gravel bike tyre clearance.Prices start from a princely 8,500 / $8,299.99 / 8,999 / AU$10,999.99 for the Checkmate SLR 7 AXS and rise to 10,000 / $11,999.99 / 10,999 / AU$17,999.99 for the top-spec Checkmate SLR 9 AXS.The Checkpoint SL starts at a more affordable 3,700/ $3,199.99 / 4,059 / AU$4,999.99 for the Checkpoint SL 5 AXS, rising to 6,350/ $5,699.99 / 6,559 / AU$8,499.99 for the Checkpoint SL 7 AXS.How do the bikes ride? Check out our first-ride reviews of the Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXS and the Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS.Trek Checkmate SLR frame detailsThe Checkmate SLR replaces the Checkpoint SLR. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaTrek considers its new Checkmate SLR to be its first dedicated gravel race bike, with the brand saying its designed for gravel riders with the ultimate pursuit of speed.It claims the top-shelf Checkmate SLR 9 AXS model is 5 minutes and 54 seconds faster than the outgoing Checkpoint SLR on the Unbound 200 course, or 38 seconds per hour faster at a 200W rider output.The brand primarily attributes this to the new Full System Foil tube shapes, which are also found on the recently launched Madone. This sees Trek do away with the long-standing Kammtail shapes in favour of broader and squatter tube profiles.The Checkmate SLR shares the same integrated cockpit as the Madone. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe other aerodynamic advantage is said to come via the Checkmates one-piece Aero RSL bar-stem, identical to the one found on the Madone.This sees the hydraulic hoses (and Shimano Di2 wires, if applicable) fully concealed through the front end. The handlebar has 3cm narrower hoods than drops, which Trek claims to be more aerodynamically efficient, translating to a better-controlled riding position.800-series carbon for the Checkmate SLR. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe Checkmate SLR is constructed from Treks 800 OCLV-series carbon fibre, which was the brands top-tier carbon before it introduced 900 OCLV for the latest Madone. Trek claims a 1,223g frame weight for a painted size M/L (roughly equivalent to a size 56cm) and 415g for a painted fork.It sports 45mm tyre clearance (width as measured), which is identical to the outgoing Checkpoint SLR. This drops to 38mm with mudguards, for which there are hidden mounting points.The Checkmate relies on Trek's tried-and-tested IsoSpeed decoupler for added compliance. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe bike sports Treks IsoSpeed technology, a decoupler designed to smooth imperfections on the road or trail. This particular variant is fixed on older Trek models, there was scope for adjustment.Trek reverted to the fixed variant on the Domane SLR / SL Gen 4 because it found most consumers didnt make adjustments and it added unnecessary complexity.There are integrated frame bag mounts, optimised specifically for the Bontrager Adventure Top Tube, and Triangle or Frame Bags.Trek says the frame has also been optimised to hold bigger water bottles without bags, all frame sizes from Medium and above can accommodate three 769ml bottles.Like many new gravel releases, the Checkmate SLR has a SRAM UDH dropout. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe Checkmate SLR uses a SRAM UDH dropout, opening compatibility with the new SRAM Red XPLR AXS groupset.Trek continues to use a T47 threaded bottom bracket standard with an 85.5mm width. The Checkmate SLR cannot be run with a dropper post. Trek Checkmate SLR geometryA chequered graphic that points at the bike's quest for speed. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe Checkmate uses what Trek calls its new Gravel Race geometry, which offers a lower and shorter-reach position than the outgoing Checkpoint SLR.According to Trek, this keeps you tucked out of the wind so you can soar past the competition on race day and stay confident and in control on even the gnarliest gravel sections.On a size M/L, a 399mm reach is paired with a 584mm stack 2mm shorter in reach than an equivalently sized Specialized Crux and 6mm taller in stack.The bikes are available in six sizes XS, S, M, ML, L and XL. XSSMMLLXL Head tube angle (degrees)7171.371.571.77272.4 Head tube length (mm)91106126150174199 Seat tube angle (degrees)73.973.973.773.573.673.7 Seat tube length (mm)373414455500537583 Top tube length (mm)532540555570581592 Chainstay length (mm)426426426426426426 Wheelbase (mm)1,0031,0101,0221,0351,0451,054 Reach (mm)380385392399404409 Stack (mm)525540560584608633 Edit Table Trek Checkmate SLR modelsIn addition to the two models listed below, the Checkmate SLR will be available as a frameset for $3,999.99. UK and international pricing is to be confirmed. The Checkmate SLR is also available through Treks customisation program, Project One.Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXSFrameset: 800 OCLV carbonGroupset: SRAM Red XPLR AXS with power meterWheelset: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37VTyres:Bontrager Girona RSL GR, 700c x 38mmPrice: 10,000 / $11,999.99 / 10,999 / AU$17,999.99Trek Checkmate SLR 7 AXSFrameset: 800 OCLV carbonGroupset: SRAM Force AXS with power meterWheelset: Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3V wheelsTyres: Bontrager GR1 Team Issue, 700c x 40mmPrice: 8,500 / $8,299.99 / 8,999 / AU$10,999.99Trek Checkpoint SL frame detailsThe Checkpoint SL is the Checkmate SLR's calmer sibling. - Felix Smith / Our MediaTrek describes the third-generation Checkpoint SL as being built for even more comfort, integrated storage and capability compared to the outgoing Checkpoint SL.Its constructed from Treks OCLV mid-range 500 series carbon fibre, has clearance for up to 50mm tyres (width as measured) and, like the Checkmate, comes equipped with a fixed IsoSpeed decoupler.Trek claims a M/L painted frame weighs 1,385g, with the fork 536g.The down tube storage is now larger than before. - Felix Smith / Our MediaUnlike the Checkmate SLR, the Checkpoint SL features dedicated down tube storage. Theres more internal volume compared to the old one, with a bigger door to ease operation and a new BITS bag.The front end uses a two-piece handlebar and stem, but the cables and hoses are still funnelled through the upper headset bearing and into the frame.The Checkpoint SL is compatible with mechanical groupsets, as well as dropper posts and gravel suspension forks up to 40mm travel, with the exception of the XS size which cannot take a suspension fork.The Checkpoint SL also gets IsoSpeed, but with a standard seat clamp. - Felix Smith / Our MediaThe bike retains all the mounting points of its predecessors (for bags and bottles in the inside triangle, under the down tube bottle cage mounts, top tube bento box mounts and mudguard mounts), with the addition of front rack mounts on this new model.Like the Checkmate SLR, the Checkpoint SL is now optimised to store larger water bottles, when the Bontrager Adventure Half Framebag or Adventure Triangle Bag are mounted on the frame. For example, an M/L frame size is capable of holding two 769ml water bottles while running a 2.6l Adventure Frame bag. Trek specs down-tube protection. - Felix Smith / Our MediaSignalling the bikes more rugged intentions, the Checkpoint SL includes rock-strike fortification on the down tube and driveside chainstay protection.It also employs a SRAM UDH dropout and a T47 85.5mm bottom bracket standard.Trek Checkpoint geometryA more upright position for the Checkpoint SL. - Felix Smith / Our MediaThe Checkpoint SL Gen 3 uses what Trek calls its new Gravel Endurance geometry, which pairs a shorter and higher reach (compared to the old Checkpoint SL) for a more comfortable, accessible and capable all-day ride.Compared to an equivalent M/L Checkmate, the Checkpoints SL reach is 2mm shorter and 17mm higher in stack. XSSMMLLXL Head tube angle (degrees)7171.471.67272.172.4 Head tube length (mm)86106130151171191 Seat tube angle (degrees)747473.373.373.373.3 Seat tube length (mm)445480505530550575 Top tube length (mm)536547566578589601 Chainstay length (mm)430430430430430430 Wheelbase (mm)1,0131,0221,0341,0421,0521,062 Reach (mm)380386391397402408 Stack (mm)535556579601620640 Edit Table Trek Checkpoint SL models In addition to the three models listed below, the Checkpoint SL will be available as a frameset for $2,399.99. UK and international pricing is to be confirmed. Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXSFrameset: 500 OCLV carbonGroupset: SRAM Force XPLR AXSWheelset: Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35Tyres: Bontrager Girona RSL, 700c x 42mmPrice: 6,350/ $5,699.99 / 6,559 / AU$8,499.99Trek Checkpoint SL6 AXSFrameset: 500 OCLV carbonGroupset: SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXSWheelset: Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25Tyres:Bontrager Girona RSL, 700c x 42mmPrice: 4,500/ $3,999.99 / 4,659 / AU$5,999.99Trek Checkpoint SL5 AXSFrameset: 500 OCLV carbonGroupset: SRAM Apex XPLR AXSWheelset: Bontrager Paradigm SLTyres:Bontrager Girona RSL, 700c x 42mmPrice: 3,700/ $3,199.99 / 4,059 / AU$4,999.99

A stylish and comfortable folding e-bike with great handling 8/10

CyclistThe 6 North American riders at the 2024 Vuelta a EspaaLast year, the US claimed their first Grand Tour victory in 10 years courtesy of Sepp Kuss. With this Vuelta win, the Visma-Lease a Bike rider celebrated a new American era in road cycling.In recent years, the Vuelta has been the most successful Grand Tour for Americans. The country has taken two overall wins here in the past 10 years as well as a handful of stage wins courtesy of Ben King and Sepp Kuss. Its not all about the Americans, either Canada has taken three stage wins at the Vuelta over the past 10 years.There are only six riders from the USA, Canada and Mexico at the 2024 Vuelta a Espaa. Four Americans will take part in the Vuelta, the same as last year. There is just one Canadian set to ride the Vuelta. On top of this, a Mexican will compete at the Vuelta for the first time in decades.Sepp Kuss (Visma-Lease a Bike) UNIPUBLIC/SPRINT CYCLING AGENCYThe reigning Vuelta champion will return to the Grand Tour he claimed 12 months ago. The way in which Kuss took the maillot rojo last year was unique and hard to replicate. In 2024, Kuss has struggled to live up to the heights of his Grand Tour victory. Some underwhelming stage race results early in the year demonstrated that Kuss wasnt quite ready to lead the team at a Grand Tour again. A Covid contraction in June ruled his name out of the Tour de France but he has since shown some signs of genuine improvement.With a stage win at the Vuelta a Burgos, Kuss moved into the leaders jersey. A few days later, he claimed the overall title and moved his name back into the ring as a GC contender for the Vuelta.Kuss will lead Visma-Lease a Bike alongside young Belgian Cian Uijtdebroeks. They will be backed up by Wout van Aert who makes his Vuelta debut in Lisbon this weekend. Kuss wont have the support of Primo Rogli and Jonas Vinegegaard this year, but hell still bask in the pleasure of being the reigning champion of his adopted home race.Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates)A.S.O./Billy CeustersBorn in Phoenix, Arizona, the 26-year-old Brandon McNulty will ride the Vuelta for the second time in his career. A strong climber, the UAE Team Emirates rider has ridden in support of teammate Tadej Pogaar in the Tour before. However, McNulty sealed a breakaway stage win at the 2023 Giro dItalia. McNulty had an immensely strong start to the year. The Arizonan won the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana in February before a yellow jersey stint at the UAE Tour and Paris-Nice. McNulty would climb onto the podium of the latter in third place. This strong form continued with a national time-trial title and a top five at the Olympic Games. Without a Grand Tour in his legs this year, McNulty is ready to hit the three-weekers at the Vuelta a Espaa.McNulty will be an important part of UAE Team Emirates podium ambitions. Despite his climbing prowess, McNulty is likely to be part of the mountain support for Almeida and Yates during the 2024 Vuelta.Matthew Riccitello (Israel-Premier Tech)Tim de Waele/Getty Images22-year-old Matthew Riccitello made a breakthrough at the Giro dItalia in 2023. He surpassed expectations on the tough mountain time-trial to Monte Lussari with an 11th place on the day. Later in 2023, Riccitello fought the youngsters Tour de lAvenir from the front. There, he wore the leaders jersey for a number of days before being overtaken by Isaac del Toro on the final day of racing.So far in 2024, Riccitello has been riding consistently. A top 10 on a mountain stage at the UAE Tour and a top 20 overall at the Giro dAbruzzo prefaced an impressive top 10 at the Tour de Suisse.At the Vuelta, the Arizonan Riccitello will start his second Grand Tour with the Israel-Premier Tech squad. He will be one of the teams stronger climbers alongside George Bennett and Dylan Teuns.Riley Sheehan (Israel-Premier Tech)A.S.O./ Gautier DemouveauxFrom Boulder, Colorado, Riley Sheehan has shot onto the UCI WorldTour at the age of 24. After a dominant year in the domestic scene with the Denver Disruptors, Sheehan came onto the Israel-Premier Tech team last summer.Sheehan is a strong one-day rider. He burst onto the scene with a neo-pro victory at Paris-Tour last year. He followed this up with a top five at Tro Bro Lon, a podium at Eschborn-Frankfurt in 2024. At the Vuelta, we can expect Sheehan to try and hang on for the hillier sprint finishes.The Vuelta will be Sheehans first UCI World Tour stage race. Mysteriously, Israel-Premier Tech decided to test the American out at the Vuelta.Michael Woods (Israel-Premier Tech)Israel Premier-Tech/EkoiHeading up Israel-Premier Techs hopes will be two-time Vuelta stage winner Michael Woods. The Ontario-born rider is the only Canadian to take part in the 2024 Vuelta a Espaa. A seasoned rider, Woods will be riding his fifth Vuelta this year. In fact, his best overall result came at this race back in 2017 with a seventh place in the GC.Woods decided to miss the Tour de France this year a surprising decision following a stage win in 2023. This year, Woods has been fairly incognito. The Canadian abandoned the Giro within the first week of racing after having also missed the Ardennes classics.After a long break, Woods became the Canadian champion in June. He revealed his special jersey after the Tour de France. Look out for it in the peloton, its inspired by ice hockey star Wayne Gretzkys jersey from the 1987 Canada Cup final against the USSR. The typeface used on the jersey harks back to Donavan Baileys 1996 gold medal in the 100m. What a way to honour Canadian sport fair play.Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates)Peter Mundy/Getty ImagesThe most exciting name on this list comes courtesy of Mexicos Isaac del Toro. The 20-year-old made cycling headlines last summer with a surprise win overall at the Tour de lAvenir, becoming the first Mexican to do so.Soon after, it was announced that Del Toro would move to UAE Team Emirates and the hype started to build. At the beginning of 2024, this was vindicated. Isaac del Toro won a stage in emphatic fashion at the first UCI WorldTour race of the year at the Tour Down Under. This race concluded with Del Toro on the podium. Tirenno-Adriatico saw another GC top 10 as did the Tour of the Basque Country in April.The young rider from Baja California is one of the hottest properties in cycling, often being touted as the next Pogaar. His strengths are very similar to Pogaars. Del Toro is aggressive, strong on a one-day profile and has a similar riding style.It is clear that UAE Team Emirates have full confidence in the Mexican. He has been given big race appearances and the chance to lead the team. I wouldnt be surprised if he becomes a big breakout rider of the 2024 Vuelta.The post The 6 North American riders at the 2024 Vuelta a Espaa appeared first on Cyclist.

After a hectic and crash-marred finale to stage 5 at the 2024 Tour de France Femmes, Demi Vollering was one of those to hit the deck hard. Despite the Dutchwoman's best efforts to regain contact, she could not save the Maillot Jaune as she lost more than a minute in the general classification.The b...

For the Tashkent City Womens Pro Cycling Team, just getting to the start line of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift was already a win.

CyclistBMC updates its URS gravel bike range with four new bikes including an electrified AMP modelBMC has released new versions of its URS gravel bike. Signifying Unrestricted, the URS is the Swiss brands go-anywhere gravel bike and sits alongside its Kaius gravel race bike.Borrowing from the late former US defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld, BMC reckons its the bike for known knowns, known unknowns and unknown unknowns.There are actually four flavours of the new URS: the standard URS without suspension, the URS 01 which adds a suspension stem, the URS 01 LT with a suspension fork and the URS LT AMP. The last of these is an electric gravel bike powered by the compact TQ-HPR50 mid-mounted electric motor.Prices range from 3,799 up to 11,999, or the same numbers in US dollars. UK prices havent been announced. Related Posts Best all-road bikes 2024 reviewed BMC Kaius 01 One review Gravel bike gearing: Everything you need to know BMC Roadmachine X review The best gravel bikes 2024 reviewed From turmoil to Tour de France triumph: The story of BMC Down tube storage and more tyre clearanceBMC has fine-tuned the previous generation URSs geometry and carbon layup in the new bikes, as well as increasing tyre clearance for more off-road grunt.As is common with gravel bikes, the geometry borrows from mountain bikes, with a longer reach paired with a shorter stem for responsive handling.Theres a slack 69.5 degree head tube angle and lower bottom bracket for stability on steep descents. Chainstay length has also been increased by 5mm to 430mm and the seat tube angle increased slightly, again increasing stability.The D-shaped seatpost is designed to add compliance and is a feature of much of BMCs bike range, on road as well as off. It can be swapped out for a dropper post, should you wish.Theres also a new down tube storage compartment complete with bag, another must-have on newer gravel, all-road and endurance bike frame designs. Its paired with a full set of bottle, luggage, rack and mudguard mounts, including fork leg bosses.The new URS has tyre clearance of 47mm WAM (width as measured), up from 42mm for the previous model, and all models are fitted with 44mm WTB tyres.It uses the SRAM UDH rear derailleur hanger standard, making it easier to find a replacement and ensuring backward compatibility with all standard derailleurs.It also opens up the option to fit SRAMs latest Red XPLR AXS Full Mount 113-speed groupset, although all specs of the URS are equipped with either a SRAM Apex 112-speed groupset or a SRAM mullet build using an Eagle Transmission 112-speed MTB rear derailleur.BMC protects your investment with bash guards on the chainstay and fork dropouts and, in some models, on the down tube to avoid damage from rock strikes.It has also increased the range of sizes available from four on the previous model to five.The standard URS is available as the URS Two with a SRAM Apex XPLR AXS / SRAM X1 Eagle AXS mullet drivetrain and DT Swiss G1800 Spline alloy wheels, priced at 4,499.Theres also a URS Three spec, with SRAM Apex 1 / SRAM Apex Eagle mechanical and DT Swiss G1800 Spline wheels, priced at 3,799.URS 01 adds suspensionBMC adds rear suspension to the URS 01, with minimal extra weight, thanks to what it calls MicroTravel Technology, or MTT, which adds an elastomer damper in the seatstays, an update to that seen in some models of the previous URS. Riders can swap between damper densities to fine-tune the ride qualities and the frame end of the suspension unit incorporates a cargo strap.At the front, the URS 01 uses the ICS MTT stem, which is based on the Redshift ShockStop stem and provides up to 20mm of travel, which can be tuned by swapping elastomer blocks, as well as concealed cable routing. Its also found on the BMC Roadmachine X and was available on some previous model URS specs.The URS 01 range with suspension headlines with the URS 01 One, which is equipped with a SRAM Red XPLR AXS / SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission drivetrain and Zipp 101 XPLR wheels and is priced at 11,999.The URS 01 Three has a SRAM Force XPLR AXS / SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission mullet and BMC CRD-400 carbon wheels and costs 8,499.The URS 01 Four is equipped with SRAM Rival XPLR AXS / SRAM GX Eagle Transmission and DT Swiss G1800 Spline alloy wheels and is priced at 5,999.In-ride tuneable suspension with the URS 01 LTTheres another suspension offer on the URS 01 LT, which has an MTT suspension fork in place of the ICS MTT stem. This provides 20mm of front-end suspension tuneable while riding via a dial on the top cap. The system requires external hose runs, rather than the MTT stems concealed hoses. The fork again includes luggage mounts.The URS 01 LT One has a SRAM Force XPLR AXS / SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission mullet build with BMC CRD-400 wheels and retails for 8,999.The URS 01 LT Two, meanwhile, has a SRAM Rival XPLR AXS / SRAM GX Eagle Transmission mullet and DT Swiss G1800 Spline wheels and is priced at 6,499.And an electric optionFinally, BMC has launched the URS AMP LT. Powered by the compact, quiet, lightweight TQ-HPR50 motor unit, the bike adds up to 50Nm of torque and 300 watts of peak power to help you get up steep hills. The motor is powered by a 360Wh battery. The URS AMP LT uses the same MTT suspension fork as the URS 01 LT.The URS AMP LT Two has a SRAM Force XPLR AXS / SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission drivetrain, BMC CRD-400 wheels and costs 9,999.All specs of the new BMC URS range are available immediately. Related Posts Best all-road bikes 2024 reviewed BMC Kaius 01 One review Gravel bike gearing: Everything you need to know BMC Roadmachine X review The best gravel bikes 2024 reviewed From turmoil to Tour de France triumph: The story of BMC The post BMC updates its URS gravel bike range with four new bikes including an electrified AMP model appeared first on Cyclist.

From the 12th to 18th of August we have on the road the Tour de Pologne. It collides with other big races in the calendar but every year it features a quality startlist with all kinds of riders. The seven stages will provide plenty opportunities in the only World Tour stage-race that comes between t...

Just announced, the new Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3 has been updated with more upright geometry, improved carrying capacity, and clearance for 700 x 50mm tires. Dig into all the details on that and Trek's new Adventure Bag lineup here...The post Trek Checkpoint SL Gen 3 Fits Bigger Tires and is More Comfortable appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

From the 12th to 18th August the Tour de France Femmes 2024 will be on the road. After it's return, it has quickly become one of women's cycling most important and attractive events, and the 2024 edition promises to deliver with a route that is packed with surprises.We preview stage 6.Another diffi...