Stage 11 was not a good day for the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team. After Ben O'Connor suffered some more time loss in the fight for the Red Jersey, cutting his advantage in the general classification, the team were struck with a number of yellow cards from the UCI.It all comes back to when the br...

The Roval Rapide CLX II are known as some of the ultimate aero wheels, and theyre no longer exclusive to Specialized bikes. The combination of a shallow and wide front rim with a deep and skinny rear rim promises the optimal mix of aerodynamics and crosswind stability. But how do the wheels stack up against the competition in our group test?Roval Rapide CLX II | 2,700 | 1485 g | Manufacturers websiteWe tested these wheels for our big 2024 aero wheel group test click here for an overview of the test field or to check out the individual reviews.Specializeds in-house brand Roval have become a force to be reckoned with in the wheel industry. Its not just Specializeds own Roval equipped bikes that are very popular, the wheels also sell well as an aftermarket upgrade. Its no wonder, considering that the striking white logos have made a name for themselves in the pro peloton, and are now synonymous with thoroughbred racing performance. Moreover, the progressively shaped, wide 35 mm rim represents the cutting edge of road bike innovation. But how does the modern classic fare against the ten other contenders in our 2024 aero wheel group test?All-round aero? The specs of the Roval Rapide CLX IIAs an aero all-rounder, the Roval Rapide CLX II promises to handle a wide variety of conditions, but what are the specs that help it to deliver on that promise? At 1,485 g, theyre below the key 1.5 kg mark, but theyre about 100 g heavier than the test field average. However, its the design of the front wheel thats the unique selling point of the Roval Rapide CLX II. With a 35 mm wide rim, its no wider than the direct competition from Reserve, but it doesnt taper off. The unusually wide rim bead is quite striking, and pairing it with a 28 mm tire allows you to achieve the 105 % rule (meaning the rim is 105 % of the tires width). According to this rule, a wider rim relative to the tire offers ideal aerodynamics. Another interesting point is the different rim depths, measuring 50 mm up front and 60 mm at the rear, thereby taking a similar approach to Reserve, trying to combine the best of both worlds.Pro lookWith the white decals, the Roval Rapide CLX II makes every bike look like it belongs in the pro peloton.Aero?To save watts wherever possible, the hubs of the Roval Rapides have been aerodynamically optimised.105 %?According to the 105 % rule, the rim should be 5 % wider than the tire. Roval seem to take this to the limit.But its not just the rims that Roval optimised. The specially developed hubs also promise to offer particularly low wind resistance due to their organic shape. Thanks to the DT Swiss internals, the wheels should be particularly reliable and service-friendly too.The wheels certainly look the part. The different rim widths catch the eye, especially in combination with the white logos. Topping it off, the Rovals are covered by a generous lifetime guarantee and a 5-year crash replacement offer.Sailing in the windWith a deeper rim at the rear, the Rapide CLX II maximises the sail effect.Double-crossedRoval rely on a mix of tangential and radial spokes, which is unusual for modern disc brake wheels.Smooth and subtle Roval Rapide CLX IIAs the wheelset of choice for Specialized pros, the Roval Rapide CLX II must be capable of dealing with anything that gets thrown at it, while fighting for every metre on the toughest and longest stages and finish line sprints and you can feel that in its DNA. Thanks to a decent helping of compliance, the Rapides also work well on long rides and almost feel soft. As such, other wheels are more direct. The Roval cant keep up with the liveliness and undisputed efficiency of the carbon spoked wheels on test. In direct comparison, the Rovals traditional spokes make them feel almost vague. Nevertheless, the wheels accelerate well and are able to maintain the pace reliably. With particularly heavy and powerful riders, however, the wheels reach their limits and would benefit from a stiffer construction, though this would presumably reduce comfort. The Rapides also struggle a bit on the climbs, where you can clearly feel the higher weight. On the other hand, we were impressed with their low susceptibility to crosswinds, easily outperforming the beefy wheels from CADEX and HUNT.On form The Roval Rapide CLX II in the wind tunnelWe could feel that the Roval Rapide CLX II are among the top aero performers just riding them. Similar to Reserves wheels, the Rovals also demonstrate a significant sail effect and offer better aerodynamics than the competition with shallower rim depths. Wind tunnel tests serve to confirm this. Just slightly slower than the competition from Reserve, the Roval Rapide CLX II wheelset took third place. Roval evidently prioritised the yaw angles to a similar degree. While the wide front rim increases the frontal surface area, their depth and bulbous shape supports better aerodynamics at higher yaw angles. Overall, the Rapide CLX II is very fast and beautifully balanced, although the aero performance comes at a small weight disadvantage, striking a good compromise for an all-round aero wheelset.Our conclusion on the Roval Rapide CLX IIThe Roval Rapide CLX II doesnt immediately strike us as an all-rounder, but the classy wheelset is more versatile than you might think. Rovals aspirations to deliver class-leading aerodynamics are particularly evident in the wind tunnel. On the road, the Roval Rapide CLX IIs offer plenty of compliance and a relatively soft riding experience. While suitable for lightweights, it can be a hindrance to heavier and more powerful riders. Furthermore, their higher weight limits their use case to some extent.Topsinnovative rim geometry up frontstriking look with white decalsFlopsslightly heavy compared to the competitionFor more information, visit specialized.comThe test fieldWe tested these wheels for our big 2024 aero wheel group test click here for an overview of the test field or to check out the individual reviews.All wheels in test: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 TLR (Click for review) | Cadex 50 Ultra (Click for review) | DT Swiss ERC 1100 Dicut DB 45 (Click for review) | Hunt SUB50 (Click for review) | Lightweight Obermayer EVO (Click for review) | Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 Disc (Click for review) | Reserve 52/63 (Click for review) | Roval Rapide CLX II | Syncros Capital SL Aero 60mm (Click for review) | Vision Metron 60 SL Disc (Click for review) | Zipp 454 NSW (Click for review) Der Beitrag Roval Rapide CLX II on test erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

Andrew McNeil recently rode our 125-mile Lac Du Bois Tranquility bikepacking route in British Columbia, where he carried a Super 8 film camera and shot a three-minute short documenting the trip. Find Andrew's film, some background, and a collection of 35mm film frames here...The post Bikepacking the Lac Du Bois Tranquility Route: Kodak 8 Super Film appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Lately, it seems weve been seeing fewer updated race-hardtails. The surge of mirco-suspension bikes like the Trek SuperCal and the Specialized Epic WC replaced the need for a fully rigid frame. However, nothing beats a pure hardtails feel (and zero moving parts to service). Trek feels the same and ditched Iso Speed for a flexible new option on the updated Trek ProCaliber Gen 3.(Photos: Trek)Do We Still Need Hardtails? Yes (IMO) but, many of the hardtails weve seen have been repurposed into drop bar LifeTime Grand Prix super-gravel racing machines. However, there is still a place for the modern hardtail. Pauline Ferrand Prevot raced her Pinarello Dogma hardtail to an Olympic gold medal this summer.These super lightweight, nimble machines are precision tools in the right hands.So, how do you make a hardtail appeal to the changing appetite of mountain bike consumers?Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Whats New?Now in its third generation, the Trek ProCaliber boasts no suspension hardware and is the lightest version to date. The ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail leans toward big tires, suspension, and a more relaxed front end.The most noticeable change is the suspension, so lets start there. The Trek design team has put most of their line on a diet this season, and the ProCal is the latest. The frame no longer has Iso Speed moving parts, elastomer suspension, or the knock block on the front end.Get to Know Iso BowReplacing Iso Speed is a new design Trek calls Iso Bow; youll understand why when you look at it. The design aggressively changes the arch of the top tube, but that all plays into the suspension design. The top tube now arcs into the thin seat stays, with a minimal connection, lower down on the seat tube.The team says it offers the same benefit as IsoSpeed (seated compliance) but is more straightforward and lighter. Trek says the new design is so similar in performance to Iso Speed that during on-trail blind testing, riders couldnt tell the difference in seated compliance.How Much Does the Trek ProCalber Gen 3 Weigh?Procaliber 9.6 Gen 3 11.08 kg / 24.43 lbsProcaliber 9.5 Gen 3: 12.13 kg / 26.75 lbsProcaliber 9.7 AXS Gen 3:10.58 kg / 23.33 lbsProCaliber 9.5 Frame (painted): 1150g*All weights are Med frame, with TLR sealant, and no tubes.To put the frame weight into perspective, here are some weights of competing hardtails with the exact tire clearance and suspension capability.Canyon Exceed HT: 853gCannondale Scaple Hi-Mod: 895gPivot LES SL: 1045gTrek Procal: 1150gSanta Cruz Hi-Ball: 1170g120mm Suspension Update The ProCaliber Gen 3 uses a modern 120mm suspension, 10mm more than the Trek SuperCaliber. This will make the transition from bike to bike easier on athletes and give the new ProCaliber Gen 3 a broader range of riding conditions to play in.Slacker and Steeper GeometryWith updated suspension comes updated geometry; this time, its more than a slight tweak. To give the ProCaliber more appeal to athletes using it as their main bike, the design team moved to a progressive front end. The head tube angle is now at a round 67 degrees (previously 68.8 degrees). The effective seat tube angle gets slightly steeper, moving from 73.8 degrees to 74.3 degrees.(Image: Bikerumor.com)Trek also updated the reach for the ProCaliber to give the bike calmer handling and increased rider confidence (which increases speed, IMO). The ProCaliber gets a 10mm longer reach, measuring 460 mm (previously 450mm) on a large frame. This updated reach doesnt match the SuperCaliber, as it measures 465mm for a large frame, but its close.Larger Tire Clearance / Floating Brake MountLike hardtail race bikes in 2024-2025, the Trek ProCaliber fits 29 x 2.4 tires with room to spare.The Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 uses the same brake mount as the SuperCaliber Gen 2. It isolates braking forces from seat stay flex with an updated floating brake mount. Trek says the design offers more consistent braking and is not affected by seat stay flex.One Model For the US / Three for EuropeThe new Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 comes in three different models: Procaliber 9.5, Procaliber 9.6, Procaliber 9.7 AXS, and a frameset. North America will only see the Procaliber 9.5 and a frameset. Europe, however, will receive all three and higher-end build options.Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 PricingProcaliber 9.5 Gen 3 : Price: $2,499.99 CAN: $3,399.99Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3 Frame Set: Price: $1,999.99 CAN $2,749.99TrekBikes.comThe post New Trek ProCaliber Gen 3 Hardtail Drops Iso Speed for Flexing Iso Bow Suspension appeared first on Bikerumor.

A consultation is currently being carried out concerning a proposed 18-month two-way cycling trial, after plans to implement it this year were kiboshed after opposition from outspoken councillors

CyclistSpecialized Diverge vs Crux: The best Specialized gravel bike in 2024The Specialized Diverge has been the gravel bike in the brands line-up since 2014, when the gravel category was in its infancy. Its gone through a series of iterations since, gradually gaining in off-road competency, so that the current bike is a fully fledged modern gravel bike with the requisite wide tyre clearance, mounting points and go-anywhere gearing.That evolution went through a step change in 2023 with the introduction of the Diverge STR though. This bike adds rear Future Shock suspension to the standard Diverges front Future Shock, for a fully suspended bike with 30mm of rear and 20mm of front travel.At the same time, the Crux, another long-time Specialized model, has morphed from a cyclocross race bike to a lightweight gravel racer very light in the case of the S-Works model. Its pared-back relative to the Diverge, without extra mounts or comfort features, but offers the same 47mm tyre clearance.So if youre considering Specializeds bikes for your next gravel bike, which should you choose?Here, well compare the key features of Specializeds gravel bikes and how the specs vary as you go down the ranges. Well then run through the whole Diverge STR, Diverge and Crux bike ranges and finally suggest some key pointers to help you to choose the best Specialized gravel bike for you.Specialized Diverge vs Crux: Key features at a glanceSpecialized Diverge STRFront and rear Future Shock suspension with 20mm and 30mm travel1,400g claimed frame weight including rear damperDowntube storage compartment and full set of bag mounts47mm tyre clearance, 650b compatibleSpecialized DivergeFront Future Shock suspension on all but the Diverge E51,100g claimed frame weight (carbon)Downtube storage on most carbon frames47mm tyre clearance, 650b compatibleSpecialized CruxNo added suspensionNo frame storageNo mounting pointsClaimed frame weight of 725g for S-Works and 825g for FACT 10r carbon framesClaimed frame weight of 1,399g for DSW alloy frame47mm tyre clearance, 650b compatibleSpecialized Diverge vs Crux: suspensionUnlike the Crux, the Diverge STR and all except the base model Diverge offer suspension, front only in the standard Diverge and both front and rear in the Diverge STR.Diverge and Diverge STR suspension optionsThe Diverges range of suspension systems fitted across the different specs is pretty confusing, so weve set out the different front and rear Future Shock suspension options for the whole Diverge range in this table, then explained what each does and doesnt do.Diverge specFront Future Shock modelDampedAdjustablewhen ridingTuneableRear Future ShockS-Works STR3.3YYYYSTR Pro3.3YYYYSTR Expert3.2YNYYSTR Comp3.2YNYYComp Carbon2YYNNSport Carbon1.5NNYNComp E51.5NNYNE5NNNNNDiverge front suspensionFront suspension comes from Specializeds Future Shock system. There are various grades of front Future Shock represented across the Diverge range, all offering 20mm of travel at the handlebars and featuring hydraulic damping. Future Shock has gone through three generations and all three are represented in the different specs of the Diverge.The latest Future Shock 3.0 system (of which there are multiple grades) has improved sealing over previous generations for better weatherproofing and improved serviceability. It allows you to swap out the spring if you want a softer or firmer ride. You can also add or remove preload spacers to tune the travel to the way you ride. All bikes with Future Shock 3.0 are sold with the springs and spacers needed to change suspension characteristics.The Future Shock 3.3 fitted to the Diverge STR S-Works and Pro models is the most sophisticated. It allows on-the-go adjustment via a dial on the headtube top cap. Its the same system as found in higher specs of the Specialized Roubaix SL8.The Diverge STR Expert and Comp include Future Shock 3.2 front suspension. Although this isnt adjustable when riding, its still hydraulically damped and tuneable.The (non-STR) Diverge Comp Carbon incorporates the previous generation Future Shock 2.0. This has less robust weatherproofing and a single spring rate, so its not tunable. Rather than allowing you to vary the damping as you ride, the top cap dial acts as a lockout and is on or off.Theres a further swap-out with the Diverge Sport Carbon and Diverge Comp E5, which include Future Shock 1.5 and dont have an adjustment dial or a lockout.Its only the base model Diverge E5 which has a fully rigid fork assembly.All grades of front Future Shock can be upgraded to the latest 3.0 system.Diverge STR rear suspensionJoseph Branston / CyclistThe Diverge STR models incorporate rear Future Shock as well as front Future Shock.Rear Future Shock provides 30mm of travel at the saddle, with the fore and aft movement of the seatpost controlled by a damper housed in the top tube. You can adjust the amount of damping as you ride and also tune its rebound off-bike.The Diverge STR is supplied with two different stiffnesses of frame post (which houses the seatpost proper) and each can be mounted in two positions, allowing fine-tuning of the ride characteristics.The system has built-in sag when theres a rider aboard, but preserves a constant distance from the saddle to the bottom bracket, for optimum pedalling despite the suspension. Stand on the pedals and theres no rear-end bounce either.Crux suspensionThe Crux range is easier: none of the bikes are equipped with active suspension, relying on the tyres to smooth the ride. Although the frame provides clearance for 47mm tyres, Specialized fits 38mm wide tyres to all specs, offering plenty of mud clearance, although too wide for use in officially sanctioned cyclocross races. Related Posts Gravel groupsets reviewed: Shimano vs SRAM vs Campagnolo How and why the Specialized Diverge STRs wild rear suspension came to be Gravel bike gearing: Everything you need to know The best gravel bikes 2024 reviewed Specialized Diverge vs Crux: geometryDiverge STRDivergeCruxFrame size565656Seat tube length500500546Seat tube angle7473.573.5Head tube length130133147Head tube angle71.7571.7572Effective top tube length570573568Bottom bracket drop858072Chainstay length429425425Frame reach392392397Frame stack609610578Wheelbase104410421033Trail576164Front centre629630618All measurements in millimetres unless indicatedA major difference between the Crux and the Diverge family is in their geometry, which reflects the difference between the Cruxs gravel racing focus and the Diverges wider-ranging objectives. Above, weve taken the size 56 bikes as an example.The Crux has a lower stack and slightly longer frame reach than the Diverge, so riders are going to be in a longer and lower ride position, which along with less bottom bracket drop should give a more racy ride. The wheelbase is shorter too, thanks to a shorter front centre measurement than the Diverge. Theres a longer seat tube, so there will be less free seatpost length.Turning to the Diverge, the standard bike and the STR are similar in geometry. Theres a more upright seat tube in the STR, reflecting the sag to the bikes rear suspension once a rider is aboard.Specialized says that the small differences between the Diverge and the Diverge STR are due to the STRs rear suspension layout. The relatively low trail figure suggests that the Diverges steering should be a little faster than the Crux though.Specialized Diverge vs Crux: frame grades and weightsTheres a wide array of different frames on offer across the Diverge and Crux, everything from premium carbon fibre, usually the preserve of top spec road bikes, to E5 alloy.The S-Works Crux gets the cream of the carbon, with FACT 12r, also seen in the S-Works Tarmac SL8, Specializeds pro-level road race bike, and the Aethos lightweight road bike.In fact, the S-Works Crux has much in common with the Aethos, with similar tube profiles and carbon lay-up, just adapted for gravel riding. This leads to a 725g claimed frame weight, which Specialized says makes the bike the lightest gravel bike you can buy.The rest of the Crux carbon range swaps to FACT 10r carbon, although the 825g claimed frame weight is still low.The Crux DSW is claimed to be the lightest alloy gravel bike frameset in the world, with an unpainted frameset said to weigh 1,399g.It uses Specializeds dAlusio Smartweld tech, a patented process which Specialized says reduces tolerances in the joints, so that less welding material is needed. The Crux DSW frameset also has a single-piece downtube and bottom bracket shell, again lowering weight and improving frame strength.All the Crux range now uses the SRAM UDH rear derailleur hanger standard, which Specialized says has been coupled to a further weight decrease.All specs of the Diverge STR use the same frameset, made with FACT 11r carbon. Specialized claims a frame weight of 1,400g, including the rear suspension system.Further down the range, the (non-STR) Diverge Comp Carbon is made of FACT 9r carbon, with a claimed 1,100g frame weight.The Diverge Sport Carbon is made of FACT 8r, while the Comp E5 and the E5 base model both use Specializeds E5 alloy. The proliferation of different carbon grades and materials dont have a huge effect on the complete bikes weights however.Specialized Diverge vs Crux: groupsetsJoseph Branston / CyclistAlmost all Specializeds gravel bikes are 1x, although theres a 2x option for the Diverge.Both the Diverge and Crux ranges offer a choice of SRAM or Shimano groupsets. The S-Works Crux includes the 13-speed Full Mount SRAM Red XPLR groupset with a power meter.Further down the Crux range, there are SRAM Force, Rival and Apex XPLR 1x options, as well as a Shimano GRX 112-speed bike.The Diverge is heavily specced with 12-speed SRAM mullet builds, providing gear range of up to 10-50t. Diverge STR bikes include a Shimano GRX 112-speed option, while the standard Diverge has the Shimano GRX 212-speed Sport in its range, as well as SRAM Apex 111-speed on the Comp E5 and Shimano Claris 28-speed on the base model Diverge E5.Specialized Diverge vs Crux: sizingThe Crux is available in frame sizes 49, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 61, accommodating rider heights from 155cm to 198cm.More sizes are on offer for some specs of the Diverge, with a size 44 and 64 added at either end of the range, which Specialized says should cater for riders from 142cm to 205cm tall.Specialized Diverge vs Crux: wheels and tyresTheres a progressive downspec of the wheels fitted to Specializeds gravel bike ranges as you descend through the specs.Both the Diverge and Crux go through the same range of options, starting off with the top spec carbon Roval Terra CLX II and going via the Terra CL and C models before Specialized offers DT Swiss G540 alloy rims on its own hubs or its own-brand Axis wheelsets on lower specs.The Roval Terra wheel range has a 25mm internal width carbon rim with hooked beads, while the DTG540 rims are 24mm wide, so both offer good support for wider gravel tyres.Specialized specs quite narrow (by current gravel bike standards) 42mm tyres on the Diverge and 38mm tyres on the Crux, although the wider rims should add a couple of millimetres to this stated width.Theres plenty of scope to go wider though, with the Diverge STR, Diverge and Crux frames all offering 47mm clearance.Specialized Diverge vs Crux: ranges comparedNext, well run through the entire ranges for each of Specializeds gravel bikes, from the most expensive to the entry spec for each, with a brief spec run-down including frame grade, groupset and wheelset, along with Specializeds claimed weight for a size 56 bike.Specialized Diverge and Diverge STR bike rangeJoseph Branston / CyclistS-Works Diverge STRFrame: Diverge FACT 11r with front and rear Future ShockFork: FACT carbon with Future Shock 3.3Handlebars: Roval Terra carbonGroupset: SRAM Red/Eagle XX1 AXS 40t, 10-50t 12-speedWheels: Roval Terra CLX II carbonSaddle: S-Works Power with MirrorClaimed weight: 8.88kg, size 56Price: 12,000Diverge STR ProFrame: Diverge FACT 11r with front and rear Future ShockFork: FACT carbon with Future Shock 3.3Handlebars: Roval Terra carbonGroupset: SRAM Force/Eagle X01 AXS 40t, 10-50t 12-speedWheels: Roval Terra CL carbonSaddle: S-Works Power with MirrorClaimed weight: 9.18kg, size 56Price: 8,000Diverge STR ExpertFrame: Diverge FACT 11r with front and rear Future ShockFork: FACT carbon with Future Shock 3.2Handlebars: Specialized Adventure Gear Hover alloyGroupset: SRAM Rival/GX Eagle AXS 40t, 11-50t 12-speedWheels: Roval Terra C carbonSaddle: BG Power ExpertClaimed weight: 9.93kg, size 56Price: 6,250Diverge STR CompFrame: Diverge FACT 11r with front and rear Future ShockFork: FACT carbon with Future Shock 3.2Handlebars: Specialized Adventure Gear Hover alloyGroupset: Shimano GRX RX822-SGS 40t, 10-51t 12-speedWheels: DT Swiss G540 rim on Specialized hubsSaddle: BG Power SportClaimed weight: 9.88kg, size 56Price: 4,500Diverge Comp CarbonFrame: Diverge FACT 9r with front Future ShockFork: FACT carbon with Future Shock 2.0Handlebars: Specialized Adventure Gear Hover alloyGroupset: SRAM Apex/X1 Eagle AXS 40t, 11-50t 12-speedWheels: DT Swiss G540 rim on Specialized hubsSaddle: BG Power SportClaimed weight: 9.98kg, size 56Price: 4,000Diverge Sport CarbonFrame: Diverge FACT 8r with front and rear Future ShockFork: FACT carbon with Future Shock 1.5Handlebars: Specialized Adventure Gear Hover alloyGroupset: Shimano GRX RX820/RX610 46/30t, 11-36t 12-speedWheels: DT Swiss G540 rim on Specialized hubsSaddle: BG Power SportClaimed weight: 10.05kg, size 56Price: 3,200Diverge Comp E5Frame: Diverge E5 alloy with front Future ShockFork: FACT carbon with Future Shock 1.5Handlebars: Specialized Adventure Gear Hover alloyGroupset: SRAM Apex 1, 40t, 11-42t 11-speedWheels: Axis Elite DiscSaddle: BG Power SportClaimed weight: 9.94kg, size 56Price: 2,500Diverge E5Frame: Diverge E5 alloyFork: FACT carbonHandlebars: Specialized Shallow Drop alloyGroupset: Shimano Claris, 50/34t, 11-34t 8-speedWheels: Axis Elite DiscSaddle: BG BridgeClaimed weight: 10.24kg, size 56Price: 1,200Specialized S-Works Diverge STR framesetYou can, in addition, buy the top spec S-Works Diverge STR frameset and build your bike yourself. The size 56 frameset has a 2.98kg claimed weight, including fork, seatpost, bearings and suspension, with the price of 4,750 reflecting the frames sophisticated engineering.Specialized Crux bike rangeS-Works CruxFrame: S-Works Crux FACT 12rFork: S-Works FACT carbonHandlebars: Roval Terra carbonGroupset: SRAM Red XPLR 40t, 10-46t 13-speed with power meterWheels: Roval Terra CLX IISaddle: S-Works Power with MirrorClaimed weight: 6.94kg, size 56Price: 11,500Specialized Crux ProFrame: Crux FACT 10rFork: S-Works FACT carbonHandlebars: Roval Terra carbonGroupset: SRAM Force XPLR AXS 40t, 10-44t 12-speedWheels: Roval Terra CLSaddle: Power Pro with MirrorClaimed weight: 7.63kg, size 56Price: Coming soonSpecialized Crux ExpertFrame: Crux FACT 10rFork: S-Works FACT carbonHandlebars: Specialized Adventure Gear alloyGroupset: SRAM Rival XPLR AXS 40t, 10-44t 12-speedWheels: Roval Terra CSaddle: BG Power ExpertClaimed weight: 8.07kg, size 56Price: 5,500Specialized Crux CompFrame: Crux FACT 10rFork: S-Works FACT carbonHandlebars: Specialized Adventure Gear alloyGroupset: Shimano GRX RX820-GS 40t, 10-45t 12-speedWheels: DT Swiss G540 rim on Specialized hubsSaddle: BG Power SportClaimed weight: 8.53kg, size 56Price: 3,500Specialized Crux DSW CompFrame: Specialized E5 alloyFork: S-Works FACT carbonHandlebars: Specialized Adventure Gear alloyGroupset: SRAM Apex XPLR mechanical 40t, 11-44t 12-speedWheels: DT Swiss G540 rim on Specialized hubsSaddle: BG Power SportClaimed weight: 8.53kg, size 56Price: 2,300Crux framesetSpecialized sells the Crux as two different framesets. The carbon S-Works Crux frameset has a claimed weight of 1.43kg including the fork and seatpost and a price tag of 4,500.Theres also the alloy Crux DSW frameset on offer. This has a 1.98kg claimed weight and a more reasonable 1,500 sticker price.Specialized Diverge vs Crux: which should you choose?Although this looks like a binary choice, the two different Diverge framesets make it a three-way decision. So first, you need to decide whether you want suspension and more all-round capability, or if youre content to let the tyres do the work and handle the bumps yourself.If so, the Crux range provides a simpler, cheaper solution which saves you over a kilogram in weight across the range at comparable price levels to the equivalent Diverge models. Its a more racy bike with edgier handling though.You can potentially add significantly to the Cruxs ride-smoothing with a swap-out from the narrowish (for a gravel bike) 38mm tyres to something closer to the frames 47mm clearance, although at the expense of space for mud build-up.If you do want suspension, youre going to have to decide between just front-end or full suspension. The latter comes with a hefty price tag, but does deliver a super-capable gravel bike, able to add a dose of comfort to the roughest gravel rides.The alloy bikes provide a more affordable entry point into both the Crux and Diverge bike ranges.If your gravel riding is more about exploring trickier terrain and multi-day rides, then the Diverge is likely to be for you. The Crux is geared more towards fast gravel riding, gravel racing and cyclocross use and lacks the mounting points that a gravel adventurer might prefer.Now youve got through all that, you might be ready to buy one from specialized.com.Read our full reviews of the Specialized Diverge, Diverge STR and Crux for more details to help you to choose. Related Posts Gravel groupsets reviewed: Shimano vs SRAM vs Campagnolo How and why the Specialized Diverge STRs wild rear suspension came to be Gravel bike gearing: Everything you need to know The best gravel bikes 2024 reviewed The post Specialized Diverge vs Crux: The best Specialized gravel bike in 2024 appeared first on Cyclist.

On stage 2 of the 2024 Renewi Tour, a number of top time trialists were present for the race against the clock, even with the sad departure of Filippo Ganna from the race. In the end, Lotto Dstny's Alec Segaert took the win, his first at World Tour level, with a breakthrough performance."This is re...

Paul Kennedy has been crowned world champion, in the TT discipline, at the UCI Grand Fondo World Championships in Aalborg, Denmark, today. A top tester on the home scene, who has medaled previous at the Gran Fondo Worlds, Kennedy was best in a 65-rider field featuring riders from around the globe, winning in a blistering []The post Paul Kennedy wins gold at UCI Gran Fondo World Champs, Denmark appeared first on Sticky Bottle.

HUNTs latest addition to the family, the aero, lightweight SUB50 wheels, boast state-of-the-art technology: wide, hookless rims and carbon spokes, combined with specially developed hubs. But how does the flagship version with ceramic bearings stack up against the competition in our big aero wheel group test?Hunt SUB50 | 2,789 | 1365 g | Manufacturers websiteWe tested these wheels for our big 2024 aero wheel group test click here for an overview of the test field or to check out the individual reviews.The HUNT SUB50 wheelset is fresh out the wind tunnel, making it the newest and most up-to-date wheelset on test. It doesnt just boast all the latest innovations, but also features aerodynamics optimised for wider tires, and offers many hidden details that make it stand out from the test field. Its interesting to see wheels from the British brand that are so clearly focused on racing performance, too. Until now, HUNT have made a name for themselves with their affordable ultra-endurance wheels. However, theyre clearly targeting the road racing scene with the SUB50, taking it up with the likes of the very similar looking and similarly specced CADEX 50 Ultra.No compromise The specs of the HUNT SUB50The SUB50 is one of the lightest wheelsets on test, weighing in at just 1,365 g, though it cant quite match the extremely light CADEX 50 Ultra. In fact, theyre separated by a full 50 g. HUNT achieve this weight thanks to carbon spokes and an extremely slim hub. However, some of that weight is reinvested in the 50 mm deep and up to 34 mm wide rims, putting them amongst the beefiest wheels on test. Like Roval, HUNT rely on a wide, very bulbous rim at the front and a skinnier, more slender geometry at the rear. The aim is to make the best use of the different aerodynamic conditions at the front and rear.Well thought outWith a wide rim up front and skinny version at the rear, HUNT hope to achieve the optimum balance between minimum weight and aerodynamic optimisation.FancyThe lettering on the top of the SUB50s rim flanges shows HUNTs typical attention to detail!Carbon everywhereCarbon spokes result in stiff and fast wheels, which is what counts on modern high-performance bikesFor maximum efficiency, the flagship model on test comes equipped with CeramicSpeed bearings. Given the price of 2,789, HUNT offers some remarkable features, especially compared to some of the much higher-priced competition.The look is classic HUNT, with the prominent branding and subtle pinstripes on the rim as well as small lettering on the rims edge. This makes for a very classy impression that matches well with almost any bike. As for the guarantee, Hunt offer the first owners their H Care program, which includes lifetime crash replacement. In contrast to other manufacturers, HUNT cover all the costs involved and, if in doubt, replace the wheels free of charge exemplary!Missing something?HUNT rely on a hookless design for the SUB50. This controversial approach is claimed to provide more stability and improved aerodynamics.MinimalisticThe specially developed HUNT hubs are optimised for maximum weight savings, and it shows!No more ultra endurance The HUNT SUB50 on testSimilar to the CADEX wheels, the HUNT SUB50 are amongst the stiffest models on test. Ideal for sprints and fast starts, be it on the climbs or when accelerating out of corners. They also provide an extremely precise and fun riding experience on the descents. On the flip side, the HUNT SUB50 wheels are lacking in compliance. It remains up for debate whether this is a necessary evil on high-performance road bikes, but even the pros appreciate a little more comfort on long races or stages. The perfect wheels for local crit races then? That conclusion would be underlined by the freehub, which is the loudest and most aggressive sounding on test. In this regard, the wheels from both CADEX and HUNT are like shrieking siblings.However, theres a difference in their performance in crosswinds. Compared to the CADEX models, HUNTs carbon spokes are slightly narrower, providing better handling and control in crosswinds.Aero performance and results from the wind tunnelThe HUNT SUB50 show impressive potential in terms of aero performance. Theyre fast on the straights and offer a good sail effect, exceeding what you would expect from 50 mm deep rims. This was also confirmed in the wind tunnel. The SUB50 set is roughly on par with the CADEX 50 Ultra and the surprisingly aerodynamic DT Swiss ERC, but about 3.5 watts behind the test winning Syncros Capital SL Aero. The effect of HUNTs wheel design can be seen in the wind tunnel. Due to their wide rims, their performance is weaker at shallow yaw angles, but that means theyre particularly effective at steeper angles.Our conclusion on the HUNT SUB50The HUNT SUB50 is a well thought-out wheelset down to the finest detail. In addition to carbon spokes, specially developed in-house hubs, and progressive rim geometry, they deliver impressively stiff and efficient handling that underlines their performance oriented character. However, due to their lack of compliance, theyre aimed more at the hard-core racing scene. For just under 3000, however, you get a top-end wheelset thats perfect for your local crit.Topsstiff, with fun handlinghigh-quality specs at a good pricebeautifully finished detailsFlopsslightly lacking in complianceFor more information, visit huntbikewheels.comThe test fieldWe tested these wheels for our big 2024 aero wheel group test click here for an overview of the test field or to check out the individual reviews.All wheels in test: Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 TLR (Click for review) | Cadex 50 Ultra (Click for review) | DT Swiss ERC 1100 Dicut DB 45 (Click for review) | Hunt SUB50 | Lightweight Obermayer EVO (Click for review) | Mavic Cosmic SLR 45 Disc (Click for review) | Reserve 52/63 (Click for review) | Roval Rapide CLX II (Click for review) | Syncros Capital SL Aero 60mm (Click for review) | Vision Metron 60 SL Disc (Click for review) | Zipp 454 NSW (Click for review) Der Beitrag HUNT SUB50 on test erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

The new carbon models also come with 120mm travel, more aggro geometry and clearance for wider tyresTrek ProcaliberTrek has launched its Gen 3 Procaliber carbon models, which come with increased fork travel, wider tyre clearance, lighter weight, Continue reading