CyclistBest bike locks 2024 and how to keep your bike safeWith the world still populated by an annoyingly high number of thieves, you need a good bike lock to give your bike a chance of staying put, especially if youve spent a few quid on it. Having your bicycle disappear is a sure way to put a dampener on your week/month/year. Whether it goes missing from a garage, a dedicated parking stand or is cropped from a set of railings, the outcome is the same. The solution is investing in a lock as tough as the mean streets through which you pedal. Yet with a huge degree of choice between various types, dimensions and security certifications, the range of bicycle locks available to discourage thieves is potentially baffling. Fortunately, were here to help.The principal thing wed recommend is that you allocate sufficient money to this new lock of yours. If your bike will be out of your sight and is worth stealing and that category is broader than you might presume you need at least a solid Sold Secure Bronze lock, and having a better lock will help when it comes to getting cheaper bike insurance.In the bike theft arms race, portable angle grinders are the pro thiefs current top weapon, and theres a new class of angle grinder-resistant bike locks, which makers claim to be impervious or at least near-impervious to attack. Weve highlighted some of those, as well as more affordable but still well regarded bike locks below.The best Sold Secure Diamond and Gold bike locks Angle grinder resistant bike locksAbus Granit Super Extreme 2500Hiplok D1000Litelok XOnGuard RockSolidSkunkLock ChemicalFull-size D locksLitelok X1Abus Granit X-Plus 540Kryptonite EvolutionOxford Shackle 14 DuoOnguard PitbullHalfords Advanced 23cm D LockSquire Stronghold D16/230Flexible and chain locksKryptonite Evolution Integrated Chain LockLitelok Core FlexHiplok GoldAbus Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500Oxford Linklock GLMini D-locksHiplok DXKryptonite Fahgettaboudit MiniAbus Ultimate 420 (inc. cable)Master Lock U-Lock Related Posts Bike helmet safety: Standards, testing and tech, plus Virginia Techs top-rated helmets Bike insurance: All you need to know and compare quotes Best bike storage ideas: Smart ways to store and display your bicycle Best road bikes of 2024 reviewed by Cyclists experts What is Sold Secure?Sold Secure is a rating bestowed on locks independently tested by the Master Locksmiths Association. Being non-partisan, wed always rely on its evaluation as a guide instead of any manufacturers claims. In our experience, anything below Bronze level will be susceptible to prying, hammer strike, hacksaw and bolt-cutter type attacks.However, while various styles of lock manage to score a Bronze rating, wed steer clear of any kind of flexible cable design regardless of its certification. This is because although they might stall an opportunist thief, weve not yet found one that couldnt be defeated with a set of quality bolt croppers.Instead, stick to a solid chain or D-lock thats Bronze-rated or above, and any thief will at least need to be in possession of an angle grinder to be in with a chance of nicking your bike. Hard like a diamondThat said, if you live in a high-crime area, we suggest you invest in a Sold Secure Gold or Diamond certified lock if you can afford one. Formerly the highest certification you could find, Gold locks tend to start from around 40, and many insurers now demand this rating if you want to cover yourself.The more recently introduced Diamond standard is intended to distinguish between locks at the top of the market. As locks have improved, the previous rating system provided little to differentiate the better ones. The Diamond class is reserved for the best of the best. Given that this isnt a market where product novelty is rewarded by anything other than a missing bike, expect to see the same names appear in our list multiple times. Want a lighter lock? The best youre going to get is one thats smaller, which might work if youve got a skinny-tubed bike.Almost all locks are based around a tempered steel construction, and weight is usually directly correlated to strength. So while a lock might seem weighty, itll be less heavy than your heart should you return to find your bike isnt where you left it.Similarly, you should aim to spend 10% of the cost of your bike on its lock if you cant find a lock that matches the price of your bike, it means its probably too expensive to leave unattended.Its not just a question of having a great lock though you need to know how to use it correctly, so read our post on how to lock a bike, with tips from a reformed bike thief.Many bikes are stolen by opportunist thieves, when their owners just leave them for a minute or two. A lightweight cafe lock wont stop a determined bike thief, but youre more likely to carry and use it if youre running an errand or stopping mid-ride. A bike alarm, such as the AlterLock, or an alarmed lock can also help deter theft or tampering.The best angle grinder-resistant bike locksAbus Granit Super Extreme 2500AbusType:D-lockSold Secure rating:DiamondLength:23cmWeight:2.5kgExtras:Bike mountAbus houses the hardened 27mm thick steel shackle and body of the Granit Super Extreme 2500 in an ultra-tough tungsten carbide shell to deflect angle grinders. Its the same material as used in cutters and grinders, so the lock is matching like with like, meaning that grinder discs are likely to wear quicker than the locks cladding.Theres a pick-resistant double locking cylinder too and additional security details include a Code Card so that others cant order spares or replacements for the two keys provided.Hiplok D1000HiplokType:D-lockSold Secure rating:DiamondLength:15.5cmWeight:1.9kgWhile Abus uses tungsten carbide, Hiploks secret weapon against angle grinders is graphene reinforcement of the hardened steel shackle. The square profile is also claimed to help reduce vulnerability and there are double locking tabs to prevent attacks by twisting. Hiplok reckons that the D1000 is more than 20 times as resistant to angle grinders as a standard steel shackle and can withstand ten minutes of assault without failure.A little smaller than the Abus lock, the D1000 is also lighter. Its rubber coated to protect your frame and comes with three coded, replaceable keys.Buy now from Hiplok (249.99)Litelok X3Type:D-lockSold Secure rating:DiamondLength:19.5cmWeight:2.1kgExtras:Carrying pouchAnother advanced composite, which Litelok calls Barronium, is used on the X3 to shield its hardened steel D-lock shackle. As with Hiplok, Litelok claims its lock is 20 times more resistant to angle grinders than a standard D-lock. Theres the cheaper Litelok X1 available too (see below), which has a thinner layer to Barronium coating apparently five times the resistance of a standard D-lock.In addition, there is anti-rotation protection against twisting, while a self-sealing keyhole keeps out wet and debris. The Litelok X3 is rubber-coated, with reflectives incorporated for extra visibility. Theres a high security lock cylinder to resist picking and the Litelok X3 is supplied with a neoprene carry pouch too. Litelok promises rattle-free carrying from its design.Buy now from Litelok (249.99)OnGuard RockSolidType:D-lockSold Secure rating:DiamondLength:17.5cmWeight:1.4kgThe OnGuard RockSolid lock is, as with all the angle-grinder resistant locks, Sold Secure Diamond rated. OnGuard claims that its advanced engineering and patented materials provide protection from angle grinders. It also claims that its weight is lower than the competition at 1.4kg, although theres a decent sized shackle thats shrouded to add angle grinder protection. The shackle is secured to the locking bar in four locations, rather than the more usual two, which OnGuard claims increases resistance to twisting attacks and there are over 66,000 different key combinations. Rubber coating protects your frame too.SkunkLock ChemicalSkunkLockType:D-lockSold Secure rating:Not testedLength:23cmWeight:2.0kgExtras:NoneIt hasnt been Sold Secure tested, but the SkunkLock Chemical has a trick up its sleeve to deter thieves cut into it and theyll spray themselves with an aerosol of its contents of foul-smelling, vomit-inducing chemicals, which soaks into clothing and will coat the tools used. The shackle has the same wall thickness as a 16mm solid steel one, so theres some physical protection built in too.Not convinced? SkunkLock also sells the SkunkLock Carbon, with a 25mm thick shackle with silicon carbide reinforcement to provide angle grinder and bolt cutter protection.Buy now from Skunklock ($179.99)The best full-size D-locksLitelok X1LitelockType:D-lockSold Secure rating:DiamondLength:19cmWeight:1.7kgExtras:Bike mountThe Litelok X1s shackle is made of a proprietary ceramic material that the brand calls barronium over a hardened steel core. Its a composite material that Litelok says is resistant to the full armoury of lock-breaking kit, including angle grinders and five times as tough as a standard steel shackle. Theres a natural rubber coating to protect your bikes paintwork.Litelok provides reflective stripes on the shackle to help keep you safer when riding and the X1 is Sold Secure Diamond-rated both for bikes and motorcycles.It comes with a mount that makes clipping the lock to your bike simple, quick and secure. Litelok sells the Restrap belt holster separately if you want to carry the lock at your waist rather than on the bike.Buy now from Litelok (149.99)Abus Granit X-Plus 540AbusType: D-lockSold Secure rating: DiamondLength: 23cmWeight: 1.85kgExtras:Replaceable coded keys, parabolic shackleForsaking any pretence of being either fun, jazzy or cool, the Abus Granit X-Plus 540 lock instead focusses solely on being the toughest mother out there. Its square shackle is mega hard, and also reduces the leverage most jaw-type cutting tools can exert when compared to rounder alternatives.If anyone does manage to cut through, its boxy profile has the second benefit of preventing the lock being twisted open once chopped. This could double the amount of time it takes them to nick your bike, since thieves will need to cut it in two places.In terms of balancing security and practicality, thisis as good as it gets. Heavy and pricy-seeming at first, its cheaper and will weigh on you less than losing your bike.Buy now from CycleStore 76.50 Kryptonite EvolutionKryptonite Type: D-lockSold Secure rating: GoldLength: 23cmWeight: 1.52kgExtras: Replaceable coded keysKryptonites Evolution is a steadfast bike lock. A 14mm hardened Kryptonium steel shackle paired to a double deadbolt locking mechanism provides extensive holding power. Anti-rattle bumpers keep the shackle snug against the crossbar and prevent unnecessary noise.It represents great value for a lock with a Sold Secure Gold rating from a big name like Kryptonite. Nothing short of an angle grinder is likely to be getting through this in a hurry.The bracket isnt the sturdiest but the bike will probably stay exactly where you left it.Buy now from Tredz (59.49) Oxford Shackle 14 DuoOxford ProductsType: D-lockSold Secure rating: GoldLength: 26cmWeight: n/aExtras: Includes extra 120cm cableThis combo pack from Oxford offers excellent value and high security. At its heart is the Shackle 14 D-lock. This chunky-looking number has been awarded the highest Sold Secure Gold rating and is named for its 14mm hardened steel loop.It comes in a 260mm length, which is good for general use, although a larger 320mm version is available for those with multiple bikes or attachment issues. The lock includes three keys as standard; however, Oxford also offers a replacement service, so you can always get more if you manage to lose these.The package also includes a 120cm braided steel cable that can loop through the main lock to secure your wheels or additional items. This is a great extra thats included at a very reasonable price; just ensure your bikes frame is secured with the main lock, and you should be all set regarding any insurance you may have purchased.Buy now from Decathlon UK 54.99 Onguard PitbullOnGuardType: U-lockSold Secure rating: DiamondLength: 29cmWeight: 6.5kgExtras: Mounting bracket, 5 keys, one with LED light, optional cableThe Onguard Pitbull lock is one down from the Brute, which has even more security from a thicker shackle. Nevertheless, the Pitbull is Sold Secure Diamond-rated. There are a range of shackle sizes offered, with 29cm the longest and theres an optional cable available as well.Rather than a U-shaped shackle, the Pitbulls is more squared off, which gives some extra area inside. The Pitbull is a heavy lock, but its well priced for the level of security and the quality that it offers. Buy now from Tweeks Cycles 28.99Halfords Advanced 23cm D LockHalfordsType: D-lockSold Secure rating: DiamondLength: 23cmWeight: Not specifiedExtras: Mounting bracket, 4 keysBeing from Halfords, this lock is easy to find. Its also Sold Secure Diamond-rated with a hardened steel casing and 14mm thick shackle. Theres good frame protection and a grip at the end of the shackle to help you to carry it.It comes with four keys and a plastic mounting bracket to attach it to your bike. Its reasonably priced as well.Buy now from Halfords (50)Squire Stronghold D16/230Type: D-lockSold Secure rating: DiamondLength: 23cmWeight: 2.3kgExtras: 4 security coded keysA 16mm boron steel shackle gives the Stronghold the strength to secure a Diamond rating from Sold Secure. It has a six pin lock cylinder which according to Squire offers over half a million different pin combinations. You get a card with your pin sequence to ensure that it cant be copied without your authorisation.The Squire Stronghold range also includes a folding lock, which is Gold-rated, and a Diamond-rated integrated lock and chain set.Buy now from Halfords (140)The best flexible and chain locksKryptonite EvolutionSeries 4 ChainKryptoniteType: Chain with integrated lockSold Secure rating: GoldLength: 90cmWeight: 2.7kgExtras:Replaceable coded keysChain locks may have their disadvantages, but along with discouraging potential thieves, a chain can be stretched around larger objects, meaning youll almost always be able to find a secure object to attach the bike to.In its 55cm length, the Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 weighs less than the Fuhgettaboutit D-Lock, and the Kryptolok can be coiled compactly into a backpack. Its integrated lock mechanism is near impossible to pry open and also makes locking the chain easier than threading a link through a padlock.With chain links that are only 10mm in width, you might think the Evolution far from the security of the most heavy-duty 16mm chains. Luckily, the Sold Secure Gold rating says differently: this is a very safe pair of hands for your bike. Buy now from Tweeks Cycles 55 Litelok Core FlexType: Flexible cableSold Secure rating: GoldLength: 75cmWeight: 1.7kgExtras: Wearable, two coloursLitelok claims that the Core Flex is the lightest Sold Secure Gold-rated lock on the market. The flexible cable means that the lock is easier to wrap around your bike and an anchor than a D-lock and can also be coiled up for easier carrying. The lock comes with an easy-connect bike mount.It can also be carried worn around the waist, coming with two adjustable straps to fit different waist sizes.Theres layered resistance to attack, with biopolymer and radial reinforcement over a high tensile steel cable core thats resistant to cable cutters and a plant-based polymer overlay to protect your bike.The lock mechanism itself is made from hardened steel and closes without needing to use the key.Buy now from Litelok (119.99)Hiplok GoldHiplokType: ChainSold Secure rating: GoldLength: 85cmWeight: 2.2kgExtras: Wearable, two colours, three coded keysWith an 85cm long chain with 10mm thick links, the Hiplok Gold chain lock is designed to be wearable for those with waist size between 30 and 44 inches. Theres also a version with a hi-viz cover available if you ride at night. It comes with a 10 year warranty as well.Its a little heavier than the Litelok, but in compensation the chain is longer at 85cm against 75cm.Buy now from Tweeks Cycles 76Abus Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500AbusType: FoldingSold Secure rating: GoldLength: 110cmWeight: 1.6kgExtras: Neat on bike storage,Replaceable coded keysFolding locks provide the extra convenience of being easier to stash in a bag than a D-lock, and the Abus Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 also comes with a mount so you can attach it to your bike. That said, given its hefty 1.58kg weight, you might not fancy popping it on your frame, especially if you pride your bike for its lightweight build.That weight is put to good use, however, because this is one of the few folding locks that has a Sold Secure Gold rating, and it also rates as 15/15 on Abuss own security scale. The folding design also means you can manoeuvre the Granit X-Plus to attach your bike to more locations than are available with a standard D-lock, though it should be said that the best D-locks are still more secure than the thinner bars of a folding lock.If you dont need something as heavyweight as the Granit X-Plus 6450, Abus does offer other folding locks in its Bordo range, including the 6000A, which has a built-in alarm.Buy now from Decathlon 84.99 Oxford Linklock GLOxford ProductsType: FoldingSold Secure rating: GoldLength: 90.0cmWeight: Not specifiedExtras: Carry bracket, Three keysThe Oxford LinkLock GL folding lock has a 90cm perimeter, so theres plenty of room to reach around your rear wheel and frame and anchor it. Its Sold Secure Gold-rated, despite the five joints between the hardened steel plates joints being a potential area of weakness.The LinkLock GL comes with a carrying bracket, which attaches to your bike frame with hook and loop fasteners, so it can be attached to your bike when youre travelling around. Theres a barrel lock and it comes with three keys.Buy now from The Electric Bike Shop 67.99The best mini and compact D-locksHiplok DXHiplokType: Mini D-LockSold Secure rating: DiamondLength: 15.0cmWeight: 1.1kgExtras: Carry clip, Replaceable coded keysHiplok claims that, at 1.1kg, the DX is one of the lightest Sold Secure Diamond-rated locks available. It has a wide plastic cover over the lock body to avoid scratching your frames paintwork. Its designed to be carried on a clip that attaches to your belt or bag straps rather than to your bike frame.Hiplok also sells the DXC, which adds a cable, should you want some extra length to secure your wheels to your frame. The cable is designed so that it too can be attached easily to the clip.Buy now from Tweeks Cycles 59.99Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit MiniKryptonite Type: Mini D-LockSold Secure rating: DiamondLength: 15.3cmWeight: 2kgExtras: No bracket, Replaceable coded keysKryptonite designed the New York Fahgettaboudit D-lock as an ultimate security bike lock. It scores the maximum 10/10 on Kryptonites security scale. Your bike will be safe and sound in the highest-risk urbanised areas, Kryptonite even offers a scheme where it will pay up to 2,500 toward a replacement bike if a thief defeats the lock.Weve been lucky enough to have a test sample of the Fahgettaboudit for a few months. From that, wed say, with the twang of Donnie Brascos New York accent ringing in our ears, this lock from Kryptonite is as tough as an American-Italian nonna talking about her cannolis.Smaller than average, the Fahgettaboudits narrow width makes it even tougher. However, its worth noting that its no lightweight. Its actually one of the heaviest on the market.Its 18mm steel-hardened U-lock specs and Gold standard are reassuring, but the U-bar is small so can be tough to fit around bike stands. You need a narrow frame tube and a slender anchor point to really make the most of this lock. On the plus side, its easily fitted into a backpack to transport. A great choice if youre happy to spend time picking your spot.Buy now from Cyclestore 119.99 Abus Ultimate 420/140AbusType: Mini D-lockSold Secure rating: GoldLength: 15cmWeight: 1.25kgExtras:Replaceable coded keysThe Abus Ultimate uses a double-locking mechanism and a 13mm shackle that extends through the lock body to better protect against torsion/twisting attacks. The rubberised housing should prevent frame damage. The short-reach U-bend is also big enough to fit around frames and most stands while small and just about light enough to be considered compact. From our own testing we found the decent frame-mounting system doesnt rattle around either. A Sold Secure Gold rating at this price is top-notch, and the frame-mounting bracket is great too.Buy now from Cyclestore 42.50Master Lock Mini U-LockMaster LockType: Mini D-lockSold Secure rating: GoldLength: 12.5cmWeight: 0.93kgExtras: Includes four non-coded keysWith a choice between 8cm and 10cm wide locks, Master Locks Sold Secure Gold lock is built for urban areas and overnight parking.Its hardened steel body is resistant to cutting, sawing and prying while the double lock can withstand two tones of pulling force and the locking mechanism is built for pick resistance.It comes with a carrier bracket and the smaller choice makes for easy transportation.Buy now from Tweeks Cycles (29.99) Related Posts Bike helmet safety: Standards, testing and tech, plus Virginia Techs top-rated helmets Bike insurance: All you need to know and compare quotes Best bike storage ideas: Smart ways to store and display your bicycle Best road bikes of 2024 reviewed by Cyclists experts The post Best bike locks 2024 and how to keep your bike safe appeared first on Cyclist.

Wout van Aert has been back to his brilliant best at the 2024 Vuelta a Espana, winning three stages and amassing a lead in both the points classification and the King of the Mountains. Sadly, on stage 16 of the Spanish Grand Tour, it all came to a crashing halt.Initially, the Belgian crashed early...

Just in time for cooler temps, Salsa announced its 2025 fat bike lineup, including fresh spec and color options for the Beargrease and Heyday!, with complete builds starting at just $1,700. Check out the entire lineup here...The post 2025 Salsa Fat Bike Lineup Announced appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Rapha 20 celebrates the brands 20th anniversary this autumn, returning to Londons Truman Brewery where they launched back in 2004 for a Rapha20: Past Forward exhibition, pop-up shop, and a host of special events including group rides. It seems hard to believe that Rapha has been around for two decades weve only been reporting on bike tech & rumors since 2008. But two decades ago, Raphas original merino blend Sportwool jersey set a new benchmark for rethinking road riding apparel. Their simple design aesthetic, forward-thinking technical designs, and focus on the little details, set off a renaissance of smarter high-performance cycling kit. And we all still benefit today from the spark of competition they ignited in the early 2000sRaphas 20 years of Performance, Progress & Panache(All photos/Rapha)It was 20 years ago during the 3 weeks of the Tour de France that Rapha debuted at the Truman Brewery with their Kings of Pain exhibit, focusing on some of cyclings greatest champions and their willingness to suffer for the beauty of the sport. That set the stage for their simple monochromatic black Rapha Sportwool cycling jersey with their trademark subtle pink details. And of course, the brandsex duris gloria motto glory through suffering. It was a huge shift from and a direct reaction to the overly bright euro-style plastic-feeling road cycling jerseys of the time, plastered with team sponsor logos. Rapha proposed a better way forward, a simpler cycling kit inspired by history, but remade in a modern way.Rapha 20: Past Forward exhibition at the Truman Brewery in London, EnglandAs part of this years London Design Festival from September 14-22, Rapha will again take over the Truman Brewery for a kinetic installation, housed in an ethereal world of archive product and imagery paired with a stacked program of cycling industry panel discussions talks, parties, and group rides. Its a celebration of twenty years of cutting-edge designs. And a look back at the transformative ethos behind the company that has since expanded from recreational road riders to the highest level of professional cycling. And then expanded to take in gravel cycling and mountain biking too.Raphas progressive aesthetic, inspired by mid-century road cycling, futurism, fashion, and modernist typography, disrupted the status quo and forever changed the cycling industry. Since then, this rebellious approach has seen Rapha worn by Tour de France winners and receive accolades from around the world. Today, the brand has transcended the cycling industry to become a global movement.So on September 14, 2024, Rapha 20 returns to the Truman Brewery to open Past Forward. Its meant to be an exhibit that celebrates their designs and products of the past two decades. But also to set the stage for their next developments. Plus, Rapha say they will explore how cycling will continue to change lives, transform cities and be a radical force for social and environmental progress.Raphas full description of the exhibit:RAPHA20: PAST FORWARD EXHIBITION G4, Elys Yard, The Truman Brewery, London E1 6QRRapha has commissioned creative duo Isabel + Helen to produce the centrepiece of the experience, Rapha in Motion; an installation inspired by the past and future of Raphas first merino-blend jersey. Visitors will discover a large-scale kinetic sculpture which brings to life the movement of cycling, and incorporates nods to the product innovation and craftsmanship that has driven the brand from the beginning.Rapha also enlisted top branding agency Made Thought to create the exhibitions spatial and experiential design, and visual identity. As visitors enter the space, they will embark on an emotive, abstract journey through a selection of Raphas archive and definitive moments for the brand.Completing the show is The Future of Cycling Manifesto, a printed publication that sets the stage for the next 20 years, and explores what the future of cycling could hold. Rapha has spoken to an alliance of contributors to produce a holistic take on how the sport and culture of cycling has changed over the past 20 years and how it could continue to grow, with contributors including Raphas founder Simon Mottram and new CEO Fran Millar, EF pro cyclists Lachlan Morton and Alison Jackson, AMANIs Tsgabu Grmay and Transport to Londons Will Norman. All visitors will be able to take a copy of the manifesto away with them to read in full.Register in advance The Past Forward exhibit is free with online registration (here), from next week in London on September 14. Read more later about the full program of accompanying events and how you can join in at: events.Rapha.cc. There are catered parties almost daily including a book launch featuring a talk with Rapha founder Simon Mottram and Raphas new CEO, Fran Millar. In addition, a sustainable design discussion, a brutalist architecture tour, city rides, and group rides on some of Raphas favorite road cycling routes in and around London.Pop-up shop with custom Rapha20 kitPlus of course, there will be a special Rapha20 pop-up store on-site at the Truman Brewery. Rapha will offer limited edition Rapha20 design products and a selection of Raphas latest top products. There will also be some rarities on offer that you wont find anywhere else. And a Customisation Atelier where you can customize those products you purchase from the pop-up shop.Rapha.ccThe post Rapha20: Past Forward Exhibition Celebrates 20 Years, Back at Truman Brewery in London appeared first on Bikerumor.

CyclistBest gravel bike upgrades for every budgetThere are plenty of options if youre looking to upgrade your gravel bike for off-road riding. Some extras, such as more padded bar tape or a saddle upgrade, will add a little more comfort to a bike thats going to be jolting you around, often for an extended period. Others, such as tubeless tech or tyre inserts, will increase reliability and reduce your potential down-time for punctures or other mechanicals. Then there are bigger upgrades, such as fitting new wheels or a dropper post, that will have an impact on performance. Still others meanwhile, including bags, lights and straps, will equip you for bikepacking expeditions.Whatever upgrades youre looking at, you dont need to spend a fortune to make a real differences to your gravel experience. With that in mind, weve rounded up some inexpensive options we think are worth investing in, and included some pricier upgrades too should your budget stretch a little further.14 of the best gravel bike upgrades1. New bar tapeSam ChallisMuch like bar tape for road bikes, theres a lot to be gained by choosing the right bar tape for your gravel bike. You can buy gravel-specific tape thats extra thick to cushion your hands usually at least 3mm thick and extra-grippy to help keep them attached to the bars. As usual, theres an earth-coloured gravel template usually on offer, although sticking to black seems sensible to cut down on cleaning requirements. Related Posts Best gravel bike shoes 2024 reviewed by our experts Best road bike upgrades for every budget The best gravel bikes 2024 reviewed What is a gravel bike? Everything you need to know 2. Cargo strapsPannier.ccWhile road riders can usually fit everything into their jersey pockets and maybe a saddle pack, gravel riding often involves carrying more stuff. Bikepacking means strapping a whole lot of stuff to your bike and the ability to lash small items somewhere convenient makes things a lot easier. Cargo straps come in many designs but Voile straps (sold under both the Voile brand and licensed alternatives) are really versatile and quick to use, with a range of lengths to suit everything from a pump to a tent and you can link up multiple straps to hold larger loads. There are some great colours too. If Voile is too rich for your blood, there are some decent cheaper alternatives that do a similar job.3. Tyre insertsVittoriaIf youre fed up with punctures, it may be time to try tyre inserts. They wont stop punctures from occurring, but may help you to keep moving when one does occur. They also allow you to run lower pressures for better grip in poor conditions, with a lower risk of sidewall damage or burping. 4. New tyresGravel bike tyres can be tricky as they need to be adapted for the conditions. A set that works well in the mud of winter will usually feel lifeless on dry summer trails. Conversely, a low-profile tread that works well in the summer will see you slipping around once things get damp. So although an all-rounder tyre might work well most of the time, its worth having a few different options that you can swap in as the seasons and the conditions change. For a versatile all-rounder, consider the Schwalbe G-One R or the Vittoria Terreno Mix.5. Bar bagMatt Buckley / CyclistFurther to that problem of how to carry extra things, a bar bag is a great option when riding on gravel. Its location in front of you on the handlebars makes it easier to get to while riding and its not as prone as a saddle pack to getting dirty. Weve reviewed a range of bar bags in a variety of sizes, from compact options that allow you to carry a few ride extras to full-sized bar bags designed to carry a substantial part of a bikepacking load. Check out our guide to the best bar bags6. Tubeless techRunning tubeless is a godsend off-road, helping to avoid down time for fixing punctures and keep you running more smoothly. If youve not set up tubeless yet, you can buy everything you need rim tape, valves, sealant as a tubeless kit to make setup easier.Alternatively, you can buy the parts separately. Many tubeless-ready wheelsets will come pre-taped, but tubeless tech isnt fit-and-forget, so youll need a bottle of sealant to keep your sealant levels topped up as it dries over time. Check out our guide to the best tubeless sealantTubeless valves bought separately also offer an opportunity to pimp your gravel bike, with a range of colours and designs that inner tubes just dont give you.If you do get that pesky flat thats too large for the sealant to seal, it may be time for a tyre plug. The best tyre plugs are quick to use and can save a ride. Many tyre plug kits are also very compact and easy to carry around, so they wont take up too much space even if you dont need to use them very often. Check out our guide to the best tubeless repair kitFinally, a TPU inner tube can get you out of trouble if all else fails. Its expensive, but a lot more compact and durable than a standard butyl inner tube. 7. SaddleYour saddle is critical for your comfort, so if youre not getting on with the stock saddle on your gravel bike, it might be worth looking for something specifically designed for gravel riding. Gravel bike saddles tend to have more padding than models designed for road use, but may have a wider central pressure relief channel. If theres a cut-out it may have a rubber membrane under it to stop dirt from spraying your shorts. It may have a more grippy surface to help you keep in place and could have more durable metal rails rather than carbon.8. Dropper postGiantIf your gravel riding is taking you to more technical terrain, you might benefit from a dropper seatpost as fitted to most decent mountain bikes. This allows you, via a lever on the bars or a repurposed left shift lever, to release the seatpost-locking mechanism and lower the seatpost, Dropper posts for gravel bikes typically offer between 50mm and 120mm of travel to get the saddle out of the way when you are descending, helping you to push your weight back and lower your centre of gravity.Many gravel bike frames are now designed to allow you to fit a dropper seatpost with internal cable routing, so apart from the extra cable from the bars to the frame, theres no external change to your bike. Make sure that you get a dropper post thats the right diameter for your seat tube though many designed for mountain bikes will be too large.9. WheelsMike MassaroAs with any bike, a wheel upgrade to your gravel bike can change the character of your ride. The best gravel bike wheels tend to have wider rims than many road-going wheelsets, to better support wider gravel tyres. Theyll certainly be tubeless-ready and designed for disc brake use and theyll often include shallow aero rim profiles. Surprisingly, despite the extra abuse theyre likely to get off-road, many high-end gravel bike wheelsets are as light as road wheelsets, helping to liven your bike up.10. CockpitLizzie CrabbAnother gravel-specific component, gravel bars come in a range of widths, drops and shapes. Typically, gravel bike handlebars are wide, with a flare to the drops, which are quite shallow, although some gravel bikes are fitted with bars that are more like those on a road bike. Gravel bike bars are usually made of aluminium alloy, so theyre relatively cheap to replace.A wider bar can improve ease of steering by providing more leverage. Some have a very pronounced flare, which positions your brake levers at an angle. Some riders like the wide flare, others not so much, but it does increase the room available if you plan to carry a wider bar bag, perhaps to stow a sleeping bag for bikepacking. If you want to increase your comfort more on uneven ground, you could consider a suspension stem, like that made by Redshift Sports.11. Brake padsSwissStopAn appropriate brake pad is another item that can make a difference to your gravel rides. Heat dissipation is important, as opportunities to release your brakes may not be as frequent on a long gravel descent as they are on a faster descent on tarmac. Low wear is also important. With that in mind, you can buy gravel-specific brake pads that are designed to cope with riding off-road. Theyre particularly useful when bikepacking or if you have an electric gravel bike that will be heavier and may be ridden faster.Look out for compatibility with your brake calliper though no two pads are the same shape and size.12. GearingMike MassaroGravel bike groupsets are usually, but not always, designed with wider, lower gear ranges to handle climbs off-road. Most modern groupsets will allow you to select gearing down to 1:1 and gravel bike groupsets often go significantly beyond this. If you dont think that your gear range is right for you, it may be worth seeing if you can fit a cassette with a different range.Super-compact cranksets with 48/32 or 46/30 ratios are now usually fitted to gravel bikes. If yours has a standard 50/34 compact crank and you want lower gearing, a super-compact chainset may be worth considering. Unfortunately, this usually means changing the entire crankset, as most compacts cannot be used with super-compact chainrings. Some of SRAMs single-ring groupsets give you more flexibility in choosing your gearing though, with smaller chainrings available.Read our guide to gravel bike groupsets13. Short mudguardsAt any time of year, conditions off-road can be wet and muddy, so the extra protection offered by mudguards is an advantage. Although many gravel bikes have mounting points for full mudguards, these arent ideally for gravel riding on really rough or muddy terrain. Short mudguards such as Ass Savers Win Wing can be a better bet as they avoid clearance and clogging issues.14. Off-road lightsIf youre going to be riding after dark, a high-powered front light will help you to see whats ahead of you a lot more easily off-road, lighting up obstacles so that you can ride with more fluidity. In fact, a pair of lights is often useful, one on your bike and one on your helmet. Between 500 and 1,000 lumens output will give a good level of illumination, but lights are available that provide much greater output, which can be useful if youre tackling particularly technical terrain at night.Looking for more upgrade suggestions? Read our guide to the best road bike upgrades Related Posts Best gravel bike shoes 2024 reviewed by our experts Best road bike upgrades for every budget The best gravel bikes 2024 reviewed What is a gravel bike? Everything you need to know The post Best gravel bike upgrades for every budget appeared first on Cyclist.

Wout van Aert crashed out of the Vuelta a Espaa, however the race goes on. There is a new green jersey now in Kaden Groves who is the man to beat for stage 17. We preview a day that is the final opportunity for the sprinters; but is a very difficult day nonetheless.On paper this is the final oppor...

Congrats to Cara Dixon, the first woman and seventh rider overall to finish the 2024 Badlands event in Spain. Cara rode the 791-kilometer route in a little over two days, just seven hours behind the first-place finisher. Find photos from the finish line and a brief recap here...The post Cara Dixon is First Woman to Finish 2024 Badlands appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

What do these terms mean? How do these factors affect handling, stability and steering inputs? A brief overview of the front end of the bike, from a numbers standpoint.

After the first two summit finishes of stage 16 at the 2024 Vuelta a Espana, Wout van Aert's hopes of winning both the King of the Mountains and points classifications looked very good. However, after Van Aert crashed out on a slippery descent, Jay Vine now leads the race for polka-dots."I didnt q...

Cyclist5 things to expect from the Tour of Britain 2024The Tour of Britain returns for six days of racing across Britain from Tuesday 3rd September until Sunday 8th September. The route spans from Kelso down to Felixstowe, covering 946.5km over the week of racing.Four WorldTour teams will line up in the Scottish Borders for the start of this years race: Ineos Grenadiers, Soudal-QuickStep, DSM-Firmenich-PostNL and Bahrain Victorious. They will be joined by an array of teams from the UK and beyond, including Israel-Premier Tech, Uno X Mobility and both Lidl-Trek and Groupama-FDJs youth teams.As the race gets underway in Kelso, were going to pull the curtain back and let you know what to expect, and what storylines you should be following at the 2024 Tour of Britain.All eyes on EvenepoelSimon Wilkinson/SWpixIt was only a couple of weeks ago that Remco Evenepoel doubled up in Paris with gold medals in the Olympic road race and time-trial. After a heros return to Belgium, Evenepoel returns to tracing at the Tour of Britain. The white jersey winner at this years Tour is making his debut at the British race and starts as the man to beat.Its understandable. Hes a former Grand Tour winner, a Monument champion and a double gold medallist. And with teammate Julian Alaphilippe beside him, Soudal-QuickStep start the Tour of Britain as the team to watch.Stages 2 and 3 will give Evenepoel a chance to gain time in the hunt for the race leaders teal-coloured jersey. The inclines on the North Yorkshire coast, such as Lythe Bank and Saltburn Bank, could provide Evenepoel with a launch pad to break free and pull off one of his characteristic long-range moves. With few WorldTour opponents here, it will be hard to bring Evenepoel back. If Stage 2 doesnt go his way, Stage 3 provides another chance on the hilly run into Barnsley that is punctuated by an undulating final 20km.Evenepoel has already unveiled his brand new golden jersey and bike at the start line in Kelso. That gold bike is sure to keep everyones eyes on him, and some of the first photos of him on the gilded machine were captured outside a Greggs in Kelso. That certainly wasnt on our bingo cards.Pidcock with something to provePatrik Lundin/CyclistTom Pidcock has never won a senior road race in the UK (though he did as a junior). This might come as a surprise given that he is seen as British cyclings current golden boy. Hell therefore have something to prove at the 2024 Tour of Britain.Stages 2 and 3 pass through his home county of Yorkshire, and could be a solid chance for the Ineos rider to get away, particularly Stage 3s tricky approach into Barnsley. Hes got a decent sprint on him so the uphill drag up Barnsleys Old Mill Lane could suit his characteristics. Elsewhere, Pidcock will try to rely on his spring and kick to get away on these sharp climbs and hope to get the better of Soudals Evenepoel and Alaphilippe double act and other puncheurs such as Stevie Williams and Pello Bilbao.After competing in the Tour of Britain over the past two years, Pidcock is still to win a stage. His Ineos team also have something to prove as they havent won their home race in a decade. Rumours have been circulating about Pidcocks future at the team and this all comes after a whirlwind summer at the Olympic Games. The pressure is on, will Pidcock deliver? Related Posts The 5 climbs that will decide the Tour of Britain 2024 5 standout Tour of Britain moments from the last ten years Vuelta a Espaa 2024: Route, start list, how to watch and all you need to know Tour of Britain 2024: Route, start list, how to watch and all you need to know An open sprinters bookJames YorkIts good news for both the sprinters and spectators at the Tour of Britain. The startlist may be missing an A-list sprinting name, but that just means proceedings should be completely anarchical and open. The field is full of young chancers who are yet to win a Tour of Britain stage in their career, so competition should be fierce.Among the fast men who are at the race, Casper van Uden of DSM-Firmenich-PostNL and Ethan Vernon of Israel-Premier Tech stand out as riders to watch. However, they are closely chased down by the exciting young talents of Paul Magnier and Matev Govekar and more unknown wildcards such as Scott McGill and Emmanuel Morin. We might have a close fight for the points jersey on our hands with such an open sprinting field.Half of the stages in this years race are expected to come down to a sprint, with three pure flat stages finishing in Northampton (Stage 4), Newark-on-Trent (Stage 5) and Felixstowe (Stage 6). These days could be hectic, so expect the unexpected and dont be surprised if we see a new talent break through the ranks here.A chaotic sprint into FelixstoweJames YorkStage 6 from Lowestoft to Felixstowe will round out the week of racing at the 2024 Tour of Britain. The profile might offer the least amount of vertical metres in this years parcours, however the race could end up being one of the more chaotic days of this years Tour.Bonus seconds sprints throughout the final stage could prove influential in the final fight for the overall classification. Itll also be a last-chance saloon to create real time gaps on the road, as the windy and exposed Suffolk coastline could cause some chaos in the peloton thanks to the threat of crosswinds. Rain is also forecasted for the weekend, which could make things even more interesting.Last year, Wout van Aert managed to break free in the argy-bargy finale through Felixstowe. This year, the approach is the same and maybe someone will try and emulate Van Aert with their own last-chance burst for glory. For the Belgian, that move made the difference between first and second place in the overall standings, and we could be in for an equally thrilling finale this year if the GC standings are close.A step up for young British ridersMatt GraysonWere spoiled for choice when it comes to homegrown riders at the Tour of Britain. This year, there are some notable riders knocking on the door of a big result. On home roads and familiar land, the 2024 Tour of Britain is the perfect place for young British stars to hunt out a headline result, particularly if theyre in the hunt for a new contract.Max Walker, riding for the GB national team, should be a man to watch throughout the race. Hes a strong time-triallist with a good kick who recently finished in third place at the National Road Championships while wearing the jersey of his Astana Qazastan team. Bob Donaldson has just signed for Jayco-AlUla, but he could leave Trinity Racing with a bang if he breaks the top five on a stage at the Tour of Britain.From the breakaway, expect young British talents to jump away in a bid to capture the mountains jersey. Scotlands Callum Thornley riding for Trinity Racing and Sabgals Oliver Rees are two names to take note of for the breakaways this week.To know more about the route, riders and where to watch, read our full Tour of Britain preview here Related Posts The 5 climbs that will decide the Tour of Britain 2024 5 standout Tour of Britain moments from the last ten years Vuelta a Espaa 2024: Route, start list, how to watch and all you need to know Tour of Britain 2024: Route, start list, how to watch and all you need to know The post 5 things to expect from the Tour of Britain 2024 appeared first on Cyclist.