CyclistWhat would a three-week Tour of Britain route look like?The list of races falling by the wayside in the UK seems to be ever-growing. The Tour de Yorkshire, the Womens Tour of Scotland and Tour Series have all been dissolved. Even the RideLondon Classique now seems to be under threat. Throughout all this turmoil, however, the Tour of Britain has remained strong, billing itself as the UKs largest free-to-attend event each year.The race has received a new lease of life in 2024, with British Cycling taking over as well as adding a glitzy new banking sponsor. That said, the hunger for a truly major British race remains insatiable. Its understandable too: weve had British riders winning Grand Tours, world titles and Olympic medals for over a decade now. With all of that going on in the pro peloton, why doesnt the UK have a bigger race?Britains biggest bike race feels like a sleeping giant. In a country of almost 70 million people that has such a cycling culture, the Tour of Britain might be selling itself short with only six stages on offer in 2024. This isnt a small nation of cycling minnows. So why couldnt the Tour of Britain expand to three weeks and become a fourth Grand Tour alongside the Tour de France, Giro dItalia and Vuelta a Espaa?Lets get our thinking hats on and imagine a three-week-long Tour of Britain. What would a British Grand Tour look like? Expanding the field of playJames YorkThe week-long Tour of Britain we have right now isnt really a Tour of Britain. The race is often confined to a select handful of counties and towns and it rarely spans across the three countries of Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), let alone crossing the Irish Sea into Northern Ireland.In other words, theres far more to Britain than the current Tour portrays. As much as we glorify the allure of exotic cycling destinations on the Continent and beyond, Britain is a pretty beautiful place in its own right. Whether its the Cornish seaside or the drystone-walled hillsides of Yorkshire, theres more to Britain than the current Tour of Britain parcours lets us peek at. Britain also has a thriving gravel scene, a decent spluttering of cobbled climbs and an urban cycling community all ready to welcome in the countrys biggest bike race. The Tour should also be accessible for fans across the country, from the south of England up to the north of Scotland.If were looking deeper, the role of Grand Dpart city feels pretty small for the current Tour of Britain. The race is currently underselling itself considering the Grand Tours sell hosting rights for millions of Euros. If the Tour of Britain were three weeks long, the honour of hosting the Grand Dpart could be rotated through regions across the UK and beyond maybe even across the Irish Sea. A prologue around Derrys Bogside? Sign me up. Related Posts Should the Olympics feature a road cycling stage race? Opinion: How to fix the Tour de France The best photos from the Tour of Britain Women 2024 Tour of Britain 2024: Route, start list, how to watch and all you need to know Dip into big citiesDario Belingheri/Getty ImagesI know its difficult to close off the streets of a major British city for an afternoon of bike racing, but theres no better advert for the idea of ditching your car in favour of two-wheeled, pedal-powered transport. In an age where every British city seems to be edging towards a low-emission zone, an elite-level races presence should be warmly welcomed.We all know how successful the London 2012 Olympic road events were, likewise Glasgow and Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games. The races there were widely watched on the ground and on TV, and the races drummed up some real support for cycling. That spirit could return, even for just one day if the Tour of Britain came to town.People arent going to go out of their way to go to a humdrum town to watch a stage finish if theres no attraction to it (such as an iconic mountaintop finish, for instance). There will be more eyes on the racing if the route ventures into bigger cities. This is attractive for everyone. Therell be more awareness of the event, more column inches written about it and more sponsors willing to back such an event.UK cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and Edinburgh are already known across the world. By showcasing them in this televised open-air event, the race could market itself as a tourism spotlight. Maybe people would even tune in if they knew the Tour of Britain was swinging by their favourite Premier League stadium.Throw in some future iconic mountainsJuan Trujillo AndradesThe three Grand Tours have their own postcard finales. These usually come on some iconic mountain passes such as the Alpe dHuez or Mont Ventoux in the Tour, the Monte Zoncolan and Stelvio Pass in the Giro, and the Angliru and Lagos de Covadonga in the Vuelta. To elevate the Tour of Britain to that level, we need to manufacture some iconic finales fitting of this grand status.For this, lets begin our search in the Highlands. The mountainous terrain of western Scotland is ideal for a grand stage finish in terms of spectacle and difficulty. Tourists already flock to the Highlands, and its mountain passes and lochs are recognisable the world over. The Tour of Britain, therefore, has the ideal canvas to work with here. Surprisingly, the west coast of Scotland has rarely featured in the Tour of Britain during the years. The closest weve ever gone is Glasgow.Bealach na B, Scotlands most famous cycling climb, is prime for a top-tier summit finish. The 9.5km pass at an average gradient of 6.5% would warrant Category 1 status at the Tour de France if thats anything to go by. The Pass of the Cattle as its Gaelic name translates to is a winding climb akin to an Alpine test, albeit about half the height and length. The desolate landscape around would make this feel like Scotlands answer to Mont Ventoux.South of the border, Great Dun Fell in England is the highest road in the UK. Its usually a closed road up to a weather station, but local cyclists have been climbing this mountain for decades now. Its a single-track road with a steep incline of around 9% gradient. It even has slopes that ramp up to 16%. In short, this is the kind of climb Primo Rogli eats up.Located in the Pennines, the Fell is perfectly positioned for a Tour of Britain stage. The 7km-long test is close to major cities and tourist trails in the northwest of England. Its a surprise to me that it hasnt featured in the race before, considering its right under our noses.Read our Classic Climb up Bealach na BA royal arrivalJames YorkLike other Grand Tours, a three-week Tour of Britain would require a big processional finish akin to the Champs-Elyses finale at the Tour de France. For this, London is the obvious choice. Its a world city that equals the prestige of Paris with the tourism factor that would bring in TV viewers.The existing FreeCycle event and RideLondons could be added in to make this final weekend a whole festival of cycling, much like Nice did at the exiled Grand Arive of this years Tour de France. The expansive (though not necessarily reliable) transport links into London also mean that a greater amount of people will only be a train ride away from catching the action. Even if it means having to close off the capital and, for the race convoy, lugging through a cross-country transfer, the allure of a London arrival is priceless.I hear your frustration, northerners. The processional finish could also be a responsibility passed around the United Kingdom. Perhaps Manchester, Glasgow or Manchester could step up to the plate and host Stage 21. After all, it would be tough to close off London for a day every year so the Tour of Britain could finish. This is part of why the Tour of Britain doesnt visit the capital anymore.Our 21-stage Tour of Britain routeIn the name of journalistic research, I delved deep into a road atlas to create a hypothetical three-week Tour of Britain route. For context, the proposed route uses real roads and existing climbs across England, Scotland and Wales. Some finishes are familiar, some will be a little more unknown.Cyclist/La Flamme RougeThis prototype Frankenstein of a route spans the island of Great Britain from top to toe. The aim was to create a route with real GC potential that simultaneously showcases the UKs diverse landscape and cities. Plus, consideration has been taken to guarantee that cycling fans can access the route within a couple of hours (at most) from all major population centres. There are three proper mountaintop finishes, plenty of punchy finales, eight-ish flat stages and two time-trials. This hypothetical parcours comes out to 3,165km in total over the 21 stages.If Cornwall didnt need any more tourists, I have chosen the seaside peninsula as the host of the Grand Dpart or should we just call it the Big Start? The opening stages would head out from Britains western frontier and set sail through Dartmoor with an uphill finish as early as Stage 2 at Haytor. For the nostalgics, this Devon climb is where Simon Yates took his first pro win back in 2013.The parcours then snakes around the West Country with an influential time-trial on Stage 5 from Bath to the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. The race would soon cross Offahs Dyke into Wales for a puncheurs day around the Brecon Beacons. This is followed up by a gruelling stage through Snowdonia that ends on the tough gravel climb up to Electric Mountain near Llanberis.Week two would be an English affair. The racing opens on Stage 10 with a stage from The Wirral to Manchester, before heading deep into Yorkshire for some hilly days that will remind viewers of the lost Tour de Yorkshire. The aforementioned Great Dun Fell will spike out of the profile in the middle weekend of racing on Stage 14 before a scenic lap around the Lake District to round out Stage 15.Cyclist/La Flamme RougeBeginning from the Dumfriesshire coast, Scotland would host the final week of the grandest Tour of Britain. After a Glasgow welcome on Stage 16, the Highlands and Grampians arrive. A picturesque finale to Glenfinnan will whet the appetite before the stinging summit finish finales up to Bealach na B and Cairngorm Ski Centre near Aviemore. One final race against the clock on Stage 20 would funnel the riders along Edinburghs Royal Mile for a final GC hierarchy is settles under the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.Cyclist/La Flamme RougeAfter a transfer down south, the processional Stage 21 would start from Hertfordshire and travel into central London via Epping Forest and the Olympic Park. A small circuit around Whitehall, Birdcage Walk and The Mall would round out the race with one last sprint finale outside Buckingham Palace.Wellis it possible?James YorkThe logistics of a three-week Tour of Britain could be manageable. Although current organisers have quelled the difficulties of organising road closures, the UK has a strong history of pulling off spectacular roadside events. Heck, this might be the perfect remedy for a country that seems ever more frustrated with cyclists.The local cycling scene is crying out for some change. The axing of the Tour Series, Womens Tour of Scotland and RideLondon pro races makes it seem like the UK is a country on the decline in terms of pro cycling events. With some big financial backing, a three-weeker around Britain could be the serum needed for the domestic scene for the here-and-now and the long term. The legacy of an event like this could be huge. Kids will no doubt be left inspired watching riders swing past their schools, playgrounds and local sports centres as they negotiate their way around a TV-friendly parcours across the whole country.The landscape is there, the roads are in place. A British Grand Tour might not be as far-flung of an idea as you think. Related Posts Should the Olympics feature a road cycling stage race? Opinion: How to fix the Tour de France The best photos from the Tour of Britain Women 2024 Tour of Britain 2024: Route, start list, how to watch and all you need to know The post What would a three-week Tour of Britain route look like? appeared first on Cyclist.

Throughout the Vuelta a Espaa, the race jury attributes fines to some of the riders and sporting directors. Ultimately the fines can come in the form of money, time penalties or even UCI points, depending on the rule breaking. Here we present what has happened during the race.Joo Almeida (UAE Tea...

Oops. Cube inadvertently leaks Shimano's budget gravel groupset, which fills the void between GRX and Tiagra

The bike shed at Leinster House was built last year and has caused a furore in the Oireachtas, with ministers from all parties, including Minister of Transport Eamon Ryan questioning how were the costs justified

CyclistCannondale Topstone vs SuperSix Evo SE: The best Cannondale gravel bike in 2024Cannondale has been into gravel cycling pretty much since its onset in the mid-2010s. During that time, the brand has offered some unique solutions to the demands of gravel, such as the Slate with its 650b wheels and Lefty single leg suspension fork.Its Topstone gravel bike is on its second iteration and is available in both carbon and alloy, with the latter filling the entry-level gravel bike niche. It too has a 650b/Lefty fork option in the range.But as with other brands, such as Specialized with its Diverge and Crux and Canyon with its Grizl and Grail, Cannondale now offers two distinct flavours of gravel bike.The world of gravel is becoming increasingly differentiated. So while the Topstone covers the range of uses from general gravel riding to backwoods adventures and bikepacking, the SuperSix Evo SE is oriented towards gravel racing and cyclocross use, borrowing frame design and aero features from the (previous generation) SuperSix Evo road race bike.Here, well run through the main features of the Topstone and the SuperSix Evo SE, highlighting how the two Cannondale gravel bikes are different. Well then set out the different specs available for each and their prices, before finally making some suggestions to help you to choose the best Cannondale gravel bike for you.Cannondale Topstone vs SuperSix Evo SE: Key features at a glanceCannondale TopstoneCarbon frame with rear suspensionAlloy frame option with carbon fork45mm 700c tyre clearance, 650b compatibleOne spec with Lefty Oliver 30mm travel forkCannondale SuperSix Evo SEBased on previous generation SuperSix Evo road race bikeAero tube profiles45mm 700c tyre clearanceGravel race and cyclocross configurations available Related Posts Gravel groupsets reviewed: Shimano vs SRAM vs Campagnolo Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 L review Opinion: Gravel bikes dont need suspension Canyon Grizl vs new Grail: The best Canyon gravel bike in 2024 The best gravel bikes 2024 reviewed Cannondale Topstone vs SuperSix Evo SE: suspensionLizzie CrabbA key differentiator between the Topstone Carbon and the SuperSix Evo SE is in the presence or absence of active suspension. While the SuperSix Evo SE has aero tube profiles similar to the road-going SuperSix Evo and limited mounts, the Topstone carbon has more differentiated gravel bike design features, such as the dropped drive side chainstay and a full set of mounts. The Topstone alloy is somewhat in between, with all the mounts of the carbon model, but without suspension features.The Topstone Carbon includes Cannondales low mass, low maintenance KingPin rear suspension system. This provides 30mm of travel at the seatpost and 10mm at the rear axle via flex zones in the carbon layup and a bushing in the seatstay-to-seatpost junction. Cannondale says that this provides additional traction over a conventional rear axle design.When he reviewed the Topstone Carbon 2 in 2022, Cyclist tech editor Sam Challis said, The Topstone positively glides over broken ground and provides considerably more traction on loose tracks than more conventional rigid bikes. The Kingpin pivot design is excellent. It provides much of the benefit of proper suspension without the usual downsides of increased maintenance and heavier weight.He did note some bobbing when riding on tarmac, however, due to the undamped travel.Theres just one spec of the Topstone Carbon available with the single leg Lefty Oliver suspension fork. This provides 30mm of front suspension. In addition, this spec is equipped with a dropper post with between 60mm and 100mm of travel.All other specs are equipped with a standard carbon fork with gear mounts.In common with many competing gravel race bikes, such as the Specialized Crux and the BMC Kaius, the SuperSix Evo SE foregoes active suspension features in favour of lighter weight and mechanical simplicity. Instead, it relies on the tyres volume to cushion its rider from the trails.Cannondale Topstone vs SuperSix Evo SE: geometryTopstone CarbonTopstone alloySuperSix Evo SEFrame sizeLGLG56Seat tube length553553546Seat tube angle73.173.172.7Head tube length177180153Head tube angle71.271.071.0Effective top tube length572572555Bottom bracket drop677569Chainstay length420435422Frame reach390394385Frame stack600610575Wheelbase104410651034Trail626562Front centre633641621All dimensions in millimetres except frame anglesThe Topstone and the SuperSix Evo SE have different geometries, reflecting their different expected usage.There are some differences in geometry between the Topstone Carbon and the alloy Topstone too. The alloy bike has a longer wheelbase, longer front centre, longer frame reach and longer chainstays than the carbon Topstone. Theres a significantly larger bottom bracket drop, which should, along with the other differences, favour stability.In contrast, the SuperSix Evo SE has a racier geometry, with a shorter wheelbase, shorter headtube length and lower frame stack.Cannondale emphasises its OutFront geometry on its gravel bikes. This lowers the head tube angle and increases the fork rake to reduce the front wheel trail, which Cannondale says makes for stability at speed along with agility. In reality, Cannondales numbers are in the mid-range for front end geometry for gravel bikes. Some, such as the Argonaut Supernaut GR3 go significantly slacker.Cannondale Topstone vs SuperSix Evo SE: standardsCannondale has a history of using less common set-ups on its bikes. It was the originator of the PressFit bottom bracket, for example. But the latest generation of its bikes largely follows a more traditional set-up. The Topstone Carbon and alloy bikes follow this trend, while the SuperSix Evo SE still exhibits some of Cannondales older design features.So Cannondale has reverted to a standard BSA threaded bottom bracket on the Topstone Carbon and alloy Topstone. In contrast, while the road-going Gen 4 SuperSix Evo has a BSA bottom bracket, the SuperSix Evo SE frameset continues to be equipped with a PressFit 30A bottom bracket shell.The latest generation of the Topstone has a standard rear wheel geometry, in place of the previous generation bikes Ai asymmetric bottom bracket design.The SuperSix Evo SE still uses an Ai bottom bracket shell. This increases tyre clearance, but requires a symmetrically dished rear wheel, rather than the more normal asymmetric dishing, limiting aftermarket options and usually requiring rear wheel realignment there are few wheelsets offered out of the box with symmetric dishing.Another less common component that Cannondale has retained on the SuperSix Evo SE, but ceased to use on its newer bikes, is Mavic Speed Release front and rear thru-axles. The Topstone uses standard thru-axles.Lizzie CrabbThe Topstone Carbon frame is compatible with Cannondales SmartSense lighting and radar system, powered by a single central battery and the two top specs come with the system ready-fitted. Again, its a feature on which the verdict is still out. It adds around 500g of weight, but does mean that you dont need to purchase lights or a rearview radar separately.On the other hand, be-seen lights are likely to be less useful on a gravel bike than a road bike.Cannondale Topstone vs SuperSix Evo SE: groupsetsLizzie CrabbCannondale specs a range of different groupsets across its Topstone range, reflecting the wide range of price points at which the bike is sold.Higher specs are equipped with SRAM AXS Wide 212 electronic groupsets. Moving down the specs, there are 11-speed GRX 1x and 2x options.Switch to the lower priced alloy Topstones and mechanical SRAM Apex XPLR and Shimano GRX 11-speed and 10-speed feature. The two lower specs have Shimano Sora 9-speed and finally Microshift Advent X, the latter with a wide range 11-48t 10-speed cassette.The SuperSix Evo SEs groupsets are similarly diverse, with SRAM Rival AXS 212-speed, SRAM Force 1 11-speed mechanical and Shimano GRX 211-speed options.Cannondale continues its practice of equipping several bikes in both the Topstone alloy and SuperSix Evo SE ranges with non-series cranksets, although all the Topstone Carbon bikes have in-series cranks.Cannondale Topstone vs SuperSix Evo SE: sizingCannondale sizes the Topstone Carbon and alloy bikes from XS to XL, rather than by frame size number. It states that riders from 147cm to 203cm tall should find a suitable bike size.The SuperSix Evo SE is available in sizes 46, 51, 54, 56 and 58. Cannondale says that these will cover riders from 152cm to 193cm tall.Cannondale Topstone vs SuperSix Evo SE: wheels and tyresLizzie CrabbAs youd expect, theres a range of wheelsets specced as you go through the specs and pricepoints for the Topstone. Its only the top spec Topstone Carbon 1 that gets carbon wheels though, with other specs including alloy rims; DT Swiss and WTB feature at the mid-range.All SuperSix Evo SE specs are equipped with low profile DT Swiss alloy rims on Formula hubs. Bear in mind that the Ai rear wheel dishing may limit options to upgrade.In the US, Cannondale specs WTB gravel bike tyres across much of its range, while in Europe they are replaced by Vittoria Terreno Dry tyres in many specs of both the Topstone and the SuperSix Evo SE.Theres a range of tyre widths on display everything from 45mm to 37mm. In general, the latter is a little narrow by modern gravel bike standards. There are also a couple of outliers; the Topstone Carbon 3 650b has 47mm tyres, while the SuperSix Evo CX has UCI-compliant 33mm.Cannondale Topstone vs SuperSix Evo SE: ranges comparedNext, well run through the entire UK ranges for each of Cannondales gravel bikes, from the most expensive to the entry spec for each, with a brief spec run-down including frame, groupset and wheelset. Cannondale doesnt quote weights for its bikes, but we weighed the Topstone Carbon 2, including its SmartSense system, at 9.6kg for a size M.Cannondale Topstone bike rangeLizzie CrabbCannondale Topstone Carbon 1 RLEFrame: Topstone Carbon with Kingpin suspension and SmartSense lightingFork: Topstone CarbonHandlebars: FSA K-Wing AGX carbonGroupset: SRAM Force AXS Wide 43/30t, 10-36t 12-speedWheels: HollowGram G-SL 27 CarbonTyres: WTB Vulpine TCS Light 40mmSaddle: Fizik Terra Argo X3Price: 8,000Cannondale Topstone Carbon Rival AXSFrame: Topstone Carbon with Kingpin suspension and SmartSense lightingFork: Topstone CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale 3 alloyGroupset: SRAM Rival AXS Wide 43/30t, 10-36t 12-speedWheels: DT Swiss G540 rims on Formula hubsTyres: Vittoria Mezcal III 44mmSaddle: Fizik Aliante DeltaPrice: 4,850Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 LeftyFrame: Topstone Carbon with Kingpin suspensionFork: Lefty Oliver 30mm travelHandlebars: Cannondale 2 ShortDrop alloyGroupset: Shimano GRX RX810 40t, 11-42t 11-speedWheels: WTB KOM rims on Lefty 50/Formula hubsTyres: Vittoria Mezcal III 44mmSaddle: Fizik Terra Argo X5Price: 4,500Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 LFrame: Topstone Carbon with Kingpin suspension and SmartSense lightingFork: Topstone CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale 2 ShortDrop alloyGroupset: Shimano GRX RX810 48/31t, 11-34t 11-speedWheels: WTB KOM Light i23 TCS rims on Formula hubsTyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry 38mmSaddle: Fizik Terra Argo X5Price: 4,500Cannondale Topstone Carbon Apex AXSFrame: Topstone Carbon with Kingpin suspensionFork: Topstone CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale 3 alloyGroupset: SRAM Apex AXS XPLR 40t, 11-44t 12-speedWheels: DT Swiss G540 on Formula hubsTyres: WTB Riddler TCS Light 45mmSaddle: Fizik Aliante R5Price: 3,750Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 650bFrame: Topstone Carbon with Kingpin suspensionFork: Topstone CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale 2 ShortDrop alloyGroupset: Shimano GRX RX810 46/30t, 11-34t 11-speedWheels: WTB ST i25 TCS 650b rims on Formula hubsTyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry 650x47mmSaddle: Fizik Aliante DeltaPrice: 3,200Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3Frame: Topstone Carbon with Kingpin suspensionFork: Topstone CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale 3 alloyGroupset: Shimano GRX RX810 46/30t, 11-34t 11-speedWheels: WTB ST i25 TCS rims on Formula hubsTyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry 38mmSaddle: Fizik Aliante DeltaPrice: 3,200Cannondale Topstone Carbon 4Frame: Topstone Carbon with Kingpin suspensionFork: Topstone CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale 3 alloyGroupset: Shimano GRX RX400 46/30t, 11-36t 10-speedWheels: WTB ST i25 TCS rims on Formula hubsTyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry 40mmSaddle: Fizik Aliante DeltaPrice: 2,800Cannondale Topstone 1Frame: Topstone SmartForm C2 alloyFork: Topstone CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale 3 alloyGroupset: Shimano GRX RX810 46/30t, 11-34t 11-speedWheels: WTB ST i23 TCS rims on Formula hubsTyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry 35mmSaddle: Fizik Aliante DeltaPrice: 2,200Cannondale Topstone Apex 1Frame: Topstone SmartForm C2 alloyFork: Topstone CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale 3 alloyGroupset: SRAM Apex XPLR mechanical 40t, 11-44t 12-speedWheels: GXD 1.0 on Formula hubsTyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry 38mmSaddle: Fizik Aliante DeltaPrice: 2,200Cannondale Topstone 2Frame: Topstone SmartForm C2 alloyFork: Topstone CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale 3 alloyGroupset: Shimano GRX RX400 46/30t, 11-34t 10-speedWheels: WTB ST i23 TCS rims on Formula hubsTyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry 37mmSaddle: Fizik Aliante DeltaPrice: 1,800Cannondale Topstone 3Frame: Topstone SmartForm C2 alloyFork: Topstone CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale 3 alloyGroupset: Shimano Sora GS 46/30t, 11-34t 9-speedWheels: GXD 1.0 on Formula hubsTyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry 37mmSaddle: Fizik Aliante DeltaPrice: 1,400Cannondale Topstone 4Frame: Topstone SmartForm C2 alloyFork: Topstone CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale 3 alloyGroupset: Microshift Advent X 40t, 11-48t 10-speedWheels: GXD 1.0 on Formula hubsTyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry 37mmSaddle: Cannondale Stage CXPrice: 1,200Cannondale Topstone LAB71 framesetCannondale also sells a version of its Topstone carbon frameset in its highest LAB71 Series 0 carbon with the Kingpin system. It claims that the LAB71 frame reduces frame weight by 160g over its standard carbon. The frameset is priced at 3,000 including fork and seatpost.Cannondale SuperSix Evo SE bike rangeSuperSix Evo SEFrame: SuperSix EVO CX CarbonFork: SuperSix EVO CX CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale 2 alloyGroupset: SRAM Rival AXS 46/33t, 10-36t 12-speedWheels:DT Swiss G540 rims on Formula hubsTyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry 40mmSaddle: Prologo Dimension AGXPrice: 4,850SuperSix Evo CXFrame: SuperSix EVO CX CarbonFork: SuperSix EVO CX CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale 2 alloyGroupset: SRAM Force 1 40t, 11-36t 11-speedWheels:DT Swiss R470 rims on Formula hubsTyres: Vittoria Terreno Mix 33mmSaddle: Fizik Aliante DeltaPrice: 4,000SuperSix Evo SE 2Frame: SuperSix EVO CX CarbonFork: SuperSix EVO CX CarbonHandlebars: Cannondale 2 alloyGroupset: Shimano GRX RX810/600 46/30t, 11-34t 11-speedWheels: DT Swiss G540 rims on Formula hubsTyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry 40mmSaddle: Prologo Dimension AGXPrice: 3,400Cannondale Topstone vs SuperSix Evo SE: which should you choose?CannondaleThe Topstone and Topstone Carbon are designed to be general use gravel bikes, with a bias towards the more gnarly end of the gravel spectrum. Opt for the Topstone Carbon and youll get rear compliance without significant weight. Theyre designed to handle bikepacking duties too, while the Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty provides a more extreme gravel set-up. In contrast, the SuperSix Evo SE is aimed at gravel racers and cyclocross use. It foregoes even the lightweight suspension of the Topstone Carbon in favour of aero tube profiles and reliance on the tyres to provide traction and compliance. If youre into fast gravel this might be the better choice. The 45mm tyre clearance combined with 33mm tyres means that the SuperSix Evo CX is well equipped to handle muddy cyclocross races as well.The SuperSix Evo SEs less standard spec than the Topstone is worth considering if you are looking to upgrade though. Its unlikely that youll ever replace your thru-axles, but a wheelset upgrade or replacement is a more common swap-out, particularly for racing, and the Ai rear wheel geometry may limit your choices.The Topstone range provides a wider choice of specs too, so if youre looking for a less expensive gravel bike or added features such as SmartSense, this is the bike to go for. Its also worth bearing in mind that the SuperSix Evo SE is based on the previous generation road-going SuperSix Evo and so Cannondale may have an update in the works.Read our Cannondale Topstone Carbon and Cannondale Topstone alloy and Cannondale SuperSix Evo SE launch stories for more details to help you to choose. Related Posts Gravel groupsets reviewed: Shimano vs SRAM vs Campagnolo Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 L review Opinion: Gravel bikes dont need suspension Canyon Grizl vs new Grail: The best Canyon gravel bike in 2024 The best gravel bikes 2024 reviewed The post Cannondale Topstone vs SuperSix Evo SE: The best Cannondale gravel bike in 2024 appeared first on Cyclist.

Throughout the 2024 Vuelta a Espaa there will be many riders to withdraw from the race, for several different reasons. We make a list of all riders who leave the Spanish Grand Tour as well as list out a few of the main crashes and health issues that take place during the race.Nothing to note.Dyla...

Yesterday a commenter asked:Dont you get charged an exorbitant amount if you dont dock your citi bike?Are criminals just ripping them out of docks and dumping them or what?Well, the answer is yes:Actually, I suppose I should qualify that, as I dont know whether they literally rip the bikes out of the docks or use a craftier method in order to extricate them. Or maybe they just wait for unexpecting customers to un-dock the bikes legitimately and then just conk them on the head like in the cartoons. Regardless, however they do it, there are Citi Bike carcasses all over the place around hereplus all the ones that have been hastily spraypainted and reappropriated from the fleet for personal use. Then of course theres the battery black market:I've been told by Police sources that some migrants gangs are stealing batteries out of electric citibikes and other rental bikes .Looks like they might have some battery scam going on now . Viral News NYC (@ViralNewsNYC) August 24, 2024I dont mention this to imply bike share is bad, or to impugn a specific group of people, or anything like thatnot to but cars the situation, but you find abandoned, pilfered, and defiled cars all over the place too:Not sure where this was taken, but certainly when you roll out for a morning ride in New York youll invariably pass at least one wheel-less car on crushed milk crates and a few piles of broken glass left behind from all those break-ins that take place in the wee hours.Still, theres a certain poignancy to an abused Citi Bike in that its a symbol of what happens when urban idealism collides with reality. Meanwhile, few things could be further from that reality than the rarefied world of custom bicycles. It used to be that when you looked at bike show porn most of the bikes were steel, but judging from all the photos coming out of the recent MADE show in Portland it seems like titanium is taking over:Im not sure what the point is of an aero titanium road bike:I mean no offense to the builders or anything like that, but if you want the sort of aero wireless battery bike everyones riding nowadays that seems like the ideal use case (ugh I hate that term) for Le Fibre de Crabon.But titanium does seem to be having a moment it hasnt experienced since back in the last century when Litespeed and Merlin reigned supreme, perhaps precisely because the crabon has become so ubiquitous it has lost its cachet. Even State got a lot of attention recently when it introduced a budget titanium bike, and it quickly sold out:I guess The Kids Today never heard of Habanero, who have been offering budget titanium since the days of Usenet.Then there are those bikes that take crabon and titanium and split the difference:Ive got a new bike arriving at any moment (Im sitting next to the buzzer as I type this waiting for UPS), and I probably should send the LeMond back to Classic Cycle, though every time I head out for a farewell ride I cant bring myself to box it up, and instead find myself making some sort of improvement to it. For example, most recently I wrapped the bars in red tape:Previously the tops of the bar had been naked:And theyre considerably more comfortable now that theyre wearing sleeves:Im also using traditional wheels with a Shimano-fied Campagnolo hub:And speaking of Shimano, while I remain a friction-shifting apologist, Im beginning to think 9-speed Shimano Dura-Ace may be the apotheosis of indexed road bike drivetrains:Since receiving the bike Ive also gone through not onebut two crabon cranks:Until Paul decided to shut me up once and for all by sending me something utterly reliable:I also received the bike with a 28mm tire in the rear and a 25mm tire in the front, and there was so little clearance out back the tire was rubbing on climbs:So I put the 25mm in the back and the 28mm up front:Problem solved.So theres the six-month update on the LeMond nobody asked for:Youre welcome.Now wheres that UPS guy?

CyclistBest kids bikes 2024: Childrens bike recommendations for every ageThe best kids bikes make learning to ride as easy and enjoyable as possible. And whether youre a cycling enthusiast or not, its impossible not to find joy in teaching your child how to roll on two wheels.Watching a little one master their balance and get to grips with cycling is right up there with the top parenting moments.But to help them along, youll first need to invest in a childrens bike that can properly support their learning.Whichever stage youre at in your childs relationship with cycling, our buyers guide is here to help. From toddlers to teens, this article will point you in the right direction for the best childrens bikes for all ages. For beginners from six months to six years, take a look at our guide to the best balance bikes, which includes a full list of pedalless options to make learning to ride a little easier. Related Posts How to teach your child to ride a bike Best kids bike helmets: Top picks of childrens cycling helmets for every age Best balance bikes in 2024 and how to choose the right one The best bike child seats of 2024 Best kids bikesThis list is organised by wheel size.Cube Cubie 120 Walk 12-inch: RRP 199Strider Sport 12-inch: RRP 130Hoozar Cruz 12 12-inch: RRP 199Hornit Airo 14-inch: RRP 189 Woom Original 2 14-inch: RRP 380 Early Rider Belter 14-inch: RRP 399 Prevelo Zulu one 14-inch: RRP 529.95 Frog 44 16-inch: RRP 390 Black Mountain Skog 16-inch: RRP 499Ridgeback MX16 16-inch: RRP 219.99 Guardian Bikes Ethos 16-inch: RRP $289Squish 18 Junior Hybrid 18-inch: RRP 339.99 BTwin Riverside 900 20-inch: RRP 299.99Specialized Riprock 20-inch: RRP 629Trek Precaliber 24 24-inch: RRP 325 Scott Scale 24-inch: RRP 519 How to choose the right childrens bike What size bike does my child need?Many brands will have their own height or age recommendations. However, here is a rough guide to matching bicycle and rider by using the diameter of the wheel.Size and age guideWheel sizeAgeHeight12-inch2-385-100cm14-inch3-495-110cm16-inch4-5110-120cm20-inch5-8120-135cm24-inch8-11135-145cm26-inch11+145+cmHow much should I spend?Dont put your tot off cycling for life by getting them a sub-standard bike. While its not necessary to spend loads, really cheap kids bikes will make learning harder and might not even last until theyre outgrown. Better to spend a bit, then look to swap with other parents later.Smaller kids bikes cost less. The cheapest decent 12-inch wheeled bikes start around 150. Each size increase tends to add around 20 to 40 to this. By the time you get to 24-inch wheeled bikes the addition of gears and other components causes a rapid jump. From here on in expect to pay almost the same you would for an adult bike.Should I fit stabilisers?Almost all bikes up to and including a 20-inch wheel will accept stabilisers, and some will even come bundled with them. Although fixing on this extra set of wheels will allow your child to get riding straight away, were not fans. The reason is its impossible to learn to balance with them fitted, so removing them will feel like a backwards step.Using a balance bike is a much better alternative. These crankless bikes allow kids to scoot along, teaching balance without ever building enough speed to get themselves in trouble.Why take our word for it?We live and breathe bikes at Cyclist,so we know what works. While were a little too tall to ride these bikes ourselves, we have the knowledge and experience (and children) to pick out the features that matter in a kids bike.All the kids bikes featured here are from reputable brands that wed consider for our own children.Our pick of the best kids bikes from balance bikes to 24Cube Cubie 120 Walk 12in childrens bike199 | View offerPneumatic tyres and carry handleTwo seatposts so can swap once they outgrow the shorter oneCubes balance bike is simple and lightweight. It offers low standover height and pneumatic tyres on the 12in wheels for a comfortable ride. A steering limiter helps prevent crashes.Cube includes a carry handle under the saddle, so the Cubie is easier to carry when they get tired of riding. The bike comes with a second seatpost, so you can size up when they start to grow out of the first.Buy now from Tredz (199)Strider Sport 12in wheel childrens balance bike114.95 (RRP 130) | View offerAffordable, adaptable first bikeReasonably lightweight at 2.9kgIf your child is between the ages of 18 months and five years, you may want to consider getting them started on a balance bike. Balance bikes dont have pedals, with the rider instead using their feet on the floor to control the movement.This is particularly handy when it comes to getting young children used to the ideas of balance and steering before theyre ready for the real thing.The Strider Sport is a particularly affordable and adaptable option in the world of balance bikes: rather than forcing you to buy a new balance bike every time your child has a growth spurt, this design has an adjustable seat post that can match up with inside leg measurements anywhere between 27cm and 48cm.The handlebars can be raised in accordance with this, and the saddle can be replaced if you end up needing a bigger one.The Strider Sport has a sturdy steel frame but an impressively low weight of just 2.9kg. Its one-piece composite wheels come with EVA foam tyres, which should stand the test of time as your child grows.Buy now from Amazon (114.95)Hoozar Cruz 12: 12in wheel balance bike120 | View offerGrippy, comfortable pneumatic tyresRear brake for more controlA feature-packed introduction to cycling. The 12in wheel Hoozar balance bike features a rear brake. Useful in its own right, getting familiar with stopping means one less thing to learn when your youngster makes the leap up to a pedal-powered machine.Other features are equally grown-up, like the bikes conventional pneumatic tyres. Requiring occasional attention to keep inflated, theyre nevertheless far more grippy and comfortable than solid options. Other neat touches include an aluminium frame with a steering limiter, plus pads on the stem and grips to prevent unwanted bumps.Buy now from Hoozar (120)Hornit Airo 14in189 | View offer4.18kg claimed weightLifetime warrantyHornit claims its slightly larger balance bike weighs just 4.18kg. It also sells a 12in balance bike for beginners. It looks stylish, with its magnesium alloy split frame and this larger size comes with a rear brake. Comfort comes from alloy wheels with pneumatic tyres and there are built-in footrests, so little one can get used to balancing and gliding. While the 12in Airo will suit kids with inside legs from 30cm to 46cm so from around 18 months old the 14in is designed for 40cm to 53cm inside leg, which Hornit says should be most kids from three and a half years old. Theres a shorter seatpost available for the 12in model too. Hornit offers a lifetime warranty on its bikes too.Buy now from Hornit (189)Woom Original 2 14in wheel childrens bike379.99 | View offerKid sized componentsTwo brakes, with the rear colour-coded greenWooms bikes come in a range of six sizes from 12in balance bikes all the way up to 26in bikes for kids from 10 to 14 years old. Theres a great range of bright colours too.The Woom 2 is the first option with pedals and would, according to Woom, suit rides from age three to four and a half. The 5kg weight isnt too much for smaller riders and the bike comes equipped with both front and rear brakes, with the rear colour-coded green. A removeable rubber ring between the frame and the fork helps to keep the bike in a straight line and the components fitted are kid-size.Buy now from Woom (379.99)Early Rider Belter 14in wheel childrens bike399 | View offerAlloy frame and fork help keep weight lowLow maintenance belt driveEarly Rider aims to keep its bikes light with an alloy frame and fork, alloy wheels, bar, stem and seatpost helping to keep the bike down to a respectable 5.5kg. Thats important, as lugging around a heavy bike is hard work for smaller kids, so the Early Rider Belter should be appreciated by its owner.Aimed at three-to-five-year-olds with a 36.5cm standover, the bike comes with a belt drive single speed drivetrain, so its low maintenance and the wide 2in tyres give it ride-anywhere capabilities. Front and rear brakes are sized for smaller hands. The Belter comes with wheel size options up to 24in to suit older kids as well.Buy now from Early Rider (399)Prevelo Zulu One425 | View offerJunior mountain bike for exploringSingle speed drivetrain for easy maintenanceThe Prevelo Zulu is the ideal beginners mountain bike aimed at three-to-five-year-olds, with an inseam from 14 to 17in.It has a single speed drivetrain, so its low maintenance, and 14in tyres which means it can literally go anywhere.The Zulu One comes with front and rear Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with reach adjustable short levers as well as custom made cranks created specifically for kids.The bike also has a robust BOXT rear chainstays and seatstays, and BMX track style forged dropouts that shroud the rear axle, which make sure this bike is tough enough to survive being thrown around by even the most adventurous of kids.Buy now from Prevelo (425)Frog 44 16in wheel childrens bike330 (RRP 390) | View offerReasonably lightweightFully equipped with mudguards, reflectors and a bellIf your four-to-five-year-old is looking to rip it up on a pedal bike, the Frog 44 is a really strong contender to consider. This single-speed bike looks the part, with its strikingly simple frame design coupling nicely with a range of colourful paint job options (of which there are five to choose from).The Frog 44 also has a lot of strong features: a bell, reflectors and mudguards are all included as standard, and the locking headset is perfect for learning the ropes when it comes to steering.The whole bike weighs 6.39kg, meaning its still light enough to be easily transported around and for your sprog to pedal their way up those really big hills.A set of Kenda 16in tyres with a 1.5in width should also help with any early off-road adventures.Basically, this is a brilliant little bike with a bit of an extra edge, which can serve as a great introduction to cycling.Buy now from Tweeks (330)Black Mountain Skog 16in wheel childrens bike499 | View offerConverts from a balance bike to pedal powerCovers a wider age range than most kids bikesThe Epok Series Skog from Black Mountain is one of the most capable bikes on the market. It boasts a wide range of versatile features that allow it to adapt as your child grows: it begins as a pedal-free balance bike for toddlers, and grows into a fully-fledged bicycle suitable up to the ages of five.There is also a stage in between to cover that tricky transition phase.This impressive feat of adaptability is achieved through various means: the patented growing triangle frame can shift between three modes; the gears and pedals are completely removable; the custom saddle has numerous height options; and the 14in wheels couple with 1.5in Kenda tyres to provide a smooth ride whichever mode you have the bike in.Despite all of those snazzy in-built features, the Pinto isnt overly heavy: it weighs in at 6.1kg, thanks to its super-light aluminium frame. It may have a slightly higher price than some of the options on this list, but the Skog is basically three different bikes in one.Buy now from Black Mountain (499)Ridgeback MX16 16in wheel childrens bike219.99 | View offerAffordable optionComes with a chain guard and stabiliser wheelsDown at the lower end of the price spectrum, the Ridgeback MX16 offers all the proof you need that its possible to pick up a brilliant bike on a budget. This is a sturdy single-speed bike made from solid-yet-lightweight materials, and its 16in wheels make it perfect for children around the four-to-six age mark.Its an affordable option, but it still has the basic features youd expect, and theres very little to go wrong. The saddle and the handlebars can be raised or lowered to suit your childs height, and a pair of stabilisers come included (although as above we dont recommend using these).Buy now from Freewheel (219.99)Guardian Bikes Ethos 16in$249 | View offerSingle lever front and rear brakes are easier to useQuick adjust seatpostUS-based Guardian Bikes was funded via the US version of Dragons Den to develop its kids bike range, which has a unique single lever brake system that works on both wheels, to make stopping easier for kids and safer than the more usual coaster rear brake.The steel frame should be robust and the bike is fitted out with tyres suitable for tarmac and off-tarmac use, and it comes with kid-sized parts and a quick-adjust seatpost so its easy to move it up as they grow. Theres a whole range of Guardian bikes from a balance bike right up to 26in wheels.Buy now from Guardian Bikes ($249)Squish 18 Junior Hybrid 18in wheel childrens bike339.99 | View offerOne of few intermediate sized options availableSimple set-up helps to learn the basicsThe brand claims this is the perfect in-betweener as not every child is big enough, or confident enough, to jump straight from a 16in to a 20in wheel bike, so Squish offers this hybrid with 18in wheels.Despite its larger size, it keeps things simple for children who are still getting to grips with cycling and so has a similar spec to the brands smaller bikes thats to say its a single-speed.Aimed at children aged four and up, the bike is relatively light at 6.96kg.BTwin Riverside 900 20in hybrid bike299.99 | View offer9.3kg weightEquipped with front and rear lightingAs kids bikes get towards the size of adult bikes and they sprout gears and other extras, prices begin to head upward too. Decathlon helps out with a range of own-brand bikes, including MTB style, that are more affordable though.We reckon this kids hybrid is a good option to suit six-to-nine-year-olds. Decathlon claims a 9.3kg weight, so its reasonably light. Its eight-speed gearing provides decent range and it has a brake levers sized for smaller hands and kid-length cranks. Its specced with LED front and rear lights too.Buy now from Decathlon (299.99)Specialized Riprock 20in wheel childrens bike500 | View offerA junior mountain bike for proper off-road terrainWide range nine-speed gearingWhoa! Kids bikes have got serious. Serious in terms of capabilities, and also serious in terms of price. However, if your five-to-eight-year-old really loves off-roading adventures, the Specialized Riprock has a lot recommending it. Ideal for cycling holidays in challenging areas such as the Lake District, the Specialized Riprock comes with massively chunky tyres on its 20in wheels, plus hydraulic disc brakes and a super-wide single-ring drivetrain.With a slack aluminium frame that takes its cues from radical adult-sized bikes, irregular terrain wont be a problem. At the same time, its free-spinning range of nine gears includes a vast 42t easiest sprocket to make major inclines manageable.Still light compared to less capable childrens bikes, its nevertheless very much aimed at off-road adventures and is designed to be robust. However, budding roadies may still want to look elsewhere. Either way, the Riprock makes the most of its extra capabilities by being a seriously sturdy option for rugged terrain.Theres also a larger version of this bike, with 24in wheels, which would be suitable for 8-to 11-year-olds. Whichever size you go for, youll be picking a raucous bike for off-roading families.Trek Precaliber 24 24in childrens bike325 | View offerThe Precaliber is sized for kids between eight and 12 years old, with a low centre of gravity, 24in wheels and eight speed derailleur gearing with low ratios, which is controlled via a twistgrip. Theres an integrated handle in the saddle, in case the need help with balance still and a kickstand for stops. Kid-sized components help with comfort and control. While this model is aimed more at urban adventures, Trek offers a version that replaces the rigid steel fork with a suspension fork if its likely they will want to go somewhere more rugged.Buy now from Trek (325)Scott Scale 24in wheel childrens bike429 | View offer2.4in MTB tyresEight-speed gearing to handle diverse terrainAnother junior MTB option, the Scott Scale 24in has an alloy frame and fork to keep weight down and eight speed derailleur gears with a grip shifter to make a wide range of terrain accessible. Mechanical disc brakes provide confident stopping power and the 2.4in Kenda Booster tyres provide the grip to take on awkward off-road terrain.The geometry is modern too, with a long, low frame that gives extra wheelbase length to keep the ride stable. Theres a 26in wheel size option for older kids as well and both the 24in and 26in bikes are available with a suspension fork.or join The Bike ClubHave you ever felt like buying a rapidly growing child a bike is a risky move? Of course you have, thats why most of us grew up riding over- or under-sized bikes passed down from older siblings, cousins, friends and the like.The Bike Club is essentially a bike rental service through which you can get your child the bike that is right for them, pay monthly and when they grow out of it trade it in for a bigger one.For example, this Forme Cubley 14, a super-light 6kg aluminium bike recommended for three- and four-year-olds and built to withstand the British weather, costs under 10 per month.There are loads of bikes on offer for all ages so why choose one of the above when you could have all of them?For more information and to check out what you can get visit thebikeclub.co.uk.Want to be able to ride further with your kids? Check out our guide to the best bike child seats. Related Posts How to teach your child to ride a bike Best kids bike helmets: Top picks of childrens cycling helmets for every age Best balance bikes in 2024 and how to choose the right one The best bike child seats of 2024 The post Best kids bikes 2024: Childrens bike recommendations for every age appeared first on Cyclist.

Kaden Groves claimed his thirdstage victory of the 2024 Vuelta a Espana in a rainy sprint finish in Santander,reaffirming his status as one of the worlds top sprinters. This win not onlymoved him closer to defending the green jersey he secured at last years Vueltabut also highlighted his impre...

After his third stage win of the 2024 Vuelta a Espana, Kaden Groves now only needs to stay upright and injury free to win the Green Jersey for the second year running at the Spanish Grand Tour."It was quite a day.The stage started dry, but towards the finish it got wetter and wetter. That made it...