Two incidents in the pro peloton have sparked many debates about the safety of hookless rims. The UCI is looking into it, but what does all this mean for us, the end users? We set out to shed light on the background and asked industry insiders the crucial question on all our minds: hooked or hookless?It looked bad. The insert torn, sealant everywhere, and the tire unseated from the rim. Thats the scene of Thomas De Gendts bike leaning against the guardrail on the 5th stage of the UAE Tour. Just last year, the European Tire and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) made changes to the recommendations for compatible tire and rim sizes with hookless tubeless systems, which received little attention. It was only the drama of the images that rushed through the Internet after this live crash that really sparked the discussion about the safety of hookless rims. But the real question is: What are the advantages and disadvantages of hookless rims for the end users, without team vehicles and personal mechanics? And are they safe to use?A good deal, theoreticallyLets start from the beginning. Theoretically, the promise of the manufacturers of hookless rims goes like this: we can save up to 20 percent on manufacturing costs through a simplified manufacturing process that reduces work steps, material requirements, and waste products. In return, you only ride tubeless tires and get improved aerodynamics, cornering grip, impact resistance, damping, and weight savings. All for less money. Sounds like an offer you cant refuse. So its not surprising that some brands now rely exclusively on hookless rims. These include industry giants like Zipp (SRAM) and CADEX (GIANT).Unfortunately, it isnt as simple as it sounds. Firstly, wind tunnel tests are yet to demonstrate any significant aerodynamic advantage of hookless rims, as Ralf Eggert of DT Swiss confirms: We carried out aero tests in cooperation with Swiss Side and compared the performance of rims with and without hooks. We couldnt find any aerodynamic advantage with hookless rims. On the contrary, our measurements showed that hooked rims are at a slight advantage What remains decisive for aerodynamics is whether the tire and rim width match, hookless or not.Aerodynamically, the decisive factor remains whether the tire and rim width match, hook or not.Secondly, there are rims that are on par with the weight of the top hookless models, despite the use of hooks. Thirdly, the claimed advantages in handling are due to an increased air volume in the tire and lower tire pressure. Both are equally relevant to hooked rims with wide internal measurements. At low pressures, the sidewall stability on hookless rims improves slightly, since the casing isnt pressed in by a hook. But these differences are marginal and difficult to quantify, says Patrick Brown, a development engineer at HUNT, but explains that The feedback from the riders and work with our pros speaks for a small advantage.What about impact resistance? Ralf Eggert says: Rim profiles are generally robust. Ultimately, it all comes down to the tires and the pressure. Indeed, you can lower the tire pressure far enough that any rim will break.So, having mentioned those four provisos, what were left with is the promise of lower prices. At 2,900, however, the Zipp 454 NSW arent exactly a bargain. The new Black Inc 48/58 are in the same price segment, weighing 100 g less than the 454 NSW, and have an internal width of 23 mm, just like the Zipp. However, Nathan Schickel, Product Manager at SRAM, points out, With inflation rates factored in, a current Firecrest wheelset costs 35% less today than it did in 2019 before we made the move to hookless with this range. And he adds: For our NSW wheels, i.e. our top-end models, weve kept the prices the same.It turns out that if you question the marketing of hookless rims, it proves to be little more than hot air, and even the theoretically cheaper manufacturing process doesnt hold true for every manufacturer: Bigger manufacturers will probably have savings. But were still very small players by comparison. It doesnt make much of a difference for us, says Patrick Brown.It would be interesting to see further tests of hooked and hookless rims with the same inner widths and identical tire set-ups, providing comparable data on grip and rolling resistance. However, none of the manufacturers we interviewed were able to offer reliable results. As such, the jurys still out on whether hookless rims offer significant performance advantages.Intuitive user experience? Nope!On the contrary. Because tubeless tires only hold onto a hookless rim by means of specially shaped bead cores, the safety of this connection depends on the correct interaction of the tire width, internal rim width, and tire pressure. Users of hookless rims must check whether the rim and tire are compatible before fitting the tires, quickly finding themselves confronted with confusing or untransparent safety standards and compatibility tables. According to the ETRTO standard, you must never (!) exceed the maximum tire pressure of 5 bar or 72.5 psi when fitting the tire on a hookless rim, even if the tire states otherwise so much for the intuitive user experience of hookless rims.Throughout all this, tire and rim manufacturers provide different degrees of insight into their respective internal standards and test procedures before approving a tire for hookless rims. Moreover, there is no binding regulation about the jurisdiction between the companies involved. Therefore, it remains unclear whos responsible for testing and communicating whether a particular tire fits on a particular rim, in both practical and legal terms. In the worst case, youll even find contradictory information. Nathan Schickel from SRAM says: According to the ISO standard, the information should be provided by the tire manufacturers. However, Zipp drew up their own compatibility table because they found that the exchange of information isnt always what it should be, and they couldnt rely on the tire manufacturers specs.Untransparent standardsWhile there are ISO and ETRTO standards, they also raise further questions. The ETRTO changed their compatibility recommendations last year. Since then, they only recommend tires with a minimum width of 29 mm for hookless rims with an internal width of 25 mm. They havent bothered to give a reason for making this change, though we can assume that its got to do with tires popping off the rim.Which brings us back to Thomas De Gendts accident. He had a 28 mm wide Vittoria Corsa Pro tire fitted on a Zipp 353 NSW rim. With an internal width of 25 mm. Note: both Zipp and Vittoria had approved this tire and rim combination before the accident and published statements after the crash in which they assured the public that the deviation from the ETRTO standard wasnt what caused the tire to come off. Instead, it was De Gendts collision with an object on the road that was responsible, causing the rim to break and subsequently the tire to jump off. Shortly thereafter, Zipp changed their compatibility specifications for the 353 NSW to at least 29 mm wide tires, thus putting them in line with the ETRTO standard. However, Nathan Schickel also says: Due to some of our existing, close relationships with tires and tire brands, there were reasons to continue approving other sizes. Thats one way to erode trust in a standard.That aside, nobody wants to depend on a system where a difference of just one millimeter determines whether a tire will stay on the rim or not, especially considering the large tolerances inherent to tires.Many unanswered questionsIn addition to the ETRTO, the ISO also set safety standards for the use of hookless rims. According to ISO specifications, a tire must be capable of retaining 110% of the maximum permissible pressure on a hookless rim for five minutes without popping off to be considered compatible. On the other hand, the ISO state that a tire must be able to maintain 150% of the maximum permissible tire pressure on a hooked rim for the same time.In concrete terms, this means that a folding tire with a maximum permissible tire pressure of 8.2 bar, or 120 psi could be pumped to 12.4 bar (180 psi) before it pops off a hooked rim. Thats a tolerance of 4.2 bar (61 psi). However, according to the ISO standard of 110% for hookless rims, its permissible if a tire with a maximum pressure of 5 bar (72.5 psi) comes off the rim at pressure of 5.5 bar (80 psi). Thats a tolerance range of just 0.5 bar. According to Ralf Eggert, a pressure difference like that can easily occur: Pressure fluctuations of 0.5 to 0.6 bar can be achieved quite easily through an increase in ambient temperature or direct sunlight.Only the ISO know why they make this difference between the standards for hooked and hookless rims. Nathan Schickel also comments: Everyone in our technical team would welcome it if the ISO standard were stricter. Even the tire manufacturers always tell us that they consider the ISO standards to be too low. Every company I know tests far beyond this standard.In line with this, Schwalbe state on their website that they rely on their own internal test procedures. Accordingly, they test all products up to 1.6 times the maximum permissible pressure of the tires or rims for a period of 60 minutes. That sounds a lot more reassuring. However, having to search for information on internal test procedures before deciding on rims and tires requires a lot of additional effort on the part of the consumer. Thats if you can find, understand, and rely on information provided by internal tests. Not all brands are as transparent as Schwalbe. And isnt it enough to have to keep an eye on whether there is enough sealant in the tires, the brakes are bled, and the batteries of your drivetrain, head unit, power meter, lights, and radar are charged?Statements from brands that publicly oppose hookless rims due to safety concerns lead to further uncertainty. Ralf Eggert of DT Swiss said in our interview that: We make no compromises in terms of safety. Thats why we accept the higher complexity involved in the production of hooked rims for our high-pressure, i.e. road bike, tubeless rims.So, it can be incredibly dangerous if bikes come equipped with hookless rims as standard and end users with less technical know-how and experience arent even aware of it, let alone of the special requirements of hookless rims. Its on the dealers to counter this by educating and advising their customers.Stay hookedEven though hookless rims dont necessarily pose a safety risk when used correctly, many questions remain unanswered and its difficult to discern any major benefits to riders. Rather, we get the impression that certain brands are chasing greater profit margins at the cost of safety with the production of hookless rims, at least for their high-end products.Riders who dont want to limit their tire choice or spend an entire day researching tire pressures, tire widths, and internal rim widths should stick to hooked rims. But if you really want the whole package when it comes to state-of-the-art bike tech, you are always in search of even the smallest marginal gains, and arent afraid of putting in the time to educate yourself, you can happily go for hookless rims. When used correctly, the system works, says even Ralf Eggert.Either way, youd be well advised to educate yourself and rely on manufacturers that are transparent about which products are compatible with each other so that you dont eventually end up with your own bike leaning against a guardrail with the tire unseated and yourself lying next to it.Der Beitrag Hookless rims How dangerous are they really? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

The bike computer market is arguably sewn up, with Wahoo and Garmin ruling the roost and only Hammerhead and Bryton making serious inroads.But Swiss startup Jespr is the latest in a string of brands to release bike computers packed with slick data visualisation, stylish designs, high-quality mapping and features that even Garmins Edge bike computer range lacks.Jespr says its bike computer, available from today, is the first to provide an always on internet connection via an internal SIM card to make tethering to your phone a thing of the past.The brand says this tech will provide ongoing navigation and wind data information while you ride, but its also part of Jesprs aim to make its bike computer as easy to use as possible.Clarity and simplicityJespr says its bike computer has a clear-eyed interface. - JesprJespr says its bike computer features a large, high-resolution display and a clear-eyed interface to help you quickly read metrics without taking your eyes off the road.This is similar to the Absolute One bike computer we spotted at Eurobike 2024, which features a Gorilla Glass screen and is said to have a similar resolution to the screens used on top-spec smartphones.Like the Absolute One, Jespr emphasises its computers advanced mapping and navigation capabilities.The Jespr computer will automatically re-route you, send you course notifications, detect climbs and provide a topographical view, alongside telling you wind information.Jespr says its computer blends a next-generation navigation experience with a whole new way of contextualising the ride.Ride modesYou will be able to select ride modes dependent on activity type. - JesprYou can select different bikes and types of riding to the Jespr computer, which will then tailor what information it shows. The startup says you can use the computer for road and trail riding, triathlons and more.Jespr says it has developed specific ride modes in partnership with professional athletes and coaches.While it hasnt gone into lots of detail just yet, Jespr has specified four ride modes:Free Ride ModeDirection ModeTraining ModeRace ModeIt says Free Ride Mode offers spontaneity, while Direction Mode has pleasing animations.Training Mode offers power-focused metrics and Race Mode has pared-down screens.Connectivity and estimated powerThe computer will connect to a power meter, but it can also estimate power output. - JesprJespr says its computer connects seamlessly with ride sensors, including heart rate monitors and power meters.Many will expect this functionality from a bike computer, but Jespr says its computer can also derive and estimate live power output values from other ride data.The computer can also connect with bicycle radars to show approaching traffic on the display.Over-the-air synchronisationThe computer is compatible with the likes of Strava and Komoot. - JesprThis new device is supported by the my.Jespr.io platform, which facilitates over-the-air route and training plan synchronisation.Jespr says its platform and computer are compatible with all of the major players including Strava, TrainingPeaks and Komoot.The computer measures 69.5x122x25mm. - JesprYour custom settings are synced to the Jespr platform, too. This means if you get a new Jespr device it can be set up just like your last one.Jespr says this synchronisation tech means software updates beam to the device automatically, without the hassles typical of other devices.Free data for the first usersJespr says its bike computer is available from today and it will cost 570 / CHF540.To welcome you to the Jespr platform, Jespr says its first customers will receive a free data plan for the always on internet until the end of 2025.After that, a subscription model starts, estimated to cost 5 per month.While you can add a SIM to the Hammerhead Karoo 2 for a data internet connection, the Jespr is the first bike computer to have one built in. The year of challenger brands?The Jespr is one of three bike computers from small brands set to launch this September. - JesprJesprs bike computer is one of three from small brands to launch this September.Absolute Cyclings Phil Lucas told us the Absolute One would be released this month, after it launched its crowdfunding campaign for the computer back in 2019.The Trimm Two is another bike computer expected to be released this month.While the Absolute One and Jespr have colour displays, the Trimm Two has a monochrome display, similar to older Wahoo bike computers. But like these other challenger brands it promises a sharp, high-quality display for easy viewing.One aspect of its new computer that Trimm stresses is its looks. With its slim design, aluminium case and interchangeable colour cases, its said to help you break out of mediocrity and have a distinctive experience.The Absolute One bike computer is from the design house behind Bang & Olufsen.The Absolute One is intended to make an aesthetic impact. From the design house behind Bang & Olufsen, the computer has a unique design that stands out compared to other bike computers.This could be a strategy to cut through the market and appeal to riders who want something different.When we spoke to Lucas at Eurobike he said: You have one chance to make a first impression.Whether Jespr, Absolute One and Trimm can make a successful first impression and take a bite out of Wahoo and Garmins dominance remains to be seen.

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CyclistNew Swiss-made Jespr cycling computer has a large hi-res screen, power estimation and wireless dataSwiss start-up Jespr has launched a new cycling computer, designed and assembled in Switzerland.The brand says that the computer offers exceptional ease of use, with a well thought-out data display and class-leading mapping.The device has a 4-inch touchscreen display thats larger than either the Garmin Edge 1040 or Edge 1050. Its also larger than the Hammerhead Karoo, but with the same high 480800-pixel resolution. It has an on-board Sim slot for wireless data and is priced at 570.Easy-to-read data displayJespr Jespr claims that its cycling computer offers a unique interface thats designed to be easily read when riding. Integrated mobile data via an in-device Sim means that you dont need to bring your phone along for connected features. This used to be the case for the Hammerhead Karoo 2 as well, but the Sim slot isnt present in the new Karoo.Other features of the Jespr computer, which are now standard in the best bike computers, include climb detection, navigation and re-routing. You can view route topology, so you can see the ups and downs on your route and Jespr includes wind speed and direction info on its home screen, so youll know if youll be riding into a headwind.It offers multiple display modes, including a training mode with power-focussed metrics and a race mode with data kept to a minimum so that you can see your key ride stats. Race mode includes a display of key course milestones such as major climbs and feed zones too, emulating the race info that the pros stick to their stems. Related Posts Garmin Edge 1050 has a new shape and more social features including Garmin Pay and a bell New Hammerhead Karoo has new internals and over 15 hours battery life Best power meters 2024: Watts the fuss Best bike computers 2024 for training, navigation and data reviewed Jespr Jespr bike computer featuresYou can choose multiple bike profiles, with the data and route options displayed tailored to your ride needs.As usual, you can hook up to peripheral measurement devices, including a heart rate monitor, a power meter and a rearview radar via both ANT+ and BLE.Jespr says that it can also derive an estimate of live power data from other measurements, allowing you to see your power data even if you dont ride with a power meter. Its something that Strava estimates too, although only post-ride and not in real time.Theres the usual connectivity to Strava, Komoot and other training apps, as well as Jesprs own platform, which offers wireless route and workout synchronisation.In terms of size, the Jespr computer is 2569.5x122mm and is said to weigh 180g. Thats a little larger than the Garmin Edge 1040, which is 2059.3117.6mm with a claimed 133g weight.Jespr says that its computers thickness is designed to match that of many handlebars, so that its aerodynamic. It connects to the bike with a standard Garmin-style quarter-turn mount.The display is a 4-inch diagonal touchscreen with 480800-pixel resolution and there are also buttons at the bottom of the units front face, positioned similarly to those on the Wahoo Elemnt computers. Jespr claims a runtime of seven hours, with micro-USB charging rather than the now more normal USB-C. The Jespr computers runtime is a little lower than the competition, with Hammerhead increasing its claimed battery life from eight hours for the Karoo 2 to over 15 hours with its latest update in May 2024.Jespr The screen size is significantly larger than the Garmin Edge 1040, which has a 3.5-inch screen and the Hammerhead Karoo at 3.2 inches, while the screen resolution matches the Karoo.The device uses the GPS, Glonass, Galileo and BeiDou satellite constellations. Display languages are German or English.The Jespr cycling computer is available from the brands website and is priced at 570 in Europe. Jespr is offering a data plan with the device to its first customers, which is free until the end of 2025. This will then revert to standard pricing, which it estimates will cost 5 a month.Theres more info on jespr.io. Related Posts Garmin Edge 1050 has a new shape and more social features including Garmin Pay and a bell New Hammerhead Karoo has new internals and over 15 hours battery life Best power meters 2024: Watts the fuss Best bike computers 2024 for training, navigation and data reviewed The post New Swiss-made Jespr cycling computer has a large hi-res screen, power estimation and wireless data appeared first on Cyclist.

Giulio Pellizzari carries the hopes of Italian cycling - country that is desperate for a successor to the 2010s Grand Tour winners Vincenzo Nibali and Fabio Aru. In that regard, joining the strong project of Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe is certainly a step in the right direction. But it won't be easy...

Photos and additional insight by Miles Arbour Named after the Kutenai First Nations, also known as the Ktunaxa, the Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia is split by the Purcell Mountains to the east and the Selkirk Mountains to the west. Most of the region offers year-round access to outdoor recreation, from some of the []The post Kootenay Confluence appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

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Bursting onto the scene at the 2023 Tour de l'Avenir, 20-year-old Mexican Isaac del Toro was quickly signed to a pro deal with UAE Team Emirates. Ever since, comparisons have come mentioning Del Toro's name in the same breath as Tadej Pogacar.Although UAE Team Emirates are very high on the Mexican...

Local campaigners have said that they are delighted with the quick response from Translink after temporary bicycle parking has been put in place at Belfast Grand Central Station.Belfast Cycle Campaign highlighted the lack of bicycle parking at the 340m transport hub on Monday. Translink, Northern Irelands public transport operator, quickly said that it would provide temporary parking ahead of permanent spaces being provided closer to the end of the project in late 2025.The permanent spaces are being provided as part of the public realm works around the station, but bus services have already started at the station and train services are expected to be operational soon.Today, the Belfast Cycle Campaign said: Delighted with the swift response by Translink to our request for urgent, temporary cycle parking at Grand Central.The parking is being provided along the construction hoarding along Saltwater Lane and signage is planned to guide passengers to these temporary bike stands.Translink told the campaigners that by next week, the company expects to have more than 30 cycle spaces available around the station, with one bike rack already installed on-site this week (pictured).On Tuesday, in a response for comment from IrishCycle.com, a Translink spokesperson said: With a clear focus on active travel, Belfast Grand Central Station will be a game changer helping inspire and reimagine the city one where more people travel on public transport, walk, wheel and cycle.Translink has been engaging with Sustrans and other stakeholders from the onset of this project to facilitate and encourage active travel. As part of the phased opening of Belfast Grand Central Station, we will provide temporary cycle parking in the coming weeks, the spokesperson said.They added: When the entire project, including public realm space, is completed (late 2025) we will have provision to park over 200 cycles.