Wide-fitting and well-designed premium road shoes that perform brilliantly 9/10

It was a shock when no team opted to give a chance to Merhawi Kudus at the end of last season. But instead of giving up, the 30-year-old buckled up and racing for Malaysian top continental team Terengganu, he showed everyone the kind of rider they missed out on. Burgos-BH didn't hesitate, and after...

Canyons popular mid-travel Neuron trail bike gets a 2024/2025 model refresh with more capable, more modern & more premium build kits. At first glance, it looks like this is just a new years spec refresh, which it is really. But still, a few careful component updates help refine the all-rounder status of this bike, giving you lighter & higher-performance options, while also incrementally improving control & descending ability at a couple of different levels2024 Canyon Neuron all-rounder trail bike refresh(Photos/Canyon)Canyon calls it a refresh all things considered, a new set of Neuron CF and AL adventure mountain bikes freshly updated for the end of 2024 and the upcoming 2025 riding season. This is their version of a do-it-all mountain bike. Its not nearly as burly as Santa Cruzs revamped Hightower also out today, but instead is a trail bike for the masses. Light, comfortable, confidence-inspiring,130mm of travel out back, 140mm forks, and a plenty slack 66 headtube angle to take on the type of riding most mountain bikers actually do. Fire road climbs, twisting backcountry mountain tracks, and flowy local singletrack. Most mountain bikers undeniably dont really need an enduro bike. And Canyons Neuron is that kind of trail bike that you can just hop on and ride all day.(Photo by Markus Greber/Canyon)I rode one of these for across the Spanish Sierra Nevada mountains for a couple of days before the line was launched last year, and I can attest to its versatility. It did a good job reminding me that sometimes you just need a mountain bike that we can take mountain biking, on mountain bike trails This is kind of the opposite of an N+1 bike.Whats new?So its only a spec update, actually. But thats not entirely to be dismissed. The updates essentially boil down to new SRAM T-type Transmission derailleurs, new wide trail-ready DT Swiss wheels, and some longer travel droppers.Plus, Canyon has actually pared down their maybe too complicated 11-model lineup to just 6. Solid electronic specs on carbon frame models, plus one affordable mechanical option. And then, a couple of no-nonsense alloy frame builds.2024/25 Canyon Neuron CF Pricing, availability & options2024 Canyon Neuron CF LTDThe slightly bad news is that prices are a bit more expensive. Thanks inflation. But at the same time, there are a wider range of options in a smaller number of total builds, and still plenty of affordability.There are 4 carbon models that share the top 2440g CF frame.The new top-spec Neuron CF LTD goes from old school X01, now to a direct mount SRAM XX Eagle AXS transmission, shedding grams along the way. At 6300 its 5% more pricey, which seems a small price to pay for the T-Type upgrade. On paper, the wheels seem like a downgrade in number, but these lightweight DT Swiss XMC1501 wheels now actually use the latest 240 36T Ratchet EXP hubs & 30mm internal carbon rims taking advantage of DTs recently upgraded tech. And then, Canyon moves to their own Iridium dropper seatpost, with longer travel for better control of the steepest descents (200mm L/XL, 170mm S/M & 150mm XS).Canyon Neuron CF 9 The 5000 Canyon Neuron CF 9 doesnt change in price compared to last years CF 9 SL, but upgrades from the GX AXS that I tested, now to a direct mount SRAM XO AXS transmission. It also gets new 30mm internal carbon DT XMC 1700 wheels (essentially the same as before, really) and those longer travel Iridium droppers.Neuron CF 8Canyon Neuron CF 7Then, the $4900 / 4000 CF 8 switches from mechanical Shimano XT to wireless SRAM GX AXS Eagle transmission. And the CF7 goes hard on affordability, dropping back to $3500 / 3100 with mechanical Shimano Deore.2024/25 Canyon Neuron AL Pricing, availability & options2024 Canyon Neuron AL 6And there are now just 2 aluminum models that share the 3100g alloy frame. Both mechanical, and with three color options Vanilla, Swamp or Lavender.The Canyon Neuron AL6 now gets the most affordable option for a 12-speed drivetrain then just $2900 / 2500 with Deore and DT Ratchet LN wheels. Neuron AL 5Or go even more affordable with the 2000 Neuron AL5 and an extra-durable Shimano Cues 1x11sp drivetrain.Canyons latest Neuron models are available in most global regions as of today, and then will be in the USA from late September to mid-October.Canyon.comThe post 2024 Canyon Neuron Refreshes More Capable Trail Bike Builds in Carbon & Alloy appeared first on Bikerumor.

The iconic folding bike brand pedals a bicycle to customers who want to reach well beyond the city limits and deep into the countryside

Its Tuesday, the suns out, and Ryan Mallons back with your daily helping of cycling news, views, and general silliness on the live blog

Tadej Pogacar is currently wrapping up the best season of his career. So far... So far? Because his UAE Team Emirates boss Mauro Gianetti believes the Slovenian is still yet to reach his absolute peak after a season with victories of Giro, Tour, Liege, Strade, Montreal and Catalunya, ... Maybe he pl...

Speed without breaking the bank? The new RADON VAILLANT 10.0 is here to make that dream a reality. Priced at just 4,499, the VAILLANT flagship model promises to deliver on all fronts: aero-optimized, stiff, and seriously sporty. But can you really get race-ready performance on a budget, or is there a catch? We took it for a spin to find out!RADON VAILLANT 10.0 | 7.8 kg in size M | 4,499 | Manufacturers websiteLets be honest prestige is a big deal in the dropbar world. But not for everyone! German manufacturer RADON, which is backed by online retailer Bike-Discount, is all about delivering top bikes for little cash. And what about the VAILLANT 10.0? Its out to prove that budget-friendly can still be sexy, fast and solid. Weve put RADONs top race bike to the test to tell you for which rider type its a match.A Closer Look at the RADON VAILLANT 10.0RADON ditched the old look of the VAILLANT series, and boy, does the new one deliver! The new frame is sharper, the dark green metallic paint oozes class, and the discrete branding adds a touch of sophistication. Add in the sleek dropped seatpost, the one-piece aero cockpit with hidden cables, and those 45 mm deep Mavic Cosmic SL carbon wheels, and youve got a bike that doesnt just talk the talk it looks fast even when stationary!You can attach a computer mount to the underside of the cockpit.The wide-range 10-36T cassette gives you plenty of gears for tackling steep climbs.The new VAILLANT looks far more modern than its predecessor, bringing RADON right up to speed with the competition. Its not reinventing the wheel, but it sure gives the VAILLANT series a breath of fresh air, turning these bikes into real head-turners that look pricier than they are.Sleek! The subtle matte black decals ensure a discrete branding youll only spot the logo if you take a closer look.They blend in perfectly with the bikes overall design, adding a touch of understated class.With just 30 mm of tire clearance, the frame limits your tire options.The VAILLANT 10.0 has a well-rounded spec. One of the highlights is theMavic Cosmic SL carbon wheelset, which retails at 1,489 and, paired with 28 mm Continental GP 5000 tyres, exudes quality in all directions. The SRAM Force AXS 212 drivetrain hits the sweet spot for the price. Rounding off the overall excellent package are the lightweight Selle Italia SLR Boost Kit Carbonio Superflow saddle, the in-house one-piece aero cockpit, and the D-shaped seatpostall of which youll also find on the two more affordable versions.RADON VAILLANT 9.0 | 3,499 | Shimano ULTEGRA Di2 | 7.75 kg (manufacturers specifications)With the VAILLANT 9.0, RADON swapped the pricey carbon wheels for a 34 mm Fulcrum Racing 400 DB alloy wheelset. However, with its ULTEGRA Di2 212 drivetrain the 9.0 variant doesnt have to hide from the top-tier 10.0 model even if its matte black stealthy finish makes it look like its flying under the radar.RADON VAILLANT 8.0 | 2,999 | Shimano 105 Di2 | 8.25 kg (Manufacturers specifications)A full-carbon aero race bike with an electronic groupset and a one-piece cockpit for 2,999? Thats impressive! The RADON VAILLANT 8.0 is a bold offering at this price point and looks much more expensive than it is. The Shimano 105 Di2 groupset provides a solid entry into the world of electronic shifting, while the deep red paint job is sure to turn heads.SizeXSSMLXLTop tube515 mm532 mm550 mm570 mm590 mmSeat tube470 mm500 mm530 mm560 mm590 mmHead tube107 mm130 mm148 mm168 mm190 mmHead angle7272.2572.757373.25Seat angle74.7574.7573.7573.2572.75Chainstay415 mm415 mm415 mm415 mm415 mmBB Drop70 mm70 mm68 mm68 mm68 mmWheelbase976 mm986 mm996 mm969 mm1,020 mmReach374 mm380 mm388 mm396 mm404 mmStack517 mm540 mm557 mm577 mm599 mmThe geometry of the new VAILLANT series, with a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.41 in size M, is on the sporty side and yet not overly aggressive, offering a more relaxed riding position compared to hardcore race machines like the Bianchi Specialissima RC. Alongside three spec options, you can choose from five different sizes ranging from XS to XL.The RADON VAILLANT 10.0 on testThe moment you put your hands on the RADON VAILLANT, it feels just as premium as it looks. The flawless finish and sleek paint job make the VAILLANT 10.0 a real eye-catcher. And that fast, racy vibe? Its not just an illusion it totally delivers when you hit the road.The VAILLANT is very eager to pick up speed. While, at 7.8 kg, its not the lightest bike out there, its stiff enough to handle hard sprints without flexing, efficiently transferring your power to the rear wheel. Sprinting to the town sign is a blast, and youll feel safe doing it. The bike feels composed at high speeds, which is partly due to the wide 42 cm cockpit. RADON didnt follow the trend of narrow handlebars for aero gains, but the added width gives you heaps of control. This results in a high level of confidence when bombing down descents at top speed.However, the trade-off is that the handling is a bit sluggish and vague at lower speeds. On long, steep climbs, the VAILLANT doesnt feel as at home as it does on descents. The slightly heavier weight and less precise handling become noticeable here. If youre after a bike with sharp, playful handling, you might be disappointed. But if you value stability and predictable handling, youll love it.The riding position is central and moderately sporty, which might not be ideal for die-hard pro racers but perfect for ambitious roadies who want to stay comfortable while pushing the pace on fast rides. However, the bikes overall compliance leaves something to be desired. The frame, seatpost, and cockpit dont offer much give, so vibrations arent filtered out as well as they could be. With tire clearance limited to 30 mm, theres not much room to compensate, either.On the upside, the ergonomics of the one-piece cockpit are well-designed, providing a comfortable grip in all positions. Overall, its a solid, sporty package with just a few shortcomings in terms of compliance. Tuning tip: 30 mm tires for a little more cushioning.Our conclusions about the RADON VAILLANT 10.0The RADON VAILLANT 10.0 delivers solid performance and a high-quality spec, all wrapped up in a sleek, modern package. It really shines on fast straights and thrilling descents, where its composure, predictable handling, and efficiency come into their own. The only downside is the lack of compliance, which becomes noticeable on longer rides and rough roads. Overall, the VAILLANT 10.0 is a stylish, fast, and modern bike at a competitive price, though it feels a bit old-school when it comes to comfort.TopsValue for moneyModern designFlopsLimited complianceMore info at radon-bikes.comDer Beitrag RADON VAILLANT 10.0 Fast, yes. Expensive, no? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

The new Brompton G Line looks similar to the brands other models, with its arching top tube, small wheels and two hinges to fold it away.But, on closer inspection, this new folding bike is markedly different. Instead of 16in wheels with slick city tyres, it has 20in wheels wrapped in wide, 54mm rubber. It doesnt have rim brakes; there are disc brakes instead. The geometry has been tweaked, and theres an aluminium fork and an 8-speed gear hub from Shimano.The bike is billed as Bromptons biggest launch in 50 years, with the London-based company having stuck to its smaller-wheeled, urban folding bikes since it was founded in 1975.Brompton claims the G Line available as a non-assisted or electric bike and from 2,395 / 2,849 is the most versatile bike in the world. CEO Will Butler-Adams says it's a response to the growing interest in off-road riding and people looking to explore roads and trails less travelled.But if its beginning to seem as though the G in its name might stand for gravel, think again. Brompton doesnt want you to think of its new folding bike quite like that.Eight years in the makingThe G Line had its genesis in how people pushed their Bromptons in extreme environments. - Brompton Bromptons head of design, Will Carleysmith, says the idea for an off-road Brompton stretches back roughly eight years.The idea came from what people were doing with the Brompton, says Carleysmith.We had people taking it into environments it wasn't perhaps designed for. We had guys at the North Pole cycling to their instruments across the ice and people travelling around Southeast Asia. And then you get people doing like ParisBrestParis and [Lands End to] John O Groats.Carleysmith says the early prototypes for the G Line resembled something from the TV show Scrapheap Challenge, where teams of mechanics and engineers would build machines to complete specific tasks from whatever was lying around in a scrapyard.Since then, Brompton has launched three bikes. It also had to navigate the cycling industrys coronavirus boom and the ensuing downturn. This meant the G Line remained on the back burner.It's been a long-term thing thats been in the background and its probably been four years' work to get it to a mass-produced product, says Carleysmith.Dont call it a gravel bikeBrompton wants the G Line to be seen as a versatile bike that can do pretty much everything. - Brompton Straddling on- and off-road riding and launched with the gravel-ism of roads and trails less travelled, the G Line shares a similar ethos to the best gravel bikes.Throw in the fact it uses Schwalbe G-One tyres gravel tyres, no less along with the suggestive G in its name, and itd be fair to assume that this is indeed a folding gravel bike. However, Brompton doesnt want to categorise the G Line this way.Carleysmith points out that riders in other countries may interpret the G differently. For example, it could stand for glande in German, which roughly translates as terrain or ground, and is arguably closer to Bromptons framing of the G Line as an all-terrain bike.We would love this bike to be seen as just a very versatile bike that can do pretty much everything.Its not a performance bike or a mountain bike, but it'll do the job and it won't cause you grief, says Carleysmith.A new audienceThe new Brompton is aimed at the mainstream bike market. - Brompton Carleysmith says there are people who just absolutely love Bromptons, with more than a third of Bromptons customers owning more than one of its bikes.But he says the G Line is aimed at those who would reject the Brompton or a compact folding bike because of what they see as its perceived capability.We really want to sell to the compact bike, hybrid bike [market and] perhaps some of the people who buy gravel bikes, says Carleysmith.Reaching a new audience can be read as combining Bromptons financial and philosophical aims. Bromptons planned move to a new factory in Ashford, Kent, will double production capacity to approximately 200,000 bikes a year.Selling more bikes to more people also reflects Butler-Adams belief in Bromptons, as shared in his book The Brompton: Engineering for Change. Butler-Adams says hardly any Brompton owners hes met have said anything other than its bikes have changed their lives, saying theyre happier and healthier for riding one of these folding bikes.Based on everything Ive seen, theres no way we could be content in leaving Brompton as a niche, cult product with a small fan base of enthusiasts, he writes, later explaining the role cycling and specifically Bromptons can play in tackling climate change and making cities more livable.The sales pitch is the G Line rides like conventional bikes but comes with the Bromptons convenience.Compared to a conventional bike, Carleysmith says that with a Brompton G Line, If you go away for the weekend you don't have to drag your kind of roof rack out and set it up on the car.Bromptons head of design adds that you can still fold the bike up and head home on the train if you're faced with bad weather, which is rather lovely.Brompton would still steer urban riders towards its classic bikes rather than the G Line.We're really after the mainstream bike market, but with added Brompton usability and magic, says Carleysmith.Disc brakes and no handsThis is the first Brompton to use disc brakes. - Brompton The appeal to the mainstream can be seen in how the G Line uses tech thats now common across the cycling market and has less compromising ride characteristics.Disc brakes bring Bromptons latest folding bike into the modern age and help increase the bikes versatility through different weather and terrain. Instead of developing the brakes in-house as it did with its rim brakes Brompton uses TRP levers and calipers on the G Line.Brompton says the Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal gear hub, operated via a Microshift shifter, helps you cover a variety of terrain, while being low-maintenance.Along with the larger 20in wheels and 54mm tyres, these features provide game-changing comfort and capability.Brompton has also revised the G Lines geometry to further the bikes off-road aims, employing the help of an unnamed but world-leading bike fitter.Compared to Bromptons classic bikes, the G Line has a longer wheelbase and can be ridden with no hands. This might seem like a minor detail, but it speaks to how Brompton has worked to improve the stability of the bike over its other models.Larger wheels and a longer wheelbase mean the G Line is less compact than other Bromptons, measuring 690x730x402mm when folded.The G Line also differs from Bromptons classic bikes because it uses an aluminium rather than steel fork.The fork and stem are dotted in mounts for any bags or bottle cages, furthering the bikes versatility.Brompton has fitted the bike with a wide handlebar for stability, leverage and comfort on longer rides.Electric, tooBrompton says the G Line Electric sets the benchmark for quality and safety. - Brompton The G Line will be available as an electric folding bike. Whereas the Brompton P Line Electric has a front hub motor, the G Line Electric uses a 250W rear hub motor, which is beneficial for off-road riding.When you're riding on loose surfaces, there's a lot of weight on the back of the bike. So for us that made more sense than a front hub motor which you know on a city bike works well, says Carleysmith.Its not just the position of the motor thats changed. Brompton has developed an entirely new electronic system for the G Line Electric.With the new system, we have pretty much put all of the electronics and software technology into one controller, which means we can be a lot more flexible with the system, says Carleysmith.It also allows us to have a lot more connectivity, so we can have what we call over-the-air updates which are becoming increasingly common, he adds, comparing the connectivity to how you would update your smartwatch or bike computer via your phone.Brompton says its latest ebike battery delivers 345kWh of power for a 30-60kph range per charge via a more efficient system.The G Line Electric is also said to set the benchmark for quality and safety, with the folding bike brand actively supporting greater regulation through the Battery Breakdown Safety Bill, which is intended to address battery fires.Compared to the non-assisted G Line, this electric folding bike has four speeds and comes with integrated bike lights.Brompton G Line models, prices and availabilityThe bike will be available in five models and three colours. - Brompton The Brompton G Line will be available from Monday 7 October.There will be a G Line Electric model and four non-assisted models, each with a combination of accessories.The folding bike will be available in three colours: Forest Green, Adventure Orange or Traildust White.All models will be available in three sizes, which you select based on your height:Small: 152-168cm (5ft-5ft 6in)Medium: 168-183cm (5ft 6in-6ft)Large: 183198cm (6ft-6ft 6in)Brompton G LineThe Brompton G Line starts at just under 2,400. - Brompton Price: 2,395 / 2,849Weight: From 13.9kgBrompton G Line with rack and mudguardsThe rack has four small wheels for easy manoeuvring when folded. - Brompton Price: 2,495 / 2,969Weight: From 14.8kgBrompton G Line with lightsYou can get the entry-level G Line with added lights. - Brompton Price: 2,480 / 2,959Weight: Not specifiedBrompton G Line with lights and rackThe Brompton G Line in Adventure Orange with a rack, mudguards and lights. - Brompton Price: 2,580 / 3,079Weight: Not specifiedBrompton G Line ElectricThe Brompton G Line Electric has integrated lights. - Brompton Price: 3,495 / 3,999Weight: From 16.1kg without battery / 19.5kg with battery

Cycling coach Andy Turner delves into the similarities, and differences, between the disciplines