With an alloy frame, light but powerful Bosch CX ebike motor & a mid-sized battery, Mondraker created a rare aluminum all-mountain eMTB thats stealthy, still pretty lightweight, playful, and a bit more affordable. Mondraker says its all about balance. This is still a relatively expensive ebike, but Mondraker wanted to build a more accessible entry point for riders looking to get into ebikes. So, with the lighter-assist SX motor and a 400Wh tucked inside a normal-looking alloy frame, the Sly should make a great stepping stone to pedal-assisted trail ridingMondraker Sly eMTB 150/160mm alloy all-mountain ebike(Photos/Mondraker)So where is the logical entry point to performance eMTBs? Mondraker thinks their new Sly might be the answer.Their carbon Crafty goes full-blast with a torque-y Bosch CX motor and huge batteries for big range. The carbon Neat with its ultralight TQ powertrain doubles down on less weight for a more natural ride. And now, the Mondraker Sly fills that gap in between. And at prices that put an eMTB a bit more in-reach of the average mountain biker.Its Mondrakers 3rd light mid-power eMTB (after the carbon Neat & Dune). In fact, the Sly was apparently the result of Mondraker realizing the viability of the alloy development prototype they made to refine the Neat before opening carbon molds. Whats new?This Mondraker Sly eMTB is essentially the same travel (150mm rear / 160mm forks), suspension design & kinematics (short-link 4-bar updated Zero Suspension), and progressive handling ride (Forward Geometry) as the Mondraker Neat. Just now, it gets built with a shapely aluminum frame, a slightly higher torque Bosch Performance SX motor, an 11% bigger battery, and a two thousand euro lower starting pricetag!It also adds a 5th frame size option to give riders a more dialed-in fit squeezing a M/L in between the S-XL run.SLY fleshes out what we can offer our potential customers as well as offering up new price points. Why alloy? Because it makes sense! Its where everything started, its never gone out of fashion, and the demand is still there. In fact, after NEAT and DUNE, this has been a very special project for us. Weve been very committed to making this a really, really nice bike, using cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and giving it a very refined finish which makes this one our lightest and finest Stealth Alloy full suspension e-MTB framesets ever.This bike represents a deepening of our trust and confidence in the light e-MTB market. Moreover, the Bosch Performance SX motor shares the same philosophy as the SLY, punchy, powerful and light; They could have been made for each other. The specifications were important too. We wanted them to be down-to-earth to give that real feel on the trails and I think we nailed it. Luis Martnez, Mondraker Product ManagerTech details from Mondraker:Stealth Alloy frame with seamless welds to recreate classic organically angular Mondraker design aestheticUpdated Zero Suspension System with the same NEAT kinematics29 wheels with 150mm travel and a 160mm forkclassic Mondraker Forward GeometryBosch Performance SX 55Nm x 250W motor (600W peak), with 4 fully tunable assist modes400Wh integrated internal battery, with up to 1500m vertical gain rangecompatible with 250Wh Powermore range extender, for an extra +60% rangeBosch eMTB controller set in the toptube, plus handlebar-mounted eBike displayHHG (Hidden Housing Guide) headtube integrated cable guiding2x sets of bottle bosses for 2 water bottles or 1 bottle + range extendermax 29 x 2.6 (66mm) rear tire clearanceintegrated rear shock guard, plus plastic & rubber frame protectors200mm Post Mount rear disc brake mount, BSA threaded bottom brackettapered 1.5 headtubeBoost 148x12mm rear axleintegrated chain guideUDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)5 sizes (S-XL)2025 Mondraker Sly eMTB Pricing, options & availabilityThe new lightweight, mid-power aluminum Mondraker Sly eMTB is officially a model year 2025 ride, so you can order one from your local dealer now, but it might be a while until they actually have it available for you. The Sly comes in two ebike builds, both that share similar builds with Mondraker house-brand OnOff components, and similar <21kg (<46lb) complete eMTB weights.2025 Mondraker Sly RFor $5600 / 6000 you get the Sly R in Marlin blue with a RockShox Psylo Gold RC 160mm fork & 150mm of rear suspension travel from a Deluxe Select+ shock. The OEM-only SRAM S1000 AXS T-type derailleur handles shifts, and DB8 Stealth 4-piston brakes manage stopping of the 30mm internal Mavic E-CrossRide wheels.2025 Mondraker Sly RRThe more premium black $6600 / 7000 Mondraker Sly RR upgrades to a Fox 36 fork & Float X Performance EVOL shock, plus a GX AXS Transmission, Code Bronze Stealth 4-piston brakes, and 30mm internal Mavic E-CrossTrail SL wheels.Mondraker.comThe post Mondraker Sly Drops In New Lightweight Alloy All-Mountain eMTB with Bosch SX Motor appeared first on Bikerumor.

It marks a third off-road victory for an Ineos Grenadiers rider since the team's last on-road win

The cycle lane plan is one of eight projects that are part of a 17.5m town investment deal, but certain sections of the community have made familiar claims about disruption, lost parking and the impact on businesses

CyclistFrom the archives: Inside Parlee CyclesWith the news that Bob Parlee passed away this week, weve dug out our 2016 feature going behind the scenes at Parlee Cycles.Theres an old saying in the world of professional kitchens: never trust a skinny chef. In todays health-conscious society that rings lesstrue than it once did, and as Michel Roux Jr pointed out in a recent interview, one ought only to trust a skinny chef, as a fat one is likely sitting in his office with a bottle of wine and a plate of potatoes, rather than bouncing around the kitchen. Yet, the logic holds up:a maker of things should show signs that theyenjoy the things they make; that they havean interest in their profession beyond thefiscal; that they have passion.Within minutes of meeting Bob Parlee at his framebuilding facility in Beverly, Massachusetts, it obvious hes just such a man one who lives his craft. Speaking softly with a hint of Baw-ston twang, Parlee exudes a measured quality more befitting a statesman or orator than a framebuilder. Yet his face and body tell a different story. Hes wiry and tanned like a cyclist should be, hands large and coarse like a craftsmans the tip of one finger conspicuously missing. Everything about him seems authentic, from his infrequent yet deliberate gestures to his analytical gaze.Image: Fred MacGregorStanding in the office-cum-showroom of Parlees Beverly facility, its hard not to draw parallels between the man and the chronology of his frames adorning the walls. The first half are about as minimalist and true to classic bicycle form as youll find anywhere, but as the wall-mounted timeline progresses towards the present day the frames become steadily more flamboyant in both finish and aerodynamic shape yet remain equally subtle and meticulously finished.None of these models, past or present, are inexpensive. The current crop runs anywhere from 3,000 to 7,000, and those are just the framesets. But, like their creator, they appear highly considered with a no-nonsense character. And as with Bob Parlees working life, theres a common theme uniting them all: carbon fibre. Related Posts Bob Parlee, founder of Parlee Cycles, has died No more secrets: Tyler Hamilton profile Cyclist Magazine Podcast Episode 26 Mr Craig Calfee Ultimate time-trial bikes: Parlee TTiR Disc Sea changeIve been building things my whole life, says Parlee as he leads us from the customer-facing office through to the airy workshop in which all of Parlees custom frames are still handmade. I was never comfortable building things like houses, though. I was always more into complex shapes, so I guess thats why I ended up working with boats.Image: Fred MacGregorBack then, in the 1970s, you could maybe get 12 knots [22kmh] out of a race boat, and you had these extreme boats that were trying to get to 36 knots [67kmh] but couldnt get much past 30 [55kmh]. Then carbon fibre was introduced and suddenly you could build boats lighter,with stiffer hulls and centre boards, rudders, that kind of thing, and they could get up out of the water and hydroplane. Now 36 knots is commonplace. We were building these 36-foot long race boats, with these big 15-foot wings, and six of us could pick it up and walk around with it. Carbon fibre just changed the whole world.Clearly Parlees passion for boats remains. After disappearing into the back of the workshop he soon re-emerges with a large rudder that he explains he made for his own boat, because the stock part just didnt live up to his expectations.The thing bugged me it had the most terrible shape to it, plus it was incredibly heavy, he says, lifting the rudder, which is nearly as tall as he is, high into the air.Worlds not your oystersImage: Fred MacGregorThat kind of if you dont like it, make a better one attitude is exactly what kick-started Parlee into building bicycles. However, the transition from boats to bikes was far from straightforward. Despite a successful boat-building career spanning some 27 years that saw Parlee working on Olympic-class racing boats and Americas Cup yachts, the wave of high-end boating enthusiasm waned, leaving him at a loose end.At first his attention turned to oyster farming, but when he lost his million-strong crop to a shellfish blight that swept along the New England shores, it was again time for a rethink.I was spending a lot of time on bikes, doing a bit of racing, and Id started to design aero shapes for TT bikes based on what Id learned in hydrodynamics waters just like air, only thicker, says Parlee. I introduced myself to some people at a company called KaZaK Composites, who were doing all this development stuff for military and aerospace. Back in the early space shuttle days they built an extendable arm for photographing the Earth from a shuttle. The founder, Jerry Fanucci, liked the idea of helping make something more accessible that people could buy, like a bicycle, so he was kind enough to give me access to his workspace and equipment.Parlee built his first bike at the facility in 1999, the round-tubed Z1, out of offcuts from KaZaKs military tubing inventory, and was overjoyed at being able to ride it the 30km home without it breaking. By 2000 Parlee had gone full bore into bikes and set up Parlee Cycles, and by 2001 hed sold his first frame.Image: Fred MacGregorI just went walking around Interbike [the Las Vegas tradeshow] carrying a Z1 on my shoulder. I got a lot of press for that. Then I get home and this guy calls me up and says, Ive heard about your bikes, what do I have to do to get one? I tell him hell need to get measured for his size, and he says, No problem, Ive got 65 custom bikes already so I know my geometry, its nailed, and sends me a cheque. I build it, then the next year I come out with a new bike, and he phones me up again and says he wants that one too.He was my first customer, and since Ive known him he must have bought 15 of our bikes. I guess he has a big enough house to store them all, but when does he get the time to ride them?Thats the sort of client any small-batch builder dreams of, yet it wasnt selling bikes to enthusiasts that established Parlee. Rather, it was a fellow by the name of Tyler Hamilton.Pro sealProfessional bike racing wasnt always as it is now. Up until 2011 a rider could ride pretty much whatever bike they liked, within a few UCI guidelines. Today, those bikes have to be vetted and approved by the UCI (just look for the UCI Approved sticker on a frame or fork), and must be available to be purchased by the public within an allotted timeframe (usually a year) after their debut. Thus riders like Greg LeMond famously appeared on rebranded titanium Merlins and prototype carbon fibre Calfees, and Hamilton was allowed to race one of Parlees frames.Image: Fred MacGregorTyler lived not too far from me so Id go riding with him on occasion, and one day I asked him if hed like to try a bike. At first he trained on one, but he loved it so much we had one painted up in Team CSC colours and badged up as a Look, the teams bike sponsor.It was all going great, then in 2002 Im watching the Giro and Tyler crashes. It looks like his bikes failed and I think, Man, Ive killed Tyler Hamilton! I called up his wife, Haven, and asked what happened and she said not to worry, it was the wheel that failed. To save weight theyd pulled out half the pawls in the freehub, so when he went to accelerate the wheel didnt engage and he just went over the top. Somehow he finished the race, and shortly after a story started going around with pictures of the bike which said Look on it and the caption was Look! Its a Parlee. It was great guerrilla marketing and it put us on the map.It certainly did nothing to harm Parlees reputation within CSC either. As a result of the exposure, other riders on the team adopted his bikes for racing too, and soon the management was knocking on Parlees door. Sadly though, it wasnt to be. At the time Id only built 30 bikes, but the team wanted 165 and it just wasnt possible, explains Parlee. We werent, and still arent, a huge company, and wed rather invest everything back into building better bikes.Infamy and skulduggeryImage: Fred MacGregorOver the years Parlee has expanded its portfolio from just a single bike, the aforementioned Z1, to a range of 17 iterations from five model groups. In so doing it has cemented its position as one of the most desirable carbon fibre bike manufacturers going. Even Lance Armstrong owns one, bought somewhat infamously in 2013 in the wake of Lance-gate.We didnt know hed purchased it, says Parlee. The form came in from his bike shop, Mellow Johnnys, and it didnt have a name on it, which was a bit odd. Then Tom [Rodi, Parlees marketing manager], whos a bit of a savant, looks at the geometry sheet and says, I know where this is going. So we guessed it in theend, but I think if Lance had come directly to me, Id still have made it for him. Its not the way Id want to do business and I dont condone the cheating, but really Im just some schmo that likes building bikes.It might sound like a clich, but hear Parlee say it and its hard not to believe him too. His honesty is almost disarming, and its present right down to Cyclists last question: just what did happen to the tip of his finger?Image: Fred MacGregorAt this Parlee shrugs, and says, frankly, I spent my whole life building boats and all that, so I could say I lost it in some professional accident. But really a little terrier dog bit it off. Related Posts Bob Parlee, founder of Parlee Cycles, has died No more secrets: Tyler Hamilton profile Cyclist Magazine Podcast Episode 26 Mr Craig Calfee Ultimate time-trial bikes: Parlee TTiR Disc The post From the archives: Inside Parlee Cycles appeared first on Cyclist.

Slovenia is heading into the World Championships with the formidable duo of Tadej Pogacar and Primoz Roglic, but not everything is going to plan. The two climbers will need support in the hilly race and after Matej Mohoric suffered a crash that put his race in doubt; Luka Mezgec has been hit by a ca...

As autumn arrives, cyclists face a unique set of challenges with the onset of colder months. Shorter days, dropping temperatures, and unpredictable weather require a thoughtful adjustment to your training plan to keep you on track. However, with the right approach, this season can become an opportunity for growth and endurance building, laying a solid foundation for next years goals!Read on to discover how to adapt your cycling training plan for autumn while staying motivated and maintaining peak performance.Embrace autumns challenges: Stay motivatedAutumn can be a tough time to stay motivated. The long, bright evenings that stretched into late summer rides are replaced by darker, brisker mornings. But, this shift is also an opportunity to shake things up and set new, achievable goals.Set seasonal goals: Instead of focusing on peak performance, autumn is a great time to build endurance, improve your stamina, and target specific areas of your fitness. Setting realistic goals for the season, such as increasing weekly distance or improving your cadence, will keep you engaged and motivated.Ride in nature: Autumn brings some of the most beautiful landscapes Ireland has to offer. Consider planning scenic routes that allow you to enjoy Ireland at its very best. The changing surroundings can bring a refreshing perspective to your rides, making outdoor training more enjoyable even as the temperatures dip and weve got plenty of inspiration for an awesome autumn on your bike.Join a local cycling group: If the solitary nature of cycling through cooler months feels daunting, joining a local cycling group can inject some social energy into your training. Group rides can add a fun challenge, especially if your enthusiasm starts to wane.Adjusting your training for colder conditionsAutumns arrival doesnt mean you have to drastically change your training plan, but small adjustments are necessary to cope with the changing conditions.Layer upAs the temperatures cool down, the risk of being underdressed can lead to uncomfortable or unsafe rides. Layering is essential. Opt for moisture-wicking base layers, breathable jerseys, and a windproof or water-resistant outer layer. Arm warmers, leg warmers, and thermal socks can also make a big difference in staying comfortable without overheating.There are also plenty of Irish cycling brands who are creating gear thats not just functional but also tailored to the challenges of the Irish climate and terrain.Adapt your scheduleWith less daylight, early morning or late afternoon rides may require adjustments to your routine. Consider switching your outdoor rides to midday, when temperatures are at their warmest and visibility is optimal. Alternatively, invest in a good set of lights if you prefer to ride during the darker hours, ensuring that safety remains a priority.Build in recovery timeCooler weather means your muscles may take longer to warm up and recover post-ride. Incorporating a proper warm-up and cooldown routine into your training plan is key. Stretching, foam rolling, and even warm baths post-ride can help you avoid injury and keep your muscles loose.Alternative training optionsWhile outdoor cycling can still be enjoyable in autumn, unpredictable weather means its a good time to explore other training options. Cross-training and indoor cycling are great ways to maintain your fitness and avoid burnout.Indoor cyclingIf rain or wind keeps you off the road, indoor cycling on a stationary bike or turbo trainer is an excellent alternative. Many cycling apps, like Zwift or TrainerRoad, offer structured indoor workouts that mirror the intensity and duration of outdoor rides. This option is particularly helpful for those who want to keep up with interval training or maintain their endurance base without braving the elements.Cross-training with running or swimmingAutumn is an ideal time to introduce cross-training into your routine. Running can build your cardiovascular system in new ways while swimming helps develop your overall endurance and strength. Both are lower-impact options than cycling, which can give your body a break while still keeping your fitness levels high.Strength training for cyclistsIncorporating strength training into your training routine is important, whatever the time of year. Focus on exercises that strengthen your core, legs, and lower back to enhance stability and power on the bike. Movements like squats, lunges, deadlifts, and planks are all great ways to develop the strength necessary for long rides in tough conditions.Transitioning your cycling training from summer to autumn doesnt have to mean slowing down or cutting back. With a few smart adjustments to your routine, clothing and training, you can use the cooler months to build a solid foundation for your next big cycling goal!Now youre up to speed on how to ace your autumn training routine, make sure you also keep your bike in tip top condition with our advice on how to care for your bike during the colder months.

Fox has updated its electronic suspension system with the Live Wire Neo, benefiting from wire-free installation and the ability to open the rear shock in 1/70th of a second.Fox claims the Neo system is the fastest wireless protocol in cycling.The system uses the brand's Neo wireless communication technology that debuted on the Transfer Neo dropper post last month, and is said to deliver a signal from the fork and rear sensors to the controller in around one millisecond.Live Wire Neo is said to react so fast that it can instantly deliver the perfect balance of support and rider comfort, adapting at every moment on the trail, increasing efficiency.Fox says the system is available as an aftermarket upgrade for most trail bikes and enduro bikes, with riders needing a Live Valve Neo Kit priced at 449.99 / $399 / 499 / CAD$534.65, consisting of batteries and bump sensors.You will then need to choose between a Live Valve Neo Float X for 1,119 / $999 / 1,299 / CAD$1,399 or a Live Valve Neo DHX at 1,099 / $949 / 1,249 / CAD$1,269, depending on your discipline.Wireless Live WireThe Live Valve Neo DHX doesn't come with a coil. - FoxFox has developed on the same premise as its initial Live Valve technology released in 2018, but says advances in wireless communications have enabled it to ditch the wires of the previous system.The new system is more similar to RockShox Flight Attendant, and it sees a rechargeable external battery mounted to the shock and sensor.The Fox Live Valve Neo is designed for trail and enduro riders. - FoxSensors are used on the front and rear of the bike, mounted to the brake mounts, while the controller sits inside the rear shock.The brand says athletes in its RAD (Racing Applications Development) programme have been testing the system for the past three years at Enduro World Championships and Downhill World Cups.Faster reactionsThe Live Valve Neo Float X is aimed more at trail bikes. - FoxThe system reads terrain inputs up to 400 times per second, sensing, transmitting and adjusting the shock, all in 1/70th of a second.Fox says because the system is the fastest wireless protocol in cycling, it operates with no noticeable lag. This is said to increase efficiency down the trail and maximise every opportunity for speed.Electronic suspension is becoming commonplace in the top echelons of enduro racing. - FoxA magnetic latching solenoid is used in the shocks compression circuit, which is claimed to be faster than a motor and virtually silent.Unlike RockShox Flight Attendant, the sensor is mounted on the brake rotor on the Live Wire Neo. - FoxThe sensor on the fork is said to be so fast that it can detect a bump and actuate the shock before the rear wheel encounters the same bump.The suspension can sense climbing inputs. - FoxWhen the trail starts heading up, the suspension hardens, providing a supportive platform for tapping out climbs.Fox says the Neo system is so fast it even boosts your speed on jumps and can help you accelerate out of corners by increasing support on the exit.App integrationThe Live Valve Neo should be compatible with all bikes that use Fox's current shock line-up. - FoxThe system is also compatible with the Fox Bike App, where you can find setup tutorials, firmware updates and Live Valve Neo tunes.There are five preset tunes: Standard, Firm, Plush, Open and Closed, and you can store and customise your tunes to suit trail conditions or preferences, with Fox saying this gives World-Cup level tuning possibilities.

Geraint Thomas has had a few battles against Tadej Pogacar over the years, finishing on the final podium of both the 2022 Tour de France and the 2024 Giro d'Italia alongside the Slovenian. As such, the INEOS Grenadiers leader is well placed to judge just how good Pogacar really is.Reflecting on Pog...

British brand takes on 2k price point with new range of e-bikes

For the last two years, Remco Evenepoel has taken home a time trialWorld Championship title home to Belgium in the individual time trial. One of just many capable Belgian time triallists in the modern peloton though, Evenepoel and the rest of the ITT success can be called back toVictor Campenaerts...