Originally published February 2019, last updated September 2024 Consider this as part three in a Gear Index subset all about bottle cages, cargo carriers, and boss-mounted bags for carrying extra gear and water. If youre looking for solutions for attaching cages or adding mounts to your frame, check out Ways to Attach Bottle Cages and []The post Complete List of Useful, Durable, and Oversized Bottle Cages for Bike Touring and Bikepacking appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Lauf has taken its bike range to the next level with the release of the Elja, the brand's first mountain bike, designed to tackle the worlds of XCO and downcountry.Lauf believes the secret sauce for going fast is the humble single pivot. There are no fancy flex stays or complex linkage designs simply a true two-bar single pivot.This is contrary to much of the industry, where multi-link designs dominate, giving engineers more control over leverage ratios on shocks.Lauf joins a small crew of single-pivot, 2-bar devotees, most notably Orange and Starling. However, whilst both brands have built shorter travel bikes - the Segment or Sub-5 of old, or Mini Murmur, neither has delved into the world of carbon XC-race-ready rigs.The Elja's other sprinkling of magic is in the tyres. Should you wish, you can squeeze 3-inch rubber into the rear triangle. Stock bikes roll on 2.6in tyres.However, getting broad rubber for an XC bike is tough. So Lauf, being Lauf, had some custom-made.Elja means something akin to having a gritty nature, much like the Seigla name of Lauf's gravel bike. - Tom Marvin / OurMediaAs youd expect from the brand that brought us the True Grit and Seigla gravel bikes, and the Uthald road bike as well as unique linkage forks for MTB and gravel the Elja is carbon, and introduces specific areas of flex to ensure tip-top performance.In keeping with current trends, theres 120mm of travel at the rear, with the XC builds coming with a 120mm RockShox SID fork and the downcountry builds with a 130mm RockShox Pike fork.Why is the Lauf Elja a single pivot?LSP Lauf Single Pivot. It's in the name. - Tom Marvin / OurMediaLaufs engineers spent a lot of time in the launch presentation talking about suspension linkage systems, their differences and their similarities.Every brand will have a different take, but Lauf believes most leverage curves on XC bikes, created by differing linkage systems, are pretty similar and dont offer a huge amount of progression.It also reckons the most important aspect of suspension performance comes down to the rear wheels centre of rotation the real, or effective, pivot point.With the development and tunability of shocks, the rest of the fine detailing of how the suspension feels can be done via the shocks damper and air spring.Lauf looked at the centre of rotation on a range of XC bikes and found that the bulk, whether single-pivot flex-stay, or multi-link designs, tended to average out just above and just in front of the chainring.As such, why not just make a single pivot, with a pivot roughly in that location, and work with RockShox to fine-tune the feel and give the required progression via the spring?Where is Laufs pivot located on the Elja?A chunky, asymmetric swingarm ensures stiffness where it's needed. - Tom Marvin / OurMediaLauf did, however, feel a slightly higher and further forward pivot location was preferable.This, it says, increases anti-squat the force that resists pedal bob, reduces brake jack the stiffening of suspension under braking and gives a slightly improved initial arc of the wheel under impact.The cost is slightly more chain growth, which theoretically can mean a little more feedback through the pedals on bigger hits.The challenges of single pivotsThere are no additional pivots on this single swingarm. - Tom Marvin / OurMediaOne of the main issues with a two-bar single pivot is increased wear on the shock. The rear swingarm flexes and puts lateral forces through the shock, leading to damage to the shocks shaft.Lauf is well known for flex whether its the glass-fibre struts in its Grit gravel fork, or the thinned top tube on the Seigla gravel bike, which adds compliance. The Elja hast dodged the engineers love for a bit of bend.The shock is driven by two slim arms emerging from the swingarm that flex, giving the SIDLuxe shock, held in by titanium hardwear, protection from the lateral forces that might otherwise cause premature wear.The rear end pivots around a SRAM DUB bottom bracket. - Tom Marvin / OurMediaThe lower portion of the swingarm, from the pivot to the bridge between the two asymmetrically built halves of the swingarm in front of the wheel, is built super-stiff. It pivots around a SRAM DUB bottom bracket, this being the ideal solution to a large-diameter, wide-braced pivot (its also handily cheap and easy to replace).The design location of the pivot, sturdy bracing-box swingarm and flexible shock flex-arms is called LSP (Lauf Single Pivot).Final touchesIt's pretty snug for a pair of bottles, but they will fit. - Tom Marvin / OurMediaThe frames main story is clearly the suspension layout, however there are a few interesting touches along the way.The frame is built from a standard-modulus carbon fibre. Lauf said a higher-modulus carbon could have resulted in a lighter bike. However, the frame is already within a claimed 100g of competitor frames, and higher-modulus carbon is less impact-resistant something Lauf didnt want to compromise on.Lauf gives a claimed frame weight of 1,960g for a Medium, of which around 130g is paint.Theres a pair of bottle cages within the frame, although the compact nature of the available space means side-entry and small or Fidlock bottles are required.Theres a third pair of bosses under the down tube, too.Only the brake hose is fed through the frame, in fully guided tubes. - Tom Marvin / OurMediaThe rear brake hose is fully routed, from the side of the head tube all the way to its exit point on the swingarm no headset cable routing here.Next to the hose entry is a spare hole, should you wish to run a cable dropper, however every model on sale comes with a RockShox Reverb AXS post a wireless dropper. As such, there are no internal cable guides, although you could run a loose cable if required.Theres also no provision for a rear-shock lockout.Most models have RockShox Flight Attendant shocks fitted, while those on more entry-level models will have to reach for a two-position lockout lever on the shock.Tom Marvin / OurMediaIn another nod to fuss-free living, the bike is wireless-drivetrain only.Finally, Lauf specs FSA-built damped headset Honey bearings top and bottom. My experience of these on my gravel bike is that they help calm steering a touch, filter out twisting chatter through the bar, and help slow the bar from flopping from side to side during maintenance.Fatter is fasterIf nobody makes a suitable tyre, get one made! - Tom Marvin / OurMediaWhen Lauf launched the True Grit gravel bike, the 45c tyre clearance was seen as extreme.When the brand unveiled the Seigla, the thought of running 2in mountain bike tyres was deemed even more out there.The Elja is an XC race bike, specced with 2.6in tyres. It will easily fit 2.8in tyres and has space for 3in rubber.Lauf firmly believes wider tyres are faster.There arent many XC-race ready tyres available at 2.6in, so Lauf went to Goodyear, which has opened a 2.6in mould of its Peak XC tyre.There's plenty of clearance in the fork for wide rubber. - Tom Marvin / OurMediaWhile thin tyres feel fast, thanks to increased vibration and sketchy handling, Lauf claims that in reality the additional grip and supple sidewalls offered by wide tyres at low pressures makes them faster.This seems to hold true (at least to some extent), given the road WorldTours shift to wider rubber, and pretty much all of the best gravel bikes coming with 45-50c+ tyre clearances, even on their race bikes in 2024.How this will translate to MTBs is yet to be seen.Lauf Elja geometryThe Lauf Elja has 120mm of travel at the rear, with 120 or 130mm forks plugged in up-front. - Tom Marvin / OurMediaWhile Lauf has pushed the boundary in geometry terms with the Seigla and Uthald, the Elja is modern without being extreme.There will be XC and trail (or downcountry) versions of the bike, with 120mm or 130mm forks, so the geometry will differ slightly depending on fork travel.The 130mm-fork bike will have a slightly slacker head and seat angle, higher bottom bracket and slightly reduced reach, because both versions of the bike share the same frame.Below is a geometry chart for an Elja with a 120mm RockShox SID fork and 2.6in Goodyear tyres.Four sizes are on offer, for rider heights from 156cm to 200cm.Yep, tons of room in there. - Tom Marvin / OurMediaReach figures range from 420mm to 507mm, with the Large sitting at a lengthy 480mm. The 66-degree head angle is slack, but in line with most fresh XC bikes out there, while wheelbases range from 1,149mm to 1,249mm.Seat angles range from 77.5 degrees in the Small through to 75.7 degrees for the X-Large seat angles usually steepen with larger-sized bikes.Chainstay lengths are consistent across the sizes at 435mm. SMLXL Seat tube angle (degrees)77.576.876.275.7 Head tube angle (degrees)66666666 Chainstay (mm)435435435435 Seat tube (mm)406443453463 Head tube (mm)95106117127 Bottom bracket drop (mm)40404040 Wheelbase (mm)1149118312181249 Standover (mm)724747756765 Stack (mm)595605615625 Reach (mm)420450480507 Edit Table Lauf Elja range detailsThe shock sits low in the frame. - Tom Marvin / OurMediaThe Elja will be available with either a 120mm RockShox SID fork (Elja Race) or a 130mm Rockshox Pike fork (Elja Trail).Lauf Elja RaceThe Race variant has two build kits (Race Flight Attendant, Ultimate Flight Attendant), both of which feature RockShox Flight Attendant suspension technology.Via sensors on the fork and shock, as well as a power meter, and connection to the AXS Transmission gears, the suspension units low-speed compression settings (Open, Pedal, Firm) are automatically selected, depending on the terrain and the level of effort youre putting in.Power meters are required for RockShox Flight Attendant to work and are increasingly popular in XC. - Tom Marvin / OurMediaTheres plenty of information on how the system works here.Lauf Elja XC Race Flight AttendantThis model comes with Ultimate-level Flight Attendant suspension, along with SRAMs XO AXS Transmission and Level Bronze brakes. Theres a single-sided power meter in the cranks.Zipps 1Zero HiTop S carbon wheels are paired with 120 TPI Goodyear Peak 2.6in tyres.FSA, Fizik and Lauf finishing kit completes the built.$6,990Lauf Elja Ultimate Flight AttendantThis top-spec bike sees the same Ultimate suspension, but XX SL AXS Transmission from SRAM, with a dual-sided power meter and Level Ultimate brakes.The same wheels, tyres and finishing kit are also there, but we see upgraded HS2 brake rotors, from SRAM, for extra stopping power.$8,290Lauf Elja TrailThe Trail version has four builds (Weekend Warrior, Race, Race Flight Attendant and Ultimate Flight Attendant).As youd expect, the two Flight Attendant builds are at the upper end of the price range.The two non-Flight Attendant models will get a two-position SIDLuxe Select+ shock with a manual lock-out.Lauf Elja Trail Weekend Warrior TransmissionThis entry-level Elja should see you right on the trails.Theres a Select+ SIDLuxe shock and a Pike Select fork, while SRAM also supplies a GX AXS Transmission and two-piston Level T brakes.DT Swiss M1900 wheels hold the 2.6in Goodyear tyres, while FSA, Lauf and Fizik provide the build kit. You also get a RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post.$4,590Lauf Elja Trail RaceThe next model up gets you Select+ suspension at both ends, along with an XO AXS Transmission and punchier four-piston Level brakes.Theres a power meter here, too, which seems like a nice addition to the package for riders looking to improve their performance, as well as the carbon Zipp wheels we saw on the XC bikes.$5,890Lauf Elja Race Flight AttendantThe Race Flight Attendant build is similar to the XC version, but with the 130mm Pike Ultimate instead of the SID.A SRAM XO AXS Transmission and Level Bronze brakes provide the stop-and-go.$6,990Lauf Elja Ultimate Flight AttendantThe top-end trail bike sees Ultimate suspension front and rear, and the fanciest drivetrain the XX SL.The dual-sided power meter is a step up from the Race Flight Attendant for even more accurate data.$8,290Lauf goes the extra mileOn top of this, Lauf is offering an Ultimate Rift Experience build kit.On top of getting an Ultimate-level bike (Race or Trail), you also get two entries, plus a rolled-out-red-carpet package for you and a friend, to Lauf's new five-day MTB stage race, set for August 2025.This includes three to nine hours of racing per day, seven nights' hotel accommodation, transfers, breakfast and dinner.$12,790 (XC or Trail bike)

In a truly thrilling edition of the mixed relay team time trial at the 2024World Championships in Switzerland, gold has gone to the Australian team of Michael Matthews, Ben O'Connor, Jay Vine, Grace Brown, Brodie Chapman and Ruby Roseman-Gannon ahead of Germany and Italy.There was something of a s...

Jen Kelly was one of just a small handful of riders to take on the 2024 Montana Bike Odyssey earlier this month, and she put together this post-ride reflection on finding her rhythm while pedaling along the equally demanding and spectacular 1,750-mile route. Read her story here...The post The Numbers and the Numen: 2024 Montana Bike Odyssey appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Ever snapped something you didn't want to snap and left frustrated when trying to find the replacement mech hanger you need? SRAM's Universal Derailleur Hanger may be the answer

Max Walscheidhas somewhat surprisingly taken victory atOmloop van het Houtland 2024 ahead of Team Jayco AlUla teammate Dylan Groenewegen.Heading into the final 30km, a seven man leading group had seen their advantage over the peloton cut to just over 30 seconds. At 10km to go, they still dangled...

Cane Creek's premium titanium eeWings cranks are now available in two new limited edition colors: Aegean and Matte Black. Take a closer look at the fresh colors of the lauded cranks here...The post Limited Edition Cane Creek eeWings in Aegean and Matte Black appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Cold weather is right around the corner and Shimano may have you covered as they drop their new Fall/Winter gravel apparel. Shimano says the new Fall/Winter line is constructed of soft, warm, and breathable materials, good for all-day comfort. Within the Fall/Winter collection are wind-blockers, waterproof fabrics, and flexible, tailored fits. The winter line offers some unique features to help you stay comfy in cold and cool weather riding. Lets take a look. Evolve Prima Wool Jacket (mens and womens)Retail: $200(Photos / Shimano)Combining wind-blocking Primaloft insulation on the chest and shoulders, as well as heat-regulating Merino wool on the sleeves, the Evolve Prima Wool Jacket is packed with features. The jacket sports 360-degree reflectivity and has a good amount of storage. Its perfect with just a base layer or combine it with a long-sleeve Merino jersey, like say Shimanos Evolve Merino All-Season Jersey. Available in mens and womens specific fits.Evolve Corsa All-Season Wind Breaker (mens and womens)Retail: $135Designed and made with lightweight wind-blocking material combined with waterproof fabric, the Evolve Corsa All-Season Windbreaker will save you from the elements. It uses a flexible, tailored fit, is breathable, and will stretch and move with your body. It looks perfect for a lightweight, outer layer. Available in mens and womens specific fits.Evolve Prima VestRetail: $150Vests are perfect for riding in weather that changes throughout a ride. The Evolve Prima vest is made for just that. the vest has a unique layered construction, that is designed to keep a pocket of warm air between the brushed interior and the water-repellent outer shell. This assures youll stay toasty and comfy on your ride.Evolve Merino All-Season JerseyRetail: $140Merino wool is a magical fabric that can keep you comfortable, year-round. The Evolve Merino All-Season Jersey combines soft, lightweight synthetic material on the front and sleeves with temperature-regulating Merino wool in the back. The result is a functional blend of comfort and warmth on cold days with breathable relief when the ride gets warm.Evolve Bib Tights (mens and womens)Retail: $200Again, crafted from soft, worm, and breathable materials, Shimanos Evolve Bib Tights are made for all-day comfort while the weather is cold. These tights feature a performance chamois and a kick-ass mesh side pocket. The chamois are mens and womens specific and provide long-lasting comfort. It also has fast-drying capabilities, for those rides that go long and hard. Ride.Shimano.comThe post Winter is Coming: Stay Toasty with Shimanos New Fall/Winter Gravel Apparel appeared first on Bikerumor.

There's hardly a leaf spring in sight and it runs two bottom brackets.

At just 20 years old, Welsh cycling sensation Josh Tarlinghas already begun making waves in the professional peloton. A member of the IneosGrenadiers, Tarling has showcased his immense talent incredibly early on in hiscareer, clinching a bronze medal in the 2023 World Championship Time Trial and...