Ridleys factory team racers were torn between picking the lightest, the most aero, or the gravel bike with the widest tire clearance, so the Belgian Cycling Factory gave them one to do it all the all-new Ridley Astr RS gravel race bike. At first glance, it doesnt look all that different from the other bikes in the Ridley gravel family. But, by combining race-ready aerodynamics in a lighter frame with clearance for up to 52mm tires, this new Astr RS just became the perfect choice for anyone looking to go faster off-road.Ridley Astr RS lightweight aero carbon gravel race bike(Photo/Cory Benson)Ridley already had a bunch of gravel bikes in their lineup the full-aero Kanzo Fast, the bikepacking-ready Kanzo Adventure, and the light gravel Grifn with affordable alloy versions of those couple, too. Theyve been building gravel bikes since 2015/2016, and even evolving this type of mixed-surface riding & racing on cyclocross bikes since the brand debuted in 2000. So why did they need an all-new gravel race bike?Well, it seems gravel racing keeps getting gnarlier. And the pro riders on the Classified Ridley Factory Team simply demanded fatter tires to take on those rougher courses. They already had a Kanzo Adv, but they wanted aerodynamics on par with the Kanzo Fast. So it looks like what Ridley actually did was the same thing that made their latest Grifn RS light-gravel all-road race bike. They mashed up the light & sleek features of their Falcn RS aero road bike. And gave it the mega tire clearance of the Adv.In the end, this new Astr combines those fastest and most versatile features to create one new top-tier gravel race bike. Whats new?(Photos/Ridley)What really sets this new Astr RS apart are three features. Lightweight, aerodynamics, and big tire clearance.Light comes down to a top-tier ultralight carbon layup that comes in at a claimed 890g for the medium Astr RS frame. Thats a whopping claimed 369g savings over the Kanzo Fast!Aerodynamics is adapted from Ridley road race bikes with aero tube sections throughout, a wide fork crown that transitions into wind diffuser fins on the downtube, dropped seatstays, an aero seatpost, and a rear wheel cutout.The biggest deal probably though is the mega tire clearance on the new Astr. Ridley says there is room for up to 52mm tires with a single chainring setup, or up to 47mm with a 2x crank and space for the front derailleur cage.Gravel Race GeometryFat tires apparently dont have to mean slow handling geometry.Combining big tires, 2x, and aerodynamics was the real trick to keep the race-ready handling feel. Ridley managed to keep the same short 425mm chainstays as the Kanzo Fast, as well as the same 71.5 headtube angle. Plus, theres the steeper 74 seat tube and slightly lower bottom bracket inherited from the Adv to compensate for the taller ride height of the larger volume tires.Weight balance is a shade higher than the Fast +3.5-5mm for taller tires, then -2mm from the extra BB drop. But Ridley also shortened headtube heights and managed to bring frame Stack down a bit for a bit more weight on the front wheel and a more aerodynamic position on the bike.Tech detailsultra hi-mod carbon frame weighing 890g (size Medium, claimed), plus 445g forkavailable in 5 stock sizes (XS-XL)1x with aero Wolf Tooth chainguide or 2x compatible with removable front derailleur hangermax Shimano 52T or SRAM 60T single!, or regular road compact 50/34T double chainringsUDH for compatibility with all electronic rear derailleurs (no mechanical)fully integrated internal cable routing through the headset1.25-1.5 tapered integrated headset IS47/33 + IS52/40full carbon D-shaped tapered steerer forkBB86 PressFit bottom bracket, 12mm thru-axles, and FM140 flat mount disc brakesproprietary D-shaped aero carbon seatpost2 bottle cage mounts inside the front triangle, with 3-bolt on the downtube for aero single bottle setuprecessed toptube bag mounts with cover, and cage mount under the downtubebraze-ons for direct-mount strapless aero frame bag (coming in early 2025)UCI approvedFirst Ride Impressions(Photo/Cory Benson)Stay tuned for a deeper dive into this new bike, but in just a few words Id say that I was surprised how quick the new Ridley Astr RS felt once I hopped on it. Even on big volume tires, with plenty of room for more. And happy to say that it disappeared beneath me so quickly. (Photo/Cory Benson)A lot of bikes focused on racing seem to require constant attention to keep them in control and going fast. This bike felt very balanced. I could see riding it as my regular gravel bike when you just want to head out for a weekend spin with friends. And then, when race day comes around you pin a number on and see how fast you can hammer it.A more affordable carbon Astr, too(Photos/Ridley)Accompanying the new Astr RS is a more affordable carbon Ridley Astr, too. It looks exactly like its Racing Sport analogue, just with a slightly heavier standard hi-mod carbon frameset. You simply add around 200g in extra carbon to save money. And at the same time you add full 1x/2x mechanical compatibility, and also get the added benefit of a regular 27.2mm round seatpost. Sure, its marginally less aero, but more comfortable and versatile. And the regular carbon Astr still weighs just 1090g (size M, claimed) plus a 497g fork.And pricing is wildly more affordable with complete bike builds starting as low as 3300 with GRX 212 mechanical and alloy wheels, from 4000 with Apex Xplr AXS wireless. And even standard carbon Astr framesets from just 2300, mean a lot of value there.Ridley Astr RS Pricing, options & availabilityThe new Ridley Astr RS and Astr are officially model year 2025 bikes, but are available to customize online or pre-order now via your local bike shop. Order now and Ridley says you should receive the bike by the end of the month in most markets. And if you want to try one out now, Ridley has a test fleet of the new Astr RS gravel race bikes on hand at the UCI Gravel World Championships in Leuven, Belgium this weekend.Like pretty much all of their bikes, there are tons of options for customizing the new Ridley Astr RS, via their online configurator. Pick the design scheme you want, your favorite colors, and your ideal component spec. The Taiwanese-made carbon frames are painted-to-order and then assembled in Europe just how you want it.New Ridley Astr RS framesets start at 5000 for frame, fork & aero seatpost in the team replica paint job in the color of your choice.Complete Astr RS bike builds start at 7300 with either a Shimano GRX Di2 212 or SRAM Force Xplr 112 groupset, a Ridley brand 4ZA Nimbus Pro integrated carbon cockpit, and carbon DT Swiss GRC1600 aero gravel wheels. (Photo/Cory Benson)Then, the top-spec build sells for 11,700 with a new SRAM Red Xplr 1x 13-speed build kit and DT GRC1400 wheels with more premium hubs. Plus, you can customize component sizes/dimensions, frameset colors, and individual component spec to your liking.Ridley-bikes.comThe post All-New Ridley Astr RS is a Lighter, Faster, Wider Aero Gravel Race Bike appeared first on Bikerumor.

"We are supposed to be encouraging people to cycle into town," said one dismayed councillor "inundated with complaints from residents that have been fined dismounting their bikes"

CyclistClassic climb: Col du Galibier, a different take on a Tour de France legendThere are only a handful of cycling destinations where youre likely to find yourself pedalling past five metre walls of snow in mid-July. The Col du Galibier is one of them. Topping out at 2,642m, this Tour de France mainstay is one of the loftiest points the race ever reaches, and one of the highest paved roads in all of Europe.Surrounded by soaring snow-capped peaks, the Galibiers butter-smooth tarmac has served as the stage for some of professional cyclings most high-octane racing action. The cols first inclusion was in 1911, when only three riders made it to the summit without walking. Since then it has featured a further 64 times, making it the fifth most visited climb in Tour de France history. Related Posts Gravel Big Ride: Ghost of the Galibier Classic climb: Col du Galibier, a Tour de France classic with a grandeur to suit its status Classic climb: Alpe dHuez, the most famous climb in pro cycling? In the 1998 edition, Italian powerhouse Marco Pantani battled through biblical weather to catch stage leader Jan Ullrich from three minutes back, dropping him on the north face of the mountain. By the time he crossed the line, he had taken back 11 minutes from Ullrich on a solo onslaught that won him the stage and ultimately the Tour.Heading out of Brianon towards an immediate 7% kicker.Joe McGorty / CyclistMore recently, 2024 Tour victor Tadej Pogaar sealed his first stage win of this years race on the Galibier, approaching the climb from Brianon and attacking 900m from the summit to leave a burnt-out Jonas Vingegaard fighting for breath on the final few ramps. As if that wasnt enough, he rode the final 8.6km section from the Col de Lautaret in a time of 20min 48sec, smashing Nairo Quintanas five-year-old record by more than a minute and a half in the process. Its this approach to the Galibier that we are focussing on here.Once past Le Montier-les-Bains you will notice a lot less traffic.Joe McGorty / CyclistPass notesThe route from the south isnt the most popular of the three up to the Galibiers summit that honour goes to the classic north side via Col du Tlgraphe but it still has a lot to offer. Its by far the most accessible way to approach the Galibier, with views to rival any other Alpine ascent.Looking down at Jardin du Lautaret, the point at which the main road joins the Galibier.Joe McGorty / CyclistFrom Brianon, the climb follows the main road up to the Col du Lautaret before branching off right and snaking up the Galibiers south side. The climb is approximately 35km in total with an average gradient of 4%. It may not sound like a lot, but thats because the bulk of the elevation is condensed into the final quarter.Straight out of Brianon the ride starts with a 7% kicker. Its followed by 15 fast kilometres along the D1091, the main road that connects Brianon with Bourg dOisans at the foot of Alpe dHuez. The gradient ramps up as you pass through Le Montier-les-Bains, culminating in a crescendo of 10% ramps and switchbacks for the final 8.5km.Joe McGorty / CyclistAnother option is to tackle the south side of the Galibier starting in Le Clapier. This is the longer and more arduous of the two south-side routes, and youll have to contend with a number of dimly lit and often wet-floored tunnels, complete with fast-moving traffic and narrow roads. Not exactly a winning recipe for a low-stress day in the saddle.Brianon, by contrast, is an excellent place to start a ride. Its a picturesque town with plenty of spots to grab a pastry and a coffee which is wise if you want to tackle the immediate hill out of town with all cylinders firing.Joe McGorty / CyclistStart high, ride higherIts ironic that you should have to climb out of Brianon given that its the highest town in the European Union. At 1,326m, it sits at the meeting point of the Durance and Guisanne rivers and has historically been an important hub for trade through the mountains.Riding up the Galibier just after the turn-off for the tunnel.Joe McGorty / CyclistPredictably, the roads can get busy, so in order to make the ride out of town as pleasant as possible, the best time to leave is as early as you can stomach. After tackling the ramp and negotiating a number of roundabouts, the long stretch of main road that follows is not terrible, but its not particularly riveting riding either. Its long, straight, almost flat, and it can get busy with fast-moving traffic. Thankfully its also rather wide, which takes the edge off a bit.The entrance to the tunnel, which was formerly the highest point of the road.Joe McGorty / CyclistThe road passes through a number of small ski towns, all part of the larger Serre Chevalier resort, which encompasses the villages of Chantemerle in Saint-Chaffrey, Villeneuve in La Salle-les-Alpes, Le Montier-les-Bains and Brianon itself. As you pass through them one by one, the cars and motorhomes get fewer and farther between, and the high mountains on the horizon begin to come into sharper focus, providing a timely reminder of what lies in wait.The view over the Galibier, with the tunnel entrance in the bottom right corner.Joe McGorty / CyclistLe Montier-les-Bains is the last stop before you reach the steeper final section, so its a good chance to refill empty bidons on a hot and thirsty day. This mountain commune has become a hotspot for mountaineers and climbers, acting as a gateway to the surrounding peaks and offering some of the best bouldering in the area. Its a fitting place for the routes first real climbing to begin.The big finishOut of Le Montier-les-Bains the road steepens. Trees, buildings and carefully stacked log piles are left behind to reveal a landscape of rolling green hills, jagged rock faces and sky-piercing peaks, thinly veiled by wisps of white cloud.One final push to the summit and the chance to breathe in the crisp mountain air.Joe McGorty / CyclistThis is your view for the next 10km. Its a steady ascent until the road curves round to the left, taking you through a tunnel and onto the final few bends up to the top of the Lautaret. Here youll find an assortment of cafes and restaurants offering standard Alpine grub with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.The route leaves the main road at the top of the Lautaret, peeling off to the right and almost immediately increasing in gradient from 4% to around 7%. The narrow tarmac strip hugs the mountainside, following each corner closely as it makes its way up towards the snow.Joe McGorty / CyclistUnfortunately, its not entirely traffic-free. Youll be sharing the road with a smattering of cars, motorhomes and unfeasibly large black motorcycles straddled by people youd probably be wise not to get into a bar brawl with. However, this can be avoided if you plan your trip to coincide with the Cols Rservs, which is an annual event that sees key mountain passes closed to all but cyclists on some mornings.From here, its a mixture of tight hairpin bends and slow sweeping curves as the road winds its way higher still, passing the famous Tunnel du Galibier, which until 1976 was the highest paved point and the only way to reach the other side of the mountain without using ice axes and crampons.Joe McGorty / CyclistOn the approach to the top, the gradient increases to 11% in places, with the switchbacks now coming in quick succession. Even during the summer, parts of the road are flanked by greying walls of melting snow, leaving some stretches of tarmac perpetually wet. It doesnt make for great traction in the corners as you rise out of the saddle to climb, but its a sure sign that the summit is within reach.A final push and you crest the top of the Galibier to be greeted by a sea of fellow puffed-out cyclists and annoyingly spritely leather-clad bikers. All thats left to do now is breathe in a lungful of that well-earned, albeit thin mountain air, and join the back of the queue for the obligatory summit-sign photo. This article originally appeared in issue 157 of Cyclist magazine. Click here to subscribe Related Posts Gravel Big Ride: Ghost of the Galibier Classic climb: Col du Galibier, a Tour de France classic with a grandeur to suit its status Classic climb: Alpe dHuez, the most famous climb in pro cycling? The post Classic climb: Col du Galibier, a different take on a Tour de France legend appeared first on Cyclist.

Tadej Pogacar's attack and victory at the 2024 World Championships will be one of the most highly regarded victories in his already very illustrious career and that is with no surprise. 100 kilometers on the attack, the final 51 of which by himself, against a group of top riders in the peloton that...

Good Lord, how long have I been asleep?!?$55 tubeless valve stems?Looks more like a candelabra:Modular handlebars?Feels more like a gravel day, you can now decide:The good news is once wireless electronic braking becomes a thing youll be able to swap bars in a matter of seconds. The bad new is its only a matter of time before wireless electronic braking becomes a thing.Electronic bicycle suspension?Actually, that was around before I fell asleep, and I even got to try it, almost exactly three years ago:I still think about how disappointed the SRAM people must have been that they came all the way to a mall in Yonkers just to show me their fancy new mountain bike suspension, and that all they have to show for it is a lousy blog post from some guy nobody cares about anymore.Anyway, as someone who only rides rigid bikes, I was simultaneously very impressed by and totally indifferent to the electronic suspension system. It was like a big budget movie with lots of special effects thats highly entertaining, and yet by the time you get home from the theater youve totally forgotten about it. However, it did seem pretty clear to me that sooner or later all suspension mountain bikes are going to have electronic brains, and now heres Fox with the Live Valve Neo, which sounds like the name of an artificial heart, and which can do something like eleventy bazillion calculations per second so that theres nothing to distract you from your bro-tastic mountain brah exploits:Its easy to see why a pro bike racer would benefit from a suspension controlled by a supercomputer. When you race bikes for a living, fractions of a second can mean the difference between winning and getting ground up to make tire sealant, which is what happens to bike racers when their careers are overeither that or they start selling CBD:But does a normal person really need this stuff? According to Fox, the answer is yes. (Did you really think it would be anything else?) Heres why:[He looks like hes thinking about a climb switch.]for a casual rider it brings benefits just by letting you never think about a climb switch. Like, your suspension is always doing what it should be with no reaching down, no bulky handlebar controls.Huh. I never have to think about a climb switch either, and none of my bikes have bulky handlebar controls. It seems like another way to avoid having to deal with those things is tonot have all those things. Selling you lots of stuff that really just complicates your riding experience and then selling you even more stuff to simplify it again seems to be what the modern bike industry is all aboutespecially mountain biking, which no longer resembles anything Id call cycling. Just look at the riding in the Fox video. Its all about dominating the landscape while getting in and out of it as fast as possible. Teabagging the climbs:Blasting off jumps like a porn star giving the wilderness a facial:And just generally grinding and heaving and pumping frenetically, all interspersed with constant repetition of the words firm and firms up and power through and make it do what you want You know, mountain biking used to have a little something called dignity.Okay, fine, maybe not.Apparently that show ran for five seasons, which is nothing short of astounding.Meanwhile, on the road side, Rapha continues to overshoot dignity and plunge deep into dandyism, like Hans Rey launching himself off that pier:Consider the debonair insouciance of the Pantana Bandani Pantani Banana Pantani Bandana:[Mustache sold separately]Say that 10 times fast.Its not just for cycling, either. Its also perfect for riding a horse:Flying a plane:Or just penning morose poetry:[Confession: I generated all of the above images using an incredibly expensive AI program. Its the same one that writes this blog.]And not to be outdone in the useless accessory department, I see Pas Normal Studios sells helmets:Lets zoom out for some context:Cycling is the new equestrianism.

Studies show the Canadian's World Champs bicarb snack could be the easiest to stomach yet

While investigating an attack that saw an NHS worker rammed and seriously injured as he walked home, Avon & Somerset Police discovered footage on one suspect's phone of a cyclist being deliberately run over in a second incident days earlier

On the 3rd of October the peloton makes it's way into Germany for a one-day race that has been gaining prestige throughout the years. The Sparkassen Mnsterland Giro presents a World Tour field and will have a quality field fighting for the victory.The preliminary startlist includes: Jasper Philips...

Watch Emil Johansson, Brett Rheeder and Hannah Bergemann tackling some epic terrainRed Bull AnytimeRed Bull and Anthill Films has released a new film called Anytime, it follows the journey of 15 of the Continue reading