A silky smooth and virtually silent workhorse that delivers comfortable day-to-day riding 8/10

The career of Chris Froome can probably best be split into three different sections. The early Barloworld years where few would have guessed what was to come, the Grand Tour dominance of the 2010s at Team Sky and then a disappointing career swansong at Israel - Premier Tech.Although Froome's results...

Fresh off a 1,600-kilometer race-pace scouting trip in Ontario on a route he's calling "The Golden Horseshoe," Theo Verdecchia put together a reflection on his ride with a collection of photos snapped along the way. Learn more about the route, his ride, and the upcoming grand depart here...The post Theo and The Golden Horseshoe Route appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Irwin P. Fletcher once said, Its all ball bearings nowadays. No one knows that better than Oakland, Californias bearing gurus, Enduro Bearings. After three years of extensive development, the newly released MAX Solid Lube, Black Oxide suspension bearing line-up is now available.(Photos / Enduro Bearings)The new line of MAX Solid Lube, Black Oxide suspension bearings was rigorously tested in the harshest conditions. These new bearings represent a significant push forward in suspension bearing tech. They feature a unique lubricant-infused foam polymer that is injection-molded into the bearing assembly. This polymer replaces any traditional grease or oils that are typically found in bearings. The solid lube polymer fills up the entire bearing cavity. This leaves virtually no room for contaminants or moisture to get in there and create unwanted friction.Continuing to help keep the bearings free of filth/muck, the new MAX Solid Lube, Black Oxide bearings include double-lip LLU full contact seals and a tough, surface-penetrating Black Oxide/Magnetite bearing race treatment to increase corrosion resistance and material normalization. Were always looking for ways to improve bicycle bearing performance and durability, says Matt Harvey, co-founder of Enduro Bearings. Our MAX Solid Lube, Black Oxide pivot bearings are perfect for demanding applications where performance and reliability are critical and regular maintenance is burdensome.How it WorksEnduros proprietary, all-conditions MAX Solid Lube solution is made up of two parts. First, a continuous microporous polymer and a proprietary lubricant containing special additives. Secondly, then the MAX Solid Lube interacts with the moving balls, it is then transferred from millions of pores to the ball and race surfaces. As the bearing continues to move, the combined temperature and pressure release a uniform and continuous film of lubrication. This coating covers all metal parts to minimize friction, in turn, extending bearing life. When the bearing movement stops, capillary action returns the lubricant to the polymers micropores when it will be stored for future bearing movements. The MAX Solid Lube, Black Oxide pivot bearing line includes ten of the most popular 6800 and 6900 series bearings. Additional sizes will be added in the coming months and years ahead. Check the link below for more info.Cycling.EnduroBearings.comThe post Enduro Bearings Rolls Out New MAX Solid Lube, Black Oxide Treated Pivot Bearings appeared first on Bikerumor.

WTB has released its new SG1 tyre protection, which features increased under-tread puncture protection and Inner Peace + technology to protect the tyre bead, while bolstering the sidewall structure.The new casing will be available on WTB's Trail Boss, Vigilante, Judge and Verdict mountain bike tyres, with the brand saying it's designed to withstand enduro riding on full-fat electric bikes.WTB has also updated its Fast Rolling and High Grip compounds, with the changes said to result in greater tread longevity as well as improved grip.The SG1 casing is available with both compounds, with tyres in the range starting at 80 / $89.95 / 74.50.Toughest casing yetThe SG1 casing features more protection than previously available from WTB. WTBWTB says the new SG1 casing is its toughest to date, with the dual-ply Tough option providing more protection than ever.The new protection is only available on mountain bike tyres and sees puncture protection running beneath the entirety of the tread cap, increasing resilience to sharp objects such as rocks and roots.The new system triples the height of the apex bead protection on SG1 tyres. WTBThe new Inner Peace + (IP+) technology adds more structure to the sidewall and shields the tyre bead from damage on blunt impacts.The tyres are designed for gravity riding. WTBWTB says its athletes and testers have found this allows for lower tyre pressures to be run, increasing comfort without sacrificing stability and support on compressions or take-offs.The SG1 tyres also feature WTB's TriTec compound, which combines three strategically placed rubber compounds within the tread. This allows for firmer rubber to be used where efficiency and longevity are desired, and softer rubber where traction is a priority.The tyres are heavier than before, with the brand saying it prefers to think about not getting punctures rather than those extra grams.Updated compoundsThe new compounds are available on the Trail Boss, Vigilante, Judge and Verdict tyres. WTBAlongside the SG1 casing, WTB has updated its Fast Rolling and High Grip tyre compounds.The brand says it has increased tread longevity and grip levels, especially in wet conditions.The new compounds aren't said to be more tacky, just better at finding grip in moisture due to a rebalancing of the reinforcing agents. WTBWTB says it has focused on creating the right ratio of natural and synthetic rubber, while fine-tuning the amount of carbon black vs silica within the compound itself.Bright colours aren't a necessity on tyre packaging. WTBBy increasing the use of natural rubber, WTB says it has made a compound that's less slippery in wet conditions and more durable by increasing the amount of silica.In a nod to the environment, the brand says zero plastic is used in the packaging for the new tyres, with the cardboard cartons made from 100 per cent recycled materials.

Analysis commissioned by climate charity suggests images of cyclists not representative, as group argues: "We simply cannot afford to exclude many people from choosing cycling as an alternative form of transport"

Tadej Pogacar has been unquestionably the best rider on the planet in 2024, being so good some are even considering the Slovenian the best rider of all time. Although his long range solos might not show it, a key part of Pogacar's success is the strength of his UAE Team Emirates teammates, most of w...

With the rise of eMTBs and the continued progression of enduro and downhill riding, WTB decided it was time to address all that increased wear and tear with their toughest tires yet. Their new SG1 casing is the strongest and most durable option theyve ever released.The SG1 casing will be offered on WTBs Trail Boss, Vigilante, Judge, and Verdict MTB tires. The new casing further increases the durability of WTBs dual-ply Tough casing option. WTB has also updated both their High Grip and Fast Rolling compounds to offer better longevity, puncture resistance, and wet weather traction.Ive had the Verdict and Judge tires on my bike for a few weeks now, and I used WTBs tubeless sealant and Max-Flow valves to set them up. Check out my initial impressions of the tires and accessories below. SG1 Construction:Photo c. WTBWhile designing the new SG1 tires, WTB set out to strengthen the most vulnerable areas of a tire. The new SG1 casing adds extra protection under the tread and in the sidewalls. To fend off thorns or sharp rocks, an extra layer has been added below the entire tread cap for additional puncture resistance.For added sidewall and bead protection, WTB has tripled the height of their Inner Peace technology layer found on their existing Tough casing tires. The new design is called IP+, and it offers extra bead protection and supports the sidewalls without sacrificing tread compliance. The new IP+ layer provides 15mms of added protection to the bead/sidewall. This reinforcement allows riders to run lower tire pressures for increased traction and comfort, but without losing tire stability in corners or during harsh compressions. Photo c. WTBWTB says We would rather not flat than think about the extra grams and that is an apt summary of what kind of rider these tires are aimed at. The SG1 tires are comparable to downhill tires, and toughness is the name of the game here!All models of the new SG1 tires feature tough 60TPI dual-ply casings, and they are all tubeless-ready. MSRP for all models is $89.95.Updated Rubber Compounds:Photo c. WTBWTB has updated both their High Grip and Fast Rolling compounds for the new SG1 tires. The new High Grip compound is used for the Judge, Verdict, and Vigilante tires. The Fast Rolling compound is featured on the Trail Boss.WTB created these new compounds by toying with the ratio of natural and synthetic rubbers in the tires, and by finding an ideal balance between carbon black and other reinforcing agents. The resulting compounds are less slippery when they get wet. WTB points out that they havent created an overall tackier rubber, rather the compound specifically retains wet traction better than the outgoing rubber. Adjusting the reinforcing agents also made the new tires more resistant to wear and punctures.Photo c. WTBWTBs Tritec construction offers three rubber compounds within all the SG1 tires: Firm rubber for the center lugs to boost longevity and efficiency, soft side lugs for optimal traction, and a third compound layered under the tread.Model Lineup:Photo c. WTBJudge and Verdict Tires:I received a set of the Verdict and Judge tires for testing. Heres a close look at the tread patterns, specs, and how they rode on the trails.The Verdict is intended as a front tire and comes in a 2.5 width. This tire is optimized for rim widths between 25-35mm. The Verdict is designed to perform in all kinds of conditions, from dry/loose/rocky to wet/muddy. WTB rates the Verdict 5/5 for grip and durability, and 2/5 for speed.The 292.5 Verdict tire weighed in at 1388g.Designed as a rear tire, the Judge comes in a 2.4 width. It is optimized for 29-35mm wide rims. Like the Verdict, the Judge tire aims to excel in various surfaces and conditions including dirt, rocks, loose conditions, and wet weather. The Judge offers the same ratings as the Verdict, with 5/5 for grip and durability and 2/5 for speed.Photo c. WTBYou might notice between the lugs on the Verdict and Judge tires there are smaller dimples on the casings. These small bumps help break the surface tension of mud, encouraging it to shed off the tires as you ride.This Judge is a little heavy-handed, with the 292.4 model hitting my scale at 1577g!Ride Impressions:I installed the Verdict and Judge tires on my enduro bike, so I did climb with them on every test ride. While the weight of these tires is a definite downside for climbing on non-electric trail/enduro bikes, their grip was impressive. On dirt sections of trail, they were predictably grippy, but I was happy to find excellent traction while climbing up roots, smooth slabs, and off-camber rocks too. I got away with a few instances where I thought I might spin my rear tire, yet I just kept rolling.Being a lightweight rider, I would not run these tires for trail riding on an unassisted bike. Their weight and slow roll are very noticeable while climbing. That said, if I were a heavier rider with a penchant for wrecking rims, or if I had an eMTB where weight is less of a factor, I would accept the weight in exchange for the traction, toughness, and protection they provide. On a downhill bike, I wouldnt think twice about running these tough, grippy treads.As for descending, two things stood out about the Judge and Verdict tire combo. First is their grip, which again was excellent on all trail surfaces. The second was the robust feel of the sidewalls. Compared to a trail-grade casing there is an obvious difference in how these tires resist harsh impacts.As far as dirt, the Judge and Verdict tires had it pretty easy as I had fall conditions during my testing. In damp to wet conditions the tires gripped the trail with ease. Even knowing the dirt was good, the SG1 tires were grabbing nicely and railing me around corners with a firmly planted feel. On that note, the round profile of the Verdict front tire leaned nicely and predictably into berms.My local trails still had some loose, dusty sections and in these conditions, the tires provided great braking response. The big lugs on both dig into the trail and make it easy to scrub a lot of speed quickly.What impressed me more was how well the SG1 tires gripped roots and rocks. Even in wet conditions, I always felt solid while skipping over rooty sections of trail or rough rocky terrain. It was easy to hold a straight line through rough stuff, so I believe WTB is on to something with their moisture-friendly rubber compounds. In dry conditions, I had no problem creeping down rock slabs and keeping my speed under control.The SG1 sidewalls are noticeably stiff compared to trail casings, and you can feel an obvious difference when facing harsh impacts or big compressions. I could easily see some riders removing tire inserts with these tires, as it would take a nasty blow to push through the sturdy sidewalls and threaten your rim. However, the stiff sidewalls dont seem to affect traction negatively. At my usual tire pressures, I never felt the tires bouncing off rocks and roots instead of grabbing onto them, but I did try one ride at 2-3 psi less than normal. At slightly lower pressure the tire still felt perfectly stable and supportive, and overall traction was excellent.With a short time frame for pre-launch testing, I got a good impression of the Verdict and Judge tires ride qualities but cannot comment on their longevity or long-term durability. WTB Tire Sealant and Max-Flow Valves:WTB supplied me with a bottle of their tubeless tire sealant, which I used to set up the SG1 tires. This synthetic latex sealant seals punctures up to 6mm, should stay fresh for several months, and works into below-freezing temperatures.WTBs tubeless tire sealant recommends 3-5 ounces for MTB tires up to 2.5 wide. I used 4 oz in my tires, and both are hardly losing any pressure between rides.WTBs Max-Flow tubeless valves offer a large bore diameter for increased airflow and Max-Flow bases that work with tire inserts. The included aluminum caps include valve core removal tools.So far Ive had no clogging issues with either Max-Flow valve. While they offer plenty of airflow for topping off tires, I did have to remove the valve cores and use a shop-quality air compressor to get enough airflow to seat the stiff beads on the SG1 tires.I dont love how the valve caps screw onto the valve cores threads rather than the valve stem. This just opens up the possibility of loosening the core by accident. As long as the valve core is tight and you dont crank the caps on you should be fine. I will say the tiny bit of knurling on the caps helps you get a grip on them!WTBs new SG1 tires are now available online and at dealers across Europe and the USA.wtb.comThe post WTB Introduces SG1 Construction For New Tough AF MTB Tires appeared first on Bikerumor.

Dyed in the Wool designed a custom set of bags for Le Petit Porteur mini cargo bike, and they are available for pre-order now. Learn more about the bags and how to get your hands on some here...The post Pre-Orders Open for Dyed in the Wool x Petit Porteur Bags appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Masters, get your wallets ready; Challenge Tires has just added another popular tread to the 38mm category. Thats right, now you can get the Baby Limus in 38mm in the Challenge HTLR casing. The supersized Baby Limus exceeds the cyclocross category in its voluminous casing, transforming this comfortable and capable cyclocross tread into a fast-rolling gravel race companion. Meet the new Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HLTR.(All Photos: Jordan Villella/BikeRumor.com)What is the Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HLTR?Do you know the Challenge Baby Limus tire? If not, let me introduce you to it. The Baby Limus is a modern Grifo tread (save your comments or anger until the end) and a mixed-conditions tire that leans slightly toward the muddier side of life. In Challenges words, It offers something for everyone.Why is it named Baby Limus? Challenge has a deep mud tread called the Limus (highly recommended). The tread pattern was very successful. The Y side knobs worked their way into a dry/icy conditions tire called the Chicane with the help of former British National Champ Helen Wyman. That tread was also very successful, the template was clear when Challenge looked to create an all-arounder tread.The Challenge Chicane, Dune, and Koksijde in Team Edition Tubular Casing (Image: Challenge)In a nutshell, the team worked backward from the Limus mud tire and turned down the volume on the tread size and thickness. The Baby Limus features the same side Y-shaped knobs as the Limus but replaces the center tread with a lower profile and tightly packed Y pattern. This downsizing shortened the transitional knobs in the process, giving the tire an excellent round profile compared to the flat-top Chicane.Arent All Cyclocross Tires 33mm?Yes, but no for the riders racing the UCI fields, the tire size is capped at 33mm. This means the rider and team also dabble in the 30-32mm treads, but 33mm is the most common size. Dont even try to sneak one by the UCI, either. They measure every tire (worldwide) to make sure they are compliant. If only they were this hardline about dopingHowever, if youre NOT in the UCI fields, you can use a 38mm (and up) for masters and so on. The 38mm sizing is approved for the USA National Championships and offers a nice mix of comfort and speed for most riders. Hence, the explosion of 38mm treads coming into the cyclocross market.Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HLTR DetailsCasing: Challenge Handmade Tubeless Ready Casing (HTLR) CottonTPI: 300Rim Type: Tubeless and HooklessSize: 38mmMeasure size on 25mm rim:28.20mmWeight:445gPrice: $86.00Review: Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HLTRChallenge Tubeless Cyclocross Tire SetupFor some, the Challenge cyclocross tires can be challenging to get on the rim (see what I did there?). I was also in this category of installers. That is until I brought it up with the Challenge team, and they explained politely: Youre doing it wrong. Now, its not that I was putting the tire on wrong. I didnt use the correct order of operations that Challenge asks you to implement when installing these HTLR tires.Its not a trick; its a process. The HRLT tires are flatter and softer than the nylon tires. This cotton casing makes them highly noodley and hard to manage while installing. So, Challenge asks you to start the installation like this:This is my fifth time using this method to install new Challenge HTLR tires, and its always easier. That said, the initial install is the only time mounting the tire can be tough. After that, they are much easier to mount without using a tire lever.Im running the Challenge Baby Limus 38mms on a pair of Forge + Bond 45mm wheels with a 25mm internal width and hookless bead.The tires pumped up to a precise 38.20mm when fully inflated and didnt require any special tubeless whispering while seating.Ride Impressions Challenge Baby Limus 38mm My first rides on the Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HLTR were on the road and on our local cyclocross courses and single track. Im familiar with the Baby Limus tread, and its a favorite of mine for slightly muddy races. The Baby Limus tread excels, whereas a Grifo tread might not have the grip for off-camber features. The Y side knobs allow for more grip and crawling, and digging when compared to the Grifo dotted side knob.On the road, I was happy with the rolling sensation. I expected them to be more sluggish than the Grifo 38mm I traded them out for. However, they were just as quick and moderately faster.Cyclocross RidingIm slowly becoming a convert to the 38mm cyclocross race tire. Ive reviewed (and am currently racing) the Challenge Grifo 38mm tubular tires and have trained on the Grifo HTLR 38mm tires for some time. The extra bit of comfort and rolling speed is definitely an upside. Those riders that are super adjusted to the 33mm tread could feel a slight lag in cornering response, but the rolling comfort should balance that out. I especially like them for courses that have less than pristine conditions.If youre riding a very bumpy course with lumpy grass sections, youd love the 38mm suspension-like feel. They are slightly heavier than the 33mm version, so they will add some rational weight to your setup. But all in all, they are a more comfortable tire option with minimal penalties.On the Cyclocross CourseThe Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HLTR on the course felt just as fast as the 33mm HTLR version. Where it outshines its 33mm brethren is in bumpy courses and rooty/rocky features. The additional tire volume is such an advantage for smoothing out the course, especially in wooded and single-track trail-style features.As for pressure, I went for 18-20psi, depending on the course and demands for the day. For the road and gravel, 20-21psi was a good combo with the F + B wheels. When riding the grass in slightly damp conditions, the 18-19psi range was better. Like any tire or component, its up to your riding style and comfort level with the squish and squirm of a cotton tire. Youll be OK with lower if youre used to a tubular. If not, aim higher and go down slightly if youre trying to achieve more grip.No Burping PleaseThe downfall of tubeless tires (compared to tubular) is burping and the tire ripping off the rim. So far, Ive not burped one off the rim on any Challenge tubeless tires Ive reviewed and ridden. Ive had rims grab some grass off a course but never jump off and lose enough air to cause an issue. So, they passed the will it stay on the rim? test for me with flying colors.Are there any drawbacks to 38mm cyclocross tires? The only ones that I have encountered are narrow rims and frame clearance. The 38mm casing will fold on narrower rims when leaning hard into corners. Upping the pressure can remedy this folding, but you dont get the performance you want from the tire. So, its a trade-off. I would say a great performing tire/rim combo, would be a 21-25mm internal rim width paired with 38mm tires.For frame clearance, double-check your maximum tire clearance and account for mud. If you have an older cyclocross frame, the clearance will be tight, so do your research before committing. I have a Cannondale Super Six EVO, and the frame clearance is bonkers high. Most new (2020-current) frames should be able to clear a 38mm tire, OK, but again, check those specs before dropping $170+ on new shoes.How About Gravel?I took the Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HLTR on some gravel and was happy with the ride quality. I usually reach for narrow 40mm grave tires for my race bike (course dependent), and the 38mm ride was comparable in quality (its only 2mm).The Baby Limus tread is only offered in a 33mm (and now 38mm), so it was never an option for gravel. However, after spending some time on groads (nothing too chunky) with the Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HLTR, its a great gravel option. Plus, it would eliminate a redundant 40mm tire from the tire quiver for most riders.The tread is fast rolling and pairs well with most fine to medium-style gravel. It tends to flick and spray some fine gravel to riders on your wheel, but thats their problem.How About Puncture Resistance? The Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HLTR is puncture-protective in cyclocross conditions. I havent had issues with gravel, but I havent put them through the gauntlet of the toughest PA gravel, so Ill save that ruling for another time.Final Thoughts Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HLTRIf youre looking for a cyclocross (or lighter gravel) tire that is a true jack of all trades, the Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HLTR is it. The 38mm HTLR casing gives it a nice, supple feel on the cyclocross course and a refined feel on the road. Its a larger tire, with that said, some frames will limit its use, but its a true performer on bumpy, rough courses.Currently, its limited to the tan-cotton HTLR casing, and the top tier of Challenge HTLR tires is the Red Team Edition casing. Will we see any 38mm tires in the TE Red casing? Only time will tell. Until then, the Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HLTR is the most well-rounded, voluminous cyclocross tire that Ive ridden.ChallengeTires.comInterested in more cyclocross tire talk? Check out our Best Cyclocross Tire GuideThe post Review: Challenge Baby Limus 38mm Tires Arent Just Great For Cyclocross appeared first on Bikerumor.