Tadej Pogacar has been all-conquering in 2024, putting in one of the greatest individual seasons of all time and winning the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France, the World Championship road race, and a pair of monuments at Il Lombardia and Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Ultimately though, this domination has l...

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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 HTLR.(All Photos: Jordan Villella/BikeRumor.com)What is the Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR?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 HTLR DetailsCasing: Challenge Handmade Tubeless Ready Casing (HTLR) CottonTPI: 300Rim Type: Tubeless and HooklessSize: 38mmMeasure size on 25mm rim:38.20mmWeight:445gPrice: $86.00Review: Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLRChallenge 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 HTLR 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 rotational 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 HTLR 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 HTLR 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 HTLR, 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 HTLR 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 HTLRIf youre looking for a cyclocross (or lighter gravel) tire that is a true jack of all trades, the Challenge Baby Limus 38mm HTLR 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 HTLR 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.

The Veneto Classic 2024, to be held on October 20th, promises to be a very demanding race that will close the European cycling calendar for another year. The official route includes a series of very complicated climbs that will likely make only the strongest classics specialists able to fight for vi...

We've ridden the backside out of our shorts to draw up this list of the very best mountain bike saddles available for all types of trail riders.Best mountain bike saddlesWe've ridden the backside out of our shorts to draw up this list of the very best mountain bike saddles available for all types of trail riders.

The Element is the rocket ship cross-country bike in Rocky Mountains lineup. Over the years, however, cross-country has changed, and with it, the demands of the machine. The updated Rocky Mountain Element is well suited for whatever comes racing its way. Whether skin suits, baggies, racing, or exploration, the new Rocky Mountain Element is lighter, faster, and ready to rip.(All Photos: Rocky Mountain) What is it Rocky Mountain ElementThe Element is Rocky Mountains cross-country ripper. Its the most spandex of the Rocky lineup (minus the Solo Gravel), and its ethos is speed, agility, and versatility.At its core, the Element is a cross-country race bike, but with 130mm of front and 120mm of rear travel, its slowly creeping up the down-country category.The newest iteration picks up where the previous one left off. It boasts a lighter frame, updated suspension kinematics, and size-specific tuning. The Rocky Mountain design team added unique gear-carrying solutions and extra water bottle capacity to the Element, giving it a longer leash for adventure and all-day exploration.Whats New?The most notable parts of the new Element are the suspension and frame. The updated Element uses Rocky Mountain Smoothlink SL Flex Pivot suspension. It ushers in a new flex stay design that Rocky Mountain calls the Smoothlink SL flex stay. Some other mountain bike manufacturers have successfully used this design, and its cool to see Rockys twist on the idea.The Smoothlink SL Flex Stay helps the team eliminate the traditional pivot, shaving a decent amount of weight from the frame. It also stiffens the rear triangle. The team has also upgraded dual-row, high-capacity bearings at the seat stay junction for increased service life.Rocky Mountain says the new flex stay design optimizes the flex to behave like our four-bar Smoothlink suspension designs. Our suspension philosophy balances efficiency, comfort, and traction to achieve the legendary Rocky Mountain ride feel.Rocky Mountain Element Frame DetailsAside from the SmoothLink SL, the Element frame has undergone some changes. First, its lighter than ever before. Now arriving with an updated carbon layup (combined with the Flex Stay suspension), the new frame is over 350g lighter than the previous model. The Rocky Mountain team says the weight drop and Flex Stay dont compromise stiffness.Even though its much slimmer than the previous version. The frame update also includes some practical additions besides losing some weight. The updated Element frames feature an accessory mount underneath the top tube, forward of the shock. This gives riders more options for bringing whats needed for everything from racing to deep backcountry missions.The frame also arrives with the Rocky Mountain Ride-4 Adjustment System. This unique design lets riders quickly fine-tune their geometry with an Allen key. Move the rotator chip to alter your ride, with four possible variations.Fully Internal Cable RoutingThe frame has fully enclosed internal cable routing with consideration for moto-style brake setups same as the previous model. Most sizes (except XS and SM)feature two lower bottle mounts capable of carrying full-sized water bottles.Here is the water bottle breakdown per frame size.XS = 1x 650ml bottleSM = 650ml + x Fidlock 450ml bottlesMD XL = 2x 770ml bottlesSize Specific TuningThe updated Element follows a Rocky Mountains size-specific tuning program. The suspension tune ensures that riders of all sizes get the right balance of small-bump compliance, mid-stroke support, and end-stroke progressiveness. Based on real-world field testing, custom shock tunes are adjusted for each frame size.The Element is my go-to bike, and I cant stop riding it. Its light and snappy on the trail and loves to be flicked through the corners. Its playful and poppy, making smooth trails fun, yet still able to hit well above its weight class regarding technical trails. The flex stays make the bike simpler, lighter, stiffer, and more responsive. The engineers knocked this one out of the park. It makes me want to explore further and is my bike of choice for 90% of my riding. Sam Schultz, Rocky Mountain AthleteRocky Mountain Element GeometryThe Rocky Mountain Element geometry has stayed the same. The Element is available in sizes XS, SM, MED, LRG, and XL. All sizes, except the XS, roll on 29 wheels, while the XS Element arrives with 27.5 wheels.Rocky Mountain Element ModelsThe Element is available in many build options, starting at $4,500 and starting at $12,000.The base model Rocky Mountain Element 30 arrives with Shimano XT shifting and a Marzocchi Z2 Float EVOL Rail 130mm fork.The race-ready Rocky Mountain Element 70 has SRAM GX AXS shifting, SRAM Level brakes, and a FOX Performance 34 130mm fork.As for the top-tier Element 99, this rocket ship spares no expense on the component front. The bike arrives with SRAM XX AXS, Rock Shox SID 130 Flight Attendant suspension, and all the trappings a World Cup rider would be happy to race.Rocky Mountain Element PricingElement Carbon 30 CAD 5,599 | USD 4,499Element Carbon 50 CAD 6,699 | USD 5,299Element Carbon 70 CAD 8,499 | USD 6,999Element Carbon 90 CAD 12,499 | USD 9,999Element Carbon 99 CAD 14,499 | USD 11,999Element Carbon Frameset CAD 3,599 | USD 2,999Bikes.comThe post Rocky Mountain Updates the Element With New Smooth Link Suspension appeared first on Bikerumor.

Should you go second-hand, buy new, or build up a frame with components of your choice? Here's what we'd do, which will hopefully provide plenty of inspiration if you're looking to buy a bike on a budget

Two of Arka - B&B Hotels' brightest stars,Vincenzo Albanese andClment Champoussin are reportedly set to sensationally force a breaking of their respective contracts in an attempt to ensure a transfer across theWorld Tour.Champoussin, the star signing of the team ahead of the 2023 season, has pe...

"For far too long, the term 'accident' has masked accountability and allowed society to dismiss the daily tragedy of road deaths and serious injuries as inevitable"