Whilst in Austria and Italy, riders at the Tour of the Alps were dealing with the coldest race day of 2024, those competing at La Fleche Wallonne in Belgium were arguably having even tougher conditions to deal with. With the race battered by sleet, hail, rain and a piercingly cold wind, a number of...

Although Alpecin-Deceuninck have already secured the first three monuments of the season, they don't start as favourites this weekend at Liege-Bastogne-Liege. That honour goes to Tadej Pogacar's UAE Team Emirates."I really like that everyone really thinks that Mathieu van der Poel can win. The team...

After it was first reported a few weeks ago, Jan Tratnik's Team Visma | Lease a Bike departure is now all but officially confirmed, with the Slovenian set to join compatriot Primoz Roglic at BORA - hansgrohe.The latest development in the story comes from GCN, who state "Team Visma | Lease a Bike had...

While it looks quite similar on the outside, theres plenty of new tech in the updated Super-9 Disc wheel to make you go faster. A wide-tire tubeless rim goes hookless to further reduce rolling resistance. While subtly updated shaping and a new dimple pattern outside promise smoother airflow. Zipp went through 7 prototypes in the wind tunnel to get to this new Super-9. And tested 8 of the most popular TT & Tri bikes to make sure it make all racers faster against the clock. Theres even an updated Super-9 Track Disc thats hoping to speed things up this summer inside the velodromeRedesigned Zipp Super-9 DB Disc goes hookless tubeless(Photo Nils Nilsen/Zipp)A disc wheel was Zipps first product 36 years ago The Predator. So, reshaping the Super-9 Disc is always a big undertaking for the aero specialists at Zipp. And now theyve focused in on smoother being faster. Gone are the days of overinflated, ultra-skinny tires that bounce you down the road. Now with a wider tire profile and lower pressures, the latest tubeless tires can roll across the road with lower resistance, while letting a light and stiff carbon disc put down the power in your races against the clock. This latest iteration of the Zipp Super-9 Disc is 33% wider internally. Its incrementally faster, noticeably stiffer, and more durable. Plus, its 13% lighter than the previous generation Super-9. Whats new?(Photo Jake Rytlewski/Zipp)Zipp says the updated Super-9 is developed around a new Total System Efficiency (TSE) principle. Smoother is faster. Efficiency equals speed, perfect pavement or not. And so the new TSE design means combining a stiffer carbon laminate with a wider rim profile, a more robust rim bead interface, and ultimately wider tires at lower pressures. Experiencing Zipps dual innovations of hookless and TSE, riders on the Super-9 realize a disc wheel does not have to feel rigid to be fast So, beyond speed gains, riders will experience better handling and cornering on course in a disc significantly stiffer and more durable than its predecessor.(Photo Nils Nilsen/Zipp)Now designed around modern wide 28mm tires, the new Zipp Super-9 Disc features a wide 23mm internal hookless tubeless rim. Wider tires, lower pressures, decreased rolling resistance. New max tire pressure rating of 73psi, just 5bar! Starting at the ZR1 hub, the new rim shape stays wide with parallel sides through much of its profile, only feathering back down near the rim where it measures 30.4mm outside at the tire for a smooth aerodynamic transition. They also get the revised Aerodynamic Boundary Layer Control (ABLC) Sawtooth-patterned aero dimples for smoother airflow around the wheel and spinning through your frame.Tech detailsThe new Super-9 Disc also leverages a couple more bits of new tech to go faster. The simplest is the inclusion of standard sized hybrid ceramic bearings out of the box. Ceramics just spin faster, and longer. So at this price point, it seemed like a no-brainer to give the Super-9 Disc a ceramic upgrade.(Photo Nils Nilsen/Zipp)The other is more technology-focused. Lower tire pressures are key to lowering rolling resistance, but going too low is often worse, with disastrous consequences. So, now the Super-9 Disc builds in a TyreWiz 2.0 tire-pressure monitor. Tucked out of sight and out of the wind, it makes sure the racer against the clock can always precisely check that their perfect tire pressure is dialed in, from their smartphone or connected cycling computer.The TyreWiz is tucked into a revised valve, pocket behind a new driveside cover that slides in-and-out of place like the battery cover on your TV remote control.The new hookless Zipp Super-9 Disc ultimately claims a weight of just 999-1050g. Thats not Zipps first sub kilo disc wheel that was the 950 back in 1996. But ever since disc brakes took over, and tubulars phased out, wheel weights grew again. Now this one is a claimed 125-156g lighter than the disc brake tubeless Super-9 that debuted almost 6 years ago. (Zipp makes a few different weight claims for both the old & new discs, so weve included their range of claims.)Faster on the track, too!(Photo/Zipp)Zipp also has a redesigned set of Super-9 Clincher Track Disc wheels, as well. Again leveraging the ideas of lighter weight, improved wheel stiffness, greater durability. But also with wider tires with lower pressures to reduce rolling resistance. New front and rear discs for zipping around the velodrome, the new Super-9 Track Discs are also tubeless no tubulars! But they stick with a hooked rim for tube-type or tubeless compatibility. And a narrower 21mm internal rim width that Zipp optimized to go fastest with 23mm tires. Now maxing out at 125psi / 8.6bar.The new Zipp Super-9 Disc Track wheels spin on ceramic bearings in ZR1 track hubs with a claimed weight of 1000g per wheel.Zipp Super-9 Disc wheels Pricing, options & availability(Photo Nils Nilsen/Zipp)The all-new hookless tubeless Zipp Super-9 Disc for time trials and triathlon is disc brake only, and sells for $3000 / 2750 with either a Shimano HD or SRAM XDR freehub. Zipp says the new TT & Tri Super-9 pairs perfectly with their current crop of tubeless front wheels.The narrower new hooked tubeless Zipp Super-9 Disc Track wheels all also sell for the same $3000 / 2750 per wheel. The track discs come in three options. Standard 12mm bolt-on thru-axles for 100mm front & 120mm rear spacing, plus an ultra-narrow 40mm wide front hub on a 15mm axle for some Argon 18 & Canyon track bikes.Zipp.comThe post Zipp Super-9 TT Disc Wheel Goes Faster with New Lighter, Wider, Hookless Tubeless Tech appeared first on Bikerumor.

Having returned to the professional peloton at the beginning of the season after stepping away from the sport in 2021, Ruth Edwards has signed a two-year contract extension with her Human Powered Health team that will see her continue with the team until the end of the 2026 season.Speaking in a pres...

The new Insta360 X4 upgrades their surprisingly compact 360 action camera to capture 8K footage, also adding AI-powered processing and lots of other fun features.Like its competitors, the new max resolution bumps everything else up beneath it, giving you more frame rates at higher rez to choose from, too. Options for 360 footage using both lenses are:8K305.7K604K1002.7K120Or, switch it to single lens mode and it goes to 4K60 for standard action camera footage. Need subject tracking? The ME mode shoots 360 in 4K but saves the footage pre-framed with the selected subject centered in the frame, whether its me, you, or someone/thing else.For cyclists, single-lens mode works great on chest mounts, or use their out-front pole mount for wild road bike footage. Stick it upright on a helmet mount for full pan footage and a birds eye view. FlowState stabilization and 360 Horizon Lock keep your footage steady, level, and shake-free no matter what youre getting into.The X4 keeps its voice control feature, but adds Bluetooth headset compatibility for remote voice control or pairing with mics inside a full face/moto helmet. The new AI-enabled chip adds gesture control, too, letting you make hand signals to start or stop recording.Their desktop app has been upgraded and comes free with the camera, making it easy to edit and frame your 360 footage on the big screen. But some real magic comes with app. Pair the camera with your smartphone and you can frame your 360 footage into a standard horizontal or vertical rectangle view simply by aiming your phone as the video plays.Lastly, a new, larger battery provides up to 135 minutes of recording per charge in 5.7K30 mode. A 2.5 screen makes it easier to see what youre shooting and all of your mode settings.MSRP starts at $499, with bundles available to add mounts, etc.Insta360.comThe post Insta360 X4 brings 8K 360 Action Cam Footage appeared first on Bikerumor.

Having been forced to abandon the Volta a Catalunya after he crashed and ruptured his anterior sterno-clavicular ligament in his arm, Nairo Quintana missed the Tour of the Alps, which was set to be a key preparation race for the Giro dItalia next month, with the Colombians participation at the fir...

Ashville, North Carolinas Industry Nine announces a new addition to their SOLiX line of hubs, introducing the SOLiX M Hubs. The new hubs join the likes of SOLiX G and SOLiX SL wheel families. SOLiX M is about quick engagement, low weight, and reduced drag and is a key ingredient to their lightest, fastest mountain bike wheels. (Photos/Industry Nine)Industry Nine developed these new hubs to give XC and trail riders their highest-performance wheelset to date. The SOLiX M family represents Industry Nines flagship Ultralight and Trail 24-hole wheelsets. What is SOLiXSOLiX is a groundbreaking hub drive system, developed from their extensive off-road experience and optimized for mechanical efficiency, competitive weight, and increased durability. Industry Nine says it represents a significant leap forward from previous XC and Trail offerings. At the core of SOLiX is a continually-phased five-pawl freehub seamlessly integrating with a 121-tooth drive ring. This offers 605 points of contact, translating to an ultra-fine 0.59 engagement. The pawls and drive rings are engineered for maximum durability and crafted from A2 tool steel using precision wire EDM cutting. To minimize the amount of freewheeling noise, theyve reduced pawl rotation, decreased pawl spring pressure, optimized drive ring diameter, and changed the contact seal layout. Pulling inspiration from their previous designs, SOLiX offers lighter weight and lower friction with enhanced sealing. Keeping outside contaminants at bay, all bearings are protected by replaceable full-contact radial lip seals. Additionally, SOLiX uses the same bearing size on both the drive and non-drive sides, evenly distributing the load placed on the hub shell. Theres also a refined bearing preload method that ensures maximum life with minimum service. Wheels in the SOLiX M CollectionSOLiX M UL300(Photos/Industry Nine)Retail: $2395/setThe SOLiX M UL300, already recognized as a winner, is designed for optimal speed and efficiency, whether on the XC race course or in any scenario requiring a premier UL-series mountain bike wheelset.30mm internal widthCarbon1385gSOLiX M UL250aRetail: $1405/setThe SOLiX M UL250 stands out as a top-performing aluminum XC wheelset, leaving competitors behind both on and off the racecourse. With superior weight, engagement, and ride quality, the SOLiX M UL250 sets a high standard.25mm internal widthAlloy1425gSOLiX M TR285Retail: $1405/setThe SOLiX M TR285 introduces the most advanced alloy Trail rim, combined with the revolutionary SOLiX M hub and spoke system chassis, making it a wheelset ready to tackle long rides, challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and unpredictable weather conditions.28.5mm internal widthAlloy, Hollow Bead Wall1535gSOLiX M TR300/290 DUORetail: $2395/setThe SOLiX M TR300/290 DUO emerges as the premier light trail wheelset, also known as downcountry, under the Industry Nine banner. From the SOLiX M system chassis to the DUO series premium carbon rims, every component within this wheelset stands as a testament to top-of-the-line craftsmanship.30mm F/ 29mm R internal widthCarbon, DUO Concept1470gIndustryNine.comThe post Industry Nine Releases New SOLiX M Hubs for Highest-Performance Wheelsets To Date appeared first on Bikerumor.

The all-new Parlee Ouray brings a lot of firsts for the Massachusetts brand, replacing the Altum as their all-road endurance bike with a freshly modern rig.The Ouray (pronounced yur-ay) is their first with a dramatically sloping top tube, their first production monocoque frame, and their first to come out of a new partner factory in Europe. And, its their first to offer a rare nude waxed finish that shows off their craftsmanship, layer by layer.A monocoque design that shows their workThe Ouray is made in small batches as a one-piece, monocoque frame. This gives Parlee complete control over the ride quality since there are no joints or tubes bonded together. Its all one-piece, straight out of the mold.Parlee carefully places all layers in the mold such that they come out perfectly aligned, with zero wrinkles or imperfections. That outer layer is functional, too there are no cosmetic carbon layers done for show.Few other builders pull this off, and none that we know of do it at production scale. Theres no filler, bonding, overwrap, or other finishing required that would hide the carbon fiber, what you see is how it comes out of the mold.Rightfully, Parlee is quite proud of it, so theyre offering the bikes with a nude carbon finish, sold with a durable wax coating to protect it. They say this adds just a couple of grams to the frame, compared to 100g or more for paint. They use a standard 303 Aerospace wax, available online and through most marine suppliers, thats easy to apply just wipe it on with a clean cloth once or twice a year as needed.If you must, the Parlee #PAINTLAB will custom paint it or apply a tinted clearcoat that shows off the fiber while adding a hint of color.Inspired by Americas Swiss AlpsThe inspiration for the Ourays ride was the town of Ouray, CO, in the San Juan Mountains. With endless miles of perfect, curvy, mountainous roads, epic scenery, and countless off-pavement backroads to explore, its the bike for riders who want to ride it all.The sloping top tube, dropped stays, taller stack, and shorter reach give it a modern endurance bike feel. Combined with up to 700x38mm tires, and its made for comfortable cruising all day.But its still a Parlee. Drop the hammer and it reacts as it should thanks to a stout BB section and angular downtube feeding into the head tube to keep it all laterally and torsionally stiff when youre cranking toward the summit.The downtubes shaping is also inspired by their RZ7 aero bikes Recurve aero tube profiles, giving it a slight aerodynamic edge. But, Parlee says the main aero feature of this bike is the completely concealed brake hose routing courtesy of the integrated cockpit.Specs & DetailsThe Ouray uses all the best modern standards, including a T47 bottom bracketUDH rear hangerand widely compatible internal routing system. Choose from PRO, FSA, ENVE, Deda, Token, and other popular integrated cockpit setups, they should all fit.The headtube fits traditional handlebars and stems, too, with room for headsets using external ports for brake hoses. The frame is only compatible with wireless/semi-wireless electronic drivetrains, though. The front derailleur mount can be covered with an included blanking panel for 1x setups.The bikes use a standard 31.6mm round seatpost.The front brake mount is sized for a minimum 160mm rotor, which lets you size up to 180mm without adding spacers or additional adapters. Parlee says bigger riders or those riding long, steep descents are opting for bigger front rotors, and this makes it easy.All complete bikes will ship with 160mm rotors front and rear. The rear brake mount keeps standard bolt placements, letting you easily size down to 140mm if you want.Ouray Geometry & PricingThe Ouray comes in five stock sizes, each coming with standard and tall headset caps. The latter lets you increase the stack height further without resorting to a ton of spacers under the stem.Framesets start at $5,299, with Frame Kits also available that include cockpit components. Complete bikes are offered with a full range of SRAM and Shimano groups. All bikes are sold through a dealer and include a basic fitting to determine frame size and component dimensions. Complete bikes include no-cost customization, letting you choose crank length, bar width, stem length, seat, and seatpost setback. You can also substitute wheels, tires, drivetrain, and other accessories to get the exact build you want.ParleeCycles.comThe post New Parlee Ouray goes Nude w/ Monocoque All-Road Bike appeared first on Bikerumor.

After taking the victory at Brabantse Pijl last week and finishing just off the podium at La Flche Wallonne on Wednesday, Benot Cosnefroy is set to lead Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at Lige-Bastogne-Lige this weekend.He will be joined by Felix Gall, who recently got two top-5 results at the Classi...