With Shimano adding 12 speed GRX to the line up Fustle have refined their line up for 2024, simplifying the choices on this excellent frame set. Designed in Northern Ireland these bikes just excel off road and on (yes, I’ve got one myself!) here’s the press release from Alistair Becket, designer and owner at Fustle. FUSTLE MY2024 As we approach the end of the summer of 2023 (if we can call the torrential rain and colder than average temperates ‘summer’) it marks a milestone in the life span of FUSTLE. We launched in 2019 as a small family run brand, with big ideas, but an even bigger challenge ahead of us, although we didn’t know it at the time.  We have learned a lot, we have had some great luck along the way, and some poor luck at the same time, but our customers have remained as fantastic as we could ever hoped for.  What we have learned in the last 3 or so years is that we thrive when we make products that people don’t know they need, and for MY2024 we have taken this approach exactly.  Gone are the huge variety of custom build options.  Gone are the similar looking specifications that only service to cause confusion amongst our potential new customers.  Here to stay is our proven and award winning Causeway GR1.1 frame and fork kit. We are yet to find a way to make significant improvements to this chassis (and we have tried, with multiple prototypes that are unlikely to make the light of day) so we decided to continue with this chassis and focus our efforts at refining the component choices to really maximise the experience of riding one of our bikes.  What we have done is split our bike range into 2 very clear categories, and then offered 2 spec levels and 2 price points within those.  We have chosen specifications that we feel make the bikes unique and considered for their specific purpose, and feel the latest developments in technology have only served to enable us to refine these products exactly the way we have wanted to for some time.  BACKROAD: Available in both ‘Core’ and ‘Control’ spec tiers.  All of our backroad bikes make use of the very latest Shimano GRX 2×12 groupsets, and are designed for those riders who thrive on endless fire-road adventures, bike packing expeditions and even serves well as your brand new winter road bike given hal the chance.  A refined build kit with lower rolling restistance tyre choices, and proven wide flared cockpit, make these models the ultimate go to gravel bike for anyone with a background or an appetite for riding.  TRAIL: Available in both ‘Core’ and ‘Control’ spec tiers.  Where it all started for FUSTLE with our award winning gravity inspired gravel bikes, the Trail builds utilise the very latest Shimano 1×12 groupset, offering a wide enough range to get up into the mountains, and all the MTB tech to keep your chain in place no matter how excited you get on the way back down.  Retail Pricing: Inc free shipping within UK and EU Backroad Core: RRP £2249.99 Backroad Control; RRP £2499.99 Trail Core: RRP £2249.99 Trail Control: RRP £2649.99 All of our bikes are available for pre order today, with the ‘Control’ models available for dispatch in October 2023, and ‘Core’ models available for dispatch in November 2023.  For any more information or to get in touch with any questions, visit www.ridefustle.com or email us at hello@ridefustle.com

Tis’ the season to be jolly, so why not combine the joys of cycling with some Christmas festivities? With lots of towns and cities decked out in lights, and attractions open for the season, there’s no better time to wrap up warm, get on your bike and enjoy this time of year. This article is your one-stop guide to the most enchanting cycling routes across the island that are sure to get you in the yuletide spirit. Happy cycling! Wonderlights at Malahide Castle Begin your cycling journey at the historic Malahide Castle, where the Wonderlights Experience promises a mesmerising spectacle for all ages. The cycling trail around the castle is perfect for both beginner and experienced cyclists with smooth paths along the whole route. Also, don’t forget to stop off at the on-site Avoca Cafe for a well-deserved hot drink and a mince pie! As you cycle around, you’ll be sure to enjoy the stunning light displays, with the option to take longer or shorter loops depending on your preference. The trail around the castle is around 2km in length, making it perfect for a family ride with regular benches and viewpoints to stop and soak in the yuletide atmosphere! Yulefest in Kilkenny If you fancy a cycle through charming Kilkenny City during Yulefest, you’ll find a mix of flat roads and gentle inclines, a good option for the intermediate cyclist. The route around the city has you winding through its historic streets which are packed full of festive fun for the season. For the more adventurous cyclist, there are optional detours to nearby hills for a more challenging ride, which offer stunning views of the city’s Christmas lights from higher ground! Why not try this loop around North Kilkenny for a scenic tour towards Dunmore Caves? Christmas Markets in Galway Galway City is an urban cyclist’s dream. The streets are well-paved and flat, making it suitable for all levels. The best part about this city cycle is that there are plenty of opportunities to soak in the cosy atmosphere during this time of year. Don’t forget to stop and explore the must-visit Christmas Market which is located in the heart of Galway in Eyre Square! For those looking for a longer ride, carry on along the scenic Galway Bay route, which combines the best of winter cityscapes with gorgeous coastal views out towards the Aran Islands! A Cork Christmas Celebration Cork City becomes an enchanting wonderland during the festive season, making it an ideal place for a gentle cycle! The city’s pebbled streets offer a picturesque backdrop, and after you meander your way through the city, be sure to visit the renowned English Market, a culinary treasure trove – perfect for enjoying local delicacies like artisanal chocolates. You can find plenty of cycling route inspiration on this Cork City map which details the best routes on offer – the ultimate pocket guide to get you started! Make it a Belfast Christmas Belfast combines the best of urban streets and greener paths around its famed City Hall and Botanic Gardens. Cycling around the city is a great way to experience the city’s festive hustle and bustle, with over 100 traders descending on the city for its annual Christmas Market. There is also the option to extend your cycle towards the Lagan Towpath if you’re looking to enhance your cycling experience. The Towpath is traffic-free and suitable for all ages, making it a great option for families and couples. Winterval in Waterford As Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford beautifully blends its historical charm with the joy and magic of Christmas with its yearly Winterval, an event you won’t want to miss! With an ice rink, helter skelter and circus, you’ll be spoilt for choice with things to do in Waterford this Christmas. The nearby Waterford Greenway is an excellent choice for exploring the local area on two wheels, with several access points for convenient start and end points which makes it ideal for both beginners and advanced cyclists. Just make sure to wrap up warm!   Whether you prefer a leisurely family ride or a more challenging excursion, these trails offer a blend of scenic beauty, cultural richness and festive cheer to get you in the Christmas spirit. The only thing left to do is to make sure you’re ready for the cold spell with our essential cycling tips for winter!  

After two wins at the weekend, with Paul Lapeira winning both the Classic Loire Atlantique and the Grand Prix Cholet, Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale will be hoping to continue their winning run at the cobbled Classics as we enter the Flemish ‘Holy Week’ ahead of the Ronde van Vlaanderen.With a series of...

Daire Feeley (All human-VeloRevolution) took victory in the main event at the Lucan GP in Co Meath today; attacking solo in the final stages before being caught and still winning the sprint from the breakaway. His win today adds to the stage and overall win he took last weekend at Rás Mhaigh Eo, with the […] The post Daire Feeley overwhelms opposition on difficult day in Co Meath appeared first on Sticky Bottle.

There’s a collective sigh as another € 10,000 charcoal grey aero whip goes by. Fully equipped, how predictable. Are we talking cool, innovative, or just ostentatious? Hold up, hold up. Firstly, it’s all the above – plus downright unimaginative. So, when did luxury items become so bland and uninspiring? Why are they just not cutting it these days? If we’re talking luxury, you will probably picture an overpaid, pretty average footballer taking a Boeing 747-turned-private jet, refurbed by a Saudi prince and featuring golden thrones throughout. Swish, swanky, and way too in-your-face for our humble European sensibilities. When it comes to bikes, we’re firmly in the understated court: it’s so good that we don’t need to shout about it. We’ll take the painfully expensive carbon wheels, but leave out the decals – just give us an anodized titanium frame, and kit with minimal logos and flashiness. Call it quiet luxury, if you will. When it comes to public perception, us cyclists are the self-disciplined section of the population that braves the elements on brutally stiff carbon saddles. You’ll have to look elsewhere for an ultra-comfy gold throne. But that doesn’t mean luxury is absent. Instead, when cyclists want to flex luxury, it is measured by owning stuff that others within our world dream of. A top-of-the-line carbon aero racer makes one statement. A titanium bike with a custom built wheelset makes another. One says you’re on team marginal gains whilst the other puts you in team heritage with a penchant for quality craftsmanship. But if you want to use your curated high-end bike for peacockery, then you’re unfortunately displaying something of a lack of imagination, because how can using an online configurator to spec your bike with off-the-shelf components be an indicator of taste? Where is the art in letting the algorithm put together a high-ticket outfit? The answer to both is simple: by following the will of the bike industry sales teams, your peacock game will be lacking. That is, unless the outcome can genuinely be labelled as inspiring and novel, rather than indistinguishable from everyone else on the roads. We ride uniform grey aero race bikes in uniform jerseys in muted tones in order to blend in with the flock, if you will. All the money we spend goes on playing it safe. Yep, it’s ridiculous, but it’s to avoid attracting attention. Heck, if you have the money to have fun, why are you not relishing it? The same applies at home too, where our assimilation misery continues. Once you’ve positioned your Vitra armchair and switched on your Ingo Maurer lamp with your Rolex-clad arm, you’ll be living large – in the most tastefully boring way possible. Even the beam of a €3,000 lamp can’t make vapidity shine. Design is one thing; style is another, and neither of these should be mixed with hollow, label-bagging consumerism. But back to bikes, where prestige obliterates creativity. We’ve been conditioned to spot (and rate) other people’s groupsets and wheels. Once we’ve clocked the brand and the desirability of the component (based on its weight, obviously), our next step is easy: interpret and pass judgement. Lightweight costs money, but that’s what makes it all the more appealing. In our world, weight has long been the only real benchmark for exclusivity. So we left the engineers in charge of relaying what was desirable on a bike—individuality and style didn’t come into it, but the ultimate carbon fibre layup was everything. This weight obsession wasn’t sustainable though, because the next bike that would get launched would be even lighter, and on it went. Nowadays, weight is no longer the only benchmark; it’s joined by aerodynamics, which means we’re now letting the wind tunnel determine what’s high-end and what’s not. And funnily enough, airflow couldn’t give a damn about feeling or style. So, it comes down to what we wear – and once again, we’ve outsourced our sense of style and individualism to brands who dictate our tastes. Mostly good stuff, that’s for sure, but we’re not exactly in the mind to pick clothes based on superlative breathability, comfort or durability. No, our sartorial tail feathers are what allow us to fit in. Your €300 windproof jacket doesn’t just protect your core, it also protects your ego. Can luxury have a different look? What about the gold leaf and diamond-covered Colnago? This bike has more of the private jet vibe about it, making a song and dance that we’d probably call ostentatious, but at least it’s not boring. But is there another way to approach luxury? We love things that have personality. Things that haven’t been slicked back and optimised down to their very core. Sidestepping the industry indoctrination of groupset hierarchies and aero obsession won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth it. If you’re reading this, we don’t have to explain the luxury in hand-selecting components for your much-loved bike or getting a patch to cover the hole in your go-to down jacket. You can’t put a price on untethering yourself from the norm and finding your own style lane. We’d argue that this is the most luxurious thing out there. Spend your money wildly – it beats being bland. Der Beitrag Luxury is lame – Why spend so much money to remain hidden in the flock? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

USE (Ultimate Sports Engineering) are probably better known for their excellent range of bike lights but they also have a range of bike components for which they use the brand name “Ultimate”. One such component is the Vybe Duro suspension seatpost. This particular post is made from aluminium and gives up to 50mm of travel that is controlled by an elastomer/spring stack contained inside the seat post shaft. There are no pivots or springs visible, just a neat shaft entering the post via a wiper seal. It is very reminiscent of a dropper post in looks but it does not function like a dropper. When ordering the post it’s important to check the rider weight guide and choose the density of spring and elastomer that you’ll need. I’m not the most svelte of riders so I went with the hard spring option, but you can buy the others, soft, med etc if you want to change the rate of compression or you lose or gain weight. the post is available in all the popular seat tube diameters (this one is 27.2mm) and the clamp is a very simple to use clam shell design with one single bolt to adjust fore-aft and pivot up and down. if you have a carbon rail saddle or one with unusual shape rails you’ll need to specify this when ordering. My saddle is bog standard and it took literally seconds to fit and adjust, a refreshing change from some complicated designs on other posts. Adjustment to the post is via a threaded disc at the end of the shaft, a simple turn with an Allen key to compress or uncompress the spring is all there is to it. It’s very maintenance shy people friendly! I popped the post into the bike, set the height while it was at full extension and went off in search of something bumpy to ride. Over the course of the next couple of months I was able to try the post out in both sopping wet and muddy and bone hard dry conditions. the first ride i noticed the post had a quite harsh and loud top out clunk (when the post extended back after being compressed down) For the next ride I wound in the disc inside the post a few turns and this stopped the clunk completely. It’s very hard to photograph a suspension seatpost working while you are sat on it and harder to video without a film crew following you filming your backside, i wouldn’t inflict that on anyone so what i did do is ask anyone riding with me to have a look as we were riding along to check to see if the post was moving. The thing is when you get the post dialled in the movement is quite subtle and you hardly notice it. I can say definitely that it works though from the feedback from riders staring at my ass! When the going got really bumpy, the time any normal person would stand on the pedals and absorb the bumps with their legs I chose to stay seated, just for testing purposes and I could feel the post working then. At 434g (on my bog standard non verified set of scales) the Vybe post is never going to be as light as a standard seat post but a standard seatpost will not give you that little bit of give that could mean the difference of a longer day in the saddle and quicker recovery from the chatter of rough trails to ride again the next day and that is worth a few extra grams in my mind. I didn’t notice it moving too much when riding on tarmac either. The fact that the post is pretty much maintenance free, just wipe it down post ride is a bonus too. I have to say compared to parallelogram designs the Vybe is a lot prettier to look at and it looks like a quality item. I chose the layback version as the post it was replacing on that particular bike had layback too but a non layback version is available also. The Ultimate USE Vybe Duro shockpost is a well made, dare i say attractive suspension seatpost that really works, if you suffer lower back problems from the jarring some gravel routes give then it could be a solution for longer more comfortable rides and recovery. Its very user friendly too so popping it on for those rough rides and using a standard post for less violent stuff could be an option too. find out more about the seatpost here Ultimate USE

In the exhilarating realm of Cyclocross, where the thrill of off-road cycling meets the challenges of an obstacle course, the 2023 UEC European Cyclocross Championships promised to be a spectacle like no other. Due to fierce weather conditions, the two-day event turned into a one-day dash, with not a minute to spare in the schedule. Having taken place on the 5th November, this prestigious event showcased the prowess of Europe’s top riders, with Team Ireland making waves with their emerging talents, spearheaded by the promising Dean Harvey. A Glimpse into the Championships Fans were eager to witness the drama unfold on those mud-caked battlegrounds in Pont-Château, France, where the 2023 UEC European Cyclocross Championships took place. Not your typical cycling competition, this is a gritty dance through mud, sand, and obstacles that would make any mountain goat think twice! The championships featured a series of races, each more challenging than the last. From heart-stopping sprints to grueling climbs, the riders were pushed to their limits. The parcours, designed to test the mettle of the competitors, showcased the diversity of Cyclocross challenges. Riders gracefully dismounted and remounted their bikes, shouldering them up steep sections, and maneuvering through tight turns — all while battling the elements and each other! Meet the Stars: Team Ireland’s Finest Among the standout riders in this year’s championships was Dean Harvey, a rising star from Team Ireland. Harvey’s fearless approach and exceptional bike-handling skills garnered attention as he faced the demanding Cyclocross course, finishing the brutal U23 men’s race in 41st place. Meanwhile, also from Team Ireland, Jamie Meehan and Travis Harkness took home 43rd and 44th place. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dean Harvey (@dean___harvey) In a showdown of grit and determination, Greta Lawless and Aliyah Rafferty showcased battling spirit in the junior women’s race, securing 34th and 36th positions. Aine Doherty followed closely, claiming 44th place. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aliyah Rafferty 🙂 (@aliyahrafferty_) Meanwhile, Joseph Mullen and Conor Murphy faced fierce competition in the junior men’s race, clinching 46th and 48th spots. David Gaffney, despite a challenging lap, held on for a commendable 61st place finish. There’s no doubt, the young talents left their mark in a fiercely competitive field. Triumph at Cyclocross Continuing his triumph from a year ago in Namur, Belgium, Michael Vanthourenhout secured his second consecutive European Elite Cyclocross title. Dominating from the third lap, the Belgian rider fended off spirited challenges from his closest competitors: British cyclist Cameron Manson, who claimed second place, and Dutch rider Lars van der Haar, securing third. The fiercely contested race unfolded on a historic circuit in the Loire-Atlantique town, captivating an audience of 8,000 spectators with its thrilling spectacle. Dutch cyclist Fem van Empel clinched victory in the Elite Women’s category, showcasing her dominance as the reigning world and European champion. Leading the race from start to finish, Van Empel’s formidable performance secured her the top spot. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado of the Netherlands secured second place, finishing 1 minute and 35 seconds behind, while Italian rider Sara Casasola claimed the third spot, crossing the line 1 minute and 56 seconds after the leader. It was a podium filled with exceptional talent and fierce competition. The 2023 UEC European Cyclocross Championships achieved a thrilling blend of athleticism and tenacity. Now, it’s time to get ready for a weekend of Cyclocross excitement like never before in Pontevedra, Spain, where next year’s action-packed Championship is set to take place! New to the world of cyclocross? Get back to basics with our beginner’s guide to the discipline here in Ireland.

Jasper Philipsen returns to racing today at Classic Brugge-De Panne, for the first time since claiming victory at Milano-Sanremo last weekend."Milano-Sanremo is certainly a very nice race to win. It's a dream come true. I may still be living on a cloud, but today I'm back on course," reflected the B...

The festive season is upon us, and if you’re on the lookout for the perfect Christmas gifts for the cyclists in your life, look no further! Whether they’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual commuter, we’ve rounded up a sleigh-load of gifts that are sure to bring a jingle to their ride… Customised water bottles: Hydration is key for every cyclist, and a personalised water bottle adds a thoughtful touch to their daily rides. Log on to foryou.ie and choose a design that resonates with their personality or opt for a sleek, minimalist look – either way, they’ll be sipping in style. A new fitness tracker from Fitbit: If you’ve got a cyclist in your life who loves getting their hands on a brand new piece of tech, then the Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracker is a must! With a built-in GPS, a 24/7 heart rate monitor, and active zone minutes to track your goals, they’ll be buzzing to stay on target well into 2024 and beyond! This nifty gadget has a very minimalist aesthetic, despite its breadth of fun and fascinating features. A Trekking merino wool scarf by FORCLAZ: Winter rides can be frosty, so help them stay snug with this cosy, multi-functional neck scarf, from the brand FORCLAZ, which has 10 different styling options. You can keep your ears warm by pulling the entire scarf over your head, or you can roll up the ends and use it as a sweatband on particularly warm, summer rides. This compact scarf comes in three vibrant hues — blue, green and red — and is made from super soft Merino wool which is surrounded by polyamide yarn for added protection. Cycling Art Prints: Give their space a touch of cycling flair with art prints that celebrate the beauty of bikes and the open road. This handmade print found on Etsy offers a vibrant and contemporary pop of colour to any room, capturing the pure essence of their favourite pastime. Coffee First, Then the World: One Woman’s Record-Breaking Pedal Around the Planet by Jenny Graham: For those days when they prefer to stay indoors, gift them some captivating cycling literature. This incredible biography tells the tale of amateur cyclist Jenny Graham, who left her family and friends behind in Scotland to become the fastest woman to cycle around the world. Alone and unsupported, she crossed the finish line at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin four months later, smashing the female record by nearly three weeks. With infectious wit and honesty, Jenny brings readers into her remarkable Round the World adventure, as she takes on four continents, 16 countries — and countless cups of coffee. Northwave Reload Jacket: Upgrade their cycling wardrobe with this stylish and functional Northwave Reload Jacket. Crafted with precision, this jacket offers windproof and water-resistant protection in critical areas, ensuring cyclists remain shielded from the elements during fast rides. With practical features like three back pockets and a central zipped pocket, complete with a camlock puller, cyclists can efficiently store their essentials. Plus, the full reflective border across the pocket area ensures clear visibility, making the Reload Jacket the perfect gift! Wunder Train High-Rise Cycling Shorts from Lululemon Looking to add a splash of colour into your loved one’s cycling wardrobe? These High-Rise cycling shorts from Lululemon come in a variety of shades, including this daring petrol purple swatch! With supportive fabric that stretches with you as you move, an internal drawcord to keep the waistband where you want it and an ultra-breathable, sweat-wicking design, these shorts really are the ultimate fashion must-have for any fitness fiend!   Whether they’re tackling the trails, cruising through the city, or enjoying a leisurely ride, these presents are sure to make their cycling experience even more enjoyable. Happy holidays, and may the roads ahead be filled with merry and bright cycling adventures!  

Having taken their first win of the Spring Classics season with Tim Merlier at the Danilith Nokere Koerse last week, Soudal Quick-Step are now looking ahead to the main preparation race for the Ronde van Vlaanderen at the E3 Saxo Classic this weekend.The Belgian team have won three out of the last f...