There are hundreds of grips on the market, but our expert testers have picked the very best options for small hands, big hands, gloved hands or gloveless. ODI/SDG have worked together on new grips. The best mountain bike grips don't need to cost the earth. There are hundreds of grips on the market - a bewildering choice! Here's a shortlist of the best.

Ireland, with its historic landscapes and rugged coastlines, offers an unparalleled canvas for any adventurous soul. The growing interest in bikepacking, a fusion of biking and minimalist camping, offers both novices and seasoned cyclists a unique way to immerse themselves in the Irish wilderness.Read on to discover our top tips, packing advice, and the best routes for both beginners and experienced bikepackers!What is bikepacking?Bikepacking combines mountain biking, hiking, and camping into one exhilarating adventure. Unlike traditional bicycle touring, bikepacking focuses on off-road travel and often involves carrying less gear. This style of travel not only challenges your physical limits but also lets you connect deeply with nature.Ireland is perfect for bikepacking. The island boasts thousands of kilometres of scenic trails and backroads that traverse national parks, ancient woodlands, and coastal cliffs.Getting started: Bikepacking gear essentialsTo embark on a bikepacking journey, youll need the right equipment. Heres a quick checklist to get you started:Bike: A sturdy mountain bike or gravel bike is ideal.Bags: Invest in a good set of bikepacking bags, including frame bags, handlebar bags and saddlebags.Camping gear: A lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and mat are essential. Consider a small, compact stove for cooking.Tools and repair kits: Always carry a basic tool kit, spare tubes, a patch kit, and a pump.Clothing: Weather in Ireland can be unpredictable, so pack waterproof and breathable layers.Navigation: A GPS device and a reliable map and compass are crucial.Recommended areas for bikepacking in IrelandThe Wild Atlantic WayStretching over 2,500 km along Irelands west, the Wild Atlantic Way is perfect for those who want a challenging ride dotted with breathtaking views. You can find shorter segments suitable for beginners, or tackle longer stretches for a more immersive experience.For more inspiration, check out this bikepacking route which takes you from Doonreaghan to Kinvarra which is ideal for intermediate cyclists.The Beara Breifne WaySpanning over 500 km, this route follows the historical march of Donal Cam OSullivan Beare in 1603 and is Irelands longest national waymarked trail. Its a mix of off-road tracks, old roads, and open countryside, perfect for those looking for a historical angle to their adventure.If youre new to bikepacking, there are a number of shorter routes within the Kingfisher Cycle Trail that are perfect for beginners.Tips for first-timersStart smallIf youre new to bikepacking, start with overnight trips and gradually build up to longer tours.Pack lightOnly bring essentials and leave luxuries behind. Every extra kilogram will be felt on long climbs!Stay flexibleBe prepared to change your plans based on weather conditions or your energy levels.Hydrate and fuelAlways have more water and snacks than you think youll need. The Irish weather can be deceiving, and your energy levels may slump unexpectedly.Respect the environmentStick to marked trails and campsites, and leave no trace behind.Bikepacking in Ireland offers an incomparable way to experience the raw beauty of the Irish outdoors. If youre looking for something a little different, check out some of the best sustainable cycling staycations the island has to offer instead!

Stage 2 of the 2024 Tour of Turkey has gone to Max Kanter after a frantic sprint finish inKa. For the German, it is a first professional win.After six riders went clear early on, with 57km to go they were all swallowed up by the peloton on the second categorised climb of the day. Notably struggli...

A new plan to replace the long-hated narrow pathway alongside Blackrock Dart Station will be presented to councillors. The plans include separate paths for walking and cycling.The current path forms part of the Coastal Mobility Route, but signs tell cyclists to dismount as theres an 80-metre pinch point where it is hardly wide enough for many bicycles, prams, and wheelchairs to pass at once.Cllr Tom Kivlehan (Green Party) said: A Part 8 planning [process] for a new connection between Blackrock Dart station and Blackrock Park at Deepwell will be discussed tonight on the Dun Laoghaire Area Committee progress at last!According to a drawing provided to councillors, the project will include extending the two-way cycle path and separate footpaths in Blackrock Park towards Blackrock Dart Station.IMAGE: A Dn Laoghaire Rathdown County Council drawing of the plan.The work proposed includes closing the existing narrow alleyway beside the Dart platform and forming a new public space in what is currently part of the garden in Deepwell House, a former house of the Guinness family. On the park side, a new bridge will be required to replace the existing narrower bridge over the stream, and, on the station side, a shared area for people walking and cycling is proposed before the cycle path exits onto the carriageway on Bath Place outside the train station.Support Living Streets Dun Laoghaire, a group set up to campaign for the neighbouring Living Streets project, said: Great to see the narrow pathway beside Blackrock Dart Station (behind the old house known as Deepwell) on the agenda! A wider pathway is desperately needed as anyone who walks or cycles in the area knows.

This morning's edition of Weekend Snapshot shares a glimpse at what folks in Colorado, Spain, and Utah were up to during their recent time off, including a handful of beginners taking on their first trips close to home and in faraway locales. Find them all and use the quick form to share a photo from one of your rides here...The post Weekend Snapshot appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

This is going to cause more congestion and more toxic fumes in the atmosphere, all for one or two cyclists, one local lorry driver said but the council have responded by pointing out that once the bike lane is completed, traffic wont be as bad

Whilst Tiesj Benoot performed admirably with the weight of Team Visma | Lease a Bike, race winners have been hard to come by this Classics season for the team since Wout van Aert's crash, as sports director Arthur van Dongen reflects."Of course, we started very well in the Opening Weekend. It's been...

"I run a self-storage business. Someone came and left their property at my business, and Im storing it. They have to pay for that - thats how it works."

For the first time in his career, Max Kanter was able to celebrate a victory on Monday afternoon at the Tour of Turkey as the Astana Qazaqstan Team star sprinted to victory on stage 2.I am really very happy. Behind this victory is so much effort, hard work and a lot of support from my girlfriend a...