Ilan Van Wilder so far has been the reliable leader Soudal - Quick-Step needed at Tour de Romandie. After a rather calm stage 2 where he didn't struggle to follow the main group, it was a rainy timetrial which would shake up the general classification today. Van Wilder however managed quite well in...

It is a privilege to be able to enjoy the sights of our countryside and one that should not be taken for granted.The post 3 Counties, 3 countries and 3 lessons first appeared on .

Would you like to discover new routes and enjoy more of nature without risky descents, jumps, or crazy things?Gravel biking, also known as gravel grinding or adventure biking, is the solution to your problems.Because gravel rides take you off the beaten path and into new, unpaved horizons, adding an extra thrill to your cycling getaways.So, if you're one of those cyclists who are constantly looking for new adventures, or you're simply tired of the dangers of the road, you shouldn't miss this article.Today, we are going to dive into the world of gravel riding to give you some tips and techniques to conquer various terrains more conveniently. In addition to revealing the destinations where you can find the best gravel rides in the world.But let's start at the beginningWhat is gravel riding?Gravel riding is a cycling discipline that involves traversing gravel roads, dirt trails, and unpaved paths.Riding on gravel surfaces offers a unique experience that combines elements of road cycling and mountain biking, providing riders with the opportunity to explore remote and scenic areas that are less traveled by traditional cyclists.So, as you can see, gravel rides are a versatile and exciting way to explore the great outdoors while challenging your cycling skills.Tips and techniques to conquer any terrain with your gravel ebikeRiding gravel terrain can be a thrilling adventure, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some tips and techniques to help you conquer any terrain with your electric gravel bike:Tire ChoiceChoosing the right tires is crucial to get the most out of your gravel rides.In this regard, wider tires with tread pattern provide better grip and stability on gravel surfaces. Tubeless tires are another option to consider, as they offer greater resistance to punctures.Tire PressureAdjusting tire pressure can make a significant difference in the comfort and handling of your bike on gravel rides.Lower tire pressure provides better traction on gravel, as it allows the tires to conform to the uneven surface. Try different pressures until you find the perfect balance between grip and rolling resistance.Body PositionMaintain a relaxed and balanced body position while riding on gravel.Keep a firm grip on the handlebars, slightly bend your elbows and knees, and shift your weight as needed to maintain stability.Braking techniqueGravel trails often include loose or uneven surfaces, so it is advisable to brake in a smooth and controlled manner to avoid skidding or losing control.Use both brakes evenly to slow down and avoid braking sharply or aggressively.Bike HandlingGravel riding requires precise bike handling skills.Practice cornering, descending, and riding through rough terrain to build confidence and improve your control.Navigation ToolsGravel rides can be remote and less marked than paved roads, so it's essential to have a reliable navigation system.GPS devices or eBike apps with offline maps can help you stay on track and explore new routes safely.MaintenanceMake sure your bike is always in perfect condition, periodically check the tire pressure, the lubrication of the chain and the general state of the bike.In addition, to face the gravel rides with greater peace of mind, it is convenient to carry tools and spare parts with you to be able to solve possible repairs on the fly.And now that you know all this, how about taking a ride on the best gravel roads in the world?8 top destinations for thrilling gravel rides around the worldIf our article on the best bike trips in Europe was not enough for you, today you are going to enjoy it. Because you are about to discover the best gravel destinations around the world.Are you coming?Tuscany, ItalyTuscany offers picturesque landscapes with rolling hills, vineyards and ancient villages. Here, gravel riding offers an excellent combination of scenic beauty and demanding terrain.Moab, United StatesKnown for its iconic red rock formations, Moab has become a mecca for gravel biking. The diverse terrain includes technical trails and stunning desert landscapes.Northumberland, EnglandThe Northumberland region boasts rugged coastlines, historic castles and a network of gravel trails that crisscross its beautiful countryside.Atacama Desert, ChileIf you're looking for an otherworldly experience, venture into the landscapes of the Atacama Desert. Where gravel roads wind through salt flats, canyons and vast desert vistas.French Alps, FranceAlthough they owe much of their fame to road cycling, the French Alps also offer challenging gravel rides that will take you through alpine meadows and high mountain passes.Patagonia, ArgentinaExplore the wild beauty of Patagonia through breathtaking gravel rides that take you to pristine lakes, glaciers, and spectacular mountain ranges.Pacific Northwest, USAThe Pacific Northwest is a gravel riders' paradise, with lush forests, waterfalls and an extensive network of gravel trails through dreamy landscapes at the foothills of the towering Rocky Mountains.Balkan Peninsula, EuropeCroatia, Greece, Montenegro, Albania If you are looking for a gravel bike route that strikes the ideal balance between culture and landscape, you have to go to the Balkans. A ride that runs through rugged mountains, dense forests and ancient historic villages that are sure to surprise you.So, switch to gravel riding and unleash your adventurous spirit!Thanks to our selection of super-lightweight bikes with Fazua motor, there will be no trail that will resist you.Find the perfect companion for your off-road outings

2022 absolutely can do one.I dont often share my thoughts so bluntly, and if Im honest, I mostly tend to sanitise each word that comes from my mouth.This holiday season marks the end of year 3 since we launched Fustle to the public and its been both exciting and excruciating all at the same time.As a small family business, we dont really get the opportunity to separate our work from our life, and our life from our work. Would we change that given the chance? Well that depends what day of the week you ask me that question!Both my wife Julie and I have been involved in sports and in particular cycling, for as long as we care to remember, and to have carved out careers in that industry, for which we are extremely grateful, however, its somewhat of a double edged sword, when it comes to the whole work/life balance.In an attempt to avoid this blog sounding unnecessarily doom and gloom, I do also feel extremely proud and grateful for many things that 2022 has delivered (in between the jabs to the jugular) This year saw a shift to more domestic sales of our bikes, right here in Northern Ireland. Its a country we are proud to inhabit and one of our core values has always been to try and contribute to, nurture and grow the cycling industry here, so to see our bikes rolling out the door without their carton, and being hung on the back of a new customers car or ridden away from our workshop is extremely rewarding.This year saw us roll out a series of #fustlefamily ride outs and as numbers started to swell from one month to the next, it brought us so much joy and excitement to see these folk enjoying our bikes on the terrain that they have been painstakingly developed. More importantly, we have discovered something totally unexpected and invigorating as we got to know each and every one of these magical misfits, each one as unique and interesting as the next.If we have come to learn anything from 2022, it is that despite what is going on around us, going for a bike ride with friends, strangers or colleagues, can do wonders for your outlook on the day and bring you right back to that feeling of freedom and carelessness you had as a child. And if you ask me, thats what life is missing some times.Im not ashamed to tell you that 2022 was our worst performing year yet, as we encountered stock shortages, delays, higher costs for virtually everything that goes into bicycle production and business, yet I am sitting here writing this, with a cautiously optimistic feeling that no matter what challenges may face us in 2023, its nothing that a few skids, a muddy face and a coffee stop with friends wont fix.So heres to 2022, youve been a bit of a d**k if Im honest, but I wouldnt change you for the world!

Indoor cycling has revolutionized the way we approach fitness, offering a weatherproof, convenient, and highly effective exercise regime right from the comfort of our homes. While outdoor cycling has its charm, indoor cycling provides a consistent, year-round training option without weather, traffic, or daylight limitations. In this guide, we delve into the multifaceted benefits of []The post The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Cycling: Benefits and Must-Have Equipment appeared first on Average Joe Cyclist.

Their smiles were like umbrellas when it rained and their homemade posters were our tailwinds when facing the harshest headwind. The goodness of those children and their families seeped across into each and every cyclist and member of the support crew, and this created a truly unique atmosphere. One that I have never experience before.The post The Greatest Show on Earth first appeared on .

When it comes to choosing electric gravel bikes, one of the decisions you'll face is whether to equip your ride with a suspension fork or not.Gravel biking has gained immense popularity for its versatility, efficiency and low weight, allowing riders to explore a wide variety of terrain, from asphalt to the steepest mountain trails.So, is it really necessary to add a suspension fork?In this article, we'll dive into the world of suspension forks, exploring their advantages and disadvantages, to help you make an informed decision and outfit your electric gravel bike to suit your needs.But let's take it one step at a timeWhat is a suspension fork?The suspension fork, also known as a front suspension fork, is a crucial component of a bike's front wheel assembly.It consists of a shock-absorbing mechanism, typically located within the fork's lower section, that compresses and rebounds to absorb shocks and vibrations from the terrain. This improves rider comfort and control by reducing the impact of uneven surfaces, making the ride smoother and more enjoyable.Although, like everything in life, it has its pros and cons.Would you like to take a closer look at them?Gravel suspension fork advantagesLet's start with the advantages of mounting a suspension fork on your gravel bike:Increased comfortSuspension forks offer greater comfort by softening impacts on uneven terrain, reducing stress on the wheels and preventing discomfort to hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders during long rides.Better tractionImproves tire contact with the ground, increasing traction on gravel roads and mountain trails, especially on curves and descents.Increased controlSuspension forks help maintain better control of your bike, especially when riding at high speeds or over rough terrain.More adjustabilityWith a suspension fork, your electric gravel bike can cope with a wider range of conditions, from gravel roads to technical off-road trails.And now let's get to the drawbacks.Gravel suspension fork disadvantagesThe downsides of mounting a suspension fork on your electric gravel bike are the following:WeightSuspension forks add weight to the bike, which can affect its overall performance, especially during climbs and accelerations.MaintenanceSuspension forks require periodic maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication and servicing, to ensure optimal performance.CostSuspension forks are usually more expensive than regular forks, which can increase the overall cost of your electric gravel bike.At this point, however, it is up to you to decide whether it is worthwhile to install a suspension fork on your gravel bike.How do I know if I should mount a suspension fork on my eBike gravel bike?Adding a suspension fork to your bike can be very beneficial for tackling gravel roads and mountain trails or embarking on long-distance adventures in greater comfort, as the suspension fork will help reduce fatigue and smooth out the ride.However, there are some riders who believe that instead of mounting a suspension fork on a gravel bike, it is better to opt for an electric Mountain Bike.The fact is that eMTBs tend to be heavier than electric gravel bikes and, on the other hand, gravel bikes provide a more efficient ride thanks to their geometry, body position and the width of their tires (slightly thinner than those of an eMTB).So, unless your rides are focused solely on complicated mountain trails, with extreme climbs and descents, our recommendation is to opt for a gravel bike with a suspension fork.Types of suspension for your gravel ebikeWhen it comes to choosing the type of suspension for an electric gravel bike, there are different options to consider:Carbon forksAlthough they are not a type of suspension fork, as they are fixed forks, the elasticity of this material provides greater vibration absorption than traditional gravel forks while maintaining maximum lightness.This type of fork is ideal for riding on smooth gravel tracks or trails, but may be insufficient for rougher terrain.Front suspensionFront suspension involves the presence of a suspension fork at the front of the bicycle.This fork is designed to absorb shock and vibration from riding over rough or uneven surfaces. It typically offers a travel range of 40 mm to 80 mm, which means it can effectively handle moderate bumps and obstacles.Gravel electric bikes equipped with front suspension are ideal for riders who venture out on gravel trails, dirt roads and slightly technical terrain.Full SuspensionFull suspension systems, while not very common on gravel bikes, provide suspension on both the front and rear of the bike.This type of suspension is perfect for riders looking for maximum damping and traction, especially on demanding trails with obstacles such as rocks and roots.The only drawback is that, in our opinion, it adds too much weight to the bike. And this is why they are not used as much.In any case, the decision to equip your electric gravel bike with a particular type of suspension or fork will depend on your riding style and the terrain you plan to conquer.That's why at Crow, all of our bikes come with carbon forks, but we also offer you a choice of suspension forks (as well as other customization options) when you place your order.Because we want your bike to fit you like a glove.Would you like to find the perfect gravel bike?Explore our Gravel eBikes

Have you always wanted to build your own bike frame? We decided that we wanted to add a steel version of our award winning Causeway frame and that it would be great to partner with some other local talent right here in Northern Ireland in the form of Owen Byrne from Donard Bikes. In the 2nd episode we travel to the hills of Gilnahirk just above Belfast City to visit Johnny Bradley of Elite Refinish. Johnny has been a friend of our for many years has helped us paint bike frames, helmets and vehicles since our early involvement in the cycle industry over a decade ago. Elite Refinish were the perfect choice when we were looking to establish a partner to help us finish these limited edition frames and we have grand plans to work with them on many more projects in the future. To see some of their previous work, check out the Martini Racing bike that they painted for us earlier in the year: https://www.ridefustle.com/blogs/news... For this episode, sit back and enjoy as we bring the frame through shot blasting and frame preparation, through to priming, painting and then finishing off with a silver leaf for the branding which should match perfectly to the Shimano GRX Limited Edition groupsets that will adorn the bikes when they are built. We will be releasing these bikes as a limited batch on a first come first served basis, and all enquiries should be submitted to us via email to hello@ridefustle.com Stay tuned for the 3rd episode where we will be building the finished bike and planning its first big adventure in the new year. For more information about the Causeway Frame: https://www.ridefustle.com/ You can check out our current bikes here: https://www.ridefustle.com/collection... Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridefustle/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ridefustle/ For more information about Donard: https://www.donard.cc/ The video was produced by Neil McTeggart, who is a Strength Coach with a passion for story telling. He helps keep team Fustle fit and healthy and capable of enjoying every mile on our bikes. https://www.neilmct.com/

Are you having a problem figuring out how to carry a water bottle on your electric bike? Here's a cheap, easy way to carry a water bottle on your e-bike.The post How to Carry a Water Bottle on Your Electric Bike appeared first on Average Joe Cyclist.

Most road bikes nowadays have a multitude of gears, and whilst every bike rider knows that their bike has gears, many are not quite sure how to actually use them. There are a few different types of popular gear systems and in terms of ease of use they can be ranked as follows : SRAM []The post How to choose and use your gears first appeared on .