The Castelli Gabba R is a new version of the famous Gabba rain jacket, said to be functionally waterproof, windproof and faster than the Castelli Sanremo BTW Speed Suit.The Gabba first appeared in 2009. It took its name from the former professional Gabriel Gabba Rasch, who had sewn short sleeves to a rain jacket as a hybrid upper that avoided the boil-in-the-bag sensation of old jackets.Since then, the Gabba has been revamped six times. But the Gabba R retains the original principle: to provide a functionally waterproof, yet highly breathable upper, thats more akin to a jersey than a rain jacket.Like the previous iterations, Castelli says the Gabba R remains focused on racing (the R stands for race).The Gabba R is thinner and more packableThe Castelli Gabba R trades Gore-Tex for a new four-way stretch and water-resistant fabric. - CastelliWhile the Gabba R retains the same goal as the previous Gabba, it is now made from a new material.The previous version used Gore-Tex Infinium fabrics, like much of the Castelli Rain or Shine collection and the more heavy-duty Castelli Alpha Doppio RoS.But the Gabba R has traded Gore-Tex for a new fabric, exclusive to Castelli, which combines an outer membrane with a stretchy lightweight fabric.The membrane is a Japanese-made microporous hydrospun polyurethane with a hydrophobic treatment. This is what gives the new Gabba its rubbery look.The Gabba R is more packable than its predecessor. - CastelliCastelli says the membrane has a hydrostatic head rating of over 5,000mm. This is less than dedicated rain jackets but Castelli says it's sufficient to repel even driving rain and that increasing waterproofness often comes at the expense of breathability.The outer shell is an Italian four-way stretch knitted fabric, similar to Castelli's materials on some of its bib shorts.Using this fabric means the Castelli Gabba R is thinner and more packable than its predecessor.This may not be so critical with the short-sleeved Gabba R, which is designed to be worn all day, but could be of more importance with the long-sleeved Gabba R Jacket.Faster than a skinsuitThe Gabba R is said to be faster than a Castelli Sanremo BTW Speed Suit. - CastelliDesigned for WorldTour professionals, Castelli says the Gabba R is faster than its Sanremo BTW Speed Suit in certain positions and at particular speeds.The cycling clothing brand conducted wind tunnel tests, and testing on the road with Soudal Quick-Step rider Kasper Asgreen, to support this claim. Castelli published its findings in a white paper.Castelli says a normal road position, the Gabba R tested 1 per cent faster at speeds from 37kph to 50kph.The jersey-cum-jacket was tested in a wind tunnel and on the road. - CastelliIn a more aggressive low position, the Gabba R is said to be 1 per cent slower than the Sanremo BTW Speed Suit.The Gabba R is also faster than a Gabba Ros 2 Jacket with 7 to 8 per cent less drag.The Gabba R had an aerodynamic drag (CdA) of 0.323 at 40kph, while the Gabba RoS 2 had a CdA of 0.347 at the same speed, according to Castelli.Castellis testing also reveals the long-sleeve Gabba R Jacket is faster than the skinsuit.Close-to-body fitThe Castelli Gabba R has a drop tail and three rear pockets. - CastelliCastelli says the Gabba R's aerodynamic improvements are partly due to the Italian fabric's four-way stretch, which enables a close-to-body fit.The fit of the Gabba R has the advantage of keeping moisture formed inside the jacket warm since it's held close to the body, according to the brand.Elsewhere, the sixth-generation Gabba has a long tail to protect with road spray and a high collar and waterproof zip.There is a high collar and waterproof zip. - CastelliThe arms of the long-sleeve version use a softer material to help getting the jacket on and off, like the now-discontinued Castelli Idro Pro 2 rain jacket.The three rear pockets are also made of a mesh material to help hands slide in and out.The Gabba R costs $299.99 / 259.95 with UK pricing to be confirmed.Saddleback, Castelli's UK distributor, says it will be receiving the new Gabba R in September.

On the first of May, we have the first World Tour level one-day race following the spring classics. It is the day where Germany headlines the cycling world, as some of the best sprinters and classics riders take to the start of the Eschborn-Frankfurt classic.In this article you can find a wrap-up of...

Having led the Eroica Juniores-Nations Cup in Italy from until the final of the last stage, Patrick Casey has reflected on a frustrating effort to try and win the race outright. He came under an onslaught of attacks, with Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale U19 Team also inexplicably going missing when the chips were down despite []The post Inside Caseys Nations Cup fight | AG2R were going ballistic up the climbs appeared first on Sticky Bottle.

If you want to keep your bike looking good and running well (so your parts last longer and need less maintenance!) then cleaning it regularly with best bike cleaning kit and products available is a must.As much as we love to boast a muddy, filthy, well-ridden bike, we know as well as the next mountain Continue reading

Hunt has revamped its entry-level carbon wheelsets with wider rims and lighter hubs, relaunching as the 30/40/50 Carbon Disc range.Comprising 30, 40 and 50mm-deep rim options, the new range replaces the previous-generation Carbon Aero Disc line-up. The deepest 65mm option appears to have been dropped from the new range.All wheelsets feature revised 22mm-wide (internal) hooked rims, up from 19mm. The greater internal width means the wheels are now ETRTO-compliant with tyres from 25mm to 50mm wide.The 50mm-deep wheels are said to be around 8 watts faster than a 25mm-deep alloy wheel. - HuntHunt says the 50mm-deep version of the wheels is 8 watts faster versus an unspecified standard 25mm deep alloy rim.When tested with 28mm-wide tyres, the wheels are also claimed to be 4 watts slower than the fastest wheels in the segment, such as Hunts own SUB50 Limitless Aero Disc wheels and ENVEs SES 4.5.Hunt says it tested the wheels at GST Windkanal with a margin of error of /- 0.3 watts following industry-recognised procedures.As is typical with Hunt, all wheels ship with spare spokes and valves. - HuntAll wheelsets use 24 J-bend Pillar PSR spokes front and rear.Hunt says it has specced marginally skinnier (2.0-1.5-2.0mm vs 2.0-1.6-2.0mm) spokes on the front wheel to improve compliance.The new freehub has been specced on Hunt's other wheels for some time. - HuntThe wheels are built around new H_Ratchet 36T SGL hubs. The new ratchet freehub has been used on other Hunt wheels for some time and is very similar to DT Swiss Star Ratchet system. The previous-generation Carbon Aero Disc wheels range used a pawl freehub. The newer hubs are also said to be lighter.All wheels arrive tubeless-ready, with tape pre-installed and valves included. However, because the wheels use a hooked profile, theyre also fully compatible with inner tubes.Hunt's premium wheelsets have all switched to hookless with each new generation. Hunt says it opted for hooked rims for its entry-level range because it provides the best solution for the specific wheels design purpose, rider needs and tyre preferences.Priced from 779 / $979 / 979 to 799 / $999 / 999, the wheels are available to buy now from Hunts UK and US warehouses, with stock in its EU warehouse due to arrive soon.Hunt 30 carbon disc specsThe 40mm-deep wheels weigh a claimed 1,408g for the pair. - HuntWeight: 1,408g per pairInternal rim width: 22mmExternal rim width: 30mm front, 30mm rearSpokes: Pillar PSR triple-butted J-bend, TB2015 front, TB2016 rearSpoke count: 24 front & 24 rear spokes with a 2-cross lacing patternHubs:HuntH_Ratchet SGL, 36T, 10-degree engagementBearings: Sealed precision cartridgePricing: 779 / $979 / 979Hunt 40 carbon disc specsThe 40mm-deep wheels weigh a claimed 1,433g for the pair. - HuntWeight: 1,433g per pairInternal rim width: 22mmExternal rim width: 30mm front, 30mm rearSpokes: Pillar PSR triple-butted J-bend, TB2015 front, TB2016 rearSpoke count: 24 front & 24 rear spokes with a 2-cross lacing patternHubs:HuntH_Ratchet SGL, 36T, 10-degree engagementBearings: Sealed precision cartridgePricing: 789 / $989 / 989Hunt 50 carbon disc specsThe 50mm-deep wheels weigh a claimed 1,464g for the pair. - HuntWeight: 1,464g per pairInternal rim width: 22mmExternal rim width: 30mm front, 30mm rearSpokes: Pillar PSR triple-butted J-bend, TB2015 front, TB2016 rearSpoke count: 24 front & 24 rear spokes with a 2-cross lacing patternHubs:Hunt H_Ratchet SGL, 36T, 10-degree engagementBearings: Sealed precision cartridge sealedPricing: 799 / $999 / 999

One day before the mass crash at Itzulia Basque Country, Lennard Kmna suffered a hard training crash in Tenerife having been hit by a car. A few weeks later, good news finally emerge from the German media.Kmna was training in preparation for the Giro d'Italia when he was the victim of an incident...

Having already put himself in the shop window of international development teams, and even pro squads, with his riding over the last 14 months, Seth Dunwoody took a big step forward in his career in Belgium on Saturday. The 18-year-old from Hamiltonsbawn, Co Armagh, has long looked destined for a big break next year, when []The post Dunwoodys big win at E3 Saxo | It means a lot. Im over the moon appeared first on Sticky Bottle.

The best mountain bike repair stands hold the bike clear of ground, allowing you to keep your bike in tip-top condition and save you money in the process.Mountain bike workstand for DIY repairsThe best mountain bike workstands are a must-have item. They hold the bike clear of ground allowing easier work on all part of the bicycle.

Propain has released its new Sresh CF lightweight electric mountain bike, offering full electric power with a claimed weight of just under 21kg.The new bike is available with a host of Shimano drive systems, and has shorter travel than the Ekano 2, with a 160mm fork and 150mm of rear suspension delivered by the brand's Pro10 linkage.Four models are available at launch, with prices starting at 5,999 / 5,999 for the Sresh CF Base, which features Shimanos EP600 motor, and topping out at 9,789 / $9,789 / 9,789 for the Sresh CF Factory.US models start at $6,299 because the brand doesnt offer the EP600 in North America.Propain also has a bike configurator, enabling you to select your own component choice from an extensive list of options.eMTB tuned linkageThe new bike is coil- and air-shock compatible. - PropainPropains new lightweight electric mountain bike is made from a blended carbon fibre layup, which it says uses various carbon fibres and fabrics to give the frame compliance in some areas, such as the seatstays, while remaining stiff in others, such as the bottom bracket.The EP801 is Shimano's top-of-the-range motor. - PropainAt the heart of the bike is a Shimano powertrain, with all but the Base model using the EP801 electric bike motor.This motor churns out a maximum 85Nm of torque and has a peak power of 600W, while weighing in at only 2.7kg thanks in part to its magnesium construction.The Sresh CF is designed with technical climbing in mind. - PropainThe lower-end EP600 motor has the same torque rating, but is 300g heavier and has 100W less peak power.Both motors are connected to a 626Wh battery integrated into the down tube, which can be removed for charging or storage and is covered with a carbon fibre cover to help it blend into the frame.There's a pack mount in the underside of the top tube. - PropainPropain has given the Sresh CF its ebike-tuned Pro10 suspension linkage, which sees the shock placed vertically in the frame, connected to counter-rotating links on the down tube and top tube.The brand says the bikes will come with specifically tuned rear shocks that deliver initial sensitivity with high levels of progression.Mullet setups add more agility to a bike. - PropainA flip chip on the linkage enables you to pick between a 29in or 27.5in rear wheel, and this can be chosen through the website.Love it or hate it, headset cable routing makes for a less busy cockpit. - PropainIntegrated headset cable routing features, with Propains in-house Sixpack brand supplying its Millenium ICR stem to keep the cockpit looking clean.Propain has given the Sresh CF plenty of frame protection, with TPR chainstay and seatstay protectors in place to minimise wear and noise.Double-sealed Acros frame bearings are employed in the chase for durability, with Propains Dirt Shields used to keep debris from entering.No adaptors are needed to run 200mm rear rotors. - PropainA 200mm brake post mount features on the rear triangle, which the brand says offers better transfer of braking forces into the frame.All-round geometry SMLXL Frame height (mm)415430455480 Frame offset (mm)42424242 Frame length (mm)573573573573 Head tube length (mm)100110120130 Reach (mm)430450480505 Stack (mm)618628637646 Head angle (degrees)65656565 Seat tube angle (degrees)76.676.676.676.6 Effective seat tube angle (mm)78.578.578.578.5 Top tube length (mm)556578610636 BB height (mm)350350350350 Chainstay length (mm)450 / 447451 / 447452 / 447453 / 447 Wheelbase (mm)1204122912631292 Standover (mm)825817807813 The Propain Sresh CF is available in four sizes, ranging from S to XL.While the bike has a focus on downhill performance, it features a steep 78.5-degree seat tube angle, which should assist with technical climbing by centring your weight further over the bottom bracket.The head tube angle isnt the most aggressive, at 65 degrees, but the brand says this gives a playful and agile character to the bike.Chainstay lengths remain the same throughout the sizes, with a 29in wheel setup measuring 450mm and the 27.5in version coming up shorter at 447mm.Reach measurements are up-to-date, with a size-L bike measuring 480mm.Propain Sresh CF specifications and pricePropain Sresh CF BaseFork: RockShox Lyric Base RC, 160mmShock: RockShox Deluxe AirDrivetrain: SRAM GX mechanicalBrakes: SRAM DB 8Wheels: Newmen Performance 30Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Addix Soft Super Trail (f), Schwalbe Big Betty Addix Soft Super Trail (r)Price: 5,999 / 5,999Propain Sresh CF Ultimate EnduroFork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate RC2, 160mmShock: RockShox Vivid UltimateDrivetrain: SRAM GX mechanicalBrakes: Formula Cura 4Wheels: Newmen Evolution E.G.30Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Addix Soft Super Trail (f), Schwalbe Big Betty Addix Soft Super Trail (r)Price: 7,529 / $7,529 / 7,529Propain Sresh CF Ultimate TrailFork: RockShox Lyrik Ultimate RC2, 160mmShock: RockShox Super Deluxe UltimateDrivetrain: SRAM X01 AXS TransmissionBrakes: SRAM Code RSCWheels: Newmen Evolution SLA.30Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Addix Soft Super Trail (f), Schwalbe Big Betty Addix Soft Super Trail (r)Price: 9,449 / $9,449 / 9,449Propain Sresh CF FactoryFork: Fox Factory 38, 160mmShock: Fox DHX2 CoilDrivetrain: SRAM XX AXS TransmissionBrakes: Magura MT7Wheels: Newmen Advanced SL A.30 CarbonTyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Addix Soft Super Trail (f), Schwalbe Big Betty Addix Soft Super Trail (r)Price: 9,789 / $9,789 / 9,789

Tim Merlier will race the Giro d'Italia this year, finally returning to the Grand Tours after not being selected in 2023. He leads Soudal - Quick-Step in the search of success in the sprints but may also target the points classification.It's a good thing. The more sprinters there are, the more tea...