36mm-deep model is intended to be a one-wheelset solution for road and all-road riders, and tips at just 1,130g per set

The road season kicks off nextTuesday, 20 January, a very special day. The Tour Down Under 2026 will begin, kicking off the men's world tour calendar. We take a look at how to watch the race in Australia, the United States, and Great Britain, whilst showcasing the dates and schedules for all stages...

Boyd Cycling has signalled its expansion into UK and EU markets with the release of its new US-made Podium 36mm Carbon Disc SL wheelset. Boyd says it has designed the new wheels to be a one-wheelset solution for modern road and all-road cyclists. The brand has been around since 2009, and has retained most of its manufacturing in the USA. It says the expansion comes as the brand significantly increases its in-house manufacturing capabilities in the USA. Read more: Best road bike wheels in 2025 | 31 rim and disc brake wheelsets tried and tested Carbon production Boyd is looking to expand with USA manufacturing. Boyd Alongside its established alloy rim facility, Boyd is introducing carbon fibre production, where its carbon fibre rims will be made. The Podium 36mm Carbon Disc SL features a carbon fibre rim construction with a 36mm rim depth and a 24mm internal width, optimised for 28-38mm tyres. The rims are hooked carbon tubeless. Boyd Boyd says the rim uses aerospace-grade T1000 carbon fibre in high-stress zones, with high-modulus carbon fibres placed at strategic cross angles in the layup. Boyd says the wheels are hand-built for long-term durability. Boyd This is said to result in an impact resistance exceeding 110 joules, more than 2.5 times the UCIs requirement of 40 joules. Multi-angle spoke hole reinforcement is used to distribute spoke tension forces across multiple directions. This is said to enable higher, more stable spoke tension without adding unnecessary mass. 24 Pillar Wing 20 spokes pull the wheels together. Boyd Alongside the new carbon rim, the brand has also released new Grade 36 and Grade 54 hub platforms, with the Podium 36mm Carbon Disc SL wheels using the later, which boasts 6.6 engagement. The hubs weigh 85g for the front and 185g for the rear, and inside Enduro ABEC-5 bearings are used for rolling performance and longevity. The wheels are priced at 1,860 / $2,100 / 2,150.

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Jonas Vingegaard has been known for several months to have been considering the choice to race both Giro d'Italia and Tour de France in 2026. This is now confirmed and is a fully organized project within Team Visma | Lease a Bike, supported by Vincenzo Nibali, one of the few riders that has a palmar...

Professional cycling has one of the widest pay gaps inmodern sport, stretching from global stars earning millions to riders survivingon little more than hope and stipends. In 2026, salaries at the top of themens World Tour have reached historic highs, driven by rising team budgets andpowerful s...

The Crafty platform has been a staple in Mondrakers lineup for over a decade. The bike first appeared in the brands portfolio, blurring the lines between trail and enduro categories. Soon after its introduction, the Crafty would adopt a battery and motor, leaving room for new human-powered bikes from Mondraker.And while we have seen some limited-edition Craftys, perhaps none as unique as the Mondraker Crafty Unlimited Gulf.Gulfs Racing LegacyIf youre not into racing (Im not) or motor oil history (also not), then you might be asking who Gulf is. Founded at the turn of the 20th century, Gulf was one of Americas largest oil companies. But they are better known for racing.Like, theyve sponsored racing teams for so many years that Gulf and auto racing have nearly become one and the same. Their blue-and-orange color scheme has become an iconic symbol in the racing world, and Mondraker uses it on this limited-edition Crafty. But this isnt the first Mondraker/Gulf collab. The two companies would also team up for a Gulf edition of the Neat and the Dusty.For the new Crafty, the colors are inspired by a historic race car, the Ford GT40. This would be the first car, in 1967, to run Gulfs colors: a darker blue and orange. Shortly after, Gulf would choose lighter shades to maximize visibility. These lighter shades are seen on the Neat and Dusty bikes.For the Crafty Unlimited Gulf, Mondraker, and Gulf chose to use the original colors as seen on the GT40. They also draw inspiration from another race car, the Porsche Kremer 8. Custom component choices, such as the fully CNCd Trickstuff brakes, are an homage to the craftsmanship found in the Kremer 8.The Mondraker Crafty Unlimited GulfThe custom paint job isnt the only thing that sets the Mondraker Crafty Unlimited Gulf apart from other Crafty options. The bike also features a build spec not found on any other Mondraker bike.First and foremost, the frame is constructed from Mondrakers Stealth Air Carbon and features their Zero Suspension System. Its equipped with the latest Bosch CX-R motor, delivering 100 Nm of torque and a removable 800Wh battery.While the build is mainly based on Mondrakers top specd Crafty RR SL, there are a few standouts found only on the Unlimited Gulf. It will be the only bike to feature hlins suspension, with the RXF 38 M.3 fork paired with a TTX22M coil shock. The fork and shock are set to 160mm and 150mm, respectively.In addition to the Trickstuff Maxima brakes mentioned above, the Crafty Unlimited Gulf will feature DT Swiss HXC 1200 carbon wheels. A RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post and SRAM XX Transmission with e*Thirteen Helix Race carbon cranks round out the build.And, numbers are limited. At least, that is what Mondraker says, as they dont provide actual numbers just yet. In the US, the Crafty Unlimited will retail for only $15,999.To see more information and the complete spec list, visit mondraker.com.The post The Race Track is the Inspiration for this Mondraker Crafty Unlimited Gulf appeared first on Bikerumor.

Mondraker has released the Crafty Unlimited Gulf Edition, with a lust-worthy spec and a paintjob that pays tribute to one of the most iconic liveries in motorsport. Despite the name, the new electric bike is a limited edition and features a hand-painted finish that takes inspiration from the Gulf Oil Porsche Kremer K8. It's not the first time the Spanish brand has collaborated with Gulf, with models such as the Neat and Dusty X also featuring special-edition colourways. The bike is priced at the very top-end, at 14,499 / $15,999 / 13,999, but the spec list goes some way to justifying the price. The bike is a step away from the light blue colour scheme seen on the Ford GT40. Mondraker It becomes the only bike in the Crafty range to feature hlins suspension, with the RXF 38 M.3 fork featuring a silver finish that blends into the rest of the livery. Trickstuff's Maxima brakes are some of the most expensive on the market at 1,300. Mondraker Elsewhere, the bike features DT Swiss HXC 1200 carbon wheels and Trickstuffs Maxima brakes, signifying the premium build level of the bike. The Gulf logo features on the seat tube. Mondraker This may be the last time we see a Mondraker wearing the Gulf paint scheme, with the brand saying the release of the bike represents the final chapter in this partnership, embodied in our most advanced and sought-after eMTB. Theres only so much that can be said about this beauty, so well let the pictures speak for themselves. The accents of the hlins suspension match the car's wheels. Mondraker The bike is based on the Porsche Kremer 8. Mondraker A matching Union Flag features on the top tube of the bike. Mondraker Mondraker says this is the final chapter in its partnership with Gulf. Mondraker

UPDATED January 15, 2026 BY Michael Coo IN Tour d'Afrique no comments 20 Years LaterOver the past 20 years, the Tour dAfrique has changed and evolved, as have I. Yet, it remains an important milestone in the lives of many people from around the world, myself included.It was exactly 20 years ago today that I stood in front of the pyramids in Cairo for the start of the 2006 Tour dAfrique.12,000 kilometres through 10 countries in 4 months. What the fuck was I thinking! The longest I had ever biked in a day was 64 km, once, during my training for the expedition.This is the photo that started it all. I have no idea where or how I found it but when I saw it, I thought, This is the craziest thing I have ever heard of. Turns out the rider in the photo was Randy Pielsticker who, serendipitously, ended up as the tour leader in 2006.So, 20 years after the fact, what do I remember?EgyptUnhappily discovering that the famous Pyramids were practically surrounded by the city of Cairo. Camping amongst the garbage around police stations (security, you know). The sounds of numerous competing mosques for the morning call to prayer. Hose showers. Insane tailwinds. Henrys Mom happily cutting salami at lunch. The unforgettable ferry ride across Lake Nasser to Sudan.SudanThe utter darkness at night in Wadi Halfa. I went out to try to find a store and scared myself silly trying to return to our campsite. The absolutely ridiculous roads following tire tracks in the sand, searching for flagging tape. The unbelievable kindness of the Sudanese people. Camping in the Dongola zoo. The gorgeous, colourful doors to Sudanese houses. A rider getting lost in the desert and calling her friend in Montreal by cell (not common at that time) for help! The song Bicycle Race I want to ride my bicycle blaring out from the support vehicles at dawn in a campsite by the Nile. Racing through the streets of Khartoum on tricked out army pick-up trucks after a dinner for the riders hosted by an army general.EthiopiaBeer. The sweet, sweet, taste of beer and the luxury of a hot shower in a brothel after crossing the border from Sudan (no alcohol!) into Ethiopia. The sounds of tents unzipping continuously throughout the night as riders dealt with the inevitable GI issues. The horde of cyclists ravenously descending on the all-you-can-eat buffet at the Hilton in Addis Ababa. The rock throwing kids. The thin green line at lunch and camp, miraculously holding back the crowds of curious locals. The towering red termite mounds.Field StaffIt is the middle of the night in the desert of northern Kenya. Pitch black. All riders are asleep in their tents. I hear a noise, a vehicle pulling up, and step out into the darkness. I see our Tour Leader, Randy, alone, calmly chatting to 4 heavily armed, very drunk, soldiers who are demanding payment for us to be camping in the bush. Randy talks, and smokes, and talks, and smokes, and suddenly the jeep is pulling away. After about 50m, their brake lights go on. Are they coming back? Randy strolls down the road. Is he coming back? After about 15 tense minutes, the jeeps starts up and drives away. Randy eventually returns. Turns out they had a flat tire and, being inebriated, they needed his help to change it. Just another day as the Tour dAfrique Tour Leader!KenyaDrinking Tusker beer at the Prison Bar in Moyale (Yes, a bar in a prison, run by the prisoners). A lonely morning ride on the remote lava rock road in Northern Kenya, momentarily terrified by the crossing of a caracal a few meters ahead of me.Elephants tiptoeing delicately at night amongst our tents in Marsabit.Cycling through ongoing military exercises in the Kenyan desert (no live ammunition they said!) The stunning sight of Mt Kenya in the morning. A very sobering visit to the Kiberia slum in Nairobi.TanzaniaMajestic Mt Kilimanjaro. A camping safari in the Serengeti where a rider fought off a bush pig attempting to share her tent in the middle of the night (Im looking at you, Judy Rigby!). The rocks and red dirt of the Dodoma Road. Discovering that if you mix warm beer and warm pineapple Fanta, the result is a wonderfully refreshing Radlerat least in a remote Tanzanian village. (Thanks to Urs Hausermann for that!). Rain. Rain. And more rain. Setting up a wet tent, Sleeping in said wet tent. Packing up the wet tent. Repeat again and again. The most beautiful day on the entire tour climbing up out of Mbeya and then speeding down a seemingly endless ridge with gorgeous views of tea plantations and forests on both sides.MalawiThe unnerving number of coffin shops. The stunning light on Lake Malawi at sunrise and sunset. A cool waterfall shower on the climb up out of Chitimba Beach. The surprisingly cool and refreshing pine forests. The taste of the local Malawi Gin. The friendly schoolchildren along the roads. The unbelievable resourcefulness of local cyclists carrying bags of charcoal, wood, etc.Af Routes Support StaffThese Afrikaners, Eddie, Wimpy, Errol, & Cristo, were not about to win any awards for DEI or wokeness, but when your vehicle breaks down in the middle of the Sudanese desert, these are the guys you want in your corner! They could seemingly fix anything with a stick, 2 rocks and a piece of string.They also had a wicked sense of humourZambiaThe boundless rolling hills. The empty, winding road, bracketed on both sides by swaying elephant grass. The interactive school camps where riders and schoolchildren would play games together. The undeniable majesty of Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls). A unique 4 country ferry ride across the crocodile filled Zambezi River.BotswanaCruising the Chobe River. Looking up from the endless scrub of the Kalahari Desert and seeing elephants, up close and personal. Flying over the Okavango Delta. Coming upon a giant pink paper mach aardvark in the middle of nowhere. Hearing the roar of lions at night in camp. Pedalling over 200 km in a single day.NamibiaSeriously corrugated gravel roads. The absolute silence at night and the vast starry skies. Striking Quiver trees. Sunrise on Dune 45 in Sossusvlei. Enjoying apple pie in the aptly named desert town of Solitaire. Really feeling the breeze on the traditional Naked Mile ride. The incredible views over Fish River Canyon.South AfricaCrossing the Orange River. The wicked wind. The first view of the Atlantic Ocean followed by an icy dip in its crashing waves. Gorging on fresh seafood in Elands Bay. Receiving our hard-earned tour jerseys the night before the finish. Our arrival on a cool, foggy day at the Waterfront in Cape Town. The last dinner. The bittersweet goodbyes.Would I do it again?In a heartbeat.RELATEDTOURTour d'Afrique The trans-African crossing from Cairo to Cape Town has long been one of the worlds epic journeys and an iconic goal for global adventurers. Over... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "20 Years Later" Cancel reply

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