It was revealed to CyclingUpToDate on Team Visma | Lease a Bike's media day that Bart Lemmen was on the lineup for the Giro d'Italia, with the '8' already decided. The Dutch rider rode it in support of eventual winner Simon Yates last year, and this time around he will be one of the riders backing u...

With the SHAVE FFX, ROSE present the flagship model of their new race platform. It has been developed to put the pros of the Unibet Rose Rockets team on equal terms with the big names in the peloton. The brief is clear: maximum race performance, greater efficiency and a noticeable focus on aerodynamics. So what do you actually get? Is it a radical aero machine, or has the X-LITE evolved into a true aero race all-rounder?Rose Shave FFX | 6.66 kg in Size M | 8,500 | Manufacturers WebsiteNew year, new me? With the new SHAVE, SHAVE FF and SHAVE FFX, ROSE BIKES are completely reshaping their road bike line-up. Much like they did in the gravel segment with the BACKROAD FF, ROSE are now bringing their Fast Forward philosophy to the road.The SHAVE FF and SHAVE FFX are positioned as uncompromising high-performance race machines, set to take over from the X-LITE. The SHAVE, on the other hand, is intended to replace the REVEAL, but no longer as a classic endurance bike. Instead, ROSE talk about Race Comfort a race-focused concept designed to blend performance and comfort, opening the door to a much broader range of riders.On paper, at least, the SHAVE FFX is the first real aero race bike from ROSE. That does not mean extreme tube shapes or loud aero statements. Instead, the idea is far more holistic. You get aerodynamically optimised tube profiles, a complete system tuned for efficiency, and a clear focus on race pace at high speeds.Visually, the SHAVE FFX stays deliberately understated. While brands such as Factor or Cervlo increasingly define aerodynamics through eye-catching shapes and uncompromising concepts, ROSE have taken a different route, rooted firmly in all-round race bikes.So, if the SHAVE FFX is more of an evolution than a radical fresh start, that raises the question: How much X-LITE is still in the SHAVE FFX, and how far have ROSE pushed the focus towards aerodynamics? We put the bike ahead of its official launch on the twisty roads around Cadaqus on the Costa Brava to the test to find out how it feels on the road, where it really shines and, ultimately, who this bike is made for.Evolution With an Aero Focus? The ROSE SHAVE FFX in DetailFor a modern aero race bike, the SHAVE FFX looks surprisingly familiar at first glance. The proportions are reminiscent of the X-LITE, yet a closer look reveals some clear aerodynamic tweaks. Tube profiles are broader, the front end is lower, and there are clean transitions throughout. At the same time, the rear triangle stays deliberately classic, with slim seatstays keeping things visually restrained.Rather than turning it into an uncompromising aero monster, ROSE have created a race bike that chases performance without resorting to extreme shapes or strange proprietary handlebar designs. The focus is on a well-judged balance between aerodynamics and weight, aiming for real-world race speed rather than headline-grabbing design.The deeper head tube underlines the bikes aero ambitions. The dark green paint only reveals its full depth in just the right light.The low-mounted seatstays are designed to further reduce drag. While the tube shapes have more of an aero emphasis, theres still a lot of similarities with the old X-LITE.This is exactly where it is worth taking a brief look at how modern aero concepts have evolved. Five or six years ago, a bike like the SHAVE FFX would have been firmly in the aero category. A low front end, hidden cables, optimised tube profiles; case closed.Today, those categories have shifted. Aero no longer means chasing the deepest possible tube profiles. It has matured into a holistic approach that also factors in wheels, cockpit and riding position. Is it time for a pure aero group test?It is not just the name SHAVE that is new at the head tube, the full ROSE wordmark replaces the former single R, contributing to a cleaner, more cohesive look.The SHAVE as a New Road Bike PlatformThe SHAVE range has three clear tiers aimed at different price points and use cases. Entry to the line-up comes via the SHAVE, positioned as the so-called race comfort option. As the successor to the REVEAL, it shares the aero-optimised design language of the SHAVE family, but combines it with a more comfort-focused geometry. You get a taller front end, a shorter top tube, and components chosen with long rides and everyday use in mind.With electronic shifting, the SHAVE starts at 3,600 for Shimano 105 Di2 and goes up to 5,200 with SRAM Force AXS. A dedicated test is still to come.SHAVE | Slate | Shimano 105 Di2 | 3,600SHAVE | SRAM Rival AXS | Slate | 3,800SHAVE | Shimano Ultegra Di2 | Sage | 5,000SHAVE | SRAM Force AXS | Supersonic Grey | 5,200SHAVE FF | Shimano Ultegra Di2 | Bubblegum | 5,600SHAVE FF | Shimano Ultegra Di2 | Supersonic Grey | 5,600SHAVE FF | SRAM Force AXS | Silver | 5,900SHAVE FFX | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | Ghost Pearl | 8,000SHAVE FFX | SRAM Red Axs | Liquid Racing Green | 8,500Alongside it sits the SHAVE FF, positioned as the direct successor to the X-LITE. Frame shape and geometry are identical to the FFX, so its clearly a performance-oriented bike, just with a slightly heavier frame construction. Depending on the build, the SHAVE FF comes in between 5,600 and 5,900.At the very top of the range is the SHAVE FFX the no-compromise flagship. The frame is made with a top-spec carbon lay-up, and the spec options highlight the bikes racing ambitions, featuring ROSE carbon wheels paired with top groupsets from Shimano and SRAM. Prices for the FFX start at 8,000 and top out at 8,500.The ROSE SHAVE FFX is available in two colours. The dark green finish of our test bike subtly shimmers, shifting between understated and eye-catching depending on the light.A Holistic Approach: The ROSE SHAVE FFX SpecRose Shave FFX 2026 8,500SpecificationsSeatpost ROSE Shave D-ShapedBrakes SRAM RED AXS 160/140 mmDrivetrain SRAM RED AXS 2 x 12Chainring 50/37 TStem ROSE Shave Cockpit 110 mmHandlebar ROSE Shave Cockpit 370 mmWheelset ROSE RC55CS 12 x 100 / 12 x 142Tires Schwalbe Pro One Aero 700 x 28cCranks SRAM RED AXS DUB 170 mmCassette SRAM RED XG-1290 10-33TTechnical DataSize XS S M M/L L XLWeight 6,66 kgSpecific FeaturesColour tone varies depending on the light angleAs the flagship of the new SHAVE family, the SHAVE FFX has quite an uncompromising spec, starting with ROSEs own carbon wheels. Theyve been updated to use the same VONOA carbon spokes found on the NEWMEN Streem Climbing wheels, paired with NEWMEN hubs.The 55 mm deep rims have a 23 mm internal width, which is specifically aerodynamically optimised for tire widths of up to around 32 mm this is firmly in the modern aero all-rounder category. The aim is a balanced blend of aerodynamics, weight and stability on the road.With an unpainted frame tipping the scales at just 840 g, ROSE have quite literally shaved weight wherever possible. The result is a complete bike under 6.7 kg in size M, giving the SHAVE FFX genuine X-LITE pedigree in the weight stakes.Light and Stiff at the Same Time: The New ROSE Carbon Wheels with VONOA Carbon Spokes sit firmly in the modern aero all-rounder segment, with 55mm deep rims designed for rapid acceleration and high-speed stability.The wheelset is shod with 28 mm Schwalbe Pro One Aero tubeless tires. According to ROSE, the frame itself offers clearance for tires of up to 35 mm, significantly broadening the bikes range of potential uses. That opens the door to everything from fast road racing to rougher tarmac and classics-style surfaces.The fact that ROSE still spec narrower, aerodynamically optimised tires on the flagship model underlines the SHAVE FFXs clear focus on racing.When it comes to the groupset, ROSE unsurprisingly reach straight for the top shelf on their flagship model. Our test bike is equipped with SRAM RED AXS, including an integrated power meter. The drivetrain consists of a 50/37 t chainset up front and 10-33 t cassette at the back, delivering a wide range with reasonably fine steps between ratios. You get plenty of gears for punchy climbs as well as the final sprint, fitting the bikes all-round race character perfectly. The frame uses SRAMs UDH hanger, which is very easy to find should you need to.Ergonomically, the SHAVE FFX feels thoroughly modern. ROSEs own UCI-compliant cockpit impresses with a pleasantly narrow width of 370 mm in our size M test bike, encouraging a very aerodynamic riding position. The tops are flattened and sit comfortably in your hands. The drops feature 13 degrees of flare, with quite a deep drop. Combined with the spacer-free set-up on our test bike, this results in a very aggressive saddle-to-bar drop that will not suit every rider equally well.Still, ROSE are being consistent here. By following the current trend towards narrower cockpits, they are clearly prioritising aerodynamics and control, something that fits the SHAVE FFXs racing brief down to the last detail.Bringing up the rear, the new lightweight Selle Italia SLR provides a good level of comfort in the saddle. Our test bike is rounded off by ROSEs aero bottle cages (sold separately). They integrate seamlessly into the overall concept and, despite the aero focus, stick with classic round bottles rather than a proprietary aero design. This is great for day-to-day training, and allows racers to take standard bottles from any support vehicle.No-Compromise Aero Race Bike? The Geometry of the ROSE SHAVE FFXCompared with the X-LITE, ROSE stay true to their race-oriented DNA, but deliberately shift the focus of the SHAVE FFX towards greater stability and all-round usability. You can see this most clearly in the slightly increased stack and reach figures. This allows for a more balanced riding position, without sacrificing the bikes aggressive depth or racing intent.A marginally longer wheelbase adds composure at high speeds and in the heat of racing, while the unchanged short rear end helps keep the handling precise and responsive. Comparable to concepts such as the Trek Madone or Specialized Tarmac, the SHAVE FFX positions itself as an aerodynamic race all-rounder. An aero-optimised front end meets a steep head angle and short chainstays all aimed at balancing aerodynamics, weight and rideability. Rather than a no-holds-barred aero monster, you get a race bike that delivers speed on the flat, efficiency on the climbs and confident control when the racing gets hectic.SizeXSSMMLLXLTop Tube508 mm527 mm544 mm562 mm584 mm612 mmSeat Tube435 mm470 mm492 mm512 mm537 mm575 mmHead Tube110 mm120 mm135 mm155 mm180 mm205 mmHead Angle71.57373.2573.2573.573.75Seat Angle75.57574.57473.7573.5Chainstay Length410 mm410 mm410 mm410 mm410 mm410 mmBB Drop72 mm72 mm72 mm72 mm72 mm72 mmWheelbase969 mm975 mm985 mm998 mm1,015 mm1,038 mmReach375 mm385 mm392 mm400 mm412 mm430 mmStack515 mm532 mm547 mm567 mm591 mm616 mmClean Cut? The ROSE SHAVE FFX on TestOut on the road, it quickly becomes clear where this bike is headed. The frame feels as if it is loaded with tension, almost as if it is ready to leap forward at any moment, like a tightly wound spring. The second you put power through the pedals, that energy feels like it is released. From a standing start, or under sudden acceleration, it responds without hesitation.Climbing is where the SHAVE FFX really comes alive its almost fun, if you can overlook the pain in your legs and lungs. The bottom bracket stays rock solid, the rear end feels taut, yet the handling remains composed, even during a full-gas sprint.On descents and along the flats, the handling feels balanced, with a distinctly sporty edge. The SHAVE FFX reacts precisely to steering inputs without becoming twitchy at speed, and theres a nice amount of feedback from the road. Even at higher speeds, the bike stays calm and predictable, building confidence and encouraging an active, dynamic riding style.When it comes to comfort, the SHAVE FFX stays unapologetically sporty. The bike is tuned on the firm side, offering very little inherent compliance. The frame, wheels and carbon spokes dont contribute much damping of their own.Tires do play a significant role in how the bike feels, though. The 28 mm Schwalbe Pro One Aero tires fitted to our test bike measure up at around 29.3 mm on these rims, but in testing they felt a little short on grip, especially on smooth asphalt and through fast corners. If you are looking for more confidence and a wider safety margin, switching to the standard Schwalbe Pro One in 30 mm, or the equally wide Continental GP5000, can deliver a noticeable gain in both grip and comfort. With clearance up to 35 mm, theres scope to go a little further to smooth out the ride if you want to.Overall, the ROSE SHAVE FFX delivers a balanced and confident ride. Rather than dazzling you with buzzwords or quirky aero features, it wins you over with its direct response, high level of control and a clearly sporty character. Above all, the bike impresses with its predictable handling, and the sheer level of fun it provides Tuning-tip: 30 mm tires noticeably increase both grip and comfort.Who Is the ROSE SHAVE FFX For?The ROSE SHAVE FFX is aimed at ambitious road riders looking for a modern race bike with a clear performance focus, without committing to a full-on aero missile. It will appeal to riders who line up for races regularly, enjoy fast training loops, and want a bike that delivers on the climbs, on the flat and at high speeds alike.All-round racers, stage hunters and crit riders in particular will find the SHAVE FFX to be a very well-balanced package, combining efficiency, control and a properly sporty riding position.The generous tire clearance further broadens the bikes range, making the SHAVE FFX an attractive option for the spring classics, for example with wider tires for rough asphalt or cobbles. Even so, the focus remains firmly on racing and performance.If you are looking for a traditional endurance bike, or maximum comfort, this is not the right place to be. In that case, the regular SHAVE would be a better choice. The SHAVE FFX feels most at home where modern races are decided: on demanding profiles, over long race days in the thick of the peloton, when efficiency, control and versatility matter more than chasing any single extreme value.Helmet Oakley ARO7 MIPS | Glasses Oakley Encoder 24K | Jersey MAAP Evade Pro Base LS Jersey 2.0 | Shorts GORE Spinshift Short Bib Short+ | Shoes Specialized S-Works Ares 2Conclusion on the New ROSE SHAVE FFXWith the SHAVE FFX, ROSE are talking about an aero race bike for the first time, yet they clearly interpret aerodynamics as part of an efficient overall system. Rather than making a radical aero statement, the FFX presents itself as a modern race all-rounder with a noticeable aero boost, without giving up the strengths that defined the X-LITE. Snappy off the mark, stable at speed, precise in its handling and unapologetically sporty in its riding position, it comes across as a thoroughly modern, pro-ready workhorse. With the flagship build priced at 8,500, ROSE are also positioning the SHAVE FFX very competitively, making it a serious option for ambitious racers working within a tighter budget. The Unibet Rose Rockets dream of riding the Tour this year may have stayed just that. For the SHAVE FFX, it would have been the biggest possible stage. Still, there is no shortage of racing, and 2027 isnt too far around the corner.TopsLively ride feelModern tire clearance paired with wide rimsPrecise handlingSurprisingly light for an aero-optimised race bikeFlopsNoneMore information at rosebikes.com.Der Beitrag New ROSE SHAVE FFX 2026 in Review: How Much Aero Does a Modern Race Bike Really Need? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

Were fans of the original Thule RoundTrip Duffel, putting it into regular rotation since its debut. But there were clear limitations when packing it for a big mountain bike trip, not the least of which was the size of the helmets and shoes compared to road or gravel kits.Now, theyve solved for that with the new 70L RoundTrip MTB Duffel, a specialized gear bag targeting mountain bikers who need more storage capacity for bulky equipment.The larger size and larger interior pockets fit full-face helmets, protective padding, rain gear, and even small-to-medium hydration packs. But thats not the only reason we think its betterits also about the modular organization design.Rather than structured small pockets that cant be changed, the RoundTrip MTB has full-width adjustable dividers that let you create the container size you need. And, each of those dividers has smaller pockets to keep things like mini-tools, tire levers, gels, etc., organized and not rolling around loose.It also adds a standing pad for changing clothes or shoes, which doubles as a great place to lay out tools during pre- and post-ride repairs.It keeps the tarpaulin-lined shoe compartment for easy cleaning after particularly muddy rides. Specialized protection for goggles and glasses keeps those safe and clean, too.Specs:Capacity: 70 litersWeight: 5.1 poundsDimensions: 28.1 x 15.9 x 12.4 inchesMSRP: $179.95 Certification: bluesignColors: Deep Khaki & BlackThe duffel has dual carrying options with both backpack-style straps and grab handles, and a spring wire opening maintains the bags structure when open, providing complete visibility of contents during packing.Aimed at downhill, bike park, and enduro riders, we all know we all pack too much gear, and this one has expanded capacity beyond standard gear bags. Available now.Thule.comThe post New Thule RoundTrip MTB Duffel Looks Better than the Original appeared first on Bikerumor.

Rose has announced the Shave its new aero road bike platform, said to marry the best aspects of aero race and endurance road bike design. Claimed to be 4.7 per cent more aerodynamic and up to 10 per cent lighter than its predecessor, the XLite, Rose has created three distinct versions of the Shave. The standard Shave blends the aerodynamic performance of an aero road bike with the comfort-oriented geometry of an endurance bike, while the Shave FF and its lightweight variant, the Shave FFX, feature longer, lower riding positions. As is typical of Rose a direct-to-consumer brand the prices look excellent value on paper, starting at 3,600 for a build equipped with Shimano 105 Di2. The range tops out at 8,500 for the flagship Shave FFX, which is claimed to weigh only 6.6kg, with SRAM Red AXS and carbon spoked-wheels. AergoConcept The Rose Shave marries aero bike tube shapes with an endurance-focused geometry. According to Rose, the key idea behind the new Shave platform is AergoConcept which it says combines the low drag of a modern race bike with the ergonomic advantages of endurance bike geometry. Although somewhat rare, weve seen a few aero bikes lean into this philosophy. Factor launched its new Monza race bike last year, for example, which featured a more 'democratic' fit geometry compared to its pro-level race bikes, the Ostro VAM and One. Likewise, when Cervlo launched the first iteration of its S5 aero bike way back in 2011, it added 14mm of stack height to the front end compared to the outgoing S3 the idea being that fewer racers would need to run spacers above the headset (and that uncompromising pros demanding slammed setups could simply run -17-degree stems). The Shave is designed for long, fast rides. Rose Some riders are now theorising that high-stack riding positions as seen commonly on time trial bikes in recent years may even be faster than the slammed ones, too. Nevertheless, the Rose Shave takes things further than either of those bikes. It has clearance for tyres up to 36mm wide and a setback seatpost that slackens the effective seatpost angle and helps shift the riders weight back, and off the front end of the bike. It also gets a fully integrated carbon handlebar with flared drops, as featured on plenty of modern gravel bikes, and a layup designed to dampen vibrations without compromising stiffness. Shave FF and FFX The Shave FF and FFX feature racier geometries, with a lower front-end stack height. Rose While the standard Shave uses an endurance-style geometry, the Shave FF and FFX get a more traditional race-bike style geometry. This means a lower stack height and longer reach to the handlebar, and a steep set tube angle of 74.5 degrees (paired with a zero-offset seatpost) to put the rider more forward and over the bottom bracket. Tyre clearance is also capped at 35mm 1mm less than the Shave. All models get a new integrated handlebar with flared drops. Rose The Shave FFX is pitched as the most exclusive version of the bike, with a premium construction focused on minimising weight. Built using Torayca M40X high-modulus carbon fibre, Rose says the Shave FFX is almost 10 per cent lighter than its predecessor, the Xlite, and that a complete bike weighs only 6.6kg in a size medium without pedals less than the UCI's infamous minimum bike weight limit. The Shave FF and FFX builds feature all-new wheelsets developed by Rose, with an aero-focused 55mm-deep and 33.5mm-wide rim up front, and a narrower and tapered rear wheel designed to reduce weight. The Shave FFX is the lightest and most expensive version of the new bike. Rose These wheels are paired with Schwalbes Pro One Aero tyres, which are claimed to produce around 20 per cent less drag than the brands Pro One TT tyres at 45kph. On the Shave FF, the RC55 wheelset is built with alloy Sapim CX Ray spokes, but carbon spokes are used on the Shave FFX in order to cut weight and improve stiffness. Overall, Rose claims its wind-tunnel testing showed the Shave FFX, paired with the new RC55 wheels and Schwalbe Pro One Aero tyres, produced 205 watts of aerodynamic drag at 45kph, compared to 215 watts for the Xlite with Rose RC60 wheels and Continental GP5000 tyres. Rose Shave range and prices The Shave Force AXS costs 5,200. Rose The Rose Shave is available in four models, starting with a 105 Di2-equipped build costing 3,600 and rising to 5,200 for a build with SRAM Force AXS. All models in this range come with single-sided power meters installed. The Shave FF and FFX are available in two models each, with Shimano Ultegra Di2 (5,600) or SRAM Force AXS (5,900) groupsets, and Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (8,000) and SRAM Red AXS (8,500) groupsets, respectively. The Shave FF with Shimano Ultegra Di2 costs 5,600. Rose The top-spec Shave FFX features a SRAM Red AXS groupset and a claimed weight of 6.6kg. Shave FF builds also feature single-sided power meters, while FFX builds are upgraded to dual-sided models. Hot on the heels of the news that it is re-entering the UK market for the first time since 2020, Rose also confirmed it plans to make the Shave platform available there, although the brand says it doesn't yet have "a fixed date" for when this will happen.

The Dane suffered a double-fracture at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana yesterday in a blow to his Monument hopes

Mathieu van der Poel is more than just a generational talent, he is an historic figure in the sport of cycling alone. At age 31 he is now the male rider with the most cyclocross world titles and can still achieve more; whilst also being an absolute headliner everywhere he goes on the road, with mult...

When I started the Something Something Spirit Of Gravel Lube Contest, little did I know Id be facing one of the most difficult decisions of my entire life. See, the caliber of the entries Ive received to date is beyond what I could have possibly imagined, and picking a winner (or two) is like choosing a favorite child, or standing before the self-serve soda fountain at Chipotle and deciding on a beverage. Consider this submission, which I present to you in slideshow form:And this is but one example! Whom will I anoint with the sacred Dumonde?!? Dear Lob, I pray for your guidance.Then again, Im no stranger to difficult decision-making. For example, each day I must choose which of my [intern, go count the bikes] bicycles to ride, and I can assure you its not easy. In fact, as much as I detest the weather were currently experiencing, its been a relief not to have think about which bicycle to ride every daybecause theres only one choice, and its the bike with the fenders:Since first receiving the Homer nearly six years ago now, it has evolved from something of a twee fop chariotinto a true workhorse:To be sure, its fundamental character is as refined as ever, but just because a bike has pretty paint and curlicue lugs does not mean it wants to be coddled. Bicycle selection will also be a bit easier once the weather improves, for after something like a year and a half I am finally returning George Plimptons Y-Foil to Classic Cycle:That bike also evolved a bit during its time with me. The photo above is what it looked like when it first arrived. However, riding a Y-Foil made me feel self-conscious enough, and the Tri Spokes were too much for me, so I changed them for a set of normal wheelsand you know a bikes ridiculous when you consider Rolfs normal:Then of course Paul sent me the Rock Shox fork for which the Y-Foil was designed:Obviously what endeared me most to the Y-Foil was the Plimpton connection:But as an inveterate contrarian I began to take pleasure in riding a bike so many people actively revile. Plus, its quite fast, and the beam really does soften the ride. Add a suspension fork and its like riding a head-(and arguably stomach-) turning vortex of velocity and comfort. In fact, if it werent George Plimptons bike Id probably have named it the Velvet Tornado:Thats the AIs take on The Velvet Tornado, and its as vaginal as anything Georgia OKeeffe ever painted.I even wrote about it for Outside:Anyway, the smooth-rolling, wind-cheating, breakfast-regurgitating Y-Foil remains a testament to the extreme engineering lengths late-20th century bicycle makers were willing to go to achieve the same effect as simply putting a pair of 30mm tires on a normal road bike.Farewell, Y-Foil. We salute you.Well, I do, anyway.And soon to follow the Y-Foil on its journey westward will be the AMP Research B3:Or, if you prefer, the precursor to the Trek CheckOUT:The AMP is a lot of fun to rideits light and its nimble, and in some alternate reality where I didnt have too many bicycles Id even keep it as my representative vintage mountain bike, because I really enjoy riding it on the Trails Behind The Mall. But I do, and so I wont. However, it is for sale, so if you want it let me know now and Ill direct the box to you instead of Classic Cycle.It may be an old mountain bike, but as a gravel bike its positively cutting edge.

Former founder Yanto Barker left brand in recent months

Stage 1 of the Volta a Comunitat Valenciana was marked by the crash of Mads Pedersen which has left him with two fractures and is jeopardizing his form for the spring classics. However the Dane was not the only rider to suffer from a fall on the opening day of the race, as INEOS Grenadiers' Tobias F...