Utah-based bikemaker Ventum has launched the third generation of its NS1 road bike, replacing the 2023 second generation with a new frameset featuring updated geometry. The new frame is claimed to be 200g lighter and takes advantage of the current UCI frame-dimension rules to include a revised head tube and fork legs. Originally launched in 2019, the NS1 was Ventums first road bike, with the brand focusing on triathlon bikes since its founding in 2014. At its launch, Ventum claimed the original NS1 was one of the lightest and strongest road frames available. Deeper, narrower head tube Ventum has extended the head tube and added a waist on the third-generation frame. The reshaped head tube is both deeper and sharper at its leading edge, which extends ahead of the steerer, as per the Specialized Tarmac SL8 and a host of other recent road bikes. The waisted head tube shape is a feature of many of the current crop of lightweight-aero bikes, such as the Factor Ostro VAM, and is designed to reduce the frames frontal area. The fork legs are now deeper for a claimed improvement in aerodynamics and increased stiffness, again mirroring the Ostro VAM's 2024 update. Another feature shared with many recent road bikes is an increase in stack, which is 13mm higher in a size M/L. Ventum says this should help riders maintain an aero ride position for longer. Its a trend that Ollie Smith highlighted last year in his piece on five ways race bikes will improve in 2026. The reach remains largely the same as for the previous-generation bike. The wheelbase has been changed slightly, increasing by 6mm for the M/L, but less for other sizes, which Ventum claims makes the bike more settled at speed, while still offering a responsive ride feel. Lower frame weight Ventum claims to have shaved 203g off the frame weight, reducing it to 852g for a size M/L effectively the same as removing the down tube and half the head tube from the Gen 2 NS1.It has changed the carbon layup and production process, and the redesign has reduced the mass of the frames front end and seatstays. Despite the weight loss, Ventum claims an 11.9% increase in stiffness at the bottom bracket and 7.7% at the head tube. The frame is specced for a T47 bottom bracket and Universal Derailleur Hanger, and offers 35mm tyre clearance. It comes fitted with a 10mm-offset seatpost. Frameset-only and five build options Full builds include three SRAM and two Shimano options, all with Zipp wheels. The new NS1 frameset is available in three colours, priced at $3,599. Full SRAM builds include SRAM Rival AXS with Zipp 303 S wheels and Zipp two-piece cockpit, priced at $5,499; SRAM Force AXS with Zipp 303 SW wheels and a Ventum one-piece cockpit, priced at $7,599; and SRAM Red AXS with Zipp 353 NSW wheels and Ventum cockpit, priced at $10,999. Shimano options include Ultegra with Zipp 303 SW wheels and one-piece Ventum cockpit, priced at $7,899; and Dura-Ace with Zipp 353 NSW wheels and Ventum cockpit, priced at $11,299. Ventum sells direct to consumers and via dealers. Its range now includes the GS1 gravel bike and the ES1-G electric gravel bike, alongside the NS1 and its tri and time-trial framesets.

The 2026 Vuelta a Andalucia is going to take place between the 18 and 22nd of February, in the southern region of Spain where the stages are always either hilly or mountainous. This edition is no exception, with a set of stages that is set to make for some chaotic and tactical racing. We take a look...

The last weeks in the world of cycling have provided plenty action on and off the bike, with Remco Evenepoel lighting up every race he is present; whilst on the opposite side Team Visma | Lease a Bike see obstacles after obstacles before their leaders even begin their season. Johan Bruyneel and Spen...

The story is all too familiar: you have a week of riding bikes and camping under the stars, with limited responsibilities and everyday problems, but once the trip is over, returning to a regular routine is difficult. To help dissect whats commonly called the post-trip blues, Miles reflects on his experience and speaks with several professionals and fellow bikepackers to gather their perspectivesThe post Chasing Highs: Unpacking the Dreaded Post-Trip Blues appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

The Opening Weekend of the European spring once again begins with Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and while nothing is final just yet, the preliminary startlist for the 2026 edition already hints at a deep and intriguing race in waiting. Traditionally the first real collision of the Classics specialists each...

Second-generation Eclipse helmet combines MIPS Spherical rotational impact protection with improved airflow and aerodynamics

Crashes, illness and withdrawals are an unavoidable part of any stage race, and the UAE Tour is no exception. From wind-affected finales and high-speed sprints to decisive time trials and mountain stages, the opening race of the WorldTour season often places riders under immediate physical stress. T...

Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates XRG) has put in a monster effort on the finishing drag to win stage 1 at UAE Tour and take the first leaders jersey of the 2026 edition. The 22-year-old Mexican, who claimed 18 wins last seaso, opened his sprint very early and held off Cees Bol (Decathlon CMA []

I moved to a top-floor flat in February 2025, with no access to a hose or mains power, forcing lazy old me to buy a cordless pressure washer to clean my bikes. Fast forward to today and well, Im really tight and have toiled with a sponge and bucket since moving. But the green layer growing on my balcony floor and my delicate editors hands, grown weary of bathing my bikes after a truly disgusting winter, have forced action. I shopped around diligently, looking for something affordable from a reputable brand, and landed on this Worx pressure washer, available direct from the brands eBay shop for 89.99 a 47 per cent saving on RRP and most retailers. At checkout, I was pleasantly surprised to find I'd saved another 10 per cent off using the automatically applied discount code HEART10. This time-limited code expires on 16 February 2026 at 11.59pm and brings the price down further to 80.99, with free postage. Buy the Worx Hydroshot WG620E from eBay for 89.99 (or 80.99 with coupon) Even without the discount code, thats a great deal when you consider its 149 on Amazon. At the time of writing, there are some Amazon Resale options available for as little as 97.20, but thats still more expensive than the brand-new option from eBay. The washer includes a bucket, cleaning accessories, one battery plus charger, and a helpfully long 6m hose a generous suite of bundled bits compared to the comparatively frugal offering of something such as this Titan pressure washer from Screwfix. Why the Worx? POV: you're a bottom bracket that's about to have every bit of grease blasted out of it. Worx Full disclosure: I only slapped down my 80 big ones last night, so Im yet to receive the pressure washer, so I cant vouch for its efficacy. However, based on the enthusiastic endorsements of mud-slinging, shred-sledding colleague Tom Marvin, alongside former colleague and good friend Matthew Loveridge, I have no reason to doubt it will be up to the task. In addition, our 4.5-star 2018 review of the similar Worx Max Hydroshot heaped praise on its quality and power. User reviews on Amazon are also, generally, very positive. Worx definitely won't approve of me using one of these, but I'm too tight to buy into a new battery system. eBay I was also drawn to the washer for one extremely niche reason. Im an enthusiastic advocate of Lidls house tool brand, Parkside, and have a decent stash of its 20v batteries. Alas, despite waiting patiently for one of its well-liked cordless washers to go on sale, the middle aisle gods have not looked kindly upon my soggy soul. However, 3D-printed adaptors enabling you to use Parkside batteries on Worx tools (and other brands) are widely available. Because they are both 20v systems, these adaptors are simpler than others that must switch/convert voltage. Worx will, doubtless, take a dim view of these (I expect it will invalidate your warranty, so proceed with caution), but many online reports suggest these work perfectly well. If youre looking for a pressure washer, this is about as good a deal as youre going to find just act quickly if you want to use that discount code.