The queen stage of the UAE Tour was expected to be a showdown between Remco Evenepoel and Isaac del Toro. It ended up being a completely different story, and the race leader dramatically cracked on the climb to Jebel Mobrah. The reasons as to why that was, were not known at the time by Red Bull - BO...

Rockgeist in North Carolina just released a small batch of Big Dumpling hip packs made from a welded, PU-coated X-Pac fabric. According to Rockgeist, its a first for bikepacking bags. Learn more about the process and how to get one here...The post Rockgeist Welded X-Pac Big Dumpling Hip Pack: The First of Its Kind? appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Norco has released the new Sight VLT TQ, a mid-power eMTB designed to deliver what the brand calls a pilot, not passenger ride feel. The new electric mountain bike pairs a full-carbon frame with the compact TQ HPR60 drive system, aiming to blend the handling of a regular trail bike with subtle, seamless motor assistance. It is built around the all-mountain Sight platform, which sees travel figures of 160mm for the fork and 150mm at the rear using the brands VPSHP suspension system. Norco claims the TQ motor system weighs in at only 1.9kg, making the top-of-the-range Sight VLT TQ C1 top the scales at 19.05kg. Pricing starts at $6,999 for the Sight VLT TQ C3, increasing to $8,999 for the Sight VLT TQ C2, with the Sight VLT TQ C1 sitting at the top of the range at $10,599. TQ HPR60 motor TQ's motor is one of the lightest on the market. Norco At the heart of the Sight VLT TQ is the TQ HPR60 motor system, giving the bike 60Nm of torque, 350W peak power and up to 200 per cent support. It features a harmonic pin ring gearbox design, which is said to reduce the number of moving parts while increasing gear overlap. The result, says Norco, is a lightweight and highly efficient drive unit with a notably quiet, natural ride feel. The motor is paired with a 580Wh internal battery, with the option to add a 160Wh range extender for longer days in the saddle. You can customise how the bike delivers power in the TQ app. Norco You can also tune support characteristics via the TQ app, with updates delivered automatically over Bluetooth. Norco's senior product manager, Paul Burnett, says the goal was clear from the outset: balance. We wanted to make an eMTB that has the perfect balance of weight and power. The innovative TQ system, combined with our proven Sight VLT platform and VPSHP layout, gave us the ability to accomplish all those goals. Mixed wheels, size-specific rear centres and full-carbon frames The Sight VLT TQ C1 features Fox Factory suspension. Norco The Sight VLT TQ will be available in five sizes (S1S5), with Norcos size-specific rear-centre lengths designed to maintain consistent handling characteristics across the range. A mixed-wheel, mullet configuration is said to combine front-end stability with rear-end agility. High-pivot eMTBs aren't common. Norco Norcos VPSHP (Virtual Pivot Suspension | High Pivot) layout delivers efficient climbing and composed descending through rough terrain. Like many high-pivot designs, it increases the rearward axle path to improve suspension performance in technical terrain. This silver colourway looks amazing. Norco Norco says the rearward axle path maintains momentum and keeps you on line as speeds pick up and trails get rough. Enhanced trail experience Norco says the bike has a "natural feeling". Norco Rather than chasing outright torque and performance figures, the Sight VLT TQ is intended to be focused on riders who are yet to take the plunge into riding eMTBs, much like Orbeas Rallon RS, enhancing rather than overpowering traditional trail riding. A display is integrated into the top tube. Norco The brand says the bike is aimed at the e-curious, the ride-purists, and anyone who wants to unlock more laps without compromise, with a ride character intended to feel intuitive and unobtrusive.

Welcome to the Liveblog of UAE Tour, Volta ao Algarve and Vuelta a Andalucia 2026. One day, three races, plenty of adrenaline and excitement. More than eight hours of racing that you can follow with us live and minute by minute. Join us and dont miss a single moment of the 3rd stage of the race in...

The Curve Big Kev V2 is a revised version of the Australian brand's monster gravel bike. With increased tire clearance, dropper post routing, and minor geometry tweaks, this new version offers more than just modern drivetrain updates. For more, check out the details belowThe post The Curve Big Kev V2 Offers Dropper Routing, UDH, and Increased Tire Clearance appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

For quite a while, a go-to offering in Nobls wheel lineup was the TR36 and the TR38. From light trail duty to heavy-duty enduro riding, these two wheelsets took care of just about everything. While the TR38 is still available as a legacy wheelset from Nobl, the TR36 was discontinued, as they pushed forward with wheels like the TR35.Today, Nobl is reintroducing a 36 and 38 wheelset in their lineup with their new Signature Series. And this new series comes with a slight shift in philosophy from the standard stiffness we typically see with carbon wheels.For Nobl, strength and improved performance are from greater compliance.Nobls Compliance PhilosophyWhen it comes to carbon wheels, much of the mountain bike industry leans toward stiff rim profiles. And, maybe too stiff, according to Nobl at least. Where these wheels might say stiff equals strength, Nobl feels that stiff equals harsh.For their Signature Series, they chose a design that allows for greater torsional flex. This is the rims response to both vertical and lateral loads. More torsional flex allows the wheels to dissipate trail feedback more consistently, improving traction.More compliance, as it were.Nobl achieved their ideal compliance with shallower rim profiles paired with steel spokes. Both the Signature 38 and Signature 36 wheels have sub-20mm rim depths: 19.5mm and 18.5mm, respectively.These shallower rim profiles result in wheels that are 30% less torsionally stiff than previous offerings. Nobl says the increased compliance provides a more composed ride feel, especially on rougher and off-camber terrain. The wheels remain responsive to rider input while remaining forgiving when the trail gets chunky.More Compliance and StrongerBut the added compliance doesnt mean reduced strength. It makes sense that a shallower rim profile would result in a rim that isnt as strong.But that isnt the case with the Singnature 38 and 36. According to Nobl, the Signature 38 is 17% stronger than the TR38, while the Signature 36 maintains the same strength as the TR36. However, the Signature 36 reduces its weight by 14% compared to the TR36.Signature 36 (left) and Signature 38 (right) rim profilesHow? Nobl reinforced the rim lips of the new wheels. Both the Signature 38 and 36 use new molds with an outward flare on the rims outside diameter. Nobl reinforced these areas to increase impact resistance for both vertical and horizontal blows.Signature 38 and 36 DetailsNobl opted to use Hope Pro 5 hubs for their new Signature Series due to their durability, low-drag Labyrinth Seal, and serviceability. The Pro 5s boast 108 points of engagement and dedicated e-bike freehub options, and Hope promised spare parts for 10 years even after production ends.The Hope Pro 5 hubs will offer the option of Center-lock rotors or traditional six-bolt rotors. The Signature 36 wheels are available only in 29, while the Signature 38 also offers a smaller 27.5 option.Signature 38Purpose: Enduro, Gravity, Freeride, E-MTBSpecs: 29 & 27.5 / 19.5mm depth / 30mm inner width / 38mm outer widthRim profile: 32 hole / 550g (29) / 525g (27.5)Freehub: XD, MS, HGSpokes: Alpina ExtraliteNipples: Sapim Alloy BlackSignature 36Purpose: Trail, All Mountain, XCSpecs: 29 / 18.5mm depth / 30mm inner width / 36mm outer widthRim profile: 28 hole / 385g (29)Freehub: XD, MS, HGSpokes: Alpina ExtraliteNipples: Sapim Alloy BlackWheelset WeightsSignature 36, Hope Pro 5, CL, 29/29: 1535gSignature 36, Hope Pro 5, 6-Bolt, 29/29: 1612gSignature 38, Hope Pro 5, CL, 29/29: 1914gSignature 38, Hope Pro 5, 6-Bolt, 29/29: 1990gSignature 38, Hope Pro 5, CL, 29/27.5: 1889gSignature 38, Hope Pro 5, 6-Bolt, 29/27.5: 1965gSignature 38, Hope Pro 5, 6-Bolt, 27.5/27.5: 1940gNobl offers a lifetime warranty on the new Signature Series wheels, including crash replacement. According to Nobl: If you break your rims while using the product for its intended purpose, we will send you a replacement rim at no charge; you will just pay the cost of shipping.See all the details at noblwheels.com.The post Nobls Signature Series Wheels are 30% Less Torsionally Stiff On Purpose appeared first on Bikerumor.

Stage 1 of the Vuelta a Andalucia was a chaotic day, with several climbs destroying the peloton early on in the day; whilst later on a second peloton joined the head of the race. Christophe Laporte won the reduced bunch sprint amongst those who managed to go through the day's climbs within the front...

Dublin City Council has confirmed the reopening of the DublinBikes station, which served the Richmond Street/Rathmines Road areas, after it was relocated away from the Portobello plaza works.As this website covered previously, the plaza which has been rebranded as Portobello Harbour Park also includes mixing walking and cycling, cutting short one of the councils few continuous cycle paths within the canals.On the DublinBikes station, Dublin City Council said: Were thrilled to announce that RedClick DublinBikes has opened a new station on Lennox Street, further enhancing our growing bike network across the city. This new station replaces the former Portobello Harbour station, ensuring continued service in the area while improving connectivity and making short trips even easier. The council added: Whether youre a local, commuter, or visitor, you can now enjoy an even more convenient and sustainable way to travel. Hop on and pedal with ease!

The Columbia segment of the Great American Wheel Route starts at the Space Needle and snakes through Seattles urban and suburban areas on dedicated bike lanes and paths. Before leaving []The post GAWR Segment 1 (Columbia) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

From the 16th to the 22nd of February, the peloton will be in the Middle East for what is the second World Tour stage-race of the season: the UAE Tour. The race, characterized by its flat stages and hot weather, will once again host some of the world's very best. We preview stage 4, which is expecte...