The white roads of Tuscany rarely forgive hesitation. When the race explodes on the gravel sectors of Strade Bianche, the difference between contenders and survivors is often measured in seconds. For EF Education-EasyPost, the 2026 edition will once again revolve around two riders capable of shaping...

CyclistIn The Drops: Elegant eco BBB Glasses, Kostmes deep winter leggings, updated Knog Blinder light, Hiploks urban lock, plus ex-offenders bike shop and sportiveSo here we are: easing into March. Everything that came before is now nothing more than a bad memory. The Classics and connected hors doeuvresare very much in our sight line and 2027 can really start cooking.With that in mind, Robyn Davidson has shared her in-depth previews for Tirreno-Adriatico and Strade Bianche as well as jumping on with James Spender for podcast duties with Hell of the North-loving Zoe Bckstedt. Her comprehensive guide to the Spring Classics is also live, as is her Van der Poel hoodoo article. Meanwhile Ewan Wilson pokes his considerable nose into the early-season results and sees what we can surmise.Elsewhere, its been busy on the tech side. Weve returned from our travels to share news of the new Merida Reacto and the new Giant Propel. Ewan has been on the gravel, checking out Bassos updated Palta, and for something a little more custom, we spoke to Salvatore Botrugnio of Gregario bikes for some bespoke carbon works of art. Theres also a Remco Evenepoel profile to get your teeth into. See, March is good.Lo, theres more kit from the wider cycling world to unveil. Scroll and you shall behold the drops. Kostmes #EDIT006 Winter Cargo Bib TightsTo go with the rest of Kostmes bad weather gear, the Bristol brand has finally launched its own pair of bib leggings made to be worn when, frankly, youll be the only one who will see them. The temperature range is pegged at -10C +8C, with the brand saying they may well start to feel warm at the higher end of that scale.In addition to the highly waterproof 20k membrane used for sections of the legs, that Kostme says is breathable too, one of the more eye-catching claims is the built-in seat drop. That means every kind of comfort break can be executed without a requisite derobing.The four-layer chamois has been extensively tested against the leading competition using GebioMized pressure-sensing software. This produces a heatmap of pressure on the chamois pad. As youd expect, Kostmes heatmap data looks pretty good against the competition. It says that the Italian-made chamois includes three types of memory foam and an aloe vera-infused top layer, which means chamois cream is no longer necessary.Due to the technical qualities of the fabric, it is less stretchy than other bib tights, but its clear that Kostme is focussing on the tights ability to repel foul weather, perhaps sacrificing some of the figure-hugging qualities of other leggings. There are cargo pockets on each leg so that you can stash items that you need handy on the fly.Buy now from Kostme (285)Hiplok Urban D lockIf youre on lock look, then youre in luck. Perhaps for bad reasons, there has never been more choice of how to keep your favourite bike safe and sound. (Though if youre anything like me, the only lock I use on my actual best bike is my eyes and my arms, never daring to let it out of my sight.)Ive started inverting the old spend 20% of the bikes value on a lock. Instead I spend 33% of the locks value on the bike, if said bike is going to be regularly locked up outside your property. I use the Hiplok D1000 (249.99) on my single-speed alley rat. The fact most of the marketing uses pictures of high-end motorcycles tells you everything you need to know. Hopefully it leaves thieves with the headscratcher of how they can steal my lock and shed the pesky bike.For something more mobile than the 2kg D1000, Hiplok has the Urban D. Its more slight at 1.29kg and fits onto a bikes frame via a bracket that has been rubberised to prevent any scratching or damage. Many of these kinds of brackets are rattly and rely on fabric that loosens and deforms. The Hiplok straps are grippy and durable, so help to prevent such an eventuality.Any persistent thief worth their gruel will need to cut both sides of the lock because Hiplok has made the tabs that fit into the bar anti-rotational. If you register in the first 30 days of purchase, there is also a lifetime warranty on offer, and Hiplok provides three replaceable keys from the off, just make sure you take a picture of your key code straight away.Buy now from Hiplok (49.99)BBB Arc Flux GlassesThe Arc Flux glasses are so called because of the Flux lens thats embedded into the biobased lightweight frames. The lens is made from multiple layers of material that combine to filter out non-essential light. An oleophobic coating keeps the externals clear, while an anti-fog layer reduces the dreaded titanic effect.BBB has graded these glasses as a category three, meaning they are best for brighter days, but a clear lens is included too for murkier riding. Handily, the box also includes two sizes of nose pieces so most riders will be able to find a good fit.Interestingly, the biobased material is something called Rilsan Clear Rnew G850. Probably not top of the new baby name list, but denotes the inclusion of 45% castor-bean based carbon. This process uses oil from the beans, which is then set into the polyamide. As youd hope: its strong and light.Unlike a lot of cycling glasses, Im not deeply ashamed to grab them as I walk out the door on a non-lycra day, and come in three other colour combos, though Im rather a fan of this fetching camel shade.Buy now from All Tricks (113.95)Knog BlinderCards on the table: I am a big fan of Knog lights. Not only do they boast very high performance data, including high lumen figures, good battery life and impressive durability, they just look and feel better than most of the competition. Most bike lights are made from cheap-feeling plastic, charge with outdated USB connections and use flimsy attachments and ugly straps.Not Knog. This updated range of Blinder lights continued to be made from CNC-machined aluminium. The chassis, as Knog calls it, is ergonomically pleasant and feels cold and fancy. Brrrr. Plus every light comes with two attachments: a GoPro style mount and a click-in rubber handlebar strap.It says a lot that when holding the new and the old Blinder in my hand, its hard to notice any difference. Externally, a few bits of branding and font have changed, but fundamentally, its identical. Knog says the key feature change is Hype mode. This is a steady beam interspersed with flashing. There was a version of this on the last Blinder but the flashing element is now punchier.Since its such a simple and effective product, Im hard pressed to think of ways it could have been improved. My old one is pretty tattered now but its only weak point is the battery compartment. In other numbers, the Blinder comes in 400/700/1000/1400 lumen models and has an Eco Flash mode that runs for a claimed 120 hours. So if your commute is less than half an hour it could last you the best part of four months. I think Ive got that right.Buy now from Knog (99.95) Related Posts New Giant Propel steals TCR's clothes with lighter one-piece construction and high-performance Cadex components Cyclist magazine issue 172: on sale now Strade Bianche 2026 preview: Routes, favourites, how to watch and start lists Cycling Spring Classics 2026: Race dates, Monuments, cobbles and live TV guide What were into this week: XO Bike shop and The Great EscapeOn my way to the office the other day, a cannily placed sign introduced me to the XO Bike Shop on Blackfriars Road. This bike shop is special because its an offshoot of the Onwards & Upwards charity that helps ex-offenders break the cycle of incarceration. Inside the XO workshops in Lewisham and Blackfriars, you will find friendly staff ready to help you with any bike-related issues. Most of the workforce will have been trained up within the walls of a prison before becoming fully-fledged mechanics while re-assimilating into life on the outside.As well as providing all the usual mechanical and maintenance support you would expect from your LBS, XO Bikes reconditions bikes. Many of these TLC-deficient whips have arrived at the workshop via donation or the Metropolitan polices stolen bike warehouse. Its a neat loop. In a rarity for the industry, XO offers Cycle to Work finance on second hand bikes. The already cheap bikes which include a Specialized Roubaix, a Klein with Di2 and a ruby red Fausto Coppi have all been extensively cleaned and refurbished to a high standard.XO also runs a ride fundraiser that is into its third year. The Great Escape tries to replicate the difficulty experienced by people when they are released from prison without the requisite support; a shortcoming that leads directly to reoffending and a return to prison. In the delightfully bucolic setting of rural Oxfordshire riders will navigate their way around the course, learn about the realities of parole meetings and homelessness, before rolling into the finish line at Tap Social in Botley for a beer and a chance to meet people involved in the project.Find out more at XO BikesThe post In The Drops: Elegant eco BBB Glasses, Kostmes deep winter leggings, updated Knog Blinder light, Hiploks urban lock, plus ex-offenders bike shop and sportive appeared first on Cyclist.

Preparations for Strade Bianche are rarely quiet, but Wout van Aert still found time for a light-hearted moment while scouting the gravel roads around Siena. During a reconnaissance ride ahead of Saturdays race, the Belgian rider crossed paths with a Spanish cycling fan who proudly showed him a vid...

Atherton Bikes has announced details of its new GR titanium crankset with prices starting at 845. The new crankset is additive manufactured in Atherton's Renishaw 3D printer, like the British brand's top-end AM-series frames. The GR cranks are available in 11 lengths, and Atherton says they're not only tough enough for downhill mountain biking, but also light enough for trail riding. They have an ultra-low profile pedal end for maximum ground clearance thinner than is possible with an aluminium or carbon crank because titanium is stronger and so less material is required. Read more: How Atherton Bikes makes its 3D-printed frames Trail, Trail Wide or DH 11 lengths, three offsets, two axle standards and three finish options mean these cranks are highly customisable. Atherton Bikes The lengths on offer range from 150mm to 175mm in 2.5mm increments, and the chainring offset choices are Trail (52mm), Trail Wide (55mm) and DH (56.5mm). You can chose between 28.99mm (SRAM DUB) and 30mm (Hope, 5DEV, etc) axle diameters. The GR Ti cranks are additive-manufactured in Atherton's in-house Renishaw 3D printer. Atherton Bikes They run the latest SRAM standard eight-bolt chainring interface, so finding compatible chainrings shouldn't be difficult. Atherton Bikes sells Works Components' Staffordshire-made chainrings alongside the cranks if you want to order them as a package. The GR cranks all use the SRAM standard eight-bolt direct-mount chainring interface. Atherton Bikes Titanium is highly abrasion-resistant and Atherton is confident these cranks will last a long time. They come with a lifetime warranty for any use and are EFBE and ISO cat-5 certified for DH use. Atherton claims a weight of only 506g for a bare 165mm crank, which is not ultra-light for trail cranks, but it's competitive for a downhill crank. Three finishes enable you to choose the roughness of the raw titanium on show. Atherton Bikes There are three finishes available: raw (the roughest), burnished (slightly finished) and tumbled (shiny and smooth). They will take four to eight weeks to arrive after ordering the specific length, chainring offset, spindle diameter and finish you require. The cranks are available now, direct from Atherton Bikes' website. Atherton GR crankset pricing details Raw: 845 / $1,128.36 Burnished: 875 / $1,168.42 Tumbled: 895 / $1,195.13

Recall could cost helmet distributor Todson more than $1.2m

For Florian Vermeersch, lining up alongside Tadej Pogacar at Strade Bianche leaves little room for ambiguity about the teams objective. The Belgian is expected to play a key supporting role for the three-time winner in Tuscany this weekend, helping soften the race on the sterrato sectors before the...

It's not a gravel or a road bike, but a bit of everything

For Pauline Ferrand-Prvot, the long wait for racing is finally over. After a winter built around training and altitude preparation, the reigning Tour de France Femmes champion will begin her 2026 season at Strade Bianche Donne, a race where she believes she arrives stronger than ever. Speaking in a...

Best Cycling Jerseys in 2026In cycling, small upgrades can change your whole ride. It doesnt matter whether youre a professional or a casual weekend cyclist. We all get hot (or cold), and if youre wearing thick cotton or itchy polyester, that enjoyable weekend ride can get really uncomfortable very quickly.Thats why a proper cycling jersey that nails the basics and enhances comfort and performance is a must for most. Preferably at a price point that wont break the bank. Here are our 2026 standouts, including a custom option for riders who want something a little more personal and unique.Everyday Fast Group Rides: Rapha Pro Team Training JerseyEven though we start with one of the younger brands, Rapha has been making cycling gear for over 20 years, and their training jersey is the type that you forget youre wearing, its that comfortable. Built for those punishing rides as you gear up towards a difficult race, and its also good for mild-to-warm weather.The fit is close, perfect for performance. Its snug, but not suffocating. The fabric is, as youd expect, ultra-lightweight. To help keep you cool, it is open-structured alongside front panels for airflow.In short, its a jersey that feels pro the second you put it on. Dont let the training in the title fool you; this jersey will deliver high-end performance, and you will go fast.Cycling Clubs and Races: Owayo Custom JerseyFor your local club or a big race as part of a team, theres nothing quite like having a custom jersey design. A look thats entirely yours, shared only with your crew.Of course, you still want quality in materials and performance. Theres no point having a beautiful logo on your chest, only for the jersey to overheat during a ride. That means ultra-light material, a choice between a tight and relaxed fit, and construction tailored to the environment.For the jerseys, owayos 3D design tools give you complete creative control, from the text and logo to custom graphics and colors.Value for Beginner and Casual Rides: Adidas Essentials Cycling JerseyWhen you think of cycling jerseys, Adidas isnt really the first brand that comes to mind. Basketball and soccer, sure, but cycling? The German companys foray into the cycling market is much welcome, however.The Essentials series is a great introductory product, and makes for an excellent daily go-to. It blends performance with affordability and is a good option for those just starting.Thats not to say that the Essentials line is dirt cheap, but its certainly friendlier to the wallet than some others on this list. Yes, you can get cheaper gear, but youll quickly notice why its not worth going for ultra-budget options.Long Rides and Summer Endurance: Santini ReduxThe Santini Redux is probably the closest to a second skin feel youll get on this list. It offers a sleek cut, top-grade materials, and a look that matches what the pros wear. You still have some extras, like pockets, to ensure its practical for daily rides. Breathability and comfort are top-notch with the Redux, perfect for long summer rides.The downside of this jersey is that its expensive, a fact pointed out by other reviewers. For a casual cyclist, its probably beyond what would be considered a reasonable budget. But, when it comes to fit and performance, its just very, very good.When Its Cold and Changeable: Castelli Perfetto RoS Long SleeveYou didnt think wed forget those of you in colder climes, did you? The Castelli Perfetto RoS Long Sleeve is a hybrid jersey thats perfect when the weather just cant make up its mind.Itll be warmer than everything else on the list simply because it features long sleeves, but that doesnt mean youre not getting breathability. The material is not quite as thick as a proper hardshell, which means you can easily keep it on while training during a mild winter or as the seasons change.Where this product really excels is its windproof performance. Using GORE-TEX Infinium, the water-resistant fabric provides an extra barrier when facing chilly, windy conditions. For those of you who do year-round training, this is an excellent addition to your cycling wardrobe.The Best Jersey: The One You Care ForJerseys will face an early death from bad laundry habits. Athletes arent necessarily known for their knowledge of washing machines, but it really pays to learn how to take care of your kit properly. The most expensive jerseys tend to be the most fragile, as they are lightweight for ultimate performance.You cant just throw them in the laundry alongside your everyday clothes. Wash your jersey in a cold and gentle cycle. Do not use fabric conditioner, as it can affect the wicking technology embedded in the material. Skip the dryer, and hang it out in a natural breeze. And before you do, zip everything up.The best jersey is the one you take care of, the one that makes you go out and ride every single day. The small details matter, from the fabric to the sleeves, and even that small bit of material that itches in just the wrong place can cause you to lose pace or even the race!