Crashes, illness and withdrawals are an unavoidable part of any stage race, and Paris-Nice is no exception. From wind-affected finales and high-speed sprints to decisive time trials and mountain stages, we take a look at the medical reports, as well as looking into the riders who have withdrawn from...

Tumbleweed just announced that a limited run of Titanium Prospectors is available now via special order. Learn more about the Titanium Prospector and find out how to be one of the first to own one here...The post Limited Run of Titanium Tumbleweed Prospectors appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

This carbon gravel platform blends race-ready features with big-mile comfort and cargo ability

CyclistCannondale CAAD 14 vs Specialized Allez Sprint: Which is the best aluminium race bike?Aluminium road bikes tend to be come in at the lower end of the bike market, yet the Cannondale CAAD14 and Specialized Allez Sprint make a strong case for proving that alloy is still a viable alternative to carbon, even at prices north of 2,000.Both make extensive use of the respective brands aluminium forming expertise to deliver relatively lightweight bikes. While the Allez Sprints truncated aerofoil tube shapes may provide aerodynamic benefits, Cannondale has gone back to the round tubes and non-dropped seatstays of its original CAAD frames, which stretch back to the mid-1990s, for a more retro look.The Allez Sprint has a different frame from the standard Specialized Allez range. While the Allez is a more relaxed all-rounder, the Allez Sprints frame is longer and lower and favours a more aggressive ride position. Spec-wise, both the Allez Sprint and CAAD14 are available fitted with a Shimano 105 12-speed groupset. Is the closely matched CAAD14 3 or the Allez Sprint the better buy? Lets get into the details. Related Posts Stunning new CAAD14 goes back to Cannondale's alloy bike roots Best aluminium road bikes 2026 reviewed Specialized Allez Sport review Specialized Allez Sprint Comp review Best road bikes 2026 ridden and reviewed Cannondale CAAD14 3 vs Specialized Allez Sprint: Key features Cannondale CAAD14 3Alloy frame with round tube profilesShimano 105 12-speed hydraulic disc brake groupset (SRAM Rival AXS and Force XPLR AXS specs also available)32mm tyre clearance, comes fitted with 28mm tyresFully internal cablingAlloy seatpostSharp handling and stiffness claimed by CannondaleSix size options2,995Specialized Allez SprintAlloy frame with aero tube profiles based on Tarmac SL8Shimano 105 12-speed hydraulic disc brake groupset32mm tyre clearance, comes fitted with 26mm tyresSemi-integrated cablingCarbon seatpostFirm rideSix size options2,599Cannondale CAAD14 3 vs Specialized Allez Sprint: Frameset and designThe Allez Sprint has the classic aero frame look of a modern race bike. In fact, the Allez Sprint has almost the same aero tube profiles and frame angles as the previous generation of Specializeds top carbon race bike, the Tarmac SL8.Specialized says this involved some complex manipulation of the alloy sections, such as the head tube. The Allez Sprints bottom bracket and down tube are constructed as a single piece to save weight and reduce the number of welds.Specialized welds the frame together using its Smartweld technology, which chamfers the surfaces to be welded rather than having a straight-across weld. It also moves the joints in the head tube down the joining tubes by adding short sections of the down tube and top tube to the head tube module.This, says Specialized, reduces weld material and increases frame strength. Specialized has ported design features from the Tarmac like integrated cabling, as well as using the same S-Works carbon seatpost as the previous generation Tarmac SL7, from which it was derived.The CAAD14 uses Cannondales SmartForm C1 Premium alloy, which Cannondale says makes the frame very light for an alloy bike. The cables on all specs of the CAAD14 are fully integrated and run through the same Delta steerer design as used by the SuperSix Evo and Synapse carbon bikes.Cannondale was one of the proponents of press-fit bottom brackets, but its latest generation bikes, including the CAAD14 have returned to a BSA threaded bottom bracket, as also used by Specialized on the Allez Sprint. Both bikes have clearance for 32mm tyres, but no mudguard mounts.Cannondale claims a 9.3kg weight for the CAAD14 3 in size 56 as against the Allez Sprints 8.7kg claimed weight, also for a size 56, so theres a 600g weight advantage for the Specialized.Cannondale CAAD14 3 vs Specialized Allez Sprint geometryCAAD14Allez SprintFrame size5656Seat tube length580530Seat tube angle72.973.5Head tube length151153Head tube angle73.073.5Effective top tube length564563Bottom bracket drop6973Chainstay length415430Frame reach392398Frame stack560558Wheelbase9981006Trail5855Front centre593592While Cannondale has kept the geometry of the CAAD14 similar to the CAAD13, its lowered the frame stack, so that its more akin to the Allez Sprint. Its angles are still less sharp than the Allez Sprint though and its trail longer, which should lead to a slightly less edgy ride, although the bottom bracket drop isnt as great.Specializeds geometry comes from its Tarmac SL7, although its slightly adjusted the frame dimensions in the Tarmac SL8, so you can expect similar handling to the SL7, its former pro-level race bike.Cannondale CAAD14 3 vs Specialized Allez Sprint: Specs comparedSpecialized sells the Allez Sprint in the UK in just one build, the Allez Sprint Comp, and as a frameset, while in the US the Allez Sprint is sold frameset-only with no full builds. The frameset is priced at 1,499 / $1,899 / 1,649.Priced at 2,599 / 2,499 the Allez Sprint Comp has a Shimano 105 12-speed hydraulic disc brake groupset with a 52/36t crankset and an 11-34t cassette. The wheels have DT Swiss R470 rims and DT Swiss spokes built up on Specialized hubs. Theyre shod with 26mm Specialized Turbo Pro tyres.Cannondale has more options for the CAAD14. The 3 spec, which is most comparable to the Allez Sprint, is priced at 2,995 / $2,499 / 2,499 and comes with the same Shimano 105 groupset as the Allez Sprint, but in 50/34t, 11-34t configuration.Move up the range and the CAAD14 2 has a SRAM Rival AXS groupset and costs 4,250 / $3,999 / 3,999, while the CAAD14 1 has a SRAM Force XPLR AXS groupset, carbon wheels and a hefty 7,500 / $7,499 / 7,499 price. Theres a frameset-only option with a 1,750 / $1,799 / 1,799 price tag.Cannondale CAAD14 3 vs Specialized Allez Sprint: Which one should I buy?Cannondale claims a stiff, explosive ride with razor-sharp handling for the CAAD14, suggesting its gone for performance over endurance with the latest CAAD, going back more to the characteristics of the original CAAD series as a pro-level race bike. Weve yet to ride or review Cannondales latest CAAD.One word repeats in our review of the Specialized Allez Sprint and that word is stiff. Its a bike that is great for sprints and inherits its formidable handling characteristics from the Tarmac.We described it as firm but not unforgiving. Its a bike that does everything you want for races, while making use of the 32mm clearance to fit wider tyres might up the ride comfort for the non-racer.The CAAD14 3 is significantly more expensive than the Allez Sprint for a comparable spec, although theres less price differential for the frameset. Although its four years newer than the Specialized, the Allez Sprint still includes modern frame features and offers an eye-popping colour option as well as a more neutral one.The frameset-only option for both bikes suggests their other potential life as crit racers. Indeed, Cannondale mentioned the trend to make up its alloy frames with high spec components for crit racing when it launched the CAAD14. Alloy is a good choice for crit racing, as it may cope better with the rough and tumble than carbon, its cheaper and can stand the odd knock.Need more road bike buying advice? Dont miss our buyers guide to the best road bikesThe post Cannondale CAAD 14 vs Specialized Allez Sprint: Which is the best aluminium race bike? appeared first on Cyclist.

Race officials play a central role in shaping each stage of Paris-Nice, issuing formal decisions that can impact individual results, team strategies, and the overall classification. Here are the Jury Fines from the race's panel of commissaires. This rolling jury and fines report documents all offi...

Comment & Analysis: When they come up against opposition, Dublin City Councils active travel office has made a habit of deferring action with projects often going into prolonged review stages. This costs more and prolongs the delivery of road safety and climate action measures it serves nobody well. Before answering the question in the headline, its worth looking at whats currently proposed.A two-way cycle path is proposed along Chapelizod Road from the junction with the Parkgate Street entrance to the Phoenix Park to the entrance to the grandly named Kings Hall housing development (think 1990s, not 1890s) the two-way cycle path is outlined as a green line below.As covered in another article, the design of the cycle path is poor, and it needs to be fixed. The good news is that it can be fixed without major changes or impacts.For context: Also shown is the existing shared greenway path beside the south side of Chapelizod and the Irish National War Memorial Gardens (light blue line), and the under-construction Commemorative Bridge (darker blue), which will span the Liffey between the gardens and the Chapelizod Road beside the Phoenix Park. It does not bridge the road, as some more visionary but never-built concepts did, but the active travel project will help link the two parks.Its worth saying that, despite some people commenting online claiming otherwise, the project does not change the two general traffic lanes on the approach to St Patricks National School at the junction between Chapelizod Road and Main Street (Martins Row) in Chapelizod, and theres no plans to put cycle lanes on the narrow seections of the two-way roads around the village.With bus lanes, Chapelizod Road has two sections of single-directional bus lanes one in the inbound direction towards the city centre and one in the outbound direction to Chapelizod village. The city centre lane is to be retained, but the plan is to remove the Chapelizod bus lane to provide for the two-way cycle path.The reason why the bus lanes are only closer to the two ends is because, on this road, thats mainly where they are needed.And a local Facebook page, Chapelizod Chap Lips, has highlighted the issue with removing the bus lane at the village end. In a post with a video clip, the page said: Filmed this evening as an example of why that bus lane is in place and replacing it with a cycle lane will force the bus to sit in general traffic.The video shows the bus using the bus lane to speed past cars and vans, until it seems to stop in a place where it might not be usual to stopEverything might not be as simple as it seems. A comment under the video clip posts a photo of cars in the bus lane and said: 5.20 Wednesday evening both lanes full and bus stuck, imagine if there was only one lane!To be clear, the photo of the motorists illegally using the bus lane was taken around the same point where the video clip ends. It could well be a coincidence, but this is a bus lane known to be often blocked by motorists, and the obstruction by motorists usually does not start until closer to the junction. The clip starts as the bus driver pulls away from the bus stop (shown with the blue marker to the right of the image below) and ends before the end of the proposed cycle path (shown in green with black arrow pointing to the end). The bus lane currently ends at the pink arrow. Basically, of the 800 metres of bus lane, the last 200-300 metres is doing the hard work that is, when its not full of cars.So, if theres a collective honest concern about bus priority, something needs to be done about the cars in the bus lane. Segregating the bus lane with plastic bollards has worked to some level or another in other parts of the city. A compromise here is to cut the cycle lane short say, to somewhere like the church (shown with the blue arrow above) and then protect the last 200 metres or so of the bus lane with bollards. This would offer a balance by providing cycling segregation as far as the more built-up area near the village (where a 30km/h speed limit could be applied). It would be a bit of a downgrade, but would still allow for cycling segregation where speeds are likely to be higher between this end of Chapelizod and Islandbridge/the city centre. If people really wanted to give buses priority, a protected bus lane could even be extended closer to the junction. Extending it the whole way to the junction is possible by reducing general traffic to one lane, but because of traffic light sequencing, that may affect the operation of the junction and slow buses going towards the city centre.Thats why balance often needs to be looked at. The compromise of shortening the cycle path to somewhere around the church and then protecting the rest of the bus lane seems like a good balance of all the competing demands on space.

Cumulus from Poland now offers a Neo line of extremely lightweight, closed-footbox quilts that maximize the warmth-to-weight ratio. The down weights on their popular zip quilts have also been refactored. Find all the details hereThe post Cumulus Offers Lightweight Neo Quilts with a Closed Footbox appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Kevin Vauquelin admitted frustration after a key moment slipped away during the latest stage of Paris-Nice, with the French rider revealing that hesitation in the group prevented what could have been a decisive move in the race. The INEOS Grenadiers rider was active during a fast and aggressive stag...

Neil's latest video shares some of our best spring bikepacking routes. From European ventures through isolated Spanish towns to the peaks and valleys of Appalachia, Colorado, and Southern California, this inspirational list is sure to provide a spark for your next getaway. Watch the video below...The post 11 Amazing Spring Bikepacking Routes (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Wild Rye is a women-owned, led, and operated brand that specializes in technical and lifestyle apparel that inspires women to get outdoors. Based in Sun Valley, Idaho, Wild Rye was founded in 2016 and has become a staple in the mountain bike apparel market, with a reputation built on quality mountain bike shorts, made for women, by women. Over the years, the brands product lineup has grown steadily and now includes mountain biking bottoms and tops, casual wear, winter outerwear, and more.One of Wild Ryes latest products is the new Rustler Windbreaker. The brand tells us that it was inspired by morning in Idahos Sawtooth range when theres a light chill in the air, a little wind on the ridge, maybe a sprinkle rolling through this ultralight windbreaker is the layer that makes it all more comfortable. Easy to throw on, light enough to forget about, and built for chasing summits on two wheels or two feet.The Rustler Windbreaker appears to be a light, packable, and versatile jacket for all of your outdoor activities.Rustler Windbreaker DetailsWild Rye states that the Rustler Windbreaker is a lightweight and versatile layer designed for cyclists and runners. Its made from a soft, quiet, and breathable stretch nylon thats coated with a PFAS-free DWR for a bit of water resistance. It has a full-length zipper in the front, a draw-string hem, and extended wrist cuffs. The helmet-compatible hood also has a draw-cord for adjustability, plus it has a feature to hold it down when not in use, so it doesnt fill with air when youre up to speed.The Rustler has three zippered pockets, two for the hands and one on the chest, along with a small drop pocket on the inside. The jacket stuffs easily into the internal pocket for tidy storage in your luggage or riding pack. Additionally, the Rustler has clips to attach the stuffed jacket to your handlebars, frame, or pack straps. It comes in Amethyst or Shaded Spruce colors with minimal branding and is available in five sizes, XS to XL.The Rustler windbreaker packs into its own pocket and can be clipped onto your bike frame.Features and SpecsUltra-lightweight & breathablePFAS-free DWR treatment3 zippered pockets: 2 hand, 1 chestExtended cuff designSlight drop hem in backStows into internal pocketClip-to-bike strapsAdjustable and helmet-compatible hoodCenter back length: 27 (size S)Weight: 5.2 oz (147 grams)The Rustler Windbreaker comes in Shaded Spruce and Amethyst.Wild Rye Rustler: Pricing and AvailabilityThe new Rustler Windbreaker retails for $179 and is available now. Head to the Wild Rye website to learn more about the windbreaker and be sure to check out the rest of the brands apparel lineup while youre there.wild-rye.comThe post Wild Rye Expands its Product Lineup with New Rustler Windbreaker appeared first on Bikerumor.