CyclistBuyers guide to road bike groupsetsThe groupset is the collection of fundamental mechanical components on a bike that comprises the drivetrain and brakes. It has a massive effect on the overall performance, aesthetics and ergonomics of a bike and has always been a focal point for innovation and change.While a bikes nominal brand (ie, the one printed on the frame) is responsible for the design of the frame and the choice of components that make up the build, groupsets are designed and manufactured by dedicated component brands, with the road bike market dominated by Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo.What makes one groupset different from another may not only be the sheer number of gears, but also how the user operates those gears, what brakes are included and, last but not least, the price.When youre shopping for a bike, the choice of groupset will be an important consideration and one of the main points of comparison between different models. Related Posts Disc brakes vs rim brakes: Everything you need to know Gravel bike gearing: Everything you need to know Shimano Dura-Ace vs SRAM Red AXS Complete guide to SRAM road and gravel groupsets What is a road bike? Every part explained in simple terms Complete guide to Campagnolo road and gravel bike groupsets Shimano groupsets for road and gravel cycling compared Best road bikes: Best bikes from under 1,000 to over 10,000 Which are the main groupset brands?Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo are the three big names for road and gravel bike groupsets and, despite other concerted efforts, its unlikely theyll be knocked off the podium any time soon.With their latest ranges, all have committed to disc brake groupsets at the top-end, as well as electronic shifting.With SRAM ostensibly leading the way with its fully wireless 12-speed AXS groupsets, Shimano made steps in the same direction with the release ofsemi-wireless models in 2021. Campagnolo has also now gone fully unwired with its latest Super Record Wireless 12-speed groupset, although its not added a thirteenth sprocket for the road, as it did with the mechanical Ekar gravel groupset.Though many will have individual preferences, each brands groupset range offers a variety of advantages (and disadvantages). With so many elements to consider, it can be slightly overwhelming when selecting a new groupset to know which one is best for you.Matthew Loveridge / CyclistWhen comparing complete bikes, its worth noting that its commonplace for bike brands to mix in third party components when they spec a bike. In the example above the derailleurs and cassette are Shimano, while the crankset is from Praxis and the chain is a KMC.Read on to learn about different types of groupset, brand variations and an overview of each manufacturers road groupset hierarchy.What is a groupset?A groupset is the collection of mechanical parts that includes a bikes drivetrain and brakes. This typically includes gear and brake levers, a crankset, derailleurs, a chain, a cassette and a bottom bracket.Some manufacturers may choose to include other components, such as a headset or pedals, though this is not standard practice. Brands may also sell groupset-matching components such as wheels, which carry groupset branding but arent considered part of the groupset itself.Included in a groupset:Gear leversBrake leversBrakesDerailleur(s)CranksetCassetteChainBottom bracketSometimes included in a groupset:HeadsetCables / hosesPedalsSeatpostHubsNot usually included in a groupset:FrameForkHandlebarsStemBar tapeSaddleWheelsTyresWhats the difference between road and gravel groupsets?Most road bike groupsets feature a crankset that has two chainrings, allowing for more gear combinations. The real-world implication of this is that the rider will have more gears to choose from to help them pedal at their desired cadence on the given terrain.Gravel groupsets are designed to perform better off road. Gravel riding needs lower gears and is harsher on the bike, and the uneven ground can cause the chain to jump about more. Clogging of a front derailleur with mud can also be an issue.As such, most gravel groupsets offer a 1 crankset as an option, meaning it only has one chainring (and no need for a front derailleur). This chainring will feature wider teeth and special tooth profiles to help the chain stay in place. You can usually choose a double chainring variant as well for most gravel bike groupsets.A gravel rear derailleur will typically feature a clutch mechanism, akin to those seen on mountain bikes, that helps provide more tension on the bottom span of the chain to reduce excess movement, chain slap on the chainstay and the risk of dropping a chain.Are electronic groupsets better than mechanical groupsets?Matthew Loveridge / CyclistIn an electronic groupset, the gears are operated by signals sent from the gear shifters. In some cases, this is done wirelessly, in others the shifters will be connected to the derailleurs via electronic wires.Removing standard metal cables eradicates issues such as drag caused by poor cable routing, cable stiffness, stretch, contamination and fraying. Gear adjustments are set-and-forget and the shifting itself is typically faster with electronic gears.Electronic groupsets also let you change the shifting logic, usually via a phone app and a Bluetooth connection to the groupset. This allows you, for instance, to swap what the shift levers do, set up sequential shifting where the front derailleur changes automatically when you reach a certain point on the cassette at the rear. They can also automatically shift the rear derailleur up or down a few sprockets when you choose to make a front shift, so that youre not left spinning or grinding.You get gear use and other stats and you can link the derailleurs up to a bike computer, so that you can view your current gear ratios.However electronic groupsets are not without their downsides. The components themselves tend to be much more expensive, not only to purchase but also to repair, and issues with connectivity and wiring can still throw a spanner in the works. Plus, you need to remember to keep your batteries charged or you may be stranded in one gear.All in all, electronic shifting is great if you have the time and the money to invest in it, but for most users needs, standard mechanical cable shifting is entirely capable. Having said that, electronic shifting is gradually trickling down to lower price points, increasing the affordability of groupsets and bikes equipped with them, as well see later.How much does a good groupset cost?Matt BuckleyHow long is a piece of string? The definition of a good groupset is largely determined by the riders intended use and expectations. Mid-level road groupsets can start from around 500 / $600 whereas the top-level models can be as much as 4,500 / $5,600.If youre putting together a racing bike, its likely the speed of an electronic groupset will appeal but youll pay a hefty premium for it. For general day-to-day riding, even entry-level cable-actuated groupsets are just fine. More important is the number of sprockets in the cassette at the rear, or speeds and the gear range of the ratios offered.The lowest priced groupsets offer 7 or 8 speeds. This makes for large jumps between gear ratios, so it may be difficult to select a gear that enables you to ride comfortably in your preferred cadence (how fast you turn the pedals). They may also have a more limited range of gear ratios, which can make climbing hills harder work.In contrast, higher spec groupsets will offer 10, 11 or 12 speeds. This gives you more ratios to play with, narrower jumps between ratios and usually a wider range with more low ratios to allow you to spin up hills more easily.Each manufacturer will have different variations on the same theme, but it is worth choosing the one whose features and ergonomics suit you, and whose price you can live with. Related Posts Disc brakes vs rim brakes: Everything you need to know Gravel bike gearing: Everything you need to know Shimano Dura-Ace vs SRAM Red AXS Complete guide to SRAM road and gravel groupsets What is a road bike? Every part explained in simple terms Complete guide to Campagnolo road and gravel bike groupsets Shimano groupsets for road and gravel cycling compared Best road bikes: Best bikes from under 1,000 to over 10,000 Shimano vs SRAM vs Campagnolo: Who does what and how?ShimanoMatthew Loveridge / CyclistFounded in 1921 by its namesake, Shozaburo Shimano, Shimano is undoubtedly the oldest manufacturer of the trio and is well-established as one of the big names in bicycle componentry.On the modern road market, Shimano is best known for its Dura-Ace, Ultegra and 105 series, all of which use Di2, Shimanos electronic technology, on the latest models (although the brand still sells a 12-speed cable-operated 105 groupset).Shimano gear shifters are operated by two paddles on each lever. Though the electronic gears can be configured to function solely from either shifter, as standard the left shifter operates the front derailleur, and the right shifter operates the rear.On the cable-actuated levers, the whole right-hand brake lever is clicked inwards to downshift to an easier gear (moving the chain up the cassette to a larger sprocket) and the smaller inner paddle is clicked to upshift to a harder one (moving the chain downthe cassette to a smaller sprocket).The left brake lever moves inwards to upshift (moving the chain to the larger chainring) while the small paddle is for downshifts (moving the chain to the smaller chainring).This is replicated on the electronic shifters but with buttons rather than mechanical paddles, and the levers themselves function solely as a brake lever and dont move sideways.Shimano road and gravel groupset hierarchy (high to low)12-speedDura-Ace R9200(electronic)Ultegra R8100(electronic)105 R7100(electronic/mechanical)GRX RX820 / RX610 (gravel, mechanical)11-speedDura-Ace R9100 / R9120 (electronic/mechanical)GRX RX815(gravel, electronic)Ultegra R8000 / R8020(electronic/mechanical)GRX RX810 / RX600(gravel, mechanical)105 R7000 / R7020 (mechanical)10-speedGRX RX400(gravel)Tiagra 4700 / 47209-speedSora R30008-speedClaris 2400 / 2403For an in-depth look at Shimanos road and gravel series, see ourbuyers guide to Shimano groupsets.SRAMIn comparison to the other brands, SRAM is a relatively new player in the game, but made waves when it entered the market in 1987 with the introduction of the grip shifter.Nowadays, popular mountain bike components also sit alongside the strong road bike series.SRAM electronic road shifters operate in conjunction with one another, and feature one shift button on each. As standard, the left shifter moves the chain up the cassette to an easier gear and the right shifter moves the chain down the cassette. To shift between chainrings, both shifters must be clicked at the same time.The brands cable-actuated shifters feature DoubleTap technology, where the action is determined by how far the shift paddle is pushed. Push the paddle all the way in, and it will move the chain up the cassette or crankset; a half-push will bring it back down.Like the Shimano configuration, DoubleTap levers use the left shifter for the front derailleur and right shifter for the rear.SRAM road groupset hierarchy (high to low)Lizzie Crabb12-speedRed AXS(electronic)Force AXS(electronic)Rival eTap AXS(electronic)Apex XPLR AXS (electronic)Apex Eagle AXS (electronic)Apex XPLR (mechanical)Apex Eagle (mechanical)11-speedForce 1ForceRival 1RivalApex 110-speedApexIt is worth noting that all of SRAMs road groupsets include 1 options and, unlike Shimano and Campagnolo, the brand doesnt treat its gravel options as separate groupsets. However, it did join forces with its sibling brands RockShox and Zipp to provide some XPLR gravel-specific options.For an in-depth look at SRAMs road series, see ourbuyers guide to SRAM groupsets.CampagnoloCreated by bicycle racer Tullio Campagnolo in 1933, Campagnolo is known for its race-focussed approach to component design. With unique shifter ergonomics and starting at a higher price bracket, Campagnolo targets a traditional roadie audience with its groupsets but has expanded into gravel as well.Campagnolos mechanical shifting operation has always incorporated both finger and thumb actions.To move the chain up the cassette or crankset, the shift paddle that sits behind the brake lever is used. A smaller, more button-like paddle that sits on the inside face of the shifter is then thumb-operated to shift back down.As with both Shimano and cable-actuated SRAM, the left shifter operates the front derailleur, the right shifter operating the rear.Campagnolos older electronic groupsets operated the same logic and included the thumb shifter, but its latest Super Record Wireless groupset has broken with tradition and has two finger-operated shift levers placed one above the other. The upper shifter on the right brake lever shifts into an easier gear ratio, the lower one into a harder ratio. On the left lever, the upper shift lever moves the chain onto the large chainring, the lower one shifts it to the smaller chainring.Campagnolo road groupset hierarchy (high to low)13-speed (gravel only, sits outside main hierarchy)Ekar(gravel)12-speedSuper Record Wireless (electronic)RecordChorus11-speedCentaurFor an in-depth look at Campagnolos road series, see ourbuyers guide to Campagnolo groupsets.How do I choose which groupset to buy?While the choice when buying a complete bike is often taken away from you, choosing a groupset from scratch is not an easy ask.If youve never ridden a road bike before, it is worth testing different bikes equipped with each of the manufacturers groupsets to get a feel for what works most naturally for you.If youre a road bike aficionado and know which manufacturer you prefer, but are unsure which model to go for, working out the bikes intended use is key.If you arent competing in high level racing, its not necessary to get the most expensive groupset available to still have a fantastic experience.More money will get you more gear options, lighter components and a more refined set up but if youre relatively new to cycling, or budget is a high priority, the lower end of the spectrum will still serve you well.With cheaper starting and running costs, more modest groupsets are still equipped to do everything you need them to. Some parts like cassettes and chains are wear items and need to be replaced regularly to keep your bike running smoothly. An 8-speed cassette will cost you around ten times less than a top spec 12-speed model.Component makers have put huge efforts into refining their groupsets and its now the norm for trickle-down technology to benefit the cheaper options in the range, so even the entry-level groupsets should work well. Its much more likely that your legs will give out before your gears.Want to know more about road bikes? Dont miss our buyers guide to the best road bikes and our guide to every road bike part explained in simple terms. Related Posts Disc brakes vs rim brakes: Everything you need to know Gravel bike gearing: Everything you need to know Shimano Dura-Ace vs SRAM Red AXS Complete guide to SRAM road and gravel groupsets What is a road bike? Every part explained in simple terms Complete guide to Campagnolo road and gravel bike groupsets Shimano groupsets for road and gravel cycling compared Best road bikes: Best bikes from under 1,000 to over 10,000 The post Buyers guide to road bike groupsets appeared first on Cyclist.

Sitting pretty in pink at the top of the general classification by 2:40, it's easy to assume Tadej Pogacar is without rival at the 2024 Giro d'Italia. According to BORA - hansgrohe's sports director, Enrico Gasparotto however, 2nd placed Daniel Martinez is causing the Maglia Rosa concern.Hes been...

In part one of this thrilling tale, Evan Christenson returns to Morocco's High Atlas Mountains to finish a ride that left his bike broken and in the back of a taxi five years ago. This time, he tries to evade police and makes new friends along the way. While on the ride, he contemplates the point of travel and finds a way to give back. Find his story and a spectacular set of photos here...The post The Police State Will Kill Travel: Lap One Around Morocco appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

CyclistHow to ride your first century: Tips for beginners to reach 100 miles on a bikeRiding a century is a huge deal in the world of road cycling. Arguably it is the most important target, the benchmark distance to which we all strive to hit at least once in our riding lives. Even the most experienced riders cannot hide the satisfaction of ticking off 100 miles in the saddle.Unfortunately, riding a century is not quite as easy as just riding a bike.Hitting that mercurial 100-mile mark involves plenty of off-the-bike preparation as well as some prior training and nutrition knowledge.So if you are relatively new to cycling and thinking of riding your first century this spring or summer, we have compiled these essential tips and tricks on how to ride your first 100 miles. Related Posts RideLondon bike check: 5 maintenance tips and what to avoid ahead of the big day Best road bike upgrades for every budget Road cycling for beginners: Everything you need to know Watch: How to change a tyre and inner tube without levers like a pro An introduction to bikepacking Fail to prepare, prepare to failSo youve decided to ride your first century. Before you even consider swinging a leg over the bike, however, there is some prep work that you need to do first.For starters, you need to choose a time and date to ride that century.One way of hitting 100 miles in one ride is by signing up to ride a specific sportive or gran fondo, something like RideLondon or the Dragon Ride in Wales. This method will help solve plenty of logistical issues such as route-planning, while also giving you a concrete day in the diary to aim for.Alternatively, you may want to forgo an organised event in place of a ride you have full control over.If thats the case, we suggest getting yourself online and having a look at a long-range forecast with the aim of plucking for a good weather day.You dont want to be tackling six or seven hours in the saddle for the first time when it is pouring with rain, howling with wind or even icy. On the flip side, you also want to avoid extreme heat because thats just as tough as riding in the cold. Mild and still is always the best bet.Next on your preparation tick list is route-planning. You could just head out on the bike and ride 50 miles in one direction, turn around and then ride back home, but youll probably find it to be an extremely mundane experience.What we recommend is using an app like Komoot, Strava or RideWithGPS to pre-plan your century ride and set up a route for you to follow it on the big day.It may sound obvious, but try and design a route that you know you will be capable of riding. Hills are fun but ultimately hard and while going up and down all day may sound like a laugh now, its nowhere near as easy as riding 100 miles on the flatter stuff.We also suggest sticking to roads you know as much as possible. Speaking from experience, nobody wants to be riding a new 20% hill after 80 miles in the saddle. Chances are you may be getting off and having to walk (I know I sure did).If you do include some roads or places that youve yet to explore on the bike before, its even worth cross-referencing them with something like Google Maps and Street View so that you can make a judgement on whether those new roads are suitable for road cyclists in terms of their surface or how busy they are.Also, you will need to plan your route in tandem with the weather forecast. Have you ever ridden 30 miles into a block headwind? Its not advised. Use the weather to your advantage a tailwind home is never to be smirked at.Finally, try and find a cafe or a decent shop at around the 50-60 mile mark so that you can have a pre-planned stop in mind to take a break, get some food and fill up your bottles. It also gives you something tangible to aim for during the middle portion of the ride.Training before the big dayRight, so youve earmarked that balmy spring day or exciting sportive to ride, wasted hours of your life on Google Maps memorising the route, so youre good to go!Unfortunately not. You actually need to make sure you are physically ready to ride 100 miles and ensure you have put in the sufficient work on the bike to make that century achievable.Thankfully, it doesnt take as much work as you may think.A good starting point is commuting to work by bike. If riding to work is not an option, then try fitting in 60 minutes before or after out on the road or on the turbo trainer as an alternative. Either way, that hour or two each day in the week will build a great foundation for when the weekends roll around and you have more time.This is when you can slowly build up the distance and time in the saddle. Start with a two-hour ride on the first weekend, ignoring distance, just seeing how it feels, then look to add on half an hour in the saddle with every weekend ride you take on.Before you know it you will be happily riding four to five hours at the weekends with relative ease and comfort and inadvertently getting closer to that 100-mile mark.Realistically, you do not need to follow a training plan to ride 100 miles. But if you do prefer to follow a more structured approach, it certainly wont hurt. Weve even got a handy guide on how to build a training plan here.Dress for the occasionEvery cyclist will have a differing opinion on what clothing is necessary for a big ride but in our opinion, there are two non-negotiable pieces of kit regardless of the weather: the packable gilet and the base layer.The gilet will always be your friend. It takes up minimal space in your rear pocket, and while it wont be needed on nine out of ten rides, every now and then itll come to the rescue and youll be grateful you thought to bring it. If it begins to pour with rain, it can help keep your core dry; if the temperatures drop, its an added layer to keep you warm. And if the wind picks up? Its an added protection there too.Wed also advise you always wear a base layer, as its versatility is truly something to admire. The base layer is excellent at providing a thin extra layer of warmth if the temperature drops while also being designed to wick away sweat from the body on the warmer days. It also stops any chafing from the strap of your bib tights, which is a bonus.Your body is like a car, it needs fuel!Another big component of riding 100 miles is fuelling. Ultimately, the body is like a car and needs fuel in order to move.Realistically, this starts the night before and the morning of the ride. You should be treating yourself to a nice carb-based dinner the night before like pasta or rice and then for breakfast something slow-burning like porridge.As for when youre actually on the bike, there is plenty of science around why and how to fuel properly which can be read here but we are not going to bore your with the details here. Instead, we are going to keep it simple by telling you to eat little and often.From the moment you start riding, you will want to be eating every 45 minutes, sticking to carb-based foods such as energy bars, sandwiches and bananas. The easier they are to eat on the bike the better.A big tip from us is to start savoury at the beginning of the ride and then finish with the sweet stuff later. If you go sweet from the off, consuming large amounts of sugar for near-on seven hours will have you feeling sick in no time. So, if you stop for a proper lunch on the ride, which is highly recommended, maybe go for a sandwich, a sausage roll or even a Scotch egg rather than cake.Also try to steer clear of fatty food. Your body will have a nightmare trying to digest it on the bike and chances are it will leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable.Actually riding the thingBefore any ride, let alone a century day, make sure your bike is in good nick the night before departure. Make sure its clean, the gears are all working fine, the brakes are functioning. Check out our maintenance guides for trips and tricks for keeping your bike in good condition.Then, make sure youve got sufficient spares on hand: at least two inner tubes, tyre levers, a multitool with chain tool, and mini-pump being the bare minimum.Also, try and convince a friend or a loved one to join you in this century adventure. Not only will their company help the miles tick by faster and potentially come in handy if you face any mechanical or safety problems, but the opportunity to draft in their wheel occasionally will also make the ride much easier too.Then when finally out on the road, pacing yourself is going to be important. Ride to a level that you know you will be able to sustain for the entire ride. Dont go out too hard, youll only end up running out of legs before youve reached home and having to call a cab to get back. Dont go out too conservatively either, otherwise you may find yourself getting home after dark.A good perceived effort is to ride at a speed where you can still chat to your friend while pedalling. Do this on the climbs, too. Dont go full biscuit when the road rises this isnt a sprint, its a marathon.And finallyEnjoy yourself! It is easy to forget that bike riding is predominately about having fun, not just a masochistic ritual we use to make ourselves fitter.So when youre out on the road, make sure to take in whats around you. Even stop and take the occasional photo if you want. When you break for some sustenance, make sure you enjoy that sandwich, coffee or piece of cake. Cherish the company of the friend joining you on the journey. And most importantly, take joy from being on the bike. Related Posts RideLondon bike check: 5 maintenance tips and what to avoid ahead of the big day Best road bike upgrades for every budget Road cycling for beginners: Everything you need to know Watch: How to change a tyre and inner tube without levers like a pro An introduction to bikepacking The post How to ride your first century: Tips for beginners to reach 100 miles on a bike appeared first on Cyclist.

Brandon McNulty has had a season full of ups and down but this Wednesday in Charleston, South Carolina, he managed to win the time-trial national championships of the USA and has virtually confirmed his presence in the Olympic Games. That is, because USA Cycling is using the nationals as a big sprin...

Calling all lovers of two-wheeled adventure REIs biggest sale of the year is here! Running from May 17 through the 27th, the annual REI Anniversary Sale is the perfect opportunity to snag top-quality cycling gear and essentials at oh-so-sweet prices.As REIs premier sale event for bikers, you can get incredible discounts (up to 30% off!) on a wide range of bikes and gear. To help you navigate the sale, weve curated a list of our top picks. Whether youre planning the next bike-packing adventure, need an eBike, or are looking to upgrade your townie now is the perfect time to invest in high-performance equipment without breaking the bank.The sale runs now through May 27, Memorial Day. Plus, if you see something else you like thats not on sale, you can use the coupon code ANNIV24 enjoyed by members to save 20% anyway.Not a member? You can sign up now and enjoy savings right away.Shop the REI Anniversary SaleOur Top Picks From the REI Anniversary SaleBrooks Imperial B-17 Saddle, 20% offBrooks iconic Imperial B-17 saddle, now 20% off, brings classic style and unparalleled comfort to your ride. Perfect for long-distance touring or daily commutes, this saddle combines durable leather construction with a timeless design that molds to your body over time, offering a personalized fit. Dont miss this chance to upgrade your bike with a piece of cycling heritage.Shop B-17 SaddleErgon SR Allroad Core Pro Saddle, Mens, 20% offGet 20% off the Ergon SR Allroad Core Pro saddle, designed for men who crave comfort on both rugged trails and smooth tarmac. This modern seat features advanced cushioning and ergonomic shaping, ensuring maximum support and reducing pressure on long rides. Perfect for gravel and all-road adventures, its the upgrade your bike needs for ultimate performance and comfort.Shop SR Allroad Core Pro SaddleFive Ten Trailcross XT Mountain Bike Shoes, Mens & Womens, 25% offHit the trails with confidence in the Five Ten Trailcross XT mountain bike shoes, now 25% off for both men and women. These versatile shoes blend the best of hiking and biking, featuring a durable, breathable design with excellent grip and support. Whether youre tackling technical terrain or enjoying a casual ride, these shoes will keep you steady and stylish.Shop MensShop WomensYakima EXO DoubleUp 2-Bike Hitch Rack, (All Yakima Racks), 25% offStep up your bike transport with the Yakima EXO DoubleUp 2-Bike hitch rack. This innovative rack combines Yakimas trusted durability with a sleek, modular design, making it a versatile choice for cyclists. With easy loading and a secure hold, the EXO DoubleUp ensures your bikes are protected on any adventure. The racks tool-free installation and integrated locking system offer convenience and peace of mind, whether youre hitting local trails or embarking on a cross-country journey. Upgrade your ride setup with the EXO DoubleUp and enjoy hassle-free bike transport. All other Yakima racks are on sale, too!Shop EXO DoubleUp 2-Bike Hitch RackT2 Pro XTR 2-Bike Hitch Rack, (All Thule Racks), 25% offElevate your bike transport game with the T2 Pro XTR 2-Bike hitch rack. This premium rack is engineered for ultimate convenience and security, featuring a tool-free auto-attach system for quick installation and removal. Its robust design ensures your bikes stay stable and protected on any journey, while integrated wheels make it easy to maneuver when off the vehicle. Perfect for both serious cyclists and casual riders, the T2 Pro XTR is the gold standard in hitch racks, ensuring your bikes are ready to roll whenever you are.Will you look at that all Thule racks are on sale, as well. Shop T2 Pro XTR 2-Bike Hitch RackCo-op Cycles DRT 3.1 Mountain Bike, (All Co-op Cycles), 20% offConquer the toughest trails with the REIs own Co-op Cycles DRT 3.1 Mountain Bike, now 20% off. This bike is built for serious mountain bikers, featuring a robust frame, high-performance components, and excellent handling. Whether youre hitting steep descents or climbing rugged terrain, the DRT 3.1 delivers the reliability and thrill you need.And if the DRT isnt your jam, you can get 20% off all Co-op Cycles(!) during the REI Anniversary Sale.Shop DRT 3.1 Mountain BikeGiro Agilis MIPS Bike Helmet, (All Giro Bike Helmets), 20% offProtect your head with the Giro Agilis MIPS bike helmet, now 20% off. Combining sleek design with advanced safety features, this helmet offers MIPS technology to reduce rotational forces during impacts. Perfect for road, gravel, and adventure cycling, the Giro Agilis ensures you stay safe and comfortable on every ride.All of the other Giro helmets that REI sells are also on sale. Do you see a theme, here?Shop Agilis MIPS Bike HelmetThis post was sponsored by REI Co-op. The post Need a Summer Cycling Upgrade? Hit Up the REI Anniversary Sale appeared first on Bikerumor.

Do you ride on the road, for leisure or prefer hitting the gravel tracks and trails? Whatever type of riding you do, find out which pedal type is ideal for you

Wout van Aert crashed at the Dwars door Vlaanderen and suffered fractured collarbone, ribs and sternum. This ultimately took him out of the cobbled monuments and the Giro d'Italia, a huge disappointment for Team Visma | Lease a Bike. Now however, the Belgian rider returns to racing at the Tour of No...

Happy Friday!So while you were sitting around scratching your ass and watching Hulu this guy just went ahead and invented the dropper handlebar, thats all, no big whoop:Not only does it have suspension, but it allows you to adjust your bar height on the fly:This bad boy will be on the new Specialized Diverge within the next five years, and I hereby bestow upon it a well-earned Just Buy A Rivendell (JBAR) Award, which is just one of these things spraypainted gold:In other exciting tech news, you may recall that the latest advancement in wheel technology is the hookless rim, which allows for tire blowoffs whilst yielding absolutely no tangible benefits:Well Zipp have now solved the problem properly-designed rims had already solved by partnering with the blimp people on a special tire:Now, its important to remember that the fact Zipp wheels cant hold a tire on when you ride over a bump was in no way Zipps fault; rather, it was the surface of the Earths fault for being bumpy:In fact its so not their fault that you really should use this special tire:Within 10 years you will absolutely have to use very specific rim and tire combinations only, and on top of that youll probably need to have your tires professionally installed, but the upside of all that is that when you make your service appointment you can also have them do a bar height adjustment while the bike is in the shop:All in that oughta run you about a grand in parts and labor, but theyll throw in the drivetrain battery diagnostic for free.Finally, speaking of the Diverge, its a cousin to the Roubaix, which for years has been the ultimate JBAR bikeand I guess theres a new one now:And it of course features the Future Shock front suspension cartridge:They call it the Future Shock because if you ever need to replace it in the future youll be shocked by how much it costs:Though the price and the perception that it makes you a better descender is worth it for the imbalance in terms of ride quality youll enjoy the rest of the time:Its enough to make you pine for the old days when the Roubaix used to come with Zertz. If youre unfamiliar with Zertz, it may sound like a brand of cough drop, but it was a supposedly magical vibration-damping insert they used to stick in the frames and the seatpost:If you wanted to enjoy the vibration-damping qualities of Zertz on a non-Zertz-compatible bike, they could be inserted rectally, though Specialized didnt officially support this and would not be held liable for any medical bills you might incur as a result. (Dont ask me how I know, I found out the hard way.)Its noteworthy that at the time Specialized opted for the dubious benefit of the Zertz when they could have instead harnessed the obvious benefits of medium-reach and wider tiresyet instead like the rest of the industry they waited until discs took over then suddenly you got not only the wide tires but also an expensive and proprietary suspension system to shut you the fuck up once and for all.You might as well just buy a.do I even need to say it?

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast deputy editor Jack Luke is joined by senior technical editor Warren Rossiter and senior technical writer Simon von Bromley to discuss the new SRAM Red AXS groupset.Priced at 4,090 / $4,090 / 4,135, the groupset is said to be the lightest electronic road disc groupset on the market, saving 154g compared to the previous generation.The team talk you through the performance upgrades including its enhanced braking, smoother shifting and bonus button and SRAM's inclusion of the new Hammerhead Karoo bike computer in the groupset package. Warren also shares his thoughts on the groupset, having already put it through its paces. Remember, we'd love to hear your opinions on anything discussed in this episode drop us an email at podcast@bikeradar.com with any questions or comments.How to subscribe to the BikeRadar PodcastThe BikeRadar Podcast takes you to the heart of the issues that matter for bike riders, whether you're a roadie, mountain biker, gravel rider or commuter.From the latest tech news, reviews and debates, to interviews with the biggest and most interesting personalities in cycling, the podcast is your direct line into the BikeRadar team.To make sure you dont miss a future episode, you can subscribe viaApple,Spotifyor wherever you get your podcasts.