The development of 32in wheels has long been linked to benefits in cross-country racing, where covering distance at high speed is critical to success. However, this E36 prototype fork from KS sub-brand EXA Form shows another potential direction for the emerging wheel size. We spotted it at the Taipei International Cycle Show. With 150mm of travel, the fork is the first to sit in the all-mountain category, and the longest we've seen. Read more: Are we on the cusp of a 32in wheel revolution? This is what pro XC racers are riding in 2025 The fork was on an XDS 29in rear-end mountain bike, making it a super-mullet. Nick Clark / Our Media Theres no denying a resemblance to Foxs Podium fork, and the EXA Form is also available in a 29in version. There's compression adjust, but no lockout. Nick Clark / Our Media At the top of the fork, there is a compression adjust, and there is also a rebound adjust on the lower leg. The E36 has multi-stage compression and rebound damping, which KS says makes it feel stable and predictable. The stanchions of the fork are black. Nick Clark / Our Media The stanchions, which are at greater risk of scratching on upside-down forks, are covered by guards. KS says this 32in fork is still in the prototype stage, although it appears to be a long way down the line. There are still flecks of mud on the surface from previous test rides. More from the Taipei International Cycle Show X-Fusions new 32in Rezza XC fork has up to 130mm travel and theres a gravel version This new ebike conversion kit offers 51km range, weighs only 3.8kg and will fit in your backpack X-Fusion's E-Manic 2 electronic dropper post looks to be everything we wanted from the original Steel tubes, lugs... and an electric motor?! This could be the perfect retro e-bike DVO returns after post-COVID slump with more tuneable luxuriously smooth fork and shocks This wild steel gearbox enduro bike could convince me to drop the derailleur Wheeltop expands its challenge to SRAM and Shimano with new wireless groupset These new smart thru-axles sound an alarm to prevent you crashing

The Volta a Catalunya has not even entered the mountains yet and the race has been lit on fire. On the least expected of locations, Remco Evenepoel set the Catalan race on fire on stage 3, and Jonas Vingegaard joined him. But his lack of immediate work stunned Renaat Schotte, who criticized the Dane...

Neil's latest review highlights his experience with the Six Moon Designs Lunar Orbiter, a one-person, single-wall tent. With plenty of nights across a multitude of seasons and bikepacking trips, explore his in-depth video look at this freestanding tent below...The post Six Moon Designs Lunar Orbiter Tent Review appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Chris Froome has recently been announced as a key collaborator in a new project within cycling, although over recent months there were reportedly rumours that he would join a new team according to NSN Cycling Team's George Bennett. The former teammate of Chris Froome at Israel - Premier Tech also de...

Comment & Analysis: Because enforcement of speed limit laws remains very limited in Ireland compared to many countries with far more speed cameras, its fully expected that attempts to improve enforcement will be controversial for some motorists. The increase in the speeding fine from 80 to 160 is also likely to have a stinging effect. So, its not unexpected that some local newspapers and veteran WLR FM broadcaster Damien Tiernan are reporting on a new speed camera as a controversy.In a video Tiernan posted to Facebook, the broadcaster included the following: Controversy continues near Glenmore!!! Sent by a listener to Deise Todaywhy o why wont Transport Infrastructure Ireland put up more warning signs? The first and only 80kph signs too close to the camera?The single staticspeedcamera has been in place on the N25 between Waterford and New Ross since early last year, but the limit was then also reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h in November. A local newspaper, the New Ross Standard, reported it as a deadly dangerous national road.The comments, as you might expect, include a range of views, from people claiming they cannot see the two large signs to sociopaths urging others to cut the speed camera down or claiming it wont be left standing for long. A lot of people are also saying the signs are perfectly visible if people are watching. Some commenters also question whether those who are unable to reduce their speed between where the signs are visible and where the cameras are were doing 100km/h to start with.While on the more daft end of the comments, theres the usual claims that speed cameras are just a money racket (just obey the limit and deprive them of money then!), as well as some thinking driving so close behind trucks that see signs is some kind of defence, and others who think youre only suposed to slow down after the lower speed limit sign.Sadly, I think the last point might be the problem a lot if not most people have because they dont slow down before they get to a lower limit. I shouldnt have to explain this, but its a basic of driver training that youre supposed to slow down before a speed limit lowers, not after the signs.If people are really being caught for speeding just after the 80km/h signs, the photo evidence should show this. It would still be legal, but would it be fair? Thatll depend on your tolerance for speeding and your care for road safety. Lets not kid ourselves with the often-repeated line that everybody does their bit for road safety there are sociopaths and psychopaths among us, as well as people who just overestimate their skills (after all, the majority of drivers rate themselves as more skilful and less risky than the average driver.The issue, of course, made it to Reddit, where one commentator said: Apparently, theres 200+ people per day getting caught out there, and theres a lot of uproar about the signage.Two Reddit commenters who say they drive the road daily say they cannot see the issue, with one who said: I drive this road every single day and never understand what people are saying about signage, and another said: Youre not missing anything. I also drive it every day. Coming from Waterford, there are 9 80km signs and 2 speed camera signs between Rhu Glen and the speed camera. Going the other way, there are 2 big 80km signs with speed camera graphics on either side of the road. It seems people are looking for something to blame other than their own behaviour.Look, with all the hullabaloo, its likely more signs will be added further back with a warning that the speed limit is about to change.The best solution would be to replace the last 100km/h repeater sign with a lower-limit warning sign (its a speed limit with a black circle and the distance showing how far the change is away). But thatll likely cause some motorists to slow down at that sign, which will annoy other drivers no matter what authorities do here, everybody will not be happy. People were also being fined even when large electric displays were up, warning of the change in limits for months. Should we take this into account when motorists also say they cannot see people walking and cycling? However, while the law is the law, and when people are caught, theyll come up with all sorts of excuses, average speed cameras are likely a better idea. Average cammras are a system that measures speed over a longer distance using two cameras, accounting for the distance and time between them. This is probably a fairer system, while doing a better job of keeping speeds lower for longer. This should be taken into account with the rollout of speed cameras.The reaction to greater enforcement also shows that we have a problem with speeding that many people are in denial about. Average speed cameras will still not make those people happy.

The Upland Tri-fold bears more than a few similarities to Bromptons famous folding bikes, and it might prove to be better than the British brand's attempt at electrification. Unlike Bromptons own electric range of folding bikes, which use a hub motor and a battery mounted to the head tube, the Tri-fold features a mid-mounted motor system with a battery in its girthy seatpost. There are benefits to this kind of system, with the weight being more equally balanced, while leaving the accessory mount free on the front of the bike. The motor is mid-mounted and takes power from the seatpost. Nick Clark / Our Media The Upland bike folds into three portions to cut down its stored size even more. The rack comes as standard. Nick Clark / Our Media The Tri-fold comes equipped with an array of accessories, including a rack with premium wheels, mudguards and lights. Check out the heft of this seatpost. Nick Clark / Our Media All in all, it looks to be a neat package, sharing a familiar classic design with arguably better integration. There's a display and controller on the handlebar. Nick Clark / Our Media Brompton brand loyalists look away now. Nick Clark / Our Media More from the Taipei International Cycle Show This new ebike conversion kit offers 51km range, weighs only 3.8kg and will fit in your backpack X-Fusion's E-Manic 2 electronic dropper post looks to be everything we wanted from the original Steel tubes, lugs... and an electric motor?! This could be the perfect retro e-bike DVO returns after post-COVID slump with more tuneable luxuriously smooth fork and shocks This wild steel gearbox enduro bike could convince me to drop the derailleur Wheeltop expands its challenge to SRAM and Shimano with new wireless groupset These new smart thru-axles sound an alarm to prevent you crashing This is the longest-travel fork we've seen for 32in wheels could the new size go beyond XC racing?

Titanium axles, ceramic bearings and obsessive machining inside Wolf Tooths new passion project

Wout van Aerts decision to skip the E3 Saxo Classic has already been framed as a calculated move towards the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. But not everyone is convinced the trade-off works in his favour. Speaking on the Wielerclub Wattage podcast, Tom Boonen questioned whether removing one of...

Hannah Griggs, otherwise known as Queer Cyclist, took on the 300-mile Huracan bikepacking challenge in Florida over the winter. Having failed to complete the route the first time, her recent series of videos culminates in a final installment and a personal reflection on her journey. Explore the full video and accompanying words below...The post Queer Cyclists Great Redemption on the Huracan appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

If youve got rough terrain where you ride, youll probably agree theres nothing more fun than charging through rocks and roots on a long-travel enduro bike. The Spartan is Devinci Cycles long-standing enduro model, and while one aspect of the bike has been simplified, it has seen several updates for 2026.The most significant change for the newest Spartan is Devincis move away from the previous versions high-pivot linkage. A notable addition is a new chainstay length adjustment flip-chip that offers a longer, lower, slacker geo configuration. Ive been riding the Spartan since the snow melted, and Im impressed with its geometry options, efficient pedalling prowess, and especially how planted it feels when youre shredding the rough stuff.Devinci Spartan Key Specs:For all the details on the new Spartan lineup, check out my launch article. Heres a quick rundown of the bikes main specs and features:The 4th-generation Spartan is offered with an aluminum frame only. The frame provides 165 mm of rear travel, and all models are stocked with 170mm forks. One obvious change for 2026 is Devincis move back to their traditional Split-Pivot linkage, instead of a high-pivot layout. Devinci says there were three reasons for eliminating the high-pivot design: Lower weight, optimum pedalling efficiency, and fewer complications. All new Spartan models come stock with MX wheelsets, but the frames are compatible with 29 wheels. Devincis Geo Saver flip-chip maintains the same geometry with either setup.One new addition for the Spartan is a chainstay length adjustment. A flip-chip at the lower pivot offers +/- 7mm settings so you can keep the bike more versatile for trail rides or go longer, lower, and slacker. In addition to updated geometry all around, the new Spartan frames are outfitted with two different rear end lengths across its four frame sizes, ensuring proportional handling for all riders.Other features of the new Spartan include Devincis SHED in-frame storage compartment, UDH derailleur compatibility, a Boost 148mm rear axle, and a threaded BSA73 bottom bracket.The Spartan is the heaviest enduro bike I have tested yet, weighing in at 38.2 lbs with pedals (size medium).Ride Impressions Geo and Fit:I am 510 tall, and Im riding a medium Spartan. Between the bikes two flip-chips, there are two geometry settings possible for each rear wheel size Short/Long MX, or Short/Long 29. I rode the bike with its stock 27.5 rear wheel, and tried both Short and Long positions.Adjusting the chainstay length does impact several other geo figures Moving from Short to Long slacks out the head tube and seat tube (0.5), reduces the frames reach (5mm), drops the BB (7mm) and standover height (5mm), and increases the stack height (4mm). MX, Short:I mostly rode the Spartan with the chainstays in the short position. I have long-ish limbs, but I find the Spartans 465mm reach (in this position) is perfect for me.In the short position, the Spartans steering angle is 63.5, which is great for an enduro bike. Its slack enough to tackle serious descents, but I dont find it too cumbersome while climbing tight switchbacks or steep uphills. The bikes seat mast sits at a steep 78.5, which puts you in a centered position over the bike and allows for powerful pedalling.In Short, the Spartans rear end is still 440mm. Even in this position, the Spartan feels like a generously sized bike with a stable wheelbase. For a bike in the enduro class, it remains quite trail-friendly in the short position, but its clearly more enduro than trail. On a flow trail with plenty of tight corners, the Spartan never felt excessively long or sluggish for what it is. The Spartans BB rides high enough in the short position that I hardly remember hitting my cranks or pedals on any trail obstacle, despite many technical climbs. At 347mm, that BB isnt riding super low, but I wouldnt say it feels high.Devinci increased the stack height for the new Spartan frame, plus they stock a 40mm rise handlebar on the GX AXS 12s model I tested. I kept the bike as I received it and enjoyed a pretty comfortable riding position (even in Short), but those who like a lower front end can always pull a few spacers.MX, Long:Near the end of my test, I flipped the chainstay length chips to see how the bike felt in the long position. Flipping the chips to move from Short to Long position was easy. Thankfully, theres just enough room around the chain/chainring to get an allen key into the drive side bolt. This flip-chip works like most others: you basically pop out the axle, flip the chips around, tug the chainstays into position, and slide the axle back in.Moving the Spartan into the Long position had some effect on how the bike climbs, but the differences arent drastic. On tighter turns, I did notice once the front wheel felt a bit floppy, so Id say 63 seems to be a reasonable limit for enduro steering angles. Out back, the longer chainstays do slightly increase the bikes turning radius, but not enough to become an issue in tight corners. Standing up on steep climbs, I could tell the rear wheel was further out behind me, which Ive found helps keep your weight centered and maintains traction well.While climbing, I did tag my pedals/cranks a few times after moving the Spartan into Long position, but not enough that its likely to become an annoyance for most riders.On descents, the longer rear end definitely results in slightly slower cornering, requiring a bit more body language to whip through twisty trails. The Spartan is not a small bike in Short mode, so it really feels like an enduro rig when its stretched out. Of course, this provides great stability at high speeds, and Id suspect riders who are racing, shuttling, or riding bike parks would be happiest using the Long geometry option.Long position also slants the bike into a slightly different stance: The lowered BB helps enhance stability, while the front end shortens and raises, giving your arms a bit more leeway to tackle steep descents and control the bike through rough terrain.Suspension: SetupAs usual, I initially set up the Spartans suspension following Foxs factory recommendations, but for the rear shock, Devincis linkage requires more than your body weight in psi. I weigh 140 lbs, but I started out with 160 psi. This proved to be perfect. I used about 90% of the travel on my first ride, and once my riding ramped up, I was consistently very close to bottom-out after each lap.Climbing Firm Mode:One thing that stood out to me was the rear shocks excellent performance in Firm mode. Working with Devincis linkage, the Fox Float X2 Factory shock resists pedal inputs fantastically well! Sitting and cranking hard on smooth terrain, the shock barely moved beyond the sag point, and pedalling efforts felt very well supported. I tried a few sprints on a paved road, and even while standing and chopping at the pedals, I only dipped to about 40% travel.On a singletrack trail, the shock will allow more movement when bumps come into play. On such terrain, the Spartan typically remained at around 50% travel after my climbs. The impressive pedalling performance with the shock firmed up really helps this big bike climb well. I was surprised how little I thought about the Spartans weight while cranking uphill.In Firm mode, the Spartan resists bobbing in the saddle and keeps the rear wheel deflecting bigger bumps rather than hanging up on them. Small bump compliance is predictably sacrificed, so you will feel the trail surface when riding in Firm mode. I never found traction lacking in Firm, and Id say the ride is still reasonably comfortable. I favor climbing prowess over comfort, so aside from a few test runs, I always climbed with the Spartan in Firm mode.Climbing Open Mode:When climbing with the shock left wide open, there is some pedal bob and a bit less efficiency vs Firm mode. However, the bike still rolls along nicely, and Devincis Split-Pivot linkage does not wallow too deeply due to pedalling forces. On technical singletrack climbs, the rear shock would dip to about 65-70% travel, as it dives to absorb bumps on the trail.Open mode produces more hang-ups when your back wheel hits a tall root or rock, as the wheel actively sticks to the ground. There is also more bob in the saddle when youre riding over bumps. The payoff for this is excellent, small bump compliance! In Open mode, the Spartans rear end practically erases trail chatter and offers a very comfortable ride. Descending:Not surprisingly, the Spartan descends similarly to the E-Spartan Lite I reviewed last summer. The bikes 165mm travel handles high-speed chunky, rocky sections with ease, and it smooths out big, harsh impacts very well. With the shock set up to Foxs recommendations, I felt the Spartan wasnt super plowy It wouldnt erase repeated bumps from the trail below or eliminate trail feedback, but it handily took the edge of every hit.While you do notice the bumps on the trail, that smooth initial absorption gives the Spartan a delightfully planted feel through rough terrain. This is definitely one big impression this bike left on me: In any rough stuff, it always feels solidly stuck to the ground with very predictable traction and handling. Its truly a confidence-inspiring bike when you really need it to be. Ill admit the Spartan doesnt feel quite as plowy and stable as the E-Spartan Lite, but thats likely only due to the eMTBs added weight.The Spartans big hit resistance was great, and throughout all my testing, I dont remember any nasty smacks on the rear wheel The bike simply laughed off those harsh hits!Near the end of my testing, I slowed down the rear shocks high-speed rebound by two clicks, hoping to produce a more plowy ride. This worked like a charm: the rear suspension immediately felt more linear and more plush over rough terrain. Instead of rebounding off every little impact, the rear end sucked up repeated hits better and dulled trail feedback noticeably. I hit a chest-high drop I often ride, and the landing was obviously softer and smoother, with the rebound slightly slower.Other Ride Notes:The Spartan maintains a reasonably poppy, lively ride, which helps it enthusiastically pump through rollers and out of berms. That said, the bikes weight is noticeable on jumps. The Spartan jumps OK with a poppy lip, but its not particularly whippy in the air, and bunnyhopping this bike takes some effort.Finally, the Spartans aluminum frame does seem on the stiffer side. Im a lightweight guy, but this bike feels very solid on rough terrain. Never feeling squirmy, the burly Spartan will straight-line through rocky, rooty patches in commanding fashion. SHED In-Frame Storage:I installed my Silca titanium bottle cage on the SHED door, which sits quite low on the frame. The SHED doors latch almost interferes with the cage, but actually just clears it. Worst-case scenario, a few washers could lift the cage out of the way if needed. The cage is positioned as low as possible on the frame, and the rear shock clears my water bottle easily.The medium frame fits my Devinci bottle (mls not marked, but its 9.5 tall), and with a little flex from the cage, the bottle comes in and out without hitting the top tube. The SHED door can be a bit finicky to get clicked in place, but when it clicks in, its easy to feel that its secured properly.Devincis tool bag fits one large and one small Co2 canister, a valve core tool, Co2 inflator head, a Dynaplug tool, spare plugs, a compact multi-tool, and a spare AXS shifter battery. Theres a little room left over, but not much! The tool bag is padded enough to prevent rattling in the frame.Components:The biggest standout component on the Spartan GX AXS 12s was the Fox Float X2 Factory rear shock, offering excellent pedalling performance described in the suspension section above, so Ill keep my comments on components short and sweet.I cant comment on the Spartans fork, as my test bike is not running the same model as whats stocked on the new GX AXS 12s build. Consumer bikes come with a brand-new 2027 model fork, which is being announced today.As usual, I have zero complaints about the SRAM GX AXS drivetrain. Its reliable shifting is second to none, and Im yet to have to adjust an AXS derailleur after several years of riding them.Im also a fan of SRAMs Maven brakes, and the Maven Silvers on the Spartan offered incredible braking power with no mechanical issues whatsoever. Devinci stocks 200mm rotors front and rear.Once again, I find myself riding RaceFaces ARC30 rims and Vault hubs. Ive never managed to beat these rims up, and this time was no different. The front rolls like its brand new, and the rear has one small 1-2mm side wobble and no hops. The Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR2 tire combo (with Double Down casings) provided reliable traction in all conditions and good sidewall support for rough riding.Ill give kudos to Devinci for fitting a 180mm dropper post into their medium frames. The SDG Tellis post operated without fault, and while the SDG Belair 3.0 saddle is on the slim side, I find it fairly comfortable. The Spartan GX AXS 12s retails for $5999. This model comes in Deep Olive/Gloss only. devinci.comThe post Devinci Spartan GX AXS 12s Review: Excellent Suspension, But Bike Weight is Hard to Ignore appeared first on Bikerumor.