The second monument of the season will take place on the 5th of April. That is the Tour of Flanders, the queen of the Flandrien classics and the one in which the riders go through the most big cobbled 'bergs' in the region. We take a look at its profile; with the race estimated to start and finish a...

Six years after its initial release, the Otso Warakin Ti is getting an update for 2026. Now available with UDH-compatible dropouts, Otsos flagship gravel bike is ditching its Tuning Chip system for modern drivetrain compatibility. Find all the details on the new Otso Warakin Ti belowThe post The 2026 Otso Warakin Ti Features 3D-Printed Dropouts appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Fizik has unveiled the Kyros, a new mid-range cycling helmet designed to blend performance, comfort and protection across a wide range of riding styles. Positioned as suitable for road, gravel and cross-country MTB use, the Kyros features a sleek, rounded profile and prioritises cooling thanks to strategically placed vents and an open rear structure to help dissipate heat during longer rides. Its priced at 169.99 / $199.99 / 190, more than a third cheaper than the flagship Kudo. Versatility and value Fizik's Kyros helmet is designed to straddle the gap between riding disciplines. Road Bike Connection Spring - Mirror Media The Kyros is now Fiziks cheapest helmet in the range, underpinning the Kudo and Kudo Aero (primarily road), Kunee (time trial) and Kassis (MTB) helmets. While its pricing is still mid-range by most brands' standards, its also said to be versatile enough to meet the needs of road and gravel riders, and XC mountain bikers, just like the 269.99 / $319.99 / 290 Kudo. This cross-discipline capability might therefore help the Kyros appeal as one-helmet-to-rule-them-all without having to invest as heavily. A size-medium Kyros is claimed to weigh 295g, meeting European (CE) safety standards, which is only 15g more than an equivalent Kudo, and has a similar vented structure to improve airflow. The helmet features MIPS tech, and concedes only 15g on paper compared to the range-topping Kudo. Road Bike Connection Spring - Mirror Media The claimed weight for the CPSC (American) standard Kyros helmets is 20g more, owing to the additional material. Fizik says it has employed a MIPS Evolve Core rotational impact system, which takes the form of a liner inside the helmet, rather than the top-of-the-range AirNode system, which integrates with a helmets padding. This is where much of the small weight difference is seen. The Evolve Core technology may also reduce airflow, but Fizik claims it has mitigated for this by designing large vents into the structure, with a more open rear structure designed to pull air through. The integrated side vents double as a secure sunglasses garage, which the brand says is especially useful when riding between changing conditions (as a gravel or XC rider might). Crown Fit system brings adjustability The Kyros retains Fizik's Crown Fit system, which is said to help the helmet suit more head shapes. Fizik The new helmet adopts Fiziks Crown Fit adjustment system, which enables riders to fine-tune the internal shape of the helmet using detachable pins. There are three of these around the temple area, which enable the fit to be adjusted from a pronounced oval position through to a more rounded shape. Fizik says this feature brings a more comfortable fit without relying on additional padding. Lightweight webbing around the ears is said to distribute pressure and avoid hot spots. At the rear, a click dial provides further adjustment, including the ability to tilt the helmet aside from comfort, this is claimed to improve compatibility with sunglasses. Integrated light system The rear reflector can be replaced by an optional light. Road Bike Connection Spring - Mirror Media Like other Fizik helmets, the Kyros is compatible with the brands optional rear light, which clips to the central rear-facing horizontal bar. Those who choose not to buy this 29.99 / $32.99 / 29 extra still benefit from a reflective tab and a supplied blanking plate. Pricing and colours The Fizik Kyros is priced at 190 / 169.99 / $199.99, and is available in white, black and Desert/Dove. A fourth seasonal colourway, Grey/Lavender, is also available for a limited time.

Fizik follows up high-end launch with mid-range, good looking and practical helmet that might replace all of them, depending on how specialist you need a helmet to be

The second monument of the season will take place on the 5th of April. That is the Tour of Flanders, the queen of the Flandrien classics and the one in which the riders go through the most big cobbled 'bergs' in the region. We take a look at the race's startlist. The 'Ronde van Vlaanderen' was crea...

Air quality at Connolly Station is not at its worst level during peak commuting time, but rather pollution from trains builds up whendiesel multiple units are left idling at lower-frequency times, researchers from Trinity College Dublin have found.All fixed monitored locations across the station exceeded the EUs annual limit for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration, and PM2.5, fine particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, exceeded the World Health Organisations 24-h limit during 90% of the monitoring period.Peak pollution occurs when there are fewer train movements, and diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains serving the Northern Line and Western Lines are left idling for longer periods. This includes the early mornings before 7am, around midday when there is a notable gap in the timetable, and after 10pm at night.Pollution is also generally worse on weekends than during the week, the researchers wrote: The average concentrations on weekends were 1.2 to 1.25 times higher than on weekdays, due to lower train frequency and consequently longer idling times.The researchers paper has just been published in Environmental Pollution, a peer-reviewed academic journal covering the health effects of environmental pollution.In the paper, researchers outline how poor air quality is one of the biggest risks to public health globally and is known to worsen pre-existing health conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, but there is a lack of research on pollution at transport hubs such as ports, bus terminals, and train stations, which can be hotspots for pollution.Average NO2concentrations varied significantly between the enclosed and outdoor platforms. On the enclosed platforms, concentrations during the measurement campaign ranged from 83.0 to 162.7g/m3, with particularly high levels observed across the full length of the enclosed Platform 4, the TCD researchers said.In contrast, NO2concentrations on the open platforms ranged from 40.5 to 71.5g/m3, with elevated levels observed at the open end of Platform 3. Concentrations in the Concourse area and station entrance ranged from 63 to 68g/m3and 56 to 59g/m3, respectively. All fixed monitored locations across the station exceeded the EU annual NO2limit of 40g/m3, they said.Researchers said that NO2 concentrations were higher during periods of low train traffic, where trains experienced longer idling time before departure. They said that concentrations of PM2.5 were higher when DMU trains were on platforms compared to pushpull trains, the type of trains mainly used by the Belfast to Dublin train service.The 24-h average PM2.5 measured using continuous fixed monitoring ranged between 3.18 and 32.56 g/m3. Higher PM2.5 averages were observed on enclosed Platforms 3 and 4, which predominantly host DMU trains, exceeding the WHO 24-h limit during 90% of the monitoring period, the researchers said. Based on operational analysis, researchers recommend that Irish Rail should shut down DMU engines when the next train service is more than 30 minutes away, and only restart them 15 minutes before departure. During the idling time, they also suggest maintaining idle speeds below 600 RPM.They estimate that such action could save over 7,000 L of diesel per month, reduce fuel consumption by 4045%, and lower NOx and PM emissions by around 54%, offering actionable strategies to improve station air quality.The TCD researchers said that while wind speed was not found to be a key influencing factor. However, when wind speeds exceeded 0.2 m/s, a decrease in NO2 levels was observed, which suggests that enhancing ventilation and increasing airflow within the station could also be a strategy to reduce NO2 concentrations, in addition to managing train idling time.The paper points out that several studies have recommended mitigation strategies such as improved ventilation, reduced idling time, the use of diesel particulate filters with catalytic regeneration, scheduling diesel trains in open areas of the station, installing platform screen doors to minimise public exposure, and electrifying trains as a long-term solution. Electrifying most suburban train services which use the station is planned as part of Dart+, but this will be done on a phased basis and will take years to complete. The research, published in open access format in the May 15th edition of the journal Environmental Pollution, was conducted by Shanmuga Priyan, Muireann Kearney, Neha Jacob, Yuxuan Guo, Madhavan Vasudevan, Aonghus McNabola, Brian Broderick, Brian Caulfield, Margaret OMahony, and John Gallagher.

Fantic Bikes launches new website with Click & Collect pushFantic Bikes has launched a new website as part of a wider brand refresh, with the Italian company saying the platform is designed to create a smoother path from online browsing to in-store purchase. Central to the relaunch is a new Click & Collect system, which allows riders to explore the range online, choose a bike and complete the process through their preferred dealer.The move signals a clear attempt by Fantic to better connect its digital presence with its retail network, rather than treating the website as a simple online catalogue. According to the brand, the new platform is intended to guide customers through the full discovery and purchasing journey, while also reinforcing the role of bricks and mortar dealers in the buying experience.For a company that has built much of its identity around off-road riding and e-MTBs, the launch feels like a notable step. Fantic Motor was founded in 1968 and says its long-standing mix of rebellious attitude and racing DNA now continues through the Fantic Bikes division, which has been active since 2015. The company describes the new site as part of a fresh growth phase for its bike business, particularly in the off-road and e-MTB sectors.The mechanics of the new system are straightforward. Riders can browse the full Fantic range online, dig into technical details and model-specific features, then order an e-MTB and arrange to complete the purchase and collect the bike in store. That gives dealers an ongoing role in the process, while offering customers a more joined-up route from first click to first ride.Fantic says the website should be seen as more than a digital facelift. Nicola Baggio, General Manager of the bike division at Fantic Motor, describes it as a strategic tool built to communicate the Fantic Bikes world more effectively, showcase the product range and strengthen ties with the dealer network, which he says remains central to the brand experience.Alongside the website launch, Fantic Bikes has also rolled out a broader restyling. That includes the new claim #makeitfun and a refreshed visual identity featuring updated fonts, graphics and creative elements intended to express the brands rebellious and racing character more directly.The digital project was developed with Arsenalia, a consultancy firm specialising in digital transformation. Fantic says the result is a drive-to-store model designed to strengthen the connection between digital channels and physical retail, rather than pushing customers away from bike shops.That approach makes sense in the current cycling market, especially for e-bikes and performance-focused off-road machines where many riders still want advice, sizing support and a proper handover before committing to a purchase. Fantic is clearly betting that a better online experience does not have to come at the expense of the shop floor, and that blending the two can create a stronger customer journey.The company is also positioning this launch as only the first stage of a bigger plan. Fantic says the new website marks the beginning of a broader evolution in its market positioning, with further developments expected throughout 2026.For riders, the immediate takeaway is a more polished and practical digital front door to the Fantic range. For dealers, the message is that the brand still sees the retail network as a core part of the experience. If Fantic can make that balance work, the new platform could prove more useful than a standard product showcase and give the brand a stronger footing as it looks to grow its presence in the e-MTB and off-road categories.More information is available at Fantic Bikes website.

Muc-Off has dropped big discounts in its Spring Sale, including top-rated goodies like the Airmach Electric Mini Inflator and the brilliant Mobile Pressure Washer, all with 25% reductions

5-in-a-row in rainbow would surely be an achievement to settle some 'Great' debates once and for all

Mondial is the new house bike brand from Atelier Olympia in Quebec, Canada. With one frame and endless possibilities, the flagship Mondial is designed to be durable, adaptable, and accessible, with complete builds starting at just $1,999 CAD. Learn more about Mondial Bikes here...The post Atelier Olympia Launches Mondial Bikes: The Peoples Bike appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.