GRVL buries two jerseys for two years to show what happens after the rideA simple side by side test from the Hertfordshire brand puts the spotlight on one of cycling kits biggest sustainability questions: what happens when performance apparel reaches the end of its life?GRVL has released the results of a two-year burial test designed to compare how natural and synthetic cycling garments break down over time. The sustainable gravel apparel brand buried two tops in March 2024: its own Merino Wool and TENCEL T-Shirt, and a conventional synthetic cycling jersey made from plastic-based fibres. Both were placed underground in the same conditions and left until March 2026.When the garments were dug up, the difference was stark. According to GRVL, its natural fibre jersey had largely biodegraded and returned to the earth, while the synthetic jersey remained structurally intact and still wearable, showing almost no meaningful signs of decomposition.For riders, the message is a clear one. Cycling kit is often judged on performance while it is being worn, with brands talking up breathability, moisture management and durability. GRVLs experiment asks a different question: what happens once that kit has finally reached the end of the road? The brand says the answer matters, particularly in a sport that prides itself on a close connection with the outdoors.The test also touches on a wider issue across cycling and the apparel industry. Synthetic fabrics dominate performance clothing because they are hard-wearing and versatile, but they are also plastic-based and can persist for years after disposal. GRVL argues that material choice should be part of the sustainability conversation from the start, not treated as an afterthought once a garment is no longer usable.At the centre of the brands pitch is its use of a proprietary blend of Merino Wool and TENCEL Lyocell. GRVL says these fibres deliver the breathability and temperature regulation riders expect from technical kit, while also offering biodegradability. The company frames that as an alternative to the fast fashion cycle that increasingly affects sportswear, instead pushing a slower model based on longevity, lower consumption and more responsible production.Production is another part of the story. GRVL says its garments are made in Portugal using renewable energy and certified processes, with the aim of combining performance with a lower environmental footprint. The burial test is intended not just as a piece of brand storytelling, but as a prompt for the wider cycling community to think more carefully about what kit is made from and where it ends up.In a market crowded with claims around sustainability, GRVLs approach stands out because it is tangible and easy to grasp. Bury two jerseys, wait two years, then see what is left. It is not a laboratory trial or a marketing slogan, but a real-world comparison that makes the afterlife of cycling apparel difficult to ignore.Whether this kind of test changes buying habits remains to be seen, but it does land on an important point. If cycling wants to present itself as a sport rooted in the landscapes it rides through, then the industrys material choices matter. GRVLs buried jersey experiment is a reminder that performance should not only be measured on the bike, but also by the footprint a garment leaves behind.

Stage three of Itzulia Basque Country delivered one of those unpredictable days where persistence from the breakaway finally paid off, but only after a relentless and chaotic opening phase that tested the entire peloton. From the very first kilometres, the race refused to settle. Repeated attacks o...

If you missed the news, Chinese carbon creators XDS (the same folks behind the XDS-Astana Team) just launched a nine-model entry into the USA market. The line is packed with brand-specific bits, carbon fiber everything, and some enticing pricing. The X-LAB GT8 is the brands dedicated carbon gravel bike.(All Photos: Jordan Villella)But unlike most brands market entry, its not a race-only bike. For XDS/X-LAB there are no claims of lightest/fastest bike ever (though the X-LAB AD9 might be the lightest); its just a solid, modern gravel bike priced to move.What Is It? X-LAB GT8 Gravel BikeThe GT8 has all the trappings of a modern race bike: internal cable routing, integrated cock pit, UDH, internal storage, and massive tire clearance. The frame is crafted from Toray T800 carbon fiber, making it lightweight yet durable enough for a few adventures. As for compliance, there are intentional chatter-eating seatstays and a unique seattube cluster that reminds me of the old GT Triple Triangle.As for the technical bits, the GT8 boasts 55mm of tire clearance and will fit single- or double-ring front setups. The bottom bracket is a T47 threaded. If youre an Ill just add it to my bike kinda rider, youll be stoked about the multiple mounting points on both the frame and fork. Its not something that I look for in a frameset, but it makes a lot of sense for this bike.The internal storage is ample, and fits a tool bag (or rain jacket) with some extra space. Plus, the look is clean carbon. The lever on the storage cover is very easy to use. It isnt over-engineered for aero-anything, just easy to flip with gloves on.Build Kit For The Long HaulThis is probably where the GT8 makes its best first impression.The drivetrain is Shimano GRX 715 1x Di2, paired to a 10-51 cassette and a 40T chainring. Thats a broad range and a smart one. It gives the bike enough top end for quick gravel/road sectors and enough bailout gearing for steep, leg-breaking climbs that show up halfway through long events and bad ideas. X-LAB doesnt cut corners mixing and matching odd parts (minus the crankset), they just went with a dependable (IMO) Shimano groupset that will do most of the work out there. The GRX brakes are one of my favorites, and the 715 levers have that nice mix of road feel (and shape) without the longer reach of the dedicated GRX 820 levers.Then theres the Branta alloy crankset with an integrated power meter. This thing looks very much like an SRAM XPLR crankset, even down to the chainring, but its not.The power meter arrives with built-in Apple Find My functionality. Find My is one of those quietly smart additions that becomes a lot more interesting when your bike is sitting outside a coffee shop, hotel, or gas station. Love to see it. Plus, theBranta alloy crankset comes with a rechargeable battery. The jury is still out on the units longevity, but so far, so good.Branta EverythingIf you havent realized it by now, Branta is X-LAB/XDSs in-house brand. Branta makes everything from wheels to cockpits to tires.The wheelset that comes on the X-LAB GT8 is the Branta C45 Gravel Carbon Wheelset. Its nothing crazy, with steel spokes, a 45mm-deep carbon rim, and a tubeless setup. The wheels are much better (on paper) for what youd usually find specd on a $3-4K gravel bike. They arrive with Continental Terra Trail 700x45c, a solid place to start for racing or exploring.The cockpit kit is all Branta. Starting with a uniquely designed carbon stem and Branta Gravel Carbon Handlebars. The seatpost is a standard round carbon 27.2mm seatpost, topped with a Fizik Terra Argo X7 saddle.The look of all the Branta kit is nice. Yeah there is some dated 4K weave, but the overall presentation is nice. I was bummed the stem was shorter than my usual fit of 110-120mm. The semi-integrated setup will take me some time to switch up, but the 90mm stem length on the 54cm size should fit the majority of riders just fine. The bars will be narrow for some and right on for others (like for me). The 38mm bar width, paired with the slight flair, makes for a nice aero position. However, those used to riding wider might find it tight, especially while climbing.One thing that is missing is a UCI sticker of approval. Yes, not many bikes in the gravel world have them, but were starting to see more as UCI enters the gravel discipline. So yeah, its not 100% approved for the gravel world championships, but the same goes with 75% of the gravel bikes out there.Whats Its Weight?Claimed weight is 8.78kg / 19.31lb in a size M, and our ride came to 20.02lbs, which is pretty respectable for a non-race-focused gravel bike in a completely stock build.(GT8 in Afterburner Black. Photo: XDS)Pick Your FlavorThe GT8 is available in two color options: Afterburner Black and Slipstream (tested). Both versions are the same build and look slightly understated.(Photo: Jordan Villella)X-LAB GT8 Tech DetailsFrame: XDS Carbon FrameFork: XDS Carbon Fork, 100x12mm thru-axleStem: Branta Carbon StemHandlebar: Branta Gravel Carbon HandlebarSeatpost: XDS Carbon 27.2mmDrivetrain: Shimano GRX 715 1x Di2Rear derailleur: Shimano GRX715 RD-RX717Shifters: Shimano GRX715 ST-RX717Brakes: Shimano GRX715 BR-RX715Cassette: Shimano CS-M6100-12, 10-51TCrankset: Branta Alloy Powermeter Crankset, 40TBottom bracket: T47 29mmRotors: Shimano SM-CL700, 160mm front and rearChain: Shimano CN-M6100Wheelset: Branta C45 Gravel Carbon Wheelset, steel spokesTires: Continental Terra Trail 700x45cSaddle: Fizik Terra Argo X7Weight: 20.02lbs (size M)Price:$3,199Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL / XXLRide ImpressionsAs good as the paper spec looks, gravel bikes always come down to ride feel. Ive had limited time on the X-LAB GT8, but on my local roads and through the rubble, the sensations are good. The geometry numbers describe a fairly stable machine, with a foot in the super-planted route but a stack/reach that roadies would feel locked into.My daily gravel driver is the ENVE MOG, and I can say that the GT8 has a very similar feel, down to the 27.2 seatpost. The ride couples snappy (but not too much) acceleration with confident descending and steering at speed.As for setup, my fit wasnt exactly dialed on the X-LAB GT8, but it was close enough, and I didnt feel super laid out on longer rides. I felt very at home with handling.Super ChunkOn the chunky super real gravel, the GT8 felt smooth, the rims were stiff, but the 45mm tires helped round out the rough spots. I couldnt tell whether the extra rear comfort was due to the round seatpost or the GT8s unique rear frame design, but its a nice ride. The rear has a calm feeling, without the sluggishness of some suspension-laden bikes.So far, its been a treat to ride, but Im more interested in the long haul. How will all this new-to-me gear hold up after a season of gravel? The same goes for the power meter and cockpit.Thats the real test.The GT8 has the right ingredients. Clearance, storage, mounts, a smart drivetrain, carbon wheels, a sensible cockpit, and a weight that could be improved with slight wheel tweaks. But gravel bikes live and die on balance. Too stiff and they get harsh. Too soft, and they get lame. The best ones feel quick when you want to push and calm when the road gets stupid. The X-Lab GT8 has the balance that makes for a great ride. Lets hope it stands up to the roads.Look for a full review soon. XDS.coThe post First Impressions: $3,199 X-LAB GT8 Gravel Bike Is Value Packed appeared first on Bikerumor.

This Sunday, the cycling world will witness another recital of endurance and brutality with the much-anticipated Paris-Roubaix, affectionately known as The Hell of the North. The race is defined by its unforgiving cobbled sectors, where only the strongest survive and the very best prevail. Once ag...

Stage 3 of the Itzulia Basque Country 2026 delivered a heavy blow to UAE Team Emirates - XRG, with Isaac del Toro forced to abandon after a crash. Amid that setback, the team found cause for optimism in the outstanding ride of Igor Arrieta, the days leading protagonist and runner-up at the finish a...

Jasper Philipsen fell short of a third victory at the Scheldeprijs on Wednesday, finishing only eighth in a sprint that once again unfolded at high speed in Schoten. The Alpecin-Premier Tech rider appeared well positioned heading into the finale, but ultimately lacked the sharpness to contest the wi...

The big news today is that XDS is launching a new global bike range under its X-Lab branding. The bikes seem to offer exceptional spec for the money, and theyre covering everything from pro road to commuter ebikes. While Jordan got a chance to check out the new GT8 gravel bike ahead of time, I was given the opportunity to test out a very different bike the SP5+. One of two eBikes in the new 9-model lineup, the lightweight SP5+ is joined by the more substantial ST5+. Geared more towards commuters and those looking to carry more cargo on their rides, the ST5+ has more peak power, a bit more torque, and a bigger battery. That all adds up to a claimed weight of 54.58lbs (24.76kg). Pretty average for a powerful ebike with a bigger battery. The SP5+, on the other hand, weighs in at just 37.56lbs. And its only $1,899. With a mid-drive motor. And lights. And Shimano Cues parts. Huh. The combination of weight, price, and spec is what really made me curious about this bike. Im constantly fielding questions from older friends and family who are ebike-curious. A lot of them dont have an unlimited budget, and they need something light enough that they can actually get it on the bike rack, out of the shed, garage, etc. Most affordable ebikes dont exactly fall into the lightweight category, so could this be the answer? MaybeX-Lab SP5+ DetailsThe SP5+ is considered a fitness-focused electric bike with an aluminum frame, carbon fork, one-piece aluminum stem/bar, and aluminum wheels. The frame houses a Branta-branded XDS Mid-Drive X800 motor with 250-watt maximum continuous rated power, and 400 watt peak power, and 85Nm of torque. The bike is a Class 2 ebike, meaning it provides assistance when pedaling, and has a throttle available that can be used without pedaling. Both modes of assist cut out at 20mph, but were told the bikes will be able to be adjusted to a class 3 through the X-Lab Bikes app, which will be live soon. The SP5+ meets UL 2849 and UL 2271 safety compliance standards and incorporates a 339Wh rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This is one of the areas that makes a lightweight ebike light. A smaller battery greatly reduces weight, but decreases range. From my experience, I can expect around 30-40 miles of range riding in the two highest assist settings, which should be plenty for the majority of riders who will use this bike. The bicycle includes a fully integrated cockpit that combines the display, headlight, and handlebars into a single unit. Additional features include a Quad Lock phone mount, integrated rear taillight with brake light functionality, and Apple Find My anti-theft technology with Bluetooth connectivity and OTA updates (I havent been able to test this last feature yet, as the app isnt live yet). The drivetrain consists of a Shimano CUES 9-speed shifter and rear derailleur with a Sugek 13-46T cassette, KMC E-Glide-S chain, and a Branta Aluminum crankset with a 46t narrow-wide chainring. This is paired with Branta R240 700c x 40mm gravel all-terrain tires designed for versatile riding conditions.If you havent caught on yet, there are a lot of Branta components on this bike seat post, saddle, rims, hubs, motor, cranks, brakes, tires, etc. On all X-Lab bikes, for that matter. Branta is XDSs in-house component brand, and they seem to make just about everything. The SP5+ has Branta EC215D E-bike hydraulic disc brakes too, which feature nicely machined two-piston calipers, finned brake pads, and their own rotors. The initial feel and performance of these brakes is surprisingly good. They took very little time to break in, make little noise, and offer impressive power with good modulation. For those curious, the brakes are mineral oil-based, and can be bled with any universal mineral oil bleed kit. The SP5+ rolls on Branta aluminum wheels with Branta R240 700c x 40mm tires. They roll smoothly, and seem to have decent grip. The tires are 30tpi, so dont expect high end suppleness, but that should also mean that theyre fairly durable. The SP5+ has a number of mounts, with three packs on each fork leg, two bottle mounts inside the frame, and what appear to be fender mounts at the rear. There are mounts on the inside and outside of the seat stays at the axle, so it seems like there may be a potential for a rack mount as well. Well verify this and report back. The front doesnt have traditional fender mounts, but there is a mount on the back of the fork crown, so it seems like you could mount the fender struts to the lower three-pack bolt and make it work. First ImpressionsAfter a quick top-off charge with the included magnetic charging cable, I got out on a few short rides to find out what the SP5+ was all about. This bike wont wow you with massive power or speed, but the ebike system performs better than anything Ive ridden under $2k. It wont win you any hill climb competitions, but it handles inclines better than the Raleigh Redux I have with a Brose motor. The more expensive ebikes with motors from Bosch, Specialized, Fazua, etc. seem to have smoother power delivery and more sensitive torque sensors, but thats splitting hairs, especially given the price of the SP5+. The motor freehub also seems to be a bit noisy, but the classic review story is that this is a preproduction sample, and the product batch should be quieter. The motor itself is very quiet. It will make itself heard when climbing steep hills at high cadence, but on normal cruising, its nearly silent. Its only when you get to the transition point from pedal assist to full human power (from 19mph to 21mph) that you start to get a bit of a rattle, or when using throttle only. For now (without the app), the ebike control system is very simple. There is a power button and an up and down arrow. The power button turns the bike on and off, and the arrows toggle up or down through the three levels of assist. Also, if you hold down the up arrow, it will turn the lights on or off. The screen shows you your battery percentage, current trip, estimated range, assist mode, and your speed. For now, thats it. But its possible that the addition of the X-Lab App will provide additional features. The integrated lights are pretty impressive for how small they are. Id say theyre enough to ride with in complete darkness, but just barely. Id love it if the headlight threw more light up and forward, instead of mostly down on the pavement in front of you. It was hard to pick up people walking on the side of the road or other dangers outside of that lighted square when it got really dark. The rear lights with their brake-light functionality seem perfectly adequate. Aero Seat Post?I was surprised to see an aero seatpost used for this frame. Its my opinion that the targeted user of this bike will get almost zero gain from an aero seatpost (especially an aluminum one), but will lose a few things. For one, a proprietary seat post will always be a replacement headache down the line. If the seatpost head breaks or the post develops a crack, or someone steals your seat and seatpost, or the seatpost collar breaks, a round post and clamp is way easier to replace. Round posts also allow you to make slight adjustments for saddles that might not be perfectly straight. Then, weve heard it from multiple sources that aero posts tend to be less forgiving than round posts. This is an aluminum aero post (which is also probably more expensive to produce than round?), which seems like it would be even less compliant than a carbon aero post. I believe this rider would prefer a more comfortable ride to a fraction of a watt saved. Finally, dropper posts are great even on a city bike. Theres nothing like rolling up to a stoplight and hitting your dropper so you can comfortably come to a rest while you wait for the light to change. Also, droppers make getting on and off easier, which goes hand in hand with a lightweight ebike that will be very appealing to an older crowd. Obviously, adding a dropper would raise the price, but at least having the option to add one in the future would be preferred. The aero post isnt a deal breaker. Its well designed and has a high-quality adjustable head. Im sure the intent was to go for a high-end look, but if I were to redesign this bike, it would definitely have a round post.Sizing, Geometry & FitUnlike a lot of one-size-fits-most affordable ebikes, the SP5+ is offered in three sizes. Im on the medium here, and it fits very well out of the box. With a saddle height of 69cm (top of saddle to center of BB), the handlebar is slightly above the saddle, which is pretty close to the position on my Raleigh. Its not overly aggressive, but its not super upright either. Thats important to consider because with the one-piece cockpit and integrated screen (not to mention cables), you really dont have any option for anything more upright (or more aggressive, for that matter). That could be the one deal breaker that will keep more people from getting on this bike. Final ThoughtsMore than anything, when you get on the SP5+, it doesnt feel like a $1,900 bike. This feels like a much more expensive bike that is only going to get better with the X-Lab app. Ultimately, this bike is what a large percentage of the riding public is looking for its a lightweight bike made for riding around your neighborhood, your local rail trail, or zipping to the store. It has a great build, it looks good, and its priced less than many mainstream competitors bikes with hub-based motors instead of mid-drive. Well see what the long-term durability is like, but if I were an established brand in the e-bike space right now, Id be paying close attention to X-Lab. xds.coThe post X-Lab SP5+ eBike Review: A Mid-Drive, Light-Weight eBike Under $2k? appeared first on Bikerumor.

The UCI WorldTour Ranking takes a major turn after the Tour des Flandres, alongside In Flanders Fields - From Middlekerketo Wevelgem and the GP Miguel Indurain. Tadej Pogacars victory in the Flemish Monument completely reshapes the top of the standings, displacing Isaac del Toro and underlining h...