Ibis took its time bringing its first and only eMTB to market, which it did with the original Oso that came out in 2022. That bike was a pretty significant departure from the brands typical design language, featuring a funky-looking upper-link suspension dw-link platform and a large swingarm in the rear. Its performance was solid, but its looks were polarizing to say the least. Now, Ibis is bringing the 2nd-generation Oso in line with the aesthetics of its non-electric bike lineup while expanding it to three models built around the same frame.The new Oso is available in three personalities: HD, TR, and S, each offering different travel and geometry. All three versions use the same frame, but swapping the shock, clevis, and fork makes it a modular platform with three distinct models. And with Oso being the Spanish word for bear, its kinda like Goldilocks and the Three Osos most people should be able to find the version thats just right. This is a similar approach weve seen recently from other brands, includingTrek with its latest Fuel+ models. But since weve essentially got three bikes to talk about here, lets dig in.Looks like a Ripmo. Well, the Oso TR seen here is pretty much a Ripmo with a motor. (photo/Tanner Stephens)Ibis Oso DetailsAll three versions of the new Oso use the same carbon frame, which has been built around the Bosch CX Gen 5 drive system. As mentioned above, the frame has a similar look to the latest versions of the Ripmo and Ripley with clean lines and a normal appearance compared to the outgoing model. That includes the familiar dw-link suspension design that Ibis uses across its entire lineup. With the modular design, the three Oso models closely mirror the non-electric HD6, Ripmo, and Ripley in terms of travel and intended use.The frame comes in 5 sizes, with Ibis extra-medium (XM) falling between the medium and large frames. The brand states that since ~80% of riders fall between 55 and 60, this provides more options for the bulk of riders to find a good fit. And Ibis has gone with size-specific wheel sizes, geometries, and suspension kinematics to ensure consistent handling and ride feel across the size range. All frames have straight, uninterrupted seat tubes so that riders on all frame sizes can maximize dropper length.The Oso S is a sporty, shorter travel option thats similar to the latest Ripley. (photo/Tanner Stephens)ModularityThe Oso is a modular frame platform, and by swapping the shock, clevis, and fork, it can transform into three different models with varying travel lengths. The Oso HD has 165mm, the Oso TR has 150mm, and the Oso S has 130mm of rear wheel travel. In theory, it should be possible for riders to switch between the various setups, assuming you have the parts to do it. Were guessing most people will get the version best suited to their riding style and terrain and stick with it.Ibis also added a modular dropout system with bolt-on dropouts and brake mounts, allowing riders to adjust chainstay length and switch between rear wheel sizes.There are two lengths of bolt-on dropouts for each wheel size, and Ibis says they will all be available aftermarket should you wish to switch it up. For 27.5 wheels, riders can choose between 440mm and 455mm chainstay lengths. For 29 wheels, the options are 455mm and 465mm. The modular dropout system allows riders to adjust chainstay length and wheel size.GeometryEach version of the Oso has a different geometry, and all of them are listed in the chart below. Its quite a lot to process, but the quick and dirty is that the longer the travel, the slacker the geometry. All three versions appear to have well-considered angles and numbers that align well with their travel and intended use.Geometry for all three versions of the Oso in one place. Its much easier to read if you click to enlarge.Motor and BatteryIbis is sticking with the proven Bosch CX Gen 5 drive system for the new Oso lineup. After the last over-the-air update, the motor specs were bumped from the original 85Nm of torque and 600W of peak power up to 100Nm of torque and 750W of peak power. Now that Avinox continues to push power specs higher, we wouldnt be surprised to see other brands follow suit. Weve heard rumors of another Bosch CX motor update potentially being in the works, but we dont have any details.Regardless, the Bosch CX already has plenty of power, smooth power delivery, and relatively quiet operation. It uses a wireless handlebar remote to switch between its four output settings, with the top-tube-integrated Kiox 400 color display showing all your pertinent ride info at a glance. The Bosch Ride App also lets you customize and tune the settings, so you can dial it in to your exact preferences.It isnt the most powerful motor on the market, but the Bosch CX Gen 5 motor has more than enough oomph for most people. (photo/Tanner Stephens)Similar to what Santa Cruz did with the Vala eMTB, Ibis chose the 600Wh Bosch PowerTube battery for the new Oso models. This was a conscious decision to reduce the total bike weight by 2.2 lbs (1kg), while also keeping the weight lower on the frame, compared to the 800Wh battery. The goal was to keep the handling a bit lighter and for the bike to feel more nimble. I actually saw these bikes in person a few weeks back when I visited Ibis, and felt it for myself. I was quite surprised by the impact the lighter battery and its low placement had on the weight balance and handling feel of the bike.Of course, the Oso is also compatible with the Bosch Powermore 250Wh range extender. This gives riders the ability to have up to 850Wh of battery capacity, and the options to adapt their setup depending on their ride goals. All bikes also ship with the Bosch Bottle Cage/Battery Mount for secure mounting of the range extender. The folks at Ibis mentioned that if purchased with the bike, the PowerMore range extender would cost less than if purchased separately, but unfortunately, I dont have an exact number to share.Ibis Oso HD: Downhill Both WaysThe Oso HD mirrors the travel and geometry of the non-electric HD6 enduro bike. (photo/Tanner Stephens)The Oso HD is the Heavy Duty version that essentially looks like an electrified HD6 Enduro bike. It has 165mm of rear wheel travel and comes with a 180mm fork. Its also got the geometry to match, primarily in the form of a 63.1-degree head tube angle (62.3 degrees on the S frame), but also the lengthy wheelbase, generous stack, and relatively steep seat tube angle (see the chart above for all the details).The S, M, and XM sizes come with mixed wheels, while the L and XL are full 29. It comes in one complete build, and is sold as a frame and shock only for $6,599Oso HD Eagle 90: $8,999Ibis Oso TR: Trails All DayThe 150/160mm travel Oso TR is likely the sweet spot for a lot of riders. (photo/Tanner Stephens)The TR is the Trail version of the Oso, which is pretty much an electric Ripmo. It has 150mm of rear travel and is designed around a 160mm fork. It has a more trail-oriented geometry with a 64-degree head tube angle, properly steep seat tube angle, and slightly lower stack and shorter wheelbase than its HD sibling. Check out the geometry chart above for all the specifics.The S and M frames come with mixed wheels, and the XM, L, and XL frames are full 29 affairs. It comes in two complete builds, or it can be purchased as a frame and shock only for $6,599.Oso TR GX AXS: $9,699Oso TR Eagle 90: $8,499Ibis Oso S: Oh So FastThe Oso S has 130mm of rear wheel travel, just like the non-electric Ripley. (photo/Tanner Stephens)The Oso S is the shortest travel member of the Oso family that looks like, you guessed it, an electric Ripley. It has 130mm of rear wheel travel and comes with a 140mm fork. All sizes come with 29 wheels front and rear. Its intended to be a more agile and sporty version for those who prefer less travel. In that regard, it seems kinda similar to the Specialized Levo R that came out just recently.Likewise, it has the most conservative geometry of the bunch, but numbers that are right in line with modern geometry standards for its travel bracket. Take a look at the chart above for the details. The Oso S comes in one complete build with SRAM Eagle 90 Mechanical shifting and RockShox suspension for $7,999.Oso S Eagle 90: $7,999Ibis Oso: AvailabilityAccording to Ibis, the new Oso models should begin shipping in May. Head to the Ibis website to learn more or place an order.ibiscycles.comThe post An Electric Ripmo? The 2nd Generation Ibis Oso eMTB is a Modular Platform with 3 Configurations appeared first on Bikerumor.

Wrapping up a host of spring updates across its suspension lineup, Fox announces that the Float X2 is now available with Live Valve Neo. This is the latest version of Foxs automatic damping adjustment technology, which has been available on the Float X and DHX since 2024. Now, Fox is bringing the same tech to the Float X2 to give gravity riders the advantages of electronic, nearly instantaneous compression damping adjustments.If you arent familiar with Live Valve Neo, we covered it in detail when it launched a while back. That article covers the ins and outs of the system and how it works, so be sure to check that out for a deeper dive. The big news here is that the tech has made its way to Foxs gravity lineup, and its now available on the latest version of the Float X2, which was updated just last year.According to Fox, the Live Valve Neo system reads terrain and rider inputs 400 times per second, automatically opening or firming the shocks compression circuit in a little as 1/70th of a second. This ensures that the shock is always optimized for the situation, firming up for efficiency, or opening up for plushness and traction.Fox believes that adding the Live Valve Neo system to the Float X2 will make the definitive gravity shock even faster and elevate its performance for enduro and downhill racing. The stated benefits are increased traction, reduced rider fatigue, and greater confidence at speed.Like the standard Float X2, the Live Valve version has Low-Speed Compression (11 clicks) and High- and Low-Speed Rebound adjustments. Additionally, the Firm mode has 7-clicks of adjustment, so riders can fine-tune it to their preferences. Beyond that, the Fox Bike App offers preset tunes and customization options to further adapt and optimize Live Valve Neo to your riding style.Trunnion or standard eyelet mount options.Specs and FeaturesTrunnion and standard eyelet optionsWide range of sizesClaimed weight: 750g (210x55mm)3-way adjustable high and low-speed rebound, low-speed compressionTool-free rebound and compression adjustments7-click Firm mode adjust, 11-click Low-Speed compression (same as LV Neo Float X/DHX)Uses same battery as other Neo productsPressure Balanced Monotube architecture for GRIP X2 for damper performance in a rear shockLarger diameter shaft for increased strength and durabilityUpdated Variable Valve Control (VVC) on high-speed reboundParallel reservoir orientation available for frame clearance (on select sizes)Pricing and AvailabilityA complete Float X2 Live Valve Neo system includes the shock, as well as the sensor and battery kit, which are somewhat confusingly sold separately. Pricing is as follows:Float X2 Live Valve Ne Factory Series Shocks: $1,169 USD / $1,569 CAD / 1,399 / 1,349Live valve Neo Sensor and Battery Kit: $419 USD / $529 CAD / 479 / 449The Float X2 with Live Valve Neo is available now. Learn more at ridefox.comThe post Fox Float X2 Now Available with Live Valve Neo appeared first on Bikerumor.

Behind the villain label is one of the most consistent winners in gravel racing, and a rider determined to let real-life interactions reshape her story

An Olympic champion. A Giro dItalia stage winner. A rider used to competing in races, not surviving them. And yet, after his first experience of Paris-Roubaix, Benjamin Thomas sounded like a man who had simply endured the hardest day of his career. Drafted in at the last minute after a wave of inju...

Tadej Pogacar left Paris-Roubaix 2026 with another second place, another reminder that he can win the Hell of the North one day, and another debate over what actually cost him this time. The Slovenian was strong enough to fight for victory again. That much is beyond doubt. But in the aftermath, some...

Picture: Hucare Factory Team at a pre-season training camp in Tenerife. (Photo Credit: Hucare Factory Team).Cairde Rs Tailteann is delighted to announce one of our visiting teams for the 2026 event: Hucare Factory Team from Germany.Racing under a new name for 2026, the team returns to Rs Tailteann after making its debut in the race last year and will be aiming to build on that experience with a strong performance on Irish roads.Hucare Factory Team comes into the 2026 edition with a solid block of early-season racing already behind them. In March, the team competed in the Tour of Antalya 2.2 in Turkey, where they recorded three top 16 stage results. Prior to that, the squad completed a training camp in Tenerife, giving the riders the opportunity to prepare in excellent conditions ahead of a busy spring campaign.The teams build-up to Rs Tailteann will also include several major German one-day races, along with a UCI 2.2 event in Benin, giving the squad a strong programme in the lead-in to this years race.Among the riders to watch will be Luca Harter, regarded as one of Germanys leading performers. A strong sprinter and cyclocross specialist, Harter has built up an impressive list of results. Maximilian Weber is another rider expected to feature prominently, with the young German seen as one of the teams most promising talents. Moritz Czasa also returns to the race, having raced in Ireland last year and gained valuable experience of the challenges Rs Tailteann presents.Dominik Merseburg from Hucare Factory Team said: We are delighted to return to Rs Tailteann in 2026 after making our debut last year. We have had a strong period of preparation and we hope to arrive in Ireland in good shape. We enjoyed the race very much last year and we are looking forward to returning to compete again this May.Race Director Ger Campbell added: We are very pleased to welcome Hucare Factory Team back to Rs Tailteann for 2026. They made a positive impression on their debut in the race last year, and it is always encouraging to see teams return with more experience and ambition. We look forward to seeing what they can do on Irish roads this May.

Today outta Petaluma, California, e*thirteen drops the new Sidekick 2.0 Hub. This new hub is supposed to be lighter and faster with zero pedal kickback for MTBs and eMTBs. The new Sidekick 2.0 addresses a common mountain bike issue: pedal kickback. (Photos / e*thirteen)The new hub uses a patented ratchet system that fully retracts the main pawls during coasting. This, in turn, completely separates the drivetrain from the suspension, allowing the rear wheel to follow terrain more naturally, while keeping the suspension working the way it should.We engineer for true ride performance, not just instant engagement that can hinder suspension and ride quality. Sidekick 2.0 is built for riders seeking improved capability, near-silent hubs, and real speed. Project Engineer, Greg Thrash.Sidekick 2.0 HubRiders can adjust between the three engagement settings (9, 13, and 18) without tools while on the trail, letting them fine-tune performance based on riding conditions or terrain. The Sidekick 2.0s 9 fast engagement option is the fastest option, providing quicker engagement similar to conventional hubs, while still reducing kickback during the initial part of suspension travel.Compared to the original Sidekick, the 2.0 version weighs up to 38% less, with the Pro Straight Pull rear hub weighing 275g. The updated design also reduces coasting friction by 30% using improved bearing press-fits and low-friction seals. e*thirteen replaced traditional springs with a magnetic pawl retraction system. This eliminates a wear point and maintains consistent performance over time.(Photos / e*thirteen)The Sidekick 2.0 starts at $249.95, making it significantly more accessible than the original version at less than half the price. Pro-level versions include upgraded bearings and nickel-plated pawls for enhanced durability. The hub operates silently during coasting and works with both traditional mountain bikes and e-bikes across various riding disciplines.Sidekick 2.0 Retail & DetailRetail: $249.95 (Sidekick), $349.95 (Sidekick Pro), $399.95 (Sidekick GR)The Sidekick: Anti-kickback performance for any full-suspension rider.J-Bend 148mm 300gXD, MS, or HG Driver148mm or 157mm28H or 32H9/13/18 DegreesSidekick Pro: Pro-level performance and finishingJ-Bend 148mm 300gStraight Pull 148mm 275gXD, MS, or HG Driver148mm or 157mm28H or 32H9/13/18 DegreesThe Sidekick GR: Reinforced shell, oversized outer bearing, and steel axle for the extreme demands of heavy Enduro, DH, and E-MTBsJ-bend 148mm 424gXD, MS, or HG Driver 148mm or 157mm28H or 32H12/15/18 DegreesFor more details, hit the link below!ethirteen.comThe post e*thirteen Launches the Sidekick 2.0 Hubs for a Lighter, Faster & Cheaper Anti-kickback Hub appeared first on Bikerumor.

Specialized has precisely tweaked the fiber angles inside the Bitcher & Eliminator casing, giving their gravity mountain bike tires a more radial update. Its not quite as extreme an angle as some brands. And its still functionally a bias-ply tire. But Specialized calls their slightly more conservative radial-ish casing construction the perfect Sweet Spot Ply that balances a 30% boost in radial tire compliance and 30% larger tire contact patch, while maintaining the necessary lateral support to keep running low tire pressures for maximum grip.Specialized Butcher & Eliminator Grid Gravity Radial MTB tires(Photos/Specialized)Specialized say their two new Grid Gravity Radial tires reinvent how trail riders experience grip and compliance by creating a better balance of radial compliance and lateral support. When Schwalbe debuted their game-changing radial tire construction in 2024, every other tire maker quickly took notice. But when Specializeds S-Works Tire Factory in Baden, Germany dug deeper into more-radial tire casing angles, they saw a significant hurdle.While brands like Schwalbe and Zleen adopted more dramatic radial angles, according to Specialized, that shift also necessitated revised structures to make up for the loss of lateral support, diminishing the benefits of the more radial angles. While we havent yet tested the new Specialized radials, that seems confirmed by Schwalbes own recent tweaking of their Gravity Radial construction to give the extra lateral support that their hard-charging downhillers had demanded.OK, so how did Specialized settle on their new 70 Sweet Spot Ply?It all comes down to a lot of iterative R&D testing. Luckily, tweaking casing angles is relatively straightforward process. And it doesnt require new tire molds to get a sense of the impact of small changes. As the casing angle approaches 90 perpendicular to the direction of travel / tire rotation, radial stiffness in the tire decreases significantly increasing grip, but lateral stiffness drops off as well negatively impacting handling & control. With a closer-to-radial casing, increased tire pressure (or other heavy internal tire reinforcement) is needed to maintain a minimum acceptable level of lateral support. But those higher pressures what Specialized calls pressure-tuning negate the benefit of compliance offered by radial construction. And thus, they limit the usable range of tire pressures a mountain biker can use to fine-tune their ride.(click to enlarge)Specializeds Grid Gravity R&D prototype testing illustrates the performance impacts of simply changing the casing angle from the 50 for their standard casing (vs. the 45average of most conventional bias-ply bike tires). Specialized iterated their prototypes in ~10 steps for testing, up to ~80 to mimic the angle used in Schwalbes Radial tires (according to Specializeds claim).Based on their R&D test results, Specialized settled on their own new Sweet Spot Ply casing angle of ~70. They describe that those first two 10 steps away from their standard (50) gravity tire construction demonstrated the biggest improvement in Radial Compliance, while having a minimal negative impact on Lateral Support.(click to enlarge)Hence, the Sweet Spot. Where you can still run the same pressure that you did in your conventional Specialized Gravity tires, or maybe just +1psi extra as a starting point.Why only Butcher & Eliminator in Gravity casings?Specializeds Grid Gravity Radial Sweet Spot Ply claims to:Reduce radial stiffness by 30.0%, dramatically improving trail conformity.Decrease lateral stiffness only 7%, retaining cornering support and precision.Deliver compliance and control at the same PSI riders already use.But ultimately, like weve seen with Schwalbe, going radial increases tire footprint, allows for more tire deformation, increases vibration damping, and provides more grip. But more grip isnt free and also means more rolling resistance, too. So even though Specialized describes their Grid Gravity Radial construction as reinventing the grip that trail riders experience, its clear that its going to take more effort to pedal the new tires up hills, too.So even with Specializeds reduced radial angle, this is still only tire tech for riders prioritizing maximum grip over tricky technical terrain. Think aggressive trail, all-mountain, enduro, and eMTB riders. Thats where the grippy Butcher & Eliminator trail & enduro tires shine.Specialized even says hard charging bikepark riders and DH racers who rely on firm supportive tires, may still prefer to stick with conventional 50 Grid Gravity tires, not these new radials.Only in the grippiest T9 & T7/T9 rubberconventional Butcher Grid Gravity (l) vs. new Butcher Grid Gravity Radial (r) tire foot print at the same rider + bike loadIf you are going to change casing construction to maximize grip, you might as well start with the grippiest rubber to start. Thats why the Grid Gravity Radial construction only comes in Specializeds stickiest T9 rubber. OK, also with the dual-compound Eliminator that features longer-wearing T7 rubber down the middle of its tread knobs, too.Interestingly, Specializeds testing that showed a 30% larger tire footprint under the same rider+bike load, also points towards more than just a big increase in grip. They suggest that it should also mean increased tire durability. If the same load is distributed over a larger area, there is reduced stress on the tire, hence longer-wearing rubber?Specialized Grid Gravity Radial tires Pricing, options & availabilityEliminator (l) & Butcher (r)Just two Specialized tubeless mountain bike tires get the Grid Gravity Radial treatment. First, theres the most aggressive, often front 2.4 Butcher Grid Gravity Radial T9 tire in 27.5 or 29 1240g & 1330g, respectively. Then, theres the more durable, often rear 2.4 Eliminator Grid Gravity Radial T7/T9 again in 27.5 or 29 also 1240g & 1330g claimed weights.All of the Specialized Grid Gravity Radial mountain bike tires sell for the same price $90 / 69 a piece, just a few bucks more than the conventional versions. Get a set from your local Specialized dealer starting today.Specialized.comThe post Specialized MTB Tires Go Radial(ish) For More Grippy, Supportive Butcher & Eliminator appeared first on Bikerumor.

In March, we teamed up with Louisiana Cancer Prevention (LCP) to promote colorectal cancer awareness, during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.We worked with the local team to invite people around the region to host group bike rides and provide them with educational and promotional materials for attendees as well as promoting their rides to our audience. LCP ordered special blue lights that could be attached to the bikes and said Start at 45 to educate people around starting to test at age 45 and using the color for colorectal cancer awareness.We encouraged groups to theme their bicycle ride around blue to help promote this great cause. Blue Bikes was a clear partner and they led the charge by leading the first community ride at the beginning of March. The Crescent City Rollers teamed up with us on the final Thursday of the month with people meeting outside of our office and Rosa with LCP came out along with a pop-up display to better educate everyone in attendance about why this effort is so important, especially in Louisiana.Colorectal Cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in Louisiana, and its very manageable if caught so early detection saves lives.Were happy to have found this partnership to help promote this great cause and thank everyone who helped organize or came out and joined a ride!

The biggest What If of the 2026 Paris-Roubaix must be Mathieu van der Poel. The Dutchman's race was flipped upside down in a single moment, more than 90 kilometers from the finish. Van der Poel drew a short straw at the iconic cobbled sector Troue d'Arenberg with a fast puncture. But Alpecin-Premi...