Best cycling backpacks 2026 carry your stuff the simple way for daily commutes and weekend adventures

Ivan Romeo delivered a decisive late move to win Stage 3 of O Gran Camio 2026, attacking from a select front group and holding off his rivals to take a solo victory in Padrn. The Movistar rider turned an aggressive ride into a race-winning move, powering clear in the final 10 kilometres to seal on...

Our spring member drive ends tomorrow, which is the cutoff to join the Bikepacking Collective and have your membership begin with the 16th issue of The Bikepacking Journal. Dont miss out! We hope youll sign up to support us this year. Learn about the upcoming issue, over $9,000 in giveaways, 110+member discounts, and more here...The post Last Call for The Bikepacking Journal 16! appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

James Peacock will take on Dirty Reiver, Frontier 300 and Gravel Rocks

Unlike the US with its thousands of miles of gravel tracks, the UK is somewhat lacking when it comes to off-road routes that don't require something really fat-tyred. With pizza at stake, I wanted to test the limits of the UK's gravel network

The startlist for Brabantse Pijl 2026 is beginning to take shape, with a punchy and unpredictable contest expected on Friday, 17 April as the race bridges the cobbled Classics and the Ardennes week. Known for its relentless rhythm and short, sharp climbs, the Belgian one-day race traditionally suits...

The races will be held in Nannup, Australia the first time they've been held outside Europe

Ivan Romeo turned aggression into reward on Stage 3 of O Gran Camio 2026, producing a solo attack to take victory in Padrn and underline his return to form after a difficult spell. The Movistar Team rider made his move inside the final 10 kilometres, distancing his rivals from a select front group...

The new Specialized Levo 4 EVO eMTB isnt entirely new. Instead, its really a beefed-up and stretched-out version of the Levo 4. But trust us, thats a good thing. It takes what the carbon Levo 4 already did really well including Februarys 22% power boost, and pairs it with longer travel front & rear, gravity-tweaked geometry with an updated link, and a burly spec that pushes it firmly into the e-enduro category. You still get Levo 4 Super Natural pedal-assist, but now the mullet Levo 4 EVO is ready for back-to-back self-shuttle gravity runs, just like you were in the bikepark!26 Specialized Levo 4 EVO carbon 170/180mm enduro eMTB(All photos/Cory Benson)When Specialized first launched their 4th-generation Levo all-mountain eMTB last year with 150/160mm travel, they already knew that riders were going to beg to go longer. The Levo 4 was frankly a bit overbuilt on purpose. Specialized wanted to create an ebike tough enough to handle anything riders could throw at it. And they already had certified it for 180mm travel forks. So they werent surprised to hear of some aftermarket links being made to squeeze extra travel out of the rear, too.In fact, Specialized was already doing the same thing.The new Levo Evo was created to shred the gnarliest trails. Or maybe they were the same gnarly enduro trails Levo 4 owners were on. But now, 170mm of 27.5 rear wheel travel paired to 180mm 29 forks up front. So, the longer travel Evo handles them with more confidence and stability.Whats new and whats the same?For the most part, the Levo 4 Evo is the same frame as the standard Levo 4. But to get an extra 2cm of travel out back, Specialized created a new linkage with a shorter shock extension to allow for longer shock stroke.The result is slightly slacker geometry, a bit higher ride to accommodate more distance back to bottom it all out, and slightly shorter reach as it slackens. But, all the same Levo 4 geometry adjustment is still there. The geo table shows the baseline middle head angle position, the longer chainstays, and lower BB height. I personally prefer the higher position with a 1 slacker headtube for my steep, rocky, but not so full gas fast riding. As always, set it how you prefer.Of note: there is one fewer size available. No S1, because Specialized simply couldnt fit the smallest riders when the travel kept getting bigger.There is no S-Works version, meaning you dont get the slightly more powerful S-Works motor. Just the super capable 810W x 105NmTurbo 3.1 motor (Although, with the latest OTA update, the difference is quite small.) But its still carbon, top-tier FACT 11m carbon in fact. Plus, some markets will get an alloy Levo Evo, too.If youre absolutely dead set on an S-Works Levo Evo, there is a workaround. Specialized is offering a EVO upgrade kit with the new linkage, so you could buy an S-Works Levo 4 frameset yourself and build it up with your own custom e-enduro dream build setup.Why mechanical shifting makes sense here!One subtle, but really interesting update in my mind, the Levo 4 Evo adds a cable-actuated derailleur option! You might wonder why I would care about mechanical drivetrains (read my separate rant, here) on an ebike, where AXS is already wired in? But this e-shredder is going to be repeatedly smashed down gnarly, rock trails. And that means any expensive electronic derailleur is gonna see tons of abuse. Id be much happier to replace a cheaper mechanical derailleur when the time comes.Specialized Levo 4 EVO Pricing, availability & options2026 Specialized Levo 4 EVO ProSpecialized says the Levo 4 Evo is built for riders who dont tiptoe around terrain. The riders who point into the steep stuff, ride bike parks without a chairlift, and want a bike that stays calm when things get fast, rough, and consequential This is Electric Enduro.This is Electric Enduro.Three different Levo Evo builds with 840Wh batteries will be offered starting today, depending on where you are in the world. Levo 4 EVO Pro $12,300 / 11,000 with a 180mm RockShox Zeb Ultimate fork, Vivid Ultimate Linear air shock, SRAM X0 Eagle AXS wired-in drivetrain, a BikeYoke Revive Max dropper, and Traverse HD wheels with DT Swiss 350 DEG hubs (ready for a DF anti-kickback upgrade) claimed 24.12kg complete weightLevo 4 EVO Comp $9200 / 7500 with a RockShox Zeb Select fork, Vivid Select Linear air shock, SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS wired-in drivetrain, Maven Silver brakes, Maven Bronze brakes, an Xfusion Manic dropper, and alloy Specialized wheels claimed 25.16kg complete weightLevo 4 EVO Comp Alloy 6500 (no US availability) with the same Zeb Select fork & Vivid Select Linear air shock, premium mechanical SRAM Eagle 90 T-type drivetrain, Maven Bronze brakes, the Xfusion dropper, and alloy Specialized wheels claimed 26.92kg complete weightAftermarket conversion of your existing Levo 4If you have a Levo 4 and feel like you need to go bigger, Specialized will sell a Levo Evo conversion for just $70. It will include the EVO shock extension, which you can just swap out on your Levo 4. Then, its up to you to buy an appropriate new 230 x 62.5mm shock (coil or air) and then a 180mm travel 29er fork. Or if your existing fork travel can be extended, maybe just a new travel change kit. Then, its up to you what other burly components you should upgrade to go full-on freeride!Specialized.comThe post Specialized Levo 4 EVO Turns Super Natural eMTB into Proper eEnduro Shredder eBike appeared first on Bikerumor.

While I do understand the appeal of lighter eMTBs for some purposes, I also think Why not go big when you have a motor to help you climb? is a valid question for those who ride rough trails. Forbidden Bike Co. decided to go big, burly, and capable with their brand new Dreadnought E without letting the weight pile on. This is a long travel, full power eMTB that was unapologetically built for downhill domination!A self shuttle machine designed to tackle laps of rowdy terrain, the Dreadnought Es are all equipped with full carbon frames, offering 170/180mm travel. This bike was built specifically around MX wheels, and its geometry is similar to Forbiddens Supernought downhill bike. Last but certainly not least, two powerful Avinox drive system options provide class-leading power output.Forbidden Dreadnought EFrame Features:The new Dreadnought Es will be offered with full carbon frames only, which include a carbon rocker link. The bikes are specifically designed for MX wheels. The Dreadnought E offers 170 mm of rear travel, and all stock models come with 180mm forks.This bike employs Forbiddens signature high-pivot, four-bar Trifecta linkage. This design produces a rearward axle path for excellent bump absorption, yet still provides poppy, supportive ride qualities. The Dreadnought Es linkage was designed to work well with coil or high-volume air shocks.Forbiddens idler pulley position also aims to keep pedal kickback very low. In fact, Forbidden gives this bike their eMTB specific 18t steel idler pulley, which has a refined tooth profile and spins on Enduro solid lube bearings.Forbidden decided to take advantage of SRAMs AXS Extension cord, which powers your derailleur from the bikes main battery. All AXS-equipped models come with the cord. This add-on also allows for a unique Smooth Shift feature from the Avinox drive systems. This feature allows you to shift gears without pedalling, ensuring you can drop gears when approaching a steep climb or shift upwards as you cruise down a descent.Moving the Dreadnought Es rear shock to a vertical layout left lots of room for dropper posts. A size S1 frame can run a 180mm travel post, and S4 frames all come with 240mm posts.All frame sizes can also fit water bottles. The smallest frame can carry a 26oz bottle, even with a reservoir shock. Forbidden appears to be teaming up with Fidlock, as they will be providing Fidlock mounts on the Dreadnought Es, and said Forbidden Fidlock bottles will soon be available.Adaptable internal cable routing allows for international brake setups, and Forbiddens cable ports are designed to prevent any rattling in the frame. Forbidden keeps the bikes custom-made hardware simple to service, saying all bolts on the frame can be checked with a single multi-tool.Fitments, Protection, Weight:Frame protection includes the usual chainstay, seatstay, and downtube protectors, but the Dreadnought Es will also come with RideWrap protection pre-installed in high-wear areas. The Dreadnought E uses a Boost 148x12mm rear axle, and the frame fits 31.6mm dropper posts. Max tire clearance wasnt specified, but the bikes come with 27.52.5 rear tires.Forbidden says complete Dreadnought E builds come in at 51.6 lbs (or less) with a 600Wh battery, or 53.5 lbs with the larger 800Wh battery. Id say thats pretty good for such a burly eMTB!Forbiddens carbon frames are covered by a lifetime warranty. See their website for complete details.Avinox Drive Systems:There are two drive systems used within the Dreadnought E lineup The Avinox M2S and the Avinox M2. The two higher-end builds come with the M2S motor, pumping out 130Nm of torque (150Nm in Boost) and 1300W of peak power at a weight of just 2.6 Kg. The other builds get the M2 motor, which still cranks out 110Nm of torque (125Nm in Boost) and 1100W peak power. The M2 drive system weighs 2.65 Kg. Each build also offers the options for either an 800Wh or 600Wh battery, so you can choose between maximum range or nimbler, lighter handling.The highest-end build of the Dreadnought E comes with Avinoxs 508W charger, which can top up the 800Wh battery from 0-75% capacity in just an hour and a half. All other models come with a 168W charger, which takes 4:45 to fully charge the 600Wh battery.*Photo Justin RossIn addition to wireless controllers at the handlebar, the Avinox drive systems both include 2 OLED full color touch-screen Control Displays. One new feature Avinox added this year is navigation capability; You can now upload GPX, FIT, or TCX data files and use the bikes display screen to navigate trail networks. Of course, the systems are also compatible with the Avinox Ride app. The app allows fine-tuning of all aspects of the drive system and display screen customization. Lastly, the Control Display includes a fast-charging 65W USB-C charge port, so you can top up your mobile devices or lights.Geometry:Check out the chart above for all the specs, but the Dreadnought Es key geo figures include a 63 head tube angle, and varying actual seat mast angles, so all frame sizes wind up at an effective angle of 76.75. Reach numbers go from 425mm-481mm across the size range. Interestingly, Forbiddens OneRide geometry leaves the proportional rear center measurements for the S1-S3 frames a tad longer than the reach numbers. BB height remains low on all sizes at 340.8mm.*Photo Ian LeanThe Dreadnought Es geometry is optimized for downhill shredding, and thoughtfully so. Not only does the geometry optimize the bikes MX wheel setup, but it was also tuned with shorter cranks in mind (every model comes with 150mm arms) and given a higher front end. Forbidden says this all contributes to the rider winding up in a centered, tall, and relaxed position, offering maximum control over the bike.Despite its rowdy intentions on descents, the Dreadnought Es geometry considers climbing prowess as well. With proportional rear-center lengths and steeper seat masts on larger frames, the rider remains centered on the bike in all situations.Model Lineup:There will be four builds of the Dreadnought E available: Tier 1,2, 3, and 4. Tier 1 is the highest-end build. With full carbon frames and powerful new motors, none of these models come at an entry-level price, and the higher tiers stretch into the five-figure range. Check out Forbiddens website for full build specs, but some key parts are listed below.Dreadnought E T1 $12,399 (800Wh) or $12,099 (600Wh)The Dreadnought E T1 comes with a RockShox Zeb Ultimate fork and Vivid Coil rear shock. This model gets the Avinox M2S motor, a SRAM X0 AXS derailleur, and Maven Ultimate brakes, and it rolls on Crankbrothers Synthesis Carbon Enduro wheels.Dreadnought E T2 $10,999 (800Wh) or $10,699 (600Wh)The T2 model runs Fox suspension, with a 38 Factory fork and a Float X2 Factory rear shock. It also runs the Avinox M2S motor and a SRAM GX AXS drivetrain with Maven Silver brakes. The T2 rides on Crankbrothers Alloy 2.0 rims and Ratchet hubs. Dreadnought E T3 $9299 (800Wh) or $8999 (600Wh)RockShox equips the Dreadnought E T3 with a Zeb Select+ fork and Vivid Select+ rear shock. At this tier, the motor steps down to the Avinox M2. The T3 goes to mechanical shifting with SRAMs Eagle 90 shifter/derailleur, and it still gets Maven brakes in base trim. The wheels run Crankbrothers Alloy 1.0 rims and Synthesis hubs.Dreadnought E T4 $7999 (800Wh) or $7699 (600Wh)Finally, the T4 model gets a Rockshox Zeb fork and a Super Deluxe rear shock. This model also runs the Avinox M2 motor. SRAMs Eagle 70 groupset handles shifting, and their DB4 brakes reel things in. The Crankbrothers alloy wheelset is the same as the T3 model.*Images c. Forbidden Bike Co., unless noted otherwiseforbiddenbike.comThe post Forbidden Bikes Launches the Dreadnought E Big Travel, Full Power, Zero Hesitation! appeared first on Bikerumor.