La Flche Wallonne returns with its familiar script: tension bottled up for most of the route and an explosive showdown on the Mur de Huy. In the build-up, though, the analysis revolves not only around the favourites but also around team strategy. In that context, former rider Bobbie Traksel, speaki...

Xtracycles new OmniTierra is one of the most unique bikes I saw at Sea Otter this year. While the brand is known primarily for its electric cargo bikes, they teamed up with Priority Bicycles and legendary adventure cyclist John Freeman and his dog Mira to create this one-of-a-kind non-electric titanium mid-tail cargo bike. I met up with John Freeman, Mira, and the Xtracycle and Priority folks at the Gates booth at Sea Otter to check out the new OmniTierra before its official launch last Saturday.According to Xtracycle, Freeman approached them in 2024 with the goal of helping them design the ideal cargo bike to suit his type of long-distance bikepacking and adventure riding. And, when they say long distance, they mean it. Reportedly, Freeman has ridden over 120,000km through 15 countries, and he does it with his dog Mira riding along with him. In the brief time we chatted, I was told about rides from his home in Alberta, Canada, to Peru and back again.It seemed to make Mira very happy to be in the basket on the back of John Freemans OmniTierra bike. Built with PurposeAlong with needing space to carry everything he needs for extended bike tours clothing, food, water, tent, bedding, etc. Freeman also needs room for his canine co-pilot, Mira. So, they designed the OmniTierra with cargo-carrying capability as one of its top priorities. But they also wanted to ensure that comfort and ride quality, a reasonable weight, durability, low maintenance, and versatility werent forgotten either. After several iterations and lots of testing, the finished product is what you see here.John Freemans Xtracycle OmniTierra in the stock build, loaded up with all of his gear.For ride quality and durability, the OmniTierra frame is made from titanium. It has a mid-tail cargo design with extra-long chainstays; the rear center length is not specified, but the wheelbase is listed at 1,320mm and 1,347mm on the medium and large frames, respectively. The long rear end accommodates the included heavy-duty rear rack and helps add stability when loaded with gear. The racks weight limit is listed as 27kg (59.5 lbs.), which is more than enough for a mid-sized Border Collie-Heeler and a bunch of lightweight bikepacking gear. The frame also has loads of mounting points inside the front triangle, on the underside of the downtube, and on the top tube to attach bags or other items.VersatilityThe Xtracycle folks had an OmniTierra on hand with a fat tire setup to demonstrate its versatility.The OniTierras frame has been designed with versatility in mind, so riders can choose the wheel size and tire setup that works best for their needs. The frame has clearance for tires up to 29 x 2.4, which come on the stock build. It can also fit fat bike tires up to 26 x 4 (possibly wider depending on the model) if youre using it for winter travel or in other loose conditions. An adjustable dropout system also appears to provide some length adjustment for varying wheel sizes and possibly a derailleur hanger for a mechanical drivetrain (see 2 photos down for more detail).For fat-tire setups, riders will need to swap out the stock suspension fork for a fat-tire fork with more tire clearance. Xtracycle had the OmniTierra set up with a rigid carbon fat bike fork, fat tires, and carbon wheels at the show (see above), which apparently weighed 2 pounds less than the stock setup. I rode it around for a minute or two, and I was very pleasantly surprised by how light it felt and how intuitively it handled, even with the mid-length rear end, cargo rack, and fat tires.Gearbox + Belt Drive = Low MaintenanceThe Pinion C1.12 gearbox has wireless shifting, 12 gears, a 600% range, and requires minimal maintenance.In keeping with the low-maintenance and durability theme, as well as the partnership with Priority, Xtracycle chose the Pinion SmartShift C1.12 gearbox and the Gates CDX Carbon Belt drivetrain setup. This 12-speed drivetrain features wireless shifting and a 600% gear range. The Gates belt is quiet, never needs lubrication, and lasts 2-3x longer than a regular chain. Likewise, the sealed gearbox requires almost no maintenance an oil change every 10,000km and the electric shifting reportedly lasts 10,000 to 20,000 shifts between charges. One could argue that a belt-driven gearbox is the ideal bikepacking drivetrain.The Gates CDX belt never needs lube and lasts a very long time. GeometryThe OmniTierra is currently offered in 2 frame sizes, medium and large, with geometry numbers catering toward all-day comfort for long-distance riding. As such, it has moderate reach numbers of 434mm and 460mm, respectively, along with generous stack heights to keep riders in a fairly neutral seated pedaling position. The head tube angle is listed at 69 degrees, with a seat tube angle of 74 degrees. Build KitThe OmniTierra comes in one complete build with a Fox 34 SL Performance fork and 29 wheels front and rear. According to Xtracycle the stock build in a size large, including the rear rack, weighs just 42 pounds. Full specs are listed below.Xtracycle OmniTierra: Pricing and AvailabilityThe new titanium-framed, gearbox, belt drive, OmniTierra cargo bike has a retail price of $6,699. It is available for pre-order now, and you can buy it for just $5,699 if you order by May 31st. According to Xtracycle, the OmniTierra begins shipping in November, 2026. You can learn more about the new OmniTierra or order one for your next adventure on the Xtracycle website.xtracycle.comFollow along with John Freeman and his dog Miras adventures on Instagram: @mira_la_perraThe post The New Xtracycle OmniTierra is a Titanium, Gearbox, Belt-Drive Cargo Bike appeared first on Bikerumor.

Ilan Van Wilder spent much of his career in the shadow of his peer Remco Evenepoel, even more so since he joined Soudal - Quick-Step at the end of 2021. That is why, despite having what appears to be a perfect skill set for Ardennes classics, Van Wilder is yet to enter a top-10 in any of Amstel Gold...

Taylor Phinney may soon return to result sheets of his favourite discipline - track. Supported by his wife and a star cyclist Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney, the 35-year-old American aims for the Los Angeles Olympics in two years' time, to close off a career which started on track almost two decades a...

It has been spotted for a while now: an interesting-looking DH offering from Specialized. Different from the previous Demo, but close enough to recognize nearly the same chassis.Hiding under frame and shock covers for the last few years is a completely new suspension design for Specialized. In fact, Specialized claims that prototype testing has been underway for the past three years.But now the wait is over. Introducing the new Demo 11, S-Works style.Two New Designs Working TogetherThe most unique aspect of the new Specialized Demo 11 is the bottom bracket area. The cranks arent connected to a traditional chainring, suggesting somethings happening on the inside. Rather, there is a mash-up of new designs, with the HighGear and OBB designs working together.Together, HighGear and OBB (Over Bottom Bracket) linkage deliver a fully active, fully independent suspension system that yields superior bump force management, stays calm under extreme load, virtually eliminates pedal feedback, and allows riders to carry more speed through any terrain with complete control.Big claims from Specialized, but ones that are definitely backed by World Cup wins.HighGear GearboxFirst looks and attempts to understand suggest the new platform isnt too dissimilar from Pivots Phoenix, albeit most of the system is housed internally. Despite the presence of a rear cassette and derailleur, HighGear is essentially a gearbox.Specialized developed the patent-pending HighGear with help from SRAM, saying that it removes unwanted drivetrain influence from the suspension. An optimized axle path and fully active suspension performance with virtually no feedback in the pedals.HighGear consists of a compact chainring mounted to a crank spindle that drives a jackshaft. This is all inside the gearbox. Mounted to the jackshaft is an external drive ring, connected to the rear cassette, which drives the bike forward.In laymans terms, the cranks are connected to gears within the gearbox, which is also connected to an external chainring. The location of this external chainring is significantly farther forward and above the bottom bracket. This location keeps the chain length constant, separating it from the suspension.It also adds 30mm of clearance to the new Demo 11 compared to the previous iteration, and makes the bike compatible with 27.5 rear wheels only.OBBOBB provides Specialized with significant tuning freedom in Demo 11. The linkage allows engineers to independently tune axle path, leverage rate, and braking behavior. Tuning these three attributes separately means there is no need to compromise regarding rear suspension performance.Separating these forces enables precise control of bump force management while keeping the suspension fully active, even under hard braking. The result is a bike that delivers predictable control, remains composed when braking hardest, reduces rider input, and saves energy deep into long downhill runs.Specialized landed on a 24% progressive leverage curve for the Demo 11. The axle path is rearward for the first part of the travel, then moves forward later in the stroke.To help ensure a smooth transition of the axle path, Specialized also claims to have a self-aligning chassis. The claim is that the shock is driven through the chainstays, pulling between the main pivot and rear axle. Keeping the wheel aligned leads to greater predictability and a calmer experience throughout the travel.Pulling is the keyword here. Specialized explained that pulling rather than pushing keeps things aligned. They used the example of pulling a wagon by its handle versus pushing it by the handle. When you pull the wagon, itll track straight behind you. Pushing it is a different story.Specialized Demo 11 GeometryAnother significant change Specialized made to the new Demo 11 was its geometry. Compared to the previous iteration, Demo 11 has grown significantly. Perhaps not to fit any trend, but to actually accommodate more riders.For example, the longest reach on the previous Demo was in the 460s. Specialized extended that, significantly, along with some other major sizing changes.First is the sizing in general. The previous Demo came in three sizes: S2, S3, and S4. The new Demo 11 starts at S3 and now goes through S5.The reach across the range is 445-500mm. Now, Specialized does make these reach numbers adjustable, with +/-6mm for each size. This accommodates a wide range of riders seeking reach between 439mm and 506mm (if my math serves).The bottom bracket can also be adjusted by 7mm, and the chainstays are size-specific across the three sizes.Builds and PriceIf you thought the S-Works Demo 11 was going to be inexpensive, youd be wrong. Specialized currently offers one build in the S-Works tier, priced at $11,000.In fact, the S-Works tier is all they currently offer for the new bike. A frame-only option is also available, and that will only set you back $6,500 (that statement is dripping with sarcasm).Here is what $11,000 gets you:RockShox Boxxer Ultimate forkRockShox Vivid Coil Ultimate DHSRAM Maven Ultimate B1 brakesSRAM XX DH AXS T-type drivetrainHighGear 165mm cranksRoval Traverse Gravity alloy rimsDT Swiss 350 hubsCannibal Grid Gravity 2.4 tiresDescendant 35 handlebarDescendant 50mm stemDeity Supracush gripsBody Geometry Henge DH saddleThomson alloy seat postThis adds up to just a bike that is (claimed) 41lbs. Obviously, a lot of that weight is due to the HighGear addition. But it is located low, and youre riding a chairlift up, so who cares?!Ultimately, the bike looks very cool, and were excited to see what Loic Bruni and the rest of the team will do on it this season.specialized.comThe post Specialized Releases Long-Anticipated S-Works Demo 11 w/ HighGear Drive Co-developed with SRAM appeared first on Bikerumor.

The spring Classics season is close to the finish. The past week delivered several top-tier races, led by the Amstel Gold Race, opening the Ardennes triptych that wraps up this week. The UCI WorldTour Ranking shifted after the Dutch race, alongside events such as Brabantse Pijl, O Gran Camio, Ronde...

Im not sure how many riders would claim this, but I actually remember my first time riding a bike without my Dad holding me upright! After starting with training wheels, I graduated to cruising on two wheels at the age of five. Nowadays, balance bikes like Striders new 12 Comp get kids rolling much sooner.Based in South Dakota, Strider started in 2007 and has since sold millions of bikes in dozens of countries around the globe. The 12 Comp is Striders first new balance bike model since 2017. Designed for children aged 1-3 years, it rolls on 12 wheels and features a lightweight composite frame.Strider 12 Comp:The 12 Comp is the first Strider bike to be built with a lightweight, durable Nylon composite frame. At 4.9 lbs complete, the light build enables young kids to pick up the bike and steer it easily. The frame includes standing footrests, so kids can prop up their feet and learn to cruise unsupported. Child-specific frame geometry aims to offer a balance of stability and agility.Strider sets up the 12 Comp with a pair of Ultralight Wheels. These wheels are made from EVA-Polymer foam rubber, so theyre OK for indoor or outdoor riding, and theyll never go flat. The 12 Comp is also compatible with Striders rocking base, which basically turns the bike into a rocking horse. This accessory is ideal for getting infants familiar with their Strider 12 bike in a safe manner until theyre big enough to try riding.For young riders who are showing good skill development, the 12 Comp can also run Striders High-Traction Wheels, which have pneumatic tires for superior grip and sealed bearing hubs. The High-Traction Wheels are available in six colors.Striders handlebars are appropriately sized for small riders, and the 12 Comp has an adjustable seat with an integrated snap-to-adjust seat clip.Here are the 12 Comps key measurements: This bike fits inseams from 12-16, the handlebars sit at a fixed height of 19, and the seat height is adjustable from 11-15. Max rider weight is 45 lbs. *Images c. StriderStrider says it only takes a few minutes to assemble the 12 Comp. MSRP is $139.99, and it is available in blue, orange, pink, purple, and teal colors.striderbikes.comThe post Strider Introduces 4.9 lb Composite-Framed 12 Comp Balance Bike appeared first on Bikerumor.

All the information on how to watch La Flche Wallonne 2026 from anywhere in the world as the slopes of Mur De Huy go up against the World Tour.