The Magnus White and Safe Streets for Everyone Act would require all new passenger vehicles under ten thousand pounds to have automatic emergency braking by 2029

SRAM-owned Zipp revives its 202 NSW climbing wheelset with a claimed weight of just 1,090g

With Tadej Pogacar arriving off one of the most dominant Classics campaigns in recent memory, Jonas Vingegaard has delivered a rare statement of intent ahead of their next meeting at the Tour de France. Its a good rivalry weve had, because it hasnt just been one rider winning every year. Weve t...

There were a lot of really cool things to see at the 2026 Sea Otter Classic (SOC) this year. And, one of the brands that really caught my eye was occupying a lil 1010 booth near the Sierra Nevada beer garden. The brand was AllOver Apparel, and the item of clothing that caught my eye was a techy-looking set of overalls. Theyre called the Lookout (womens) and the Argos (mens) go everywhere overalls, and I was intrigued.(Photos / Ron Frazelle)So, I stopped to take a lookWho is AllOver Apparel?Founder Emma Rosse and her Hubby. First, a little about the brand. AllOver Apparel is located in Salida, Colorado, so they are grounded in mountain living. They say on their website that they make clothing that goes wherever you do, from trailhead to taphouse, campsite to coffee shop.Founded by Emma Rosse, the company focuses on creating versatile, performance-oriented overalls. The overalls are designed to be used for a plethora of outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, and climbing, while still being perfectly at home, out on the town, or out on a date.The material that they use is stretchy and feels durable while also feeling light. Another thing that I really like is that AllOver is focused on making clothing for real bodies and versatile use cases.Sustainability is another core value for AllOver Apparel. They use recycled fabrics that all meet Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and Bluesign criteria for safe, low-impact production. Plastic-free packaging is used to cut down on unnecessary packaging. Plus, theyre a member of 1% for the Planet.The Mens Argos Overalls 2.0Retail: $169(Photo / AllOver)They offered to send a pair of the Argos home with me for an upcoming review, and I obliged. I have a 38 waist, and they suggested that I try the Argos in the XXL size (38-40 waist size). I am really excited to try them out. Stay tuned here for the full review in the next month or so. Upon just discovering them, a few features stood out to me. First, the lightweight and stretchy material used for the construction seems to make perfect sense. Its made from 94% recycled polyester. and 6% spendex. Its lightweight and soft to the touch. As mentioned earlier, its Bluesign approved. The Argos feature a fully operational fly for when nature calls. Its going to be easy to move around in, its quick drying, and the strap buckles are low-profile, so theyll be easy and comfy to fit under a backpack. I tried them on when I got home from the show, and they are surprisingly easy to get in and out of. The reason is the long entry zipper along the side of the overalls. And the fact that the straps are fixed and dont need to be reattached after slipping into the overalls makes it super simple. You just step into the side of the overalls and slip your head and arms into the fixed straps. Boom, Bobs your Uncle, youre ready to do whateves, whereves. Snappy back pocketsThe mens Argos sports an actual fly in the front for an easy bathroom visit, has snappable rear pockets, and a convenient hidden snap at the bottom of the leg that serves as a way to run a tapered pant leg, and keep it out of the chain.The Womens Lookout Overalls 2.0Retail: $169(Photo / AllOver)The Lookout womens Overalls have a longer inseam than most. This creates an ankle-to-full-length silhouette thats perfect for cuffing. The Lookout sports a tapered waist with room through the hips and thighs, helping to lose the typical boxy look of standard overalls. In turn, helping to keep things flattering and functional. The Lookout, like the Argos, also sports a side-entry zipper for easy on and off, as well as easy access when nature calls. OK, thats pretty much it for this. Dont forget to check out my full review of the Argos Overalls in the next month or so. Check out the website for sizing info and some of the other items AllOver has to offer. AllOverApparel.comThe post Meet AllOver Apparel and the Lookout & Argos Go Everywhere Overalls appeared first on Bikerumor.

Is summer even summer without a beach cruiser to ride?! I think not.If you agree and are looking for a new bike to pedal off into the late evening sunset, let me introduce you to the Retrospec Chatham Plus. Its a budget-friendly cruiser bike thats also pretty, fun, and low-maintenance. It might just be the perfect warm-weather companion.Unfortunately, I dont live anywhere near a beach, BUT I have been using the longer, warmer days to test the Chatham Plus on trips to the ice cream trolley (yes, we really have one in my neighborhood), and to meet my sister for patio drinks.Getting there was a delight. Pushing it back up the hill to my house afterward? Less so. But more on that in a minute.Review In A NutshellPros:AffordableCute, feminine design with pastel colors and faux leather detailsSimple, low-maintenance buildComfortable, upright riding positionFun for flat beach or city cruisingCons:Not suitable for hills (upgrade if you have any inclines)No fenders or rack includedPrice: $359Buy at Retrospec.comPretty In PastelsLets start with the obvious: this bike is adorable. It looks as good leaning against a caf wall as it does rolling down the boardwalk.The Retrospec Chatham Plus comes in several soft, feminine pastel colors with a shiny paint job that is undeniably pretty. The faux leather saddle and matching grips add a charming, retro aesthetic that makes me smile every time I ride it.Low Stepover And Swept-Back Bars Make For A Comfortable RideThe Chatham Plus has a very low stepover, making it easy to mount and dismount even in a skirt or dress, no gymnastics required. Once youre on, the swept-back handlebars put you in a relaxed, upright position thats easy on your back and shoulders.For short, casual rides, this geometry is great. You feel comfortable and in control, and theres no hunching over the bars like youre racing.Simple, Low-Maintenance BuildThe version of the Chantham Plus Ive been testing is the single-speed. In other words, it has no gears.One of the best things about a bike with a single-speed coaster brake is that there is almost nothing to maintain. No gear cables to stretch or snap, no brake pads to replace, no derailleur to adjust. To keep the Chatham Plus happy, you really just need to lube the chain occasionally and add air to the tires. Thats it.The build is sturdy and feels durable for casual use. The wheels are solid and the overall construction holds up welljust dont go jumping curbs with it.The kickstand also deserves a special mention: its super solid and kept the bike upright even on uneven, non-paved surfaces. Small thing, but I noticed and appreciated it.Now About Those HillsThe single-speed version of the Chantham Plus is not designed for hills. Why?The single-speed drivetrain means you have no gears to make pedaling easier when the road pitches up, and the coaster brake (you brake by pedaling backward) is sketchy at best on a steep descent. Its been a long time since Ive ridden a bike with a coaster brake rather than hand brake levers, and it definitely tested my nerves a bit. I live at the top of a hill, and the Chatham Plus made that hill feel like a punishment in both directions. Both uphill and downhill I had to walk when the pitch got steep.If theres any chance your rides will involve meaningful elevation change, do yourself a favor and look at the slightly pricier version of the Retrospec Chatham that comes with hand brakes and gears. Your legs on the way up (and your nerves on the way down) will thank you.The SaddleThe saddle on the Chatham Plus looks incredibly comfortable. Its wide, plush, and covered in faux leather. One of my friends rode it and loved it! As for me, I thought it was comically wide, and its definitely not the saddle Id want to pedal long distances with, BUT for short cruises, it was fine.Wide TiresThe wider tires on the Chatham Plus add some nice volume and help absorb road chatter on bumpy pavement. They have a smooth tread so are best for fast-rolling paved surfaces, but they can also handle a little bit of loose sand.A Note On SizingThe Chatham Plus is sold as one size fits most, with a stated fit range of 50 to 64. The extremely low standover and adjustable saddle height mean that riders across that range can get their feet on the ground comfortably.That said, the reach to the handlebars may feel a touch long for shorter riders and slightly cramped for the tallest ones. At 55, I felt right at home, but if youre at either extreme of that range, keep it in mind.The quick-release seatpost collar is a thoughtful touch. You can adjust saddle height without any tools, which makes it easy to share the bike between two riders of different heights.Whats Not Included (And What You Might Want To Add)The Retrospec Chatham Plus is a bit bare-bones when it comes to extras. There are no fenders included, which youll miss on wet roads or damp beach paths. Theres also no rack, which limits your ability to carry much of anythinga bummer if youre hoping to bring home a bag of peaches from the farmers market.The good news: there is a mounting point on the rear for a rack if you want to add one after the fact. Fenders can always be added too.One more note: the wheels bolt on rather than using quick-release skewers. That means youll need a wrench to remove a wheel if you get a flat. This is a minor inconvenience at home, but more of a hassle if youre far from your garage.Bottom Line: The Perfect Bike For Flat, Casual RidingThe Retrospec Chatham Plus is purpose-built for one thing: flat, casual riding. Think boardwalks, bike paths, beach towns, and lazy neighborhood loops. If thats your primary use case, its a fun and cheerful bike at an accessible price point.Its particularly well-suited for riders who want something low-maintenance, easy to get on and off, and pretty enough to feel good riding. If you want to run errands, do longer commutes, or live somewhere with hills, youll want to look elsewhere. Or at minimum, upgrade to the geared version.More Help Choosing A BikeBest Womens Cruiser Bikes & How To Choose!Types of Bikes & How to ChooseUltimate Guide To Womens Bike Sizes & Size ChartAbout The ReviewerKristen Bonkoski is a USA cycling and NICA coach, bike educator, and founder of Femme Cyclist.Shes also the host of the Femme Cyclist podcast and runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.Shes been riding bikes for more than two decades and is passionate about empowering women on the bike.IG:@femme_cyclistJoin Kristens Weekly Newsletter!The post Retrospec Chatham Plus Beach Cruiser Bike Review appeared first on Femme Cyclist.

Road and gravel bikes share a lot in common, but there are some more subtle differences that optimise them for different road and trail surfaces, as well as contrasting riding styles. Road racing bikes are most dissimilar to burlier gravel bikes, and endurance road bikes and all-road bikes tend to share more in common. In this article, we outline the differences between these bikes, before helping you consider whether you need a road or gravel bike, and how versatile a gravel bike can be for road riding, touring and as a winter road bike. Editor's note: this article was updated on 23 April 2026 with information on current gravel and road bike trends. What are road bikes and gravel bikes designed for? Road and gravel bikes look similar but have subtle differences. Scott Windsor / Our Media Both road bikes and gravel bikes exist within a number of different sub-categories; theyre largely designed for either sticking to the tarmac, or venturing off it. Within both categories, youll find race-orientated all-road steeds right the way through to endurance models, and everything in between. The specific purpose of these bikes will determine key features, such as geometry, tyre clearance, frame materials, finishing kit and mounts. Having said this, there are some general differences between gravel bikes and road bikes. Category Road Bike Gravel Bike Main purpose Fast riding on smooth tarmac Mixed terrain: gravel, dirt, trails + roads Geometry (shape & position) Aggressive, low, aerodynamic More upright, stable, comfort-focused Handling Sharp, responsive, quick steering Stable, forgiving on rough terrain Tyres Narrow ( 2532mm), smooth (slick) Wide ( 3550mm+), treaded for grip Tyre clearance Limited Much wider clearance (for mud + big tyres) Speed (on road) Faster (especially racing bikes) Slightly slower due to tyres + position Off-road ability Poor Excellent for gravel, trails, rough paths Comfort Less forgiving on bumps More comfortable on long/rough rides Weight Generally lighter Slightly heavier Gearing Optimised for speed on flats/descents Lower gearing for climbing/off-road Handlebars Narrow, aero-focused Often flared for stability Pedals Road-style (SPD-SL) MTB-style (SPD), easier walking Mounts (bags, racks) Minimal (mostly bottles) Many mounts for bags, racks, touring Versatility Best for pure road cycling Very versatile (commuting, touring, off-road) Best use case Racing, training, long road rides Adventure riding, mixed terrain, bikepacking Edit Table Tyres and clearance Tyre clearance is greater on gravel bikes, with many open to 50mm tyres. Scott Windsor / Our Media Tyres and just as crucially tyre clearance provide the key difference between gravel and road bikes. While many road bikes will be designed around 28mm tyres or perhaps up to 32mm for progressive endurance road bikes gravel bike tyres tend to be no narrower than 35 or 40mm, extending up into XC mountain bike territory at 2.2in (57mm). Tyre clearance between the fork, seatstays and chainstays will determine the maximum width of tyres that can be used. This is generally much wider for gravel bikes to enable a greater range of tyres and treads to be used, as well as all-important mud clearance for wetter, stickier conditions. Knobbly gravel tyres have an aggressive tread pattern similar to mountain bike tyres. Katherine Moore / Our Media Where some gravel bikes are limited on tyre clearance, brands or riders might opt for 650b wheels to be able to fit a chunkier tyre without having to switch the frame. Almost all road bikes are fitted with 700c wheels, except for some smaller-sized bikes, which use 650b or 650c to retain more proportional geometry. Almost all road tyres are slick, whereas almost all gravel tyres will feature at least some tread pattern. This will vary according to use, with semi-slick tyres for fast, dry racing and aggressive knobs for traction in muddier, more technical conditions. Gravel vs road bike geometry Mountain bike-inspired gravel bikes have slacker geometry than road machines. Scott Windsor / Ourmedia Geometry refers to the shape of a bike's frame, with varying angles and lengths resulting in noticeably different riding characteristics. Longer, lower, slacker: probably terms youre more familiar with from the mountain bike world, but also words that can be applied to gravel geometry when comparing them to road bikes. The demands of gravel riding and road riding are significantly different. While road bike geometry tends to err towards precise handling and a responsive, fast ride, gravel riders look for stability and capability over more technical terrain, while also maximising comfort for long days in the saddle. For these reasons, road and gravel bike geometries are very different. Gravel bikes feature longer wheelbases and slacker head tube angles to give added stability, just as trail bikes tend to be longer and slacker than cross-country bikes. Gravel bikes tend to be designed with a more upright body position in mind, with the exception of racing steeds, and therefore measure up with a shorter reach and higher stack than many road bikes. Endurance road bikes also feature a less aggressive position, so there may be some overlap here. Some gravel bikes have a sloping top tube, which not only leaves more seatpost exposed, giving a little extra compliance over the rougher stuff, but also gives easier manoeuvrability over the bike compared to a traditional, straight top tube. Frame materials Both road and gravel bikes are available in a variety of frame materials. Andy Lloyd / Ourmedia Both road bikes and gravel bikes are manufactured in a range of materials: aluminium, carbon, steel and titanium. Each material has its pros and cons, from budget to durability, weight and vibration absorption. Of course, theres also a great deal of variation within materials: for example, the grade of steel can have a huge impact on the frames weight. Steel tends to be more popular in the gravel riding world than in road cycling, thanks to its strength, durability and vibration-damping ride quality, as well as the popularity of custom builds in this category. Carbon frames can incorporate internal storage. Scott Windsor/Our Media Having said this, carbon fibre is still probably the most popular material in both categories for higher-end builds, due to its stiff, lightweight quality and vibration absorption. Aluminium alloy frames are more common at the budget end of the spectrum, with robust builds at relatively low prices, perfect for beginner gravel riders. Titanium builds are highly coveted, and found at the premium end of the range. Titanium is often touted to give a superior ride quality, while being more lightweight and resistant to fatigue than steel. Mounting points Gravel bikes usually have more mounts than road bikes. Scott Windsor / Our Media While racing road bikes are likely to have very few mounting points, catering only for a pair of bottle cages in the main triangle, endurance, urban and winter road bike builds are likely to have more mounts to enable you to fit mudguards, racks and more bottles. The same applies in the gravel realm, with racier builds stripped down to host just a few bottles, while more bikepacking-oriented bikes can often be fitted with gravel bike mudguards and are almost covered in bosses, from the top tube to fork legs and down tube. Saddles, seatposts, stems and handlebars Gravel-specific flared bars give a wider and more stable descending position. Scott Windsor / Our Media Although road and gravel bikes appear on the surface to be very similar, when you look more closely you can often find subtle differences, including the finishing kit: seatposts, stems, handlebars and saddles. Racing road bikes are optimised for efficiency, both in terms of pedalling and aerodynamics, so its no surprise that you find more aerodynamically shaped bars and seatposts there. Although you encounter some aerodynamic finishing kit on gravel builds, features to give more stable handling and smooth out rougher trails tend to be more common. Flared handlebars give a wider, more stable position in the drops for descending on rougher surfaces, and have become a very popular choice on gravel bikes. Some gravel bikes feature flat bars instead. Some gravel bikes will feature suspension seat posts and dropper posts. Andy Lloyd / Our Media Some gravel bikes also feature seatposts designed to give more comfort over bumpier terrain. You can also find some more advanced tech here, with suspension seatposts, dropper posts and even suspension stems and headsets. These can be either integrated as part of the frameset or added as aftermarket options. Suspension Gravel bike suspension forks are becoming more common. Russell Burton / Our Media This is a growing trend in the gravel sector, from in-built frame micro-suspension of a few millimetres to aftermarket suspension components such as the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR gravel suspension fork, offering up to 40mm travel. Interestingly, in-built gravel bike suspension originates from the road. The spring classics such as Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders sparked the development of road micro-suspension to tackle the rough roads and pav at speed. Although youre more likely to see suspension on gravel bikes to reduce fatigue over longer rough rides or add a little extra technical capability, you might still find micro-suspension features on endurance road bikes. Pedals Double-sided entry SPD pedals tend to be the most popular for gravel riders. Mildred Locke / Immediate Media Road riders tend to prefer SPD-SL-style three-bolt road bike pedals, whereas gravel riders tend to opt for SPD-style two-bolt mountain bike pedals and cleats, with a few exceptions. Because youre more likely to spend a bit of time off the bike on rugged terrain, hard-wearing SPD metal cleats fare much better for off-road riding, and the pedals offer dual-sided entry, which can be really useful. The best gravel bike shoes tend to be designed with this pedal and cleat system in mind. Your shoes need to match your pedal type, like the two-bolt SPD here. Oscar Huckle / Our Media Some gravel riders prefer trail pedals, which offer a greater platform around the mechanism, or even flat pedals for more technical or muddier riding. These can also come in really handy for multi-day tours. SPD-SL-style pedals tend to be favoured on the road for their increased efficiency, twinned with stiffer-soled road cycling shoes, and are typically used off-road for single-stage gravel races such as SBT GRVL. Do I really need a gravel bike if I have an endurance road bike? The latest Cannondale Synapse can be fitted with 42mm tyres for gravel duties. Andy Lloyd / Our Media As youll be able to tell by now, the differences between endurance road bikes and gravel bikes are narrower, with a more upright, comfort-oriented geometry, clearance for wider tyres and even sometimes frame-based features to smooth out rougher roads. So if you already have an endurance road bike, do you really need a gravel bike? The answer to this totally depends on what you want to do on your rides, and that typically comes down to tyre width and tread. If youre happy tackling rougher roads and smoother, hard-packed gravel in the dry, then an endurance road bike will be more than enough. Many now have generous clearances for wider, slick tyres, plus a little extra room for dirt, or you could even fit a file tread. Once you start seeking out rougher, rockier, rootier and more technical tracks and trails, as well as year-round off-road conditions, a gravel bike really becomes useful. Lets face it, bar a few areas in the US and some more remote national parks in Europe, the idea of gravel riding for most people is actually multi-terrain: taking in singletrack, doubletrack, field edge paths, canal towpaths, forestry roads and even some tamer mountain bike trails. Wider tyres and a slacker geometry really help on steeper and rougher terrain. Consider a gravel bike fitted with a more rugged tyre if youre looking for a capable steed on off-road sections. Can I use my gravel bike on the road? A gravel bike, with appropriate tyres, is fine for most road riding. Steve Sayers / Our Media You can certainly use your gravel bike on the road: youll probably need to ride at least short road sections to link up segments of off-road trails and dirt tracks. If you'll do a lot of road riding on your gravel bike, swap to slicker tyres. A gravel racing tyre such as the Schwalbe G-One RS is a solid option. This will help to reduce the rolling resistance and give you a speedier sensation over smooth tarmac compared to gravel tyres, which can sometimes feel a bit draggy or sluggish on the road. A semi-slick gravel tyre shouldn't be too draggy on tarmac. Matt Grayson / Our Media As youll typically feel less resistance from the road compared to looser gravel tracks, you might find the gearing you have on your gravel bike is not optimised for the road. For example, if you're running a 1x gravel bike setup, you might run out of top-end gears when descending on smooth tarmac. If youre planning to buy a gravel bike to use a lot on the road, consider a 2x drivetrain to maximise your gear range. Can a gravel bike go as fast as a road bike? A race gravel bike, such as the Cervlo spero 5, can rival many road bikes on asphalt. Warren Rossiter / OurMedia It depends who's riding it. But all things being equal, you can make some generalisations. Off-road, apart from on the lightest gravel, a gravel bike will be quicker than a road bike. Where the surface is rougher, looser and more slippery, you won't get bounced about so much and you'll have more grip on a gravel bike. This helps you go faster. With the right tyres, a go-fast gravel bike can keep up with an endurance road bike on tarmac. But racier road bikes, such as aero bikes and climbing bikes, will leave most gravel bikes trailing, particularly more technically capable ones. Their upright position can slow you down on the road. A gravel bike will usually be a little heavier than a similarly specced road bike. The weight penalty will translate into a disadvantage uphill. Can I use a gravel bike as a winter road bike? A gravel bike can keep you riding on and off road in winter. Warren Rossiter / Our Media With pothole-buffering chunky tyres, plenty of space for mudguards (you may even want specific gravel bike mudguards) and a less aggressive riding position, gravel bikes can make some of the best winter road bikes for those base miles. Gravel bikes often have hydraulic disc brakes. These offer really great braking performance, even when its wet. In addition, the levers are easy to operate, even when your hands are cold. As gravel bikes frequently (although not always) come with mounts to fit racks and pannier bags, they can also be used as touring bikes. This is further complemented by the more upright, comfortable position, which is similar to what youd find on most touring rigs. Doubling up your bikes use can also come in really handy if youre limited on space or budget. One bike, two wheelsets? One for the road and one of the trail? Katherine Moore More and more riders are taking this clever approach, opting for one gravel bike with two wheelsets to be able to tackle different terrain and switch easily between setups. Typically, youd have a 700c wheelset with a slick, road-going tyre mounted for tarmac expeditions, plus a 650b wheelset with a chunkier, dirt-loving tread on higher-volume tyres for tackling more off-road-oriented rides. As you simply have to switch out the wheels, rather than the more involved process of switching tyres (especially when it comes to tubeless setups), this makes your single bike much more versatile. If youre considering this as an option, think carefully about what your priorities are. Youll need to choose the gearing and setup thats the best compromise for you between these two riding styles.

The component giants net income is down 55.5 per cent compared to 2025 thanks to weak retail sales across the world, though the companys fishing business saw a 20 per cent boost in sales

Gabriel Layrac delivered a surprise to open the 2026 Vuelta a Asturias, sprinting to victory from a reduced front group after a chaotic finale that left both Movistar Team and UAE chasing shadows. The Frenchman finished off the days breakaway effort, while Samuel Fernndez came within touching dist...

We got a peek at Kendas new Dagger tire at Sea Otter Classic, and now the brand has officially pulled the curtain back on what looks like a very smart new option for modern XC and marathon riders.Cross-country tires used to be easy to sort out. You had the super-fast one for dry race days, the sketchier one for when you were feeling brave, and the slightly chunkier backup for the unexpected. These days, XC and marathon riding have gotten rougher, faster, and a lot less course-specific.(Photos/Jordan Villella)What is the Kenda Dagger?The new K-Series Dagger is Kendas latest XC and light-trail tire, built to slot between the pure-speed Rush and the more traction-heavy Karma 2. The idea is pretty simple: keep the rolling speed that matters on race day. Then sprinkle on enough cornering support, braking bite, and all-condition predictability to make it practical. Kenda showed off the new (and unreleased) Dagger on a set of Berd Hawk GOLD 32 race wheels a clear showing that they were ahead of the curve on the 32 race conversation/production. Whats it for? Dagger appears to be an all-around XC tire, designed for modern cross-country racing and aggressive marathon riding. It succeeds the old Booster in this part of the lineup. Offering a broader operating range than a pure hardpack-only race tire.Lets Talk CasingCurrently, the Dagger comes in 29 x 2.40 or 29 x 2.60 with two casing options. The lighter XC casing uses 120 TPI and carries a claimed weight of 725 grams, while the more robust Trail casing uses 60 TPI with a claimed weight of 810 grams. Kenda says additional sizes, including a 32 model, are on the horizon.XC Casing Trail Casing There are two casing options for the new Dagger: The XC casing is clearly the race-day option for riders chasing every bit of speed they can get. The Trail casing gives up a little weight, but adds the kind of durability and confidence. That extra peace of mind can matter a lot more once the trail turns rocky, the event gets long, or the rider is less interested in living right on the edge of light enough.It is a sensible split, and it should make the Dagger appealing to more than just one type of XC rider.Tread Design: Quick and Serious On The EdgesKendas tread story here is pretty straightforward for a race tire and for the compound. The Dagger uses low-profile center knobs to keep rolling resistance low and speed high. Out toward the shoulders, things get more serious, with aggressive cornering knobs. These extra knobs are not too high and maintain the tires round profile. However, they are deep enough to add bite and support when the bike is leaned over. Kenda also adds siping for extra grip on rocks, roots, and slick surfaces. The sipping update,along with staggered knob spacing, should improve mud clearance.Besting The BoosterIf there is one number Kenda wants riders to notice, it is rolling resistance.According to Kendas data, the Dagger XC has a rolling resistance of 17.2 watts, and the Dagger Trail has 18.6 watts. Kenda says that the 21.0 watts for a leading competitor and 26.6 watts for the old Booster XC clearly put the Dagger on the pointy end of the XC tire world. Kenda claims the new Dagger can save up to 30% watts where it counts.Now, every brand likes a chart that makes its new tire look like the answer to everything, but the proof will be in the tires riding feel and reliability. Well know those when our review samples arrive. One Compound To Rule Them All Kenda is also using a single compound here. There is no triple super compound or special sauce, just a single idea throughout all the casing offerings. The compound looks to balance rolling speed, grip, and predictable rebound. Giving the tire a similar ride in both casings, without overcomplicating the lineup.Race Proven Kenda is also leaning on a useful bit of race credibility here, noting that the Dagger helped the brands Torpado Team take a win at the Hero Marathon World Cup.That is a nice result to have in the launch pocket. For me, however, the bigger story is how the Dagger seems positioned for everyday fast riders, too. This looks like the sort of tire that should make as much sense on long training rides, marathon events, and rough local loops as it does between the tape.Not everybody wants the fastest possible tire if it means white-knuckling every wet root and blown-out turn. Or having to replace the race day treads monthly after they wear out. The Dagger looks like Kendas answer for riders who still care about speed, but would also like to stay upright long enough to enjoy it.Kenda Dagger SpecsSizes at launch: 29 x 2.40, 29 x 2.60Additional sizes coming later: 27.5 x 2.40, 32 x 2.40Casings: XC 120 TPI, Trail 60 TPIClaimed weights: 725g (XC), 810g (Trail)Compound: Single compoundBead: FoldingRide intent: XC racing, aggressive marathon riding, light trail usePrice: $80-90If the ride matches the numbers, the Dagger could end up being one of those really useful tires that wins riders over the old-fashioned way: by quietly being the right tool for a lot of rides. We have some coming in for review, and were excited to get it on the trials. Stay tuned.Kendatire.comThe post Kendas New Dagger XC Race-Day Speed, Trail Control & Comes In 32 appeared first on Bikerumor.

Belgian to ride American bike brand's models for the rest of his career