EVENTS: With longer evenings and the sun out, its time to grab a bike and join IBikeBops music-filled critical mass cycle around Dublin City Centre.The latest monthly cycle kicks off this evening, Friday, April 24th, at 6pm sharp at the Hugh Lane Gallery.It will travel through parts of the north and south city centre core before ending at Barnardos Square, beside City Hall. The leisurely cycle usually takes around an hour.

The latest Cotic Escapade 6 is a full ground-up redesign of a bike that helped define gravel before the category even existed. Retooled around larger tires and the brands Sureshot geometry, it promises a rare blend of stability, responsiveness, and all-day ride vibes. Find details hereThe post Cotic Escapade 6 Announced appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

A lot has changed at Felt within the last few years. Most notably, the brand is under new ownership. For nearly three years, Cesar Rojo and Florian Burguet have been operating the company. A handful of months ago, the two took full ownership of Felt and now run it as an independent operation.No more outside influence, no more large corporate parent companies.As one of their first moves stepping into 2026, they are releasing the latest generation of the Breed gravel bike. Felt kept the aggressive, race DNA that inspired the previous Breed, but does so at a lighter weight.Felts FocusFor the latest Breed, Felt focused on three guiding principles: aerodynamics, weight, and fit. The previous generation had already seen multiple podiums and top-10 finishes. While it would be a difficult platform to improve on, Felt recognized areas of change for potential gains.AeroWith this latest generation of the Breed, Felt delivered a 10.5% reduction in aerodynamic drag compared to the old bike. They accomplished this through three factors working together.A new aero-optimized frame. Felt reworked tube shapes to optimize airflow, creating cleaner transitions and straighter sections to reduce turbulence overall.A redesigned fork that manages airflow around wider tires more efficiently.A carbon one-piece cockpit significantly lowers the frontal area, streamlining airflow over and around the leading edge to reduce drag at its source.Along with new tube shapes, Felt lowered the frame stack and dropped the positioning of the seatstays. Lowering the stack keeps the Breeds geometry oriented toward road efficiency, while dropping the stays improves airflow at the back of the bike.WeightFelt states that all the aero improvements dont mean much if the bike feels like a slug. But, again, they were able to make impressive improvements over the previous generation of Breed.The new Breed frame weighs just 950g, with the complete build coming in at 7.037kg (15.5lbs). This is a 22.8% weight reduction from the previous Breed.Again, Felt credits several factors for the weight loss. They used Finite Element Analysis to assist their carbon layup process. The analysis showed high- and low-stress areas on the frame, allowing them to reinforce the high-stress areas.Conversely, Felt was able to slim down the material needed in areas that didnt need it. The analysis also allowed them to reshape and increase the tube diameter where needed. This reshaping and small tweaks to the geometry resulted in a stiffer frame that would usually be achieved by adding material.Depending on the build, Felt uses two different carbon layup processes.Felts new integrated carbon cockpit also shaved a good portion of weight. Compared with a traditional aluminum stem and bar, the integrated cockpit weighs about 30% less.FitFelt maintains a consistent reach and stack across all six sizes of the new Breed. They claim that doing so delivers a race-optimized rider position that supports efficient power transfer and a stable, aerodynamic posture.This philosophy is evident on Felts gravel and road bikes, making the new Breed feel familiar to someone coming over from the road.With race-readiness and aerodynamics at the forefront, the rest of the Breeds geo is adapted for the demands of gravel riding. Both a slacker head tube and longer wheelbase provide stability over fast, technical terrain. The chainstays fall in the Goldilocks zone: long enough to provide stability but short enough not to compromise handling.Felt provided room for wide tires, with clearance for 54mm tires up front and 52mm in the rear. There is also a variety of frame configurations, with space for four bottle cages and mounting points that dont compromise frame stiffness.The new Breed is also compatible with a suspension fork and a dropper post.Breed Build OptionsFelt offers the new Breed in four builds as well as a frame kit.RaceUD Carbon STD frameSRAM Apex brakesSRAM S1000 Eagle drivetrainVision Team 30 wheelsContinental Terra Competition tires9.284kgExpertUD Carbon STD frameSRAM RIVAL groupsetVision SC45 wheelsContinental Terra Competition tires8.302kgProFRD 12K Carbon Light frameSRAM FORCE groupsetVision SC45 wheelsContinental Terra Competition Race Rapid tires7.864kgFRDFRD 12K Carbon Light frameSRAM RED groupsetVision SC45 SL wheelsContinental Terra Competition Race Rapid tires7.037kgfeltbicycles.comThe post The Felt Breed Gravel Bike is Back with a Substantially Lighter Frame & Improved Aerodynamics appeared first on Bikerumor.

If youre looking for an all-rounder road bike, this deal direct from Kinesis is certainly worth considering. The Kinesis 4S is a versatile road bike with all-year-around ambitions, as the name suggests. The bike retails for 1,600, but with this direct deal, that price has been slashed to 795. Kinesis uses a double-butted alloy 6061 frame, featuring an array of mount fittings, connected to a carbon fork up front for weight savings and added compliance. The 4S is a classically styled bike with modern features. Kinesis This frame is the same as the one used on the Kiness R1 road bike, which we touted as a fine riding frameset when we tested it. This model features a Shimano Tiagra mechanical groupset with hydraulic braking and comes equipped with mudguards as standard. The spec of the bike is impressive for the price. Kinesis When we tested the previous model, we rated it a solid 4 stars. That bike retailed at 1,850, so with the updated version at this price level, its a very tempting proposition. The 4S stands for Four Seasons. Kinesis If youre looking for a relatively cheap hack bike or a light touring bike, the 4S appears to be a steal, and with the 32mm stock tyres, it will likely cope with light gravel duties, too. The deal is only available direct from Kinesis, so if you want to secure it youll need to head to the brand's site to place an order. The deal is only on offer in the graphite grey option, and at the time of writing there are medium and large-framed bikes available. Buy the Kinesis 4S Tiagra now from Kinesis for 795

Remco Evenepoel arrives at Lige-Bastogne-Lige with clarity over where the race stands. In his view, the hierarchy is obvious. Tadej Pogacar is the man to beat, while the hype surrounding Paul Seixas comes with a warning. I dont think thats really a question. Pogacar wins everywhere he starts, a...

DAS Richardsons on the podium of Rs Tailteann 2025 as they were crowned International Team Winners.Photographer: Lorraine OSullivanCairde Rs Tailteann is delighted to announce DAS Richardsons as one of our visiting teams for the 2026 event as they return for their fourth consecutive appearance at the race.DAS Richardsons has made a strong impression on Rs Tailteann since first lining out in 2023. The team has won a stage in each of its three appearances to date, claimed the King of the Mountains jersey in 2023 and wore the yellow jersey in both 2023 and 2024.Conor McGoldricks performance in 2023, when he narrowly missed out on the overall victory to Dillon Corkery after losing yellow on the final stage, remains one of the teams standout achievements in the race.The 2025 edition also marked another major milestone for DAS Richardsons, with the team claiming the overall International Team award, a result that stood as a proud moment for both riders and management.For 2026, DAS Richardsons intends to bring a squad made up of both youth and experience, combining seasoned Men of the Rs with some new faces. As in previous years, the team will be aiming to be competitive throughout the race and to make its presence felt on Irish roads once again.Team Manager, Andy Lyons, said: 2026 will be our fourth straight year at Rs Tailteann and it remains a real highlight of our season. We have been fortunate to enjoy a strong run in the race so far, winning a stage each year, taking the King of the Mountains jersey in 2023 and wearing the leaders jersey in both 2023 and 2024. Winning the International Team award in 2025 was also a very proud moment for everyone involved with DAS Richardsons. This year, we hope to bring a team with both youth and experience, and while it would be fantastic to win another stage and be in contention overall, our main aim is to be competitive and to help enliven the race.Race Director Ger Campbell added: We are delighted to welcome DAS Richardsons back to Rs Tailteann for a fourth consecutive year. They have built up a very strong record in the race already and have consistently shown that they can be competitive at the highest level. Their attacking style and depth of experience make them a team that will certainly be one to watch again in 2026.

Felt has launched a new generation of its Breed gravel race bike with aero design features and claimed whole bike weights from 7kg. The 2026 Breed is the second new bike in as many months from Felt, following the brands November 2025 full purchase by two Spanish partners based in Barcelona. The Nexar aero road bike was launched in March, with an 800g claimed frame weight, increased comfort and four spec levels that Felt says weigh from 6.48kg. The new Breed gravel race bike builds on the design of that bike. The Breed continues the low-weight trend, with a 950g claimed frame weight in size 54, which enables Felt to offer a build that it says weighs just over 7kg. According to Felt, thats a massive 23% weight reduction from the previous-generation Breed, which was launched in 2022. Felt's rider fit for the Breed is similar to the Nexar aero road bike. Felt has also upped the aero quotient, with a stated 10.5% reduction in drag and a geometry that it says is inspired by its Nexar aero road bike. The Breed and Nexar share the same rider-fit dimensions, although the Breeds frame geometry is adapted for gravel racing to increase stability. Felt says the Breeds head tube is slacker than the Nexar for more control. This also increases the wheelbase, which it says increases stability at speed. It also claims the increase in dimensions as you move up the frame-size range ensures a better fit for different-height riders than the previous Breed. The fork can fit a 54mm tyre and the geometry is suspension-adjusted. The Breed follows the latest tech trends in gravel racing, with clearance for a 54mm front tyre and a 52mm rear, while the geometry is suspension-adjusted, enabling you to fit a suspension fork. Full builds come fitted with 45mm Continental tyres. You can also fit a dropper post and add up to four water-bottle cages. The frame shapes are designed to increase aerodynamic performance. As with the Nexar aero road bike, the frame has been designed to reduce the frontal area and improve airflow. The frame stack has been lowered from the previous-generation bike and the seatstays have been lowered to reduce their frontal area. The Breed uses the same integrated cockpit as the Nexar. This has a 300g claimed weight, with dealers able to choose between seven different stem-length/bar-width combinations, all with an 8-degree flare that places the levers either 360mm, 380mm or 400mm apart. 2026 Felt Breed specs All specs are fitted with SRAM Direct Mount 1x groupsets. The Breed is available in four full builds, based on two frame grades and as a frame kit for the higher-spec frame. All specs have a Direct Mount SRAM 1x groupset, either 13-speed XPLR AXS, a 12-speed XPLR/Eagle AXS mullet build or an Apex/Eagle AXS mullet. The top two specs have a SRAM power meter. Felt Breed FRD Frame: Breed FRD 12K Groupset: SRAM Red XPLR AXS Power meter: SRAM Red Gear ratios: 42t, 10-46t Wheels: Vision SC 45 SL Tyres: Continental Terra Competition Race Rapid, 45mm Bar/stem: Felt 1-Piece Saddle: Prologo Dimension R2 NDR Nack 143 Seatpost: FSA KFX Carbon Weight: 7.04kg claimed Felt Breed Pro Frame: Breed FRD 12K Groupset: SRAM Force XPLR/GX EagleAXS Power meter: SRAM Force Gear ratios: 42t, 10-52t Wheels: Vision SC 45 i23 Tyres: Continental Terra Competition Race Rapid, 45mm Bar/stem: Felt 1-Piece Saddle: Prologo Dimension R2 NDR Nack 143 Seatpost: FSA SL-K Carbon Weight: 7.86kg claimed Felt Breed Expert Frame: Breed UD Carbon Std Groupset: SRAM Rival XPLR AXS Power meter: None Gear ratios: 42t, 10-46t Wheels: Vision SC 45 i23 Tyres: Continental Terra Competition Trail Grip, 45mm Bar/stem: Felt 1-Piece Saddle: Prologo Dimension AGX steel 143 Seatpost: FSA SL-K Carbon Weight: 8.30kg claimed Felt Breed Race Frame: Breed UD Carbon Std Groupset: SRAM Apex/S1000 Eagle AXS Power meter: None Gear ratios: 42t, 10-52t Wheels: Vision Team 30 i23 Tyres: Continental Terra Competition Trail Grip, 45mm Bar/stem: FSA A-Wing AGX on FSA NS SMR-II Saddle: Prologo Dimension AGX steel 143 Seatpost: FSA Energy Weight: 9.28kg claimed

There is a scenario, however narrow, in which 19-year-old Paul Seixas can win Lige-Bastogne-Lige on debut. It does not involve dropping Tadej Pogacar. It does not rely on overpowering the race on the climbs. It hinges on something far more specific. If he arrives in Lige together with Pogacar an...

Dr na May (CEO, Sport Ireland) & Dermot Dignam present Odhrn Doogan with the Sport Ireland Blue County Winner Jersey during Rs Tailteann 2025. Photographer: Lorraine OSullivan.Cairde Rs Tailteann is delighted to announce the continued support of Sport Ireland, Cycling Ireland and the Department of Sport for Rs Tailteann 2026.Funding from these key bodies plays a vital role in ensuring the success of the event and maintaining its status as a premier showcase for Irish cycling, both at home and internationally.Race Director Ger Campbell expressed his gratitude on behalf of the organisation: We greatly value the ongoing support of Sport Ireland, Cycling Ireland, and the Department of Sport. This backing is essential in enabling us to deliver an event of the highest standard for riders and supporters, while continuing to raise the profile of Rs Tailteann in Ireland and beyond.I would particularly like to thank Minister Patrick ODonovan TD and Minister Charlie McConalogue TD for their continued support. We also extend our sincere thanks to James Quilligan of Cycling Ireland for his ongoing collaboration, as well as Dr na May and Paul McDermott of Sport Ireland for their continued belief in the importance of Rs Tailteann as a flagship event in Irish sport.James Quilligan, CEO of Cycling Ireland, added:Cycling Ireland is pleased to once again support Rs Tailteann in 2026. As one of the most recognised and respected events in Irish cycling, the Rs provides a valuable platform for both domestic and international riders. We are proud to work alongside such a dedicated organising team, and we thank Sport Ireland and the Department of Sport for their continued support in making the event possible.The blue county rider jersey will once again feature the Sport Ireland logo, while all race jerseys will display the Cycling Ireland logo & dual language Sport Ireland logo highlighting the strong partnerships that Cairde Rs Tailteann is proud to showcase at this prestigious international event.

Team Visma | Lease a Bike will race the 2026 Tour de France in a fan-selected jersey after more than 100,000 votes were cast in a public poll this week. The team confirmed that the dark version of the design will be used in competition, edging the light alternative with 52 percent of the vote. Rathe...