• GRANFONDO-CYCLING.COM
    New BMC Kaius 01 2026 on Review the Ultimate Gravel Racer?
    Just in time for Traka, BMC are unveiling the new 2026 Kaius 01 a no-compromise race machine built for the new gravel season. The second generation aims to preserve the strengths of its predecessor while delivering even more speed, efficiency and control on fast gravel roads through a series of targeted updates. We got our hands on the new Swiss racer ahead of its official launch and have all the details you need.BMC Kaius 01 | 7.1 kg (Claimed Weight with Continental Terra Competition Tires) in size 54 10,999 | Manufacturers websiteIts been nearly four years since BMC first introduced their race-oriented gravel bike, and in a discipline that has seen a genuine performance revolution in recent times, thats almost a lifetime. We took a closer look at exactly that shift in our 2025 gravel race bike group test, but BMC were conspicuous by their absence. The previous Kaius 01 had simply run its course.It came as little surprise, then, that the Swiss brand sat out our group tests again last year. Instead, they were quietly working away behind the scenes on the next logical step forward. And now its here: the second generation of the Kaius 01, developed with a clear ambition to push the boundaries of gravel speed even further.The athletic silhouette remains, though the influence of BMCs aero road icon, the Teammachine R, is pretty evident. A completely new frame, an integrated cockpit and a striking aero fork with room for tires up to 52 mm all make one thing abundantly clear: this bike is not built for compromise.We joined BMC ahead of the launch in the gravel paradise of Sardinia and put the new Kaius 01 through its paces exactly where it belongs: on fast, demanding gravel tracks. Read on to find out whether the concept justifies its Swiss price tag.More Tire Clearance, More Features, Less Weight? The BMC Kaius 01 in DetailWhen it comes to BMCs bikes, performance is always their absolute priority, and the Kaius 01 is no different. It has been developed with a single-minded focus on modern gravel racing, where average speeds above 35 km/h are no longer the exception but simply the new reality.The dramatically flared fork is the first thing that catches your eye, and it is not purely a styling exercise. The shape follows a clear aerodynamic concept drawn heavily from the Teammachine R, developed in collaboration with Red Bull Advanced Technologies. BMC calls this approach Aerosynthesis: the goal is for rider, components and frame to merge into a single aerodynamic unit. In keeping with that philosophy, the bike ships with BMCs own aero bottle cages, fitted to complement the overall concept both visually and functionally.Halo la gravel: the dramatically flared fork is the Kaiuss most striking feature, and the influence of the Teammachine R is impossible to miss.Integrated bottle cages and the gold BMC branding round off the sleek, cohesive look.Tire clearance has also grown significantly. The new frame accommodates tires up to 52 mm with an ISO-compliant 6 mm clearance, which noticeably broadens the bikes versatility and expands its range of use from fast race formats through to demanding ultra-distance events.The attention to detail is equally impressive. Under the top tube, youll find the so-called Cargo Plate for accessories, making its debut on this generation, alongside a third bottle cage mount under the downtube and additional mounts on the top tube for bolt-on top tube pouches. That makes the Kaius an appealing proposition not just for racers at fast events like Traka, but also for riders tackling self-supported races like Unbound. Down tube protection comes courtesy of a minimalist 3M tape rather than a bulky plastic guard, which BMC say is more than adequate and considerably lighter.The newly developed chain catcher is neatly installed into the system.The new generation offers up to 52 mm of tire clearance at an ISO-compliant 6 mm gap.Speaking of weight: despite the bigger tire clearance, additional mounting options and improved aerodynamics, the Kaius 01 in size 54 tips the scales at just 7.1 kg. According to the manufacturer, the frameset is 63 grams lighter than its predecessor, with the frame itself weighing in at around 998 grams.BMC remain firmly in the high-end bracket on pricing. The flagship model with SRAM RED XPLR groupset retails at 10,999, which is around 2,000 below the Teammachine R01. With a starting price of 5,499, though, this is still an uncompromising race bike rather than an entry-level gravel option. The frameset is available as a VAR0 Ready to Paint option for 4,499.BMC Kaius 01 ONE | 10,999BMC Kaius 01 TWO | 7,999BMC Kaius 01 THREE | 5,499Race Ready: the Spec of the BMC Kaius 01BMC have stayed true to form with the Kaius 01s specs, treating it as an out-and-out race tool from the ground up. The focus is firmly on efficiency and performance under race conditions, particularly in our top-spec test bike, the Kaius 01 ONE.BMC Kaius 01 2026 10,999SpecificationsSeatpost Carbon Aero Shaped Seatpost D-ShapedBrakes SRAM RED AXS 160/160 mmDrivetrain SRAM RED XPLR AXS 1 x 13Chainring 42 TStem Cannondale SystemBar R-One 90 mmHandlebar BMC ICS Carbon Aero 2.0 370 mmWheelset CG 39 SL Carbon 12 x 100 / 12 x 142Tires Continental Dubnital 700 x 50cCranks SRAM RED AXS DUB 170 mmCassette SRAM RED XPLR XG-1391-E1 10-46TTechnical DataSize 47 51 54 56 58 61Weight 7,10 kgFor drivetrain compatibility, BMC have gone all-in on modern 1x groupsets across the entire platform. The Kaius is designed exclusively for electronic drivetrains like the SRAM AXS XPLR and the 1x version of Shimano GRX Di2, and does away with a front derailleur mount altogether in favour of greater tire clearance and improved aerodynamics. In its place, BMC have developed a new chain catcher that integrates cleanly into the system and remains compatible with a range of chainring sizes. Traditional 2x setups like Shimanos GRX are therefore a deliberate non-starter here.For the top-spec Kaius 01 ONE, BMC fit their own carbon wheels laced with VONOA carbon spokes, engineered for maximum stiffness and efficiency. The in-house rims offer an internal width of 25 mm and a depth of 39 mm, striking a deliberate balance between aerodynamics, weight and stability. The bike ships with 45 mm Continental Terra Competition tires as standard, which proved themselves as rapid all-rounders on hardpack and looser surfaces alike in our recent gravel tire group test, further underlining the bikes race-oriented credentials. For our test setup on Sardinias occasionally muddy descents, however, the wider 50 mm Continental Dubnital, borrowed from the XC mountain bike world, turned out to be the smarter choice.At the front end, BMC have stuck with their own ICS Carbon Aero Cockpit, now in its second generation, and its a step up in every sense. The deeper drop profile makes aerodynamic sense and looks seriously good in the process. BMC also claim increased stiffness over the previous generation, which should translate into a more direct and precise feel on the bike. Our size 54 test bike ran a 370 mm wide bar with a 90 mm stem slightly wider than before, as the previous generation came in a one-size-fits-all 360 mm across all frames. New is the size-specific sizing: up to size 54 the cockpit measures 370/420 mm, sizes 56 and 58 get a 390/440 mm bar, and the 61 comes with a 410/460 mm setup. A sensible change that pays dividends for control on gravel.BMCs new ICS Carbon Aero cockpit is shallower than the previous version, and appears on the Teammachine R 01 as well as the new Kaius 01.A Grown-Up Gravel Racer: the Geometry of the BMC Kaius 01BMC have taken the Kaius 01 on a deliberate journey from off-road road bike to dedicated gravel racer. Where the previous generation leaned more heavily on agility and a stretched-out aero position, the new model focuses noticeably more on control and long-distance capability, which is made possible by the slacker head angle and increased stack height. Thats precisely what modern gravel racing demands, and BMC have managed it without sacrificing any of the bikes direct, efficient power delivery.Available in six sizes, the Kaius pairs a sporty stack-to-reach ratio of 1.42 with an aerodynamically efficient riding position that still puts enough weight over the front wheel to ensure plenty of cornering grip at speed. Compared to its predecessor, the slightly reduced reach of 396 mm and the increased stack, achieved in part through a longer head tube, are designed to improve control and comfort over long distances.Paired with the proven 700c wheel size, the handling stays precise and agile while power is transferred directly and efficiently, qualities that matter far more in a race context than maximum rollover capability or straight-line stability, which a different wheel size might bring. On top of that, the seat tube and head angles are size specific to ensure consistent handling characteristics across the range. The moderately slack head angle of 70.8 in size 54 promotes high-speed stability, while the consistently short 425 mm chainstays support efficient power delivery and, thanks to their slightly increased length compared to the previous generation, also accommodate the generous tire clearance.Size475154565861Top tube531 mm544 mm559 mm569 mm587 mm598 mmSeat tube429 mm449 mm471 mm485 mm509 mm533 mmHead tube88 mm109 mm126 mm147 mm173 mm199 mmHead angle70.870.870.871.671.671.6Seat angle74.374.373.873.873.373.3Chainstay425 mm425 mm425 mm425 mm425 mm425 mmBB drop79 mm79 mm79 mm79 mm79 mm79 mmWheelbase1,010 mm1,024 mm1,027 mm1,032 mm1,045 mm1,058 mmReach385 mm392 mm396 mm400 mm405 mm409 mmStack521 mm541 mm561 mm581 mm606 mm631 mmThe BMC Kaius 01 on the TrailThe high plateaus of eastern Sardinia are dusty, otherworldly and wrapped in a silence broken only by the rhythmic crunch of damp gravel underfoot. Spend any time up here and it quickly becomes clear: the terrain is brutally honest with both rider and machine. Its the perfect hunting ground for the latest evolution of the BMC Kaius 01.BMC didnt send us out on the standard 45 mm Continental Terra Competition tires, and rightly so. Sardinia had taken a serious soaking the day before our visit, and on the occasionally muddy descents, the lower-profile race tire would simply have been the wrong tool for the job.And yet, perhaps because of all that, the Kaius is an absolute blast from the very first crank spin. Acceleration is snappy, power transfer direct, and the bike tells you exactly what is happening up front. The chunky Dubnital rubber blunts raw speed slightly; swap in the narrower Terra Competition tires and the Kaius would almost certainly find that whip-crack road mode BMC fans know well. On Sardinias rutted sandstone tracks, grip is the more persuasive argument. Tuning tip: In muddy conditions, switching to the 50 mm Dubnital is well worth it for the extra grip alone.What is genuinely surprising is just how agile the bike feels. Despite the chunky tires and a front end tuned for tracking straight, the Kaius can be threaded through technical sections with impressive precision. Theres no sluggish ploughing through corners, just intuitive, responsive direction changes. On flatter stretches, its also striking how cleanly the bike rolls, even on the burly 50 mm Dubnital. The work put into the frame and fork clearly pays off: the Kaius runs efficiently and quietly. With the stock 45 mm Terra Competition tires, theres likely even more performance on the table.Dont expect miracles on the comfort front; the Kaius is a race bike and it feels like one. The cockpit and carbon spokes are stiff, and youll notice it. The rear end does give a little through the seatstays and seatpost, and running 1.4 bar in the wide tubeless tires takes the edge off the rougher hits. Overall, though, it remains a taut, efficiency-first ride.By the end of the day, when the dust is caked to your skin and the first Aperol Spritz with a sea view is slowly unknotting your muscles, one thing above all sticks in your mind: the Kaius is an absolute riot to ride. We hadnt expected anything less, and thats exactly what it delivered in Sardinia.Who Is the BMC Kaius 01 For?With the second generation of the Kaius 01, BMC are taking precise aim at the growing ranks of gravel racers for whom speed alone is no longer sufficient. The bike is the logical destination for anyone who wants the uncompromising feel of the Teammachine R 01 translated to gravel and adapted to the demands of modern racing. Tire clearance up to 52 mm and additional mounting points make the intended use case plain. Races like Traka demand maximum speed across constantly changing terrain; events like Unbound add robustness, self-sufficiency and, above all, outright pace to that equation.If youre after a laid-back load carrier for leisurely multi-day tours, look elsewhere. The Kaius wants to be ridden hard, not ambled along. But if youre looking for a bike that can compete at the sharp end of the gravel race market, youve found your partner.Helmet Sweet Protection Falconer Aero 2Vi MIPS Block Party LTD | Glasses Shimano Equinox Jersey Canyon CFR Long Sleeve Jersey | Shorts Canyon CFR Cargo Bibshort | Shoes Shimano S-Phyre Socks Pas Normal Studios Essential Socks | Overshoes veloToze Silicone SnapConclusions about the BMC Kaius 01 2026The new Kaius 01 is not a revolution, and it doesnt need to be. BMC have developed the second generation with clear purpose: lighter, more aerodynamic and more versatile, all while keeping the race character fully intact. Tire clearance has grown, and the overall package feels significantly more mature than its predecessor. If you see gravel primarily as a race format and have the budget to match, this is a bike that belongs at the sharp end of the gravel race segment, and deservedly so.TopsSnappy acceleration thanks to low weightAgile handlingWell-judged complianceImpressive versatility for a race bike, with generous tire clearance and plenty of mounting pointsFlopsNoneFind out more on bmc-switzerland.comDer Beitrag New BMC Kaius 01 2026 on Review the Ultimate Gravel Racer? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.
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  • BIKERUMOR.COM
    New BMC Kaius 01 Attacks from All Angles to Become Next Ultimate Gravel Race Bike
    If youre familiar with the BMC Kaius gravel bike, youve heard the phrase, the ultimate gravel race bike. Well, BMC is back with a new Kaius, and it one-ups the previous generation on almost every level. So if the original Kaius really was the ultimate gravel race bike, the new Kaius certainly seems to have a chance at taking the title.Along those lines, if you were following along with the original Kaius 01, youre also probably aware that there was a recall for all bikes and framesets. After chatting with the BMC team about this, it shouldnt scare you off. Instead, it should provide confidence in BMCs Swiss perfection. That entire recall centered around just 9 forks, 7 of which were early models on BMC team bikes and at least one of those failed while riding down a set of stairs. The recall was done out of an abundance of caution. There havent been any issues after the fact, and our conversation left me with full confidence to trust my life to a gravel bike Ive never ridden on an extremely fast, bumpy descent in Fort Ord. With that out of the way, lets dive into the new Kaius 01. Aero + Stiffness + Light Weight + Tire Clearance + Cargo(Ride Photos/Wil Matthews/BMC)Building the ultimate gravel race bike is no easy task. Racers want it all better aerodynamics, increased stiffness, bigger tire clearance, room for cargo storage, and oh yeah, it all has to be lighter weight. BMC seems to have accomplished this with a revised frameset that weighs 1,469g total, comprising a 998g frame, 400g fork, and a 134g seatpost. This represents a 63g reduction over the previous version while delivering 3% greater stiffness and 4% weight savings on the 54cm frame (naked).When it comes to aerodynamics, BMC has implemented what it calls Aerosynthesis design philosophy, which considers the complete system of bicycle, rider, and environmental conditions to reduce drag and optimize airflow management. According to BMCs testing data, these modifications result in a 12% improvement in bike-only aerodynamics and 1.05% system-wide speed gains when paired with 45mm tires. The aerodynamic package draws design elements from BMCs existing Teammachine R and Teammachine SLR 01 models, particularly in the rear section geometry.(Photos/BMC)Key technical features include an Aero Halo fork design, a compliant Arete seat tube paired with the AS10 aero-shaped seatpost, and an Aerocore downtube with integrated bottle positioning. The bike also incorporates the deep-section head tube from the Teammachine R 01 model. Tire clearance has been expanded to accommodate up to 52mm tires with ISO 6mm clearance standards something they managed to do without going the pressfit BB route. Instead, youll find a T47 x 85.5 threaded bottom bracket standard. Note that BMC claims you can run down to 32mm tires without running into issues with pedal/ground clearance.(Photo/BMC)Addressing the cargo storage needs for gravel racers, the Kaius 01 focuses on external storage that is quickly accessible. Unlike the BMC URS line, there is no in-tube storage, which is something weve been hearing from more and more brands for their race bikes. In-tube storage is great for casual rides where you might not need to access it for months at a time, but in a race where every second counts, having it mounted externally is faster. As a result, the Kaius 01 cargo system includes dedicated top tube bag mounts, a strap mount Cargo Plate under the top tube, the BMC AeroCore bottle cages inside the front triangle, and a lower downtube mount, providing multiple attachment points for gear and supplies during rides.(Photo/BikeRumor)For drivetrains, the Kaius 01 is 1x specific with the ability to run chainrings from 32t to 50t. Theres also an integrated chain guide with options to run 38t-50t with the chainguide in both narrow and wide (49.7mm) chainline. A Full Mount compatible UDH dropout ensures you can run the latest SRAM drivetrains.GeometryThe geometry features a 5mm reduction in reach, which BMC claims is to create a more aggressive riding position while shifting additional weight over the front wheel. Stack height increases by 11mm, while maintaining the same bottom bracket drop results in 10mm of additional ground clearance (since the tires got bigger). The front end receives 4mm of additional trail to improve traction.The rear triangle has been redesigned with chainstays extended by 5mm to enhance rear wheel traction while preserving the frames existing stiffness properties. The head angle remains unchanged to maintain the bikes established handling characteristics. The ICS computer mount will work with the massive Wahoo ACE (Photo/BikeRumor)Offered in six sizes from 47cm to 61cm, complete bikes will include narrow second-gen ICS Carbon Aero Cockpits. ModelsThe Kaius 01 will be available in three different models, with the 01 One at the top. One of the more interesting things about the finish of the bikes is that each has a two-tone sparkly paint job meant to represent the horizon at iconic gravel races. The $12,999 SRAM Red XPLR AXS Kaius 01 One has a white and dark blue/purple finish inspired by the stormy Kansas skies. The $8,999 SRAM Force AXS Kaius 01 Two has a grey and blue motif inspired by the Nordic sky.And the $6,199 SRAM Rival XPLR AXS Kaius 01 Three has a gold and black-ish finish to represent the Traka. 2026 BMC Kaius 01 Gravel Bike First Impressions(Ride Photos/Wil Matthews/BMC)We had a chance to ride the new Kaius 01 in the hills of Fort Ord, just before the Sea Otter Classic gravel race descended on the same gravel roads. At 58 with a 69cm saddle-to-center-of-BB measurement, the 51cm frame fit nearly perfectly. For a gravel race bike, it didnt feel overly stretched out or oddly proportioned. (Photos/BikeRumor)Along with the Kaius, we were also getting a chance to ride the new Continental Dubnital gravel tires in the new 50mm size for the first time. The combination of the Kaius frameset and the 50mm knobby Continentals turned out to be a great match for the terrain, with plenty of loose, high-speed corners to work the cornering knobs. (Ride Photos/Wil Matthews/BMC)On climbs and transitions from different surfaces, the Kaius felt light and agile and very fast. It was fast enough that on one particularly steep descent riddled with washboard braking bumps, I was concerned I might not be able to slow it down after an unexpected jolt nearly knocked my hands loose. I will say that with a stiff fork and one-piece cockpit, you will definitely feel the big impacts on rough terrain. Importantly though, I was able to control the bike and rein it in before the loose gravel g-out turn at the bottom. Overall, the new Kaius 01 seems like a very strong candidate for the ultimate gravel race bike. It seems to check all the boxes for what racers are looking for in a bike. Im certainly no gravel racer but it made me feel like one. BMC-Switzerland.comThe post New BMC Kaius 01 Attacks from All Angles to Become Next Ultimate Gravel Race Bike appeared first on Bikerumor.
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  • WWW.BIKERADAR.COM
    New BMC Kaius fits tyres up to 52mm wide and solves the issues I had with the original
    BMCs original Kaius arrived with great fanfare; it was an out-and-out aero bike designed for off-road adventures. I was excited when it was announced. Id been impressed by the versatile and capable URS, and I had high hopes for the Kaius. Sadly, it didnt quite live up to expectations. Yes, it was devastatingly fast in the right conditions (smooth gravel and tarmac), but shift onto anything approaching technical terrain or singletrack and it became a handful. The flat-out race position, narrow cockpit and skinny, semi-slick tyres all came up as negatives. The all-new 2026 Kaius 01, however, looks as though it may address the issues I had with its predecessor. Read more: Best gravel bikes in 2026 top-rated carbon, aluminium, titanium and steel gravel bikes reviewed More adaptable The new BMC Kaius 01 flagship model comes with SRAM Red XPLR AXS and a 9,999 / $12,999 price tag. BMC / Luka Spiel The first area of improvement is the tyre selection the new frame and fork can now accommodate up to 52mm gravel tyres while maintaining the ISO-approved 6mm of clearance between tyre and frameset. However, the geometry is where BMC appears to have played things much smarter. The head angle has steepened slightly to 71 and the fork trail has increased to a large 72mm, up from the road-like 68mm of the original. At the same time, the bottom bracket has been lifted, and the wheelbase and chainstays extended. The new Kaius also gets a little more stack and a shorter reach, providing a ride position more suited to challenging surfaces. BMC's new Kaius promises speed, versatility and increased capability for challenging terrain. BMC / Luka Spiel BMC claims this brings much more technical-terrain capability. The frameset was designed around 1x drivetrains, with chainring sizes from 32 to 50-tooth, making it possible to use either gravel groupsets or mountain bike drivetrains. It comes with a switchable chain guide, providing security across a wide range of ring sizes. Finally, BMC has made the frame more versatile, adding a third set of bosses under the down tube and top tube mounts, plus a cargo plate on the underside of the top tube. More aero, less weight The Halo fork gives 52mm tyre clearance BMC / Luka Spiel That BMC has managed to add in greater tyre capacity and more fittings, yet reduce the frame weight is quite an achievement even if its only to the tune of 63g. Aero improvements come in the form of a new seatpost, borrowed from the new Team Machine SLR 01 and the wide, F1-inspired Halo fork also coming from the road-going BMC design catalogue. It shares the same integrated Aerocore cages as found on the Team Machine. The back end is inspired by the latest Team Machine SLR 01, even sharing the same aero seatpost. BMC / Luka Spiel BMC also claims the new Kaius improves its aerodynamic efficiency over the original, although it hasnt provided any wind-tunnel data. The Kaius is also available as a frameset. BMC 2026 BMC Kaius 01 specifications and pricing Kaius 01 ONE SRAM Red XPLR AXS: 9,999 / $12,999 / 10,999 Kaius 01 TWO SRAM Force AXS: 7,299 / $8,999 / 7,999 Kaius 01 THREE SRAM Rival XPLR AXS: 4,999 / $6,199 / 5,499 Kaius 01 frameset VAR0: 3,999 / $5,099 / 4,499
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  • CYCLINGUPTODATE.COM
    Impossible for anyone to follow... Tadej Pogacar will not keep doing this forever - Tom Boonen defends under-fire Remco Evenepoel amid spring criticism
    The reaction to Lige-Bastogne-Lige was immediate and familiar. Remco Evenepoel dropped on La Redoute as Tadej Pogacar surged clear, with Paul Seixas the only rider able to stay closest to that decisive move. The gap remained, and the questions returned just as quickly. For Tom Boonen, that entire...
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  • ROAD.CC
    Bikes driving Halfords renewed momentum as retail giants cycling sales jump by over 6%
    Despite the uncertain macroeconomic backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Halfords outlook continues to improve
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  • BIKEPACKING.COM
    Bumbinos Makes Cheerful Mudguards for Kids
    Bumbinos is a new spin-off from Swedish brand Ass Savers, drawing on more than 15 years of experience to create colorful, imaginative mudguards and other accessories for kids' bikes. Take a peek at their debut range of more than a dozen playful designs hereThe post Bumbinos Makes Cheerful Mudguards for Kids appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.
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  • WWW.BIKERADAR.COM
    It may never hit store shelves: Evie Richards' prototype Trek for South Korea World Cup has braided spokes and electronic wizardry
    The veil was lifted on Treks next-generation flex-stay cross-country bike last month, although it's only available to sponsored racers, including Evie Richards. A name has yet to be given to Treks new creation, with the brand saying it may never hit store shelves when it was revealed to the public. Why that is hasnt been confirmed, but wed speculate the brand is holding out for a 32in-diameter life preserver and avoiding getting caught out by a possible switch to a larger wheel standard. Despite that, the bike still has some interesting tech in an attempt to bolster Richards' efforts this year after she rode a modified Top Fuel downcountry bike last season. We got to take a look at the unnamed bike in South Korea before the 2026 XC World Cup season commenced, so let's take a deep dive into the tech on the Brits bike. The intangible Trek If Barney the Dinosaur raced XC, this might be the bike he'd choose. Ross Bell / Our Media The new Trek features a flex-stay suspension system, a popular choice for XC bikes, since they require fewer bearings, saving weight while potentially increasing efficiency. Trek hasnt shared details of the bike's weight, but wed imagine it's significantly lighter than the Top Fuel Richards rode last year. It seemed strange seeing Richards ride what wasn't far from a trail bike last year. Nick Clark / Our Media The Trek has standard XC bike architecture, with a top-mounted rear shock leaving space for two water bottles in the front triangle another benefit for Richards, who had to make do with room for only one last year. 115mm seems a little undergunned compared to other bikes, perhaps another reason Trek won't let you have it. Ross Bell / Our Media Elsewhere, the frame has 115mm of travel, just shy of the 120mm weve come to expect on modern XC bikes. Were not sure of the fork travel, but wed imagine this to be 120mm, too. Last year, RockShoxs Flight Attendant system came to the rescue for Trek, bringing a new level of efficiency to the Top Fuel that enabled it to remain competitive despite a weight disadvantage. SRAM's XX SL Eagle AXS Transmission makes sure Richards' power reaches the rear wheel. Ross Bell / Our Media Richards is still running the brand's electronic tech, with the full roster of AXS-labelled parts featuring on the fork, shock, seatpost and drivetrain. Berd's spokes can save up to 200g per wheelset. Ross Bell / Our Media Interestingly, for the wheelset, the Brit is using Bontrager Kovee RSL rims laced together with Berds PolyLight braided Dyneema polyethylene spokes. The wheels are booted in Pirelli Scorpion XC RC tyres front and back, and there are very few knobbles for finding grip. SRAM's Motive brakes have replaced its Level and Guide range. Ross Bell / Our Media SRAMs Motive Ultimate brakes are used and Richards appears to be a fan of 3D-printed saddles. Richards' AXS batteries are nicely labelled to keep track of them in the pits. Ross Bell / Our Media
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  • CYCLINGUPTODATE.COM
    People think its easy to win - Tadej Pogacar plays down stage clean sweep talk after surprise bunch sprint victory in Romandie
    Tadej Pogacar pushed back on growing expectations of total dominance at the 2026 Tour de Romandie after sprinting to a second consecutive stage win, insisting the reality behind his victories is far from straightforward. The race leader delivered a different kind of performance on stage 2, controlli...
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  • BIKEPACKING.COM
    The Limited-Edition Kona Humu Returns with Fresh Paint
    The Kona Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, or Humu for short, is a limited re-release of a classic that benefits an Indigenous womens charity. Featuring a custom paint job from the daughter of Konas co-founder, this is a cool klunker with a purpose. For more on the batch of just 200 bikes, find details belowThe post The Limited-Edition Kona Humu Returns with Fresh Paint appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.
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