Last week, Justinas Leveika took first place at the 2026 Highland Trail 550 race in Scotland, completing the 566-mile course in just over three and a half days. He shared a rig check video that walks through his Trek Top Fuel, his bags, and the gear he carried. Watch it here...The post Justinas Leveikas Winning Highland Trail 550 Bike Check (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Look, I know the idea of the future is scary and everyones all freaked out about AI and stuff, but its going to be fine, trust me. For example, Im old enough to remember when 1984 was supposed to look like this:But instead it turned out like this:And hey, you can speculate that the microphone stand butt-wiping antics of David Lee Roth and his cock-rocking corporate rock peers were also intended to undermine independent thought, and that MTV basically served the same purpose as that facially-mounted rat cage thingy:But still, its hard to hold on to a state of existential fear after that.Though Lob knows we tried.So yeah, its hard to get too worried about stuff at this point in my life, yet even I in my middle-aged complacency I find this a bit unsettling:And its not even the fact that advocates worked hard for generations to get bike lanes in cities across Canadas Dungarees only for the tech companies to appropriate them; its that apparently this particular city doesnt have any regulatory authority over any of these delivery bots:The potential for larger bots that want to use bike lanes and travel faster, thats a new layer to this issue, Heyne said. We dont currently have any regulatory authority over any of these delivery bots.Possible rules discussed Monday include a one-year pilot permit, limits on the number of robots allowed, speed caps, no stopping or parking in bike lanes, required brakes, hazard lights, constant lighting, audible alerts and input from bike advocates.Wait, Im sorry, what?How can the city have no regulatory authority over robots in the bike lane? Like, you can just use whatever you want in there? Like a tank, or a boat, or a John Deere tractor? And is the problem that they dont have any authority over the bike lanes, or over the robots? Because if the latter, that means a robot can do whatever it wants, including killing people. So you wont be able to murder someone, but if your robot does it for you then no problem.Scary.Clearly the only short-term solution to the problem of robots in the bike lane is an artisanal handlebar-mounted EMP from Spurcycle with their trademark aesthetic:I told the AT to generate an image of A handlebar-mounted steampunk-style EMP device for bicycles to neutralize food delivery robots in bike lanes. At first the bike was also steam-punky and the device was too large. So I told it to make the bike more modern. Then I told it to shrink the device. Once again, the AI has done such a good job here that I can no longer even present these images ironicallythough the AI did mount the device backwards, since obviously youd want the toggle switches to be facing the rider.As for the video, not every rider interviewed shares my concern:To wit:I dont care about em because I ride hard. You know, I pass em up or whatever the case may be...I can appreciate that, though if we all have to revert to vehicular cycling in order to outrun the killer robots in the bike lane then either well all need bikes with motors, or else well all need high-end road bikes like the new Specialized S-Works Aethos 2:I know Im supposed to like the Specialized Aethos because its a return to the back-to-basics road bike, but thats exactly why I dont like it. See, heres how it works. First you take something nice and simple, like a mountain bike: Or a road bike:Then keep making it more and more complicated, like this:Or this:But then when it turns out lots of people really do still want simple all-terrain bikes without suspension you go back to that only you call it a gravel bike, and when they want road bikes with round tubes you call it an Aethos:And yes, gravel bikes are fine and I have no doubt the Aethos is a joy to ride, but I find it all rather patronizing, thats all. Plus, I especially resent that the bike media is apparently now using the term system weight. Cant we just say weight? But most of all I resent the idea that this bike is future-proof.The frame angles are not too different from those of the previous-generation Aethos. In size 54cm, the reach is identical at 384m, but the stack has increased from 544mm to 559mm. The head angle has been slackened from 73 to 72.5 degrees, while the wheelbase has grown 14mm to 992mm. While the chainstays remain at 410mm, the most notable change is an increase in tyre clearance from 32mm to 35mm, essentially future-proofing the platform for years to come.Just as Im sure the Aethos is a great bike, I also have nothing whatsoever against people who want the newest and latest stuff, as much as I may make fun if it all as a coping mechanism. But the idea that any bike being made right now is future-proof is objectively laughable. Consider that the first Aethos only came out in 2020, yet with its old-timey derailleur hanger and 32mm clearance its apparently already dated. (To say nothing of all the gravel bikes with sub-50mm tire clearance, which are apparently useless now, or the 650b wheel, which seems to have been memory-holed as the industry prepares for the move to 32s.) So by all means, buy the latest Aethos, just as long as you know its about as future-proof as the latest iPhone.Really, the closest you can get to a future-proof bike is a really old one where at least the dust has settled and you know whats still available for it and what isnt. Consider the Faggin, if you can bear to look at it:Obviously nobody interested in an Aethos is going to consider a rusty dinged-up 40 year-old steel road bike no matter how much crabon Campy is bolted to it. However, the bike has come this far, and in 2026 its safe to say if you have a bike like this you can keep it running indefinitely. You can cram a 130mm wheel in it, you can use pretty much any type of shifter you want with it (or go singlespeed thanks to the horizontal dropouts), and even though the rim brake is dead youll be able to find nice used ones for at least the next 100 years.Hey, future-proofing may be ugly, but thats only because the future is too.

The 2026 Giro d'Italia will take place from the 8th to the 31st of May. It is the first Grand Tour of the season, and there are 21 stages that will take the riders through many of Italy's iconic cities, the mythical Alps, and many treacherous stages - each one can end the climber's chances of winnin...

The Ritchey SuperLogic Mountain Bars are the brand's latest carbon mountain bike handlebars. Available in three rise options, they could be a good way to add comfort and reduce weight at the front end of a bike. For more on these new risers, read on below...The post The Ritchey SuperLogic Mountain Bars Have Three Rise Options appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Fizik has been busy updating shoes lately, and today, the brand is launching the 2nd generation of its gravity-focused clip and flat pedal shoes. Known as the Versor 2, this redesigned shoe is influenced by Fiziks extensive experience in both the road and off-road footwear markets, with a renewed focus on reduced weight and streamlined design not typically found in the gravity category.By incorporating construction methods and precise fits borrowed from running and hiking shoe designs, Fizik hopes to create a precise, versatile, durable, good-looking, and high-performance gravity shoe for the modern rider. The Versor 2 comes in clip-in and flat pedal versions and is intended for everything from bike park laps to pedal-heavy backcountry missions.Lets check them out.Fizik Versor 2 DetailsThe original Versor shoes have been around for a few years and already stood out with their unique aesthetic and asymmetrical, ergonomic lace-up closure. Now, it seems Fizik is taking that a step further with a clear focus on reducing weight and bulk and leaning into a more minimalist design.When we started working on Versor 2, we wanted to move away from the idea that MTB shoes need to feel oversized or overbuilt to feel protective. We took more inspiration from technical outdoor footwear, where lightweight materials and precise fit already exist at a very high level. The goal was to create something minimal, sharp, and highly connected to the bike, while still delivering the durability needed for aggressive trail riding or racing.-Brand Manager, Alex LocatelliWhile the Versor 2 is stylistically similar to the previous version, Fizik states that the fit has been updated with a more anatomical foot shape, providing a bit more room in the toe box for both comfort and stability. This will likely also make the shoe a bit more accommodating for varying foot shapes. Weve seen similar approaches taken by other brands recently, including Sidi with its new Millennium fit.Fiziks Versor 2 shoes have a somewhat unique look with the offset lace closure.Less BulkFizik says that keeping bulk to a minimum was one of the main goals when designing the Versor 2 shoes. They believe that less bulk and a more precise fit help to maximize control on the pedals. Additionally, they say it helps keep the weight low and improves the aesthetics compared to bulkier, skate-inspired competitors.The ripstop uppers feature strategic PU reinforcement for the toes and other high-wear areas.ConstructionThe Versor 2 shoes have a tough, ripstop upper with strategic reinforcement zones. Fizik concentrated the PU-laminated protection in the areas most prone to wear, including the toe box and sidewalls, where crank arm contact is common. This leaves the less-wear-prone parts of the shoe more breathable and quick-drying, while keeping the weight to a minimum.Additionally, Fizik believes that this light, zonal construction allows the shoe to move with the foot more naturally and ensures the rider can move their feet freely, essential during gravity riding where precise foot placement and pedal feedback matter the most.A bootie-style wrap upper is intended to fit closely around the foot, which seems like it should provide the knock-on benefit of helping keep debris out of the shoe. Thats finished off with the offset, ergonomic lace-up closure for a secure, pressure-free fit that keeps Versor 2 comfortable for however long a rider is on the trails.Versor 2 ClipThe clip-in version of the Versor 2 gets a nylon shank for pedaling support and is rated a 5 on Fiziks sole stiffness scale. They say that it enhances power transfer while remaining flexible enough for walking comfort. The extended cleat track should provide riders with an ample range of adjustability to position their cleats to suit their preferences.Outside of the cleat pocket, the entire sole of the Versor 2 clip is covered in a Vibram XS Trek EVO rubber compound. It features a pattern of low-profile round lugs in the midfoot, with a deeper tread at the toes and heel for improved off-the-bike grip.Tech SpecsRipstop fabric upper with zonal PU-laminated protectionBootie-style upper construction for pressure-free fitErgonomic lace-up closureX6 Gravita outsole with Vibram XS Trek EVO compoundNylon shank, stiffness index 5Weight: 378 gVersor 2 FlatThe flat pedal version of the Versor 2 features a full-coverage rubber outsole made from a grippier Vibram XS Ride rubber compound. It features a tread pattern that Fizik says has been optimized to offer traction while retaining pedal feel. To that end, the Flat versions sole stiffness is rated as a 2 on the Fizik scale. This softer flexing sole prioritizes pedal conformity and traction, giving riders a planted, controlled feeling during technical riding.Tech SpecsRipstop fabric upper with zonal PU-laminated protectionBootie-style upper construction for pressure-free fitErgonomic lace-up closureX6 Flat outsole with Vibram XS Ride compoundStiffness index 2Flat-pedal specific outsoleWeight: 320 gAnthracite-BlackOff White-AnthraciteColors and SizesBoth the Flat and Clip versions of the Versor 2 come in the same color options: Anthracite-Black and Off White-Anthracite. They are available in whole EU sizes 36 to 48, as well as half sizes between 37 and 47.Fizki Versor 2: Pricing and AvailabilityThe new Versor 2 Clip and Versor 2 Flat are available now. Both shoes are listed at the same price: $150 USD / 150 / 149. Head to the Fizik website to learn more.fizik.comThe post The Versor 2 is the Next Evolution of Fiziks Gravity-Focused Clip and Flat MTB Shoes appeared first on Bikerumor.

The Ecuadorian rider smashed out his third stage in this year's Giro

Enric Mas came close to glory in stage 11 of the Giro dItalia, but finally succumbed to the undeniable finishing speed of Jhonatan Narvez on the line on Wednesday. After a day of hard attrition and a bold move in the mountains, the Movistar Team leader sounded resigned at not being able to finis...

UAE Team Emirates - XRG CEO Mauro Gianetti has heaped praise on his riders following a fourth stage victory at the 2026 Giro d'Italia. After three stages, the race seemed to be a disaster for the team after losing three riders in a nightmare Grande Partenza. But eight stages later on Wednesday, the...