Its always been an issue, but is vitriol from passing drivers and passengers getting out of hand? road.ccs readers had their say

Jonas Vingegaard is the headliner of this year's Giro d'Italia, and so stage 13 was in a way an important day to have some much needed relaxation. On a day where the breakaway took over all the attention, the Dane could enjoy an easier day ahead of the return to the mountains. After building an ear...

The Giro dItalia is not only shaped by attacks in the mountains and sprint finishes on the road, but also by the decisions made behind the scenes by the race commissaires. Across three weeks of racing between 8 May and 31 May, fines, time penalties, relegations, and other sanctions can quickly infl...

An emergency motion to only allow safer trucks in the city centre was agreed by a full meeting of Dublin City Council at the councillors April 2026 meeting, but the latest update on the issue outlines how council officials want to discuss the issue further at the citys mobility committee meeting after the Summer. The update to committee members was provided ahead of the next committee meeting, which is to take place next week. The motion called for Dublin City Council to require all Heavy Goods Vehicles applying for a vehicle permit to enter the citys 5-axle area restriction area to have a minimum one-star Direct Vision Standard rating in 2027, and rising progressively every year until a five-star rating is required in 2031 and onwards.The motion was in response to the death of 27-year-old Johnny Santos Xavier De Abreu, who was killed on April 1st after only three weeks in the country. The Brazilian student was cycling an electric bike at the corner of Middle Abbey Street and OConnell Street when a driver of a cement mixer was turning left. Most cement mixers are 4-axle, so are excluded from the 5-axle ban regulations (see map of ban area below). The motion said that the star rating was to be calculated using the same system used for Heavy Goods Vehicles in London, although any system in Ireland is more likely to follow the EUs General Safety Regulations, which is a similar system. In cities, a disproportionatelylarge number of fatal left-hook turns involve trucks, often involving blind spots or zones where people cycling are obscured from the view of truck drivers. A similar issue happens with pedestrians, including those walking close to the front of trucks.The package of direct vision and related measures consists of improved mirrors, cameras, and sometimes glass in the lower part of truck doors. The screens for cameras with wider or lower views are placed within the passenger-side mirrors line of sight, and alert systems are sometimes used as well.The EUs General Safety Regulation requires direct vision measures for all trucks sold after 2024. London takes a proactive approach and requires older trucks entering most of the city to be retrofitted.As reported last month, Brendan OBrien, head of the councils transport department, said he welcomed the motion, but said that using the permit system for larger HGVs to drive into the city centre would limit the direct vision requirement to 5-axle trucks, and only in little more than the city centre, compared to the London system that applies to most of Greater London.He said the council wants to make sure that the trucks that are using our city are as safe as possible, but that the suggestion, as written in the motion, would only affect a small proportion of trucks. In an update to the committee, OBrien repeated his concerns about the limit of the motion and said: Within the EU the relevant legislation is the Vehicle General Safety Regulations, which set out the requirements for the different types of vehicles. Since July 2024, all new HGVS have had to be fitted with blind spot detection, and approximately 20% of HGV permit applications are from HGVs which are covered by this regulation.He added: As this is a complicated area of EU regulation, it is proposed to have a discussion on this issue at the September SPC [committee meeting], where we will invite an expert on HGV regulations to present on the current state of EU safety requirements for HGVs.Responding to this, Cllr Ray Cunningham (Greens), who proposed the motion, said: I welcome the chance to discuss this in more detail at the SPC meeting. I would argue that the limited area and time period covered by the permit scheme should not be seen as a blocker to moving forward.HGV owners will want the capacity to deliver to all locations at all times, so the requirements we set will have a broad reach. I would also argue that sensors are not a substitute for direct vision, and only 20% of vehicles having sensors is plainly inadequate, he said. He added: Finally, we have to ask if the existing permit scheme is adequately enforced? I have a council question in June on the number of permits applied for, and Roderic OGorman is asking a question on my behalf about the number of vehicles without permits that were issued with penalty notices.IMAGE: Generic file photo of a large HGV.

Created for lightweight road or gravel bikes, absoluteBLACK is calling the Aethers the lightest tubeless valve that exists. There is more to these valves than just the lack of weight: They also use an interesting core design.But come on. 2g carbon fiber tubeless valves? You know you already want them!absoluteBLACK Aether carbon composite tubeless valves(All photos/absoluteBLACK)Despite their featherweight construction, absoluteBLACK says the Aether valves maintain everyday durability. Their carbon-reinforced polymer composite construction offers lower density than aluminum, but also allows for more design freedom. Shapes that would be difficult to make with CNC machines are possible with the composite construction. Without getting too specific, absoluteBLACK says their method allows for more refined internal geometry. And the valves seals are made from traditional rubber, to ensure reliable air retention.Partly to keep weight to a minimum, the Aether valves use a bottom-sealing mechanism instead of a traditional valve core. This design was inspired by an early valve design from way back in 1915. This keeps the internal valve design simpler, provides a larger air channel to reduce clogging, and offers a more direct internal air path. Rest assured, these valves are fully compatible with normal Presta pump heads, and with all rims drilled for Presta valves.absoluteBLACK points out that the Aether valves were not specifically designed for increased airflow vs. traditional valves (as several MTB tubeless valves have trended towards recently). So, likely youd expect pretty standard airflow. Instead, these are intended for weight savings at the wheels, incrementally reducing rotating mass where it matters most.Real weights of 2.6g or 3.1g with valve capsTwo lengths are available. One for 18-30mm rim depths, and one for 30-50mm deep rims. The shorter size weighs just 2.6g, including the valve cap, and the longer option hits the scale at a mere 3.1g. The construction of these valves is patent-pending. And the external design is already protected by patents. MSRP is $29.95 per pair, which seems like a surprisingly good value for what might just be the Worlds Lightest tubeless valves!absoluteBLACK.ccThe post Worlds Lightest? absoluteBLACKs 2g Aether Carbon Tubeless Valves Shave Grams appeared first on Bikerumor.

Filippo Ganna lives in Verbania where today's stage of the Giro d'Italia finished. The Netcompany INEOS rider tried getting in the breakaway but found himself to be a heavily marked man, which meant he didn't stand a chance to fight for one of his main goals. That this was a key day for the Italian...

Alberto Bettiol delivered a perfectly timed attack to win stage 13 of the Giro d'Italia, giving XDS Astana Team a memorable success after an aggressive day shaped entirely by the breakaway. The 189 kilometres stage from Alessandria to Verbania had been expected to favour attackers rather than the ge...

We caught our first glimpse of the Kona Process 246 at Sea Otter a little over a month ago. The brand was understandably proud of it, and Ill admit, I was immediately jealous of how good kids have it these days. At the time, the Process 246 was coming soon, but now, this full suspension kids mountain bike has officially launched, and weve got the rest of the details.The 246 carries the same DNA as the rest of Konas Process lineup, but in a shrunken-down package to fit smaller riders as they learn and progress. With quality components, capable geometry, and built-in adjustability, the Process 246 is a real mountain bike for the youngsters to grow with as they ultimately become better riders than all of us grown-ups. Just check out the video below to see 7-year-old Gavin Gutierrez ripping on his 246. Kids these daysKona Process 246 DetailsThe Process 246 is built around a 6061 aluminum frame with 120mm of rear travel, paired with a 120mm fork. The frame uses a similar linkage-driven single-pivot suspension design as Konas adult bikes, with kinematics and handling that intentionally mimic the Process ride feel. The suspension has been custom-tuned for lighter riders to provide both sensitivity and progressivity for smaller bodies.The Process 246 has a similar suspension design as Konas bigger bikes, plus the rear wheel can be switched to a 26 with a geometry-preserving flip-chip.It comes in one size, which is intended to fit riders between 44 and 5. It comes with a 24 rear and 26 front mixed-wheel setup. This is intended to provide a confident front end and maneuverable rear for smaller riders, as well as some extra rear-wheel clearance. As kids get bigger, Kona has incorporated a flip-chip to switch to a 26 rear wheel without disrupting the geometry.Additionally, Kona chose 140mm cranks for a proportional fit for shorter legs, and Shimano brakes with a large reach adjustment range for smaller hands. The frame has a low standover height, and it comes with a 100mm dropper post to get that saddle low and out of the way when theyre shredding the gnar or boosting big jumps.With proper geometry and components, itll be even harder to keep up with kids on the Process 246.ComponentsIn addition to capable geometry, Kona speccd the Process 246 with quality components. That includes the custom-tuned RockShox Deluxe Select shock and 120mm Manitou JUNIT Comp fork. The drivetrain setup is a Shimano CUES 110-speed, with a short cage for clearance, a 28T chainring, and an 11-39T cassette.Since kids are likely to be getting after on the 246, Kona went with powerful Shimano Deore 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes to keep speeds in check. The cockpit is proportionally sized with 680mm wide bars and the aforementioned 100mm dropper post. The Alex rim/Formula hubs wheelset includes thru-axles front and rear. Kona tops it all off with some proper tires in the form of the time-tested pairing of the Maxxis DHF and DHR II.You can find the rest of the spec details below.GeometryThe Process 246s geometry looks strikingly similar to what youll find on my modern trail bikes. The head tube angle is listed at a confidence-inspiring 65 degrees, and the seat tube angle is at a pedal-friendly 75.5 degrees. Its a far cry from the steep, twitchy, hand-me-down hardtails that many of us middle-aged riders learned on decades ago, thats for sure. Check out the rest of the details in the chart above.Tech and Spec HighlightsKona 6061 aluminum butted frame, 120mm travelFlip chip change from 24 to 26 rear wheel without disrupting geometryManitou J-Unit 34mm Comp fork, 120mm travelRockShox Deluxe Select rear shock, custom-tuned for small ridersShimano 4-piston brakes with a wide range of reach adjustment for small hands NEW Shimano CUES 10spd drivetrain w/ short cage for great clearance with smaller wheels TranzX 31.6mm adjustable dropper post w/ 100mm of dropDMJ 140mm length cranksMaxxis DHF DC EXO TR 262.30 FR /DHR II DC EXO TR 242.30 RR tireThe kids are alright, and theyre going to be better than alright at mountain biking with bikes like the Process 246.Kona Process 246: Pricing and AvailabilityThe new Kona Process 246 retails for $2,699 and is available now. Head to the Kona website to find a dealer near you.konaworld.comThe post The Kona Process 246 is a Proper Full Suspension Kids Mountain Bike appeared first on Bikerumor.

Happy Friday! Today, the small crew over at Camp and Go Slow (CAGS) has launched some handsome new goodies for your favorite steed. Usually, CAGS runs small, limited runs of their collaboration with Bags by Bird. But this time, they ran a complete size run. So, theyve got the smaller Piccollo, the medium-sized Goldback, and the new large Goldback WIDE. Plus, some new, beautifully understated top caps to help clean up your cockpit.Kick ass, lets dive in! (Photos / Camp and Go Slow)Rattler/Green Top CapNew Bags By BirdYou guys remember when Camp and Go Slow dropped that limited run of those gorgeous waxed canvas Piccollo bags? Well, theyve collaborated with Jay at Bags by Bird again to make an entire size run of those versatile and stunning handlebar bags. The bags are built from the same fabrics as CAGS popularOuter Shell line. They are made with tough-as-nails 1000D Cordura and have an additional stretch pocket under the main flap. They have silver grey Packcloth liners and are shipped with foam spacers and mounting straps.Because they use the same materials as CAGS Outer Shell line, that means the bags are all trimmed in your choice of CAGS greatest bar tape on the planet. Owl/Black Top CapThe colors available are: Western Rattler/Rust, Eastern Rattler/Black, Great Horned Owl/OS Brown, and Brown Trout/Dark Brown. So, getting your matchy-matchy on never looked better! Piccolo 9.5Retail: $235Western Rattler/RustThe Piccolo 9.5 is the smallest of the saddlebag-style bags in the BXB lineup. Its a great fit for smaller bikes with low tire clearance and/or narrow drop bars. Its also a great size for day rides and UltraLight tourists.Main Body Specs: 9.5 wide x 7.5 deep x 9.5 tallTotal Width: 1214Volume: 15LMade by Bags X Bird in Tucson, AZGoldback 12.5Retail: $260Brown Trout/Dark BrownThe Goldback 12.5 is a touring staple: its big enough for extended touring and still svelte enough for commuting or day rides. Youll find its plenty stable without a rack underneath it, but it has all the lashing points youll need to cinch down your gear when the road gets rough.Main Body Specs: 12.5 wide x 8 deep x 10.5 tallTotal Width: 1618Volume: 27LMade by Bags X Bird in Tucson, AZNew Goldback WIDE Retail: $270Great Horned Owl/OS BrownThe Goldback W I D E is a super-sized version of the Goldback bag with some important added features. First off, its big7 liters larger than the Goldback 12.5. If youre a heavy packer or just want to avoid cramming all your gear into sixteen smaller bags, this is for you.To stabilize this cavernous creature, weve added a second, wider set of mounting points to the upper dowel attachment. Underneath the bag, youll find all the lashing points of a standard Goldback, and youre gonna need them.This bag is designed to be used with a rackor a bag support (like this one from Shovel Research). Thats our official stance. Rack-hating bikepacking bros, consider yourselves warned. For the rest of us normies who cant decide if we want to take a hammock or a tent, now we can take both. Yolo :)Main Body Specs: 14.5 wide x 8 deep x 11.5 tallTotal Width: 18-20Volume: 34L (!)Made by Bags X Bird in Tucson, AZNew Forager/Ashley Anodized Top CapsRetail: $35Trout/OrangeFor these little beauties, Camp and Go Slow worked with Dan at Forager Cycles (you know, the company that makes the awesome Cable Cherry), to develop this lovely little bit of bling for your cockpit.CAGS says it wont do anything a cheap top cap cant do, but life can sometimes be about the little things. And personalizing your steed with something like a beautiful top cap, for me, is what its about. It can really pull a bike build together. Owl/BrownTrout/GreenThese aluminumtop capswere machined in-house at Forager Cycles and then finished by Ashley Anodized. They were made to match the Forager Cable Cherries. Available in three patterns and four colors: Rattler/Green, Rattler/Black, Rattler/Orange, Rattler/Brown, Owl/Black, Owl/Brown, Trout/Green, and Trout/OrangeCheck out all of the goodies that Camp and Go Slow has at the link below, Im sure youll find something you know you want! CampAndGoSlow.comThe post Camp and Go Slow Drops New Bags by Bird, Plus Beautiful New Top Caps appeared first on Bikerumor.

Andreas Leknessund did everything in his capacity to win the stage 13 of the 2026 Giro d'Italia... but against the overwhelming Alberto Bettiol, it simply was not enough. Despite a tremendous effort, the Uno-X Mobility rider has to settle for yet another second place as he already came close to a vi...