Nino Schuter may be out of the racing game, but weve still spotted another all-new prototype evolution of the Scott Spark the single pro XC weve featured more than any other over our years covering World Cup cross-country race tech. The new bike bears a striking resemblance to the current Spark Scotts first Bold-inspired XC bike design with a hidden internal rear shock that I first rode and wrote about 5 years ago. But there are a number of significant changes that we can spot in this unreleased prototype. The first being that the rear shock isnt quite 100% hidden inside anymore. So why is it peeking out?Scott Spark RC prototype World Cup XC race bikeall-new unreleased Scott Spark RC prototype with all-new carbon-spoke Syncros XC wheels (All photos/Cory Benson)The only semi-hidden out shock was the first thing we noticed. It looks like an opening that gives easier, quick access to the AXS battery on the Flight Attendant rear shock. But really, a closer reveals that this is actually a completely new suspension design. And hiding the shock inside the frame is maybe the only real similarity with the current model. Theres quite a lot more going on herePlus, Scott isnt really hiding the bike at all. So, its likely well have the full technical details in the very near future!What new tech is coming soon?Lets start off with the basic suspension design. The current Spark is a single-pivot with flex stays and a linkage that drives the internal shock. This new prototype Spark appears to effectively be a 4-bar, with an external short link concentric around the bottom bracket and again relying on flex in the rear stays.We cant see whats happening inside the frame. But because there is a plastic cover over the internal shock with an opening for the AXS Flight Attendant battery, we can see that the rear shock is oriented almost perfectly horizontal. Thats a big shift from the current solution that is essentially in-line with the slope of the downtube.Presumably, this would help lower weight in the frame for more stable handling. But importantly, it all still appears to exist quite a bit above the center of the bottom bracket, suggesting ground clearance wont be an issue.Theres also very clearly a second access cover behind the seattube, suggesting access to the hidden shock will be much easier on this new bike.From the driveside, the entire suspension setup of this prototype looks even simpler and cleaner than the current Spark. But a glance at the other side reveals a complex multi-part short link around the bottom bracket, that we can only imagine will get filled up with dirt, mud & debris, and will certainly add more maintenance complexity.Other key tech we can seeAt least its nice to see a threaded bottom bracket there, though.Theres also a new seatpost clamping mechanism. More like were used to seeing on road & gravel bikes, this bike looks to get an internal, wedge-style expander.Unsurprisingly, this prototype appears to be made from Scotts top HMX SL-spec lightweight hi-mod carbon, based on the writing all over these frames. All other text on the frame appears to be prototype marketing gibberish.It is not 32, but there are some new Syncros carbon wheels here!And lastly, we can confirm that it does not fit 32 wheels. Only room for 29 wheels here.But for quick detour on those 29 wheels For XCC short track, the team were on existing one-piece molded carbon Syncros Silverton SL wheels, known for ultralight weight and supreme stiffness. But for the longer and more technical XCO race, they were riding a new unnamed set of Syncros wheels with conventionally laced (hidden nipples) carbon spokes and silver CNC-machined alloy hubs. Likely, they will launch with this unreleased 29er Spark RC soonNow back to your regularly-scheduled 32 rantScott-SRAM MTB Racing were, in fact, one of the biggest drivers behind the push to 32 in racing development. Rumors suggest Nino was one of those strongly pushing Maxxis to make a 32 option in his favorite Aspen tread for several years, always looking for a technological edge in XC racing. But the new wheelsize is clearly still being developed. And while weve seen working prototypes being developed & tested and even raced by several big bike brands, its only been this spring where weve seen major fork markers with anything close to production-ready. Scott-SRAMs suspension supplier RockShox has been noticeably absent, so far. And that has to be a limiting factor for a large portion of pro XC racing teams at the moment.Were sure theres a 32 SID in development, but we havent seen it yet. Maybe soon? The post All-New Scott Spark XC Bike Prototype in Nove Mesto Teases a Glimpse of Its Hidden Shock appeared first on Bikerumor.

SQUIRREL_13943436 Hailed as the ultra racers' go-to, the Albion Womens ABR1 Pocket bib shorts combine cavernous storage with easy-pee functionality without compromising on fit and comfort - a rare combo that's proven easier said than done in my extensive testing experience. These shorts feature a slightly more traditional design, opting for a wide band of elasticated leg gripper backed by silicone dots, rather than a raw leg hem. But thanks to the clever cut these are just as comfortable. Read more: Best women's cycling shorts | 10 of the best women's shorts for cycling tried and tested The Albion Womens ABR1 Pocket Bib Shorts sport a crossback strap design. Sam Voaden / Our Media That choice might be even more important when you consider just how loaded you can make the two deep, mesh-faced cargo pockets on the thighs, which can securely stow a phone as well as bulkier items, before returning to their original shape. This is definitely a boon for ultra racers who need snacks, extra layers and other essentials close to hand for efficient riding, but no doubt handy for the everyday rider too, especially on longer day rides. When youre not using the pockets, they lie flat against the thigh, and are cut so well that you dont even notice they are there. There's a stash pocket on the rear. Sam Voaden / Our Media Theres a third cargo pocket located across the lower back. This is large enough to stow a wind or rain jacket. Most cargo bib shorts have tiny rear pockets incorporated into the bib straps and Ive never really known what they could be used for. That's not the case here theres no doubt that Albions single huge pocket could come in handy. Albion has commissioned industry leaders Elastic Interface to provide the chamois, which features a higher density core in a saddle shape, flanked by much thinner material and topped with a recycled fabric covering. There's also a cargo pocket on the legs. Sam Voaden / Our Media The use of recycled materials extends further into the shorts, with recycled nylon used across the main material and mesh, as well as using OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified and bluesign approved fabrics. The ABR1 shorts use elasticated bib straps for the easy pee design, which are attached right on the sides at the front aspect, and then cross over at the upper back. While this is usually my preferred easy-pee design (rather than a clasp), in this case it was a bit more tricky, likely due to the stitching for the back cargo pocket. How I tested Each pair of bib shorts was tested over multiple rides and laundry cycles in late spring and early summer, both on and off-road. The key factors tested were comfort and functionality (not to forget style); the most crucial aspects of this cycling wardrobe staple. The selection of bib shorts features standard and cargo bib options, reflecting the market demand for both options. The rear cargo pocket stitching makes the easy-pee function a little less easy to use than I'd like. Sam Voaden / Our Media While the shorts do still have the easy-pee function (putting them miles ahead of those who dont, in my opinion), I think this could be refined to make these a real five star option. Albion hasnt caved to the 2026 coloured bib trend, instead knuckling down on making the best bib functionality in simple black or dark grey colourways. Boring, some might say, but at least you know itll go with any jersey not so easy to say for coloured bib shorts! The grippers design employs tiny silicone dots. Sam Voaden / Our Media The ABR1 shorts are priced at the upper-mid range, and while you can get some of the functionality for much less, such as the Van Rysel Women's Road Cycling Bib Shorts Endurance, for the whole package 185 seems like reasonable value for money. With Albion offering a 60-day money back guarantee, is there any reason not to give them a go? Bottom line These shorts' carrying capacity is a real strength, alongside good all-round performance. Sam Voaden / Our Media These function-led shorts combine all-day comfort with category-leading storage, making them a worthy recommendation for riders looking for high quality and reliable cycling shorts. SQUIRREL_13943436 Product specs Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL Black or dark grey colourways Recycled material construction Two cargo thigh pockets and one large back pocket Elastic interface chamois 60-day guarantee

Jonas Vingegaard lined up for stage 15 of the Giro in the maglia rosa after his exhibition on the Valle d'Aosta, on the eve of which he spoke to CyclingPro.net and shared several thoughts on the state of the race and what awaits in the third week. The Dane acknowledged the special meaning of leading...

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Complaints from the the peloton caused GC times to be decided on the final lap of the Milan circuit

Good motor performance, equipment and overall quality, but with a handful of design anomalies

The miracles are not gone from cycling just yet. What looked destined to become another routine bunch sprint at the Giro d'Italia instead turned into one of the biggest surprises of the race so far, as Frederik Dversnes stunned the sprinters by winning from the breakaway in Milan. After the brutal A...