Remember when cycling was the new golf?Well now gravel cycling is the new cycling.[Oh, well Reddit says it, so]Logically then, it would follow that gravel golf would be the new golf:But golf is secure enough in itself to simply remain golf, whereas cycling is neurotic and insecure and needs to constantly reinvent itself in order to make new friends, because it doesnt think its old friends are cool enough. Apparently running also suffers from this same personality disorder, and as a result gravel running is the new gravel cycling:This is the best news Ive heard in years, because hopefully this means all the gravelistas will finally just run away and never come back, and I for one welcome a day when movement becomes instinctive and the Pas Normal set moves beyond the city limits to where the surface softens once and for all:Though all that sounds too good to be true, and I suspect were merely on the cusp of a weird dystopian future in which the city will be full of wan work-from-homers in weird non-specific doing active stuff clothes:Whatever happens, gravel shoes and gravel bikes are indeed quite similar. For example, both harness the Jan Heinian power of planing:Sitting somewhere between on-road running and full-on trail running, the collaboration focuses on the GRVL Concept shoe, which Salomon revealed at the beginning of May. This incorporates two full-length carbon plates and a PEBA-based supercritical foam midsole, designed to increase energy return and decrease strike energy.The also use the same tread pattern, because a shoe is exactly like a tire:That part of the design is borrowed from road running, but Salomon says the soles tread pattern is inspired bygravel bike tyreswith shallow 1.5mm lugs, which the two brands say offer grip on gravel but also speed on tarmac very gravel cycling.And, most importantly, theyre both expensive:Theres a built-in short gaiter to keep stones and debris out of the shoes, which use Salomons updated Quicklace Neo system rather than conventional laces. The shoes have a 262g per shoe claimed weight and are priced at acycling shoe-like 230. Theyre available in sizes from 37 to 49.I look forward to the gravel shoe equivalent of the 32-inch wheel:Oh, and in case youre wondering, the answer is yes, of course theres such a thing as barefoot gravel running:Why wouldnt there be?I guess thats the equivalent of fixed-gear gravel cycling, and you can expect barefoot gravel running to really catch on once gravel shoes become even more complicated and expensive and the inevitable consumer backlash occurs. Hey, the bike industry is always recycling old gimmicks, so why should gravel footwear be any different? For example, a gravel shoe with an integrated pump that allows you to adjust it on the fly is a total no-brainer:All it needs is wireless capability and an app to control it.Oh wait, Nike tried that already:I guess it never took off, but that was before gravel running, and we all know that gravel can sell absolutely anything.Speaking of batteries, are you sad because even with electronic shifting and electronic suspension suspension and electronic dropper posts and electronic tire pressure monitoring systems theres still not enough stuff on your bike to charge before the big ride? If so, then make sure you get yourself an electronic chain lubrication system:It hides in your seat tube and you control it with a remote on your handlebar, assuming you can find room for it along with all the other remotes:The system includes a lube chamber hidden discreetly in the seat tube, a handlebar-mounted remote, and a custom guide and dripper positioned above the chainring. The whole system weighs a claimed 100g.Until now devices like this havent caught on with cyclists, possibly because everybody knows all the cool people are waxing their chains now:This isnt the first automatic on-bike chain lubricator that weve seen. Both the Rohloff Lubmatic and theScottoiler Cycle S1were variations of the concept that aimed to work similarly. Neither of those appeared to have much commercial success, however, probably due in part to the limited market for such a niche bike accessory. Still, the Faction x LEsperance system appears to be the lightest, sleekest, and most refined version that weve seen thus far.An on-board chain waxing system might meet with more success, provided someone can design a system that addresses the whole third-degree burn problem.

After going into administration and returning earlier this year, YT has launched its new flagship eMTB range, with the long-travel Decoy X showcasing the latest and most powerful Avinox M2S motor. There are four models in the new line-up, with the cheapest the Core 1 starting at only 4,499 and offering 150Nm torque, 1,300W peak power and an 800Wh battery. This makes it the cheapest bike you can buy with the latest Avinox M2S drive system. The Core 2, 3 and 4 each offer similar value for money, but with higher-spec parts. It looks as if YT is going back to its roots, competing with other direct-to-consumer brands to offer the best possible value proposition online. Read more: YT Industries is back in the UK for the first time since its insolvency New YT Decoy X platform All bikes in the YT Decoy X range feature the Avinox M2S motor, offering 150Nm torque and 1,300W power. Isac Paddock The new Decoy X uses a mixed-wheel size setup, with 29in front and 27.5in rear wheels. It offers 170mm travel up front and 160mm at the rear via YTs four-bar suspension system. All bikes have aluminium frames, unlike the previous Decoy SN, which had a carbon option. YT says the geometry for the new Decoy X is copied from the outgoing SN. There is a wide range of sizes, from S to XXL. The Decoy X range features the new Avinox M2S motor, which offers class-leading performance. All models and sizes feature an 800Wh battery. Read more: Avinox is taking over here are 20 bikes you can buy with its incredible new M2 and M2S motors Four new Decoy X models The YT Decoy X MX Core 4 gets Fox Factory suspension and SRAM AXS Transmission. Isac Paddock The Core 1 has a SRAM drivetrain, WTB and YT components, and Marzocchi suspension. It costs 4,499. The Core 2 gets a Fox 38 fork and DHX coil shock, DT Swiss wheels, SRAM drivetrain and Race Face finishing kit. It costs 5,499. The Core 3 features a RockShox ZEB fork and Vivid Ultimate shock, SRAM Eagle 90 mechanical Transmission and Maven Silver brakes. YT also specs a DT Swiss HX 1700 eMTB wheelset with the DEG DF hub upgrade to reduce pedal kickback. It costs 6,499. The Core 4 gets Fox Factory suspension, SRAM S-1000 electronic Transmission, updated SRAM Maven Silver brakes and DT Swiss HX 1500 eMTB wheels with a kickback-minimising DF technology-equipped rear hub. It costs 7,499. The Decoy X Launch Edition is the top-spec build, including a Fox Podium Factory fork and X2 shock, SRAM GX electronic Transmission derailleur and DT Swiss Evo 1500 DF wheels. Adjustability and bonus features The Decoy X has modern geometry and a claimed weight of around 25kg. Isac Paddock The four-bar suspension is similar to previous versions of the YT Decoy. It features a flip chip with 'regular' and 'low' settings. All the bikes are claimed by YT to weigh in at around 25kg, with the cheapest Core 1 the lightest at a claimed 24.8kg and the Launch Edition the heaviest at a claimed 25.5kg. The new Decoy X is compatible with YTs Thirstmaster 3000 bottle and bottle cage. YT Decoy X geometry and sizing The Decoy X is available in small to XXL sizes with 435mm up to 515mm reach. Isac Paddock Sharing similar geometry with the outgoing carbon fibre Decoy SN, the Decoy X comes in five sizes: S, M, L, XL and XXL, with a reach of between 435mm (small) and 515mm (XXL). The head angle is 63.9 degrees and the effective seat tube angle sits at 78 degrees (with the flip chip in the low position), which looks to stack up against other modern long-travel bikes. The chainstays seem short, though, measuring 443mm in the low setting across all sizes. Pricing and availability The Decoy X is available to pre-order now in the UK and Europe with the US to follow. Isac Paddock The Decoy X Core range is available to pre-order in Europe and the UK, with the US to follow this summer. Decoy X Core 1: 4,499 / 4,499 Decoy X Core 2: 5,499 / 5,499 Decoy X Core 3: 6,499 / 6,499 Decoy X Core 4: 7,499 / 7,499 Decoy X Launch Edition: 8,499 / 8,499

Councillors say the scheme, which will install a new shared-use path and toucan crossings in Kidlington, could be better but has been limited due to funding and land constraints

David de la Cruz tackles stage 18 of the Giro dItalia with the shared sense of fatigue across the peloton, yet convinced the day is once again one for the break. The Spaniard weighed up a demanding route that offers little to sprint teams, especially given the toughness of the finale. Tired, yes,...

Giulio Pellizzari has admitted he thought about abandoning the 2026 Giro dItalia after another painful day on stage 17, as the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe riders race continues to unravel after beginning with genuine GC expectations. Pellizzari finished 13:29 behind stage winner Michael Valgren in...

Volunteers with the Dublin Cycling Campaign will be on hand to guard bicycles at Bloom 2026 from today and over the bank holiday weekend until Monday, June 1st. Dublin Cycling Campaign said it is all set for Bloom 2026. In posts on their social media channels, the group said: We will be collaborating with Healthy Ireland in running the supervised bicycle parking alongside the main entrance to the Bord Bia Bloom festival starting on Thursday, May 28th and running until Monday, June 1stCycling to the festival in the Phoenix Park makes so much sense because you can avoid motor traffic congestion, park right beside the entrance and you can meet the lovely folk from Irish Cycling Campaign at the bike park!Public transport optionsThere is also a free shuttle bus, which is scheduled to depart every 10 minutes, and the 99 bus. Both bus routes will operate between the event and Parkgate Street, beside Heuston Station and its Luas Red Line stop. However, the organisers warn that there can be long delays getting a bus leaving the event. On their website, they said: We have increased the number of free shuttles each day and have a new dedicated route for our shuttles to get you to Bloom faster. If you are travelling by train, weadvise visitors to leave Bloom 90 minutes prior to your train departure time to allow yourselfample time to get to Heuston Station.The buses serving the Navan Road (Ashtown Roundabout) are just over a 1km walk from the northern entrance to the event. The route is not child or disabled frendly.

Swiss cycling kit icon Assos has paired up with Norwegian luggage maker Db to create what they call the ultimate 3-piece Bike Travel bag setup. Sold as a single set, Db combines a soft-sided rectangular 50L Roamer Pro Split Duffel backpack, a Torq Trunk shoe bag to go inside, and a Crown Case reinforced helmet carrier to strap on the outside. They tailored each bag to meet the packing needs of a wide range of cyclists, keeping our riding gear organized and separated from the rest of your clean kit.Assos x Db Bike Travel Bag 3-piece luggage set for cyclists(All photos/Assos)We were impressed with the look and quality of some of the previous bike travel bags from the unfortunately-named Db (the artist formerly known as Douchebags). But those seem to have disappeared from Dbs lineup, as theyve focused on more traditional luggage. So when we saw that Assos had partnered with Db for cyclists-specific luggage, we were curious to take a closer look, and will probably look to reviewing the gear in the near future. After all, my go-to luggage for almost a decade of personal and work travels was made for cyclists, too.For now, though, we just have PR details, images, and a few stats to peruse. But theres still plenty to look deeper into, and to pique our interest even moreRoamer Pro Split Duffel 50LThis fully recycled-material Roamer Pro Slit Duffel 50L is a standard backpack already in the regular DB offerings, which normally sells for 239 on its own. Its a 51cm x 28cm x 32cm soft box-shaped pack with a padded back panel and 2 aluminum rods sewn-in to give it structure. Its official outer volume dimensions are actually only 45L, making its inner carrying capacity a bit less than that, certainly not the 50L of its name. (Although, were guessing that might be a nod to 50L being the max standard size limit for airline carry-ons, even though this bag is technically 5-8cm taller/thicker than most airlines allow.)The Split Duffel unsurprisingly splits down the middle with a big wraparound zipper, creating two main body compartments separated by a water-resistant lining to keep clean & dirty gear apart, with thin zippered pockets inside, too. On the outside, fixed padded ergonomic shoulder straps make it easy to carry as a backpack (but less suited to become airline-checked luggage). Large top & rear straps make it easy to move around, a zip side pocket gives quick access to small items, and lashing points serve to attach more gear, like the helmet case.Torq Trunk soft shoe bagAdd to the Roamer, the Torq Trunk is a new for Db 37cm x 25cm x 17cm bag to keep your shoes & pedals separated from even your dirty cycling kit. Four smaller pockets (3 padded,1 unpadded) organize your two pedals, tools, and socks, shoe covers, & leg/knee warmers, respectively. Db sized the Torq Trunk to drop into one side of the Roamer, together with bidons, tech gear, and maybe your sweaty kit post-ride. Crown Case helmet carrierLastly, Db designed the seemingly lightly-padded, all-new Crown Case clamshell helmet carrier bag to hang from the Roamer with an integrated clip. Db designed it to fit up to an XL helmet (not MTB visors, though). Then, theres an extra mesh accessory pocket from the outside, that fills the inner volume of the helmet where your head would be with small items like your sunglasses, ride electronics, or other small items.Assos x Db Bike Travel Bag Pricing & availabilityThe whole Assos x Db Bike Travel Bag kit is available exclusively as a 3-piece bundle for $449 / 369. Db makes each of the individual elements primarily from 100% recycled polyamide and 100% recycled polyester. And they color-coordinate it all in black with muted olive green details & olive patterned fabric. And they all get Assos and D__b__ branding so everyone knows youre a cyclist.Get them now in shops that sell Assos gear, or online from either Assos or Db.Assos.com & Douchebags.com The post Assos + Db Bike Travel Bag Collab is a 3-Piece Cyclist-Specific Luggage Set appeared first on Bikerumor.

This weekend, the worlds most prestigious gravel race takes place in Kansas, USA. Heres everything you need to know about it, which riders to back, its importance on the gravel scene, and how to watch it

Remco Evenepoel's team have preached faith and confidence in their Tour de France preparations as Red Bull - BORA Hansgrohe seek to deliver the former world champion to the Barcelona Grand Depart in the best shape and as relaxed as possible. Control is fast becoming the key for the German team. With...

The new San Util Design UL Nano Panniers are tiny bolt-on bags for racks or forks with three-pack mounts. Pre-orders are open for a limited time. Find all the details here...The post San Util Design UL Nano Panniers Weigh 140 Grams appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.