Shimano is expanding its 12-speed component family with a new 2 x 12 GRX Di2 system, complete with updated dual control levers, a clutch-equipped rear derailleur, and shifting optimized for off-pavement riding. Dig into the new Shimano 2 x 12-speed GRX RX825 Di2 system and limited edition GRX SPD pedals here...The post New Shimano 2 x 12-speed GRX RX825 Di2 Pairs with Mechanical GRX 12-speed appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Suffering with a sore behind? Here's all the in-depth advice you need from the experts to help diagnose and solve your saddle issues, and make your riding a lot more comfortable

Heading into the final weekend of the 2024 Giro d'Italia, Thymen Arensman remains 6th in the general classification despite a late scare as he suffered an ill-timed mechanical with just 8km to go on stage 18, with a frantic chase back on then ensuing.I think that I hit a glass or a stone or someth...

CyclistBig Ride: Monte Grappa, the giant of the GiroProfessional cycling has long been dominated by talk of attacks, battles, pain and suffering, and theres a place in northern Italy where they have experienced their share of all those things in both bike races and wars. Bassano del Grappas bloody history isnt hidden from view. Just walking around the town youll notice the bullet holes from two World Wars that still cover the buildings next to the Ponte Vecchio, and when you look up youll see the hulking mass that serves as a reminder of battles past and, if youre in town for a ride, of suffering to come: Monte Grappa. Related Posts Big Ride: The secret road up Monte Zoncolan Big Ride: Borderline crazy in the Carnic Alps Big Ride: Monte Civetta in the Dolomites I dont need the mountain to remind me of what Ive signed up for. Starting todays ride at the headquarters of Basso Bikes, just outside of Bassano, Im told by several members of the team that Im in for a tough day in the saddle. Perhaps the most telling revelation is that, despite living and working at the foot of one of the worlds most famous climbs, they each only ride up it fewer than a handful of times a year.Monte Grappa is the gateway to both the Alps and the Dolomites, but the land is pretty much all flat until you hit it.Juan Trujillo Andrades / CyclistMy ride partner for today is Asja Paladin, a former pro road racer and current Basso employee. Her sister is Canyon-Srams Soraya Paladin and her boyfriend is Jacopo Lahbi, the man who during Covid took on all ten road routes up Monte Grappa in one ride thats 455km, 16,500m of elevation and 41 hours on the bike. So its safe to say Ive got the perfect guide for my own attempt.Our plan is to replicate the ascent of Monte Grappa that will feature in the penultimate stage of this years Giro dItalia, starting from Semonzo at the southern foot of the mountain and returning to Bassano del Grappa where the race will end. The pros will have to do the climb twice on the stage. For us, Im sure once will be more than enough.The easy partPonte degli Alpini, also known as Bassano del Grappas Ponte Vecchio, was designed in 1569 but has been destroyed, rebuilt and fixed many times. In the Second World War it was blown up by resistance fighters riding bikes. If youre here for cycling, make sure to walk across.Juan Trujillo Andrades / CyclistThe first part of the ride is gentle and flat, giving Asja and I just enough time to get our legs spinning before we reach our first stop after 11km in the cobbled square of Asolo for coffees and cornettos. When the Giro comes to town the peloton will head to Semonzo straight down the main road, which isnt the nicest ride when you dont have the luxury of closed roads, so Asja takes us slightly off-piste, including a short gravel road and a tight brook-side footpath. Ill take that over a close pass any day.San Severo church marks the start of the climb via Semonzo. Youll see or hear the bell tower just before you reach it.Juan Trujillo Andrades / CyclistOur next quick stop comes just 10km from Asolo in the town of Possagno, where a brief detour takes us to the Tempio Canoviano, a massive temple on a hill just above the town, though its dwarfed by the mountains behind. Its an impressive sight, designed by sculptor Antonio Canova at the beginning of the 19th century and based on Romes Pantheon. Apparently Canova paid for most of it himself because he wanted to be buried there after his request to be buried at the Pantheon was turned down.With my culture levels and bidons topped up, thoughts turn to Semonzo. The mountain is staring us down, and the clear day means there are a bunch of paragliders hovering above the road well soon be riding up. It takes about another 10km to get to the right turn that marks the beginning of the climb, and as we arrive the bell in the local church begins to toll rather ominously.Tempio Canoviano features a set of enormous columns at the front that support the roof over the marble floorJuan Trujillo Andrades / CyclistThis route up the mountain is 19km long with an average gradient of 8.1%, but Ive been told it starts hard, has an easier middle section, and ends hard. The first hard part is enclosed by trees and heads upwards steeply via a long set of 16 hairpins. My legs are relatively fresh, so while its not easy, Im not suffering yet.Thanks to the trees, there isnt much of a view, but a pair of paragliders whove managed to tangle themselves in the branches and the rescue team trying to help them out provide a welcome distraction from the increasing burn. The gradient hovers around the 8-9% mark for the first 10km of the climb, and by the time it levels out briefly my legs are throbbing with the effort, so I use the flatter ground as an excuse for a breather and a handful of Haribo.The relentless mountainJuan Trujillo Andrades / CyclistOn the restart I take the opportunity to lower the pace. Asja adapts seamlessly to the slower speed, doing a good job of reining in her natural inclination to sprint off up the slope like a gazelle.The road emerges onto an open green space with rolling hills covered in luscious trees and a large pond to our left. This is Campo Croce, a popular spot to stop for hikers, gliders, mountain bikers and any other tourists who find themselves on the mountain. For me, however, its crampo Croce as the road starts to tilt upwards again I can feel the tell-tale tightening in the back of my thigh. Its not great timing, but Ive got no choice but to fight on.The end of the hardest section hides the remaining climb from view until you pass the house on the left. Its probably for the bestJuan Trujillo Andrades / CyclistThe climb just keeps getting steeper, flirting with the mid-teens, and for some reason Ive convinced myself it cant last long. But it can. It goes on and on and on and on, to the point that I decide to slow it down further with some weaving back and forth across the road. We emerge onto another open section on the edge of farmland that looks gently rolling, but the gradient remains unrelenting. Its hard to get a sense of the height weve gained as we have lost the views down to the valley and are now surrounded by the sea of greenery that is the Grappa Massif.Eventually I see what must surely now be the end of the struggle. The road crests next to a house and the view Ive been waiting for reveals itself in all its glory. Below us, stretching into the distance is a huge, flat expanse. This mountain is the gateway to all the others; its the first true elevation northwards of San Marino and we can basically see to Venice. Juan Trujillo Andrades / CyclistLooking the other way, we can see the refuge at the mountaintop. It feels almost close enough to touch, but it becomes painfully obvious that theres still some brutal climbing to come before we can actually rest.The gradients are back in the teens again and I try to maintain a steady pace to conserve energy. Once we take the final turn off the road towards the very top something the pros wont be doing at the Giro I know Ive done it, and Asja has promised theres food on the summit, which is all the motivation I need to give it a good push.Juan Trujillo Andrades / CyclistFinally, after what feels like a lifetime, we arrive at Cima Grappa, the summit of Monte Grappa, and there is no more climbing to be done. From here I can look out towards the Dolomites in the east and towards the Alps in the west, and yet the view from the rifugio is not the star of the show.Once you reach the final section of the climb, the expansive view down the mountain finally reveals itselfJuan Trujillo Andrades / CyclistOn the other side of the car park is the Monte Grappa military memorial. Its enormous, spanning the 300 metre-plus length of the mountains peak. Taking off my cycling shoes, I walk up its snow-lined steps and read the inscription on the stone: Monte Grappa you are my homeland. The line is a lyric from La Canzone del Grappa, a song written in 1918 celebrating Italys victory over Austria-Hungary at the Battles of Monte Grappa, when the Italians used the mountain to hold off an advance on Venice. The remains in the memorial belong to both Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers.The memorial is the resting place of more than 20,000 soldiers who died in the First World War, mostly unidentified. Before it was built in 1935 they were spread between more than a hundred different cemeteries across the mountain.Save time and legs for climbing the steps to the monument at the summit of Monte GrappaJuan Trujillo Andrades / CyclistIt may only be First World War soldiers remembered here, but the mountain has an important place in the history of the Second World War too. Members of the Italian resistance used Monte Grappa as a refuge from the Fascists, but the Nazis found and killed most of them, and the ones not killed in the conflict were hanged in Bassano.The big come-downThe descent lasts nearly 30km down what is the easiest way up the mountain. The gradients are shallow enough that theres still plenty of pedalling to be done, especially given that I need to keep my speed up to stay with Asja as she carves a perfect line down the slope.Stop at the viewing platform before you sit down. Youll see the Dolomites to the far left, the Alps to the far right, and a whole lot of land in between.Juan Trujillo Andrades / CyclistIts over depressingly quickly considering how long it took us to get up, and theres only 4km to Bassano from the bottom. We weave our way through traffic and ride along the Viale dei Martiri, which literally translates to martyrs avenue. Each tree that lines this street commemorates one of those resistance soldiers hanged during the Second World War. Its a long street; there are lots of trees. Its a more subtle memorial but it hits harder.Juan Trujillo Andrades / CyclistWe head down to the rivers edge and past the Ponte Vecchio before turning into the town and onto Piazza Libert, where our ride ends and where, at the Giro, a victor will be crowned. With just a processional stage to come, that will be the final battle of the three-week war, and the pelotons double ascent will result in a lot of men suffering on the slopes of the Grappa, just like I did today. But with the memories that the climb and this area hold, perspective will be easy to come by. Its just cycling, its not real pain.Saluti!Bassano del Grappa is the prime region for a trio of classic beveragesPiazza Libert is where the ride ends and where the winner of the 2024 Giro dItalia will be crowned.Juan Trujillo Andrades / CyclistOnce youve ticked off Monte Grappa, its time for a three-course meal of alcoholic drinks.First stop is Room, a bar in Bassano owned by none other than former Milan-San Remo winner and doping ban receiver Filippo Pozzato youll even find that risqu advertisement on the wall of him naked but for a pair of Sidi shoes covering his manhood. More importantly, Room is renowned for its Americano, a cocktail of Campari, vermouth and soda water.Moving to the next course, this part of Italy is prime Prosecco country, and the hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene where it originated are visible from Monte Grappa. While the official Prosecco region has been expanded to meet demand, the highest standard DOCG Prosecco area reaches into Asolo.Finally we turn to the digestivo grappa, a form of brandy made from the leftovers of grapes during winemaking and which can be as strong as 60%. It doesnt actually get its name from the local area legend has it that grappa was invented by a Roman soldier who stole distillation equipment from Egypt and was rewarded with land to cultivate for his part in a war but the Poli distillery in Bassano is an important grappa distillery and has a museum where you can see the process of making grappa and have a taste or two.How we did itBassano del Grappa is achingly stylish. Its home not just to trendy cycling brands, but one of its biggest employers is the Diesel fashion house. It makes a suitable backdrop for showing off equally stylish classic cars.Juan Trujillo Andrades / CyclistTravelCyclist flew from Stansted to Venice Marco Polo. Direct flights are also available from Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and Manchester. From there we took a taxi to Bassano del Grappa, which takes just under an hour via the toll road. You can also get the train from Venice Mestre, and theres a shuttle bus from the airport to the train station.AccommodationWe stayed at the T-Rooms guest house, which is ideally located by the river just a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio and the main piazza, and cost 110 per night. Its bike-friendly and, thankfully, person-friendly too. For info visit t-rooms.bassano-del-grappa.hotels-veneto.com.ThanksMany thanks to Monty, aka the King of Bassano, from Basso for helping to organise our trip, trusting us with his bike and sweet-talking the entire town on our behalf. Thanks to Asja for planning the route, riding with us and being very patient. Thanks to Monte Grappa expert Giovanni Mattiello for driving our photographer around. And further thanks to Alessandro and Leonardo Basso for letting them all skip work to help us out. Related Posts Big Ride: The secret road up Monte Zoncolan Big Ride: Borderline crazy in the Carnic Alps Big Ride: Monte Civetta in the Dolomites The post Big Ride: Monte Grappa, the giant of the Giro appeared first on Cyclist.

Being forced to settle for second in the bunch sprint finale to stage 18 at the 2024 Giro d'Italia, Maglia Ciclamino wasn't quite able to claim a fourth stage win at this Grand Tour, as victory went to Soudal - Quick-Step's Tim Merlier."In the finale we saw more things.We also saw a second place,"...

The shapely flared Ritchey VentureMax handlebar has promised off-road dropbar adventure comfort since 2016, and now it gets its own top-tier SuperLogic carbon upgrade. Sure, this is pretty light for a widely-flared carbon gravel handlebar, but the Ritchey SuperLogic VentureMax was actually built to be tougher than ever. And also brings with it refined ergonomicsRitchey SuperLogic VentureMax carbon gravel adventure bar(Photos/Ritchey)From its debut in 2016, the Ritchey VentureMax has been all about combining wide flare with improved ergonomics. Ritchey developed it to deliver several more comfortable hand positions for gravel and off-road dropbar adventure riders. On top of 24 flare, its the extra Bio-Bend ergonomic hump in the shallow drops that set the VentureMax apart. Even in the world of alt-bars. In 2019 the bar got a lighter update in WCS carbon, then a 2020 XL wide update and revised ergonomic improvements for the regular alloy bar. Now a new top-tier Ritchey SuperLogic VentureMax combines all of that in the brands best carbon fiber composite and construction, plus improved strength & durability.Whats new?The key updates to the new carbon bar are: a gentler Bio-Bend for more comfort at all positions in the drops, a more thorough gravel-specific testing process, and updated cable routing. This Ritchey SuperLogic VentureMax bar actually is not quite as light as the old WCS carbon version. Ritchey instead focused on making it tougher. The SuperLogic VentureMax is said to now be the first handlebar to go through Ritcheys new proprietary gravel testing process. The idea was to make tougher bars to stand up to the sometimes silly off-road abuse gravel riders are subjecting their bikes to these days, even on lightweight carbon components. Think under-biking MTB trails and loaded backcountry bikepacking for example. To survive that, Ritchey worked more robustness into the new design. And then, they put the new VentureMax SL though a series of impact-followed-by-fatigue testing cycles that exceed the required minimum safety requirements for bicycles. Read more about their in-house testing here.The new SuperLogic carbon gravel adventure bar is also not quite as aero as the WCS. Instead, it utilizes the same ergo-aero 38mm deep x 22.5mm tall tops from the latest alloy bar for improved comfort riding up top.Tech detailsThe new VentureMax SL bar also now features complete internal cable routing ports to work with literally any setup. There are 8 different cable ports molded into the new bar. Everything you need from fully-hidden Di2 routing to semi-internal mechanical shift setups. The bar comes in four widths 42-48mm measured at the initial bend a bit before the hoods. They feature 76mm Reach and 102mm drop. With 4 of backsweep to the tops, 24 of flare to the drops, and 6 of extra flare at the ends of the drops, each size bar measures an extra 12.5cm wide to the outside of their bar ends.The 42cm Ritchey SuperLogic VentureMax carbon gravel bar has a claimed weight of 235g, just seven grams more than the WCS carbon bar without the ergo, toughness & routing upgrades.Ritchey SuperLogic VentureMax Pricing, availability & optionsThe new matte UD carbon Ritchey SuperLogic VentureMax bar sells for $300 / 300. You can get it in four sizes 42cm, 44cm, 46cm, or 48cm all with the signature Bio-Bend & 24 flare. Position your hand in front of the hump in your deep aero tuck. On the bump for chill descending in the drops. Or at the ends for max leverage out of the saddle climbing. Get it now straight from Ritchey, or through your local bike shop.RitcheyLogic.comThe post Curvy Ritchey VentureMax Gravel Bar Gets Light & Tough SuperLogic Carbon Upgrade appeared first on Bikerumor.

CyclistShimano gives GRX 212 the Di2 treatment, but 1x is left on 11The release of Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 2x 12-speed brings the brands gravel groupset in line with its latest electronic road designs. This is an update to the 2x GRX RX815 Di2 11-speed, and mirrors last years move to 12-speed for the brands mechanical GRX options. The RX825 launch includes new shift levers, satellite switches and derailleurs which are compatible with specific existing 12-speed GRX drivetrain components.Following in the path of Dura-Ace, Ultegra and 105, this almost completes the electronic overhaul of Shimanos performance drop-bar groupsets. Obvious in its omission though is a 1x version of the new GRX Di2, which begs the question of whether Shimano will move that variant further on again in some way.The new Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 components are slightly heavier than the equivalent parts of the mechanical 2x 12-speed GRX RX820. There is, however, a slight weight advantage against the like-for-like components of the 2x 11-speed GRX RX815 Di2 that is being superseded.ShimanoThe RRP for a set of RX825 shifters and derailleurs is 1,109.96, or 1,309.96 if paired with RX820 brake callipers. GRX RX825 Di2 groupsets completed with already released components start from 2,060.87.Shimano is concurrently launching adjacent gravel products, including a limited, embossed United in Gravel version of the existing Deore XT SPD gravel pedals, renamed the GRX SPD M8100-UGs.Shimanos sister company, PRO Bikegear, has released a new cockpit combination comprised of the Discover Aero Carbon Handlebar and the Discover Stem 10, which were both developed with a focus on aerodynamics for gravel racers. Related Posts What We Ride: Matthews Giant Revolt Advanced with GRX Di2 New mechanical 12-speed Shimano GRX groupsets bring huge gear range to gravel Shimano GRX RX820 groupset review Shimano GRX Di2 groupset review Key detailsShimanoNavigating the Shimano gravel groupset catalogue was already quite complex. With the release of the GRX RX825 Di2 components, there is now an additional set of shifters and derailleurs to account for, though we can expect that time is limited for the 2x 11-speed Di2.The RX825 release only comprises of shifters and derailleurs, so any new builds have to incorporate components from existing GRX lines. As noted in our coverage of Shimanos mechanical 12-speed GRX groupsets release, the 2x drivetrain will remain backwards compatible with Shimanos existing gravel wheels, the WH-RX880s, as well as HG+ freehubs, and will fit on the newer HG L2 freehub bodies as well.The shift to a 2x electronic 12-speed system eclipses the other minor changes in this release. Differences in weight are negligible and technology like chain-drop protector Shadow RD+ and E-Tube Project though good to have appear elsewhere in the Di2 range. The additional range of customisable buttons and satellite shifters represents a notable upgrade to the gravel riding experience.Through the wireShimanoPersevering with design choices in the other electronic Shimano systems, the GRX Di2 shifters use coin cell batteries to remain wireless, with Shimano fitting a wired battery into the seat post to power the front and rear derailleurs. Shimano estimates that riders will get up to four years of riding from each coin cell battery.The rear derailleur houses a charge port and a multi-function button which is used for checking battery level and gear indexing.The Di2 system allows riders to install satellite shifter buttons on the bars wherever they see fit. These can be used in the same way as the additional third button on the shifter and assigned different functions.ShimanoThe combination of both wired and wireless connections removes the need to install junctions, which is good news for those building up their own frames. Wireless shifters mean only brake cables will be routed through the headset and down tube, while both derailleurs will benefit from the additional capacity of a seatpost-housed battery.Keep on rollingShimanoLegacy technology Shadow Rd+ is integrated into the rear derailleur. This is a spring-loaded system that applies constant rearward force on the derailleur which Shimano claims keeps the chain taut and reduces dropped chains over uneven surfaces. It can be switched off the extra chain tension released via a derailleur button so as not to interfere with wheel removal.Just like for GRX RX815 Di2, there is a multifunctional third button on the inside of each hood, as well as the Di2s normal two-part paddle layout behind the brake levers. Accessory Di2 shift switches are also compatible with the RX825 system, so riders can set up satellite buttons elsewhere on the bars.ShimanoCoinciding with the launch is a firmware update to Shimanos pairing app, E-Tube, including Front Shift Next, which will allow riders to assign either the third button on the inside of the hood or a satellite shifter to toggle between chainrings meaning there is now extensive scope for riders customising their own gear shifting.Gravel-specific shiftersShimanoShimano claims that rounder hood shapes and an increased overall surface area on the RX825 shifters have been included to help with handlebar comfort over rough surfaces. To this end, the body shape of the brake levers has been altered to fit flared handlebars.With the help of its fishing department, Shimano has continued to coat the brake lever surface with anti-slip coating, as per earlier GRX releases.On the scalesShimanoThe combined claimed weight of the derailleurs and shifter system is 867g, which compares well against the claimed 938g 2x mechanical 12-speed GRX RX820 line. However, the addition of the seatpost battery and battery cables pushes the overall weight of the RX825 Di2 to a claimed 965g, 27g heavier than the mechanical groupset.The most like-for-like comparison is against the 2x 11-speed GRX RX815 Di2 setup. Together, the shifters, derailleurs, battery and cables of RX815 weigh a claimed 891g. So there is a modest weight saving of 24g for the RX825 Di2 release.Drivetrain optionsThere is a range of crankset and cassette compatibility for the GRX GX825 Di2 components. The HG710 cassette provides the largest 11-36t range with the 11-34t cassette available in the R9200, R8100 and R7100 guises, which differ in weight and price.ShimanoChainrings from the higher spec RX820 and cheaper RX610 are available with slightly different ratios: 48/31t and 46/30t respectively, plus three crank lengths: 170/172.5/175mm. Shimano continues to provide a 2.5mm wider chainline compared to its road groupsets which contributes to larger tyre clearance and helps to prevent muddy debris interfering with the drivetrain.Limited edition gravel pedalsShimanoIn releasing the GRX SPD M8100-UGs, Shimano has rebadged its own Deore XT pedals, but with cosmetic additions. The Deore XT pedals are second in Shimanos gravel pedal pecking order, behind the XTRs, offering a wide, dual-sided SPD clip in, spring adjustability, and offset binding which Shimano claims helps with shedding debris.This limited-edition pedal release has an identical spec to the Deore XT pedals but they are decorated with United in Gravel graphics. United in Gravel is the strapline of Shimanos gravel campaign, encouraging riders to take on rougher surfaces.An updated Discover gravel cockpitShimanoThe new Pro Discover Aero Carbon Handlebars from Shimanos sister parts company, Pro Bikegear, feature 12 degrees of flare and a 4-degree forward sweep and are available in 40, 42 and 44cm widths. The accompanying 31.8mm Pro Discover Stem 10 is alloy rather than carbon and comes in seven lengths, 60-120mm. It allows for a 10 flippable degree angle and is compatible with semi-internal cable routing.Learn more about Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 at bike.shimano.com Related Posts What We Ride: Matthews Giant Revolt Advanced with GRX Di2 New mechanical 12-speed Shimano GRX groupsets bring huge gear range to gravel Shimano GRX RX820 groupset review Shimano GRX Di2 groupset review Full list of new Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 and Pro Bikegear products with prices and weightsGroupsetsRX825 2x from 2,060.87Shimano RX825 partsShifter and disc brake set12-speed right lever with BR-RX820 calliper: 399.992-speed left lever with BR-RX820 calliper: 399.99Shifters12-speed right lever: 299.992-speed left lever: 299.99415 grams / pairFront derailleurs184.99142 gramsRear derailleurs324.99310 gramsPedals114.99342 grams / pairPro Bikegear PartsPro Discover Aero Carbon Handlebars40cm: 349.99265 grams42cm: 349.99280 grams44cm: 349.99285 gramsPro Discover Stem 1070mm: 99.9980mm: 99.9990mm: 99.99100mm: 99.99110mm: 99.99From 142 gramsThe post Shimano gives GRX 212 the Di2 treatment, but 1x is left on 11 appeared first on Cyclist.

The terrific Thibau Nys has continued to impress in 2024. On a punchy finale to the opening stage of the Tour of Norway, the cross-discipline star in the making was a clear winner, thanks in part to a brilliant leadout by teammate Mathias Vacek.With seven riders getting themselves into the breakaway...

After his spring-ending disaster crash at Dwars door Vlaanderen on the 27th of March, Wout van Aert was back in the peloton for the first time on Thursday afternoon at the Tour of Norway.Pre-stage the Belgian was keen to stress that he wouldn't be in the fight for the stage win and that was hold thi...

Stage 18 of the Giro d'Italia 2024 was intended to be a transition day before the arrival of the last two mountain challenges and as expected, the victory was decided in a bunch sprint, with Tim Merlier narrowly edging Jonathan Milan in the finale.Therefore, the Top 10 of the overall classification...