It feels like hardly any time has passed at all, yet today its been exactly one year since, for unhappy reasons, this bicycle came into my possession:So I marked the occasion by taking it for a ride yesterday, and purists may be pleased to see that Ive put cyclocross tires on it:I mean you may not be pleased that I put these particular cyclocross tires on it, since this color combination isnt for everybody, but whats the point of riding a Richard Sachs if you dont draw a little attention to yourself?And yes, more than one person has commented that the bike looks like Christmas.Also, in case you were wondering, which you probably werent, I store most of my bikes in the cellar like wine bottles, and I generally only keep one or two inside my actual domicile at a time. (Which bikes Im keeping close at hand at any given moment depends on a number of factors including but not limited to time of year, weather conditions, current mood, phases of the moon, and whether or not Ive read an article about gravel bikes that made me angry and compelled me to ride a bike with 23mm tires entirely out of spite.) Right now the two bikes in my actual apartment are the Richard Sachs and the Faggin, which I only mention because the sight of them side by side is a sight to behold:Even the cats afraid.Part of the reason Id been using fattish road tires instead of cyclocross tires on the Sachs is that Im on the road with this bike at least half the time, and I cant stand the idea of wearing down knobby tires for no reason. (It triggers the same part of my brain that gets activated when the kids leave the lights on.) But then I realized the chances of my ever doing a cyclocross race ever again are extraordinarily slim, so what the hell am I even saving them for, anyway? In fact Ive got plenty more cyclocross tires where these came from, so I might as well just use them, since they work well on Very Small Rocks:Plus theyre better than the fattish road tires for the odd singletrack detour, or for when I have to reroute around a fallen tree:Though in that particular instance I just climbed over it.The 30mm tires I had on there were great though:I did want to move them to the Faggin, but they they wouldnt quite fit, so in the meantime Im saving them.But even without the toothpaste-colored tires, theres a lot going on with this bike:Its blood red, its made by a living legend (Richard Sachs, a.k.a. the Karl Farbman of Bicycles), it belonged to a friend, riding partner, and cycling mentor who improbably won it in a raffle, and I then watched that friend die. I keep it with my other bikes, but it doesnt seem like one of them; instead its like something out of Game of Thrones. At first I was scared of it, Im not sure Ill ever feel quite like its mine, and I still have weird dreams about it. It doesnt even have water bottle bosses, yet it carries more baggage than any bike I own.None of this is to say I dont ride it, because of course I do, and often, toothough in this case it had been a few weeks since Id been on it, since I think I rotated it into the wine cellar while I was rehabilitating the Craigslist bike:Also, none of the aforementioned emotions and associations detract in any way from riding the bike, nor to they translate into my being afraid of getting it dirty or scratched or anything like that. When Im on it I treat it like a bike, and riding it is always a pleasure. Its impossible to ride the thing and not believe The Farman is some kind of wizard, and whether its actually the bike or Im just under the spell of his rarefied marketing and artisanal chapbooks, the effect is a heady one indeed. Also, as someone who has been writing a cycling blog for going on 19 years I have a great deal of respect for his dedication. (Thats not to suggest my own dedication is similarly laudable, since in my case its not so much dedication as compulsion and basically amounts to an extended Duolingo streak, but if anything my own lack of actual dedication and craftsmanship puts me in an ideal position to admire the real thing in other people.)I mean the guy has probably had to answer the question Why wont you use disc brakes? even more than Grant Petersen has, and he still hasnt killed anybody (at least to my knowledge), which is an accomplishment in itself.Though I suppose theres still time.Also, Grant Petersen hasnt killed anybody eitherat least as far as I know. But a cycling-themed version of Clue featuring Richard Sachs, Grant Petersen, Jobst Brandt, and other luminaries past and present would be a surefire hit:[Old Man Petersen, in the drawing room, with the hemp twine.]Speaking of cyclocross bikes, after yesterdays ride it occurred to me I have no idea what a cyclocross bike even loos like today, so I checked it out:Same idea, different execution, I guess. And did you know this has a name?Its called a seat kink:The Inflites seat kink balances the bikes weight when its on your shoulder. This saves you valuable time and energy and stops the wheels getting caught on obstacles.I thought a seat kink was when you have a thing for smelling Brooks saddles.

Expect to see lead-out efforts, rather than teams finishing in neat lines

Fancy a dip into the 32-inch wheel waters? Here's most of the 32-inch gear we know of that's readily available, including bikes, tyres and wheels

Since 1892, Gazelle has been designing and building bikes in the Netherlands. These days, the brand is one of the largest e-bike manufacturers in the world, known mostly for its quality, Dutch-style electric bikes. Today, Gazelle launches two reimagined models in its Ultimate platform, pushing Class 3 speeds for the North American market. The new Ultimate C380+ 2.0 and Ultimate T11+ boast a 28 mph top speed, combined with the performance, stability, and comfort Gazelle bikes are known for.The Ultimate T11+ (left) and Ultimate 380+ 2.0 (right).With the new Ultimate platform, we wanted to prove that speed performance doesnt need to come at the expense of comfort and control, said Mark Danhof, General Manager of Gazelle North America. While lower-cost alternatives focus on upfront price, we focused on what matters over time: trusted Bosch systems, premium components, and long-term durability. Our goal was to design a bike built for control at speed, not just speed itself.Gazelles new Ultimate models are capable of Class 3 speeds and equipped with Bosch Performance Line Sport motors.Gazelle Ultimate DetailsAccording to Gazelle, the new Ultimate models combine Dutch soul with American speed. With these new bikes, riders in North America have the option to ride at Class 3 speeds up to 28 mph. Thats powered by the latest Bosch Performance Line Sport mid-drive motor, which delivers up to 85 Nm and 600 watts of commute-crushing torque upgradable to 90 Nm and 700 watts through the Flow app with four assist levels to choose from.Gazelle didnt specify the battery capacity in its press materials, but its reasonable to assume that its ~500Wh, given the available sizes of Boschs PowerTube batteries. According to the brand, its also compatible with the Bosch PowerMore 250 range extender to help reduce range anxiety or go for longer rides. The batteries are removable for security and charging off the bike.The new Gazelle Ultimate models come with an 80mm suspension fork and 55mm wide tires for comfort, stability, and control.Gazelle says it wants to ensure the ride remains refined at 28 mph, and has prioritized stability and control in the following ways:Superior Handling: An upgraded 80mm travel suspension fork and wider 55mm tires provide increased grip and stability over potholes and mixed terrain.The Connected Cockpit: A sleek adjustable stem features integrated Quadlock or SP Connect options, turning smartphones into a high-definition dashboard. In addition, the bike is specced with the Bosch Purion 200 display for a seamless, premium riding experience.Invisible Engineering: Fully internal cable routing and a redesigned rear-triangle charging port located in the rear triangular area for a cleaner head tube and easier access.Accessible Geometry: A modernized, upright riding position maximizes visibility and confidence on longer rides without compromising the sporty character of the Ultimate platform.Bosch Purion 200 display.Integrated phone mounts.Additional commute-friendly features include integrated front and rear lights, full coverage front and rear fenders, and a rear cargo rack. Theres an integrated rear wheel lock, a bell, and a comfort-oriented suspension seatpost.All Gazelle bikes are also backed by a 10-year frame warranty.The new Ultimate bikes come with a host of commute-friendly features, including lights, fenders, and a rear cargo rack.ModelsGazelles new Ultimate platform launches with the two models described below. The primary difference between the two models is the belt drive and internal hub gearing on the 380+ vs. the 11-speed derailleur drivetrain on the T11+. Both models are available in a low-step frame, and the 380+ is also offered in a high-step version. All of them are offered in three frame sizes: S (46), M (53), and L (57).The low-step version of the Gazelle Ultimate 380+ 2.0 in Turmeric Yellow.Ultimate C380+ 2.0 ($4,999): The pinnacle of maintenance-free luxury. This model features the Gates CDC Belt drive and an Enviolo Trekking hub with a 380% gear ratio. Available colors include Between Blue and Turmeric Yellow. Available with low-step or high-step frames.The high-step version of the Gazelle Ultimate 380+ 2.0 in Between Blue.Ultimate T11+ ($4,499): The athlete of the family featuring a high-performance derailleur system, the T11+ is built for riders who want a responsive, mechanical feel while conquering steep hills and varied pavement. This is a limited edition available in Frozen White. Available with a low-step frame only.The Gazelle Ultimate T11+ in Frozen White.AvailabilityWhether youre looking for an e-bike to crush your commute or cruise the countryside, the new Gazelle Ultimate models are available in North America starting today. Head to the Gazelle website to learn more or find your new ride.gazellebikes.comThe post Gazelle Picks Up Speed with New Class 3 Ultimate Commuter E-Bikes appeared first on Bikerumor.

The 2026 Tour de France is starting in the space of just under a month, and all of the riders who are aiming for strong results there are currently doing their specific preparation. Some use the Tour Auvergne - Rhne-Alpes, some the Tour de Suisse, and some will do some minor races. However, others...

What do we actually want from a mountain bike? After hundreds of miles on the Neuhaus Solstice, Logan kept arriving at the same answer. It didnt involve a certain spec sheet or a particular geometry, but something far simpler. Read on for his full review of the Neuhaus Solstice, an uncomplicated steel hardtail that quietly excels at many things...The post Neuhaus Solstice Review: Disappearing Act appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Tom Pidcocks return to the Tour de France comes with more expectation than ever, even if he is doing everything he can to avoid placing it on himself. The 26-year-old is no longer arriving only as a stage-hunting wildcard. His third place at the 2025 Vuelta a Espana changed the shape of the discuss...

Good afternoon and welcome to the Tour Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes liveblog. Today is team time trial day. So far this season, INEOS Grenadiers and Lidl-Trek have dominated whenever the races have come down to efforts against the clock. Will that trend continue today? Join us and dont miss any of the exci...