Red Bull - BORA Hansgrohe will start Saturday's team time trial and get their Tour de France underway with one major question that most teams simply don't have - who is their leader? When it comes to the general classification, the German team have publicly stated that both Remco Evenepoel and Flori...

For those raised in Minnesota, Up North isnt about crossing a line on a map. No border sign distinguishes it. Sure, theres the general notion of heading north, but its []The post Up North Loop appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Searching for hidden gems at Eurobike can feel like a crapshoot. Lots of walking up and down halls, peering into the back corners of obscure booths in hopes of spotting something unique. Or sometimes, just spotting an industry contact who has something interesting hiding in their back pocket. Even though there were fewer exhibitors at the show, there were still lots of unofficial gems to unearth. Todays Eurobike rumors highlights are 3 wheel gems, with more official details coming soon: An all-new fast gravel tire suggests a new direction for WTB.A couple of new gravel rims from Hunt tease the logical progression of their Limitless AM family. And in a commuter ebike tire, Schwalbe shows new radial tire tech isnt only for performance mountain bikers on tubeless setups!WTB + Stromm Course 52 could be the most aero gravel tire?(All photos/Cory Benson)WTB gravel tires are set for a major shakeup in the near future if this new Course 52 is anything to go by. Details are still thin, and everything is unofficial at the moment. But that Stromm AeroTech label on the sidewall is a big hint of whats coming down the pipeline. You may remember Stromm from their wildly aero track bike a few years back or last years fastest road bike at Sea Otter. They are aero nerds looking to do things a little differently. And it looks like WTB and Stromm have collaborated on something unique for gravel racing.WTB is set to take their gravel tires to a new performance direction, aiming to be the first large-volume gravel tire to be truly optimized for off-road aerodynamics. Is this the first wide tire designed for gravel aerodynamics?The secret seems to be these little v-shaped pairs of nubs on the sidewall of the tire, and a new ridge just at the edge of where the rubber meets the natural sidewall casing. Neither of these protrusions are for grip. Instead, they are designed to direct airflow, smoothing the transition from the classic lightbulb shape that you get with a tire wider than the rim. These tires are 52mm wide, designed to fit an inner rim width of ~26-28mm. You still get the comfort and flex of a round tire section, where the rims is significantly narrower than the tire. But WTB and Stromm have found a way to keep airflow moving smoothly over the wheel + tire combo for reduced aerodynamic drag.Besides the new aero tech, WTB hints that this is one of 3 completely new gravel tires coming soon to feature all-new construction, as well. They say these new tires will feature a new lightweight casing that is more supple, offers better protection, and delivers a better tubeless experience. And theyll be made in a new factory, known to already produce some of the industrys other top-performing gravel bike tires.We look forward to getting the full details soon, and trying out the new tires likely starting with this all-new aero WTB Course 52!WTB.comHunt Limitless Aero Maxed gravel racing wheels are ultra-wideThe details on these two Hunt aero gravel rims sections are also pretty limited and unofficial. But we can probably make even more good assumptions based on their previous Limitless Gravel and recent 5AM & 4AM aero road offerings. Just like we saw with 40 Limitless Gravel two years ago, Hunt adopted front- & rear-specific rims that are wider & deeper up front where clean airflow aerodynamics matter more, then narrower & slightly shallower outback where the can save weight and improve compliance. And of course, they used the low-density polymer filler Limitless tech in the bead to get wider rims without a lot of extra weight. Then, earlier this spring on the road, their Aero Maximized 5AM road wheels made front:rear differences a bit more obvious, further optimizing aero gains. Ultra-wide Aerodynamically Maximized Gravel racing wheelsNow, these upcoming Aero Maxed Gravel race wheels take all of that to a new extreme. No official stats yet. But holding the two rim sections in my hand (and measuring them relative to my fingers), they look similar to the 58mm deep front & 55mm deep rear of the 5AMs, but much, much wider. Current carbon Hunt wheels are 26-27mm wide internal, but these felt wider than that. I would guess 30mm internal. The hookless beads are also gigantic maybe ~6mm wide for the rear and ~10mm wide up front. That could make the front ~50mm outside and the rear ~42mm. Those could make these new Hunt aero gravel wheels the widest production gravel wheels weve seen perfect for aero gains on ever-wider modern gravel racing tires. Maybe even as wide as Dangerholms out-there (and ultra-heavy) concept wheels!Beyond the rim, well expect aero Vonoa carbon spokes, ratchet freehubs, steel or ceramic bearing options, surprisingly light weights, class-leading wind tunnel aero data, and pricetags between 2000-2500 depending on bearing choice when they go on sale hopefully as early as this autumn!HuntBikeWheels.comSchwalbe Radial tires help commuters with inner tubes, too!It is official, Schwalbe Radial tires are not only for high performance mountain bikes, any more. Even though these dont yet officially existing the German tire makers aftermarket catalog, I spotted tube-type radials mounted to several different commuter ebikes in the Crussis display. There were even multiple versions of the presumably OEM-only tire. I spotted both 27.5 and 29 versions, both 2.35 (60mm) wide. There were also versions with or without a bright retro-reflective stripe that meets common European regulations requiring wheel reflectors.Johnny Watts eSUV-specific ebike tireThe Schwalbe Hybrid Johnny Watts is a high-wearing tire designed specifically for eSUV-style ebikes. Plenty of chunky knobs for grip on all surfaces on-and off-road, lots of anti-flat protection, and a fast-rolling tread design that should last a long time even under heavy ebikes. Tube-type Radials mean all that extra grip, comfort & control without sealant hassles!The new addition of a Tube-type Radial simply means everyday commuters can get that same 30% greater contact surface and a significantly better adaptation to the surface that Schwalbe promises without the messy hassle of tubeless sealant. And without extra tubeless casing weight & stiffness Because, lets face it, commuters cant deal with sealant. Even if it might reduce flats in the long run, can you imagine fixing a failed sealant puncture on the way to work in a suit or a dress? Plus, the benefits of more radial comfort, grip & control at the same tire pressures and with a longer-wearing rubber compound, also means that ebike commuters can get those benefits with less chance of pinch-flatting an inner tube. Seems like, win-win to me.Interestingly, we didnt hear about it at the same time Schwalbe added several more high-performance Radial Trail & Gravity tires this spring like the eMTB-specific Eddy Current but the Hybrid Johnny Watts is already available in several TLR tubeless Radial variants, too. So, eMTB riders looking to get more off-road performance out of their eSUV have that option now, as well.For now, weve see these tube-type radials only on next years affordable Avinox-powered MY27 Crussis E-Full SUV & E-Country hardtail and full-suspension eSUV step-through commuter ebikes. But it seems like a logical progression for Schwalbe throughout their commuter-style eMTB lineup, which will likely make it to more OEM ebikes in the coming year.Schwalbe.comThe post WTB Aero Tire, Hunt Gravel Race Wheels & Tubes in Schwalbe Radials: Eurobike Rumors appeared first on Bikerumor.

Breitling has revealed the Top Time B01 Eddy Merckx timepieces, an homage to the greatest cyclist of all time. Breitling CEO Jean-Marc Pontrou says: Eddy Merckx is the greatest cyclist of all time. His record speaks for itself. These watches capture that drive, that constant push to go further, faster, and push limits. The watch is said to honour Merckxs domination of professional cycling. Nicknamed The Cannibal, Merckx clocked 525 victories during this career. This included 11 Grand Tours, 19 Monuments and three World Championships. He won the Tour de France five times and recorded 96 days in the yellow jersey. The Breitling Top Time B01 Eddy Merckx The watch comes with a stainless steel mesh bracelet or leather strap (pictured). Breitling The Breitling Top Time B01 Eddy Merckx encapsulates these victories through several details. The Top Time itself was introduced in the 1960s, when Merckx began his career, as a line of racing watches, designed to capture the eras spirit of speed, style and freedom. The new Eddy Merckx edition has a yellow dial to reflect the champions Tour de France success. Contrasting subdials in the collections signature squircle shape bring clarity and edge, echoing the visual language of race timing and performance, Breitling says. Eddy Merckx racing in an individual time trial at the 1970 Tour de France, which he would go on to win. Rolls Press / Getty Images 'One of 525' is etched on the caseback to mark his total number of victories (which were also honoured by the recent Eddy Merckx 525R). 'Eddy Merckx Tribute' is written on the open caseback and Merckxs signature can be found at 6 oclock. The 41mm watch is powered by Breitlings Manufacture Caliber 01, and it is self-winding with a 70-hour power reserve. The watch has either a calfskin leather strap with a folding clasp or a stainless steel mesh bracelet with butterfly clasp. Not the first cycling watch from Breitling The Breitling Top Time B01 Eddy Merckx watches. Breitling The new Top Time B01 Eddy Merckx isnt the first cycling watch from Breitling. The Swiss watchmaker released the Top Time Coppi and Top Time Bartali editions last year, which were inspired by one of cyclings most iconic rivalries. Breitling also says its relationship to the sport extends back to the 19th century, when the company created cycling-oriented stopwatches. In the 1930s, it created a timing apparatus that was used for cycling races. Breitling hasn't confirmed the cost of its latest watch, but we doubt it will cost anything like as much as the Colnago and Richard Mille million-dollar watch that launched earlier this week. Recently, we also saw Bravur release the Grand Tour Sprinter, which celebrates cyclings fastest finishers, and a collaboration with Zwift.

When Tadej Pogacar cracked on the Col du Granon in 2022, it was not because Jonas Vingegaard simply rode away from him in a straight head-to-head duel. Jumbo-Visma had already spent the stage forcing him into decisions, with Primoz Roglic and Vingegaard attacking in waves on the Galibier before Ving...

Oh, hey, look at that, theres a new Specialized Tramac!After reading the review, I cant decide which is more ludicrous: Specialized claiming this is the fastest road bike ever madeAfter weeks of leaks and rumours, the new Specialized Tarmac SL9 has finally been officially launched.Claimed to be the fastest road bike ever made, its said to be a grand total of 4 watts more aerodynamic than its predecessor theS-Works Tarmac SL8 and as light as 6.5kg without pedals in this flagship build spec.or a bike reviewer thinking hed be able to tell on a three-hour press ride:Unfortunately, Im just not convinced the changes add up to a tangible performance improvement. The margins are simply too small.I mean come on:Its light, fast, handles brilliantly, accelerates quickly and so on, but I couldnt help thinking that if you blindfolded me, theres no way Id have been able to tell the difference between an SL9 and an SL8.If you blindfolded him hed barely be able to tell the difference between an SL9 and an Allez, let alone an SL8:And if you moved the wheels and drivetrain from the Tarmac over to the Allez our blindfolded bike reviewer would find them completely indistinguishable.But while the latest Tarmac may or may not be the fastest road bike, the fastest gravel bike is undoubtedly the new Giant Revolt Advanced SL. Just watch this video!Still not convinced? Well chew on this gravel for awhile:To truly understand these bikes, you have to look at their identical underlying skeletons. Both the Revolt andDevote Advancedlines utilise Giant Bicycle Groups most proprietary high-modulus carbon resin. This shared advanced composite framework relies on a triad of manufacturing systems:Carbon Nanotube Technology (CNT): A resin blend that boasts strengthened microscopic bonds between fibre layers, aiming to improve impact resistance.Continuous Fibre Technology: The application of long, unbroken sheets of carbon fabric, which aim to eliminate overlapping joints, and therefore strip away dead weight while maximising structural strength.Precision Cold-Blade Cutting: Laser-precise, mechanical cutting of individual composite swatches, which claims to ensure a flawless, minimised layup with zero wasted material.Im fairly certain thats the exact same process they use to make a pair of pants for Old Navy.But who even cares? Its all so very exhausting! Almost exhausting as the unending road rage incidents:Heres a summary of the cyclists account:We both had a green light, um, no blinker, he rips into a turn, I fully jam my brakesI ride away and as Im going by I just give him a lil tap on his car like, Hey man, watch out'I guess that fully just triggers himOf course it did. Touching an idiots car instantly activates Moron Mode. You might as well try to stick your pinky up a cats ass. Mind you, this is not to defend the motorists behavior in any way; however, if youve been riding long enough you know that touching someones car results in road rage at least 95% of the timeespecially when its a fine motorcar such as this one:And is anyone even remotely surprised that the automobile involved is a Nissan Altima?I mean sure, Canyon is the Nissan of bikes, but still:Also, I didnt even need to see the video to know the driver was wearing Crocs:Hes clearly a true motorsports enthusiast, too, because his pedal foot is in sport mode, while his idle foot is in comfort mode.Thats how you rack up this many violations in 2025 alone:Keep in mind this app only shows parking and camera violations, and any moving violation issued by a police officer would not be reflected here. Also, getting a speed camera violation in the city is pretty hard, since you need to be going at least 11mph over the speed limit. Indeed, as an avid motorist myself, Im always astounded by how many tickets people manage to accrue. Yes, navigating the citys intricate parking regulations can be challenging in the same way a 5th grade math problem is, but Ive had the same license plate since 2003 and I could count the number of tickets Ive received in that time on one hand while picking my nose. Meanwhile, this guys got over a thousand dollars in finesTo put it in perspective, thats like 20 pairs of Crocs, or like five Altima lease payment!Im pretty sure Nissans financial arm accepts payment in Crocs.

The new Campagnolo Zonda wheelset continues the Italian groupset and component makers process of reinvention, with the latest addition to its line-up hitting a lower price point for all-road riding. If youve paid attention to Campagnolos launches recently, this might not come as a surprise. When the company released Record 13 in April, it said the new groupset spanned road, gravel and all-road bikes. It is also more affordable than the brands Super Record groupset by 1,400. At 1,420, the Zonda wheelset costs 870 less than the Bora X gravel wheelsets. Campagnolo says the new wheels offer the most direct access to Campagnolos carbon wheel range. Still Campagnolo The Campagnolo Zonda wheelset is said to focus on what truly matters. Campagnolo Campagnolo says the Zonda wheelset manages to provide access to its range of carbon wheels not by giving up details but by focusing on what truly matters. The Zonda wheels have a high-modulus unidirectional carbon rim thats 50mm deep with Campagnolos signature C-Lux direct-mould finish. The 25mm hooked internal rim can support tubeless tyres from 29mm to 40mm wide. Campagnolo says the wheels focus on the same engineering philosophy that defines all its products: premium materials, complete manufacturing control and lasting reliability. The hub features Campagnolo's signature G3 lacing pattern, using an asymmetric spoke layout to improve lateral stiffness and deliver immediate power transfer. The adjustable Cup & Cone bearing system reflects Campagnolo's long-standing philosophy of prioritising long-term performance. It preserves the smooth rolling feel that has always distinguished Campagnolo wheels, even after thousands of kilometres, the company says. Like Record 13, the wheels are manufactured entirely in Europe. A new generation Campagnolo says there is a new generation of cyclists. Campagnolo Although BikeRadars Warren Rossiter says we can leave all-road behind now endurance bikes have stopped flirting with gravel, Campagnolo appears committed to the label. Thats partly because of how it sees bikes changing. Campagnolo says: There was a time when every bike had a clearly defined purpose. A road bike for asphalt. A gravel bike for dirt. Today, that distinction no longer exists. All-road isn't about finding a compromise between road and gravel. It's about designing a wheel that feels equally at home on both, it continues. Campagnolo says this in-between category also suits new riders that sit between its performance road wheels, such as the Bora Ultra and Bora WTO, and gravel wheels, including the Bora X. Between these two worlds lies a new generation of cyclists. Riders who start on the road but don't want to stop when the road changes, it says. That's exactly where Zonda Carbon All Road belongs. A wheel that preserves the dynamic feel of a true Campagnolo road wheel while adding the versatility demanded by modern cycling. Making Campagnolo more accessible Campagnolo's Record 13 groupset launched in April. Campagnolo With its recent launches, it seems Campagnolo is aiming to make its products more accessible. Lower prices and greater versatility should in theory open the once-boutique brand up to more riders. The company has had a rocky time in recent years. Its Super Record Wireless groupset, launched in 2023, received a lacklustre response. The groupset appeared to be falling behind its competitors, and for the price of 4,499. This had arguably been a long time coming. Campagnolo positioned itself as a high-end brand in 2007. Ensuing world events and struggles in the cycling industry did little to help its ambitions, with the historic brand hitting financial troubles late last year. But the release of Super Record 13 and Super Record 13 X for 1x gravel and all-road bikes in 2025, and then the launch of Record 13 in April, means Campagnolo is firmly back in the conversation.

Tom Pidcock will lead Pinarello Q36.5 at its first appearance at the Tour de France, it was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon,The 26-year-old returns to the Tour this season after missing the 2025 edition due to his ProTeam not being invited; with Pinarello Q36.5 on the start line, the Yorkshireman returns.He will be joined by British champion Fred Wright, alongside Xabier Mikel Azparren, Chris Harper, Quinten Hermans, Damien Howson, Xandro Meurisse and Brent Van Moer.The Tour returns to Alpe d'Huez for two stages this July, for the first time since Pidcock won atop the mountain in 2022. It remains his sole stage win to date, although he did come close with second-place on the gravel stage to Troyes in 2024. He finished third overall at last year's Vuelta a Espaa, his best Grand Tour result to date.Wright has finished in the top 10 on stages eight times, coming second once in 2022. He is yet to win a race other than the British National Championships, but has finished second twice this year. Harper rode the Giro d'Italia in May, and won a stage at the same race last year.Team principal Doug Ryder said: "From day one, the Tour de France has been a clear objective for this project. To now be on the start line is an important step, but more importantly, it reflects the consistency of the work thats gone into building this team."We come with a group that combines experience, versatility and the mindset we want to race with. Our approach is simple well race proactively, look for opportunities every day and make sure were present throughout all three weeks."This milestone goes well beyond the eight riders selected. Its the result of years of commitment from the staff, the belief within the organisation, and the support of our partners Q36.5, Pinarello, UBS and many others whove helped create an environment where performance can grow."Being here is significant, but for us its not an end point. Its another step in the progression of the team."The team are riding in a special kit for the Tour, in a lighter hue, "to give the riders a distinctively fresher summer-weather look and feel while standing out clearly in the peloton throughout July".

A few days ago Cannondale announced that this would be their last season of sponsoring an MTB factory racing team, after 30 plus years at the top table of racing. Steve looks back at their top dog teams from over the years