Portuguese bike maker Nordest goes big with their all-new Gimonde Ti 32, a hardtail crafted for off-road adventures on 32 wheels. Leveraging the made-to-order nature of their titanium bike offerings, Nordest built a 32 mountain bike hardtail that you can customize for anything from adventure bikepacking to big-wheeled trail riding. It comes only in stock geometry to fit riders on the taller end of the spectrum as those big wheels would suggest. But Nordest can also create a fully custom geometry design to help smaller riders itching for 32 to ride bigger wheels, too!Nordest Gimonde Ti 32 titanium downcountry MTB hardtail(All photos/Nordest)Nordest already builds a lot of interesting, affordable steel & titanium mountain bikes and backcountry gravel adventure bikes. So, it seems fitting that their first venture into 32 wheels combines a bit of everything they do best. The all-new Nordest Gimonde Ti 32 is officially called a downcountry bike. But really, it looks like a trail-ready hardtail that would be just as happy to be a backcountry bikepacking rig. And thanks to Nordests made-to-order titanium ethos, you can pick whichever direction you want it to lean either building it up with a rigid carbon for more gravel riding, or with geometry tweaked for up to a 130mm travel 32 suspension fork to hit more technical trails.What makes it unique?Nordest describes it as a bike developed for a new kind of downcountry riding one built for travel, for bikepacking, and for trips that dont come with a return ticket.To create a bike on giant wheels equally capable of going up, down, and everywhere in between, Nordest created an all-new geometry built to thrill around the 32 wheelsShort 468mm chainstays paired with big 32er wheels keep the ride snappy and eager, while a 76 saddle tube angle locks you into the perfect position for fast, efficient climbing. Add an extra-long top tube, a short 40mm stem, and a slack 66 head tube angle tuned for 490mm rigid fork to 580mm suspension forks lengths, and the result is a frame thats playful, purposeful, and just the right amount of wild.Of course, that doesnt work easily for riders of all sizes, so the Gimonde 32 only comes in two stock sizes, which Nordest calls M/L and L. The versatile downcountry AND adventure-ready geo is simply a best fit for riders 1.78m (510) and taller, according to Nordest owner and bike designer Pedro Jernimo. For smaller riders, Jernimo is still confident that he can develop a one-off custom geometry to fit their individual riding style and needs. Just not a universal solution.Tech detailsdouble-butted TI-3Al-2.5V titanium hardtail mountain bike frame for 32 wheels32 x 2.4 max tire clearanceavailable with full carbon Kuxto adventure bikepacking fork (490mm a-c, adjustable 52/44mm rake, anything cage mounts, light mount, internal brake & dynamo routing)option for suspension-corrected geometry up to a 580mm axle-to-crown fork (~130 mm travel on 32 wheel)downcountry, adventure-ready geometry for taller riders size M/L & L onlyfull custom geometry available for smaller riders, for only 100 extra44mm headtube for tapered headsetsfull-length external cable routing, with stealth dropper post routing31.6mm seatpost, with external seatpost clamp included3 sets of bottle cage mounts, plus rear rack mounts73mm threaded T47 bottom bracketBoost spacingUDH compatibility1950g frame weight (size M/L, claimed)Nordest Gimonde Ti 32 Pricing, options & availabilityNordests new Gimonde Ti 32 downcountry adventure bike is available to order now. But as each frame is built to order crafted around your ideal fork length delivery time is approximately 12 weeks after you order. Standard M/L & L sizes built to your desired fork axle-to-crown length sell for 1900, including delivery within the EU. Individual fully custom geometry adds just 100 extra on top of that, with the same 12 week delivery schedule.If you want to build the Gimonde Ti 32 up as a rigid bikepacking bike, Nordest also offers a 2200 stock-sized frame kit with their Kuxto carbon fork and a Cane Creek 40 headset. Also available in custom geo, for 100 extra.Nordestcycles.comNordests own Story Behind the NameNestled in the heart of Trs-os-Montes, just a few kilometres from Bragana, the small village of Gimonde occupies a privileged place in both the geography and the collective memory of this austere yet generous land. Its location is no accident: the village sits at the confluence of two rivers, the Sabor and the Onor, whose waters meet in a natural embrace that for centuries made this corner of the world an inevitable landmark for all who travelled the roads of the northeastern transmontane region.That quality of being a river crossroads made Gimonde something far greater than a simple stopping point. For generations, it was the great gathering place of the almocreves the muleteers and itinerant traders who rode from village to village across the comarca, bringing door to door the goods that the people of the interior could scarcely obtain any other way. Before setting out on their routes through the mountains and valleys of the region, the almocreves would meet in Gimonde to stock up on sardines, the most prized and most sought-after item in their trade. There they loaded their baskets and saddlebags, agreed on prices and mapped out their routes, and steeled themselves for the days of hard travel that lay ahead.From that deeply rooted custom grew an expression that became etched into the everyday speech of the whole area. When an almocreve took his leave of family or neighbours before heading out to earn his keep, he would say, with a mixture of resolve and quiet resignation: Vou para Gimonde ganhar-me a vida Im off to Gimonde to earn my living. The phrase said everything: Gimonde was not a place of rest, but a point of departure, the threshold from which the daily struggle to survive began in a land of harsh winters and fragile livelihoods.Among the villages that looked to Gimonde as an essential waypoint, Caro stood out a hamlet further north, in the municipality of Vimioso. For its inhabitants, the road to Bragana or to the markets of the comarca passed inevitably through Gimonde. It was the place to pause, to drink cool water from the river, to exchange news and learn what was happening in the neighbouring villages. In a time without telephones or paved roads, Gimonde quietly fulfilled the indispensable role of a hub of human connection.The post Nordest Gimonde Ti 32 Adventures As Giant Customizable Downcountry Mountain Bike appeared first on Bikerumor.

The 2026 Tour de France begins with a familiar question at the centre of the race: can anyone stop Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard turning the yellow jersey battle into another private duel? Pogacar starts as the outstanding favourite, Vingegaard remains the only rider with the record to seriousl...

Bikepacking can be hard, whether youre pushing a loaded bike up a hill or dealing with adverse conditions. Among the struggles, it can be easy to lose sight of the enjoyment most of us are seeking when we pack a bunch of camping gear on the bike. In this piece, Miles and Emily share more than a dozen items, ideas, and strategies that all serve a single mission: making bikepacking more fun The post I Almost Forgot This is Supposed to be Fun appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

The hopes of France sit on the shoulders of Paul Seixas this weekend as the 19-year-old makes his Tour de France bow. As his lightening fast rise through the ranks in the sport continues, hopes and expectations have risen to a high-tide mark in recent weeks. The Decathlon CMA CGM rider has made no s...

The Worlds greatest bike race, the Tour de France, is almost upon us, and this sporting grandaddy has a whole lot of connections to mountain biking, as Steve tells us

The new Orbea Orca Aero 2026 is here, promising a lower riding position, clearance for wider tires, and the speed to remain one of the fastest race bikes on the market. We tested the bike that Lotto Intermarch will be racing at the upcoming Tour de France, ahead of its launch during the teams high altitude training camp in the Sierra Nevada.Orbea Orca Aero M10i LTD | 7.06 kg in size 53 | 10,999.00 | Manufacturers websiteOrbea began life in 1840 as a pistol manufacturer. These days, the Basque brand build race bikes instead of firearms, although theyre no less deadly when it comes to speed. The latest missile from Mallabia is called the Orca Aero. As one of the worlds oldest bicycle brands, the rider owned co-operative have remained committed to a two bike strategy: the Orca for climbing, and the Orca Aero for pure race pace. While rivals like Specialized, Trek and Cannondale have spent the last few years pushing the idea of a single aerodynamic all rounder, Orbea have stuck with this clear division of roles, refining the concept even further with the latest generation.For 2026, the next step in its evolution is built around a simple idea: a fast frame alone is no longer enough. The new Orca Aero approaches aerodynamics as a complete system of bike and rider, something Orbea are calling the Total System Approach. A lower bottom bracket than ever before, an all new frame design, and tire clearance of up to 37 mm are all part of the package. We had the chance to test the concept in the real world during Lotto Intermarchs high altitude training camp in the Sierra Nevada.More Than the Sum of its Parts: The Orbea Orca Aero 2026 in DetailOrbeas answer to an increasingly fast peloton is based on a clear principle: a fast frame alone is no longer enough. What matters is the complete system. Thats exactly where the new Orbea Orca Aero 2026 comes in. The Basque brand see aerodynamics not as a collection of isolated improvements, but as the interaction between the frame, fork, cockpit, bottle cages and rider.Visually, the new Orca Aero is unmistakably Orbea, though it looks sharper, more muscular and more modern than its predecessor. The down tube cut out carried over from the previous generation is reminiscent of Cervlo, while the slimmer seatpost and narrower, flattened head tube reinforce the bikes aero focused design. Our M10i LTD test bike came finished in a glossy gold paint scheme, with exposed carbon sections and titanium coloured accents. One familiar feature that remains is the Service Box beneath the down tube. It provides integrated storage, while also serving an aerodynamic function. However, it isnt permitted in WorldTour racing and its appearance is something of an acquired taste.To reduce aerodynamic drag, Orbea focused primarily on the front end. The head tube is now narrower, reducing the bikes frontal area. The fork has also been completely redesigned to work efficiently with the down tube, regardless of tire width or the angle of the airflow. Orbea also tested a wide fork design similar to the one used on the Factor ONE, but found that it became less efficient at anything other than a direct 0 degree yaw angle.While the head tube is narrower, the down tube has grown noticeably, and now plays a central role in the bikes aerodynamic concept. Its designed to channel airflow more efficiently along the frame, while working in conjunction with the new aero bottle cages. Orbea have also paid close attention to the area beneath the bottom bracket, where a fin shaped structure acts a bit like a Formula 1 diffuser, guiding the airflow and helping to reduce turbulence.When it comes to tire clearance, Orbea have been remarkably generous. The frame can accommodate tires up to 37 mm wide. Under UCI regulations, the limit isnt set by tire width itself, but by a maximum outer wheel diameter of 700 mm. The wider the tire, the more of that allowance is taken up by its overall height. At 37 mm, Orbea are pushing right up against that limit. The extra clearance is intended to improve comfort and control, while also helping to reduce rolling resistance. From an aerodynamic perspective, however, the system is optimised for tire widths between 29 and 35 mm. That makes the Orca Aero more versatile than many traditional aero race bikes, without losing sight of its focus on outright speed.Top Spec From the Configurator: The Orbea Orca Aero 2026 Build SpecificationOur test bike, the Orbea Orca Aero M10i LTD, comes equipped with Shimanos flagship DURA-ACE Di2 R9200 groupset, Orbeas own Oquo Road Aero RA57LTD wheelset, and 29 mm Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed tires. The specification is clearly aimed at delivering maximum speed. In a size 53, the bike weighs just 7.06 kg, and costs 10,999. If youre after a more affordable option, the new Orca Aero is also available in lower spec builds, starting at 5,699. Orbea use the same premium OMX carbon construction across the range.Orbea Orca Aero M10i LTD 2026 10,999SpecificationsSeatpost OC Road Aero RA11 Carbon 52/36Brakes Shimano DURA-ACE BR-R9200 160/140 mmDrivetrain Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 R9200 2 x 12Chainring 52/36 TStem Integrated Bar and Stem OC SH-RA10 80 mmHandlebar Integrated Bar and Stem OC SH-RA10 360 mmWheelset Oquo Road Aero RA57LTD 12 x 100 / 12 x 142Tires Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed 700 x 29cCranks Shimano DURA-ACE FC-R9200 170 mmCassette Shimano DURA-ACE CS-R9200 1134TTechnical DataSize 47 49 51 53 55 57 60Weight 7,06 kgAs is typical for Orbea, youre not locked into a fixed specification. Through the MyO configurator, you can customise everything from the paint finish and colour scheme to the cockpit and components. On the M10i LTD, Orbea pair the bike with a classic 212 Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 drivetrain, featuring 52/36 t chainrings up front and an 11-34 t cassette at the rear. That means the Orca Aero isnt just built for flat out speed on fast terrain it also offers enough gear range for long mountain climbs and rolling one day Classics.You Cant Go Any Lower: The Orbea Orca Aero 2026 GeometryFor Orbea, the biggest aerodynamic gain comes from the riders position. After all, the rider creates far more drag than the frame itself. Thats why the new Orca Aero is designed to place you lower, more centrally and more securely within the bike.The most significant change is the much lower bottom bracket. In a size 53 frame, the bottom bracket drop increases to 78 mm. This positions you deeper between the wheels, lowering the centre of gravity and improving stability at high speeds. Compared to its predecessor, the geometry feels more balanced and more contemporary. Chainstay length has increased slightly from an extremely short 408 mm to a still compact 410 mm, the wheelbase has grown marginally depending on frame size, and the front end is fractionally taller thanks to a small increase in stack.Orbea offer 13 different cockpit sizes, giving you plenty of scope to dial in your fit. If you prefer a low, narrow riding position, you can opt for a cockpit thats just 360 mm wide. The rear of the bike is equally adjustable. The seatpost features an integrated saddle clamp with two offset options, allowing for precise fine tuning of your riding position, without the need for extra parts.The lower centre of gravity, slightly longer wheelbase and marginally longer chainstays should make the bike feel more stable at high speeds, in crosswinds and on fast descents. At the same time, the combination of reach, cockpit options and spacer adjustment keeps the riding position aggressive enough for racing. The new Orca Aero isnt just designed to look faster; its designed to position you in a way that makes you faster, reducing aerodynamic drag.Size47495153555760Top tube505 mm518 mm530 mm543 mm555 mm571 mm584 mmSeat tube459 mm474 mm499 mm524 mm545 mm565 mm592 mmHead tube84 mm92 mm107 mm122 mm145 mm163 mm190 mmHead angle70.871.372.272.87373.273.2Seat angle74.57473.773.573.573.273.2Chainstay408 mm408 mm408 mm408 mm408 mm408 mm408 mmBB Drop966 mm971 mm973 mm974 mm985 mm995 mm1,009 mmWheelbase370 mm375 mm380 mm385 mm390 mm397 mm404 mmReach723 mm734 mm754 mm776 mm798 mm816 mm842 mmStack495 mm504 mm520 mm540 mm560 mm578 mm604 mmHigh Altitude Testing in the Sierra Nevada: The Orbea Orca Aero 2026 ReviewHow does the Basque aero weapon perform out on the open road? To find out, we put the new Orca Aero through its paces on the rolling and mountainous roads around Granada, and into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Under the blazing Andalusian sun, against strong winds, the bike had every opportunity to prove what it was really capable of.It doesnt take long to figure out what this bike is all about: the Orca Aero lives for speed. On flat roads, rolling terrain and gentle descents, the Orca Aero carries momentum with impressive efficiency. Once youre up to speed, it feels as though the bike clings to every last kilometre per hour, and refuses to give any of them back. Stamp on the pedals in a sprint or accelerate out of a corner, and the stiff frame together with the carbon-spoked Oquo wheels respond instantly, delivering every watt without hesitation.The Orca Aero is surprisingly lively once the road starts climbing. At 7.06 kg, its light enough to perform impressively even on longer ascents. It may not be quite as playful or as eager to dance uphill as the standard Orbea Orca, but its an exceptionally fast all round race bike that feels right at home on demanding mountain stages just as much as fast paced training rides. Comfort is equally well judged for a race bike, smoothing out smaller bumps and imperfections with ease.Once the road turns downhill and the speed really builds, the low centre of gravity comes into its own. The Orca Aero feels exceptionally planted, carving confidently through fast corners and inspiring trust from the outset. The fun doesnt come from the ultra sharp, playful handling but from its sheer, unfiltered speed. It constantly encourages you to push harder, rewarding every acceleration with immediate forward drive.There is one minor downside when strong gusts sweep across exposed roads. The deep section Oquo wheels are noticeably affected by crosswinds, requiring a firm grip and full concentration on fast descents. The Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed tires are a mixed bag too they roll exceptionally quickly, and smooth out rough surfaces while offering predictable grip, but puncture protection is somewhat lacking. One of the highlights is Orbeas extensive range of factory fit options. The integrated OC cockpit is available in no fewer than 13 different sizes. For our test bike, we deliberately chose the extremely narrow version, with a 360 mm width at the tops. Tuning Tip: Upgrading to wider, more robust tires such as the Continental GP5000 could unlock the full potential of the generous tire clearance, while adding an extra margin of puncture protection.Overall, the Orbea Orca Aero 2026 is a blisteringly fast race bike with genuine all round capability. It excels whenever maintaining high speed is the priority, it climbs far better than you might expect, and it inspires huge confidence on descents thanks to its outstanding stability. If youre looking for a race bike that performs just as convincingly in hard racing, fast group rides and demanding mountain stages, the Orca Aero delivers a highly cohesive package with an exceptional level of customisation.Who Is the Orbea Orca Aero 2026 For?The Orca Aero 2026 sits at the very top of Orbeas speed focused range and was developed primarily with the Lotto Intermarch WorldTour team in mind. Even so, the bike isnt reserved exclusively for the sports elite. While it was created for the toughest races in the world, it remains surprisingly accessible for ambitious amateur riders too. Rather than feeling like an uncompromising wind tunnel special, Orbeas aero machine combines impressive climbing ability, exceptional stability on descents, and outstanding efficiency on the flat into a remarkably well rounded package.If your priority is an ultra light, razor sharp climbing bike for long alpine ascents, the standard Orbea Orca remains the better choice. At 10,999, the flagship model is firmly aimed at the premium end of the market, although Orbea broaden the appeal with more affordable builds starting at 5,699 all based around the same high end OMX carbon frame. Visually, the bike is likely to divide opinion. The contrast between the slim head tube and the chunky fork gives the front end a slightly unbalanced appearance, while the distinctive golden brown paint finish does little to soften that impression.Helmet ABUS Gamechanger 2.0 | Glasses Oakley Encoder 24K | Jersey MAAP Evade Pro Base Jersey 2.0 Shorts Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Bib | Shoes Specialized S-Works Ares 2 | Socks Gobik ICONShorts Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Bib | Schuhe Specialized S-Works Ares 2 | Socken Gobik ICONConclusion: Orbea Orca Aero 2026With the new Orca Aero 2026, Orbea have launched an uncompromisingly fast aero race bike that stands out thanks to its versatility and remarkable efficiency. The modern geometry, generous tire clearance and razor sharp acceleration make it one of the most well-rounded aero bikes currently available. Its fast enough for the Tour de France, yet practical enough for ambitious amateur racers. If the 10,999 flagship model is beyond your budget, the range also includes more affordable builds starting at 5,699, offering a more accessible way into the Orca Aero family.TopsOutstanding efficiencyGenerous clearance for wide tiresWell balanced comfort for a race bikeExtensive customisation through the Orbea MyO configuratorFlopsStyling won't appeal to everyoneFor more information, visit orbea.com.Der Beitrag New Orbea Orca Aero 2026 First Ride Review An Aero Bike with 37mm Tires?? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

I spent a lot of time on the outgoing Orbea Orca Aero and lauded it for its speed and handling finesse back when I tested it in 2022. With a blueprint inspired by the Ordu time trial bike, it was discernibly aerodynamic and looked the part, too. It was not, however, without fault - it was on the heavier side when compared with its rivals. In fact, depending on the configuration, the outgoing Orca Aero was upwards of 8kg with lighter models hovering around the 7.5kg mark. As seen at last years Tour de France, aero bikes were chosen ahead of dedicated climbing bikes by some teams for the high mountain stages, with some bikes dipping under 7kg thanks to stripped-off paint and lighter wheels.While Orbea already has a dedicated climbing bike, the regular Orca, the goal for the new Orca Aero was to make its best aero bike even faster and also reach parity on the weight front - the brand claims to have achieved both. The new bike has been in the making since 2024, and we managed to get a sneak peek at it in the paddocks of the Tour Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes, a race long considered a dress rehearsal for the Tour de France.The company has put a lot of resources into making the Orca Aero even faster - not because the outgoing model needed it but rather because WorldTour average race speeds are getting faster, with 2026 set to become the fastest road racing season ever. As a result, the design team took a total-system approach (rider and frameset combined) this time around, since having the fastest frameset alone is meaningless in real-world racing scenarios.(Image credit: Orbea)Shaped for the new racing speeds of the WorldTour pelotonThe design team fitted various shapes and fairings to the outgoing model to see which combinations were faster in the wind tunnel, and conducted CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis to examine the tube shapes of the whole bike. These studies showed significant savings but not massive improvements across all yaw angles.Orbea even considered widening the fork as seen on the Factor One, but found that a narrower, slimmer, and deeper fork was the best way forward. Unsurprisingly, the designers found that a more pronounced leading edge on the headtube tested fastest. Compared to its predecessor, the head tube is also deeper when viewed from the side.An interesting finding was the introduction of a keel on the base of the bottom bracket junction. This shape reportedly reduces resistance and turbulence, smoothing airflow around the underside and rear of the bike. There are also thinner seatstays with a lower attachment point, which improve the stiffness-to-weight ratio and vertical compliance.As before, an aero bottle cage system has been retained and refined to make the downtube even wider, aiding aerodynamics and the sailing effect at various yaw angles. Orbea found that positioning the cage and bottles lower on the downtube reduced drag and created a better surface for passing wind.The seat tube and seatpost have also undergone a makeover, becoming thinner and deeper thanks to the relocation of the Di2 battery to the bottom bracket. All these changes have resulted in a claimed drag reduction of 5.1W at 50km/h over its predecessor (frame-only). Add a rider to the mix, and this equates to a 14W improvement. On steeper eight-per-cent gradients, Orbea claims a 2W saving thanks to the OMX-level carbon frame's stiffness-to-weight ratio. As before, there's a Service Box that fits under the downtube, serving as a fairing. While it's UCI-illegal, triathletes and amateurs can benefit from the 1.1W saving.The new model also has the lowest bottom bracket drop on the market - 78mm across all frame sizes. Orbea claims this has improved stability and control in corners, lowered the center of gravity, and reduced rider frontal drag, too. Despite the 4mm lower BB than the current model, Orbea says there's still ample clearance in corners, even with 175mm crankarms. Other changes include a new seatpost clamp design with a two-bolt system and two seatpost options: zero offset and offset.(Image credit: Orbea)System weightThe outgoing Orbea Orca Aero was far from light, which held it back from achieving greatness, but the brand always had the Orca climbing bike to fall back on. With modern aero bikes now reaching weights as low as 6.8kg, Orbea has had to step up and provide its customers, not to mention WorldTour team Lotto-Intermarch, with a fast-riding aero machine capable of overcoming gravity like a climbing bike.Much of the weight savings has come from reducing excess carbon and improving the layup and recipe of the brand's premium OMX carbon fibre. High-end models are now more in line with direct rivals from Colnago, Giant, and Cervelo, with a 53cm Dura-Ace Di2-equipped model tipping the scales at 7.04kg. This drops to 6.9kg when specced with SRAM Red AXS.(Image credit: Orbea)Tyre clearance, handlebar sizes and futureproofingTyre clearance is up 7mm to 37mm, making it one of the most versatile options on the market. Orbea says the bike can maintain its full aerodynamic performance with tyre widths ranging from 29-35mm, and that it can save 6-7 watts at 40 km/h on cobbles or rough asphalt by reducing vibration losses.There are 13 handlebar combinations to choose from with widths pegged at 36-, 38-, and 40cm. These widths can be matched to various stems that increase in 10mm increments: 90-140mm (40cm) and 80- 140mm (36 cm and 38 cm).The Orbea Orca Aero is compatible only with electronic groupsets and plays nicely with UDH dropouts, too. There's a new 90-degree 'Spin Block' to prevent the handlebar and fork from spinning and knocking the downtube, as well as fork protection on the bottom of the drop-outs to prevent damage when fixing a puncture.Crank length (165-175mm), handlebar/stem size, and seatpost offset are specifiable at purchase.(Image credit: Orbea)Model range, specifications and pricingSix models are available in seven sizes (47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 60cm) with groupsets handled by Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo. The Orbea Orca Aero M10i LTD and M11e LTD are priced at 9,999 / $12,127 / 10, 999. The M10i LTD gets a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset complete with power meter, while M11e LTD comes ressed with SRAM Red AXS. Both models are outfitted with the same components, including Oquo Road Aero RA57LTD wheels and a Fizik Vento Antares R1 carbon saddle.One level down is the 6,599 / $8,268 / 7,499 Orca Aero M21e LTD, which gets SRAM Force AXS, Oquo Road Performance RP50LTD wheels, and a Fizik Vento Antares R1 carbon saddle. The Orca Aero M20i LTD gets the same components as the M21e LTD but swaps Force for a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset. It comes up cheaper at 5,899 / $7,386 / 6,699, but doesn't get a power meter as standard. You'll need to upgrade to the optional left-side 4iiii power meter to bring it to the same level as the Force AXS bike. At the same price as the M20i LTD Ultegra Di2 model is the Campagnolo Record-outfitted M22i LTD. It shares most of the components, save for the Oquo Road Performance RP50Team wheelsThe lowest rung is occupied by the Shimano 105 Di2-equipped Aero M30i LTD. At 4,999 / $6,284 / 5,699, it's the most affordable option in the range but loses out on the fancier wheels and carbon-railed saddle of its siblings in favour of more durable parts.

Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard are going to be evenly matched when it comes to the mountains at the 2026 Tour de France, according to Alejandro Valverde. The Spanish legend reckons that the Dane has shown he can follow the Tour champion when the road goes uphill. Despite Pogacar's dominance at t...

Nordest calls their new titanium 32er an "explosive cocktail of pure madness." The Nordest Gimonde Ti 32er clears 2.4" tires, has plenty of mounting points, and is made from double-butted titanium tubing. Check it out here...The post Nordest Gimonde Ti 32: A Downcountry 32er? appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Specialized looks set to launch a new Shiv time trial bike, with Remco Evenepoels prototype spotted at the Tour de France ahead of the opening stage on Saturday. The 2026 Tour de France kicks off with a 19.6km team time trial on the streets of Barcelona, and teams are busy prepping ahead of the races first TTT in six years. Evenepoel goes into the Tour as one of Tadej Pogaars main rivals and, as the reigning world and Olympic time trial champion, will be targeting Saturdays opening stage as an opportunity to make his mark on the race. This new Shiv was spotted propped up against the Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe mechanics' truck in Barcelona, with the frame wrapped in a zebra-print-style design commonly seen on prototype bikes being 'hidden' from the prying eyes of the media. Opposing directions for Evenepoel and Pogaars new time trial bikes This is Tadej Pogaar's new Colnago TT2. Here, Colnago has aimed to shave weight from the bike. Colnago Specializeds existing Shiv TT Disc was launched nearly five years ago to the day (July 3 2019, if you were wondering), so has been due an update. The headline claim then was half a kilo lighter and just as fast, but Specialized appears to have taken a more aggressive aero approach this time round. The seat tube and seatstays have been heavily redesigned. Jasper Jacobs / Getty Images Indeed, the old Shiv put a lot of emphasis on being light for a time trial bike a route Colnago has now taken with Tadej Pogaars brand new TT2. The new Shivs seatstays look not dissimilar to the Colango TT1, Pogaars old TT bike. This is Pogaar's old Colnago TT1, pictured at the 2025 Tour de France, with a seat tube and seatstay design not dissimilar to that of Evenepoel's new Shiv. Our Media Ironically, the two have gone in opposite directions: four-time Tour de France winner Pogaar has a new lightweight TT bike that looks like the old Shiv, and Evenepoel has a new super-aero machine that looks like his rivals outgoing Colnago TT1. The new bike has significantly more carbon where the seat tube now extends towards the rear tyre, with the flat top to the seatstays running horizontally, as is the case on the old bike. Shiv TT can be seen on the back of the seat tube. The seat tube appears to be much deeper from top to bottom, and the same can be said of the seatpost, fork and head tube. The top of the down tube also looks to extend slightly towards the top of the fork, all in the name of improving the new Shivs aerodynamic credentials. The new Shiv sports an aerodynamically integrated saddle clamp. Jasper Jacobs / Getty Images Interestingly, the saddle clamp integrates neatly with the top of the seatpost. Again, this aero-improved design will be intended to smooth airflow. The bike spotted at the Tour de France has a standard, round bottle cage theres no integrated aero bottle. However, that could change come race day. This deeper Roval front wheel appears to be new, too. Jasper Jacobs / Getty Images Evenepoel's bike is also fitted with a new Roval front wheel with a deeper rim. Elsewhere, the Belgians custom time trial extensions appear to be the same as were used to seeing. More Tour de France tech Here's every bike at the 2026 Tour de France Matej Mohoris new Bianchi Specialissima could be the best-looking bike at the Tour 5 Tour de France tech trends that will dominate the 2026 race Tom Pidcock has this limited-edition Pinarello Dogma F for the 2026 Tour de France