Everyone keeps asking, Where did the time go? Honestly, I cant relate. GRAN FONDO turns ten this summer, and my question runs the other way: why do those ten years feel like a small eternity, in the best possible way?Ten years always feel short when every day looks much like the one before. Or when you never take the time to catch your breath, a bit like heading straight from the Tour de France into the Vuelta.By contrast, ten years feel long when something new is always happening. Neuroscience backs that up: novelty stretches our sense of time. And that is the root of this sense of eternity, because over the past decade, not only GRAN FONDO but the entire drop-bar world has evolved at a ferocious pace, both technologically and culturally.Our brains store new experiences far more vividly than routines we carry out on autopilot. Thats why periods of life packed with firsts feel so much longer in the memory. The debate around disc brakes in the pro peloton seemed to go on forever, just like the evolution of gravel. It was exciting then, and it still is now.But what started out simple eventually became complicated: aero gravel bikes, race gravel bikes, adventure gravel bikes and bikepacking bikes. Sooner or later you have to ask whether we need all of them, or whether less optimisation can sometimes deliver more.Thats why, instead of focusing on specialists, we rounded up the all-rounders and put 15 of the hottest do-it-all gravel bikes to the test. Youll find our conclusions and the group test winner in this issue.Time is not only made by new experiences. It also comes from choosing to make space for them. Like sitting down for a conversation in Cyprus, two Falkenjagd titanium hardtails leaning nearby: proper mountain bikes that first wonder whether they are completely out of place here, before deciding that no bikes could be more GRAN FONDO than they are.I am pretty sure you have never made time for a conversation with two hardtails. You really should. Consider this an absolute must-read in this issue.At one point on the beach, one of the titanium hardtails says: The bike should never matter more than what I can experience with it. And that gets right to the heart of our times, even if plenty of tech lovers and watt junkies might not agree.Bikes get faster and more technically complex every year. But most of the time, we are actually searching for something else entirely. Inner peace. A slower pace. Good times. All while, paradoxically, our thoughts keep speeding up and we drive ourselves into decision-making delirium with endless technical questions.More time is all the rage. But do we really need it? In the midst of the longevity craze, we optimise our sleep to within an inch of its life, let our smartwatches tell us how fit we ought to feel, and track everything: nutrition. Blood sugar. VOmax. Then come the supplements, once we have blended the detox smoothie and shivered our way through a cold plunge.Yet one question usually gets overlooked: what does a year actually feel like? Is it the number of years or moments that matters, or their quality? Would you rather go on one unforgettable ride or ten average ones? And which moments make us so happy that we never want to let them go?Out into nature. Out of the daily grind. Out into freedom. An overnighter or a bikepacking trip is one of the simplest ways to get a lot out of very little. Preferably on a gravel bike, just like the bikes in this issues group test, which take everything from a fast after-work blast to a fully loaded Alpine adventure in their stride.What do you need, unless you are happy sleeping under the stars with the bare essentials? A tent. So we tested six of the hottest bikepacking models, priced between 250 and 1,000.Of course, you can use a bikepacking tent for all sorts of other adventures, too. The tents we tested also had to prove themselves across Patagonia and among Californias redwoods, and not just on the bike. There are no limits to what you can do with them, so just give it a go.My big realisation this year? There are some things in life you can never truly be ready for.I had seven months to go from complete beginner to taking on the toughest horse race in the world. I had to learn to ride, navigate and survive in the wilderness. A bit like bikepacking, only different. But read it for yourselves.A change of perspective from time to time is incredibly important, and just as rewarding. Because the biggest changes often come not from new technology, but from seeing things differently. What happens when you stop talking about bikes and start thinking about possibilities? We found out while electric overlanding through California with Specialized. Read the full story online.The greatest illusion of our time is believing that we have none. Every one of us has time. Most of the time, we simply do not use it, or we watch it slip away on Instagram. Or perhaps we have the wrong idea about it altogether. We think we can squeeze more out of our time by planning every minute more efficiently, and cramming even more into our calendars. But that doesnt gain us a single second.Time is there to be lived with presence, wasted and savoured all at once. That is when a feeling returns which most of us know only from childhood: a single moment feels like an eternity. Instead of thinking about the next appointment, we think about nothing at all and, almost without noticing, forget the world around us. And honestly, that feels wonderful.The bike is a brilliant tool for exactly this. It can take us a long way, and the less time we spend staring at the Garmin, the more we notice and the more we discover, even close to home.I sent my dad and his mates off on an e-bike overnighter to our garden plot, just four kilometres from our office in Leonberg. And sure enough, those 12 hours turned into memories for life. How good is it to see him and his friends discover bikepacking at around 70 years old and suddenly feel more alive than they have in years? You can read the full story in our sister magazine.Nils offers another fascinating perspective in his essay, The cult of extremes. Because road cycling is far more than just a sport. For many, it has become a kind of substitute religion, with just one commandment: thou shalt not stop.One pastor prays his way through the Race Across America, while an ultracycling record holder abandons his own world record attempt halfway through. One finds the strength to carry on through faith. The other finds the courage to stop. What does that say about us? Read it and find out.Speaking of courage: life today is faster and more unpredictable than ever. Its only natural that we crave security. Mental health and balance matter more than ever. At the same time, the temptation to avoid risk is growing. Nothing new, please. No struggle. Better to stick with what we know.The result? At 28, we sometimes behave like pensioners. We optimise our FTP, debate lactate levels and the perfect setup, plan every adventure down to the smallest detail, and forget something that needs training just as much as our legs: courage.The courage to embrace uncertainty. The courage to face confrontation. The courage to be wrong. The courage to follow your own path rather than the group, or the scent of the nearest matcha latte. Because age is not a matter of time or years. Its a matter of attitude, and of being willing to keep stepping into the unknown.The secret to a subjectively long life is not more years, but more firsts. For us, as a magazine, that is both excuse and incentive to keep pushing boundaries, changing perspective and refusing to take ourselves too seriously.So one thing is certain: the next ten years will not fly by. They will feel wonderfully long and never be dull for a second.So, dear friends, head out into the unknown. Time is waiting for us there. Enjoy the mix of articles that have made it into this issue, and grab yourself some inspiration! Get the latest issue directly on your device if you already have our app. Otherwise, simply install it from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or the Play Store (Android Smartphones & Tablets).Der Beitrag Just a Matter of Time the new GRAN FONDO issue #033 is here! erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

Today's Weekend Snapshot finds folks from our global community pedaling and packrafting around three countries. Explore a roundup of scenes from Canada, Trkiye, and the United States, and use the short form to contribute to a future edition of our longstanding reader-powered series here...The post Weekend Snapshot appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

At the Tour de France, bikes cannot weigh less than 6.8kg, a minimum limit set by the sport's governing body, the UCI, which applies in any race under its jurisdiction. With some of the best teams in the world struggling to ensure they're not under the limit, you might expect every bike to achieve a weight as low as 6.8kg. But that'd be far from true, despite the amount of money and engineering expertise at teams' disposal and the supposed advantage that lower weight brings. As the Tour de France meets the high mountains, only a select few riders' bikes will be at or near the minimum weight limit. As we'll explain below, this is due to bike and component sponsorship deals, specific rider roles, rider size, and greater emphasis on aerodynamics. Tadej Pogaar's Y1Rs aero bike is claimed to tip the scales at just over 7kg, thanks to shaved off paint and lightweight ancilliary components (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)Aero is still everythingWe expect to see most riders on all-out aero bikes or all-rounders that combine low weight and low drag, even on the most mountainous days. This is because they climb so fast, with the best exceeding 25km/h, that aerodynamics still trump weight as they do on flat and rolling terrain.This is more pertinent if a team can get its aero bike close to the weight limit. Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogaar have exclusively raced the Cervlo S5 and Colnago Y1Rs in recent years because their teams can get these aero bikes down to the 7kg-mark in their smaller frame sizes. They seem to have calculated that this option is faster overall than riding a 6.8kg climbing bike.Aero bikes may also be better for riders whose job it is to pull on the flat or set the pace early on climbs. They need to optimise for low drag, not low weight, because they'll drop back when the pace picks up on the ascent. But a climber or GC favourite who shelters in the wheels at these points will benefit more from a lighter bike, especially smaller riders for whom the bike constitutes relatively more of their system weight (bike, equipment, clothing, body). For example, Paul Seixas is likely to continue to ride his Van Rysel prototype in the mountains while some of his teammates stay on the RCR-F aero bike. Some riders from Jayco-AlUla have access to a stripped down Giant Propel Advanced SL aero bike rumoured to meet the UCI weight limit of 6.8kg (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)One-race-bike platforms Many Tour de France teams race the same bike on every road stage. In terms of weight, if they're lucky, this will be an all-rounder, such as the Jayco-AlUla's Giant Propel, Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe and Soudal-Quickstep's Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL9, or EF Education-EasyPost's Cannondale SuperSix Evo. These major bike brands have succeeded in making either climbing bikes more aero or aero bikes lighter, making a 6.8kg build eminently possible. At the Grand Depart, we weighed Remco Evenepoel's 52cm S-Works Tarmac SL9 complete with pedals, bottles and cycling computer fitted at 7.05kg.The trend for team leaders to get a special-edition blacked-out frame, saving 150-200g of weight in paint, makes this easier, as does the option to ditch a front derailleur and opt for a one-by drivetrain.Frame size is influential too. Movistar's diminutive climbers will be able to get their Canyon Aeroads down to 6.8kg. This will be harder for Alpecin-Premier Tech's taller Classics-style riders.Remco Evenepoel's Specialized S-Work's Tarmac SL9 weighs just 7.05kg with pedals, bottles and cycling computer fitted (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)The less fortunate teams will have one bike that may be fast but isn't that light. In previous years, Uno-X Mobility, for example, has climbed mountains on its Ridley Noah Fast 3.0, which weighs about 8kg. This year, the Norwegian team will probably ride the Belgian brand's unreleased Falcon RS climbing bike, although this might still be above the UCI weight limit. As attractive as it is, Groupama-FDJ United's Wilier Filante SLR ID2 is also likely to be a few hundred grams over the weight limit. Teams also report that their riders generally prefer to race the same bike all year round. Such tuned-in cyclists like having consistent geometry, handling, contact points and components. They usually don't consider it worthwhile to forsake all this for a slightly lighter climbing bike a handful of times a year. As aero bikes and all-rounders have become the go-to choices in the WorldTour, several bike brands have differentiated their climbing bikes through renewed focus on low weight this includes the Canyon Ultimate, Giant TCR and Scott Addict RC Pro, each of which is light and competent enough to be used in the high mountains of the final week of the Tour de France. This leaves the Scott-sponsored NSN Cycling Team with just the Foil RC for racing. Being quite an old aero bike, released in 2022, it's not the lightest of the pro peloton's do-it-all race bikes, weighing 7.28kg in size 54cm on our scales. We'd expect Scott to address the Foil's weight in the next generation, but for now, NSN is giving away about 500g to rivals whose bikes are at the weight limit. Team UAE Emirates-XRG has access to aftermarket titanium bolts and hardware from Carbon-Ti (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)Budgets and sponsorshipsThe amount of money, whether in cash or in kind from sponsorships, available to teams influences bike weight, too. The better-funded teams have the means to lower the weight of stock bikes that worse-off rivals don't. Most wheel brands these days can hit 1,300g or lower in a 50mm-deep wheelset, so teams are on a pretty level playing field regarding rims. But squads whose bike or component sponsor makes a lighter, climbing handlebar can save weight by switching from the thicker, aero bar. EF Education-EasyPost, for example, can save about 110g by changing from Cannondale's SystemBar Road to the SystemBar Road SL, which has thinner, rounded tops. The Cannondale SuperSix Evo is one of the all-rounder bikes that balances aero, stiffness and weight. Even in size 56cm, Kasper Asgreen's SuperSix Evo weighs 7.29kg (Image credit: Aaron Borrill)The biggest budget teams can go aftermarket, too. Lidl-Trek, for example, has been using $1,200 hubs to save 70g as reported by sister site, Cyclingnews while Tadej Pogaar's UAE Team Emirates-XRG is sponsored by lightweight component company Carbon-Ti. Parts such as its X-CarboRing Evo chainrings cost 436, and its X-Hanger DM integrated derailleur hanger costs 42. While these parts won't cut massive weight from the complete system, they do add up and arguably improve performance, too.The cost-to-benefit ratio of such modifications is marginal at best and well beyond the means of Cofidis or Caja RuralSeguros RGA. It goes to show that the richest teams can not only afford the best riders but also equip them with the best equipment, giving them a further advantage.

As the Tour de France heads into the second and final rest day of what has been a gruelling edition, Mads Pedersen is still sporting the prestigious green jersey as he and Lidl-Trek try to retain his lead. Long removed from his opening week stage win, Pedersen's back was against the wall in week two...

Crust Bikes has launched a new aluminum bike fit for rough terrain. With clearance for a 29 x 2.6" tire, a portage handle, and a kickstand mount, it's a quirky model with a unique paint job. Read on below for more on the brands latest rider-inspired design...The post The Crust Desert Brat Is an Aluminum ATB appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Paul Seixas' father believes his son is riding the first Tour de France, doing his family proud as he finds himself in the thick of the general classification fight on the second rest day. With six stages remaining in La Grand Boucle, the Decathlon CMA CGM rider is on the cusp of a top five finish....

Colorado's Rollins Pass is the stuff of legend. Its the highest point on a wild, rugged railroad built in 1904 and a crossing that's now accessible only to cyclists and hikers. Reachable by public transport and a day's pedaling, it's also an alternative gateway to the states largest bike park. Fueled by gummy worms and dreams of endless descents, Cass and Sage combined bikepacking with a bikepark-ing for their first experience of gravity-fed riding... The post A Rite of Passage on Rollins Pass appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

If youre looking to update your wardrobe this summer, Raphas latest sale could help with up to 50% off a huge range of clothing.The range features men's and women's kit, including technical bib shorts, high-performance jerseys and all-weather cycling jackets.While Rapha is known as a quality brand that's usually associated with high prices, this sale brings many great pieces down to a more affordable price.Weve looked through the site and picked out some highlights, but be sure to check out the full range.Core Bib Shorts 125 75 Rapha's Core Bib Shorts offer even greater value with these savings. Rapha Available in both men's and women's versions, the Core Bib Shorts are a staple of Raphas line-up, offering a balance of comfort, performance and value especially with these discounted prices.The single-density chamois pad is said to provide consistent comfort and flatlock seams are positioned carefully throughout to prevent chafing.If youre looking to add another pair of cycling shorts to your wardrobe, these could be worth looking at. Buy Rapha Mens Core Bib Shorts for 75 Buy Rapha Womens Core Bib Shorts for 75Pro Team Bib Shorts III 250 175 The design of the Pro Team Bib Shorts III was influenced by WorldTour riders. Rapha The Pro Team Bib Shorts III are an excellent choice for those wanting to spend a little more on their rear end, with the high-performance shorts featuring input from WorldTour riders for supreme stability and comfort.The shorts feature fewer panels and a laser-cut hem for reduced bulk alongside the Pro Team chamois, which is said to deliver superior comfort.Theres a wide variety of colours available, with plenty of sizes including regular and long options. Buy Rapha Mens Pro Team Bib Shorts III for 175 Buy Rapha Womens Pro Team Bib Shorts III for 187Core Lightweight Jersey 89 62 The Core Lightweight Jersey has Rapha's iconic sleeve design. Rapha With the UK finally remembering what summer is, keeping cool on the bike has become critical.This Core Lightweight Jersey is said to be lightweight and breathable for daily riding in warm weather.It is made of two ultra-light fabrics to keep you cool in hot and humid conditions, and features lightweight mesh panels on the front that promote airflow and wick sweat away.There are mens and womens versions available featuring different cuts for better fits. Buy Rapha Mens Core Lightweight Jersey for 62 Buy Rapha Womens Core Lightweight Jersey for 62Mens Pro Team Cargo Bib Shorts 195 146 The Men's Pro Team Cargo Shorts feature pockets on the legs. Rapha These cargo bib shorts feature additional pockets on the thighs to store food and accessories while you ride.Rapha says the shorts are refined for the longest days in the saddle.The Pro Team single-density chamois features are said to increase stability and power transfer.If youve got audax and gravel ambitions this summer, the Pro Team Cargo Bib Shorts could be worth having. Buy Rapha Mens Pro Team Cargo Bib Shorts for 146Men's Gore-Tex Rain Jacket 300 180 The Gore-Tex Rain Jacket is one of the best we've tested. Scott Windsor / Our Media While this summer has been especially sunny in the UK and Europe, theres a guarantee it wont last, so beat the showers with Raphas Gore-Tex Rain Jacket.Its one of the best cycling rain jackets weve tested, with road tech lead Ashley Quinlan awarding it 4.5 stars.While its still not cheap with 40% off, its definitely worth considering if you want to stay dry when the weather turns bad. Buy Rapha Men's Gore-Tex Rain Jacket for 180

Remco Evenepoel has used his rest day to reassess his position in the Tour de France. After a stage win on Sunday, beating Tadej Pogacar and Isaac del Toro, as well as Jonas Vingegaard abandoning the race, sees him move into second place in the general classification. The Red Bull - BORA Hansgrohe r...

With this year's BESPOKED Dresden just a couple of months away, the recipients of the 2026 SRAM Inclusivity Scholarship have been revealed. Meet the four up-and-coming builders whose work will be on display at the show here...The post BESPOKEDs 2026 SRAM Inclusivity Scholarship Recipients Announced appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.