How much difference have aerodynamics made to the evolution of the racing bike in the Tour de France peloton? Rather a lot, as you'll find out by reading on...

The 2026 Tour de France will take place from the 4th to the 26th of July. Throughout the21 stages, the peloton will be racing through the mountains, sprint stages, cobblestones, individual and team time trials, and even. We take a look at all stages, their official profiles, and preview the days -...

CADEX has a new Aero Integrated Handlebar, and this one looks less like a mild update and more like a full reshaping of its one-piece race cockpit.CADEX Aero Integrated Bar Lighter & Better FitThe new bar keeps the familiar CADEX look but with softer edges and design. It still has all the bells and whistles of full carbon, internal routing, outfront computer mount, etc. But the numbers tell the bigger story. CADEX lists the new Aero Integrated Handlebar at 255g in a 400mm x 110mm size, which is 70g lighter than the previous generation. That is a real drop for a cockpit, especially one still aimed at sprinting, racing and all the usual high-torque road nonsense.The previous CADEX Aero Integrated Handlebar (reviewed here) was already a solid piece of kit: stiff, sharp, cleanly routed, and very much built for riders who want a low, tucked position. One of the standout features was that it looked like a brick (in a good way). It was super solid, and sculpted to look like a bar that would accompany Batmans bike.How did they keep the same stiffness with a slimmer design?The new CADEX Aero Integrated Handlebar uses T800/T1100 carbon and CADEX One-Piece Mold Manufacturing, pretty much the same as the previous. The difference is placing higher-strength carbon only where needed to keep stiffness up without carrying extra material. The goal is the same as before: direct steering, no mush under load, and enough comfort through the tops that it does not ride like a carbon crowbar. As the pervious version was slightly harsh around the compliance edges. Big Sweep & Shorter ReachThe new version moves things further into current race-bike fit trends. CADEX gives it a 6.5-degree forward sweep, shorter 72mm reach (back from 80mm in the previous), and narrower hood spacing.Why? To help riders get lower and narrower without forcing their hands into some weird wrist angle. The drop stays compact (and the same as the previous version) at 125mm. The drops also get what CADEX calls a race-tuned flare for more leverage in sprints and more control on descents.New Shape Better FitThat forward sweep is probably the most visible change, but the sculpt is gone too, swapped for a more elegant smooth shaping. The old bar already encouraged an aero position, but it used a more conventional shape with 2 degrees of backsweep.This new one looks built around the way a lot of racers are already setting up their bikes: narrower hoods, slightly turned-in controls, and a cleaner line from forearm to hand. CADEX is not alone there, but this is a much more deliberate take than the old bar.(Photo/Jordan Villella)CADEX Aero Integrated Handlebar: New vs. PreviousNew CADEX Aero Integrated HandlebarWeight: 255g, 400mm x 110mmReach: 72mmDrop: 125mmForward sweep: 6.5 degreesConstruction: T800/T1100 carbon, one-piece molded handlebar sectionPrice: $750 USDIncludes adjustable out-front computer mountPrevious CADEX Aero Integrated Handlebar (pictured above)Weight: 325g, 420mm x 100mm listedReach: 80mm, with 72mm on the 360mm widthDrop: 125mmFlare: 3 degreesBacksweep: 2 degreesStem angle: -10 degreesPrice: $700Included computer mount with GoPro-style accessory tabPrice CADEX Aero Integrated HandlebarPricing ticks up slightly. The new CADEX Aero Integrated Handlebar is listed at $750 USD, 699, or 599. That is $50 more than the previous version we reviewed. However, thats not much considering a new better fit shape and a claimed 70g weight savings. The increase is not exactly shocking in 2026 bike-part math. Plus, with the new, more refined shape, the bar will stylistically fit more bikes beyond the super aero, maybe even round tubed metal bikes.AvailabilityThe new CADEX Aero Integrated Handlebar will be available soon in multiple width and stem length combinations in select markets worldwide. CADEX has not listed the full size matrix yet, but we assume they will be available in the currently offered sizes.cadex-cycling.com

UAE Team Emirates-XRGs Adam Yates is suffering from a stomach illness at the 2026 Tour de France and his participation in the races final few stages is not guaranteed.The Briton dropped out the back of the peloton with 66km remaining on stage 17, and finished the days racing more than 26 minutes behind winner Jasper Philipsen.His shorts were stained with salt marks as he rode back to his team's bus, which he boarded as soon as he dismounted his bike. Yates is one of the key mountain domestiques for race leader Tadej Pogaar, and ordinarily would be providing crucial support on stage 19 and 20 which head into the high mountains and finish atop Alpe dHuez.But the 33-year-olds condition will have to improve significantly if he is to be of assistance to Pogaar.Yesterday he was really bad if it was a normal stage he wouldnt have finished, Pogaar said after stage 17. Luckily it was just a time trial and he managed it. He looked terrible.UAEs general manager Mauro Gianetti revealed that Yatess sickness began after Mondays rest day.Yesterday he was not feeling well and after the time trial he was really bad, vomiting, [and with a] stomach problem, Gianetti said. We said, OK, lets see what happens tomorrow morning, and he was feeling OK [this morning], not so bad like yesterday. He said, OK, Ill start. He was in the group and then one moment he spoke with Nils [Politt] and said, I will take the train [gruppetto] behind us to try to save some energy.This morning he was better but he was empty. With the full [gas] start, he suffered because he was empty from yesterday and only ate a bit this morning. He was really struggling. We knew it would be a hard day for him.Gianetti said that Yates has been isolated from the group, but expressed confidence that its nothing more than an episode. Neither was he concerned that the infection could be contagious to other members of the team.Its just him vomiting himself its just him, Gianetti said. Lets see if he can recover a little bit, [and] have some good food.Asked if Yates will start stage 18, Gianetti responded: I dont know. The doctors will decide.Pogaar seemed more confident than Gianetti that Yates would remain in the race. Today in the morning he looked a lot better, [he was] in a good mood and eating well. This was a good sign, but today was a hard stage even for me, and I think he paid a bit [the price] after yesterdays bad day.I think he will recover. Maybe not for tomorrow, but for Alpe dHuez. At least for the queen stage [on Saturday] he will be good.

Mads Pedersen was one of the most active riders on stage 17 of the Tour de France and was awarded the most combative rider award. However, the Danish rider was clearly upset with the outcome of the day, where he was constantly on the attack but in the end saw his rival Jasper Philipsen win the stage...

Wireless bike components and eMTBs are both growing steadily in popularity. As both become more common, were seeing some brands take the logical step of connecting electronic components directly to the bikes power supply. These hardwired setups simplify the charging process with fewer components to charge. So far, this is most common with derailleurs, although weve seen Orbea go all in with its unique connected system.Today, Fox is getting in on the action with the Transfer Neo E-Optimized dropper post. This new model combines the lightning-fast actuation of Foxs Neo wireless protocol in a package designed specifically to be connected to an eMTBs battery. Youll never need to remember to charge your seatpost separately from your e-bike again. Lets check it out.Fox Transfer Neo E-Optimized DetailsFox re-engineered its Transfer Neo wireless dropper post, removing the external battery in favor of a hardwired connection to the e-bikes battery. As such, users no longer need to remember to charge the droppers battery independently of the bike. As long as the bike is charged, the dropper is, too.According to Fox, the Transfer Neo E-Optimized is available with up to 240mm of travel. Like its cable-actuated sibling, it features adjustable travel up to 25mm in 5mm increments to personalize the fit. Fox did not provide a complete list of sizes, but we assume it will probably be available in the usual diameters and the same drop lengths as the latest version of the cable-actuated Transfer.Proven on the Transfer Neo, Foxs Neo wireless protocol is incredibly fast, providing precise actuation and control through the ergonomic wireless remote. Additionally, users can access the post through the Fox Bike App for service tracking and other connected features.PricingTransfer Neo E-Optimized Factory Series: $659 USD / $939 CAD / $1099 AUDTransfer Neo E-Optimized Performance Series Elite: $589 USD / $839 CAD / $999 AUDWiring Harness/Cable: $35 USD / $50 CAD / $59 AUDTransfer Neo Lever: $219 USD / $267 CAD / $319 AUDAvailabilityFoxs new E-Optimized dropper will initially be available exclusively on Specialized Levo 4, Levo Evo, and Levo R eMTBs. Fox tells us that Specialized retailers will be prepared for and able to install the new posts for customers wanting to upgrade their compatible Specialized e-bikes. Fox says that additional applications for other popular drive units are currently in development for launch in 2027.ridefox.com

The Tour de France is often shaped as much by survival as by strength. Across three weeks of racing from the Grand Dpart in Barcelona on 4 July to the final stage in Paris on 26 July, crashes, illness, heat, fatigue and withdrawals can quickly reshape the peloton, from nervous sprint stages and exp...

Today, OneUp Components is introducing DH and SuperBoost versions of its Hubs. OneUps new 20x110mm Front Hub is compatible with the 20mm thru-axles found on most gravity forks, while the new 157 Rear Hub fits bikes with 157mm SuperBoost spacing and/or DH bikes with Boost spacing and 7-speed drivetrains. Both are made with the same materials as the standard OneUp hubs and are available in black or silver.OneUp 20x110mm Front HubOneUps new 20x110mm Front Hub is designed to work with the 20mm thru-axles used on dual crown forks. OneUp claims this new hub maximizes bearing size (23mm x 32mm x 7mm) to deliver maximum stiffness at the lowest weight. For versatility, OneUp says it will offer a 15mm conversion kit available later this year allowing riders to switch between axle diameters if/when needed.OneUp 157 Rear HubThe new OneUp 157 Hub is made for bikes with 12x157mm SuperBoost rear axle spacing. Additionally, OneUp tells us that it is also compatible with SRAMs new XD Slim Driver. This slimmer freehub body allows gravity riders to run SRAMs latest 7-Speed DH drivetrain on bikes with 148mm Boost spacing, for the benefit of symmetrical spoke-bracing angles, more even spoke tension, and a stronger wheel with the 157mm hub shell.The 157 Rear Hub is compatible with SRAMs XD Slim Driver.New Hub FeaturesSince they launched a couple of years ago, OneUp has been making incremental refinements to its hubs. That continues with the new DH and SuperBoost hubs, which feature several updates to enhance performance and durability. OneUp says that increased hub flange diameter helps make spoke lacing easier, as both inboard and outboard spokes will lace up without being obstructed by the rotor mounts. The thickness of the rotor mount on the 20x110mm Front Hub has also been increased, both for durability and the larger-diameter rotors typically used in gravity riding. Lastly, updated end caps reportedly reduce seal drag.ServiceabilityAs with most of the brands products, OneUp Hubs are intended to be user-serviceable, and a dedicated Hub Rebuild Drift Kit is available for the new hub sizes. Additionally, OneUp says the hub design makes them easy to service, and the bearings are common sizes, which should make them easy to source at most bike shops. Otherwise, ratchets, bearings, seals, freehub bodies, and other small parts are all available direct from the brand.SpecsIntended use: Enduro, DHSpacing: 11020 Front and 15712 RearHoles: 32 Front & RearEngagement: 44 points, 8.2 degreesWeight: Front 182g, Rear 231g (with XDr freehub)Colours: Black or SilverMaterial: 7075 T6 AluminumFreehub options: XDr, XD SLim, Microspline and HGSpokes: J-Bend onlyBrake Mount: IS 6 Bolt onlyBearings: Front MR17287, Rear 6902, Freehub 6802Warranty: 2 YearsPricing (Front / Rear)USD $99.99 / 229.99CAD $139.99 / 299.99UK 89.99 / 194.99EUR 104.99 / 229.99Rest of World (USD) $124.99 / 264.99AvailabilityOneUps new 20x110mm Front and 157 Rear Hubs are available now. Head to the OneUp Components website to learn more.oneupcomponents.com

"There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen," is a quote often misattributed to Lenin, but it seems fitting on stage 17 of the 2026 Tour de France, on a day where decades appeared to happen.A stage teed up as one for the breakaway, which saw yellow jersey Tadej Pogaar briefly up the road; a crash for Tom Pidcock; Mads Pedersen leading the charge to the intermediate sprint and Voiron; a solo attack from Jasper Stuyven; and then, finally, a reduced bunch sprint win for Jasper Philipsen, led out expertly by his Alpecin-Premier Tech teammate Mathieu van der Poel.You could almost taste the relief in the air as Philipsen punched the air; the Belgian probably sighed, knowing that he had finally won his 11th Tour stage, and kept up his record of winning at least one stage every year since 2022. It had been a long time coming.He was fifth in Pau on stage five, fifth in Bordeaux on stage seven, fourth in Bergerac on stage eight, and then third twice on stage 11 and 12 in Nevers and Chalon-sur-Sane respectively. There was a sense that maybe the win wasn't coming this season, and a lot of column inches about the disappointments. However, on Wednesday, there it was, the confirmation that the 28-year-old still has it.All this after one of the hardest fought stages of the Tour, with the front of the race all together with just 3.7km to go. "I think everybody was dead," Philipsen said post-stage. "Of course, it's completely different to a normal sprint stage, everyone was on their limit. It's already stage 17, so the fatigue was there."It was a triumph of tactics and physical effort, but also mental will, to keep believing, to keep trying."It was mainly [about] staying in front and being in a position where he would be able to sprint for victory," Alpecin-Premier Tech team boss Philip Roodhooft said at the team's bus, swarmed by journalists but for good news this time, not for bad. "We've seen at some moments that it was lost, and it's all credit to him and all of the team for continuing to believe in it. Continuing to push, and then at a certain point the pieces of the puzzle did fall into place for us. "Not to win, but to be able to sprint for the win, and then if you see how Mathieu positioned Jasper, not only the leadout but into the last corner, I think it's a great victory for Jasper, but there's so much more behind it with the whole team."All of that applied on Wednesday, but continuing to believe in Philipsen when everything seemed lost could also be ascribed to their whole race.(Image credit: Getty Images)The belief needed to come from Philipsen himself too, who was under a lot of pressure to deliver."The team is not saying that I have to win, but it's obvious that I should win, because we did the preparation, we have a full leadout squad, we're here for stage wins not for GC," he explained. "There are always expectations, and when I don't deliver they're not going to shoot me or anything, but you just try to deliver. For the team, for the sponsors, for the staff, for everybody. "If I can't deliver, that builds a lot of pressure on myself. It's something hard to deal with sometimes, but it's just part of the sport."The pressure is fairly constant for Philipsen, at a team that's partly built around his finishing speed, from a cycling-mad country in Belgium, at a Belgian squad."I try to not look at articles, just to do something other than cycling, than the Tour de France," he replied when asked how he distracts himself. "It's easy to get your mind on the Tour all the time. You can watch a lot of programmes, read a lot of articles. but I just try to think about something else. That's the way I do it.""It's a relief, not only for myself but for the team," Philipsen continued. "We already had our stage win with Mathieu of course, that was something very nice for everybody. To take the second one, after a lot happened on stage 17, I think it's just very nice, good for the atmosphere, good for everyone that kept on believing. Something nice to celebrate tonight.""I think it's only human, there was a lot of disappointment," Roodhooft added. "That adds up of course, the first time not winning is ok, but then the second one, the third one, and lack of confidence comes into play. He knew that there weren't many opportunities still to come, and today wasn't a certain bunch sprint. There's so little space for making mistakes, and it makes the satisfaction bigger. It's more than relief, it's satisfaction."On the day when decades happened, Philipsen delivered. Roodhooft might argue it's satisfaction, but it sure seemed like relief, deliverance. "It's a relief, not only for myself but for the team," Philipsen said. "We already had our stage win with Mathieu of course, that was something very nice for everybody. To take the second one, after a lot happened on stage 17, I think it's just very nice, good for the atmosphere, good for everyone that kept on believing. Something nice to celebrate tonight."

At the Tour de France, the racing does not always end at the finish line. Sprint deviations, sticky bottles, feeding breaches, littering fines, time penalties, yellow cards and relegations can all become part of the daily story, especially in a race where every stage result and jersey position is wa...