Neil recently spent the last couple of months testing the Significant Other Ded Reckin, a 120/130 full-suspension titanium bike fabricated in Denver, Colorado. Featuring incredible craftsmanship, an interesting linkage design, and the easy-on-the-eyes aesthetics weve come to associate with builder Ashley King, Neils time with her first production model yielded some unexpected outcomes. Dig into his full video and written reviews belowThe post Significant Other Ded Reckin Review: Unicorn appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Last week, Peak District-based Bear Frame Supplies closed shop, which could impact many British frame builders and brands, so we asked three of its most prominent clients what it means for the UK frame building industry.

Jonas Vingegaard has no confirmed race on his calendar, no announced return to full training and, almost a month after crashing out of the Tour de France, still no clear route back into competition. Team Visma | Lease a Bike have now broken their silence on the four-time Grand Tour winner, but the u...

Tadej Pogacar is reportedly on course to earn at least 13 million across the 2026 season, with victory at the Vuelta a Espana and World Championships capable of adding another 750,000 before the year is out. According to a new breakdown from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the five-time Tour de France wi...

Trek has removed its IsoSpeed frame-compliance technology and internal frame storage from the fifth-generation Domane endurance road bike to help reduce claimed frameset weight by up to 305g. It says the lightest spec weighs 950g less than before at 6.63kg, albeit with 28c tyres. A new carbon layup and round seatpost, and wider 40mm tyre clearance mean the new bike is nearly as compliant as before, according to the American brand. Even when fitted with wider 35mm tyres, Trek says the new Domane is faster than its predecessor because lower rolling resistance cancels out higher drag. Trek has further relaxed the Domane's riding position by adding a riser bar that increases the effective stack by 20mm. It also gains a UDH-compatible rear dropout to enable the use of SRAM's Full Mount derailleurs, which attach directly to the frame. Mounts for mudguards and bags remain. Complete builds start from $2,400 for the Domane SL 4 (available in the US only), which is cheaper than before, and prices rise to 11,250/ $11,499/ 10,499 for the range-topping Domane SLR models. Trek appears to have discontinued the pro-focused RSL version, which had only been available as a frameset. (Image credit: Trek)The end of IsoSpeedIsoSpeed was Trek's built-in frame suspension, which, the brand claimed, provided flex to improve comfort. But it has been phasing out the technology over the past two Domane generations to reduce weight and complexity. At its launch in 2022, the fourth-generation Domane lost IsoSpeed from the front of the headset while retaining IsoSpeed in the top tube. This worked by decoupling the top tube from the seat tube to damp vibrations. Trek removed adjustability from this version of IsoSpeed, claiming riders tended to leave it on the most comfortable setting. It has now gone a step further in making the new Domane frame fully rigid. Trek says the increases in stock tyre size from 32c to 35c and maximum tyre clearance from 38mm to 40mm combine with greater frame and seatpost compliance to compensate. Using vibrational power as a measure of 'full-bike comfort', the brand says the fifth-generation Domane with 35mm tyres gets within five percent of the old model with IsoSpeed and 32mm tyres. (Image credit: Trek)Weight reductionAlthough not mentioned in the launch press material, it's clear from the images of the new bike that it no longer has storage in the down tube, which you accessed by removing a hatch over the bottle cage bosses. Like the removal of IsoSpeed, this appears to be another weight-saving move. Trek will separately sell frame bags, which attach to new mounts in the frame triangle, to mitigate the loss of carrying capacity. As a result, Trek says the new Domane SLR frame using new 900 Series OCLV carbon weighs 835g in an unpainted ML size, and the fork weighs 367g. That amounts to a claimed 305g reduction in frameset weight. The fully built Domane SLR 9 weighs 7.3kg, according to Trek.The cheaper Domane SL frame and fork, made from lower-grade 500 Series OCLV carbon, are said to weigh 1055g and 430g respectively, also in size ML without paint. Trek says the Domane SL 5 weighs 8.8kg. (Image credit: Trek)Revamped sizing philosophyWhile Trek has maintained the Domane's endurance geometry, it has cut down its size range from nine to six, which is still more than some brands offer. It's done so by reducing the extremes of reach and stack, which may come as bad news if you're at either end of the size chart, but shouldn't negatively impact most people's bike fit. Stock crank lengths are shorter across the range at 160mm for sizes XS and S, 165mm for M and ML, and 170mm for L and XL. The Bontrager Riser bar, which adds 20mm of height to the default shifter position, is back-swept for a more comfortable hand position on the tops and has a 4cm flare. (Image credit: Trek)From Tiagra to Project OneThe Domane carbon range starts at $2,400 with the 2x Tiagra-equipped SL 4, which is only available in the US. For comparison, the aluminium Domane SL lineup ranges from 950 to 1,600.Specced with mechanical Shimano 105, the Domane SL5 costs 2,500/ $2,700/ 2,500 with the same alloy Bontrager rims. The Domane SL 6 AXS comes with SRAM Rival 2x and Bontrager Aeolus Elite 50 carbon wheels for 3,750/ $4,200/ 4,000. On the same wheels but with SRAM Force 1x XPLR, the Domane SL 7 AXS will set you back 6,300 / $6,500/ 6,999.In the lighter and more expensive carbon, the Domane SLR 7 is priced at 6,700/ $7,999/ 6,999 with Ultegra Di2 and Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 wheels. For the equivalent spec with SRAM Force AXS, you'll pay 8,500/ $8,499 / 7,499 for the Domane SLR 7 AXS.To step up to Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and Bontrager Aeolus RSL 51 wheels, the Domane SLR 9 will cost you 9,000/ $10,999/ 9,999. The SRAM equivalent is the SLR 9 AXS at 9,000/ $11,499/ 10,499.The range-topping Domane SLR 9 AXS 1X, which hits that headline 6.6kg claimed weight, costs 11,250/ $11,499/ 10,499 and is equipped with the integrated RSL cockpit from the Madone race bike. It does, however, seem odd to fit 700x28c Pirelli P Zero Race tyres to a bike with 40mm clearance. Trek will continue to offer its Project One customisation scheme on the Domane SLR. For a price, it lets you personalise components and paint at point of purchase. It will also sell just 124 of the Project One 'Icon No 76' Domane SLR 9 AXS for $14,999 / 12,999. The original Trek logo and heritage blue paint celebrate the brand's early designs.

2027 Domane drops the long-running IsoSpeed decoupler in favour of a new carbon layup, flexing seatpost and wider tyres. The result is a simpler endurance bike thats up to 305g lighter at the frameset level, with complete-bike weights from 6.63kg. The range starts at 2,500

The 2026 Czech Tour will be taking place from the 13th to the 16th of August this year. During the very busy month of August, the Czech Republic's top event provides a stage for plenty riders to showcase their sprinting and climbing skills at a key period of the year. We take a look at its profiles....

Today, Scott is introducing the next generation of its Strike eMTB. Designed and engineered with comfort, power & range, and accessibility as priorities, the new Strike is meant to be a versatile, performance-oriented eMTB thats easy to ride and own. With a relaxed but capable geometry, the smooth, powerful, and intuitive Bosch CX drive system, and a refreshed, modern look, the Strike strikes us as a great new option for riders seeking an eMTB for everyday rides.According to Scott, The new Strike delivers comfort and intuition in every ride. Smooth, balanced, and effortless, it lets you forget about complexity and focus on the moments that matter, where you ride, who you ride with, and how it makes you feel. Lets check it out.Scott Strike DetailsCompared to Scotts high-performance eMTBs, like the Lumen or the Voltage, the Strike is aimed more toward recreational riders, enthusiasts, and/or those seeking a comfort-forward geometry at a more accessible price point. As such, all Strike models feature the same Alloy frame with 150mm of travel front and rear, rolling on 29 wheels. Its a Scott full-suspension bike, so of course the frame has a semi-integrated shock and the brands take on a Horst-link suspension layout.The redesigned frame has a sleek, modern look.Compared to the previous version, the new Strike frame has a more refined, modern look. Scott says the frame features a one-piece cast motor mount and seat tube for stiffness and durability. Shift cables and brake lines are routed internally through ports on the frame for ease of maintenance. Electrical cables, however, are routed through the headset. The Strike comes pre-wired for front and rear lights and is compatible with the Scott eRIDE rear light/fender system.Given its focus on versatility and comfort, the Strike features a reinforced kickstand mount on the chainstay, should you wish to install one. It also has accessory mounts on the top and bottom of the top tube, and a bottle/range extender mount on the downtube.Bosch Drive SystemThe Powerful Bosch CX drive unit.All of the Strike models come with the latest Bosch Performance Line CX drive unit with the thickest protective cover Scott has ever produced. With the latest Bosch Performance Upgrade, the CX motor delivers up to 750W of peak power, 120Nm of hill-crushing torque, and 600% assistance. Riders can choose from several pedal assist modes, all of which are tuneable through the Bosch Flow app.Removable batteries.All Strike models come equipped with the Bosch PowerTube 800Wh batteries, except for the 720Wh-equipped Strike 40. The batteries are easily removable, making off-the-bike charging and/or hot swaps easy. The Strike is also compatible with the Bosch PowerMore 250Wh range extender.The Intuvia 200 display.The controls and display vary by model. The higher-end Strike 10 and Strike 20 come with the Bosch Mini Remote and the Intuvia 200 out-front display showing speed, distance, mode, and battery life. The more affordable Strike 30 and Strike 40 come with the simplified but functional Puriion 200 all-in-one control/display unit.Comfortable yet capable?GeometryOne of the design priorities with the Strike was rider comfort, and that is quite evident just looking at the bike, and again when looking at the geometry chart. The main thing at play is the generous stack heights, paired with riser handlebars to create a relaxed and upright body position.At the same time, the designers didnt stray too far from modern angles and measurements. The 64.8 head tube angle, 77 seat tube angle, and reach measurements (475mm on size large) all fall right around todays norms for trail riding. On paper, the Strike looks like it should strike a great balance between comfort and on-trail capability. It comes in four frame sizes, S to XL.Scott Strike ModelsAll Strike models feature the same Alloy frame and Bosch Performance Line CX drive unit. All models come with 800Wh batteries, except the 720Wh-equipped Strike 40. With accessibility as one of the design priorities, all Strike models feature budget-friendly component specs. Unfortunately, pricing information was not provided. Check the Scott website for full specs and prices.Scott Strike 10BlackParadise GreenFork: Fox 36 Rhythm, 150mmShock: Fox Float RhythmDrivetrain: Shimano XT 12-speedBrakes: Shimano XT 4-pistonCockpit: Syncros stem, handlebar, dropperTires: Maxxis Forekaster 29 x 2.6Claimed Weight: 25.3 kg (55.78 lbs)Frame Colors: Black, Paradise GreenScott Strike 20Foggy GreyFork: Fox AWL Sport, 150mmShock: Fox Float RhythmDrivetrain: Shimano Deore 12-speedBrakes: Shimano Deore 4-pistonCockpit: Syncros stem, handlebar, grips, dropperTires: Maxxis Forekaster 29 x 2.6Claimed Weight: 24.8 kg (54.67 lbs)Frame Colors: Foggy GreyScott Strike 30Mist BlueBlackPeach PinkFork: RockShox Psylo Silver, 150mmShock: X-Fusion O2 Trunnion Pro RLDrivetrain: Shimano Deore 12-speedBrakes: Shimano MT620 4-pistonCockpit: Syncros stem, handlebar, grips, dropperTires: Maxxis Forekaster 29 x 2.4Claimed Weight: 25.7 kg (56.66 lbs)Frame Colors: Black, Mist Blue, Peach PinkScott Strike 40Pearl WhiteQuarry GreyFork: SR Suntour SF26-XCR, 150mmShock: SR Suntour Edge XDrivetrain: Shimano Deore 12-speedBrakes: Shimano MT420 4-pistonCockpit: Syncros stem, handlebar, grips, dropperTires: Maxxis Forekaster 29 x 2.4Claimed Weight: 25.4 kg (56 lbs)Frame Colors: Pearl White, Quarry GreyAvailabilityThe new Scott Strike eMTBs officially launched today and are live on the Scott Sports website. Head there to learn more, see full specs, prices, and check availability in your region.scott-sports.com

Bike racing is well known for inspiring fans to get on their bikes, and never was that more apparent than during the recent Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, according to the latest numbers released by Strava.Women's cycling enjoyed a significant boost, not just in France but across the world, as riders saddled up and sought to emulate their heroes.In the race's host nation alone, women logged 15% more rides on the training platform during the week of the race versus the week before, with 28% more distance. But the global stats were the most eye-opening. Across the world, the number of women logging their longest ever ride jumped by 30%, while a full 60% more women logged their first 100km-plus activity. On top of that, 41% logged their first-ever ride 50km or more. Three-quarters of all these rides were solo, too. "Women chasing distance on their own terms," as Strava put it in its press release.Female cyclists also seemed to be inspired by the race's ascent of Mont Ventoux on stage seven, with a huge increase in attempts to conquer the Giant of Provence by women compared to the previous week 849% to be exact helped by the second edition of L'tape du Tour de France Femmes heading up it, no doubt.Strava also released statistics from the pro peloton itself, including 994 QoM titles, 84 of which were claimed by eventual winner Demi Vollering alone. The pros also completed a total 133 Everests across the course of the nine stages, or 1.18 million metres of climbing. Average speed across all the stages was 30.2kph (18.76mph) and, Strava revealed, the collective calorie burn of 1.4 million was enough to cover around 12,400 cappuccinos. We'll drink to that.These are just the latest impressive statistics from a race that has trod new ground across the board, with a record TV audience share in France of 32.9%, and the longest ever parcours at 1,175km (730 miles).Vollering (SD Worx-Protime) won by 1:18 after seizing the yellow jersey on stage eight to Nice after a thrilling battle between herself, Marlen Reusser (Movistar) and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM), and defending it the following day.

Riley Sheehan claimed the opening stage of the 2026 Czech Tour in Karlovy Vary, beating Ben Turner in the sprint after Netcompany INEOS had spent much of the day controlling the race and then committed heavily to the finale. The NSN Cycling Team rider came through fastest at the end of the 163.2-kil...