The Agxero is the latest addition to Panaracers road tyre range. With a brief to combine low rolling resistance, year-round puncture protection and durability, it could be all the tyre most of us need.The Agxero is based on the Agilest Fast, rated a top-5 tyre by Bicycle Rolling Resistance for durability and rolling resistance.The Agxero has been engineered from the ground up using the new ZSG Agile-X compound developed by Panaracer at its Japan facility. The compound maintains the fast-rolling character of the previous Agilest, but with more emphasis on durability, puncture protection and a new tread pattern that's claimed to provide outstanding grip. Best road bike tyres in 2026: 15 of our favourite clincher and tubeless tyres Clincher and tubeless Panaracer's Agilest Fast inspired the new Agxero. Scott Windsor / Our Media While some of Panaracers competitors have concentrated solely on tubeless technology, Panaracer has chosen to co-develop both high-end clincher and tubeless tyre options for the Agxero.Both use the same newly developed compound and lightweight AX-Alpha casing technology that employs a single-layer 120 TPI construction.Panaracer claims the new compound is an ultra-fine, high-density cord construction that delivers exceptional flexibility and ride quality. This advanced structure allows the tyre to absorb road imperfections efficiently whilst maintaining a fast, responsive feel. The Agxero TLR is available with all-black and amber sidewalls. Warren Rossiter / Ourmedia What you need to know about the new Agxero tyre Designed and manufactured in Japan Clincher weight from a claimed 230g Tubeless weight from a claimed 270g Available in 28 and 30c sizes Advanced AX-Alpha casing for a supple, responsive ride Improved puncture resistance compared to previous Agilest models Priced at 49.99 for clincher and 64.99 for tubeless On the tubeless version, the tyre also gets an air-proof layer within the casing that enables the tyre to retain pressure yet maintain the supple ride character of the clincher. The Agxero clincher tyre weighs in at a lightweight 258g for the 30mm clincher. Warren Rossiter / Ourmedia Enhanced puncture protectionPanaracer say the all-new lightweight puncture protection layer positioned beneath the tread helps defend against road debris without compromising rolling performance.New tread developed with pro riders The new Agxero has a slick centre tread and a new tread pattern on the shoulders. Warren Rossiter / Ourmedia The newly developed tread pattern features a slick centre section for speed, combined with subtle shoulder patterning designed to enhance rider feedback and confidence during cornering.Panaracer says the tread pattern was developed using feedback from professional and amateur riders. The brand claims it delivers reassurance when pushing hard through bends and encountering changing road conditions.Panaracer Agxero weights and pricesPanaracer gives a claimed weight of 230g/260g for the 28c and 30c clinchers and 270g/300g for the tubeless option.Out test tyres weighed in at 258g for the 30c clincher pair and 286g for the tubeless tyres.In comparison, Continentals GP5000 in a 30mm size has a claimed weight of 260g for the clincher and 300g for the tubeless.At 49.99 / $84.99 for the clincher and 64.99 / $104.99 for the tubeless tyre, they also compare well on price to the market-leading GP5000, which has an RRP of 79.99 / $109 for the TR (tubeless) version and 54.99 / $85.95 for the clincher.

Superb hydration pack with excellent comfort and a brilliantly designed central clasp closure

Body protection brand Alpinestars has updated its motocross-focused back and chest airbag system with a DH mountain bike app profile, designed specifically for the crash and impact profiles experienced in downhill racing.The system has been launched to the public today, but has already been race-run proved, with Specialized riders Jordan Williams, Loc Bruni and Rosa Jensen all benefitting from the Tech-Air MX Airbag System in racing and training.The Alpinestars airbag arrives at a time when motocross-style protection is becoming more and more popular in dowhill, with recent DH helmet launches from POC and iXS coming with motocross safety certifications, reflecting the speeds and impact levels experienced on downhill bikes.The updated MTB Downhill profile can be added to the Tech-Air app and used in conjunction with a range of other motocross-focused profiles, including MX, MX Race Enduro and Rally.This MTB-focused system follows those used in road cycling, including Van Rysel's airbag skinsuit.DH, not MX Loc Bruni locked-and-loaded in his airbag. Alpinestars The Tech-Air MX Airbag System isn't itself a new product. It is established within the motocross market and draws upon 26 years of airbag technology from Italian brand Alpinestars.The company has been collecting data from mountain bikers, and modelling their crashes repeatedly since 2022 in order to better understand the differing forces experienced during mountain biking, compared to those on a motocross bike.This included rider-based data, as well as simulating crashes such as over-the-bars, loss of control and failed jumps with manikins loaded up with sensors, to fully map forces specific to DH riding.While speeds are generally lower in downhill, and acceleration and braking events less severe, riders are more mobile over the bikes, ride over more varied terrain, and have slower-speed crashes.All of this means an algorithm designed around motocross crashes would be unlikely to operate correctly on a mountain bike.When things go wrong An exploded view, quite literally, of the airbag system. Alpinestars When a crash is detected, the 1.6kg system, built into a Level 1 chest and back protector, deploys airbags around the chest, back, sides and shoulders in under 40 milliseconds.This is said to be four times more protective than passive impact protectors. Alpinestars claims the airbag "delivers impact absorption equivalent to up to an 82% reduction in transmitted energy compared with conventional passive chest protectors".The airbag is equipped with six integrated sensors, including a tri-axial accelerometer and tri-axial gyroscope. These sensors monitor what's happening hundreds of times per second. The gas canister lives above the back protector and is controlled by six sensors. Alpinestars Once deployed, the airbag can be re-packed up to six times, assuming there's no damage. The system has around a 30-hour ride time battery life. Charging takes around four hours, however one hour's charging should provide up to eight hours' battery life ideal during a race weekend.A magnetic switch in the protector's buckle activates the system, while a Bluetooth connection ensures the system can be monitored and updated (and the DH profile loaded).Already in use The airbag system has a specific DH mode. Alpinestars The Specialized Gravity team has been using the system, with a number of inflations already this season.Williams says: "Tech-Airkeeps us riders safe and keeps us winning. I will never race without it.Bruni was a little sceptical at first, but said: The first time I had a proper crash while wearing it and walked away with literally zero damage, I finally understood how important this technology is for our sport. A few months later, I can almost say it saved me during my huge World Cup crash. Im incredibly thankful for it and glad to see so many World Cup riders now adopting it. Like my mum always says: safety first.The Tech-Air MX with Downhill Algorithm airbag system is available in Europe, with limited shipping destinations at present, for 569.99. Other territories, including in North America, should be covered later this year.

With Ryan turning his bank holiday into an uber-long weekend, Callum is here holding the fort, dreaming dreams of bike regulation pedantry and a mythical Enric Mas

The points classification at the Vuelta a Espaa has thus far been one of the most open parts of the competition. Tadej Pogacar leads it, and he was asked about Visma's tactics of pursuing results with different riders over the opening week of the race. The team has backed up Matthew Brennan to win...

Judging by the number of Van Rysel shorts, jerseys, shoes, and helmets that I saw paired with expensive bikes and other premium kit on a recent trip to Mallorca, the brand has been very successful in attracting keen cyclists as well as more casual users.Its sponsorship of the Decathlon CMA CGM WorldTour team has both raised its profile and given it a reason to produce more performance-oriented products alongside its more budget-conscious offerings. By and large, most of the gear we have tested from Van Rysel has impressed us, not only for its value for money but also for its genuine performance. However, if there is one area where shortcuts and scrimping should be avoided, it's bib shorts. Nothing ruins a ride as fast as uncomfortable shorts, and while the steady rise in price of many of the best bib shorts isnt a welcome one, it is always well worth buying the comfiest shorts possible.So, do Van Rysels RCR Bib Shorts provide a worthwhile, cash-saving alternative?Design detailsThe RCR Bib Shorts are built around an Elastic Interface pad, a brand used by many manufacturers. Van Rysel says that the Performance 2.5 HD pad uses a very high-density foam under the top layer for maximum effectiveness on long-distance rides to give you enduring comfort, guaranteed for up to five hours. The Rhombus fabric used is promised to prevent harmful bacteria.Well, thats the marketing spiel anyway.In reality, I wouldnt describe the pad as particularly high-density, it's at the softer end of the seat pads that I have used, with a relatively basic feel to it although it does have a pressure relief channel down the centre; this is not necessarily a bad thing, one of my favourite pads of all time, the original Assos S5 pad, had a similar feel.The shorts material is a touch lighter than some modern, highly compressive fabrics, although VR claims the shorts offer some compression. The main body material extends up between the shoulder blades, acting as a yoke for the straps, with some large perforations in the top section for breathability. To keep the shorts in place, there is a very deep section of silicone grippers at the bottom of each raw-cut leg 6cm of the stuff to be precise.Very deep silicone grippers (Image credit: Tim Russon)The straps are white in colour, with reinforced bonded sections where they join the main fabric at the front. The branding is limited to a small Van Rysel printed on the right thigh and a tiny RCR behind the left thigh all pretty subtle.Pine Green, Cashmere Beige, Concrete Grey and Smoked Black are the colours for men, while women just get Concrete Grey and Smoked Black. Sizes for men are S to XXL and XS to XL for women.PerformanceHaving been very impressed with Van Rysels winter bib tights, I had high hopes for the RCR shorts, and for the most part, they lived up to my expectations.The fit was good. A large was the right size for me at 73kg and 186cm, and marries up with sizing for brands like Assos, Castelli and Velocio. Leg length was great, with the hem long enough for my personal preference and again, in line with Castelli and Velocio.Good leg length and fit (Image credit: Kim Russon)The front of the shorts was also a good height, sitting above my belly button, so there shouldnt be any issues with gaps between shorts and jersey when off the bike. Strap length and elasticity were spot on, holding things in the right place on the bike yet without discomfort when standing upright.The only area that was less than slick was the cut around the crotch. Baggy is far too strong a word for it, but there did seem to be a bit too much fabric, leading to crows-feet-style creases radiating outwards across my groin and upper thighs. Only a sartorial issue, but one which I havent noticed before with more established premium brands. I was able to put the shorts and matching jersey through their paces in the UK and for a couple of weeks of warmer weather in Mallorca and Gran Canaria. The RCR bib shorts performed well, and if that sounds like damning with faint praise, it kind of is. Light fabric was good in warmer conditions (Image credit: Kim Russon)Whereas I found the Elastic Interface decent enough when I used it in Van Rysels winter tights for 2-3-hour cold-weather rides, I dont think it stood up as well for full days out on the bike. After a few hours, I became aware of the saddle and would have preferred a higher-density cushion, especially on day four or five of the trip. There was no specific issue, but I did find myself wishing for a different pad by the middle of the afternoon - maybe my backside is not as hardy as some, but VRs promised five hours plus of comfort is a little optimistic for me.ValueAt 90/ $119, the RCR shorts are operating in a very competitive pricing segment. This means that judgment of them must be in this context, and as such, I think that they fall slightly short of perfection in a couple of areas.The fit and design are very good, with decent leg length and comfort, but the fabric provides a bit less support than I am used to these days, and the cut around the crotch could be better, too. I accept that there is an element of personal preference in this, though, and some riders might prefer the less compressive feel of the RCRs. Reasonable value, but not outstanding (Image credit: Kim Russon)I also think that the pad should be a bit better for this price. It was fine for short- to medium-length rides, but it would not be my first choice if I were planning to spend more than four hours in the saddle. It is a bit too soft for that in my opinion.However, most problematic in terms of value is that Van Rysels terribly named but excellent Water-repellent Winter Road Cycling Bib Tights, RCR Extreme, use the same pad and straps, are full-length, and have warm, windproof panels, yet cost 10 less than these shorts. Makes no sense to me.Ultimately, the RCR Bib Shorts are pretty decent, but they could really do with being a bit cheaper or using a better pad to offer the kind of value we are used to seeing from Van Rysel.Tech specPrice:90/ $119Chamois style:RaceStorage:NoneLeg type:ShortsColours:Smoked Black (tested), Pine Green, Cashmere Beige, Concrete GreySizes:S, M, L, XL, XXL

Packable and waterproof, but not the most breathable out there

The Vuelta a Espaa was lit up on stage 6 to Castell as Tadej Pogacar soared to a stage win, but the fight for the podium truly imploded. Enric Mas was the surprise of the day and his performance earned him praise from Johan Bruyneel. I heard there was a miscommunication. Pogacar said he had info...

As Kate Courtney sprinted to fourth place on stage four of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women last week, fans watching along the barriers would have been forgiven for thinking she had been road racing all her life. In fact, it was only her 14th day on the road, and her fourth in a WorldTour bunch. Last month, Courtney parked her world-title-winning career as a mountain biker and transitioned to the tarmac. Its a move, she says, that has felt like a huge leap, but has already borne fruits: in June, she won the US national title on just her fourth ever road race day.The 30-year-old now wears the stars and stripes for FDJ United-SUEZ, one of the top womens teams in the world, who she signed a deal with last month until the end of 2028. Speaking to Cycling Weekly at the recent Tour of Britain, Courtney reflected on her first pedal strokes in the pro peloton. Its been a steep learning curve, for sure, but Im really enjoying it, she said. The biggest thing is really navigating the bunch and just being able to be a safe but confident rider out on these roads. Thats easier said than done, but I think Ive made a lot of progress this week, and Ive certainly gotten thrown in the deep end with British roads and British weather. Its been a really good start and I know what I need to work on.Keen to learn the old-school way, Courtney travelled to Belgium last month to race kermesses, fast-paced town centre criteriums popular in the amateur scene. Its all about positioning and managing the bunch, she said. She came away with two wins and a second place, carrying her form into the Tour of Britain, where she finished eleventh overall. A post shared by Kate Courtney (@kateplusfate)A photo posted by Courtney's aim in each race is try to stretch the limits of her comfort zone. Stage four's finish last week to Hay-on-Wye, for example, was the first bunch sprint she has ever contested. I think, for me, the technical sections are probably the parts where I feel most comfortable, which is ironic, but in general a lot of it is quite new, and so much of it is mental, she said. Knowing that were heading down a hill at 60kph with 100 girls is such a different experience and feeling, and its something that you really have to get used to and start to learn where those limits are and push yourself, but also be safe. I think the other thing about the bunch is we all rely on each other you need the other girls to be safe in order to protect you. Learning those dynamics and settling in and observing and figuring out where I need to be when is all part of that process. Born and raised in California, Courtney was 22 when she won the cross-country mountain bike world title in 2018, becoming the first American woman to do so in 17 years. Shes still the reigning champion in the marathon distance, but will forgo her title defence this weekend in favour of training for her debut at Septembers UCI Road World Championships in Canada. Montral will be hopefully my next race in four weeks, she confirmed. What are her goals there? I think its too early for me to necessarily know what my ambitions are in these types of races, she said. Actually, the freedom to just compete is a really great freedom that Im looking forward to taking advantage of all season. Courtney has signed with FDJ United-SUEZ until the end of 2028. (Image credit: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com)Still, it feels natural to ask what the overarching goal is of Courtney's move to the road. When Olympic mountain bike champion Pauline Ferrand-Prvot made her peloton comeback in 2025, she set herself the target of winning the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift within three years, and ended up doing it in eight months. For Courtney, the bigger picture is the LA Olympics in 2028. But I would say Im in a much different position [to Ferrand-Prvot], just because Ive never raced on the road before this season, she said. Its been a really, really rapid rise in the level, and a lot to adapt to. Im really grateful to the team for continuing to remind me that I can make mistakes and learn.When FDJ United-SUEZ cracked that door [in offering a contract], I was ready to walk right through. Im really excited that weve been able to make it happen on such a crazy timeline. At the end of the day, when you get an opportunity like that, youve got to jump, go for it, and take it all the way.

Good morning and welcome to the liveblog of the Vuelta a Espana. Stage 7 finds its second summit finish, beginning in Vall d'Alba and ending at Aramn Valdelinares. A day without any one major climb, but with a whole 3600 meters of climbing in only 150 kilometers, a traditional Vuelta trait.So join...