Paris gold medallist Lizzi Jordan has called on the government to formally recognise tandems as adaptive bicycles, making them exempt from VAT

On the 27th of September, the Montral World Championships will come to a close with the men's elite road race, featuring the likes of Remco Evenepoel, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout Van Aert, Tom Pidcock, Isaac del Toro, and Paul Seixas as favorites. We preview the race and analyze the profile below....

Paralympic gold medal winner Lizzi Jordan MBE is campaigning for tandem bicycles sold to visually impaired individuals to be VAT-exempt.Jordan, who is blind, won Paralympic gold in the womens tandem 1km time trial alongside her pilot Danni Khan. She has also won six world titles, four world champion medals and a bronze medal as part of Team England at the Commonwealth Games this summer.Jordan, 28, lost her eyesight at the age 19 due to illness complications that led to her being in a coma and on life support for eight weeks. She eventually found herself at a British Cycling Talent ID day, where her para-cycling career began.Equal access to more affordable bicycles Jordan says she wants to use her platform to ensure every blind and visually impaired person in the UK has equal access to something as basic as more affordable bicycles.This campaign presents the government with a practical, affordable, and highly visible opportunity to improve disability inclusion in the United Kingdom, Jordan says.This is a fairness issue. It is an accessibility issue. And it is an opportunity for the Government to make a meaningful change, she adds.British Cycling says current legislation discriminates against visually impaired people, failing to recognise tandems as adaptive bicycles, because they are not used exclusively by those with disabilities.However, it adds that recognising tandems as adaptive bicycles would improve access to exercise, travel, social inclusion and physical and mental wellbeing for visually impaired people up and down the country.A 2025 analysis by the Royal National Institute of Blind People found blind and partially sighted working-age adults are about half as likely to be in paid employment as non-disabled people.Meanwhile, Sport England says disabled people are almost twice as likely to be physically inactive.A transformative social impact Lizzi Jordan with pilot Danni Khan at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where they won gold in the women's tandem 1km time trial. Alex Whitehead / SWPx Jordan says the financial impact of recognising tandems as adaptive bicycles would be minimal. Figures provided by Orbit Tandems LTD, Englands largest tandem bicycle supplier, suggests the impact would be roughly 26,000 per year. Yet Jordan says the social impact would be transformative.I urge the Government to please formally recognise standard tandem bicycles purchased by visually impaired individuals as adaptive bicycles with regards to the VAT exemption," she says.I would welcome a meeting with you and your team to discuss this important issue, and opportunity, in more detail.Steve Darling, MP for Torbay, says: The current rules, meaning that tandem bikes are not recognised as adaptive cycles, make little sense.We need to encourage people with disabilities to stay active rather than making specialist equipment more expensive. I hope that the Chancellor sees this error and reverses it at the budget.The campaign has the support of several organisations, including the Bicycle Association, British Blind Sport, ParalympicsGB and Cycling UK.

Tudor Pro Cycling have made a sizeable double move for 2027, officially confirming the signings of Kaden Groves and Nico Denz on three-year contracts through to the end of 2029. Between them, the pair arrive with 13 Grand Tour stage victories. Groves accounts for 10, including wins at the Giro d'Ita...

The original Aria was EXTs first bike air shock, bringing a unique design, features, and a high price tag to the rear suspension market. Today, EXT introduces the evolution of the platform with the new Aria V2 and Aria V2 DH models. Like the V1, the Aria V2 offers precise control over the spring curve and aims to provide coil-like sensitivity in an air shock.The Aria V2 models are still built around EXTs patented AS3 dual positive air chamber system for unlimited customization of the spring curve. With updates to the air system and seals, a revised, more compact layout, and integration with RideMaster, EXT aims to improve the Arias performance, fit more bikes, and simplify setup. Lets check it out.The V2 updates include fresh colors and a new look compared to the V1.EXT Aria V2 DetailsWith the original Aria and now the V2, EXT aimed to create a best-of-both-worlds product that essentially combines some of the performance characteristics of a coil shock with the benefits of an air shock. Thats no easy task, so how did they do it?AS3 Dual Positive Air ChamberTwo valves on the side of the Aria V2 allow for independent tuning of the + and ++ chambers of the AS3 system. AS3 is EXTs patented, proprietary dual positive air chamber system that allows for unlimited customization of the spring curve. It consists of two separate positive air chambers which allow users to independently adjust support (+) and progression (++), along with a large, self-equalizing negative chamber to deliver comfort at the start of travel.According to EXT, the + chamber (black valve) defines the dynamic sag position and controls the behavior in the first part of travel (around 60%), making it responsible for the top and mid-stroke. The ++ chamber (nickel-finished valve) handles the mid- to end-stroke support and controls progressivity. Increasing pressure in the ++ chamber increases end-stroke ramp-up, while decreasing it results in a more linear response.Graphs showing the impacts of changes to the + chamber (left) and the ++ chamber (right).EXT says that since progression can be controlled through the ++ chamber, the AS3 dual-positive air spring system negates the need to use volume spacers for tuning. Not only do they believe this helps to prevent mid-stroke dive or harsh ramp-up, but its also easier to adjust than using tokens. You dont need to remove the shock from the bike, or even open the air can. All you need to do is adjust the pressure in the ++ chamber.For maximum progression, the ++ chamber can be inflated up to 600 psi. This requires the use of a high-pressure shock pump, and fortunately, one is included with the purchase of the Aria V2.HBC (Hydraulic Bottom-Out Control)Originally appearing on EXTs Storia V3 in 2018, the hydraulic bottom-out control system does exactly what it says and allows riders to fine-tune the shocks end-of-stroke performance even further. According to EXT, this system consists of a secondary piston mounted below the main piston. As it approaches end-stroke, it enters an inner tube, forcing oil through a calibrated orifice that determines the progressivity of the final portion of travel.This adjustable HBC system works on the last 15% of the shocks stroke, reportedly adjusting end-stroke support without altering air spring behavior.LOK 2.0 The LOK 2.0 switch is used to adjust compression on the Aria V2.On the enduro/trail/e-bike version of the Aria V2, the LOK 2.0 switch carries over. This compression switch appears to function similarly to those found on many rear shocks, firming up the suspension when needed for climbing or pedaling. EXT says LOK 2.0 features an independent, preloaded shimmed valve circuit that directs oil through a separate circuit when engaged, increasing compression support for efficient pedaling while retaining sensitivity over rough terrain.Aria V2: Whats New?Air SpringWith the V2 update, EXT says it made some subtle refinements to the air spring to make it smoother and more predictable. These updates are:Redesigned Air Transfer System: A refined bypass between the positive and negative chambers creates a significantly smoother transition throughout the stroke, eliminating mid-stroke feedback.Optimized Airflow: Airflow along the positive chambers inner tube has been revised to ensure predictable, linear behavior even under rapid compression and high-speed impacts.Seals and Friction ReductionAs with most shock updates, measures have been taken to reduce friction for smoothness, sensitivity, and consistency. According to EXT, they optimized materials and seal profiles to minimize friction. Additionally, the upper bushings new internal position puts it in direct contact with the damping oil, ensuring smoother movement across full travel.Refined ChassisOne of the complaints about the original Aria was limited fitment and bike compatibility. To address this, EXT reduced the valve block footprint and switched the piggyback orientation from horizontal to vertical. Combined, these changes should improve frame clearance, frame compatibility, and potentially make installation easier.The Aria V2 DH is designed specifically for use with long-travel gravity bikes.Dedicated DH VersionEXT is also expanding its Aria family with the Aria V2 DH, a dedicated Downhill/Freeride version designed specifically for use with longer shock strokes and the demands of gravity riding in mind.Dedicated Tune: Tailored specifically for longer shock strokes and gravity riding.No LOK Lever: Removes the pedaling-oriented LOK 2.0 lever, allowing more DH frame fitting compatibility.DH-Specific HBC: Incorporates our engineered Hydraulic Bottom-Out Control capable of generating 20% more force at the end of the stroke to manage heavy impacts and landings.The Aria V2 (top) and the Aria V2 DH (bottom)EXT RideMaster Setup GuideRiders who struggle with suspension setup will be happy to know that the Aria V2 and Aria V2 DH are both included in EXTs RideMaster setup app. Rather than fumbling around with the myriad adjustments on the Aria V2 shocks, riders can input several metrics, including bike weight, rider weight, rear travel, shock stroke, and more. The app then provides suggested settings for HSC, LSC, rebound, and HBC clicks, along with recommended sag and air pressure.5-Year WarrantyEXT also informs us that its Aria V2 and Aria V2 DH are covered by its EXTREME #FIVEPLUS warranty extension program. This extension program provides customers with 3-year additional coverage in addition to the original 2-year legal Warranty Contract.ARIA V2 TRAIL / ENDURO / E-BIKEAS3 dual positive chamber technologyMonotube designHigh-Speed and Low-Speed compression adjustmentRebound adjustmentLOK 2.0 independent and customizable lockout circuitAdjustable Hydraulic Bottom-Out ControlV4-series compression valve14 mm chromoly steel shaftEV2S fluidHigh-volume bladder reservoir pressurized to 55 psiActual weight: 622 g in 210 x 55 mmAVAILABLE LENGTH / STROKEMetric Standard: 210 / 47.5 mm, 210 / 50 mm, 210 / 52.5 mm, 210 / 55 mm, 230 / 57.5 mm, 230 / 60 mm, 230 / 62.5 mm, 230 / 65 mm, 250 / 67.5 mm, 250 / 70 mm, 250 / 72.5 mm, 250 / 75 mmMetric Trunnion: 185 / 47.5 mm, 185 / 50 mm, 185 / 52.5 mm, 185 / 55 mm, 205 / 57.5 mm, 205 / 60 mm, 205 / 62.5 mm, 205 / 65 mm, 225 / 67.5 mm, 225 / 70 mm, 225 / 72.5 mm, 225 / 75 mmPRICE: 1,100 // $1,200ARIA V2 DH DOWNHILL / FREERIDEAS3 dual positive air chamber technologyMonotube designHigh-Speed and Low-Speed compression adjustmentRebound adjustmentV4-series compression valve14 mm chromoly steel shaftEV2S fluidLarge-volume bladder reservoir pressurized to 55 psiDH-specific Hydraulic Bottom-Out Control with 20% more end-stroke forceDH-dedicated tuningNo LOK 2.0Actual weight: 667 g in 250 x 75 mmAVAILABLE LENGTH / STROKEMetric Standard: 230 / 57.5 mm, 230 / 60 mm, 230 / 62.5 mm, 230 / 65 mm, 250 / 67.5 mm, 250 / 70 mm, 250 / 72.5 mm, 250 / 75 mmMetric Trunnion: 205 / 57.5 mm, 205 / 60 mm, 205 / 62.5 mm, 205 / 65 mm, 225 / 67.5 mm, 225 / 70 mm, 225 / 72.5 mm, 225 / 75 mmPRICE: 1,100 // $1,200AvailabilityEXTs new Aria V2 shocks officially launched today and are available now. Head to the EXT website to learn more or check availability in your region.extremeshox.com

Tadej Pogacar's name appearing on Slovenia's European Championship entry list offered an unexpected suggestion that his 2026 season might not be finished after all. Less than a month after the Vuelta a Espana crash that brought his campaign to an abrupt end, the prospect of defending his European ti...

In recent years, numerous products aimed at mitigating the effects of pedal kickback have hit the market. Among them, DT Swisss Degrees of Freedom (DEG DF) system is arguably the simplest, lightest, and best-integrated solution for isolating your rear suspension from forces on your drivetrain. Launched in 2025, the original DEG DF Upgrade Kit gave riders an inexpensive way to tune their freehub engagement by swapping the ratchet internals in existing DEG hubs.Until now, however, the DF technology has been limited to DTs oversized DEG hubs. With todays launch of the Ratchet DF Upgrade Kit, riders on classic Ratchet (non-DEG) freehub systems can also enjoy DF technology. Additionally, the new Ratchet DEG DF Race Kit provides riders with DEG DF hubs even more tuning options to dial in their freehub engagement. Lets check them out.Ratchet DF Upgrade KitThe Ratchet DF Upgrade Kit, with tool.DT Swiss introduced its Ratchet System in 1995, and it hasnt changed all that much in the decades since. Now, the brand is bringing DF technology to more riders with its new Ratchet DF Upgrade Kit. This kit is compatible with DTs classic 350 Ratchet and 370 Ratchet LN hubs and is approved for use on e-bikes. However, it is not compatible with any Ratchet EXP hubs.The Ratchet DF Upgrade Kit allows the rider to choose between 0 and 14 engagement settings by switching the inner and outer positions of the ratchets. The system includes everything you need to complete the upgrade, including a 54-tooth ratchet, and you can purchase it with or without the Threadring removal tool.DEG DF Race KitThe DEG DF Race Kit.If youve already got DEG DF hubs, the two new DEG DF Race Kits provide more options to fine-tune engagement with additional setup options. This adds to the existing 0 / 10 / 20 with two new options, which are 0 / 40 and 10 / 30.According to DT Swiss, the 0 / 40 option is tailored to ambitious gravity / downhill racers who are ready to conquer rough downhill trails, where a smoother ride is essential. In contrast, the 10 / 30 kit is designed for enduro racers who need to fine-tune their freedom of movement between stages.New 1700 RimsIn addition to the DF Upgrade and Race Kits, DT Swiss is also introducing new 1700 rims. The brand says it gave its new 1700 rims an asymmetrical profile for more even spoke tension and enhanced durability. The new rims also feature a reinforced construction that includes high-strength aluminum alloy, a welded rim connection, a wide horn (beadwall top) to reduce tire damage, and a tire contact surface with a hump (hook) for improved support.The new 1700 rims come in three category-specific constructions for cross-country (XR 421), all-mountain (XM 431), and enduro (EX 441). Of course, DTs new aluminum rims are all easily paired with its DEG DF hubs when building up your next high-performance aluminum wheelset.AvailabilityDT Swiss officially launched its new Ratchet DF Upgrade Kit, DEG DF Race Kit, and the new 1700 rims today. Head to the DT Swiss website to learn more or find a dealer near you.dtswiss.com

Carl-Frederik Bvort claimed a surprise victory on Stage 2 of the 2026 CRO Race, emerging from Uno-X Mobilitys sprint setup to beat Nicolas Gojkovi and race leader Juan Sebastian Molano in Novalja. The Danish rider took his first victory of the season after a frantic finale in which several late a...

First published August 2023; last updated September 2026 Burrito-shaped bundles strapped to the handlebars were one of the first means of carrying gear on a bike. Intrepid world cyclists used []The post Complete List of Handlebar Harnesses and Rolls for Bikepacking appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

DT Swiss has released two new rear hub kits based around its existing Degrees of Freedom technology, and revamped its 1700 rim series.The new hub kits are the DEG DF Race, which incorporates an increased level of float (up to 40 degrees) in the rear hubs engagement, and the Ratchet DF, which is compatible with cheaper Ratchet and Ratchet LN hubs. These kits are designed to reduce pedal kickback, which can hinder rear-suspension movement.The new 1700 rims span three models aimed at different disciplines all are now asymmetric, and feature a more pronounced bead seat and rim horn than previous versions.DEG DF Race kit The DEG DF Race kit upgrades your existing DEG DF kit to offer more free movement. DT Swiss DT Swiss DEG DF (Degrees of Freedom) kit (released a year ago) converts the ratchet system used in existing DEG freehubs to include an amount of free movement, with the aim of reducing pedal kickback.DEG hubs are DT Swiss hardcore offering, with a larger ratchet surface area and 90 points of engagement using a system of ratchet rings instead of pawls.The existing DEG DF kit offers users the option of either 0, 10 or 20 degrees of free movement via internal adjustment. That means you can adjust how much slack is in the system until the freehub engages once youre pressing on the pedals.DT Swiss says the DEG DF Race kit is an upgrade pack, which can be added to hubs already running the existing DEG DF kit.The new kit includes only the threaded rings (no ratchet rings or springs) and offers riders options to select increased free play with the freehub, with settings for either 0, 10, 30 or 40 degrees of movement instead.Ratchet DF kit The Ratchet DF kit offers 14 degrees of free movement for the freehub and can be retrofitted to DT Swiss Ratchet and Ratchet LN hubs. DT Swiss DT Swiss Ratchet and Ratchet LN hubs now have their own Degrees of Freedom kit. These hubs are less expensive than the DEG hubs, so this new kit opens up the pedal-kickback reduction capabilities of the DF to a new audience.The Ratchet DF kit offers 14 degrees of float within the freehub less than the 20 degrees of the DEG DF kit and 40 degrees of the DEG DF Race, which fit the more expensive DT Swiss DEG hubs.The Ratchet DF kit includes threaded rings, springs and ratchet rings (everything needed for the conversion), and is backwards-compatible with existing Ratchet and Ratchet LN hubs.New 1700 rim series The updated 1700 series consists of three models for XC, trail and downhill. DT Swiss DT Swiss has updated the rims in its 1700 range, so they are all now asymmetrical. DT Swiss says this enables them to be built into a stronger wheel thanks to more even spoke tension. DT Swiss says the 1700 series rims still use premium aluminium alloy and a welded rim joint.All the new 1700 series rims have an anti tyre-rim damage design, where a wider rim horn helps reduce the risk of tyre damage in an impact.During big hits, DT Swiss says this promotes controlled denting behaviour, which it says helps prevent tubeless air leaks. This has historically been a consideration for the brand helping riders complete race runs with air in their tyres, even if the rim is damaged.The final update is a change to the tyre contact surface, which now features a more pronounced hump that DT Swiss says enhances tubeless sealing, improves lateral support for the tyre and reduces the amount of pressure loss if the tyre burps.The XR 421, XM 431 and EX 441 are all based around this new tech. DT Swiss categorises rim lines by discipline: XR for cross-country, XM for trail riding, and EX for downhill and enduro.