The World Championships have delivered several conclusions in recent years that defied pre-race forecasts. The latest came in Montreal, where Brandon McNulty claimed the rainbow jersey after attacking with 32 kilometers to go and soloing to the world title. The Americans triumph marks another break...

Adidas and Five Ten have released a new FREERIDER shoe made for all kinds of extreme terrain. Based on feedback from their BMX and downhill riders, this Stealth-rubber-soled shoe comes in both flat and clipless versions and looks comfortable. Find details belowThe post The 2026 Adidas FREERIDER Comes in Flat and Clipless Versions appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Matteo Jorgenson has spent much of the last two seasons racing on the opposite side of Tadej Pogacar and UAE Team Emirates - XRG. In Montreal, the Visma star ended up playing a crucial part in helping one of their riders into the rainbow jersey. Jorgenson was wearing American colours rather than Vis...

With our fall fundraising deadline just around the corner, were excited to unveil our latest Collective Reward dream build: a complete Sklar PBJ outfitted for just about any adventure. Built around Sklars versatile steel ATB frame, this special setup features Sklars PBJ handlebars, Lightweight Rear Rack, and Ti bottle cages, a custom Rockgeist frame bag, a Swift Industries Zeitgeist handlebar bag, and a pair of our bottles. One lucky Bikepacking Collective member will take it all home. Dig into the details hereThe post Sklar PBJ Dream Bike Giveaway appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Unlike the cach carried by Zipps road wheels, particularly the 303, their mountain bike wheels simply havent caught on as either OEM spec or in aftermarket demand. Which maybe isnt surprising, but its also a bit of a shame, because theyre surprisingly good.I rode and reviewed the wider, more aggressive 3Zero Moto wheels at their launch and noted that theyre one of few products that lives up to all of the hype. I still have that pair, and theyre great for all-mountain.But for their 1ZERO HiTOP XC wheels, there was no launch event, just a press release that got lost in the noise of SRAMs Eagle Powertrain e-bike motor launch. And with only Lauf, Allied, and (at the time) Ari Bikes specing them, they just didnt get much attention. So, heres a quick refresher on the specs:XC to Trail wheels for up to 130mm travelTwo models S (1495g) and SW (1325g)SW gets better hubs, lighter spokes, and TireWyz 2.0Full carbon rims are the same on both models24 spokes per wheel37.7mm outer width, 30mm internal21.1mm deepLike the 3ZERO Moto, theres a compliance story about how the rims are made to help track the terrain. Unlike the 3ZERO Motos single-wall design, the 1ZERO HiTOP uses a more traditional design with a cavity (which prevents the spokes from pushing into the rim tape and causing tubeless leaks).The shape is modern and, honestly, not all that unique anymore. Shallow for compliance, with broad shoulders to prevent pinch flats. Without knowing the resin and fiber makeup, and the lack of ankle flex like the 3ZERO Moto, my assumption is its the depth and shape that makes it work.Which is fine, because it works great, so lets dive into thatZipp 1ZERO HiTOP Ride ReviewTwo of us have been riding the base model HiTOP S wheels for about a year. We havent been easy on them, either. For starters, I rode them hard both at the Lauf Elja launch, through three days of big climbs, rocky and rough descents, and some seriously challenging trails in Iceland.Then we rode them across the U.S. on some of the best mountain bike trails around Forks (WA), Flagstaff and Sedona (AZ), and Bentonville (AR). Hit those links to see the Trail Yeah! videos I did for Lauf, and youll see these wheels in actionand find some killer places to ride!They also continue to see plenty of miles on my home trails in North Carolina. After all that, theyre still impressively true on both bikes. As in, perfectly true radially, and within 1mm laterally. And theyve required zero maintenance.For a reasonably light set of wheels aimed at XC to Trail riding, these perform very well. They roll smoothly, and while certainly aided by the 2.6 Goodyear Peak tires specd by Lauf, they do seem to tame trail chatter and maintain traction. These tires are wide, but have low-profile tread, and yet across all of the dirt, loam, rock, and sand weve ridden, its rare that weve felt like we needed more, so I feel like the wheels play some role in that.The Hubs are just OKThe big difference between the base-level HiTOP S and top-level HiTOP SW is the hubs. The latter gets lighter hubs with slightly faster engagement (33-tooth w/ offset pawls for 5.45 engagement on SW, versus 26-tooth and 6.54 on S). Neither is particularly quick compared to premium hubs like Industry Nine, Project321, etc.Even the latest Shimano XTR hubs drop to 3.5 engagement. That said, Chris King is 5.0 and common DT Swiss hubs range from 6.6 to 10, with only their higher-end DEG models dropping to 4.0. So, Zipps hubs engagement speeds arent slow for the category, but in real-world riding, I wanted faster engagement, and heres why:Late in a ride, when pedaling form gets sloppy and lazy, I could feel and hear the hubs coast-engage-coast-engage while pedaling. It created a light yet frequent clang as the pawls re-engaged with the teeth inside the hub.Theyre not overly loud, and in fact I think the coasting noise hits the right balance between silent and obnoxious. But when theres a constant tactile and audible reminder that Im not pedaling perfect circles, it becomes annoying. And 6.5 is actually quite a bit of free rotation by the time it gets all the way out to your pedals.But here are the real problemsFor starters, there are only four pawls. And theyre offset, so only two are engaging at a time. Yes, theyre big, and theyre clicking through meaty teeth on the drive ring, but theres just something lacking emotionally when you see this inside a not-cheap wheelset.Second, theres the tiniest bit of play in the rear hub. And its not just my rear hub. Most of the bikes at Laufs launch had a little play in the rear hubs. Apparently, its a thing with Zipps 1Zero HiTOP wheels. So, I took mine apart. Pulled the axle out, the freehub body off, and felt the bearings. Ultimately, I think I found the culprit:Its the drive-side axle cap. Or, at least, thats the only thing I can find that isnt rock solid.It appears to be a two-piece design, which makes absolutely zero sense and, at the risk of sounding harsh, is a questionable design even if this is not the culprit. The pics above show how much flop the face of it has compared to its body. Zippwhy not just use a normal one-piece axle cap?Given that this is the piece that connects the wheel with the bike, this should be rock solid, and its not. And, as far as I can tell, its what creates a tiny bit of rear hub play once the wheel is installed on the bike.That saidThe only time I notice this is when I grab the tire and frame and try to wiggle it. The play isnt noticeable when riding, and it doesnt cause any shifting issues or brake rotor rub. And after more than a year of hard riding, it hasnt gotten worse. So, does it matter? I dont know, but it still seems like a silly design on an otherwise great wheelset.Thats honestly my only real complaint about them.Otherwise, the hubs have held up well, spin freely, and look good. Yes, Id love to have the lighter SW wheels to save on unsprung mass and bragging rights (170g = 0.37lbs).But at least most of the weight savings is toward the center of the wheel since both S and SW share the same rim. And, if you wanna get into the weeds, some of those weight savings come from the SW using Center Lock rotors and the S using 6-bolt, so by the time you add 10-30g heavier Center Lock rotors, you lose a bit of those gains.Yes, You Should Consider These If the Zipp 1ZERO HiTOP werent on your list, add them. Priced at $1,400 (S) to $2,050 (SW), theyre both weight- and price-competitive with other premium wheels on the market. And they come with a lifetime warranty.Weve beat the snot out of them on Sedonas hard rock, Flagstaffs jump lines, alpine rock gardens and high-speed flow trails, Bentonvilles skills parks, and Forks incredibly steep enduro trails. And here we are, still riding them hard. They may not get the attention of brightly anodized, deafeningly loud wheels from boutique brands, but the performance speaks volumes.Zipp.com

Brandon McNulty will spend the next year wearing one of the most recognisable jerseys in cycling. Michael Rasmussen is already wondering how that will look once the new world champion returns to a UAE Team Emirates - XRG squad still built around Tadej Pogacar and, increasingly, Isaac del Toro. McNul...

Five Tens iconic Freerider shoe debuted in 2009, quickly propelling the brand to become market leaders in MTB-specific footwear. In 2011, Adidas became the parent company of Five Ten, but until now they kept their name and logo off Five Tens shoes. For 2027, well see a whole new line of Freerider shoes, which now feature Adidas three stripes on every model.This definitely begs the question: Will the Five Ten name be dropped in coming years? The 2027 Freerider models all still have Five Ten logos, but it seems Adidas is keen to grow the brand identity of Adidas Bike. Developed with input from World Cup and freeride athletes like Vali Holl, Greg Minnaar, Brendan Fairclough and Danny MacAskill, all models in the new Freerider family have been redesigned and re-engineered with Adidas expertise in athletic footwear. Offering something for every rider, the new Freerider line now includes a clipless model that replaces the Five Ten Hellcat. 2027 Five Ten Freeriders Construction Features:One new feature common to all Freerider models is some re-shaping. First, the new shoes all get redesigned and reinforced Slingshot heel cups. This area was revised to fit more snugly and reduce potential movement of the heel. All the new Freeriders also feature asymmetrical construction, which helps deflect impacts at the toe box.Another thing I noticed was that on all the new models, the three Adidas stripes on both sides of the shoes are actually abrasion-resistant. The base Freerider shoe features perforated fabric stripes, but the other models all get tough-looking stripes (which differ per model) that should help fend off wear and tear. I thought this was a clever way to make the stripes a functional element of the shoes.Like the previous Freerider shoe line, the 2027 base model Freerider does not have weather-resistant uppers, but the Pro models all do. None of the Freeriders are fully waterproof, but the Pro models are built to resist rain, mud, and splashes. As for midsoles, the Freerider offers a single-density EVA midsole, while the Pro models all get something a little fancier: Their insoles are dual-density, plus they feature a D30 pad in the heel for extra protection against nasty heel impacts.All non-clipless Freerider models get the same classic Five Ten Stealth Dotty rubber soles that made the brand popular.2027 Freerider Lineup:Freerider $120The Freerider carries on as the most basic model in the line. It sticks with traditional laces and non-weatherproof, casual-looking suede uppers.At their World Cup display booth, I was told the new Freerider shoe was made to be stiffer than the original. Five Tens designers knew the older models would eventually flex and blow out at the sides where your toes bend, and this new version is made to resist that wear and tear much better.Freerider Pro (price TBA)The Freerider Pro still uses laces, but has some upgrades over the base model. This shoe gets weather-resistant synthetic uppers and a more protective five-layer toe box featuring PORON impact resistance. The Pro model also includes a lace enclosure with an elastic lace tuck so you can neatly hide those loose ends.Freerider Pro BOA $180The Freerider Pro BOA was developed with input from Brendan Fairclough, Vero Sandler and Danny MacAskill. The Pro BOA boasts water-resistant PU leather uppers and a five-layer toe box with PORON impact resistance.This shoe gets a single BOA Li2 dial, with an asymmetrical PERFORMFIT WRAP (what they call the lacing pattern) for a precise fit. It also includes an integrated debris shield.Freerider Pro BOA Clipless $250The race-friendly Freerider Pro BOA Clipless shoe was designed with the Norco Adidas Race Division riders, plus Vali Holl and Dakotah Norton. This model features a longer-lasting STEALTH Marathon sole and a redesigned cleat slot with 5 mm of additional rearward adjustment.The Pro BOA Clipless uses two BOA Li2 dials with PERFORMFIT WRAP lacing to ensure a precise, dual-zone fit across the entire foot. This model also includes a five-layer PORON toe box and a debris shield to keep your feet clean and protected. The Norco Adidas Race Division athletes started racing in the Freerider Pro Boa Clipless shoes at the Whistler UCI World Cup DH last weekend.All models of the new Freerider shoes will be available to consumers in March 2027. Mens sizes range from 5.5-14.5 US, and womens sizes 5.5-10.5 US are available. adidas.com

Last year, Wolf Tooth Components entered the clipless pedal market with the launch of its CTRL, ALT, and DEL models. This three-pedal range covered the needs of most off-road riders and was later joined by the SHIFT gravity pedals. Of the four models in the lineup, the ALT is aimed squarely at XC and gravel riders, and has been available in the standard/premium construction, as well as the ultralight, race-focused MK version thus far. Today, Wolf Tooth is introducing the ALT Performance, a lower-priced ALTernative to its higher-end siblings.Introduced in 2020 with its headsets, Wolf Tooths Performance Series components share the same general design as the premium versions, but are made with slightly different materials and may include other subtle changes to hit a lower price point. Over the summer, the CTRL and WaveForm were the first pedals to be added to the Performance Series. Now, Wolf Tooth adds the ALT pedals to the list, making it the first model in the brands pedal lineup to be available in all three of its product tiers.The ALT pedals are now available in all three of Wolf Tooths product tiers: Performance (left), Standard (middle), and MK (right).Wolf Tooth ALT Performance PedalsThe new ALT Performance pedals look nearly identical to the standard version. The ALT is a dual-sided clipless pedal that features Wolf Tooths SPD-compatible binding mechanism. As an XC-oriented model, it has a relatively small pedal body, yet it boasts a 534 mm contact area, which is relatively large for the category. The pedal body thickness is stated at just 15mm, not including the binding mechanism.While they might look almost exactly the same, the ALT Performance varies from the standard version in several ways. In the standard/premium version, the pedal body is CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and features stainless steel axles and hardware. The Performance versions pedal body is crafted from forged and post-machined aluminum and uses satin chrome-plated Chromoly steel axles and hardware.Additionally, the ALT Performance does not feature Wolf Tooths adjustable Q-factor design. Instead, the Q-factor is fixed at 55mm. These changes in materials and construction result in a very modest increase in weight. The claimed weight for the pair is 326 grams, which is just 31 grams more than the standard version.The ALT Performance pedals are part of Wolf Tooths Right to Repair Program, and they tell us that most of the individual components are available as replacement parts. They are also backed by a 2-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. They are currently available in five of Wolf Tooths Color Shop finishes: Raw Silver, Black, Red, Orange, and Gold.Five colors to choose from.ALT Performance Specs326g / pair534 mm contact area15mm pedal thicknessFixed 55mm q-factorForged and post-machined pedal bodiesSatin chrome-plated chromoly steel axles and hardwareAvailable in five Color Shop finishes: Black, Raw Silver, Orange, Gold, and RedWolf Tooths ALT XC Pedals, now more affordable in the Performance Series.Pricing and AvailabilityThe new ALT Performance XC Pedals are priced at $159.95 USD, which is $60 less than the standard version. They are available now directly from the brand or through your favorite Wolf Tooth Components dealer.wolftoothcomponents.com

Paul Seixas left Montreal blaming himself for Frances missed World Championship opportunity. Jerome Pineau has put much more of the responsibility on the riders who were supposed to still be around him. The 20-year-old arrived in Montreal as Frances undisputed leader, with the entire team built ar...

WTB brings fresh gravel wheels to the market, boasting a freehub and rim tech built for durability