Lorenzo Finn and Paul Seixas were racing against each other long before either reached the elite World Championships. In Montreal, the two teenagers arrived with very different expectations. Seixas was Frances undisputed leader, with an entire national team built around his bid for the rainbow jers...

I possess many great qualities, but perhaps the greatest is my unbeatable modesty. This is why youll never hear me brag about being the worlds greatest bike blogger, or cyclings preeminent Y-Foil expert, or the genius who coined pretty much the entire lexicon of urban cycling:Also, I just happen to be the cycling medias foremost rim brake apologist. Okay, fine, admittedly thats a pretty low bar, and kind of like being the biggest Neil Diamond fan at the death metal concert. Still, nobody defends rim brakes as staunchly, passionately, andlets be frank hereinsanely as I do:Which nets me nothing except stupid Internet comments like this:Good point. Thats why every Tour de France mountain stage prior to 2018 ended in a pile-up at the bottom of the descent. Also, two can play at the I ride more seriously than you which is why I need the new bike tech and you dont game. Guess what, Brimstone 117? Im a better cyclist than you and rim brakes are fantastic, and if you cant ride the Swiss Alps with nothing to stop you but a pair of antique Delta brakes then you suck and youre a loser:[All bow to Bike Snob NYC, King of All Freds]By the way, is there anybody who needs to get over themselves more desperately than the cyclists of Colorado?Just kidding, Im not really asking, we all know the answer is No.So as the greatest living defender of rim brake road bikes, I suppose I should feel vindicated when I see something like this, right?Hey, heres the most mainstream of all cycling publications publicly stating that even today in 2026 a rim brake road bike still rides better than a disc brake road bike:Because a great rim-brake road bike offers ride feel and sensations that, in my considerable testing experience, disc-brake road bikes still havent quite unlocked. At least not yet. And those qualities are worth considering because they point to something that can get lost when we talk about the evolution of road bikes strictly in terms of what newer technology makes possible.This an astounding admissionso astounding that even I dont believe it. I mean, I have my reasons for sticking with road bikes with rim brakes, but a belief that a really nice bike with disc brakes cant possibly ride as sublimely as one with rim brakes is not one of them. And yet I dont feel vindicated, just as I didnt back in 2016 when the same publicationand the same writer!sang the praises of long-reach (or technically medium-reach) brakes:See, in both cases my reaction is simply, Well, okay, great, but where were you when we really needed you? Its one thing to lie in front of the bulldozer to save an important landmark thats being destroyed to make room for a Chipotle, but its quite another to simply watch the bulldozer roll over that landmark while actually eating a burrito bowl from a Chipotle and then write something wistful about the landmark several years later. And to me, praising rim brakes now (or medium-reach brakes in 2016) feels more like the latter.**[And yes, I will also freely admit that I resent anybody else who stands up for rim brakes because Ive built my entire identity around it and I dont want to share it. Yeah, thats right, Im gatekeeping rim brake apologism! What do you think of that!?! The only thing that scares me more than the complete disappearance of the rim brake is the resurgence of the rim brakeunless I get to take credit for it. But that would never happen. Instead, when Ultraromance designs a rim brake road bike hes lauded as a genius, whereas when I stand up for rim brakes I just get Internet comments about how Im a Luddite who doesnt ride hard enough.]And what about Firefly, the maker of the rim brake in question?Surely I owe them a debt of gratitude for all the thought and effort they put into this rim brake bicycle, right?Right?!?ABSOLUTELY NOT.To understand why, lets take a look at what they have to say about the bike:No one was asking us for a new rim brake model in 2026. But we still believe in the value of the simplicity of rim brakes, and we realized we had all of the tools we needed to build a modern, versatile, beautiful new all Ti rim brake bike, and we couldnt resist. We just had a few gaps to close.The benefits of bigger tires on road and all road bikes are undeniable, so we developed a new Ti All Road fork for medium reach caliper brakes and 40mm tire clearance.We worked with Cane Creek to modify their spectacular Brompton eeBrakes with a traditional cable pull, giving us a top of the line caliper brake with All Road tire clearance.Good quick releases are hard to find now, and dont work well with the Ti fork design to begin with, so we created a new 3D printed though-bolt dropout design that is lighter and stiffer than older plate dropouts, secures the wheels better than quick releases, and looks beautiful.The result is a versatile, light, elegant, and modern All Road bike with the simplicity of caliper rim brakes.Really, no one was asking? No one was asking!?! Have we not established I have been lamenting the disappearance of the rim brake road bike for years now? WHAT AM I, CHOPPED LIVER!?!Also, lets take a look at the brakes:Holy crap, is that price for each? (Sorry, I now youre supposed to say per wheel, whatever) If so, thats ALMOST EIGHT HUNDRED FUNTIX FOR A SET OF RIME BREAKS!!! Rim brakes are about elegance and simplicity (according to me, the Official Arbiter of All Things Rim Brake), and theres nothing elegant or simple about an ugly-ass set of brakes that costs as much as an entire top-of-the-line Meh-roica bike on the used market.Also, apparently its a modified Brompton brake. Hopefully the bike is at least compatible with other less-ugly and less-expensive models of medium-reach brakewhich are still out there, even if there arent too many still in production. And if you need to get fancy there are always these:Or these:Neither of which are cheap, but both of which are a bargain compared to those eewBrakes.Still, even if it is compatible with normal brakes, it isnt compatible with normal skewers:Good quick releases are hard to find now, and dont work well with the Ti fork design to begin with, so we created a new 3D printed though-bolt dropout design that is lighter and stiffer than older plate dropouts, secures the wheels better than quick releases, and looks beautiful.Okay, Im sorry, thru-axles of any kind are NOT ALLOWED on rim brake bike. Theyre just not. And sure, I know things are bad, but in what dimension is it hard to find a good quick release?I dont think its possible to ask for a better quick release than that, and five seconds of search engine-ing suggests they remain readily available.And finally, WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?I believe the bike is also compatible with a mechanical drivetrain. But it doesnt matter. Look, I have no problem with people riding whatever they want, be it crabon, or dick breaks, or electrical drivetrains, or any combination thereof. However, if youre making a bike that no one was asking for specifically to showcase how much you value the simplicity of rim brakes, then have some respect and GET THAT REMOTE CONTROLLED STUFF OFF OF THERE!!! So what does a proper medium-reach rim brake road bike look like?This!Tektro! 105! Quick release skewers front and rear, fully mechanical, and a steel frame of adequate construction.It is my Harrumph! to the world.

Heavy and expensive, but exceptionally versatile and hugely enjoyable to ride

Remco Evenepoel has barely had time to leave Montreal behind before another major championship arrives with expectation already piling up around him. The Belgian left Canada with a fourth consecutive world time trial title but without the road race result he had wanted, finishing 12th after admittin...

From a seriously good value 899 entry-level bike to 6.5k aero machines, we take a look at Cube's gravel options for the coming year

Vladimir Kovacik went to Montreal expecting to spend the World Championships on the massage table. By Sunday afternoon, he had spent more than 100 kilometres riding alongside some of the biggest names in professional cycling instead. Slovakias 28-year-old team masseur became one of the most unlikel...

On paper, the Specialized Turbo Levo R Pro doesn't make a whole lot of sense - this 130mm travel 29er e-bike weighs almost 22kg, so its not much lighter than a regular e-bike, and with so little suspension its surely going to be less capable on the descents. Naturally, I decided that an epic adventure ride in the French Alps was the best way to see if these assumptions are misguided!It didnt take long to realise that the Specialized Turbo Levo R Pro might confound expectations. Most surprising was just Continue reading

If you shop online for bike parts, then its fairly likely youve come across Worldwide Cyclery. If youre familiar with the online retailer, then you might also be aware of its other brands: Trail One Components and KETL Mtn Apparel. While they are run as separate, distinct brands, they are all under the same operational umbrella, and Worldwide Cyclerys founder Jeff Cayley is the CEO of all three.We first reported on KETL back in 2017, shortly after the brand was launched at Frostbike by QBP. In 2020, KETL was acquired by the team at Worldwide Cyclery. In the years since, KETL has grown and expanded its product range beyond mountain bike apparel to include outdoor clothing for everything from hiking and trail running to winter sports and travel.Having purchased numerous parts from Worldwide Cyclery in the past decade or so, KETL Mtn Apparel has been on my radar for several years, but Ive never tried any of its mountain bike gear until this summer. A few months ago, I got my hands on KETLs Skid Mark Cordura Pro shorts, Wayward Performance Tee, and Canyon Cargo Bib liner, and have been riding in them off and on ever since.KETL Skid Mark 12 Cordura ProCheck Price at KETL Mtn ApparelSpecificationsMSRP: $129Materials: 4-way stretch Cordura ripstopInseam Length: 12 inchesPockets: 2 hand pockets, 2 zippered thigh pockets, 2 zippered rear pocketsMeasured Weight: 300 grams (size M)Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXLProsModerate priceStretchy and comfortableGood bike-specific cutSubdued stylingCordura material is tough and durableConsCordura material is fairly warmPerhaps a couple too many pockets for dedicated MTB shortsHeavier weightJeremy BensonIf youre reading this and wondering why Im reviewing shorts at the end of September, thats fair. But I found the Skid Mark shorts to be best suited for riding in cooler weather, and have been enjoying them more now that summer is behind us. KETL makes these shorts in two different fabrics. Ive been testing the Cordura Pro version made with a 4-way stretch Cordura material thats claimed to be insanely tough yet light and breathable. They also come in a less expensive (just $74) non-Cordura version that looks identical and weighs a bit less, too.Fit-wise, it seems fairly obvious that these shorts were designed by people who actually ride bikes. Theyve got a 12 inseam length, a slim, tailored fit, gusseted crotch, and an angled hem. Ive found the angled hem avoids annoying contact with the calf when pedaling, provides a little extra coverage for the thigh, and interfaces well with the low-profile knee pads I often wear.The size medium is a perfect fit on my 32 waist.Theres a zipper fly with a snap and a built-in adjustable belt with a metal G-hook. The belt offers a couple of inches of adjustment to optimize the fit, and a strip of silicone around the inside of the waistband locks them in even further. Overall, the fit feels pretty streamlined and purpose-built for riding bikes with no excess material to flap in the wind or snag on your saddle.The Skid Mark shorts have a total of six pockets. Thats great if youre really into pockets, but I think its a bit excessive on a pair of dedicated mountain bike shorts. I appreciate the jeans-style hand pockets when Im not riding, and the back-loading zippered thigh pockets are highly functional both on- and off-the-bike. I could definitely live without the two zippered back pockets, and I think the shorts would probably be better off with two fewer pocket linings hanging inside, too. While the Cordura material is indeed quite stretchy, I found it gave these shorts more of a midweight feel, and they ran a bit warm during the hotter days of summer. Its fairly thin, but the tough fabric simply doesnt let much air pass through it, in or out. The linings of the six pockets also add some additional layers and warmth. Sure, the ventilation holes in the crotch and the lower back helped a tiny bit, but these were not the shorts I was reaching for if the temperature was 80 F or more.Lots of layers of material for all the pockets on the Skid Mark shorts.Recently, however, that midweight feel is something Ive grown to appreciate about these shorts. On cool evening rides, the Cordura material blocks the wind and keeps the chill off my upper legs. When I heat up on climbs, the material dries pretty quickly, helping to avoid the chill of riding in sweaty shorts. They seem particularly well-suited to moderate fall temperatures, or just anytime it isnt super hot. Im calling them my shoulder-season shorts.And they feel bombproof, too. On a recent ride, I unexpectedly lost front wheel traction and slammed super hard while wearing the Skid Mark shorts. I had cuts and abrasions all over the right side of my body, including my face it was a good one. My right hip/thigh took the brunt of the impact and resulting slide across the loose, gritty dirt. After I gathered myself, I got up and brushed the shorts off, and I expected them to be a little thrashed, but it looked like nothing even happened. I may have gotten a little bruised and battered, but these shorts took it in stride.KETL Canyon BibCheck Price at KETL Mtn ApparelSpecificationsMSRP: $169Materials: 77% polamide, 23% elastaneWeight: 189 grams (size M)Seat Pad: 10mm thick Italian made quadruple layer chamoisPockets: 3 rear cargo pocketsSizes: S, M, L, XL, XXLColors (grippers only): Rust, Clay Topo, Grey TopoProsComfortable chamoisWide leg gripper keeps shorts in placeGood rear cargo pocket designNo useless cargo pockets on legsConsMinimal compressionBody material isn't the fastest dryingJeremy BensonThis year, Ive had the chance to try a number of new bib liners, including KETLs Canyon Bib. Like most other MTB-specific bib liners, these are made to be worn under a pair of baggy mountain bike shorts. The body of the bibs is made of a lightweight spandex-like material, with a large mesh panel on the back between the bib straps. Theyve got 3-inch-wide leg grippers, a 10mm-thick Italian-made quadruple-layer chamois, and three rear cargo pockets.The 3 grippers have a fine texture on the inside.I got the Canyon Bib in a size medium, and the fit is pretty spot on for me at 60 and 170 pounds. KETLs size chart puts me in a large based on height and a medium based on weight. Ive got long legs and a short torso, so Im glad I went with the medium. The body material used in these bibs also has very little compression compared to the Fox Tecbase, for example, so the slightly snugger fit of the medium is definitely appreciated.Also helping to keep them in place are the super wide leg grippers. These have a fine, grippy texture on the inside and just enough compression to keep them both comfortable and secure on my legs. Likewise, the bib straps on the size medium are the perfect length for my frame, with light tension over my shoulders keeping the shorts and chamois in place and providing support for the cargo pockets.Italian-madeThe 10mm thick Italian-made quadruple layer chamois is on what Id call the thinner side of the seat pad spectrum. That said, it has multiple densities of padding, with a well-considered shape that provides targeted cushioning for the sit bones along with a central channel to relieve taint pain. It isnt what Id call cushy, but in my experience, its comfortable and unobtrusive, and seems to manage moisture pretty well.The cargo pockets have been designed to overlap the waist of your baggy shorts.On the back, the three-pocket layout is well executed and provides plenty of room to carry snacks, tools, a packable layer, or even a water bottle. I especially like that the lower half of the pockets is separate from the bibs, easily overlapping the waistband of my shorts. Some cargo pockets conflict with shorts when full, but thats not an issue with the Canyon Bib. Im also glad they did not include cargo pockets on the thighs because I find them to be completely useless once you put shorts over them anyway.A water bottle fits easily, and theres plenty of space for the rest of your essentialsOverall, the Canyon Bib has been serving me pretty well, and my complaints are limited. That said, I prefer a bit more compression than they offer, even in a liner. The material used for the main body seems to retain a bit more sweat/moisture than some of the other bibs Ive been using lately, too. Its not a deal breaker, but theyre usually a bit soggy when I finish rides. Lastly, and the same goes for many bib liners, a pee flap would be a very user-friendly addition.KETL Wayward Performance TeeCheck Price at KETL Mtn ApparelSpecificationsMSRP: $59Material: 53% polyester, 40% recycled polyester, 7% spandex: 129 gsmMeasured Weight: 142 g (size M)Features: Microfiber glasses wipe, zippered side pocketSizes: S, M, L, XL, XXLColors: Blue, Black, Green, GreyProsComfortable materialQuick dryingGood on-bike fitHidden pocket and eyewear wipeVersatile enough for use off the bikeConsShoulders could use a little more articulationJeremy BensonThe Wayward Performance Tee is a short-sleeve bike jersey thats made from a lightweight, breathable, snag-free polyester/spandex blend. The material has a UPF 30 rating and a subtle, tightly spaced stripe texture on the exterior. The Wayward has a drop-tail hem, an integrated eyewear wipe, and a small, hidden zippered pocket for a credit card, key, or snack. It comes in four solid colors: blue, black, green, and grey.Im a pretty big fan of technical mountain bike clothing that doesnt necessarily look like mountain bike clothing, and thats exactly what the Wayward Tee is. I could wear this shirt just about anywhere, and it wouldnt be out of place. It looks like a casual T-shirt, yet it performs well on the bike, too.I have a size medium, and it fits me well enough, although if I were to get another, I think Id probably size up to a large. The medium isnt necessarily too small, but Im close to maxing out the shoulders and the chest. Regardless, its still quite comfortable and avoids being excessively baggy or too loose, which I like. The flatlocked seams appear heavily reinforced, yet they lay nice and flat and havent caused any irritation.The fabric is super soft and feels good against the skin. Its light, airy, and seems to wick moisture pretty well, and it dries very quickly when it gets sweaty. It performed well on hot summer days and continues to do so in the cooler temps of early fall. The materials moisture wicking and quick drying have been helping me regulate temperature in the heat and cool alike.I was also wearing this shirt during the hard crash mentioned above. I expected the shoulder to be a little shredded, but the only damage is a barely visible little pinhole. I wish I could say the same for my shoulder Either way, Im impressed by its durability given its light weight.Hidden pocket and an eyewear wipe. Its a T-shirt, so realistically, there isnt a lot to it. I appreciate the inclusion of the eyewear wipe and have used it numerous times. I didnt even notice the zippered pocket for the first few rides since its so well hidden along the seam. I havent used it yet, but its a nice touch should I need to someday, and it doesnt detract from the otherwise clean and minimalist aesthetic of the shirt. The two small logos are super subtle, too.My only gripe is super minor. I think the shoulders could use a bit more articulation to better match the riding position, but perhaps that would be resolved if I had the larger size. Otherwise, this is a comfortable and good-looking mountain bike shirt that performs well on the bike. Its also a versatile piece that easily transitions into other activities like trail runs and hikes and doesnt look out of place when I stop for a beer after.Final ThoughtsOverall, Ive found KETL Mtn Apparels mountain bike gear to be comfortable and well-made. Its worth checking out if youre looking for some new gear and are interested in trying something different. You can find all of the pieces I tested, plus the rest of KETL Mtn Apparels outdoor and travel apparel on the brands website: ketlmtn.com

Remco Evenepoel heads into the European Championships in Ljubljana as the overwhelming favourite. The absence of defending champion Tadej Pogacar, who has been ruled out following the injury he suffered at the Vuelta a Espana, leaves the Belgian as the leading contender for the continental jersey on...

Christian Scaroni left Montreal convinced Italy had ridden well enough to come away with more than ninth place. A few days later, the same core of riders are already looking towards another medal shot at the European Championships. Italy were aggressive throughout the elite men's World Championship...