The Idaho Gem is a 250-mile bikepacking route through the rugged heart of Central Idaho, packed with sublime singletrack, punishing climbs, rowdy descents, and unexpected side quests. Watch Chris Wilson's latest video, browse a stunning set of photos, and read Paul Faupel's story about how crashes, mechanicals, smoke, and sore legs tested their resolve on a route thats equal parts beautiful and brutaland best tackled with a good friend by your sideThe post A Quest for the Idaho Gem (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Brandon McNulty now has a new bike to match the rainbow jersey.After winning the Elite Mens Road World Championship in Montral, McNulty will debut a one-off Colnago Y1Rs at the Giro dellEmilia this Saturday. The bike takes the usual World Champion colors. However, this time the design team works them into a much darker treatment than the traditional white-and-rainbow setup.And no, Colnago isnt selling this one (yet).(Bike Photos/Colnago)McNultys World Champion Y1RsThe frame starts with a glossy black carbon finish with fine glitter mixed into the paint. Colnago says the small points of light are a nod to the stars on the American flag, tying the bike back to McNulty and Team USA.The rainbow colors are laid over that black base in large blocks rather than simple bands. Blue, red, yellow, and green run across the frame and rear stays, giving the bike a sharper look than the usual World Champion treatment.Montral Gets Its Own DetailsThe smaller details are where the bike gets more personal. Turn the bars and the headset cover reveals the date of McNultys World Championship win, along with an ace of clubs and a maple leaf. The maple leaf represents Canada and Montral, where McNulty rode away from the field to take the title.Colnago says the full design pulls together the rainbow jersey, McNultys American identity, the brands history, and the city where he became World Champion.(Photo/Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)A Rainbow Bike Earned From 32km OutMcNulty won the Elite Mens road race after attacking with 32km remaining and holding off the chase all the way to the finish. It was a nail-biter, and all the favorites were in the chase. He crossed the line 13 seconds ahead of Michael Matthews (AUS; Team Jayco AlUla) and Mathieu van der Poel (NED; Alpecin-Premier Tech), becoming the first American man to win the Elite Road World Championship in 33 years.The win also came 10 years after McNulty took the Junior Mens Road World Championship in 2016. Finally he gets the bike that comes with the jersey. Why the Y1Rs?Colnago built the World Champion treatment around the Y1Rs, the aero-focused race bike McNulty rides with UAE Team Emirates-XRG. The Y1RS has been the teams go-to bike for nearly every tour and race this season. It only seems fitting that it would be the first to get the World Champion paint job.This announcement is about the frame and paint, not a new build, so expect McNultys race setup to stay in line with the team equipment hes already been using. The difference is that spotting him in the bunch just got a lot easier.Sorry, You Cant Buy ItMcNultys World Champion Y1Rs is a true one-off.Colnago says the special paint job was created exclusively for McNulty and will not be offered for sale. So if you were hoping for a limited run of rainbow Y1Rs frames, bad news. This one belongs to the World Champion.Colnago.com

Ive officially retired my hand pump. With today's rapid advances in cycling tech, I've decided theres no reason to spend ten minutes sweating over a tiny manual pump when a flat tyre decides to ruin my ride.Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are back, running from October 6-7, and one early discount I've spotted is on the Muc-Off AirMach Electric Mini Inflator, discounted from $99 to just $70, which is a 29% reduction and beats its previous best 25% reduction from earlier in the year.Grab your Muc-Off AirMach Electric Mini Inflator for just $70 at Amazon.The best electric bike pumps have become an absolute game-changer for me. Compact and featherlight, they slip effortlessly into a jersey pocket or saddle bag without adding bulk. Theyve evolved massively over the past few years, offering by far the quickest, most effortless way to inflate both the best road and gravel tyres on the fly.To access Amazon Prime deals, you'll need a Prime membership. You can sign up for a free 30-day trial and cancel anytime before the $14.99 per month fee kicks in.AirMach Electric Pump: was $99 now $70Save 29%. The AirMach by Muc-Off grabbed a spot in our electric pumps group test. As you'd expect from a Muc-Off product, it's well-designed and has an ultra-compact, jersey-pocketable size matched with a high-pressure capability up to 100 PSI for easy inflation. It's protected by a rugged silicone outer sleeve, charges completely in around 25 minutes via USB-C and features a reversible valve head that fits both Presta and Schrader valves.View DealAirMach Electric Pump: was 75 now 62Save 17%. The Prime Day UK deal isn't as good as the US version, but there is a worthwhile 17% off at Balfe's Bikes. The Muc-Off AirMach has been cheaper, but if you're after an electric inflator, then this is a deal to consider.View DealMuc-Off is arguably one of the most recognised cycling brands around, producing quality bike maintenance and cleaning products for decades, including pressure washers and now electric inflators.In our electric inflator group test, the Muc-Off AirMach certainly delivered where it counts. It's classic Muc-Off colourway, and premium feel in the hand is matched in performance.Measuring just 2.56 in. (6.4 cm) long, 2.2 in. (5.6 cm) high, and 1.1 in. (2.8 cm) wide, the Airmach weighs in at a feathery 97g or 114g with the case. Its tiny stature comes with a powerful 100psi of inflation power that will inflate up to two tyres on one charge, and It took around 60 seconds to inflate a 30c tyre from flat to 50psi.It's also powered by what Muc-Off say is cutting-edge brushless motor technology for that rapid inflation. Fully USB-C rechargeable, it's good to go in just 25 minutes, and you can switch between Presta and Schrader valves.We also noted that the valve head itself is nicely machined, with metal knurling that makes switching between Presta and Schrader easy. That said, the actual valve seal is made from quite a soft rubber. It worked perfectly in testing, but we think you may find it wears out quickly. Our testing highlights were that the AirMach impressively managed to seat a tubeless tyre without breaking a sweat.The Muc-Off AirMach doesn't have a screen, but if you require precise, visible inflation, its sibling, the Muc-Off AirMach Pro does. That's currently discounted to 83 from 100 on Amazon UK, but still at its full price of $155 on Amazon US.Below you'll find the best deals on Muc-Off AirMach and AirMach Pro from other retailers, relevant to your location.

CyclistPro Log: Ganna linked to Lidl-Trek; Evenepoel and Vollering win European titles; Ronan Aug out of medically induced comaWelcome back to another edition ofPro Log. Heres a rundown of the latest results before we get started:UEC European Championships, Mens Elite Road Race, Sun 4th October:1st Remco Evenepoel, Belgium, 4h 16min 37sec; 2nd Giulio Ciccone, Italy, +00sec; 3rd Christian Scaroni, Italy, +59sec.UEC European Championships, Womens Elite Road Race, Sat 3rd October:1st Demi Vollering, Netherlands, 3h 10min 33sec; 2nd Puck Pieterse, Netherlands, +05sec; 3rd Marlen Reusser, Switzerland, +05sec.UEC European Championships, Mens Junior Road Race, Sat 3rd October:1st Elias Dybing, Norway, 2h 42min 40sec; 2nd Aitor Martnez, Spain, +10sec; 3rd Jop van den Biggelaar, Netherlands, +10sec.Il Lombardia, Mens U23, Sat 3rd October:1st Henrique Bravo, Soudal Quick-Step Development Team, 4h 02min 05sec; 2nd Otto Schultz Jlving, Team ColoQuick,+56sec; 3rd Matteo Scalco, XDS Astana Development Team, +1min 06sec.Remco Evenepoel completes historic setSzymon Gruchalski/Getty ImagesCongratulations are in order for Remco Evenepoel. The Belgian bested Italys Giulio Ciccone in as tight a photo finish as youll ever see to claim the European Championships Road Race title, the only international championship missing from his palmars having already won the European TT as well as Olympic, World and National titles in both the road race and time-trial.Evenepoel crashed 36km from the finish line but was able to remount and link back up with Ciccone. He did most of the work, with Ciccones teammate Christian Scaroni racing towards the bronze medal behind. Ciccone was the one to launch first at the finish, taking advantage of the Belgians squeamish cornering after his crash, and got a decent gap, but a resurgent Evenepoel delivered the sprint of his life to come across the line a hairs width ahead.Demi Vollering retains European titleSzymon Gruchalski/Getty ImagesAfter claiming the rainbow jersey, Demi Vollering had one more task to complete in 2026: retaining her European title. She did so with some ease in her most dominant season yet, breaking clear on the final ascent of Mojanca after another strong leadout from compatriot Puck Pieterse, who then won the sprint for second just five seconds behind Vollering, with Switzerlands Marlen Reusser in third.Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney was in the chasing group but crashed on the final bend. She remounted to cross the line in sixth place.Ronan Aug out of comaARN/Thomas MaheuxFrenchman Ronan Aug has awoken from his medically induced coma following a crash on Stage 6 of the Tour de Langkawi. His condition was described by his Unibet Rose Rockets team as stable and non-life threatening, with the 22-year-old able to communicate and move his arms and legs.Filippo Ganna linked to Lidl-TrekUnipublic/SprintCyclingAgencyIn what could end up as the biggest story of the mens transfer window, Gazzetta dello Sports Ciro Scognamiglio has reported that talks are in progress for Lidl-Trek to sign Filippo Ganna from Netcompany Ineos, despite the Italian having another year left on his contract.Lidl-Trek have already signed seven new riders for 2027 including Felix Gall, Jordi Meeus and Jordan Jegat, and they now have their sights set on the Hour record holder. Time-trial extraordinaire and Classics man Ganna won Dwars door Vlaanderen in April and followed that up with a time-trial stage win at the Giro dItalia and another National Championship title against the clock before helping Italy win the Mixed Relay TTT at the World Championships.That must be quite the fruitful middle aisle.UAE Team LImad close development teamSzymon Gruchalski/Getty ImagesThe UAE Development Team will not continue as a separate UCI Continental squad at the end of this season as the team notes it is changing how it supports the development of young riders.UAE Team LImad will continue to support its current Development Team riders during the 2027 season, with support tailored to their individual needs and stage of development. The priority is to help each athlete continue progressing in her career, the team said.Created in 2023, the development team has housed riders including Paula Blasi and Laura Gillespie, and this year 18-year-old British rider Abigail Miller won La Classique Morbihan for the squad.The post Pro Log: Ganna linked to Lidl-Trek; Evenepoel and Vollering win European titles; Ronan Aug out of medically induced coma appeared first on Cyclist.

The 240-mile Northwest Loop at the 2026 Arkansas High Country Race follows a unique mix of gravel, forest roads, and pavement. Riders in each category set new records this year. Read Aaron Arnzen's recap of the Northwest Loop's podium-worthy rides with photos by Kai Caddy here...The post Multiple Records at the 2026 Arkansas High Country Race Northwest Loop appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Blackwater Bicycles showed something pretty different at the CRAFTED Bike Show at Cane Creek. We saw it online, and now were wishing wed seen it in person. Built in collaboration with Marginal Gain of Colorado, the bike uses a drivetrain concept called Orient. The new chainring has one simple goal: keep the chain straighter across more of the cassette. View this post on Instagram Whats the bit that everyones trying to improve for 1x? Chainline, and no matter how close you get it, theres always a compromise. Wide-range 1x drivetrains ask the chain to run at some pretty ugly angles in the biggest and smallest cogs. A gnarler angle means more friction, more wear, and less efficiency. But, maybe not for long. (Photo/Blackwater Bikes)Orient ChainlineBlackwater and Marginal Gain built the drivetrain around a different layout meant to reduce chain articulation across the range. The idea gets more interesting as cassette counts keep climbing. Marginal Gain says the concept could support 15- or even 16-speed setups while still keeping chain angles more reasonable than many current 1x systems.The setup was on a Blackwater Splitfire at CRAFTED. Where small builders and component makers had plenty of room to bring out the weird (and ultra practical) stuff.(Image/Marginalgains chainring 1X production video from Instagram)Most drivetrain development is focused on adding another cog or making the derailleur smarter. Blackwater and Marginal Gain are looking at the problem from a different angl. Asking whether the chainline itself is what needs to change Mind blown!

What does it take to completely revamp the humble rear bike rack? In their latest video, Tailfin pulls back the curtain on years of prototyping, testing, tiny refinements, and the people behind their Journey Bike Rack. They offer a behind-the-scenes look at how an idea becomes a finished product. Watch it hereThe post Rethinking The Bike Rack: Designing The Tailfin Journey Rack (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Remco Evenepoel has won the European Championships road race this Sunday afternoon in Slovenia and with it, achieved something that no rider has ever done before: Win every Olympic, World, European and national title available in road cycling. On the CyclingUpToDate Podcast, Rben Silva and Gavin Qu...

The 2026 Arizona Trail Race is well underway, and Wyatt Spalding is on the ground to cover all the action as it unfolds along the notoriously challenging route. In his mid-race report, he catches up with a handful of lead riders and reflects on the beauty and camaraderie he's witnessed on the rugged trail. Read it here...The post A Mid-Ride Update from the 2026 Arizona Trail Race appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

CyclistPinarellos new X series: X marks the sweet spotDo you ever get the feeling that weve lost track of the essence of why we ride our bikes? The sheer meditative, fitness-boosting, mental health-elevating enjoyment of it all? Well, Pinarello seems to agree, as the second generation of the Italian brands X series range is all about helping riders engage with and enjoy the ride.Pinarellos revised X series seeks to strike a balance between performance, innovation and all-day riding comfort.PinarelloBy building the bikes around a range of features that prioritise practicality and riding comfort, Pinarello has created a roster of road bikes that brings WorldTour-proven design and tech to everyday riders who want to lose themselves in a long day in the saddle, riding along at their own pace. Here we take a closer look at the second-generation Pinarello X series, and what makes it special.PinarelloComfort zoneWhen it comes to endurance bikes, progress, however rapid, is nothing without comfort. To that end, the X series seeks to mitigate fatigue from road vibrations through numerous innovations. At the rear end, double-arm, four-point X-Stays take their cue from Pinarellos flagship Dogma X to smooth out vibrations, with a lower linkage that reduces rebound for more control and a smoother ride overall.PinarelloNearer to the saddle one of the most crucial contact points of the bike an adaptive seatpost supplies 10mm of longitudinal flex to absorb the worst of what our questionably surfaced roads can throw at us. Beyond this, each of the X series models uses three different grades of carbon fibre in its frameset. The UK market top-end X7 models T900 frame is optimised for responsiveness, light weight and damping; the X3 and X5 models feature T700 carbon for even more effective vibration reduction; the entry-level X1 now has a T600 layup, which, while heavier, still prioritises ride compliance.PinarelloPractical magicDown tube storage in the new models adds practical value for the long-distance rider. An integrated port in the down tube houses a compact toolbag, with room for inner tubes, gels and the like without cluttering the look of the bike or detracting from its performance. Frame clearance has been upped to 40mm for the new models, giving a greater choice of tyres for control and vibration reduction on the worst of roads. An elliptical steering tube on the X3, X5 and X7 affords fully integrated cabling, and boosts stiffness and precision for greater handling confidence. The X1 retains the previous generations frame design to maintain full mechanical groupset compatibility. The X series bikes come with Pinarellos distinctive double-arm X-Stays, which feature four attachment points to minimise rebound and distribute road vibrations more efficiently through the frame.PinarelloAfter all, we dont all want and certainly dont need the highest spec of electronic shifting. Sometimes the fuss-free enjoyment of riding your bike is the noblest aim. Geometry for all four bikes follows the if it aint broke, dont fix it approach its long, high, and focused on all-day comfort.PinarelloChoose your weaponThe new X series range starts at 3,000 for the X1, which is available in racing red or racing black, with a 212 Shimano 105 groupset and a Most Fast 27 DB wheelset from Pinarellos in-house componentry arm. The 4,000 X3 gets interstellar alloy and element black colour options and comes with a Shimano 105 Di2 groupset with a DT Swiss A1800 wheelset. The X5 costs 5,000 and comes in iron blue or amber trace with the same groupset but with deeper Most Fast 45 wheels. The range-topping X7 in atlas glow or titan pulse comes in at 6,500, with Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting and Most Ultrafast 45 wheels.For more information on the second-generation Pinarello X series, and to find your nearest dealer, visit pinarello.com/uk/enThe post Pinarellos new X series: X marks the sweet spot appeared first on Cyclist.