New gravel model gets a lighter, stiffer carbon frame and race-focused build, but the French brand says real-world control, comfort and rider position matter more than deep aero tubes

Il Lombardia will take place on the 10th of October 2026. The race is the ultimate culmination of the Italian autumn classics, having the status of fifth and last monument of pro cycling. WithTadej Pogacarabsent this year, there will be a new winner after five editions. Below, you'll find informat...

With countless nights out in all kinds of tents, Neil has refined the shelter he uses for bikepacking trips. In his latest review, he explores the complexities of a tent he says is unlike any other. Find his Yama Mountain Gear 1P Swiftline review below...The post Yama Mountain Gear Swiftline 1P Tent Review appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Looks new G85 Cezal RS gravel race bike looks almost exactly the same as the G85 Cezal all-rounder they debuted last spring. Thats for a very intentional reason. The G85 Cezal was already built to be a fast gravel bike, perfectly capable of the occasional gravel race. And now, the new RS simply ratchets up the speed with a lighter frame, including the removal of internal storage that their racers felt was superfluous, and a revised carbon layup that increased frame responsiveness while maintaining all-day race-ready comfort. The result is a 200g lighter frame that 2026 Look G85 Cezal RS carbon gravel race bike(Photos/Cory Benson)Its nice to be able to keep a bike launch story short and sweet, so I can stick to how it feels to ride.The new Look G85 Cezal RS carbon gravel race bike is effectively the same as the standard G85 Cezal carbon gravel bike, just retuned for gravel racing. The outer shaping is identical, so you get the same look, with only subtle nods to aerodynamics through integration. The geometry is also the same, so both bikes are going to handle very similarly.What is different then?The only visible difference from the outside is the lack of a glovebox hidden under the downtube cage mount. Looks sponsored gravel racers didnt see any real tangible benefit to it. And Look engineers were happy to be able to refine the bikes structure, without an unnecessary hole in the middle of the downtube that invariably requires a lot of extra reinforcement.The result then, is a frame that is more than 15% lighter, more responsive, while also becoming more comfortable, too.Reengineering the hi-mod carbon layup without a hole in the downtube allowed Look to increase headtube stiffness by 20% and bottom bracket stiffness by 19% (compared to the standard G85 Cezal), while maintaining rider comfort. In fact, they say their 3D Wave Flex System with full-length, slightly curved seatstays and classic 27.2mm seatpost delivers 15% vibration filtering with no loss of lateral power transfer.But what about more aero, bigger tires, or even bigger wheels?Look describes the new G85 Cezal RS as optimized for 99% of race scenarios. They firmly believe that a comfortable bike is much more important for long-distance gravel racing, than simply a couple of watts here of there of incremental aerodynamic gains. Ultimately, the bulk of aero drag is created by the rider, and Look feel this more comfortable race bike will help gravel racers maintain a lower, more aero position on the bike longer, while stiff aero bikes often make racers sit up more as fatigue sets in several hours into a rough race.Look ran the numbers on the 146km, 33km/hr 2025 French Gravel Championship in the RSs development. In their simulation, a theoretical aero rear triangle and seatpost could have saved 137 seconds on aerodynamics alone. But by improving flex, the G85 Cezal RS would save 84 seconds through enhanced handling & control in the downhills, and a further 60 seconds by eliminating pedaling stops on rougher sections and cornering. So ultimately, by optimizing fatigue management, they say the new G85 Cezal RS is faster the longer the gravel race goes on!And yes, sometimes even bigger tires, like the 57-58mm tires weve seen in the latest crop of aero gravel race bikes, can also make sense either for more comfort or more control on rough tracks. And theres no denying that 32 wheels are coming for the gravel racing scene. Look made clear that this wasnt the last gravel race bike they will ever make. Its just the one they think will best suit the majority of gravel racers today.Review: So how does it actually ride?(Riding photos/Grzegorz Radziwonowski)The G85 Cezal RS starts off with proven agile road-race-inspired handling and a short 425mm rear end. And now it does that with a layup that feels both responsive from a power input & steering perspective, but also genuinely forgiving in the rider comfort department. Taking the bike out onto Gironas relatively smooth gravel tracks, I was first impressed by how comfortable the cockpit was, without feeling flexy.Little gravel bumps tend to add up after a long day on the bike. And I was even starting with a minor recent wrist sprain that made riding most gravel bikes rather uncomfortable. The integrated Look RS3 cockpit (which is actually a proprietary 2-piece) did a nice job of filtering out those (for me at the time, painful) vibrations, while also providing a nice flat top that was comfortable to lean across on my forearms. It was an immediate first impression to me that Look had really worked hard to make sure riders could stay low on the bike, to stay fast over long gravel race distances.Beyond hitting the right blend of comfort and control in the cockpit, the new Look G85 Cezal RS seems to be well-rounded front to back. The bike simply feels quick and responsive at speed, both on smooth tracks and rougher gravel. I didnt have the chance to do a 100+km gravel race on the bike (maybe next spring?). But on two fast-paced gravel test rides, it was clear that this new G85 Cezal RS was more than capable of carrying me at high speeds over varied terrain. And after both rides, I walked away with my body feeling fresh, even when my legs were spent.Tech detailshi-mod race-focused carbon frameset1000g claimed frame weight (size M), a 200g savings over the standard G85 Cezal no internal frame storagefully-integrated internal cable routing through the 1.5 headsetonly 2 bottle cage mounts inside the front triangle (2-position on seattube), plus toptube bag mounts1x (up to 50T) or 2x compatible with removable front derailleur hangermechanical or electronicUDH, 12mm thru-axles & flat mount 160mm disc brakesT47 threaded bottom bracket50mm max rear tire clearance (1x) or 45mm with a front derailleur; 57mm max front tire clearance27.2mm round seatpost, with integrated wedge-style clamp5 sizes available (XS-XL)lifetime frame warranty2026 Look G85 Cezal RS Pricing, options & availabilityLooks new race-focused G85 Cezal RS carbon gravel bike is available either as a frameset or in one of two complete builds.The G85 Cezal RS frameset in raw carbon finish with a Chrome orange fork sells for 3290, including the frame, fork, Token bottom bracket, and the round Look LS1 seatpost. (The standard Look G85 Cezal frameset retails for 900 less, but without the BB or seatpost.)Complete bikes start at 6990 with a SRAM Force AXS Xplr 1x build in Hypershift blue with a black fork, which includes a fully integrated conventional Deda Superbox stem & Superzero Carbon handlebar, 40T chainring, plus 25mm internal Fulcrum Sharq wavy aero carbon wheels wrapped in 45mm Hutchinson Touareg Race tires 8.3kg claimed.Or you can pick up the raw+orange frame built up with SRAM Red AXS Xplr 1x as I test rode. For 8990, Look specs a bigger 44T aero chainring, surprisingly comfortable 2-piece but integrated Look Aero Carbon RS3 cockpit, and the same Fulcrum Sharq wheels with 45mm Touareg Race tires 7.9kg claimed.All three options are available starting today from Look retailer bike shops.LookCycle.com

Fabio Jakobsen was 15thhttps://cyclinguptodate.com/cycling/results-sparkassen-munsterland-giro-2026-olav-kooij-wins-all-star-bunch-sprint-in-germany at the recent Sparkassen Mnsterland Giro, his first road race since joining Team Visma | Lease a Bike earlier in August. The Dutchman wants to regain...

Can a traditionally styled handlebar bag deliver off-road performance without losing its charm? After more than a year with the Wizard Works Badjelly, Logan digs in to see how its new sizing, waterproof construction, and thoughtful details balance form and function and stack up against the competition. Read his review hereThe post Wizard Works Badjelly Review: Modern Magic, Old-School Charm appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

The new race-bike version of Look's G85 Cezal retains the active geometry of the original, including lively steering and short 425mm chainstays, while getting a makeover that makes the new bike lighter and stiffer than its predecessor.A new High Modulus (HM) carbon layup shaves 200g from the original's 1,200g claimed frame weight. Look claims the G85 Cezal RS has a new layup that increases bottom bracket stiffness by 19% and head tube stiffness by 20%.Its not all about upping the stiffness, though. At the rear, the new 3D wave-flex system seatstays are claimed to filter 15% more vibrations without compromising the back end laterally.The tyre clearance is 57mm at the front and 50mm at the rear, dropping to 45mm if you run a 2x drivetrain. As has becoming increasingly common, the G85 uses a T47 threaded bottom bracket and UDH rear dropout. A round 27.2mm seatpost means you can upgrade to a gravel dropper post. I rode a new gravel bike in Tuscany and it made me realise the best options are more like Swiss army knives than scalpels here's whyAero, tough and comfortable The Look G85 Cezal RS comes with lots of width and length options for the cockpit. Look Cycles The new front-end frame composition gives the RS a Zedler score of 94. The Zedler test is a standardised laboratory measurement developed by Germanys Zedler Institut to quantify a bicycle frame's torsional steering head stiffness. In context, Looks own pro-tour proven 795 Blade RS 3 road bike scored 90. The new frame uses much more high-modulus carbon to save 200g in weight. Look Cycles Look claims the improved head tube stiffness gives the G85 RS the edge when it comes to rough technical gravel handling. The new construction is said to be tougher than ever and backed by Looks lifetime warranty.Although the G85 Cezal RS isnt an out-and-out aero gravel race bike in the mould of Argon 18s Anti Matter or Ridleys Kanzo Fast 2.0, Look has employed aero shapes for the frame tubes, and the front-end integration and cockpit.According to Look, the focus for the G85 RS is comfort, control and rider position to yield faster times in typical gravel conditions. The Look G85 Cezal RS fork offers 57mm tyre clearance. Look Cycles The G85 Cezal RS uses Looks Aero Carbon RS3 cockpit, which is available with seven stem lengths and three bar widths, along with 50mm of stack adjustment.Product manager at Look, Romain Simon, explains: With the G85 Cezal RS, we didnt want to force riders to choose between weight and capability, so we built one platform that covers virtually every scenario. Our road team knows aerodynamics inside out, which is exactly why we chose not to trade off rider control for marginal aerodynamic gains.Look G85 Cezal RS pricing and range details The Look G85 Cezal RS is available with a SRAM Force XPLR AXS groupset for 6,990. Look Cycles The G85 Cezal RS is available as a frameset or two complete bike models, built around SRAMs Force and Red XPLR AXS groupsets.G85 Cezal RS frameset Includes frame, Token T47 bottom bracket, 160mm flat mount hardware and Look LS1 27.2mm carbon seatpost Raw Carbon / Chrome Orange 3,290G85 Cezal RS SRAM Force XPLR AXS 1x The Force AXS model uses Deda's Superzero gravel bar and stem. Look Cycles Weight: 8.3kg 40T chainring Deda Superzero carbon bar and Superbox stem with full integration Fulcrum Sharq C25 42mm wheels Hutchinson Touareg Race 700x45c tyres Hypershift Blue 6,990G85 Cezal RS SRAM Red XPLR AXS 1x The range-topping bike comes with SRAM Red XPLR AXS and Fulcrum Sharq wheels. Look Cycles Weight: 7.9kg 44T aero chainring Look Aero Carbon stem and Aero Carbon RS 3 handlebar Fulcrum Sharq C25 42mm wheels Hutchinson Touareg Race 700x45c tyres

I always enjoy the walk or jog to Parkrun. As you near the arena, such as it is, whether it is an actual park, or a seafront, or beside a motorway, over a bridge, as I did once. Once youve done the hard work of getting out of bed and making it to the designated place, you get to enjoy the anticipation in the air. People of all ages and abilities, semi-professional runners and people attempting their first ever 5km, all converge on the same spot, ready for the 9am start. Its hugely successful, because the barriers to entry are so low: you need a pair of trainers, to be registered which is free and to complete a 5km at your speed. There is little danger, little cost, and few causes for apprehension. Its little wonder that around 400,000 people take part each week.Even then, it took me five years between signing up to Parkrun and actually embarking on one. Ive now done 36, which is more reflective of my priorities on a Saturday morning than anything else, but it took me a while to not be intimidated by the event with little to no barriers. It took moving city, joining a run club and meeting like-minded people to encourage me to actually take part. I was reflecting on all this when I went to watch my first ever cyclo-cross race in person last weekend. It was a local event, Round One of the Western Cyclo-Cross League in Cheltenham, England. Not to take part, no Im not ready to do that, but to support my friend Rosalie in her first-ever race. There was the familiar trudge to a park, sadly with fewer people, but still a bit of a buzz. I cant believe it took me this long to go to a race. The atmosphere was friendly, and reassuringly unintimidating, and it was great to see a range of ages and abilities race, from the semi-elite group at the front , to the much bigger group in the middle, having fun and taking part in their own battles. Just like Parkrun, there were those aiming for the win, or at least challenging for it, and then those using it as type two fun. Cheering on the race, with the help of a continental lager it is a CX race after all I was taken by just how fun and friendly it looked, with a few of the competitors even thanking us for the support as they went round. It was far from the intimidating event that it could have been, that the world of road racing certainly seems to me, hill-climbing is similarly open. People just turn up with a bike they are prepared to ride off-road on, pay the fee (which in this case was 25), learn the course, and race for under an hour. The risks are low, especially the muddier it is. There are no open roads, no cars, its fun, and unless youre battling at the front, its unlikely to be overly competitive. At least thats how it seemed to me. There are technical bits, but nothing insurmountable, especially at the beginning of the season; then the worse the weather gets, the more the chaos mounts too. The differences between Parkrun and a CX race are stark, of course. At the latter you do need a bike, you have to pay, and it feels a lot more hidden away; something you would only take part in if you met the right person, or were encouraged by a club. The equipment, especially, is a huge barrier to entry I dont have a gravel bike, so Im out immediately. However, as we are several years into the gravel boom right now, you might have one, and I would encourage you to at least look into taking part in your local race. Its easier said than done, obviously, but whats the worst that could happen? Organisers, locally and nationally, with the help of British Cycling, could do with a bit of a marketing revolution, to show that anyone can do it. I didnt realise you could just turn up on the day and take part, so some clarity on the rules would certainly help, especially if youre not part of a traditional cycling club that might push out info on this sort of thing. My friend Rosalie was hooked; shes already done her second event. If we could harness this across the country, then maybe we could get loads more people hooked on racing. All I need now is a bike.This piece is part of The Leadout, the offering of newsletters from Cycling Weekly and Cyclingnews. To get this in your inbox, subscribe here.If you want to get in touch with Adam, email adam.becket@futurenet.com.

This weekend, the gravel World Championships will take place in Nannup, western Australia. Defending men's elite champion Florian Vermeersch will be making the trip and attempt to bring another jersey to UAE Team Emirates - XRG, although he will pay for his own trip. "It wouldn't be fair to say Im...

Dn Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council expects to submit a planning application for the 8km DLR Connector to An Coimisin Pleanla, the national planning board, in Q3/Q4 this year, council officials have told councillors.Cllr Eoin ODriscoll (Fine Gael), who represents Stillorgan, said: The DLR Connector will create a continuous cycling connection from Dundrum through to Dn Laoghaire. For Stillorgan, one of the key pieces is here on the Lower Kilmacud Road, where the existing cycle lane currently comes to an end outside Mount Anville Primary School. The plan is to close that gap and fully connect the cycle lane.The project will run from Nutgrove to Dn Laoghaire and will include Barton Road East, part of Kilmacud Road Upper, Kilmacud Road Lower, Benamore Road and Monkstown Ave.IMAGE: Overview map of the route.Council officials have confirmed that the planning documents are being finalised, with the intention of going to An Coimisin Pleanla in Q3/Q4 this year. Subject to the planning process, works are expected to get underway next year, he said.Cllr ODriscoll added: A significant improvement for cycling connectivity in Stillorgan and across the wider area.A draft video of the project from last year details may have since changed: