A lot of mountain bike shoes talk a big game about being waterproof, but Crankbrothers latest rainproof Stamp Trail (and presumably Mallet Trail) Speed Lace Seal shoes use a few simple tricks to actually keep your feet dry. Ive only just started riding in the wet with the new Trail Seal shoes its been super dry at home until this week, so Im not sure how they will hold up over time. And honestly, there are few details that I dont love. But I took these new Stamp Trail Speed Lace Seals out for a rainy trail ride through plenty of mud, puddles, and wet underbrush, and my feet stayed cozy and dry until I got home a couple hours later.So, lets give them a closer lookCrankbrothers Trail Speed Lace Seal waterproof MTB shoes(Photo/Crankbrothers)Crankbrothers designed their new waterproof Trail Speed Lace Seal mountain bike shoes for wet and unpredictable shoulder season riding. Built with a waterproof membrane and a unique 360 ankle wrap to keep the elements out, our Seal shoes are built to keep you comfortable when the conditions get uncomfortable.Most mountain bike shoes billed as waterproof are usually either still low-cut obviously filling up with water from the top in actual rain, or heavy high-top boots often limiting ankle mobility for comfortable pedaling or still letting water and debris in around the cuff. The new Crankbrothers Trail Speed Lace Seals are neither, and thus avoid the most common waterproof flaws.What makes them different?(Photo/Cory Benson)The all-new Trail Speed Lace Seal shoes essentially start with a conventional low-top main construction. Not so different from the other two Speed Lace shoes they debuted over the past year. To me, that means tightening them feels OK, but not exactly a perfect balance of lace tension across my foot. Although, generally good enough for riding in less precise, wet & slippery autumn and winter riding conditions.Then, Crankbrothers add a loose-fit slip-on neoprene cuff on top of that, even adding an extra bit of elastic on the outer edge, so you can pull them on with the heel loop at the back. Nothing revolutionary, yet. (And I wish the loop was a bit bigger, as I cant fit my fat index finger into it with any gloves on!)(Photo/Crankbrothers)But then, most importantly, they get a super-stretchy rubberized Seal strap that stretches around the neoprene cuff, velcros in place, and literally seals out water and debris around your leg.(Photo/Cory Benson)This means you get normal ankle flexibility like a low-top. You get an extended neoprene cuff thats loose enough to easily get in and out. Then, you also get another extra seal on top, which keeps out almost all water running down your leg. And importantly, that last seal layer extends high enough and stays thin enough that your riding pants slide over top. So, water and mud runs down your leg, and never gets into the cuff of these waterproof shoes to start with.Tech detailsmulti-layer laminated membrane construction for waterproofing and breathability360 ankle wrap Seal to keep water out from the topflexible structured main body for mid-level relaxed fit upper support with low-rebound EVA midsolewide-opening elastic & neoprene mid-cuff with heel pull tab to slip the shoes onsingle pull Speed Laces secured with a locking slider for easy fit adjustment, with elastic lace retention looplow-absorption interior materials to dry and stay comfortable even when your feet sweat or eventually do get some water insideTPU-reinforced toe protectionreflective logos on heel & toe for added visibility available with two outsole options to Match with Crankbrothers pedals: soft, grippy Stamp rubber for flat pedals, or medium grippy Mallet MC1 sole with fiber-reinforced nylon shank for more support and SPD-style clipless pedal compatibility(Photo/Cory Benson)371g per shoe claimed for Stamp, 492g per shoe claimed for Mallet (size US 9 / EU 42)366g per shoe actual Stamp (size US 10 / EU 43.5)unisex US sizing; available in half sizes 5-13, plus 14 & 15Crankbrothers Trail Speed Lace Seal shoes Pricing, options & availability(Photo/Cory Benson)The new Crankbrothers Trail Seals come in two variants both in the same single olive green and grey look. The Stamp Trail Speed Lace Seal shoes I tested for flat pedals sell for $210. And the identical-looking Mallet Trail Speed Lace Seal shoes with a reinforced shank and cleat recess for clipless pedals sell for $230.Both are available now in the same unisex US size range, either directly from the Crankbrothers online shop, or their retailer partner bikeshops.Crankbrothers.com

At Roc dAzur this week, Intradrive is launching its new GD8, a sealed 8-speed gearbox powertrain for eMTBs. The GD8 combines an 8-speed gearbox drivetrain with wireless shifting and a pedal-assist drive system into a single unit. Intradrive says it has been working on the GD8 for a decade. We first saw it as a prototype in 2022, again in a more refined package in 2023, and most recently at Sea Otter this year. Now, its finally in production and already being incorporated into new eMTB models.Combined with the GD8 launch, two partner brands are also debuting new bikes with Intradrives new powertrain. The German brand Alutech is introducing a GD8-equipped version of its ePelmo e-enduro bike. The upstart French brand Obscur is also launching with its very first eMTB built around the GD8 system. The first units are slated to ship in December, and Intradrive says there are more brands to follow in 2027, and it is taking enquiries for 2028 and beyond.The GD8 houses the gearbox and motor in a single unit.Intradrive GD8 DetailsIntradrive is based in Edinburgh, Scotland, where it was co-founded by engineers and mountain bikers Mark Ravilious and Peter Slotwinski. They tell us the GD8 has been in development for ten years, and now its not just production-ready, but already in production and making its way onto new bikes in the next couple of months.According to Intradrive, Cars keep their gears in a sealed gearbox. The GD8 does the same for e-bikes, replacing both the motor and the derailleur drivetrain with one sealed unit built for durability, low maintenance, and full repairability.The 8-speed gearbox is sealed from mud and dust and protected from damage.Instead of a fragile derailleur hanging off the back of your bike, the 8-speed gearbox is sealed from dust and mud and protected from damage from rock strikes and crashes. The sealed gearbox is also claimed to be very low maintenance, requiring an oil change every 10,000 km. Its also compatible with belt drives and chains, so brands can choose what works best for their needs.The Alutech ePelmo combines the GD8 with a Gates belt drive.Additionally, it moves nearly all of the weight of the drivetrain components to a position low and centered on the frame, reducing unsprung mass. The claimed weight of the Intradrive GD8 is 4.5 kg, not including the battery.Intradrive tells us that the 8-speed gearbox offers a 480% gear range. Shifting is electronic with a wireless Bluetooth remote, and shifts are actuated in approximately 0.1 seconds under load, while coasting, or standing still. There are options for top-tube integrated or bar-mount displays, and the system works with the Intradrive app for OTA updates. The GD8 motor has a nominal power rating of 250W and peak power of 700W.The GD8s wireless remote and top tube display, as seen on the Obscur Enyx.Unlike some eMTB drive systems, the Intradrive GD8 does not include proprietary batteries. This gives bike brands the ability to choose the battery size and shape, offering greater flexibility in frame design. On that note, the GD8 uses the Shimano EP8 mounting interface, which means that it can be incorporated into both new frame designs and existing EP8-compatible platforms.The GD8 uses the Shimano EP8 mounting interface.GD8 Key SpecsSpeeds: 8, electronically shiftedGear range: 480%Shifter: Wireless BluetoothShift time: approx. 0.1 secondDisplay: Top tube or bar mount optionApp: Intradrive app, with over-the-air (OTA) software updatesRated / peak power: 250 W / 700 WWeight: 4.5 kgMounting: Shimano EP8 interfaceFinal drive: Chain or beltBattery: Bike-specific, chosen by bike brandServicing: Oil change every 10,000 kmOrigin: Designed and built in the UKThe Alutech ePelmo is one of the first bikes available with the Intradrive GD8 powertrain.In ProductionIntradrive says the GD8 is designed and built in the UK using a European supply chain. The first production run is currently underway, with 70 units on order and deliveries starting in December of 2026. The aforementioned Alutech ePelmo and the new Obscur Enyx are the first production eMTBs to feature Intradrives new GD8 powertrain. The brand tells us that an additional 12 brands are evaluating the system, and more models will be announced in 2027.Riders have put up with bent hangers, worn chains and endless adjustment for too long. We designed the GD8 so brands can put the gears where they belong, sealed inside the bike, without starting a frame from scratch. Production is the starting point, and were already working with brands on what comes next.-Peter Slotwinski, co-founder, IntradriveWith production ramping up, Intradrive is also looking to the future and is open to enquiries from brands developing eMTBs for the 2028 model year. They believe the EP8 mounting interface will allow brands to easily test the system before committing to new tooling, and test systems and integration support are available now.Brands or riders interested in learning more about the Intradrive GD8 Powertrain can do so on the brands website: intradrive.co.ukAnother view of the Alutech ePelmo GD8.Intradrive GD8-equipped BikesIntradrive is focused on business-to-business, and calls the GD8 a B2B solution that simplifies e-bike design and makes traditional gearing systems obsolete. At Roc dAzur, the Intradrive GD8 is debuting on two eMTB models. AlutechThe German brand Alutech has incorporated it into its highly flexible ePelmo platform, which is available with several different drive systems. It has a hydroformed aluminum frame with 150mm of travel front and rear. It pairs the GD8 with a Gates belt drive and is priced at 11,499 (including 19% VAT). Head to the Alutech website to learn more: alutech-cycles.comObscurObscurs first eMTB, the Enyx, is equipped with the Intradrive GD8 powertrain.Obscur is the other GD8 launch partner. This is a brand-new French eMTB brand started by composites specialists at Workshape with 20 years of experience building carbon fiber parts for aeronautics and aerospace. Obscurs first bike is the Enyx, an all-mountain model designed and produced in the brands workshops in France. The Enyx pairs the GD8 with a high-modulus carbon frame, 150mm of rear travel, a 160mm fork, and MX wheels.After twenty years making carbon parts for aerospace, we wanted our first bike to be as durable and repairable as its frame. The GD8 puts the gears inside the bike and lets us lower and centre the heaviest components, and you feel that the moment the trail gets technical.-Simon Rubet, ObscurAs mentioned above, brands choose the battery to go along with the GD8 powertrain, and Obscur appears to have designed its own. Rather than a tube shape occupying the downtube, it features a unique, compact shape that keeps the weight of the 842 Wh battery as low as possible in the frame. Along with the gearbox powertrain, this unique battery shape and placement result in a very low center of gravity, which should theoretically enhance traction and improve handling.The Obscur Enyx is being offered in two complete builds. The standard Enyx build includes Formula suspension and brakes. The Enyx Ultra steps up to an hlins suspension package and Hope GR4 brakes. Alternatively, riders can build up their own Enyx with the frame kit. You can learn more about Obscur and its first eMTB, the Enyx, on the brands website: obscur.bike

As far as the best bike lights go, there are plenty to choose from, but my personal favourite rear light that comes with a few extra tricks up its sleeve and provides a load of extra safety features is the Garmin Varia RCT715.It's not just a rear light but a radar and camera packed into its lightweight and compact package, making it the leading choice for a bike radar light.Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Sales may have ended, but there are still plenty of genuine bargains, and the Garmin Varia RCT715 is down to $348; that's 13% off its list price of $399.99.At Amazon UK, the Garmin Varia RCT715 is reduced to $299.99, from 349.99, a 14% reduction.Below, I've added the details for the US and UK discounts, and as these were part of the Amazon Big Deal Days offers, it's unlikely these will be around for much longer.Save 13%. The Garmin Varia RCT715 is a brilliant piece of cycling tech that I never ride without. As well as providing a superb rear light with a load of visibility options, it has a built-in rearward camera and a very clever radar function. The Varia will alert you and record approaching traffic from the rear, giving information on how far, how fast and how many are on your tail.Price check:Garmin $399.99|Walmart $399.99View DealSave 14%. The Garmin Varia RCT715 has 50 off for UK Amazon shoppers. is one of the best pieces of cycling tech I've used, and a brilliant rear light with a few extra tricks up its sleeve. The radar detection system and a camera work together to provide visual and audible alerts for vehicles approaching from behind. It also records your ride, and the safety features make it for me a flawless piece of cycling kit.View DealAs much as I personally rate and recommend the Garmin, I haven't actually reviewed it. However, in the Cycling Weekly Garmin Varia RCT715 review, it backed up my own opinions and scored a well-deserved 4.5 out of 5 stars.Our expert tester highlighted that the Varia is a really impressive unit capable of filming, providing a rear light and incorporating a radar. It will also link to the best bike computers, including non-Garmin models.For me, like most Garmin products, the Varia is well made, has a straightforward setup and is easy to use. Whilst the camera film quality is excellent and the rear light is good, the radar is the standout feature. It gives really accurate information to plan your movements on the road.

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...

Ion Izagirre will line up for Il Lombardia this Saturday as the final professional race of a 16-year career. The rider from Gipuzkoa came close to missing the ending he had imagined after a training crash caused a fracture to his radius, but he ultimately decided to travel to Italy and say goodbye o...

The Zwift Ride just got a lot more interesting for triathletes and anyone trying to spend serious time in a TT position indoors.Profile Design has introduced the Zwift Ride Supersonic Aerobar, a dedicated aero cockpit built specifically for Zwifts smart bike platform. The setup combines Profile Designs Supersonic-style extensions and armrests with a new tray designed to work around the Zwift Rides front end.Zwift Ride Supersonic AerobarMore importantly, it adds integrated mounts for the Zwift Click controllers, so riders can shift, steer, and navigate Zwift without sitting up and reaching for the standard controls.For anyone using Zwift Ride for triathlon prep, TT work, or trying to match their outdoor position a little more closely, that fills a pretty obvious gap.A Proper Aero Setup for Zwift RideThe biggest piece of the system is actually the new tray. Profile Design developed a slimmer Zwift Tray in partnership with Zwift, creating enough clearance to mount the aero bars without interfering with the bikes front-end hardware. It looks to be just enough room for a TV controller, phone, or slice of very thin pizza. That extra space lets riders adopt a more realistic aero position instead of bolting extensions around the existing tray. The bars use an ergonomic ski-bend extension shape and offer plenty of adjustment through both the extensions and the Ergo+ armrest pads.Profile Designs approach gives riders more room to dial in extension length, pad position, and overall fit closer to their outside ride. Zwift Click Controls Stay in ReachThe cleaner part of the setup is the integrated Zwift Click mounting. The Click controllers mount directly to the aero extensions, putting Zwift controls at the riders fingertips while keeping them tucked into the aero position.That means riders can shift, steer, and navigate in-game without coming off the extensions. The bars also get anti-slip grips, which should help keep hand position consistent during longer sessions or harder intervals.For triathletes, thats probably the feature that makes the system more than just a set of clip-ons. Because if the goal is to train and adapt in the position youll actually race in, having to sit up every time you want to shift or interact with the game isnt ideal.Zwift Ride Supersonic Aerobar Price and AvailabilityThe Profile Design Zwift Ride Supersonic Aerobar will retail for $275 / 220 / 245, and pre-orders are open now.Profile Design will also display the new cockpit at the IRONMAN World Championships in Kailua-Kona. For Zwift Ride owners trying to turn the platform into a more convincing triathlon or TT training bike, this is the first purpose-built solution (that we know of) that ties the aero position and Zwift controls together in one package. Profile-design.com