Allied Cycle Works launched the FITZ back in February. Along with the XC-oriented BC 40, the FITZ is only Allieds second mountain bike model and its first entry in the broad trail bike market. With a lightweight carbon frame, 140mm of travel front and rear, and a surprisingly progressive geometry, the FITZ landed squarely in that Goldilocks do-it-all category on paper anyway. And with a stated goal of bringing lightweight back to the trail bike category, it certainly appeared that Allied was offering something a little different.With the weight of many trail bikes inflating above the 30-pound mark in recent years, it was that last part that really appealed to me. And since the FITZ came out last winter, Ive been eager to throw a leg over one. It took a few months to arrange a test bike, but Ive been testing the FITZ for the past 6 weeks or so. Rather than the typical 140/140mm setup, I opted for the 150mm version, which I thought would be a better fit for my terrain and riding style.Allied FITZ DetailsWe covered the FITZ when it launched back in February, and you can check out all the details here. Long story short, its got a carbon frame with 140mm of rear travel thats typically meant to be paired with a 140mm fork. Its compatible with 150mm forks, and the rear travel can also be bumped to 150mm with a longer-stroke shock.It rolls on 29-inch wheels front and rear and has most of the features common on modern mountain bikes, including internal cable routing, molded rubber frame protection, and in-frame storage. At the same time, the brand focused on keeping the weight as low as possible, which the designers say is one of the reasons why it went with a fairly straightforward 4-bar Horst-Link suspension layout.According to Allied, complete bike weights start at 26 lbs for the top-tier XX SL build, which is very light for a 140mm travel trail bike. Thats only 2 pounds heavier than many of the latest XC race bikes, with 20mm more travel at both ends. Weights increase incrementally from there, but the starting point is quite low for a trail bike.Geometry-wise, Allied didnt tip-toe into the trail bike category. Instead, they jumped right in and gave the FITZ what I consider to be a very modern do-it-all geometry. Reach numbers are in the typical range with 480mm on a size large, and the seat tube angle is adequately steep at 76.6. The 64.5 head angle (with 140mm fork) seals the deal and really speaks to this bikes ride-anything intentions.My Test BikeThe FITZ is sold as a frame kit, or in three complete builds: SRAM XX SL, SRAM XO, and SRAM GX. When purchasing, buyers have numerous customization options, including the frame and logo color, fork, shock, handlebar, seatpost, wheels, and more. Opting for a custom color or making any changes to the stock component spec may change the final price, depending on what you choose.As mentioned, I opted for the 150mm setup, which is one of many options when purchasing the FITZ. All of the stock builds come with 140mm travel Fox 36 SL forks. Since the 36 SL tops at 140mm, the bump to 150mm moves you onto a non-SL Fox 36 Factory with the Grip X2 damper (+$25). Similarly, the stock builds come with 210x50mm Fox Float shocks providing 140mm of rear wheel travel. Buyers have the option to upgrade to a 210x55mm Fox Float X (+$25), and the longer stroke increases rear wheel travel to 150mm.Given that the Float X has a longer stroke, but the same eye-to-eye measurement, the increase to 150mm of rear travel doesnt impact the FITZs geometry. The addition of 10mm of fork travel, however, relaxes the head tube angle and seat tube angles by roughly half a degree, putting them right around 64 and 76, respectively.I ended up with the XO build, which, other than the suspension, is mostly stock with an XO AXS drivetrain, We Are One Whisp Wheels with Industry Nine 1:1 hubs, and a OneUp cockpit. Interestingly, my test bike arrived with a matching set of Vittorias beefy Mazza tires front and rear. Ive been a fan of the Mazza for years, so I wasnt disappointed, but the faster-rolling Vittoria Aggaro or Maxxis Rekon are the only options when buying. It also came with Shimano XT 4-piston brakes with 203mm front / 180mm rear Ice Tech rotors, which doesnt appear to be one of the customization options either.On my scale, the FITZ weighed in at 29.8 pounds. While thats a bit heavier than the starting weight of 26 pounds, I think thats still pretty light for a 150/150mm travel bike with meaty tires. The stock build with the 140mm 36 SL fork and lower-profile tires would surely save some weight. As tested, the FITZ with the SRAM XO build and 150/150mm upgrade retails for $8,815.Riding the Allied FITZThe FITZ makes a good first impression, and I think its a really nice-looking bike. Sure, the tiny hump in the top tube takes a little getting used to, but I stopped noticing it pretty quickly. Otherwise, I generally dig the tube shapes, reinforced head tube, and somewhat minimalist design of the frame. I also appreciate that the bottom of the downtube slopes to the bottom bracket, providing a bit more frame clearance than many bikes which stick out a bit more these days.After making a few fit adjustments and dialing in suspension pressures, I took to the trails. In the past six weeks, Ive been riding the FITZ off and on, switching between the Gen 6 Santa Cruz Tallboy and the new Yeti MT. Ive been riding it out the door to my local trails in Reno, NV, and venturing up to the Tahoe/Truckee area for a bit of terrain variety. Its seen a mix of everything, including fast-paced XC-style riding, some janky hand-built skidders, and some long climbs and sustained descents. It hasnt rained in a while, so it has been pretty dusty and loose, too.ClimbingI felt comfortable immediately on the FITZ. The reach, seat tube angle, and cockpit setup put me in a neutral seated pedaling position that worked well for me on mellower terrain and steep climbs alike. At no point did the seat tube angle feel too steep with too much weight on my hands, nor too slack with a wandering front end. Im a big fan of OneUps Carbon bars for their comfortable ride feel, and there were plenty of stack spacers to adjust bar height if needed.On the climbs and through the flats, the FITZ did what I wanted and responded to handling inputs well. Its not super snappy or hyperresponsive like an XC race bike, nor is it bulky and lethargic the way some enduro bikes can feel. Instead, it lands nicely in the middle, and I think it handles exactly how a trail bike should. There are more agile trail bikes, the new Tallboy, for example, but I had no issues climbing up techy sections or negotiating tight terrain or switchbacks, even with the 150mm fork and slightly slacker head tube angle.For its travel bracket, the FITZ undoubtedly has a light and lively character, and that contributes to its energetic pedaling feel. It has a quick demeanor and eagerness to keep the pace up, especially compared to the heavier Yeti MT, for example. Im not saying that bike doesnt pedal or climb well, just that the FITZ has a bit more pep with an efficient pedaling platform and 3 pounds less junk in the trunk. And thats with the slower-rolling Vittoria Mazza rear tire.I set up the rear suspension a touch on the stiff side, as close to 25% sag as I could get, for pedaling support and bigger hits and that sacrificed a little small bump compliance. Still, I had no shortage of climbing traction, but Im sure the grippy and aggressive Mazza rear tire contributed to that a bit. And while I appreciated that traction, Id still be inclined to swap that rear tire out for something faster, like the Vittoria Aggaro or Kenda Ripper Trail for a bit less rolling resistance.DescendingI didnt really know what to expect from a trail bike that had low weight as one of its design priorities, but I quickly learned the FITZ was a blast on the descents. Again, it felt lively and agile for a 150/150mm bike, but certainly did not lack confidence or capability in steeper or rougher terrain. Im sure some of that is due to the 150mm setup and beefier tires, but the geometry undoubtedly plays an outsized role in its versatility.With a 480mm reach, 210mm dropper (size large), and comfortable cockpit setup, I felt right at home on mellower terrain, machine-built flow trails, or rolling into steeper slabs and technical rock gardens. The 440mm rear center length is the same on all sizes, and I thought it felt perfect on the size large. I cant speak to the other sizes, but it felt nicely balanced front and rear, plenty stable at higher speeds, yet far from a monster truck. Importantly, it was easy for me to find and stay in the sweet spot and keep the front end weighted for traction. This bike absolutely railed through berms.The aforementioned light, lively character carried over to the descents, too. It was easy to get the front or both wheels off the ground, work the terrain, and pop all the side hits. At the same time, it didnt flinch when jumping straight into blown-out skidders and steep rock rolls. Sure, the 150mm fork and 64-ish-degree head angle helped, but I seriously didnt think twice about taking it down the toughest trails I typically ride. Thats got plenty to do with the burlier build, but the FITZs geometry makes it a bike Id ride anywhere.While some might question the run-of-the-mill 4-bar suspension layout, modern shocks are fantastic, and I liked the way it rode. It was easy to set up, and while it might not have been the most sensitive off the top, it delivered in every other way. The mid-stroke was supportive to push off of, yet nice and active when smoothing over chunk and chatter. It responded to big hits with composure, didnt wallow, and I never once bottomed it out, even when getting full travel. So, even if it doesnt make headlines, it rides well and helps keep the FITZs weight down.Allied also managed to make the FITZ very quiet. I didnt notice any chain slap noises, and the internally routed brake line and dropper cable never made a sound. It was so quiet that I started noticing the front brake hose barely tapping the handlebar. The magnetic hatch on the in-frame storage compartment was also silent, yet very easy to remove and replace. The opening of the compartment isnt the biggest and the included storage bag is fairly long and narrow, but its certainly useful for stashing some tools, even if it wont fit a burrito.Spec ReportThe XO build is honestly fantastic, and my complaints are few. The Fox suspension worked flawlessly, as did the SRAM XO drivetrain. This was my first time riding the We Are One Whisp wheels, and at ~1,500 grams for the set, theyre probably one of the contributors to the FITZs light, energetic ride feel. I thought the ride quality was pleasantly neutral, and I appreciated the quick pickup of the Industry Nine 1:1 hubs.Im a big fan of Shimano brakes, and the new XTs work really well. No, they arent as powerful as Mavens, but not every bike needs DH brakes either. Theyve got ample power, excellent modulation, and in my experience, they never make any noise. The OneUp stem, handlebar, and grips make for a great cockpit setup, and I wouldnt change a thing. Likewise, the OneUp V3 dropper just plain works and is easy to service if needed.On top of that dropper, however, the Fizik Aidon X5 reconfirmed that I just dont get along with Fizik saddles. I found it to be stiff, and the edges of the pressure-relief cutout were very noticeable and uncomfortable. Saddle choice is personal, obviously, but Id swap it out immediately if I were keeping this bike. As mentioned above, Id probably keep the Mazza tire up front, but would switch to something a little faster-rolling in the back for the majority of my riding.Not that the Mazza tires are an option when purchasing anyway.My TakeawayIf you couldnt already tell, I really enjoyed riding the Allied FITZ. To me, its exactly what a trail bike should be, and thats a single bike to do it all. If this was the only bike I had in my garage, it would have me covered for pretty much any ride outside of the XC race course. Its lighter than most of its direct competitors, and it pedals and climbs efficiently and comfortably, making it a solid choice for big vert and/or big mileage. It handles well and is a blast to ride whether youre ripping the after-work XC loop or doing laps on more aggressive terrain especially in the 150mm configuration I tested.Unfortunately, I didnt get to try the 140/140mm setup, but based on my experience Im inclined to believe its a heck of a lot of fun, too. It strikes me as a great option for people who want a lighter bike for long rides and want/need more travel than XC or downcountry rigs offer. For the folks lamenting that trail bikes have gotten heavier over the years, the FITZ might be just what youre looking for. I think its a very impressive first effort from Allied, and Im intrigued to see what they cook up next.alliedcycleworks.com

The UCI has cancelled the 2026 Urban Cycling World Championships in Saudi Arabia after missile strikes on the country's capital.The Worlds were scheduled to take place from 3 to 7 November, but cycling's governing body was under pressure to take action after the Houthi attack on Riyadh's international airport on Saturday, which killed 13 and left 300 injured.The specific circumstances were not referenced in the UCI's statement, but just alluded to as "recent developments in the region". 2026 was the second year in a row that the Urban Worlds were to take place in Riyadh, which sees riders compete for rainbow jerseys in trials and BMX Freestyle. Last year Great Britain won two medals, including gold for Charlie Rolls in the men's elite 26" trials event.Australia and Austria had already withdrawn from the Worlds, and other sporting events had already been postponed, including the PIF Saudi International in golf. "The decision follows consultation with athletes, staff and the selection panel, with the athletes fully informed and supportive of the decision," an AusCycling statement this week read."It reflects the escalating regional conflict, the loss of life and the Australian Governments updated Smartraveller advice.""The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the Saudi Cycling Federation announce that the 2026 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 3 to 7 November, will not proceed," a UCI spokesperson said on Friday. "The event was set to bring together the worlds best riders in trials and BMX Freestyle (Park and Flatland)."The decision follows a joint assessment of recent developments in the region and their impact on the logistical organisation of the Championships."The UCI regrets having to take this decision and expresses its appreciation to the Saudi Cycling Federation for their support and cooperation throughout preparations for the event. It also thanks the athletes, teams and National Federations for their understanding."The Saudi Cycling Federation reaffirms its commitment to developing cycling in the Kingdom and strengthening its partnership with the UCI. These efforts aim to support the growth of the sport, broaden participation and continue attracting major international cycling events to Saudi Arabia in the years ahead."The UCI will communicate shortly on the sporting consequences of this announcement."

Jonathan Milan has smashed a new world record, beating his own record at the Track World Championships in Shanghai. The Lidl-Trek sprinter has become the first rider ever to break 3:59 in the individual pursuit event. The Italian powerhouse qualified for the final on Friday after recording an incred...

A new trend emerges every year in bike lights. In recent years, 'smart' tech, as in so many areas of our lives, has been adopted relentlessly in bike lighting. App- and sensor-powered bike lights automate modes, letting riders focus on what's ahead. This culminated last year, when nearly every lighting brand launched one of the best radar bike lights.Like so many technologies, once it's out there, it often goes through a refinement period. This is where 2026's bike light trend comes in, following broader bicycle trends: more cockpit integration and decluttering, without compromising tech or, in the case of lights, lumen output or battery life.Check our experts pick of the best bike lights 2026Traditional bike lights have tended to be fairly long and cylindrical, largely because of the shape, size, and inefficiency of older-style bulbs. LEDs are directional; given how small they are and the reflective technology built into these tiny optics, we no longer need big reflectors or linearly laid-out circuits. That is why the out-front mount lights can be flatter, rectangular, and almost 'credit-card' thick. This keeps the light's footprint to a minimum while offering more mounting-option real estate, minimising the space it occupies on your handlebar. Meaning you can mount them either under the out-front mount or, on some models, directly under the best bike computers in a 'stacking' format. Lezyne Road Drive 500 Magicshine Hori 1300 Magicshine Hori 700 Fabric Lumaray V3 Moon MX: HM BBB Slice 600i Bike Light BBB Slice 300 Ravemen FR500 Ravemen FR1100 Ravemen FR1500 This new wave of slim, clutter-free lights could also be a good excuse to keep them on your bike year-round. So many of us remove our lights in the spring as the days lengthen to cut the bulk and clutter at the cockpit; for some reason, it makes us feel free and faster. So, mounting it right under your computer (which is always there) is a win for convenience, and it lets you use them for increased daytime running visibility if the clouds draw in or you're in heavily wooded or covered areas.

Your e-bike news this week includes big fines in Westminster, a new Aventon bike and charger, and a crazy curved frame

"I don't have six fingers, I swear," endurance coach and Isle of Wight local Joe Staunton joked. Behind him, the harvest moon hung globular and magnificent against a pastel sunset, the sea crashing against the beach below us.The joke plays on a stereotype that has long burdened the island. Forget its luscious blue vistas and sun-drenched soils, and it's easy to poke fun at the small island hanging off the English coast but its islanders are determined to paint its image anew. The Isle of Wight is famous for a few things: it was the Victorian poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson's favourite place, it's home to some of the last red squirrels in the UK, and in 2010 the idyllic waters of Freshwater Bay became the scene of a 56 million cocaine bust. But it's also a great place to explore by bike. The perimeter ride is already popular, with visitors circling the route along its undulating white coastal cliffs over the course of a day, and last year DJ Pete Tong and cycling commentator Orla Chennaoui brought luxury bike holiday LeBlanq to the island. (Image credit: Paris Sophia Wood)While Staunton is neither a Corkhead (a born-and-bred islander) nor a DFL ("Down from London"), he's passionate about the place he's decided to call home. He took me, round-the-world record-breakers Amy and Kyle Hudson, influencer Paris Wood and her partner Ben McCullough on a ride that showcased his favourite parts of the island. Starting in Freshwater, on the western edge of the island, we began a steady ascent over the Compton Bay cliffs before ploughing along six kilometres of undulating Military Road. From there we were rolling, the momentum gained from short, sharp climbs carrying us to Newchurch for coffee and cake at Pedallers Caf. We made a few more spontaneous stops, too. The nostalgia of the miniature village hooked all five of our party, as did the waft of garlic as we passed the island's famous farm. The Isle of Wight is the sunniest place in the UK, with over 2,000 hours of sunlight a year, and the islanders make the most of it: they distil mermaid gin infused with homegrown citrus fruits and export their tomato harvests across the country. This summer alone, 10 million sweetcorn cobs were ferried to the mainland, and the garlic grown here is the best in the country though the chilli garlic relish is not for the faint-hearted. Onwards we cycled into the heart of the island, each of us imbued with the bulb's distinctive whiff. Here crows circled above open fields as we snaked through quiet, hedge-lined country lanes. Though relatively flat, the island still harbours some stinging ascents, and Staunton peppered them throughout the 97km route. The first came before our lunch stop at the Spyglass Inn 160 metres of elevation over five kilometres with another 170m kicker straight after. (Image credit: Paris Sophia Wood)It was around this point that I hit a wall. Ill-equipped for a day out with social media influencers on lovely bikes, my flat-pedalled old gravel bike was a poor match for the island hills my lack of fitness didn't help, either. I made a sorry companion for Staunton, who has worked with national champions during his time as an endurance coach, but he stuck with me, chivvying me along with stories of growing up on the island.Over half of the Isle of Wight is protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, he told me, home to rare species of butterflies and wildflowers found only in England's chalk soils. The scenery regularly stopped us in our tracks, with the slow-eroding cliff faces overlooking the blue-green expanse of the English Channel. The island loses between one and three metres of coastline a year to erosion, but each retreat exposes new treasures. One palaeontologist crowned the Isle of Wight the most diverse location for dinosaur bones in the country, and it's even got a dinosaur of its own: the "white rock spinosaurid", an enormous carnivore that roamed the land over 125 million years ago.As we made our way back towards the Albion Hotel for a post-ride dip in the sea and dinner at The Red Lion (butternut gnocchi for me, please!), I found myself elated, despite my screaming legs. (Image credit: Paris Sophia Wood)The pace of life here is slow. Even if you find yourself out on a big bike ride, the energy on the island feels rejuvenating. Jenna, a DFL who settled on the island eight years ago, remembers spotting her painter and decorator down at the beach when he was supposed to be painting her kitchen there was a really good swell, apparently. I met another woman on an early-morning swim, both of us dodging breaking waves. She moved to the island over a decade ago after a career spent around the world. Now she joins a group of friends every morning for a swim many of whom I saw litter-picking at a silent beachfront disco the night before. One of our group asked Staunton what "the point" of the Isle of Wight was. I kind of understood what she was getting at: it's just a dislodged piece of old England, right? After a weekend of eating well, sea swimming and cycling across the island, whatever preconceived notions I had of island life changed. There is real community here I was shown its unique blend of culinary culture, quiet country roads and punchy climbs by a rider genuinely passionate about his home. There's no better advertisement than that. The good thing is for many of us living in the south of England, the island is surprisingly accessible. You can travel by train in an hour and thirty minutes from London and cycle straight from the ferry port you can even drive there from Bristol in 2 hours. You can visit a garlic farm boasting produce as left-field as garlic ice cream, go for a sauna and a dip in the sea or complete the 65-mile perimeter ride and be home in time for tea. Plus, there are dinosaurs everywhere.

Here's what Matt Page chose to tackle the brutal 2026 edition of the UCI Gravel World Championships in Western Australia

Tim Wellens caused quite the storm when he revealed that he rejected a call-up to ride the World Championships with Belgium, pointing to team goals with UAE Team Emirates - XRG as the reason. Over two weeks after the road race, the saga continues as the veteran has faced heavy criticism and now his...