Its Tuesday, its cold, and Ryan Mallons dusted off the overshoes and mudguards for another autumnal edition of your favourite cycling live blog

Mikkel Honor has officially joined Team Jayco AlUla, leaving EF Education-EasyPost after four seasons with the American team. A versatile all-rounder, the Danish rider had been in strong form in the final weeks of this season. The 29-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the Australian team, and...

Newmen has launched its new Phase range of carbon mountain bike handlebars, covering disciplines from cross-country to downhill.Weights start at a claimed 166g, which is exceptionally light and 19g lighter than Rovals Control SL 35mm handlebar. However, there are two more interesting things going on here beyond simply making another light carbon bar.The Phase uses an unusually steep 8-degree upsweep, which Newmen says helps put your wrists in a better position when riding aggressively. VariGrip versions also enable you to change the effective bar width by 50mm without cutting anything.Why so much upsweep? Specific grips will be needed and various options will be offered. Newmen All Phase bars have 8 degrees of upsweep and 8 degrees of backsweep.Newmen says the steeper upsweep helps keep your wrists better aligned when you move into a more aggressive descending position.Rather than using lots of backsweep to change your hand position, the extra upsweep alters the angle of the grips while keeping the bar relatively neutral from front to back.Newmen says this should also make the bar comfortable in a more neutral riding position, rather than making it feel overly swept back.Whether that shape works for everyone will come down to personal preference, but it means there's more going on with the Phase than the usual choice of rise and width.Change your bar width without a saw The Phase bar uses Newmen's VariGrip system. Newmen The optional VariGrip system enables you to alter the effective width of the bar by 50mm.Adjustable-width mountain bike bars aren't a new idea. Brands including ODI, K9 and Ibis have tried similar concepts over the years, and Newmen has used VariGrip before.The Phase is its latest take on the idea, with 50mm of stepless adjustment built into a carbon bar. The threaded insert in the bar is key to its adjustability. Newmen A thread inside each end of the handlebar matches a threaded section in the grip. You loosen the grip clamp, wind the grip in or out using markings on the bar, then tighten it back up.That gives the narrower version a range of 710 to 760mm, while the wider bar can be adjusted between 760 and 810mm.The obvious advantage is you're not committed to one width after cutting the bar. You can experiment with your setup or change the width for different riding, without permanently shortening anything.VariGrip bars need compatible Newmen grips, with Resia, Slat and Blok options available in different profiles, thicknesses and rubber hardness.From XC to downhill A range of rises will be provided to help ensure your bike fit is right. Newmen The Phase range is split into XC and trail, and enduro and downhill versions.Fixed-width XC and trail bars measure 760mm and come with either 10 or 25mm rise. The enduro and downhill bars are 800mm wide, with 25 or 40mm rise. Both 31.8mm and 35mm clamp diameters are available.VariGrip models offer the same clamp and rise options, but the XC and trail versions adjust from 710 to 760mm, while the enduro and downhill bars span 760 to 810mm.Weights start at 166g for the fixed-width, 35mm-clamp, 760mm-wide bar with 10mm rise. At the other end of the scale, the 35mm-clamp VariGrip bar with 40mm rise weighs a claimed 209g.The XC and trail bars are available now, with the enduro and downhill versions following on 15 December.European pricing is 160 for the XC and trail bars, and 165 for the enduro and downhill versions. Interestingly, Newmen lists the VariGrip bars at the same price as the fixed-width versions.

Decathlon CMA CGM have brought Ben O'Connor "home" as the Australian climber re-joins the team on a two-year deal. The transfer sees him come back to the French team after two seasons at Team Jayco AlUla. The 30-year-old rode with the team from 2021 to 2024, finishing fourth at the Tour de France an...

A new fork, revised geometry and sharper aerodynamics: the Megamo Pulse 2027 sets out to deliver everything an aero road bike should, without excess weight or an inflated price tag. Does it succeed? We tested the new racer from Girona to find out whether its as fast as it looks.Megamo Pulse 01 SLR | 7.36 kg in size M | 8,999.00 | Manufacturers websiteFew cities are as closely tied to cycling as Girona. A sizable slice of the WorldTour peloton lives, trains and stops for coffee here. Megamo builds its bikes at the heart of this scene, and the Girona lettering on our test bikes frame is more than a nod to its origins. Its a statement of intent: build bikes here, and youd better be able to compete with the best. With the Pulse 2027, the Catalan brand sets out to prove that a no-compromise race bike doesnt have to carry a five-figure price tag.The Pulses paintwork takes inspiration from the Pont de les Peixateries Velles bridge over the River Onyar.Low, fast and uncompromising: Thats how the Pulse is meant to be ridden.And yet Megamos roots lie far from the road. The brand began in the late 1980s building trial bikes, and today its lineup runs from eMTBs to aero road machines, as we discovered on our visit to Girona. The Pulse sits at the top of their road bike range, aiming to prove that aerodynamics and low weight dont have to be mutually exclusive. What you need to know about the Megamo Pulse 2027 Highs DURA-ACE Di2 with power meter as standard premium DT Swiss ARC 1100 wheelset generous 34 mm tyre clearance UDH derailleur hanger Lows slightly conservative crank lengths Key Facts Full carbon frame: 924 g in size M, according to Megamo threaded T47 bottom bracket five frame sizes from XS to XL available in SLR carbon and more affordable SL carbon versions, both sharing the same frame shape and geometry With the latest generation, Megamo have refined this concept even further. The bottom bracket sits lower, the seat tube angle is steeper and the front end has been optimised for even better aerodynamics. At the same time, the high-end SLR frame is designed to keep weight down despite its chunky tube profiles. This puts the Pulse firmly in line with the latest trend in aero road bikes: less of a specialist for flat courses and more of an uncompromising race bike that can tackle almost any terrain.The Megamo Pulse 2027 in Detail Aero Ambitions for a Budget?With the Pulse 2027, Megamo have brought their road bike firmly up to date with the latest aero thinking. The changes are most obvious at the front, where the noticeably wider fork, a substantial head tube and angular tube profiles set the tone. Rather than chasing the smallest possible frontal area, Megamo treats aerodynamics as a complete system. The fork is designed to work with todays deep-section rims instead of being optimized in isolation, and the cockpit flows seamlessly from handlebar to stem to head tube. At the back, the rear triangle guides airflow around the rear wheel to reduce turbulence. Megamo has also lowered the bottom bracket and steepened the seat tube angle, shifting the rider further forward and lower into the bike. The aim is a lower center of gravity and a more compact, aerodynamic position at speed.Almost as eye-catching as the tube profiles is our test bikes paintwork. The so-called Performance Green finish is paired with red accents, giving off serious Team 7-Eleven vibes. Combined with the angular tube shapes, the Pulse doesnt just look fast. It also has bags more character than yet another black-and-white slab of carbon.Despite its aerodynamic shapes, weight remains a key ingredient in the Pulses recipe for speed. According to Megamo, the SLR frame weighs just 924 g in size M. Our test bike, also in size M, tips the scales at 7.36 kg fully built. Thats largely down to the premium carbon layup used for the top-tier SLR frame. The more affordable SL version shares the same frame shape and geometry but uses a less sophisticated carbon layup.Beyond aerodynamics and carbon layup, the Pulse ticks all the boxes youd expect from a modern race bike in 2027: a threaded T47 bottom bracket, compatibility with SRAMs 1x XPLR groupsets thanks to a UDH derailleur hanger, and clearance for tyres up to 34 mm wide. In essence, the Pulse follows the same recipe as many of todays aero race bikes: a low centre of gravity, a forward-biased riding position, oversized tube profiles and as little weight as possible. But can Megamo execute this formula as convincingly as their more established rivals? Theres only one way to find out: hit the road.Megamo Pulse 2027 Race-Ready Build?Our test bike, the Megamo Pulse 01 SLR, comes equipped with everything youd expect from a modern aero racer: Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 with a power meter, DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT wheels and 30 mm Pirelli P ZERO Race TLR RS tyres, promising to combine aerodynamic efficiency with plenty of grip and a welcome dose of extra comfort. Rounding off the build is Megamos in-house Velora Carbon Aero cockpit, measuring 380 mm wide at the hoods with a 100 mm stem. Between the high-end SLR frame and premium components, Megamo leave very little to be desired. And all of this comes at a price of 8,999.Megamo Pulse 01 SLR 2026 8,999SpecificationsSeatpost Aerodinamic Advanced Carbon Seat Post D-ShapedBrakes Shimano DURA-ACE BR-R9200 160/140 mmDrivetrain Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 R9200 2 x 12Chainring 52/36 TStem Megamo Carbon Full Integratted Internal Cable Routing 100 mmHandlebar Megamo Carbon Full Integratted Internal Cable Routing 380 mmWheelset DT Swiss ARC 1100 55 12 x 100 / 12 x 142Tires Pirelli Pzero Race TLR RS 700 x 30Cranks Shimano DURA-ACE FC-R9200 172,5 mmCassette Shimano DURA-ACE CS-R9200 1134TTechnical DataSize XS S M L XLWeight 7,36 kgFor a race bike, the gearing is surprisingly versatile, pairing 52/36-tooth chainrings with an 11-34 cassette. The 36/34 combination offers plenty of range for steep climbs, while the big 52-tooth chainring is clearly built for high speeds. A 160 mm rotor up front and a 140 mm rotor at the rear take care of braking.Megamo go all in on aerodynamics with DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT wheels. Their 55 mm deep carbon rims suit the Pulse visually and technically, delivering the aero advantage youd expect from a bike built for speed. If saving every last gram or maximizing acceleration is your priority, there are lighter options out there, but the stock setup makes a clear choice: outright speed over minimal weight.Megamo Pulse 2027 Geometry Somewhat Progressive?Megamo have also fine-tuned the Pulses geometry. On our size M test bike, the stack remains unchanged from its predecessor at 538 mm, while the reach has actually decreased slightly from 385 to 383 mm. At the same time, the head tube has been shortened from 135 to 128 mm, the seat tube angle has steepened slightly from 73.5 to 74, and the bottom bracket drop has increased significantly from 69 to 75 mm. The result is a more compact, lower-slung front end combined with a steeper riding position over the bottom bracket.With a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.40, the Pulse features a decidedly sporty geometry. The 72.5 head angle remains unchanged in size M, as do the short 410 mm chainstays. The wheelbase has shrunk slightly from 986 to 982 mm. On paper, this combination of a lower bottom bracket and compact wheelbase promises a low centre of gravity for confidence-inspiring stability at high speeds, while retaining the agility needed for rapid changes of direction. Depending on the frame size, Megamo use one of two fork variants with different offsets to keep the trail as consistent as possible across the size range.SizeXSSMLXLTop tube512 mm521 mm537 mm552 mm568 mmSeat tube460 mm480 mm500 mm520 mm540 mmHead tube95 mm111 mm128 mm148 mm173 mmHead angle71.571.572.572.572.5Seat angle74.574.5747474Chainstay410 mm410 mm410 mm410 mm410 mmBB Drop77 mm77 mm75 mm75 mm75 mmWheelbase972 mm985 mm982 mm997 mm1,014 mmReach373 mm378 mm383 mm392 mm402 mmStack503 mm518 mm538 mm557 mm581 mmThe Velora cockpit on our test bike suits this philosophy, measuring 380 mm wide at the hoods with a 100 mm, -10 stem. The result is an uncompromisingly low, narrow front end, while the steeper seat tube angle places you further forward over the bottom bracket. Riders after more reach may be disappointed, though: Megamo dont offer the Velora cockpit with a stem longer than 110 mm, which could prove limiting for taller riders or anyone who prefers a stretched-out position. Ultimately, the Pulse feels less like a new concept than a thoroughly modernized race platform: lower, more centered and firmly focused on aerodynamics, precision and outright speed.Megamo Pulse 2027 on Test From Time Trial Tension to Total ConfidenceFrom the very first pedal strokes, the Pulse makes its intentions clear: this is an uncompromising race bike. The front end is low, the saddle-to-bar drop is substantial, and the narrow Velora cockpit puts your hands in a decidedly aggressive position. Out on the road, though, it takes a little time for you and the Pulse to find your rhythm. The geometry is unapologetically race-focused. If your hip mobility isnt up to scratch, youll probably find yourself reaching for a few extra spacers sooner rather than later. We deliberately rode our test bike without any to assess the stock riding position. The upside of such a low front end is that it makes holding an aerodynamic position for extended periods surprisingly easy. The drops, meanwhile, have a more traditional shape and take a little getting used to when sprinting.As soon as you put the power down, the Pulse reveals its second major strength: stiffness. The front end feels incredibly direct, and even the hardest accelerations do little to unsettle the bike. Power transfer feels almost instantaneous, as though every watt you put through the pedals goes straight to the rear wheel. That said, the Pulse isnt quite as explosive off the line as you might expect. The 55 mm deep DT Swiss ARC 1100 wheels bring a little extra rotational mass, making acceleration from very low speeds feel slightly sluggish at first. But once you hit 35 to 40 km/h, the tables turn. The Pulse really comes alive, picking up speed with noticeably less effort. And above 45 to 50 km/h, it almost feels as though the bike wants to hold that pace all by itself.This is where the Pulse really plays to its aerodynamic strengths. The combination of an aggressive riding position, oversized tube profiles and 55 mm deep wheels creates a noticeable sailing effect. On fast straights, maintaining speed seems to require less effort, and the bike practically begs you to tuck into a compact aero position. On the climbs, the Pulse remains a capable performer, though it favours steady momentum over explosive acceleration. The low frame weight certainly helps, as does the impressive overall stiffness. However, the wheels leave some potential untapped. If youre after maximum responsiveness, a lighter wheelset could help unlock another level of performance.But its the handling that really sets the Pulse apart. The low bottom bracket and compact wheelbase create a ride that feels both razor-sharp and remarkably planted. The steering is incredibly precise without ever becoming nervous on the straights. Its this balance that makes fast descents and tight corners such a joy. Tip it in, load up the front end and hold your line. Job done. Even at speeds of 80 to 90 km/h, we never felt as though the bike was approaching its limits. After just a few rides, your confidence grows enormously, and the Pulse feels completely at home carving through fast, flowing corners or tearing around a criterium circuit at full race pace.Comfort is where the Pulse makes its sacrifices. The 30 mm Pirelli P ZERO Race TLR RS tires and carbon seatpost soften rough asphalt, yet the front end remains firm and the position uncompromising. Two or three hours in, your wrists, arms and neck will start filing complaints. The cause is less a shortage of compliance than the stretched, aggressive posture the bike demands. This is no endurance bike, and it makes no attempt to be one.The Pulse also remains surprisingly composed in crosswinds. Naturally, the 55 mm deep ARC 1100 wheels are more susceptible to strong gusts, but the bike never becomes twitchy or unsettled, remaining predictable and confidence-inspiring throughout. Even in strong, gusty winds, riding no-handed was still possible. Purely in theory, of course. Not something wed recommend making a habit of. This ties in neatly with Megamos development philosophy of optimising aerodynamics not just for head-on airflow, but also for the realistic yaw angles you encounter out on the road.The Pulse is a thoroughly modern aero racer with three clear priorities: speed, precision and an aggressive riding position. It suits riders who like to get low, love going fast and want a direct, lively bike that responds to every input. If you prefer plenty of saddle setback, a more relaxed position or long-distance comfort, its uncompromising character may be hard to warm to. But for supple, race-minded riders after a fast, sharp-handling aero bike for quick group rides, criteriums and high-speed descents, the Pulse is right on the money. Tuning tip: If you spend a lot of time climbing, swapping the ARC 1100 wheels for a lighter wheelset could give the Pulse an extra boost uphill.Who Is the Megamo Pulse 01 SLR For?The Pulse 01 SLR is built for riders who race, or train as though every Sunday were race day. Think ambitious amateur racers, criterium enthusiasts and performance-focused riders who thrive on fast group rides. Even the narrow 380 mm handlebars scream aggression, while the low, race-oriented position practically begs for tight corners and 1,000-watt sprints. And for exactly this kind of riding, the Pulse delivers everything you need straight out of the box, power meter included. However, if you prefer a more upright position, enjoy spending hours cruising comfortably or lean towards endurance riding, youd be better off looking elsewhere. Thats simply not what the Pulse was built for.The Right Bike For:Criterium RacersRazor-sharp handling meets rock-solid stability. Even at 90 km/h, the Pulse remains composed and thrives on tight corners.Speed Demons on Fast Group RidesAbove 40 km/h, the Pulse really comes alive, almost holding its speed effortlessly. Perfect for riders who love pushing the pace at the front of the bunch.Not the Right Bike For:Long-Distance RidersThe low, aggressive riding position takes its toll after two to three hours. This isnt a bike built for long days in the saddle.Pure ClimbersCapable uphill, but not particularly sprightly. The ARC 1100 wheels deliver aerodynamic gains, but come with a weight penalty.At 8,999, the Pulse 01 SLR delivers a complete race-ready package. If youre looking to save some money, the Pulse 02 SLR offers a more affordable alternative at 6,499, featuring SRAM Force AXS and DT Swiss ARC 1400 wheels while retaining the same geometry and carbon layup.Helmet Specialized S-Works Evade 3 | Glasses Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep | Jersey GONSO SITIVO Jersey Shorts GONSO SQlab Go BIB | Shoes Specialized S-Works Torch Lace | Socks Fingerscrossed ClassicConclusionsIf you want an uncompromising race bike without spending a small fortune, the Pulse 01 SLR delivers a seriously capable package. Sprinting flat out, tucked into an aero position or flying down a descent at full speed, it feels dialed in. Over nearly 700 km of testing, we never found its limits, our confidence grew with every ride, and not once did the Pulse let us down. If all-day comfort is your priority, an endurance bike will serve you better. For everyone else, the Pulse delivers a remarkable amount of performance for the money.TopsConfidence-inspiring yet agile corneringInstant power transferExcellent stabilityFlopsLimited comfortMore information at megamo.com.Der Beitrag New Megamo Pulse 2027 in Review Affordable all-rounder or Coffee Shop Racer? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

After two decades of association, Soudal Quick-Step are to switch Specialized for Merida bikes from next season, it was announced on Tuesday.Their sister Women's WorldTour team, AG Insurance-Soudal, are also making the switch from the American to the Taiwanese brand. The men's WorldTour team will also be known as Soudal Safety Jogger from next year.Specialized first joined with what was Quickstep-Innergetic for the 2007 season, and have been together since, apart from two seasons on Eddy Merckx bikes. It has been a long and fruitful partnership, through Classics domination with the likes of Tom Boonen and Grand Tour sprint success with Mark Cavendish, Marcel Kittel and latterly Tim Merlier. There have also been World Championship wins and a Grand Tour victory for Remco Evenepoel, who still rides Specialized at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe.Now, it's goodbye to the S-Works Tarmac SL9 and hello to the Merida Reacto, along with the Time-Warp for time trialling. The deal runs to 2030 to begin with, and will see the bikes complete with Shimano Dura-Ace groupsets, wheelsets, and pedals, along with Continental tyres. There are also new saddles from Prologo, shoes from Sidi, and helmets from Lazer.Merida return to the WorldTour after one year out they were last ridden by Bahrain Victorious at the sport's highest level.According to a team press release, extensive research and evaluation was taken by the head of technical and development Nicolas Coosemans, along with performance coach Koen Pelgrim. "Products were extensively tested and assessed in controlled environments, including wind-tunnel testing, as well as in real-world on the road conditions," the press release reads. "This rigorous approach ensures that every element of the teams technical package has been selected to help our riders perform at the highest level.""We have been working on this project for more than one year, because decisions around technical partners have a direct impact on the performance of our riders," CEO Jurgen For said. "We wanted to look at every element of our equipment package and understand where we could make improvements, while also building on the strong relationships that we already have."What excites me most is not simply the individual products that our riders will use, but the expertise that each of these companies brings our teams. We want our technical partners to work closely with our riders and performance staff, sharing knowledge, data and ideas so that we can continue to develop together."We are very grateful to all of our new partners for the confidence they show in Soudal-Safety Jogger and AG Insurance-Soudal. We look forward to beginning these new partnerships and being able to show you exactly what we have been working so hard to deliver."

Visma | Lease a Bike now has a provisional name for its 2027 season registration. In documents published by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the Dutch team is listed as Yellow B. Cycling, the name of the parent company that operates the squad. For now, the change does not signal a new sporti...

Decathlon CMA CGM continues to strengthen its roster for the coming seasons and has announced the signing of Pavel Sivakov through 2029 in the cycling transfer market. The French naturalised rider is leaving UAE Team Emirates XRG after three seasons, during which he became one of Tadej Pogacars mos...