The Ribble Ultra-Road is the Lancashire-based companys newest entrant to the endurance bike segment, combining an aero-optimised frame with a comfortable, less racy riding position - a bike for the people, if you will. Ribble reckons a large portion of the cycling demographic rides the wrong bikes and adopts fits more akin to professional road racers. As a result, the Ribble Ultra-Roads more upright riding position offers an all-round platform for long-distance epics but can also handle fast group rides, crit races and adventures in the mountains, too.Despite its endurance focus, the Ultra moniker places it among the Ultra-Race, Ultra-Aero, and Ultra-Grit, making it the brands flagship performance endurance bike. This idea, however, is nothing new: the Canyon Endurace, Cannondale Synapse, Pinarello X Series, and Specialized Roubaix follow the same blueprint, but Ribble has added more value and accessibility.(Image credit: Aaron Borrill)Design detailsWith a blueprint inspired by the Ribble Ultra-Race, the Ultra-Road utilises the very same aerodynamic learnings and carbon-fibre layup. This comprises Toray M46 and T1000-grade carbon fibre, presented in a tidy, aero-informed design package, and employed exclusively for its low weight and propensity to minimise road buzz and vibration. The aero-look carbon seatpost has been included for its fatigue-resisting properties.While its a beautiful-looking bike, its silhouette is generic and follows the now-standard dropped seatstay configuration used across the industry. The wide-set fork and profiling along the head and downtube, however, add some semblance of individuality, with shaping and aero bottle-cage integration borrowed from the Ultra Race. The Ultra Road comes in three colourways, slate grey metallic (pictured here), damson metallic, and iridescent white metallic, each of which looks appreciably posh and neutral (custom colours are also available but at an extra cost). The Ribble wordmark on the downtube and fork is finished in a brushed aluminium-look treatment, complementing the grey metallic paint of our test bike quite superbly.Despite the aerodynamic credentials, the Ultra-Road adopts a shorter reach and higher stack than traditional race bikes for improved comfort and a less cramped riding position. According to Ribble, the idea lets the rider sustain an aerodynamic position and maximum power for longer, along with improved feel and handling. Tyre clearance is pegged at 38mm ample for this segment but drops to 32mm if you opt to pair the bike with mudguards. (Image credit: Richard Butcher)SpecificationsSpecification-wise, the Ultra-Road is available with a host of electronic groupsets from Shimano and SRAM. Our test bike arrived with a SRAM Force AXS groupset, complete with a power meter, 48/35T, 10-36T chainset, and 170mm cranks. There's a lot of carbon-fibre components on offer, including the Ribble integrated bar and stem, and seatpost.It also has a neat-looking downtube storage compartment (compatible with the Ribble Rift Tool Wrap) and a UDH dropout, ensuring compatibility with all current and upcoming groupsets. Mavic Cosmic S 42mm wrapped in 32mm Vittoria Corsa Next tyres and a Selle Italia SLR Advan Superflow saddle round out the build.Our test bike weighed 8.04 kg, spot on with the claimed 8kg and in line with endurance-themed rivals with similar specifications.(Image credit: Richard Butcher)PerformanceRibble has made sure not to segregate riders with the Ultra-Road and has designed it to cover an impressive spread of riders' heights, starting at 411 for the XXS to 6'4" for the XL model. This has been achieved by keeping the angles fairly consistent across the geometry chart. Its a very impressive bike overall, difficult to fault and easy to praise. It feels surefooted in the corners and agile when changing direction. Straight-line speed is good, too, with the Ultra-Road reacting well to pedalling inputs and out-the-saddle accelerations, allowing it to get up to speed quickly. While aerodynamics are impossible to quantify without a wind tunnel, it doesnt particularly feel like an endurance bike. It feels very comfortable, but it still conveys a strong sense of speed, and the position isn't as upright as youd expect.(Image credit: Richard Butcher)At 8kg, its neither light nor heavy, but I do feel the industry places too much emphasis on system weight. Unless youre traversing double-digit gradients for long periods, youre never at a disadvantage, especially in the UK, where shorter, punchier terrain is the order of the day. As a result, its light enough to dispatch the ups without much bother and weightier enough to ensure you sail down the other side at speed.The handling is neutral and confidence-inspiring, letting the rider trust the front end on turn-in and enabling the bike to flow through corners with no twitchiness or vagueness from the handlebars or underpinnings. The Mavic Cosmic wheels, shod with 32mm Vittoria Corsa Next, were surprisingly good. Mavic is not a common OEM rolling-stock option these days, but the wheels did the job. If anything, upgrading the tyres to something lighter and more supple would do wonders for the tactile communication and maybe even improve grip and rolling resistance. That said, the tyre configuration performed decently throughout the test and also helped soften road buzz and vibration thanks to lower tyre pressure. You can boost comfort even more with wider tyres, but this will also increase weight by a smidgeon.(Image credit: Richard Butcher)ValueThe endurance segment is a tricky space to navigate, with options at both ends of the spectrum. Ribble, however, has made a concerted effort to balance value with performance, and the Ultra-Road echoes this with a formidable range boasting builds to suit a variety of price points. Theres even a 2,599/$3,480 Shimano 105 option for those who still prefer the tactile and deliberate shift action of mechanical actuation.While the range-topping Zipp-wheeled models are far from the priciest in the segment, they top out at 6,999/$8,700 and 6,499/$8,100 for SRAM Red AXS and Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, respectively (both models are cheaper with Mavic Cosmic wheels); the 4,599/$6,400 Force AXS build is a more appealing option, as is the 4,199/$5,500 Ultegra Di2 version.Youll also need to consider its closest competitors from Specialized and Cannondale, the 6,999/$8,499 Roubaix SL8 Pro and 6,995/$7,499 Synapse Carbon 2 SmartSense, neither of which can match the homegrown British theme and impressive pricing.Scoring breakdownDesign detailsThe visuals are premium and Ribble has put a lot of effort in to achieve this look. The slate-grey metallic and brushed-aluminium-style logos help the bike stand out among the rabble of mediocre offerings in the segment.10SpecificationsWhile there's no top-tier parts here, the SRAM Force AXS groupset is superb, boasting a power meter and 170mm cranks. The Mavic Cosmic S wheels are a real strong point of the build as carbon-fibre is often ditched for cheaper, alloy equivalents.10WeightRibble has managed to balance this build impressively and the result is a 8kg system weight. As I mentioned in my review, I feel the industry places too much emphasis of this attribute - 8kg is not heavy.10Performance and handlingIt's a fairly balanced package, offering good top end matched to predictable handling. At this price point, it punches above its weight.10ValueAt 4,599/$6,400, the Ribble Ultra-Road Force AXS offers incredible bang for buck. Set your brand snobbery aside, and you'll be rewarded with a solid and reliable package that also gets a lifetime frame and fork warranty.10Overall100%Tech specPrice: 4,599/$6,400Brand: RibbleFrame: Ribble T1000 and M40 carbon-fibre constructionFork: Ribble T1000 and M40 carbon-fibre constructionWeight: 8.04kg (small)Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XLLevers: SRAM Force AXSBrakes: SRAM Force AXSRear derailleur: SRAM Force AXSFront derailleur: SRAM Force AXSCrankset: SRAM Force 48/35TCassette: SRAM Force AXS 10-36TChain: SRAM ForceWheels: Mavic Cosmic S 42mmTyres: Vittoria Corsa Next tyres 32mmBar/stem: Ribble integrated bar and stemSeatpost: Ribble Comfort-Flex CarbonSaddle: Selle Italia SLR Advan Superflow

Wout Van Aert plans to return to cyclocross within the coming months, aiming to once again win the rainbow jersey in the discipline that he has developed into a professional rider as. Recently, he has spoken about his current condition and how his schedule might look like. Ive already watched a f...

DyedBro has established itself as one of the leaders in frame protection, making a range of products to keep your mountain, gravel, and kids bikes looking fresh. Earlier this year, the brand launched its Evo series of clear frame protection to shield frames from damage without disrupting the original finish. For riders who prefer bolder designs, DyedBro just launched its new Neo series, which it calls the evolution of printed frame protection.Weve re-engineered the material to give riders the ultimate balance between high-impact durability, sharp design, and a clean, custom-like fit.-DyedBro TeamDyedBro Neo DetailsWith the new Neo frame protection, DyedBro says it is building on its iconic heritage by combining signature visual graphic styles with an ultra-thin, high-flexibility vinyl formulation designed to conform seamlessly to complex frame shapes when heat-applied. According to the brand, the new 100-micron protective laminate not only bends effortlessly around intricate geometry, but delivers tough impact and scratch resistance against trail debris, gravel, and UV exposure.All of the frame protection kits in the Neo series include graphics that range from subtle to bold and in-your-face. They use eco-friendly water-based inks to print the crisp, vibrant graphics, which are shielded by the laminate from wear. Additionally, DyedBro claims that Neo has been engineered to withstand harsh sunlight, mud, and frequent washing without yellowing, discoloring, or degrading.DyedBro makes its Neo frame protection kits for both mountain/eMTB and gravel bikes. The gravel kits weigh 46 grams and have been optimized for the narrower tubing and specific wear points of gravel bikes, offering lightweight but rugged protection against frame bags and high-frequency gravel spray. The kit includes twelve pieces in total to protect the top tube, down tube, fork legs, seat stays, and chainstays. There are currently three graphic options in the Neo gravel lineup.The Neo Gravel kits in Laurem (left) and Racing (right)The mountain/eMTB kits are claimed to weigh just 48 grams and fit on most of todays mountain bikes. According to DyedBro, they are designed with extra coverage for the larger rear triangles of modern trail, enduro, and electric bikes. It provides a heavy-duty shield against rock strikes and high-speed debris. Each MTB kit includes 8 pieces to protect the top tube, down tube, seat stays, and chainstays. There are currently 13 graphics to choose from, ranging from racing stripes and dragons to artist collabs.The Neo MTB kits in Surfs Up (left) and Naga Dragon (right)Pricing and AvailabilityNearly all of DyedBros new Neo Series frame protection kits retail for $70, with two of the gravel kits costing just a bit more at $73. They are available now directly from DyedBro at dyedbro.com

Two-time Tour de France stage winner Dylan Teuns has announced his retirement from professional cycling after failing to find a team for 2027. The 34-year-old Belgian spent the last two seasons with Cofidis, and previously rode for Israel-Premier Tech, Bahrain Victorious and BMC Racing Team. He confirmed his retirement on social media on Thursday, writing: I look back with immense pride and gratitude on a career in which I was able to fulfil my absolute childhood dreams. At the same time, Teuns gave an interview to Belgian publication Het Nieuwsblad, in which he explained he wanted to continue racing for another two years, but was unable to find a contract. One of Teuns's biggest wins came at La Flche Wallonne in 2022. (Image credit: Getty Images)I had known for months that I was in a difficult situation, he said. My spring didn't turn out the way I had hoped. As a result, I ended up in a contract situation I had never experienced before. The Tour had already started, and I hadn't signed anywhere yet. That caused extra stress. Almost every team repeated the same mantra: 'We need to rejuvenate'. Eventually, I held intensive talks with three WorldTeams and two ProTeams. Unfortunately, he added, those talks came to nothing. His hopes then lay in negotiations he was having with WorldTour team Lotto-Intermarch, but he found out last week that they did not have a place for him. The conclusion was that I wouldn't be happier by choosing a smaller team, Teuns said. I really wanted to continue for another two years with a WorldTour or WorldTour-worthy team that performs. I felt I still have the potential for it. The responsibility of being a team leader wasnt a must. I was perfectly happy to act as a lead-out man for a puncheur or contribute to the team in the Classics with a free role.Teunss 12-year pro career brought him 14 victories, including stages at the Tour de France on the Planche des Belles Filles in 2019 and in Le Grand-Bornand in 2021, a stage of the Critrium du Dauphine in 2019, and a Classic in La Flche Wallonne in 2022. His last victory came on stage one of the Tour de Romandie in 2022, then riding for Bahrain Victorious. He did not ride a Grand Tour in 2026. He wrote on Instagram on Thursday: To all the fans, teammates, and staff members who have backed me all these years along the road and in front of the screen: thank you!But a special thanks goes out to my parents, close friends, and girlfriend for having my back during the highs and the lows.Without you all, this dream would have never become reality. It is time for a new chapter, but the love for the bike remains forever.A post shared by dylan teuns (@dylanteuns)A photo posted by

Callum's here to guide you into the weekend, hoping his Michael Sheen-esque bosses won't force a James Acaster-ish confession from him

The confirmation of the 2027 Tour de France route has come as a surprise, featuring plenty time trialing kilometers and less difficult stages than in previous years. Many have argued that the route is build to restrain Tadej Pogacar's ability to dominate the overall classification; but his agent thi...

Loe van Belle has signed a deal with Thijs Zonneveld's BEAT Cycling, which has recently been announced. The Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider aims to be a leader once again, and hopes to return to the sport's top level once again soon. The Dutch rider has spent the past three seasons at Team Visma |...

Every time weve written about Fabric in the past year or so, weve mentioned how the brand is poised to make a comeback. Well, it appears that comeback is continuing with the introduction of the new ALM:HALO saddle range. It builds on the forward-thinking design of the original, aerospace-inspired ALM saddle and evolves it with modern materials and construction to refine its performance and enhance its comfort while keeping weight to a minimum.The original ALM, released over a decade ago in 2013, set a benchmark by bringing 3D-printed titanium aerospace technology to cycling, so going into this project, we knew we had massive shoes to fill. While manufacturing techniques have shifted over the last decade, the fundamental design of the ALM remains timeless. The goal for the new ALM was never to replace an icon, but to evolve it. We asked ourselves the exact same question we did ten years ago: what can we learn from cutting-edge industries and apply to innovative saddle design?-Florian Bont, Brand Manager at FabricFabric ALM:HALO DetailsThe original ALM saddle was conceived and designed alongside aerospace engineers at Airbus. To create the new ALM:HALO saddles, Fabric says that it brought together those same engineers, who now work at the National Composites Center (NCC). With the goal of improving upon the ALM platform, they identified what they consider to be two major ergonomic failures.Hammocking: Occurs when the center of the saddle sags under load. While comfortable initially, it causes deep soft-tissue discomfort during aggressive pelvic rotation.Pivot Effect: Occurs when the saddle wings flex downward under pedaling pressure, using the rail bonding points as a fulcrum to force the center of the saddle upward into the rider.Fabric says the goal was to retain the leaf-spring comfort of the original ALM while eliminating both hammocking and the pivot effect. To figure out how, they and the NCC subjected the original ALM to load-to-failure testing to find its weak points and make improvements.Fabric says that it began iterating using Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP), a highly advanced technology derived from Formula 1 that is only available to a select few around the world.TFP allows for continuous fibers to be stitched exactly where needed, enabling the designers at Fabric to map out structural demands with complete flexibility, quickly prototyping and testing different configurations.Ultimately, Fabric says this led to what they dubbed their HALO Design. This includes the two rear rails connected to a continuous wrap-around structure of the unibody base, to create rigidity and neutralize upward pivot flex through the wings under power. Additionally, given the stiffer wings, they say they adjusted the wing geometry with a natural downward curve to preserve the leaf spring compliance at the rails while maintaining a solid base.According to Fabric, the design was then translated into a refined, hand-laid carbon fiber thermoforming process with material placed only where necessary. Its carbon unibody construction with HALO unibody carbon rails results in an ultralight saddle that weighs just 145 grams. The ALM:HALO comes in a 142mm width and 265mm length. It comes in a standard version, as well as an Ergo model with a pressure-relief channel. The Ergo version has an open cutout in the base designed to reduce pressure and numbness on the perineal tissues. The cutout is covered with lightweight foam padding to maintain a sleek look, and is differentiated from the standard version with an alternate logo placement.The ALM:HALO Ergo has a cutout in the base and an alternate logo placement to set it apart. It comes in black only.ALM:HALO SpecsRails: Carbon, 7 x 10mmBase: CarbonPadding: Lightweight EVACover: MicrofibreWeight: 145 gWidth: 142 mmLength: 265 mmMid rail to saddle topper: 47mmRider weight limit: 100kgThe standard ALM:HALO saddle comes in white or black.Pricing and AvailabilityThe standard and Ergo versions of the Fabric ALM:HALO saddles retail for $329 / 329 / 299. They are available now. Head to the Fabric website to learn more, check availability in your region, or find a dealer near you. fabric.cc

If youre suffering under the misapprehension that your bike isnt fit to tackle the untamed gravel of the Home Counties without the latest 1x13 electronic groupset, complete with dinnerplate-esque 10t/46t cassette, this Viking expedition bike is the antidote. Turns out, all you need for the very worst terrain is iron-clad resolve, legs of steel and one fixed gear.This impressive expedition bike was built for Bernard Heath, an equally remarkable adventurer, who, together with Rough-Stuff Fellowship (RSF) members Dick Phillips, Raymond Bottomley, and Ron Bartle, made the first unsupported two-wheeled crossing of Iceland's interior in 1958. They cycled identical Viking steel fixies uniquely adapted for the task; the most obvious modification being the girder-like rack brace thats brazed directly to the seat tube.You could jump on that rack, its so strong, says current owner Richard Hoddinott of vintage specialists The Velo Pages. The whole bike is incredibly beefy. The front dropouts are clearly quite agricultural but built for punishment. (Image credit: Future / Richard Butcher)Similarly, the bottom bracket features a modified tandem shell for increased strength. The bikes had to be tough; they carried everything, including a rubber dinghy for river crossings.The adaptations were a wise precaution. The four RSF riders, all in their twenties, were taking on the Sprengisandur (roughly translated: ride a horse to death), an ancient 260-mile pass that lies between three central Icelandic ice caps. (Image credit: Future / Richard Butcher)If the lava fields were daunting a seemingly endless rotation of boulders, scree slopes and knee-deep, soft grit the numerous, broad, icy river crossings were downright hazardous.Reading their expedition notes, its remarkable how rudimentary much of their kit was. The defining adjective is stout stout rope, stout cycling shoes and, of course, stout bikes. Bernard Heath went on to found the Mountain Bothies Association a legacy for which every walker, climber, and bikepacker remains in his debt.(Image credit: Future / Richard Butcher)