CyclistIn the Drops: Coros neverending solar-powered computer and training watch, smart NordicTrack dumbbells and Bedrocks classy leather sandalsThe Cyclist peloton is one rider down this month as head honcho and editor Pete Muir is taking an impromptu gap month. The good news is were battling on regardless to deliver the magazine (issue 180 is out now) and keep the website flush with everything thats happening in the world of cycling.Ewan Wilson previews the Giro 2027 and then takes pity on poor old MVDP in light of the route being announced, while Robyn Davidson runs the rule over the Giro dItalia Women route and some of the most brutal stages ever included in a womens tour. Weve shared our Christmas gift guide on the site too.Weve always got our fingers on the buyers guide pulse too, so there are updates to our gravel mudugard guide and our road pedal guide plus our review of the Specialized Diverge 4 is live. There are also some killer deals on Hunt Wheels to be found this month and we summarise them all here.One of my favourite places on the planet to ride a bike is Tenerife, but unfortunately it wasnt me climbing Teide for the magazines Big Ride. Life on Mars is live on the site now and its well worth a read.Its dark, its cold, but In the Drops is here to warm the cockles of your heart. Lets go.Coros Dura Solar 2Its called the Dura 2, but really its a completely new product, says Amanda Braverman, head of cycling at Coros, and true enough, this second generation is almost unrecognisable from the first, using a new double-decker structure of anodised alloy and carbon fibre to create a 3.5in touchscreen computer that weighs a claimed 99g. However, one key feature remains: the solar panel that was key to the originals market-leading battery life.We moved it from the top of the unit to the bottom so that we could add functions to otherwise dead space, says Braverman. That means the new Dura preserves the old units staggering 120-hour life while also concealing haptic buttons within the panel.The old unit was distinct for its watch-like side dial, but that has been scrapped in favour of side buttons that support the ones embedded in the solar panel to retain navigability. Braverman says the touchscreen is now 0.8in bigger and edge-to-edge, boasting 17% more pixel density and pinch-to-zoom capability, while the Duras processor has been significantly upgraded and hands-free operation made possible.Depress an activation button and riders can control the Dura 2 using their voice, says Braverman. As a result, its now possible to set alerts, end rides, drop pins and change navigation all without touching the unit. Well be testing this unit over the next few weeks so keep your eyes peeled for the review in an upcoming edition of Cyclist magazine.Buy from Coros (479)NordicTrack dumbbellsFinding the time and space to have a complete static bike trainer setup indoors just isnt realistic for many people. Much as Id love a dedicated suffer cell complete with American Psycho posters, a blue light and 19 hand-written journals full of an incomplete political manifesto and volumes of my own poetry I just dont think its on the cards.With riders and physios increasing their focus on strength training as a complement to cardio and endurance workouts, a home weight station in your house is far less real estate-hungry and could have a big impact on your performance on the bike. Plus its potentially an easier sell to the other members of your household, who are more likely to do a few bicep curls than sling on some bib shorts and turn on a fan that sounds like the cast of Succession is landing nearby.The NordicTrack select-a-weight dumbbells have a number of useful selling points. As the name suggests, rather than spinning on and off weights endlessly whenever you change between exercises, the dumbbell has a smart little selection button that allows you to click weights on and off near-instantly.When theyre not in use, the weights slot neatly into their storage tray, which can then be stored out of the way, ready for the next session.At the end of the day, weights are weights, and doing press-ups or squats while holding bags of rocks or plant pots is a very cost-effective starting point. But if you want something well designed and easy to integrate into a schedule where youd rather not venture outside or to a gym, NordicTracks dumbbells are a good option.Buy from Nordictrack (449)Coros Pace 4 Pro WatchCoros has been busy this year, with an updated version of the athlete-focused Pace 4 Pro watch also having hit the market. According to Coros, the Pro is lighter than a golf ball (43g) and thinner than a Sharpie (11.8mm), and that is certainly borne out when you hold the watch in your hand.The 1.47-inch diameter display, said to be Coros brightest ever at 8 lumens and 20% bigger than before, is an AMOLED, rather than just LED. For those that dont know, thats an ActiveMatrix Organic LightEmitting Diode. In real terms, its good because each pixel emits light and the technology allows for darker blacks and better contrast.As is typical for anything made by Coros, battery life is a strength. In certain scenarios, Coros claims it will run for 21 days of daily use although when GPS and full power display are on, its more like 30 hours. Theres no solar here but even just 30 minutes of charging gives 10 hours of juice. The charger is one of its coolest features: a little USB-C grommet slots into a protective pill that hangs on your keyring. Good luck losing that.In terms of features, the variety is truly impressive. Whether youre interested in tracking recovery, training load, building routes, sleep quality, or letting others know youre OK when out running or riding, its all possible. Theres also voice control and the option to sync it with ovulation and menstrual cycles. Of course, you can also pair it with your Coros head unit so they can talk to each other and log just about everything your body will ever do. It hasnt started ride-shaming me or telling me Im losing my hair yet but Im sure its just a matter of time.Buy from Coros (389)Bedrock sandalsI like my footwear to be sturdy. Whether its posh white road shoes made out of porous, filth-magnet fabric, or cleats that scuff and erode within a few weeks, theres nothing that grinds my gears more than putting prissy, fragile materials in an area that is guaranteed to be hard-working as the kitchen sales people would phrase it.I also like something I can strap on to the top of my seatpost bag on a bike-packing trip without worrying about its welfare. Bedrocks Nubuck Mountain Clog (in Obsidian Dark grey) ticks every box. Its designers take the phenomenon of the chef clog and progress it to its inevitable psuedo-trendy end game.Thats in part thanks to the heel-hook closure system. These helmet-like straps tighten around the back of the foot, or loosen off entirely, so that you can slip on and slip off at will once youve unclipped the cleats at the campsite.The semi-cushioned footbed has some arch support and the Vibram rubber compound sole can be replaced when its worn out, which is an incredibly rare feature for any modern shoe. Because of their sturdiness, they arent the lightest at 355g each, but based on the high build quality and the lovely materials, I think theyll be doing Fred Flintstone proud for years. The Ecco leather used is said to age beautifully too, so thats something to look forward to.Buy from Bedrock (190)The post In the Drops: Coros neverending solar-powered computer and training watch, smart NordicTrack dumbbells and Bedrocks classy leather sandals appeared first on Cyclist.

World cycling has a new rivalry that promises to make headlines in the years ahead. Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas will share the road again on Sunday, 8 November, this time on the streets of Singapore, where they will headline the 2026 Tour de France EFGH Singapore Criterium. The event, backed by A...

Our Reader's Rig of the week comes from Kari in North Dakota, who shares the Marin Pine Mountain 1 she uses to escape on head-clearing trail rides. Meet Kari and find photos of her loaded hardtail out in its element here... The post Readers Rig: Karis Marin Pine Mountain 1 appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Michael Vanthourenhout and Cameron Mason had a verbal altercation after the finale ofNoordzeecross Middelkerke on Thursday evening, in which he swore at the British champion and was fined by race officials. Vanthourenhout and Mason bumped shoulders mid-race, leading to the Belgian coming down.Foll...

This weeks Debrief features Stringbean top tube bags, Raw Silver pedals, Lynskey UDH sliding dropouts, The Wizard pre-order, fresh Big Bro colors, your untold stories, events to follow live, and much more. Find it all hereThe post Friday Debrief: Raw Silver Pedals, The Wizard, UDH Sliding Dropouts, and More appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Black Friday 2026 is fast approaching, and the big sales event runs from November 27 to Cyber Monday on November 30. These dates are fairly meaningless when it comes to grabbing the best cycling deals, because the biggest online retailers are already launching sales events weeks before Black Friday.As Cycling Weekly's deal-hunting gurus, my colleague Matt and I have already spotted some early, worthy discounts. Matt's early Black Friday Bike Deals hub has 42 deals worth checking out.Get the Specialized Diverge 4 Expert 31% off in the Balfe's Bikes Black Friday Sale.One deal that caught my eye is on the Specialized Diverge 4 Expert Di2, one of the best gravel bikes you could ever wish to own. It's our choice of best overall gravel bike, and also my own gravel weapon of choice. Right now at Balfe's Bikes, you can get the Diverge 4 Expert Di2 with 31% off, taking it down to just 3,799, 1,700 off the usual 5,499 price tag.Balfe's, like a few other retailers, has a Black Friday Price Guarantee, which means you can shop now, and if the item you purchase goes cheaper, they'll refund you the difference. That means you don't risk sizes and colour options selling out, and you can get your new gravel bike now and enjoy the remaining autumnal conditions.Diverge 4 Expert Di2 2026: was 5499 now 3799The Specialized Diverge 4 Expert Di2 has an outstanding 1,700 off and has an attention-grabbing spec, with the highlight being the Shimano GRX Di2 RX825 1x12-speed electronic drivetrain. However, it also has the latest Future Shock 3.2 suspension system, which provides 20mm of adjustable travel, and this carbon frame and forked Diverge also benefits from Roval Terra C carbon wheels and SWAT internal storage. There is the full selection of sizing, but only in the Nebula Metallic/Sandstone Metallic colourway.Read our Specialized Diverge 4 Gravel Bike ReviewView DealI've ridden many versions of the Diverge over the years, including a stunning S-Works edition which ended up being consumed in a fire at Specialized's storage facility the day after I sent it back; that still pains me to this day.The Diverge, in a lower-spec build than that S-Works, is still my go-to gravel bike, and I think it's versatile and confidence-inspiring. It also strikes a fine balance between long-distance comfort and off-road capability, making it a great choice for gravel adventures, racing, and multi-day bikepacking.The latest iteration, the Specialized Diverge 4, is also our expert testers' choice as the best gravel bike of 2026, with an almost flawless review.Review highlights included its well-thought-out design built specifically for gravel riding and racing, the range of price points and build specs that offer the same geometry and compliance, and the big tyre clearance and balanced compliance.We reckoned the Diverge delivered "joy through stability and a sense of unstoppable momentum," and our tester added, "With its long wheelbase, low bottom bracket and generous clearance, it really felt like a freight train on gravel, fast, confident and composed. Once fitted with bigger tyres, it becomes an outstanding companion."The Diverge was summed up as "a genuinely exciting bike in a category that continues to evolve with every model year."The Specialized Diverge 4 is an outstanding gravel bike that builds on its own long standing legacy. (Image credit: Logan Jones-Wilkins)Although these chosen Specialized Diverge deals are UK-based, below, you'll also find the best Diverge deals from other retailers, which show pricing specific to your location.

Tadej Pogacar's father has warned that the five-time Tour de France winner could have been paralysed in his Vuelta a Espana crash, as his family confronts the possibility that the injuries which ended his 2026 season could take up to a year to heal completely. The Slovenian has already returned to t...

Dn Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councils plans for traffic calming around Our Ladys Ballinteer Boys NS and Girls NS have been welcomed by a local councillor who points to 95% of parents supporting the concept of walking and cycling safety improvements around the school.Cllr Oisn OConnor (Green Party) said: Safer ways to get to school for Our Ladys Ballinteer Boys NS and Girls NS. Today Im very happy to say that weve published plans to make the roads safer around both schools, St Johns church and the Scout den.The project mainly includes raised zebra crossings on Ballinteer Avenue, Broadford Road and Broadford Rise, and raised continuous footpath treatments at four vehicular access points on Ballinteer Avenue.On Broadford Road, an existing cycle lane will get protected bollards for a short section, and on Broadford Rise there will be one set of three small traffic calming buildouts. Besides the main elements, there will be more school-ahead signage and colourful road markings, which the councillor says is to remind drivers to slow down near the schools.IMAGES: Artists impressions of the planned works.95% of parents surveyed said they would support works to make walking and cycling safer outside the school and these plans have been drawn up by our active travel team to make that a reality, he said. I believe these works will also make it safer for all community members to walk safely in the local area and help reduce speeding on these roads in Ballinteer, he said in a post on Facebook.Cllr OConnor added: If youd like me to send you the link to the full plans or have any questions about whats involved just comment below. Well also have a drop-in information event at the schools next Wednesday, 11th November from 1-5pm where you can view the plans and discuss them with our engineers in person.In the comments, Gerry Doyle, a member of the public posting on Facebook, said: No yous are not.its a concerted effort around the city & suburbs to reduce road space. Cause more traffic with road furniture&widening if paths as we have seen all over the city.1 car stops to do right turn &traffic backs up continously.stopping people getting to work on time. Stopping delivers on time & generally running down peoples health & patience .leeding to xtra stress& heart attacks .road rage increases as a result. So tell the real & full truth plesse.not just safety for kids, he said.Cllr OConnor responded that the member of the public should feel welcome to include their theory in a submission to the council.The public consultation which can be found at dlrcoco.citizenspace.com is open until November 23rd.

Josh Ibbett lined up for the inaugural Taurus Mountain Race in Trkiye last month, braving the grueling conditions that ultimately forced the event to be canceled. In this piece, he recounts his ride through the muddy mountains and shares how he unknowingly kept pedaling well after the race was officially called off. Find his story and a 30-minute video recap here...The post 2026 Taurus Mountain Race: The Race with No Finishers appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

I am of the opinion that steel full-suspension bikes are the vinyl records of mountain biking; theyre a little impractical, super charming, and always the thing people crowd around and want to be a part of. REEB Cycles is leaning into that with the next-generation SST. And youll be able to see the prototype make its public debut at the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival, this weekend, November 6-8.(Photos / REEB Cycles)The original SST arrived in 2022 as a 120mm flex-stay trail bike with a hardtail attitude. The first iteration of the SST won some awards from our friends, like Bikepacking.coms 2023 Gear of the Year, Mountain Bike Action 2023 Editors Choice, and Pinkbike gave it a nod for their 2022 Outlier Bike of the Year nominee. Pretty amazing for a steel full-suspension bike swimming in a sea of carbon.So, Whats Changed?Thats a good question. REEB says the geometry is updated for more stability and confidence on technical descents. And they did that without giving up the climbing efficiency or playful handling. Thats a notable claim, because the first-gen medium already ran a 65.5 head tube angle. REEB hasnt published numbers yet, so well wait and see where the production numbers land.The suspension on the updated SST gets revised kinematics aimed at small-bump sensitivity, pedaling efficiency, and general composure, not to mention better compatibility with coil shocks.If youre a coil-on-a-short-travel-steel-bike type of rider, your moment has arrived. The flex-stay layout remains the trick up REEBs sleeve as it eliminates the rear pivot found on a typical Horst Link design. This way, the design saves some weight while eliminating one more pivot youll need to service.The frame gets the bigger rework too. Theres a new additive-manufactured rocker pivot housing and an enlarged bottom bracket cluster for better alignment and a more integrated look.A bridged rocker linkage with a collet system promises smoother, more consistent suspension action. Plus, redesigned hardware should make home wrenching less of a chore. The rocker and suspension hardware come from Prosise Metal Works, run by longtime REEB collaborator Adam Prosise.Whats REEB Say?The SST has always been about getting more fun out of it than the travel would suggest, said Jeff Lenosky, Brand Director at REEB Cycles. Weve taken everything weve learned from riding and developing the original bike and made meaningful improvements to how it climbs, handles, and responds on the trail. Its still the playful steel bike we love, just in a more refined and capable package. Were excited to get it out in front of riders and hear what they think.The frames are designed by the REEB team and fabricated in-house in Longmont, Colorado. Fabrication now lives at Hooptie Bike Lounge, which combines a frame shop, a full-service bike shop, and a craft beer bar. This is the most REEB sentence weve ever typedNext-Gen SST Details: What to Expect120mm rear travel, flex-stay platform (no traditional rear pivot)Revised suspension kinematics for small-bump sensitivity and pedaling efficiencyImproved coil shock compatibilityUpdated geometry for more descending stability, with climbing efficiency maintainedAdditive-manufactured (3D-printed) rocker pivot housingEnlarged bottom bracket cluster for better alignment and integrationNew bridged rocker linkage with a collet systemRedesigned suspension hardware for easier maintenanceRocker and suspension hardware by Prosise Metal WorksHandmade steel frame, designed and fabricated in-house in Longmont, ColoradoPricing and availability: Not yet announced. For reference, and if I remember right, the first-gen SST was listed at around $6000. So, that means budget accordingly if youd like one of the new ones. So, maybe skip the extra IPA and sock the money away instead.Hit the link below for more details. ReebCycles.com