Geraint Thomas hung up his wheels at the end of 2025 and immediately transitioned into a management role in the team as Director of Racing. Close to the riders, but now closer to team CEO Dave Brailsford, he sees the sport through a whole new lens. "The thought of retirement for me was always about...

Cutting off the back of his shirt, Callum is flying solo today, easing you into the weekend whilst his colleagues mooch around bicycles in a London brewery...

Mads Pedersen has spoken about the difficulties of returning to form during the winter. The Danish rider, carrying some extra weight and out of form, has revealed that he has a psychological barrier during his first days back on the bike. After the road cycling season is over, for most riders in Oc...

Excellent fit and comfort, but the high price makes them a tough sell against the competition.

Milan Vader has only started his professional career on the road in the early 2020's, and was one of Team Visma | Lease a Bike's projects in development. Now, he finds himself fearing retirement from the road, after a rocky split with Pinarello - Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. The Dutchman had a backgroun...

Remco Evenepoel is aiming high towards 2027. The Tour de France appears to be a certain goal according to a recent interview, in which he has hinted at his objectives for the Tour de France, and spoke in detail about his time trialing setup. I really believe that on long TTs and on certain TTs wit...

Scientifically speaking, fat tyre road bikes are the best kind of bike. They go fast, they go slow, and they can go anywhere. Pro-level bikes are certainly very impressive, but they just dont suit the type of riding that most of us do as amateurs. Normal people dont ride exclusively on car-free, pristine roads at average speeds near 45 kph. We ride from our homes, in traffic, around potholes, and on dirt paths. That is to say, we ride everywhere, and our bikes should be able to ride everywhere with us. Sure, its nice to have a bike capable of taking some turns on the front of the local group ride or sprinting it out at a weeknight race, but I guarantee you that having 38mm tyres mounted on your bike is not the sole thing preventing you from raising your arms in victory at your local criterium. If riding the same bike as Wout van Aert makes you happy, then, please by all means, go for it, but for most of us, a fully-integrated, no-holds barred aero race bike is the wrong tool for the job.(Image credit: Future / Tyler Boucher)A road-ish bike with more tyre clearance, however, is a fantastic option. It provides versatility, by allowing you to select the best tyre size for where you ride, and leaves room for more if needed. Allied Cycle Works latest version of its Echo model hits the sweet spot for an everyday road bike: it can keep up on any group rideformer MTB World Champ Kate Courtney won the 2026 US road nationals on an Echoyet is officially rated to fit tyres as large as 45 mm. Design detailsAllieds new version of the Echo builds on the all-road capability of the previous iteration (previously tested by CW in 2023), but forgoes the flip-chips that gave that bike its name. The updated design leans into the benefits provided by wider tyres, but retains its road DNA. Road-going angles (72 degree HTA/55 mm fork rake) paired with a slightly lower bottom bracket (80 mm of BB drop) and clearance for 45 mm tyres is a potent combo. Of course, you dont need to run tyres that big, but the option is there.(Image credit: Future / Tyler Boucher)The bikes silhouette is fairly traditional, with a standard double diamond design plus the addition of an integrated front end, utilizing Allieds own two piece bar and stem combo. The bike is designed for wireless shifting only, and can be used with either 2x or 1x systems.(Image credit: Future / Tyler Boucher)Allied makes no specific aerodynamic claims for this bike, instead highlighting its ride quality and versatility. The frame does have some aerodynamic tube shapes, as well as an aero seatpost, so it seems safe to say that this was a consideration The Echo does not include any in-frame storage, a common feature on the best modern gravel bikes (less so on the best road bikes), but Allied has designed a tidy little frame bag that attaches with bolts in the front triangle and provides an effective place for tools, snacks, etc.Also notable is Allieds decision to shorten the reach measurements across the board for this design. Previous frames from the company tended to be longer and lower, but the new Echo received something of a length trim. My 56 cm test bike has a 554 mm effective top tube, and this is echoed (sorry!) across the full platform, with ETT measurements about a centimeter shorter than the listed size in most of the range.When Allied was founded, it initially manufactured all of its bikes in the USin fact, the words Made Here were overlaid on top of a map of the USA on every frame. Since then, however, the company has moved its carbon manufacturing overseas to China. Frames are still painted in Arkansas, as well as assembled there.The listed frame weight is a very respectable 790 grams in a 56, and complete, with pedals and bottle cages, my test bike weighed 17.3 lbs or 7.84 kg. Specifications Allied offers the Echo for sale with 3 different complete builds, starting at $6,480, or as a frameset (including stem and seatpost) for $4,000. My test bike was built up with the mid-tier option, SRAMs Force XPLR AXS 1x groupset, Zipps 303 XPLR S wheels, and Vittoria Corsa Pro Control TLR 38 mm tyres. Also included is a powermeter. The retail price, as configured, is $7,380.Allied assembles each bike to order, which means you have the option to choose things like stem length, crank arm length, etc. to suit your needs. Choices include two different setback options for the proprietary aero seatpost and stems in 70-120 mm lengths, at either 0 or -8 degrees. A 130 mm stem isnt listed as an option on Allieds website configurator, but is available, as I requested and received one on my test bike.(Image credit: Future / Tyler Boucher)PerformanceThis is the second version of Allieds Echo that Ive had the opportunity to test. I had a fun time with the flip chip feature of the first versionthe swappable inserts allowed you to switch between narrow tyres in road mode and wider rubber in all-road modebut I liked it best in all-road mode. At the time, however, large tyre options were limited. Now, we have excellent road tyres available between 35-40 mm, something that Allieds Director of Product, Sam Pickman, says was instrumental in this redesign. According to Pickman, The proliferation of really high end really nice slick tires kind of paved the way for this bike.What we learned from the (previous generation) Echo is that a 28 mm tyre is not necessary, and if you're not going to go down to a small tyre, then whats the point of having a flip chip? We started playing around with big tyres, like 38-40 mm road slicks.(Image credit: Future / Tyler Boucher)A road bike with wider tyres is certainly not a new concept, but Allied has effectively combined this design with other modern features, with its integrated cockpit and lower bottom bracket (also made possible with the trend toward shorter crank arms), while keeping the design free of additional bells and whistlesan endurance road bike this is not.I had the opportunity to ride the Echo for a few months, and got to know the bike quite well. Based on some Strava PRs, its one of the fastest bikes Ive tested in recent years. Wide tyres might just be quicker after all!(Image credit: Future / Tyler Boucher)I was able to experience Allieds fit process from the get-go. Someone from the team reached out to confirm my preferences: frame size, straight versus setback seatpost, crankset length, stem length, etc, and built up a test bike to meet my preferred bar stack and reach measurements. In order to make my fit work, Allied set me up with a 56 cm frame with a 130 mm, -8 stem, which left the front end slightly taller than I would prefer, but was within 5mm of my optimal setup. For some long-torsod and/or long-armed riders, this bike may be too short. While Allieds integrated stem is well-designed the range is limited and people at the very ends of the bell curve may not find their ideal fit.(Image credit: Future / Tyler Boucher)I was hoping to get a chance to ride the Echo in a proper road race, but my end of summer schedule didnt provide the opportunity to do so. Instead I tried to ride it everywhere I could, on both smooth and rough pavement, as well as some solid gravel path adventuring. It really shines on rough pavement, but can be comfortably ridden almost anywhere.Toward the tail end of my testing period I took the Echo out on a slightly sketchy night time group ride. Riding solo, Id had no issues with the 1x drivetrain, but I wasnt sure what to expect in a group scenario. Even at high speeds, the range of the SRAM Force XPLR gruppo proved to be a nonissue. In fact, not having to think about a front derailleur was quite helpful. Pickman says he thinks a 1x setup, fits really well with this bike, but you can run 2x if you want, or if you live in an area where you need a really wide gear range. I think, based on the topography of where I live, 2x would be preferable, but I was impressed by how well this bike rode with the XPLR drivetrain.(Image credit: Future / Tyler Boucher)The group ride experience demonstrated how comfortable and trustworthy the bike feltbombing descents with low visibility and navigating potholes in a group ride is an effective way to test a bikes character. It always did what I asked of it, and never felt out of place at any point in the ride. One issue I ran into repeatedly during the testing period was with the integrated SRAM power meter. It would consistently read 50-75 watts high (which, to be fair, was pretty fun Look, Im Tadej!), but even after recalibrating it would backslide into inaccuracy. I assume I got a faulty unit of some kind.I didnt get a chance to ask Pickman about this, but I wonder why Allied decided not to equip the Echo with fender mounts. The ethos of the design seems to be very much no frills, like a full-on race rig, but this small concession to practicality would make it all the more useful as a year-round bike. ValueAllied poses an interesting example as a value propositionthe brand started out by making bikes in the USA and leaned heavily on this in its marketing, but no longer does so. Its still a boutique bike company, but not one that manufactures domestically. As far as I can tell, the prices did not change following the switch. Perhaps the most similar bike to the Echo on the market is Cerveros Aspero 5. It has a more overt aero focus, but similar tyre clearance and geometry. The MSRP on an Aspero 5 frameset is $5,500, and a complete Force build comes in at $9,000. In comparison, the Echo is a bargain.Still, $7,500 is a lot of money, and there are cheaper options. For example, a Trek Domane can fit 40 mm tyres and with a fairly similar Force build to the bikes tested here, sells for $6,500.Tech specsFrame: Echo carbonForks: Allied FK10Size: 56Weight: 7.84kg / 17.3lbsGroupset: SRAM Force XPLR AXSCrankset: SRAM Force XPLR AXS 46t w/ power meterCassette: SRAM Force XPLR 10-46tWheels: Zipp 303 XPLR STyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro Control TLR 38mmBrakes: SRAM Force XPLR AXS hydraullicBar/stem: Allied ST03 stem and HB10 barSeatpost: Allied SP02 AeroSaddle: Selle Italia Model X Superflow

CyclistAlpe dHuez during the Tour de France: Cyclings biggest partyAlpe dHuez is by no means the Tour de Frances toughest peak. The climb is only half the length of Mont Ventoux and its summit is some 800m lower than the Col du Galibier. Neither of those climbs, however, nor any other, can match the decibels produced on the Alpe.Over the past few decades this mountain has garnered its own legend, attracting fans from around the globe to bear witness to some of the Tours most defining moments. It has since become a bucket list attraction for any pro cycling fan, leading it to be branded by the level-headed newspaper Lquipe as a climb in the style of Hollywood.So when Tour de France organisers promised the 2026 race would have back-to-back stage finishes on Alpe dHuez, fans instinctively scrambled for the nearest hotel rooms and campsite pitches to guarantee a double bill on the sports loudest mountain.Move over Maracan and Azteca Stadium for one weekend this summer, Alpe dHuez became the biggest sporting arena on the globe, with a reported crowd of half a million people there to catch a glimpse of Tadej Pogaar riding up the mythical hairpins.Between the caravans, Europop and mankinis, Cyclist speaks to some of those who made the sporting pilgrimage.Article continues belowJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyJoe McGortyColin from Belgium has camped on Alpe dHuez for five days to bag a good spot, and says it has been one long party.Joe McGortyColinfrom BelgiumIve spent five nights sleeping inside a tent here. Ive got neck pain, back pain, Ive almost lost my voice, but its worth it. Weve been having a party for the past five days, but today is the one weve been waiting for. People have been walking and cycling up here since 4am, so we had an early start to get the party started and make sure they didnt miss out.We have three speakers, so if one runs out of charge or breaks, weve always got another on standby. My favourite thing to play is the Dutch song Links Rechts. Everyone here knows it and its great to see people jumping from side to side together.We were initially a group of 13, but several hundred have now come down to the corner. Weve been chatting away and making new friends throughout the day. I remember some people from the last time I was here four years ago. Thats what the Tours about making memories and connections that last a lifetime.Belgians Thomas, Julien, Kevin and Jordan have attracted plenty of attention in their Quinn Simmons costumes and are hoping for a high five from the man himself.Joe McGortyThomas, Julien, Kevin and Jordanfrom BelgiumWeve been in the Alps all week around ten days already. Today we chose to dress up as Quinn Simmons because we like his character, his look, the energy, the aggression on the bike. Hes been active during every stage of the race so far.We havent been dressed like this for ten days though. This is the first day weve been in fancy dress. We bought the gear off AliExpress and we have some wigs and stick-on moustaches to wear once the race gets closer. Hell probably be dropped by the time he reaches us, but getting a high five from Quinn would be great.We only got off the cable car about 30 minutes ago, but weve already had around 20 people ask for photos. Were expecting a lot of extra attention some Americans have already been quite loud.Were not sure where the best hairpin is to watch the race today, but well find a way to hunt down the best atmosphere. Weve probably had about two beers each for breakfast. Weve got two rucksacks filled with drinks, so I reckon we have about 40 to get us through the day. Were Belgian the beers are never far.Jean-Louis is local and has noticed more French fans in the wake of Paul Seixass rise he may even have to finish lunch early to bag a good vantage point.Joe McGortyJean-Louisfrom FranceWeve lived in Huez since 2001 but my wife was born here. Were not cyclists as such, but weve got lots of Tour memories. This year my cousin is here. Weve never considered putting our house up on Airbnb or anything when the Tour comes. This is a moment for family and friends.Every three or four years this town becomes something else. Every time, the Tour feels more popular. People flock to the bends nowadays, but I think we used to be able to get closer to the riders.There are more caravans too. Theyve taken all the parking spaces in the town. Some have been parked outside our house for a week. I think there are more people this year because of Paul Seixas. Ive noticed more French people in particular. He is our golden boy and when we have a Frenchman doing well, it sparks national euphoria.Well have our lunch on the balcony, then head down. We might have to go earlier than that to get the best spot.Monica and Sofia (above) and Victor (below) have come all the way from Mexico to cheer on Isaac del Toro.Joe McGortyJoe McGortyVictor, Monica, Sofia and Claudiafrom MexicoWere from Toritos [Isaac del Toros] hometown. Were almost family. She [Claudia] was his neighbour.This is our fourth or fifth Tour de France. Weve been to Strade Bianche, the Giro, Tirreno-Adriatico there were maybe six, eight or ten Mexicans at those races. Today there are probably a couple hundred around this one corner.A lot of our Mexican friends have been here for two or three days already. Theres definitely some tequila in the cool boxes around here somewhere, so if Torito wins well get drunk together.Isaacs having a massive impact back home. Finishing second at the Giro created a big boom for the cycling community, but now a culture is growing around the Tour de France. Most people didnt really know what it was about. They knew it was a race in France but nothing else. People are talking about it this time. Theres even a channel dedicated to showing maybe five or six hours of the Tour. Before, you would see just a 30-minute highlight package.Even though we got knocked out of the World Cup, we are still happy because of Isaac. Were not jealous of Tadej either. We want him to help Isaac win a Tour. Isaac will get his time.Karel, Jos and Lars have travelled from the Netherlands and are determined to have a good time, but say Dutch corner has become overcrowded and is prone to drink-fuelled arguments.Joe McGortyJos, Karel and Larsfrom the NetherlandsWhen the Tour route was announced, we knew we had to come here. Its 1,200km from home but we drove it in one go. If you want a spot on Dutch Corner you have to arrive a week before.A Dutch priest would ring the church bell at this corner every time a Dutch rider won on Alpe dHuez. Thats why its called Dutch Corner. We came here because of that. Its like a big orange family. Its often the same people here year after year. We dont know each other in Holland but when we come here we all look out for each other. That atmosphere and the music, its what we call gezelligheid.More Dutch people were here last time we came [in 2022]. There was more atmosphere in the days before, but this year it was a bit quiet. There were maybe ten Dutch people here during the week. In 2022 there were 20 or 30.Because its a good atmosphere people know to come here, so it often gets crowded. People get drunk and arguments start. There were some issues with the police before. Its getting worse and less Dutch every year. Its a shame.Meanwhile Ulf is part of what he hopes will become a new tradition on Alpe dHuez: Danish corner.Joe McGortyUlffrom DenmarkWe had a Danish Corner on the Col de la Loze last year. It was a big success so we felt we needed somewhere for the Danes to gather at this years race.Some Danes started following the Tour in Barcelona. It began with just a small group of friends but word spread about Danish Corner through social media. It has moved around France. Some have been following the race since the start, but a lot of the group have been together since Stage 15 [when the race reached the Alps].You can always see a Danish flag when the Tours on TV. I think its been more noticeable this year. Weve brought a piece of Denmark to France and I think weve challenged Dutch Corner today. Everyone here is wearing red football shirts, flags, its everywhere. One guy has even painted his moustache red. Weve got our own Danish beers, food and Faxe Kondi a drink we call Danish gasoline.Theres great camaraderie here with hundreds of Danes looking out for each other. I have a little child at home, but when you have such good friends around, it helps with the homesickness.Nataa has come from Slovenia to cheer on Tadej Pogaar, but is also sporting a sombrero for his teammate Isaac del Toro.Joe McGortyNataafrom SloveniaIve been to the Giro and the basketball and football European Championships, but never the Tour de France. Its my first time. Ive been watching the Tour on TV since Armstrong, Pantani and Ullrich and Id like to think that I would probably be here even if Pogaar wasnt, but this year I have time, and I dont want to miss my chance to see Pogi.I live near his home town but Ive never seen him race in real life before. I heard that hes underlined this stage, so it would mean everything to see him win.Every time I see Slovenian sport I wear this flag necklace. Its from cheering at the basketball European Championship and the football Euros. Im also wearing this hat [a sombrero] because Del Toro and Pogaar are such good friends.Slovenia is such a small country, so its a huge opportunity for our sportsmen to put us on the map. Right now, Pogaars our number one. Cycling was popular before him but now even more. The clubs dont have space for new kids. Hopefully our government will pay to host the Tour de France soon.Didi the Devil made it to Alpe dHuez despite having his van broken into in Barcelona thankfully the thieves didnt steal his costume.Joe McGortyDieter Didi the Devilfrom GermanyIve been following the Tour in this costume for 33 years. Im 74 now. Ive had a couple of health issues but Im still jumping. Its like an addiction.Fans and riders recognise me. People ask for photos and shout El Diablo at me. Im not sure whether Im a celebrity but I enjoy it. Its my work.Someone asked how much I would have if I had a euro for every photo. The truth is, I dont make any money from that. I have sponsorships, but Im doing it for fun really. Its a funny life. I bring a van with me for the race. Its got a mattress inside. I was staying in a rough area in Barcelona, however, and my van was broken into before the first stage. They smashed one of the windows and stole some of my things. They didnt take my devil costume, but I had to miss the race.I was here on the Alpe for the tape du Tour last week. No other climb in this sport is like Alpe dHuez. This is what cycling is all about.The post Alpe dHuez during the Tour de France: Cyclings biggest party appeared first on Cyclist.