Fine Gael, Fianna Fil, the Green Party, and the Labour Party have reached a new Dublin City Council coalition agreement, which includes the promise of advancing streetscape improvements in an accelerated manner.Reaching an agreement on a coalition at local authority level is not required, but these pacts have become the preferred way for councillors to put a stronger structure on delivery for their term.The pact between the four parties has the collective support of 31 councillors, one short of a majority, but it is viewed that this is workable.The Dublin Inquirer reported earlier this week that the Labour Party walked away from negotiations to join up with the Green Party, the Social Democrats and Sinn Fin over setting the rate for the Local Property Tax.The new agreement allows for a free vote for the first year and sets the tax to the base rate in the years following that. Previously all of the larger parties Sinn Fin, Fianna Fil and Fine Gael had voted to reduce the tax rate.The agreement document, Delivering for Dublin, outlined that the The Active Travel Network and agreed transport plans will be safeguarded and implemented. The Dublin Bikes and BikeBunker networks will be expanded, along with greater priority to EV charging for the city.It is understood that the phrasing means that the agreement secures the advancement of the Dublin City Centre Transport Plan and the planned Active Travel Network, although the parties signed up for the agreement may still be able to raise issues with some street-level changes of projects while not blocking overall progress or elements which are key to progress.The document singles out increasing the number of pedestrian crossings and a priority given tothem in the annual active travel budget.It also states that road safety will be prioritised, through expansion of 30kph and safe school zones.In a press release issued in the last hour, Cllr Michael Pidgeon, the Green Party group leader on the council, said: The Greens have also secured important commitments to push ahead with the transport changes in our city, develop a new integration strategy, and to work to make Dublin a climate-resilient city.The outlined policies also commit to the expansion of direct build of public and affordable housing projects on council-owned sites, more funding to street cleaning, supporting the Dublin City Council Climate Action Plan and the Biodiversity Plan, and supporting the Dublin City Council Sports Plan.On the Local Property Tax, the agreement states it will be set at base rate (0% variation) for years 2, 3, 4 and 5 of this council term with a free vote in year 1. Increased funding from LPT to be ringfenced for housing maintenance, street cleanliness and a new fund for playgrounds. Parties will also seek clear commitments from the central government on improving council funding, including the introduction of a hotel tourist tax, to better support city services and ease pressure on small businesses commercial rates.MORE: Document.

The Italian brands changed plenty on the new V4 coil shocks, including an innovative position-sensitive reboundThe latest coil shocks from EXT can now be run with softer springs for more grip and comfort, thanks to Continue reading

Maxxis is one of the leading manufacturers of mountain bike tyres of all disciplines. Known primarily for its downhill and enduro tyres, Maxxis also offers top-level cross-country tyres.The brand has a large range of mountain bike tyres employing varying technologies, so it can be difficult to know what the best Maxxis tyre is for your type of riding.Maxxis also produces a wide range of road bike tyres, gravel tyres and options for commuting.In this guide, we focus on Maxxis range of mountain bike tyres, including an overview of its tyre technologies, compounds and casings.Maxxis mountain bike tyre technologies explainedThe construction of a Maxxis mountain bike tyre involves many layers. - Maxxis - https://www.maxxis.com/uk/Maxxis casing constructions explainedMaxxis offers a variety of MTB tyre casings to suit different types of riding. Tyre casings impact how a tyre feels and the level of protection it provides.All else being equal, a thinner casing is usually more supple than a thicker casing, but offers less protection on gnarly terrain.Maxxis uses a range of different options across its tyre range, from lightweight casings to heavy-duty casings for gravity riding:Single-ply casing features one layer of nylon wrapped from bead to bead. This conforms well to terrain, giving a supple ride feel, and is lighter than Maxxis other casings.Dual-ply casing features two layers of nylon, adding additional protection and sidewall stiffness for enduro and downhill riding.Wide Trail (WT) construction optimises the tyre tread for 30 to 35mm-wide rims, avoiding the square profile that tyres with narrower designs face on modern wide rims.Tubeless Ready (TR) features sealant-compatible rubber and uses dual-ply 60 TPI (threads per inch). There is a butyl insert for support and rim protection, offering increased grip and reliability. A tubeless-ready bead locks the rim and the foldable bead provides additional weight savings.Maxxis puncture technologies explainedEven the best mountain bike tyres can be punctured by thorns, lacerations and snake bites. Maxxis offers four types of puncture protection to deal with these problems: Silkworm Protection is a puncture- and tear-resistant material incorporated into the tyre's casing under the tread.EXO Protection is a cut- and abrasion-resistant material added to a tyres sidewall. This densely woven fabric is lightweight and flexible in order to retain tyre performance. EXO Protection is for exceptionally rocky trails, where the chance of tearing the sidewall is high.EXO+ combines Silkshield and EXO protection. The Silkshield layer runs from bead to bead, with a layer of EXO along the sidewalls.Double Down (DD) is a dual-ply casing for enduro and downhill racing. Two 120 TPI casing layers are reinforced on the sidewall with a butyl insert to avoid gashes and pinch flats.Maxxis tyre compounds explainedRubber compounds can have a big impact on the grip, longevity and handling of a tyre. Maxxis uses different combinations of rubber compounds for different ride characteristics: Single Compound tyres feature one compound throughout the tread for optimised longevity and performance.Dual Compound tyres feature two types of rubber and offer lower rolling resistance and increased cornering grip.Triple Compound (3C) tyres have three types of rubber arranged for the ultimate traction at the end of racing.MaxxSpeed tyres use a silica-infused compound, inspired by technology from premium road tyres, for ultimate rolling speed.Maxxis cross-country tyresMaxxis Ardent RaceMaxxis' Ardent Race is a shallower version of the Ardent trail tyre. - David Rome/Future PublishingDual or 3C MaxxSpeedEXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.20, 2.35, 2.60in WTRecommended as front or rear tyreThe Ardent Race is designed for technical cross-country courses. Borrowing the tread pattern from the full-fat Ardent trail tyre, a smaller tread height is used to achieve faster rolling speeds.Maxxis AspenThe Aspen rolls and corners well, thanks to its large shoulder knobs. - MaxxisDual compoundEXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.10, 2.25, 2.40inRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Aspen is a lightweight cross-country racing tyre designed with low rolling resistance and straight-line grip in mind. Its a go-to choice for many racers, because the large shoulder knobs find traction in a variety of conditions, while the rounded-off crown helps maintain speed.Maxxis Aspen STThe side knobs are the same as the regular Aspen. - Jack Luke / Our MediaSingle compoundEXO or EXO Team Spec casingTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 29inWidth: 2.25, 2.40inRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Aspen ST features a super-low profile tread pattern that has been the reserve of sponsored riders for the past five years.Its low rolling resistance is said to give top-of-the-range speed, while raised side lugs ensure it remains grippy in dry, dusty conditions.Maxxis Crossmark IIThe Crossmark II rolls fast and finds plenty of traction in the dry. - David Arthur / Immediate MediaDual compoundEXO protection availableTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.10, 2.25inRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Crossmark II is a fast-rolling tyre designed for maximum straight-line speed. Its low rolling resistance and sharp cornering bite ensure the tyre excels in dry conditions, and the reinforced sidewall shrugs off rocks and knocks well. Read our full Maxxis Crossmark II reviewMaxxis ForekasterMaxxis Forekaster makes for a good downcountry tyre. - MaxxisDual or 3C compoundEXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.25, 2.35, 2.60in WTRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Forekaster is a wet-weather tyre for XC racing and light trail riding. Working well as a front tyre in sloppy conditions, its more aggressive than other cross-country tyres and lends itself well to downcountry riding.Maxxis SevereThe Maxxis Severe is ideal for wet and loose cross-country terrain.MaxxSpeed rubber compoundEXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.25inRecommended as front or rear tyreThe Maxxis Severe is the latest addition to the Maxxis cross-country line-up and is designed to tackle wet and muddy XC racecourses. The narrow 2.25in profile and spiky tread help it to cut through soft ground and clear mud quickly. It features the new, silica-infused MaxxSpeed compound for ultimate rolling speed.Maxxis IkonMaxxis' Ikon is very fast-rolling, with high levels of traction in the dry. - Oliver Woodman/Immediate MediaDual or 3C Maxx compoundStandard or EXO protectionTubeless-readyDiameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.20, 2.35, 2.60in WTRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Ikon is a lightweight tyre designed for speed and reliability, utilising the 3C Maxx compound. A tightly packed tread pattern with squared-off shoulder knobs makes the tyre fast-rolling but grippy in dry conditions.Maxxis PaceThe Maxxis Pace utilises a shallow but tightly spaced tread for hard-pack conditions. - MaxxisSingle or dual compoundSilkworm or EXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.10inRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Pace is one of Maxxis fastest cross-country tyres. The low-profile tread and narrow width offer little rolling resistance, but do limit the tyre on wet, gnarlier terrain.Maxxis Rekon RaceThe Rekon Race has a shallow, fast-rolling tread, but the shoulder knobs offer good levels of grip in the corners. - Andy Lloyd / OurMediaSingle or dual compoundEXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.00, 2.25, 2.35, 2.40in WTRecommended as a rear tyreThe Rekon Race features a similar tread pattern to the standard Rekon. It has a shallower tread, making the tyre a good choice for dry conditions, where grip can be substituted for straight-line speed.Maxxis trail and enduro tyresMaxxis AggressorMaxxis' Aggressor tyres roll fairly fast, yet still provide plenty of bite. - Max Wilman / Immediate MediaDual compoundEXO or DD protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.30inRecommended as a rear tyreThe Aggressor is a good all-rounder, offering great cornering ability and puncture resistance in dry, rocky terrain as well as ample grip in looser conditions. The tyre struggles with wet-weather grip, and the aggressive tread pattern affects rolling speed. Read our full Maxxis Aggressor reviewMaxxis ArdentThe Ardent performs like a trail tyre, but isn't much heavier than a cross-country tyre. - David Arthur / Immediate MediaSingle or dual compoundStandard or EXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.25, 2.40inRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Ardent is lightweight trail tyre that offers bite in the corners, with high rolling speeds. It's a great choice if you're looking for a fast and tough tyre for mixed conditions, perfect for downcountry riding. Read our full Maxxis Ardent ReviewMaxxis High Roller IIThe Maxxis High Roller II offers high levels of grip in most trail scenarios.Single or 3C compoundEXO or DD protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.30, 2.40in WTRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe High Roller II offers high levels of grip even on the loosest of trails, with predictable slip-to-grip cornering characteristics. This grip comes at the cost of fast wear, though the tyre deals well with rocky terrain. Its high duro crown makes the High Roller II fast in a straight line, considering its heft. Read our full Maxxis High Roller II reviewMaxxis TomahawkThe Maxxis Tomahawk covers ground well, and its chunky shoulder lugs keep grip in most conditions. - MaxxisDual or 3C compoundEXO or DD protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.30inRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Tomahawk features aggressive side knobs that dig deep into the terrain to find grip in all conditions. A rounded-off crown offers good rolling performance, making this tyre a good all-rounder.Maxxis downhill tyresMaxxis AssegaiMaxxis' Assegai is well respected as one of the best front tyres on the market. - Ian Linton / Immediate MediaDual or 3C compoundEXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.50in WTRecommended as a front tyreThe Assegai is one of the grippiest, most controlled front tyres on the market. Maxxis describes this as a downhill tyre, but it's equally at home on enduro trails if youre pushing hard. Read our full Maxxis Assegai reviewMaxxis DissectorThe Dissector's shoulder lugs provide good traction through the corners. - Ian Linton / Immediate MediaDual or 3C compoundEXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.40in WTRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Dissector is designed for high-speed downhill courses, but its also suited to general fair-weather cycling. This zippy tyre can be pushed hard downhill and features slip-to-grip cornering characteristics that may be off-putting to some on wet trails. Read our full Maxxis Dissector reviewMaxxis Minion DHFThe Maxxis Minion DHF is renowned for its grip levels. - Max Wilman / Immediate MediaDual or 3C compoundEXO or DD protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.30, 2.50in WTRecommended as a front tyreThe Minion DHF provides grip in the sloppiest conditions. Its predictability on various terrain has seen it remain virtually unchanged for over a decade. Read our full Maxxis DHF reviewMaxxis Minion DHR IIThe Maxxis Minion DHR II offers great braking traction and complements the Minion DHF well. - Andy Lloyd / Our MediaDual or 3C compoundEXO or DD protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.30, 2.40WT, 2.50inRecommended as a rear tyreThe Minion DHR II is the Yin to the Minion DHFs Yang, providing excellent braking and cornering traction, as well as fast rolling speeds. It's widely considered one of the best rear tyres on the market, offering excellent all-around traction. Read our full Maxxis DHR II reviewMaxxis ShortyThe Shorty excels in sticky mud, thanks to its tall shoulder tread. - Our MediaDual or 3C compoundEXO or DD protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.30, 2.40, 2.50in WTRecommended as a front or rear tyreThe Shorty performs well on wet, muddy trails, thanks to its mid-spike tread design. The tyre continues to roll well even when the trails dry up, and offers high levels of comfort. Read our full Maxxis Shorty reviewMaxxis WetscreamThe Wetscream is Maxxis' most extreme mud-spike tyre. - MaxxisDual or 3C compoundDD protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.50inRecommended as a front or rear tyreThis spike tyre will find you grip on off-camber pistes where other tyres would have you in a pile at the bottom. Drag is the penalty for this, making the Wetscream a niche option for the muddiest of conditions.Maxxis Minion SSMaxxis' Minion SS is a semi-slick tyre designed for dry courses. - MaxxisDual compoundStandard or EXO or Silkworm protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5, 29inWidth: 2.30, 2.50in WTRecommended as a rear tyreThe Minion SS offers high rolling speed thanks to its semi-slick crown, while the large side knobs offer high levels of grip in dry conditions. Braking ability does suffer due to the shallow tread pattern in wet conditions.Maxxis fat tyresMaxxis ChronicleThe Maxxis Chronicle features a tightly packed tread pattern. - MaxxisDual compoundStandard or EXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 27.5inWidth: 3.00inRecommended as a front or rear tyreDesigned for trail rides and bikepacking expeditions, the Chronicle is a versatile plus tyre with a tightly packed tread pattern.Maxxis Minion FBFThe Maxxis Minion FBF is a front-specific fat tyre. - James Huang / Immediate MediaDual compoundStandard or EXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5inWidth: 3.80, 4.00, 4.80inRecommended as a front tyreThe Minion FBF offers high levels of cornering ability and low rolling resistance. It's recommended only as a front tyre.Maxxis Minion FBRThe Maxxis Minion FBR is a rear-specific fat tyre. - MaxxisDual compoundStandard or EXO protectionTubeless-readyWheel diameter: 26, 27.5inWidth: 3.80, 4.00, 4.80inRecommended as a rear tyreThe Minion FBR features a rear-specific tread pattern designed to minimise rolling resistance and maximise traction in all conditions. It's designed to be paired with a Minion FBF on the front.

The driver has ben charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and driving while intoxicated, as cyclists call the incident attempted murder

David de la Cruz has been proclaimed new Spanish time trial champion. The Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team rider completed the Galapagar course in less than 39 minutes, more than half a minute ahead of Markel Beloki and Ral Garca Pierna, who closed the podium. The big favorite, Oier Lazkano, finished fourth...

Adam Rafferty has just packed away his pens after A Levels commitments in recent weeks but that didnt stop the Co Tyrone teenager winning the Irish U23 TT title at the National Road Championships in Limerick last night. Last years junior title winner, Rafferty said he was delighted to have the legs to win the []The post Rafferty from exam hall to top of podium | It gives me confidence appeared first on Sticky Bottle.

The riders supporting Tadej Pogaar on his Giro d'Italia / Tour de France double reads like a Grand Tour dream team

CyclistIn the Drops: SunGod Williams sunnies, Columbia technical tops, HJ Socks and the EurosIts the best part of the week: Friday and In the Drops time. But before we get into some cracking kit, lets recap the busy week weve had at Cyclist.Were obviously gearing up for the Tour de France and with all the talk of a potential Giro/Tour double from Tadej Pogaar, we took a look this week at those who came before him. This includes Fausto Coppi being the first to achieve the feat, Stephen Roches Triple Crown success in 1987 and Miguel Indurins famous double-double. With this year also including a final day time-trial for the first time since 1989, we also revisited Greg LeMond triumphing with the closest winning margin in Tour history.If youre watching the Euros, staff writer Ewan Wilson has decreed what would happen if the tournament was decided by cycling.Beyond the racing, we also went behind-the-scenes at the Van Rysel factory. And theres been big news with the release of the new Pinarello Dogma F and tech editor Sam Challis put together his thoughts on the bike so far. The biggest story of the week comes from editor Pete Muir though, with his opinion piece: Stop griping about the price of bikes.Right, lets get into it. Related Posts Pinarello changes the Dogma Fs recipe to get lighter and a touch faster Making the dream work: Behind the scenes at Van Rysel The climbs that will decide the 2024 Tour de France Opinion: Stop griping about the price of bikes Mens Tour de France 2024: Route, how to watch and all you need to know SunGod x Williams Racing Classics SunglassesIf you know me, youll know I love F1, and SunGod has released new sunglasses in collaboration with the Williams Racing Team. They come in Renegades or Classics designs and can feature the white Williams W on the side. The first thing I noticed is just how light they are, weighing only 28 grams, and importantly they also have 100% UV protection.Funnily enough, Ive been looking for a good pair of black shades that have some support near the nose bridge as my previous pair (admittedly 2 from Primark, so you get what you pay for) kept sliding down when sweaty. The design on the Classics keeps them in place.They also offer upgrades to lenses including 8KO Polarised with an anti-glare filter.Buy now from SunGod (80)Columbia Sportswear Tech T-Shirt and HoodieThis technical tee from Columbia is designed for summer activities on hot days like the ones weve (finally) been having recently and is made with a cooling and sweat-wicking design. Ive been testing this on walks (and Im looking for gravel trails to head down to), and its an ideal lightweight top for exercising. Sometimes I find others can be too heavy and or tight around the underarms.The Summit Valley Technical Hoodie is a similar concept for sunny days with Columbia saying it has built-in UPF50 sun protection. Its comfortable to wear on days with a bit of wind when the sun is more deceptive. The thumb holes are useful as the hoodie goes further down the hands to offer full protection.Buy the Zero Rules Technical T-Shirt now from Columbia Sportswear (35)Buy the Summit Valley Technical Hoodie now from Columbia Sportswear (45.50 65)HJ SocksThe HJ brand is the sock specialist endorsed by The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, in case you didnt know. HJ boasts a range of socks from compression to hiking and adventure trekking to anti-blister all handy for those adventures where you dont need to be at your most aero. The ones pictured are cotton-rich and incredibly soft but winter riding or bikepacking trips might call for thicker pairs like the boot socks or non-slip feet-warmers.Buy now from HJ (6 onwards)Ad featureThe Art of Suffering by Kristoff Ramon captures the brutal beauty of road cyclingWhat does it take to become a road racing legend and compete in the toughest sport in the world? Go behind the scenes with the teams and riders at all the major tours and Classics through the lens of world-class pro-cycling photographer, Kristof Ramon.The Art of Sufferingis about the human story of road racing, what it takes to go deep and be the best, and the awe-inspiring feats of endurance that make road cycling one of the most challenging, most legendary, most inspirational sports in the world.From battling the elements and the terrain to epic climbs, crashes, injuries and recovery; personal sacrifices, pushing the body to the limit, training, winning, losing and long seasons on the road; featuring the domestiques, the star riders, the new talent and the legends this book captures all the reasons why cycling fans passionately love their sport, taking them closer to the action and their favourite riders than any other book.Carefully curated, thoughtfully designed and beautifully produced The Art of Sufferingis the ultimate gift for cycling fans and features a foreword by Wout van Aert, the subject of Ramons cover photograph.BUY IT NOWAd feature endsWhat were into the week: The EurosThe food wars continue at the Euros pic.twitter.com/iMPfGI8PMx Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 20, 2024 Summer is here, the sky is blue and its coming home. Right? Whatever you think about Englands potential to win it all, you cant deny theres been some brilliant action just one week into the Euros. But lets be real, very little of that action has featured England, who in truth have been pretty boring to watch in comparison.Im a big fan of Albania personally. Early goals, late goals, they can do it all. Just dont talk to me about Scotland versus Germany.See you soon. Related Posts Pinarello changes the Dogma Fs recipe to get lighter and a touch faster Making the dream work: Behind the scenes at Van Rysel The climbs that will decide the 2024 Tour de France Opinion: Stop griping about the price of bikes Mens Tour de France 2024: Route, how to watch and all you need to know The post In the Drops: SunGod Williams sunnies, Columbia technical tops, HJ Socks and the Euros appeared first on Cyclist.

Reading through the startlist for the recent Tour de Suisse, you could notice that besides numerous climbers, also a handful of sprinters made the trip to Switzerland. The list includes names like Jordi Meeus, Bryan Coquard and of course; Mark Cavendish. What were they after in the Swiss mountains?...