In the second episode of our gravel cycling series with Canyon, deputy editor Jack Luke and senior technical editor Tom Marvin are joined by gravel racer and former BikeRadar US editor-in-chief, Ben Delaney, The team chew the fat on gravel tyre widths and pressures, highlighting the things you should consider before changing your rubber.Check out our summary and buyer's guide on the best gravel tyres available today for even more info.We'd love to hear your opinions on anything discussed in this episode drop us an email at podcast@bikeradar.com with any questions or comments.How to subscribe to the BikeRadar PodcastThe BikeRadar Podcast takes you to the heart of the issues that matter for bike riders, whether you're a roadie, mountain biker, gravel rider or commuter.From the latest tech news, reviews and debates, to interviews with the biggest and most interesting personalities in cycling, the podcast is your direct line into the BikeRadar team.To make sure you dont miss a future episode, you can subscribe viaApple,Spotifyor wherever you get your podcasts.

Perhaps the most modest team lining up for the Tour de France. TotalEnergies have worked hard to get their wildcard for the Tour this year, and they come in with a lineup built to chase stage wins on different terrains.The team noticeably comes without an option for the sprints, after Peter Sagan's...

In her latest meditative video, Beln Castell travels to the Spanish island of Formentera for a solo bikepacking trip centered on rekindling her longtime love of water. Watch the 20-minute video and find a striking set of photos from the coast here...The post My Connection to Water (Video) appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

RockShox has announced an overhaul of its forks range, with the Pike, Lyrik and ZEB now featuring an updated Charger 3.1 damper that's said to broaden the adjustment range of low- and high-speed compression.The American brand has also updated its Super Deluxe rear shock, with a redesigned main piston and reservoir allowing for optimised oil flow.Alongside these updates, RockShox has released a new Vivid Coil rear shock, which uses the brand's TouchDown position-sensitive damping system and features an adjustable hydraulic bottom-out.The forks and shocks are available to order now, with RockShox also offering the Charger 3.1 damper separately as an upgrade to existing RockShox forks.RockShox's parent company, SRAM, has also recently released its 250Wh Powertrain Range extender and AXS Pod Rocker Paddle.Charger 3.1 RC2 damperThe new damper features ButterCups. - RockShoxRockShox says its new Charger 3.1 damper sees updated plumbing in the low-speed compression circuit to make the oils easy-flow path even easier, enabling 68 per cent more oil to flow through when the adjuster is set to open.This is said to reduce compression damping, allowing for greater traction control while reducing low-speed trail noise.High-speed compression damping has increased in the closed position, with RockShox increasing the size of the pyramid.We've seen red ZEBs on a couple of pro-riders' bikes this year. - RockShoxTo match the increased oil flow, a new internal floating piston has been developed, which is said to improve consistency and control.A new shim kit priced at 29 / $30 / 32 gives the damper two compression and three rebound tunes for you to customise.The Lyrik will also feature the new Charger 3.1 damper. - RockShoxRockShox also says it has given the damper a new mid-valve check spring, which aids in further reducing compression damping for more traction.The new damper will feature in the new Pike, Lyrik and ZEB, as well as being available separately for 345 / $358 / 386, and is compatible with the previous-generation forks.It's good to see upgrades available in the RockShox ecosystem. - RockShoxFor those who already have a Charger 3 damper, RockShox is offering a Charger 3.1 RC2 upgrade kit, which includes a new piston assembly for 72 / $75 / 80.New bushingsThe new bushings are said to decrease friction in the forks. - RockShoxWhile the new damper is the standout update, RockShox has also introduced a new bushings package that's said to give the forks the overall lowest friction.The bushings are larger than on the previous generation, with the brand saying it has applied what it learnt when developing its Boxxer downhill forks to the range.Changes have been made to the lower legs to accommodate the bushings, so unlike the new damper, these cant be retrofitted to the previous generation of forks.The Pike has a reworked air-spring curve. - RockShoxThe new Pike features a hollowed-out top cap, which maximises the fork's negative air chamber.This is said to make initiating the fork travel easier, while improving traction and small-bump sensitivity.Elsewhere, the ZEB Ultimate is now available in an Electric Red colourway, similar to that found on the Boxxer Ultimate.RockShox Vivid CoilThe Vivid Coil is supplied with a black spring, but a red one is available as an upgrade. - RockShoxThe Vivid Air shock was released last year, and weve seen sneak peeks of its Coil counterpart in the UCI World Cup and Red Bull Hardline pits this year.The shock is designed for the gnarliest trails, being equipped on some of the best enduro bikes and downhill bikes.Like the air shock, the Vivid Coil features the brand's TouchDown technology, which offers position-sensitive damping that's said to be forgiving at the beginning of the stroke while remaining composed at the middle and end.This is done by bypassing the compression damping in the first 10 per cent of the shocks travel.After that, 70 per cent of the stroke rides on compression damping before entering the last 20 per cent, which is controlled by an adjustable hydraulic bottom-out.A lockout features in the damper. - RockShoxThere are five tuning settings for the adjustable hydraulic bottom-out, allowing for a wide range of rebound tunes that better fit your frame's kinematics.Alongside this, RockShox has also developed a new stroke-specific bottom-out bumper that maximises the shock travel.RockShox Super DeluxeAn Allen key is required to alter high-speed compression. - RockShoxThe American brand has also updated its Super Deluxe rear shock with redesigned high-speed and low-speed compression damping.Oil flow has been improved, and there are now five low-speed compression damping adjustments, which the brand says are more noticeably different from one another.A high-flow piston and lighter rebound check plate have also been added to smooth the transition between damping circuits and improve suspension tracking to the ground.

Ethan Hayter has struggled quite a lot in 2023 and 2024 mostly because of his positioning, and hasn't been able to perform as in the past. But he has broken a negative streak with a very popular win at the British national championships which may turn his career around."It's my first time, so that'...

Mahle has launched the X30, a new electric bike rear-hub drive unit for road, gravel, urban and kids' bikes.Mahle says the X30 is the perfect system for every type of rider because of its versatility, robustness and the fact it's technologically advanced.The motor is positioned as a new industry standard for lightweight electric bikes that builds on lessons Mahle learnt when developing its previous drive units, the X35 and X20.The X30 will form the basis of Mahles drive systems moving forward. It is said to turn ebikes into smart bikes, with the digital ecosystem adapting the motor performance to your needs.A new industry standardSpot the motor the X30 continues Mahle's aim of creating ebikes that look like non-assisted bikes. - Javier Martnez de la Puente / Zubiko PhotographyMahle acquired the Spanish ebike company, Ebikemotion, in 2018 a year after it released the X35 ebike motor system.Mahles ebike business has grown to include more than 100 brands in its portfolio and half a million ebikes on the market. That growth has in part been achieved through Mahles scale and resources. The automotive and mobility company has more than 72,000 employees, 148 product locations and 11 tech centres. It made 12.8bn in sales in 2023.Mahle Smartbike Systems head of marketing, Diego Rodrguez, says the X35 changed the ebike game: This was a system that made people understand that ebikes can be done in a different way.In short, they could be light and retain the look of a non-assisted bike, something Mahle maintained with its X20 system, released in 2022 and targeted at performance cyclists.The new motor can be used across adult and kids' bikes. - Javier Martnez de la Puente / Zubiko PhotographyThe X30 shares this philosophy, but Mahle is keen to frame the X30 ebike system as a new industry standard. This system was born to be the standard light ebike system for the industry in the upcoming years, says Rodrguez.Marco Antonio De la Serna founded Ebikemotion, but now acts asMahle Smartbike Systems head of strategy and business development. He says the X30 is what I would have liked to have seven years ago, when the X35 was released.For fans of professional bike racing, Mahle Smartbike Systems X Drive product manager, Gonzalo Garca, says if you imagine the X20 as Grand Tour specialist Jonas Vingegaard, then the X30 is multi-discipline champion Mathieu van der Poel. This may also explain their differences in weight, with the X30 system weighing 500g more than the X30 at a claimed 3.5kg.The fact that the X30 can be used across virtually all types of bikes, apart from electric mountain bikes, aids Mahles claim that it will be the industrys standard for lightweight ebikes. So, too, does the backward compatibility with Mahles existing components, accessories and the digital ecosystem shared with the X20.Efficiency over powerGreater efficiency means you can get further with the system's energy capacity. - Javier Martnez de la Puente / Zubiko PhotographyEach of the three X Drive units in Mahles range delivers 250W of power, but with 45Nm of torque, the X30 sits between the X35 and the X20, which delivers 55Nm.Garca stresses that power isnt everything: When we're thinking and choosing a system for our bike, we think of power. But theres something important that we forget, which is the efficiency of the system.The efficiency helps you to go further with the systems energy capacity. That means for the same range, if you have an efficient motor you can have a smaller battery.Mahle claims the engineering of the X30 rear-hub motor lowers energy loss and increases energy efficiency by 15 per cent compared to similar systems, helping you extend your trip in an environmentally friendly way. The smaller battery also helps keep the weight of the system down.There are three batteries available for the system with different ranges:iX3: 130km rangeiX2: 90km rangeeX1: bottle-shaped range extender offering 55km of rangeMotor mappingMotor mapping means the X30 can be tailored to disciplines and a brand's wishes. - Javier Martnez de la Puente / Zubiko PhotographyThe X30 will deliver more torque, up to 12kph, than the X20 and X35 and slightly less than the X20, up to its top speed of 25kph.However, adjusting the performance and behaviour of an ebike motor via motor mapping plays an important role in the X30s versatility.A cyclist on a 10,000 electric road bike will want different ride characteristics from their ebike motor than a gravel rider, commuter or child bombing around a pump track.Mahle outlines the following motor characteristics for different disciplines:Road: Smoother response to the rider torque and smoother acceleration at low and high speedsGravel: More reactive to the rider torque with higher acceleration at low speeds and lower acceleration at high speedsUrban: More reactive to rider torque with higher accelerationKids: Reactive to rider torque with smooth acceleration across speedsBeyond these rough guidelines, Mahle says it works with bike brands to customise the motor mapping of their bikes. They can adjust more than 100 parameters for the desired ride quality and feel.If you try two different bikes with the same system, you feel theres a difference in how the bike is behaving. But the system is still the same, says Garca.A brands decision can also be informed by rider behaviour accessible via a virtual dashboard.Thats important because that way they get to know the end users better, says Garca, adding that this will help them boost their business.A customisable system and tech integrationThe HMI unit is the heart of the system. - MahleYou can customise the X30s performance and even let the system adapt to your riding independently.Mahles HMI head unit, located in a bikes top tube, enables you to turn the ebike on or off and flick through three levels of assistance.This is basically the heart of the system. All the intelligence and decision-making of the system is in this device, says Garca.This intelligence extends to a fourth setting called Smart Assist, available on ebikes fitted with Mahles torque sensor.You can customise your X30 system via the Mahle app. - Javier Martnez de la Puente / Zubiko PhotographyMahle says Smart Assist will use the torque reading to adapt the bikes response to your power input, the conditions and the terrain. The feature uses AI and machine learning and the real-time information processing of the HMI head unit.You can customise Smart Assist via Mahles MySmartBike cycling app, where the assistance level can be adjusted on a sliding scale.Furthermore, the app enables you to record your activities and will integrate with Strava.Mahle provides an Apple Watch app, too. Like the smartphone app, you can use it to record your rides, and change assistance levels and power. Using the sensor in the Apple Watch, it will monitor your heart rate data to optimise and track your performance.Rich on accessoriesThe X30 can be used with a range of accessories, including a range extender and shifters. - MahleComplementing the customisation offered to brands and end users, Mahle says its ebike platform is rich on accessories to enhance an ebike.Alongside the eX1 range extender, there are two shifting button accessories. These mean you can switch between assistance modes from the handlebar rather than reaching down to the HMI head unit on the top tube.The Duo Remote means you can change the assistance level without reaching to the HMI in the top tube. - MahleThe Duo Remote has two buttons and is suitable for the flat handlebars of electric commuting bikes. The eShifters consist of two separate units that can be fitted to either side of the drop handlebar of an electric gravel bike or road bike.Mahle also has a cycling computer called the PulsarONE, which displays information such as assistance mode, speed, battery charge and distance travelled.How does the X35 compare to Mahles other X Drive units?The table below provides a general overview of how Mahle X Drive units compare. X20X30X35 Torque55Nm45Nm40Nm Power250W250W250W Type of motorRear hubRear hubRear hub System weight3kg approx. 3.5kg approx.3.5kg approx. Max. speed25kph / 25mph (USA)25kph / 25mph (USA)25kph / 25mph (USA) Main battery236Wh / 350Wh236Wh / 350Wh244Wh External battery171Wh171Wh208Wh RangeUp to 200kmUp to 185km Up to 165km Edit Table

High-quality jersey without the high price tag, offering a great fit and breathability for summer riding 9/10

Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL are ready for the Tour de France and will be racing for stage wins in multiple terrains throughout the three weeks. Fabio Jakobsen leads in the sprints whilst Romain Bardet takes on his final Tour de France.Jakobsen, after what is currently being a very difficult season wi...

Zwift says its new Ride indoor smart bike will get more people cycling thanks to its drastic shift in pricing, simplicity and eye-pleasing design.News of a smart bike from the makers of cyclings biggest indoor training app may surprise some. Despite launching the Zwift Hub in 2022, Zwift appeared to stop the development of larger hardware when it officially partnered with Wahoo last year.However, the Zwift Ride unites the companys hardware accessories with a Wahoo Kickr Core smart trainer and a new metal frame. The result is a modular smart bike that can be used by multiple people and undercuts rivals at 1,199.99 / $1,299.99 / 1,299.99.Zwift has hinted you will be able to buy the frame by itself to use with your smart trainer later this year.Reducing cost and complexityThe low price is said to help make Zwift more accessible. - ZwiftZwift says the Ride reduces the cost and complexity of hardware to make it easier to start using the indoor cycling app and get cycling.With the Ride costing less than many of the best indoor bikes, Zwifts Chris Snook says: This is a drastic shift in pricing for what customers expect a smart bike to cost.This is why we think [the Zwift Ride] will help bring more people into cycling and unlock Zwift as a viable option for their indoor training.Zwift hasnt divulged how it has created a smart bike for a penny under 1,200, but the modularity of the design is likely key.The Zwift Ride uses a Wahoo Kick Core. - ZwiftBy pairing the new Zwift Ride Smart Frame with the existing Wahoo Kickr Core, the Ride avoids some of the cost that could be accrued by designing a complete smart bike from scratch.The Rides use of the Zwift Play shifters and Zwift Cog will have likely been a cost-saving factor, too.The idea for a modular indoor bike goes back to the Zwift Tron, a prototype smart bike that borrowed the name of one of Zwifts fastest in-game virtual bikes, which was leaked in 2022.Graham Stoney, a senior product manager at Zwift, says: The modularity was a really critical thing that we found from [speaking to] users.Stoney says having a smart bike that isnt one great big hunk of metal helps users move it around. You can also store its separate parts when its not in use.The idea is it's always ready, but you've got that functionality and that flexibility to move it around in a smaller space, he says.It looks like a bikeZwift wanted to design an indoor smart bike that doesn't look like a gym bike. - ZwiftTo make the Ride more appealing, Zwift designed the bike for peoples homes, paying attention to its aesthetics.Stoney says: It looks like a bike. That might be a bonkers thing to say, but that was one of the critical facts in terms of the design.According to Stoney, the original Tron concept bike looked like a bike too, but not necessarily one you would ride. He says people will look at the Ride and think Oh, that looks like my bike. I can relate to that.Another consideration in terms of the design was the colour, with Stoney pointing out that its white and not black.Its a strange thing to say, but it's one of the things we tested as well. People do not want a black piece of gym kit. They want something that will sit in their home and theyll go I like the look of that, says Stoney.When presenting test groups with a range of colours, white proved to be the most popular across genders.To make the Ride more relatable, Zwift has opted to use a chain on the Ride. While belt drives are common on exercise bikes, people typically have a chain on their outdoor bikes, providing a familiar sensation when pedalling the Ride.Zwift says it has refined the design of the single-speed Zwift Cog to minimise noise.One tool setup and sizingYou can adjust the fit of the bike with the Frame Key. - ZwiftZwift says you only need one tool, the Frame Key, for setup and adjustments.The Frame Key is a 6mm Allen key stored in the top tube of the Zwift Ride Smart Frame.Zwift says this makes the Ride perfect for sharing with multiple users, who can use the tool to adjust three measurements: saddle height, bar height and reach.The bike fits riders from 5ft (152cm) to 6ft 6ins (198cm). It will come with a fit card with guidance on what position to set the three measurements for your height.The adjustability of the bike makes it suitable for multiple riders. - ZwiftFor every height integer, the card shows a letter. This corresponds to letters marked on the frame at the adjustment points. This makes the Ride easier to set up, especially if youre unsure of your bike fit, according to Zwift.Zwift has marked the Ride with graphics showing which way to turn particular bolts, which should make installing pedals, with their tricksy reverse threading, easier.It has designed the bike so setup and all adjustments are completed from the driveside. This includes removing the thru-axle, which is done from the non-driveside on outdoor bikes.When removing the Smart Bike Frame from the Wahoo Kickr Core smart trainer, there is a hook in the rear triangle for the chain. This should stop the chain from falling to the floor or potentially marking any belongings.Integration and indoor bottle cagesA rubber tray on the handlebar can store riding essentials. - ZwiftFor the Ride, Zwift has considered what people need within arm's reach when using its app.Integrating the Zwift Play controllers into the Ride means you can navigate in-game menus and activate features such as RideOns and PowerUps. This contributes to a gamified indoor riding experience.You can configure the additional buttons at the base of the levers for extra functions.The controllers also take care of virtual shifting, which arrived with the release of the Zwift Cog last year. You can configure the levers to your preferred shifting style, with either Shimano, SRAM or sequential shifting taking you through the 24 virtual gears.A tablet holder will be available for the Zwift Ride. - ZwiftZwift has added two bottle cages to the bikes frame, too. Zwift says it designed the indoor-specific cages to be looser than a conventional bottle cage, making it easier to grab your drink.A rubber tray at the front of the bike covers the reach adjustment. It provides a place to put any food, a towel or a phone.Zwift says there has been a 10-15 per cent increase in people using its training platform on a tablet in the last two years, so it has produced an optional tablet holder for the Ride, which will cost 39.99 / $49.99 / 49.99.

Over half of GB's Paris Olympics squad revealed, with second announcement expected on 4 July