Following our debut edition which covered drivetrain lifespan, touring on road bikes and more It's time for the second edition of BikeRadar's Tech Q&A. Led by technical editor in chief, Robin Weaver, and senior technical editors Tom Marvin and Warren Rossiter, the Tech Q&A is your chance to have your burning question answered by some of the most experienced testers in cycling.The expanded Q&A from the BikeRadar podcast onto the site, with a wider focus on questions that arent limited to tech.Every month, well select the most interesting questions and bring you an expert-level response from our unparalleled access to the greatest minds in cycling, both on the BikeRadar staff and externally.There's no tech question too difficult for us to answer. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaFrom baffling bottom bracket standards and troublesome tyre combos to pernickety power meters and essential nutrition advice, we want to hear it.Email your questions to podcast@bikeradar.com

Cycling Ireland has named a very strong national team for the Junior Tour of Ireland, with expectations they can take significant results given the quality of the line-up. The team is a mix of young Irish riders who have already gained experience in the green jersey, while others will be making a deserved debut for []The post Strong Irish team named for Junior Tour, aiming for stage, GC success appeared first on Sticky Bottle.

When the folks at Aventon rolled out their first-ever mid-drive e-MTB earlier this year, they expected a small degree of head-scratching from consumers.With the brands new mid-drive motor, a first for Aventon, and reliable components made to stand the demands of trail riding without making the bike completely unaffordable, Aventon hopes the Ramblas will prove to be the perfect entry point for new e-MTB riders, and a long-term companion that is as effortless to upgrade as it is to charge up steep hills with ease.Aventon Ramblas A100 motorOne of the most striking developments equipped on the Ramblas is Aventons all-new A100 motor.The Aventon Ramblas features the brands first-ever mid-drive motor developed in-house; (Photo/Aventon)The motor is the brainchild of Aventon engineers who developed it in-house. Its not just an existing white-label motor with Aventon branding etched into it at the last minute.This particular motor provides a whopping 100 nm of torque, which is more than enough to climb any kind of terrain, whether smooth, rocky, or somewhere in between, with ease.Guillaume Crepin, Aventons product marketing manager for Europe, said the reason Aventon engineers decided to create a mid-drive motor stemmed from the need for reliable power delivery and the right level of power for the bikes intended use.Previously, all other Aventon bikes have featured a rear-hub motor.You can have a much more smooth and instantaneous power delivery with a mid-drive motor, Crepin said. Thats not the same feel that you get with a hub motor.He said you also cant get the same level of power from a hub-driven motor, which is particularly important when navigating mountain bike trails.With a range of up to 80 miles, and three different levels of pedaling assistance riders can customize with the Aventon app, The Ramblas provides a firm foundation for trail riders to begin exploring.Aventon Ramblas componentsAventons intentionality with its new motor carried over into the components selected for the Ramblas.Aventon developed the Ramblas as an entry-level e-MTB with solid components and plenty of space to upgrade; (Photo/Aventon)From its grippy Maxxis Rekon 29 x 2.4 tires, 130mm travel coil fork, 150mm travel dropper post, and SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, the Ramblas looks and feels like a true mountain bike right out of the box, and is rock-solid and reliable on the trail. At an MSRP of $2,899, the Ramblas costs considerably less than many other e-MTBs on the market, especially those outfitted with features like a dropper post and powerful 100nm motor.Erin Machan, a product manager for Aventon, said the components that ended up on the final version of the Ramblas represent a reliable starting point but are simple to upgrade as a riders needs develop along with their skill level and time on the bike.Start with this. Have a good foundation. Have a good frame that can take any level of component and upgrade when youre ready, and when youre serious, and when you decide that youre committed to this activity, Machan said. It is an entry-level e-MTB hardtail, and it is an approachable price point and approachable spec. Its a recognizable spec.The Ramblas features a UDH derailleur hanger that can accept pretty much any drivetrain, standard boost spacing for the wheelset, along with traditional headset spacing, and standard stem and dropper post sizes that easily match up to a wide variety of options on the market.Aventon Ramblas reliabilityThrough the process of design, Crepin said Aventon leaned upon its own staff and network of riders to dial in the motor to make it smaller, quieter, and more powerful.Aventon says the Ramblas has a maximum range of 80 miles; (Photo/Aventon)The market right now has settled at something like 85 to 90 nm as kind of the high-end tune, he said. Going for 100 nm tells us that we have power in reserve. The motor can withstand the usual 60 to 90 nm that most people will use on a daily basis while riding, and also gives us that extra oomph that you might need for heavier riders, for people who want to do bike packing, or who may want to commute with a couple of bags and put a rack on it.Aventon offers a two-year warranty on its bikes, including motor replacements and warranty parts. However, Crepin said hes been riding these bikes for around 10 months, one of which has more than 800 or so miles on it, and still works the same as it did when it first came out of the box. He has a second Ramblas hes been riding harder at bike parks and other trail systems and has similarly seen no problems.Crepin said even at nearly a year in, the bike still holds enough power for 50- to 60-mile trekking-type uses over mixed technical terrain.Ive done tests last year with 5,000 feet of climbing with one battery and I was in freezing temperatures in Austria, Crepin said. Still, I dont see the battery getting weaker than before.Aventon Ramblas PersonalityMany e-bikes feature things like throttle levers and top speeds approaching 30 mph. The Ramblas does not. As a Class 1 e-bike its max speed is just above 20 mph. The reasoning for that, Machan said, was to remain true to mountain biking norms and trail rules.At an MSRP of $2,899, the Ramblas is an affordable entry point for new e-MTB enthusiasts; (Photo/Aventon)Machan said Aventon easily could have called the Ramblas a Class 1 bike and allowed riders to unlock it to hit a 28 mph top speed. She said the brand recognized that some riders may not be happy that they opted out of that option. But keeping the bike in the Class 1 category means it will be welcome and allowed on pretty much all mountain bike trails.If we come out with a mountain bike and say its a Class 1 and then let it go to Class 3, then we are not actually playing by the rules and were not actually in the mountain bike space, she said. We want to show that we were serious about making bikes that are actually mountain bikes.From its motor to its design and components, the Ramblas is unmistakably a trail bike and one of the most affordable out there that offers the opportunity to hit the trails with confidence right out of the box, along with a ton of room to grow.The post The Aventon Ramblas makes e-MTB more accessible than ever, with room to grow appeared first on Bikerumor.

Its been another barnstorming week for the BikeRadar content factory your favourite website has been hot on all the latest news (and gossip) from the cycling world.In case you missed it, over the weekend we published news of three (thats right, THREE) new and as-yet unreleased bikes spotted by Liam Cahill at the Criterium du Dauphine: the latest Pinarello Dogma, Canyon Aeroad and Trek Madone.If that wasnt enough, it was Unbound Gravel weekend, and we got down and dirty with the coolest new serious gravel tech to appear at the event, including clapping eyes on a new SRAM Red AXS XPLR groupset.While youre at it, dont miss out on contributor Josh Pattersons excellent long read on how it became the most important gravel race in the world and Oscar Huckles dive into the original Unbound (then called Dirty Kanza) race-winning bike.The week then got into full stride (for me, at least) with a behind-the-scenes look at Decathlon brand Van Rysels assembly line and tech facilities, and a first look at Fulcrums new wavy Sharq wheels.Then, yesterday, we published Rachel Bennets latest update to her Orbea Oiz long-term review, and deputy editor Jack Luke couldnt help himself but reminisce over all the weird and wonderful stuff spotted at Unbound.Aside from that, we continued to publish our 2024 Bike of the Year reviews, plus brought you a wealth of coverage over on our YouTube channel and podcast.Phew right, lets dig into the latest cool stuff to land across my desk this week.CeramicSpeed OSPW RSThe CeramicSpeed OSPW RS is new and improved. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe latest-generation CeramicSpeed OSPW (oversized pulley wheel) system has seen an update thats said to make it stronger, quieter and better at shedding road debris.Borrowed from the OSPW X for SRAMs Eagle Transmission, the latest OSPW RS can be fitted with the brands Alpha Disc design a filled pulley wheel.The disc section is made of aluminium, while the outer ring and teeth are made using a composite material.CeramicSpeed says the filled alloy section eliminates the potential for objects to get stuck in the device, while adding strength to the overall design.The Alpha Disc features an 'Active Debris Remover' design. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaMeanwhile, the composite teeth are said to run more quietly and be more wear-resistant.The bearings, of course, are ceramic, and are protected by a design CeramicSpeed calls the Active Debris Remover.This takes the form of a pronounced ridge encircling the bearing housing, with a series of grooves cut into the inner face. As the pulley wheel spins, CeramicSpeed says the grooves help mud to shed more easily (reducing the chances of ingress).The outer-cage design has also been tweaked, said to perform the twin job of improving aerodynamics and being stronger in the face of impacts.Each OSPW RS comes with a small bottle of CeramicSpeed's pulley wheel lube. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe OSPW RS is compatible with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 and Ultegra Di2 R8100 groupsets, or SRAM Red and Force AXS groupsets, and can be bought with CeramicSpeeds standard five-spoke pulley wheels (in red, black, gold or blue), or the Alpha Disc design as pictured.Branding style can also be selected between the bold pro-team large CeramicSpeed branding, or a more subtle script on the bottom edge of the cage.CeramicSpeed also provides a 15ml bottle of lube for the pulley wheel bearings.My Alpha Disc-equipped sample, compatible with Shimano drivetrains, weighs 101g.CeramicSpeed OSPW RS 5-spoke 470 / $599 / 529CeramicSpeed OSPW RS Alpha Disc 515 / $669 / 579Sweet Protection Ronin, Shinobi and Memento shadesSweet Protection's Shinobi, Ronin and Memento sunglasses are used by Team UNO-X Mobility. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaNorwegian brand Sweet Protection, best known for its range of high-performance helmets as worn by the Uno-X Mobility pro cycling team has sent in its range of sunglasses for our delectation.The range includes the full-framed Memento, half-framed Shinobi and shield-lensed Ronin, with pro riders given the choice of which to use when racing (subject to using team-friendly colours, of course).The Shinobi glasses are said to be the brand's flagship. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaHappily, the paying public have a wide range of colours to choose from the Memento and Shinobi, the latter of which the brand considers its flagship eye protection, are available in 13 options with varying lens tints.The Ronin is usually worn by rider Alexander Kristoff. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe brand says the lenses use RIG (Retina Illumination Grading) technology, which is claimed to improve contrast while minimising colour distortion.The Memento sunglasses have a full-frame design. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaAll lenses are replaceable, and all feature hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings, alongside full UV protection.Sweet Protection Ronin from 129 / $150 / 149Sweet Protection Shinobi from 159 / $180 / 179Sweet Protection Memento from 119 / $130 / 129FSA Pro-Wing AGX alloy gravel handlebarThe Pro-Wing AGX features extensions. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe Pro-Wing AGX handlebar is designed for gravel riding and racing, according to FSA.The extensions serve a dual purpose a comfortable perch on which to rest in a more aerodynamic position when covering long miles, plus a point on which to hang a handlebar bag.The bar can route cables internally, and is said to have been designed for optimal ergonomics.There's provision for internal cable routing. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaAccording to FSA, for the gravel racing and bikepacking it envisages, this has brought about a 25-degree flare of the drops, a slight backsweep to the tops paired with a flattened profile, and a 'sculpted' hood fitment point.FSA says the bar features a 10mm rise from the 31.8mm clamp site, and a 70mm reach and 100mm drop when the flare is thrown into the mix, the brand says this increases clearance and control for descending more technical terrain.Now I just need to find a gravel bike to fit it to - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe extension section is also shaped into a U-bend with a flattened top, which is claimed to be more comfortable than a pointed end. This is 170mm long, 150mm wide at the base and 80mm wide at the furthest point.The Pro-Wing AGX handlebar comes in 420, 440 and 460mm width options (centre-to-centre), delivering an effective 470, 490 and 510mm width at the drops, respectively.199.99 / $195 / 179Restrap Race Top Tube Bag ShortThe new small-capacity bag has a 1.2-litre volume. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaRestrap has launched a new, smaller-capacity top tube bag, which it says is ideal for ultra-distance racing and audaxing.With a 1.2-litre volume, it sits beneath the 1.5l and 2l versions Restrap already sold.Thanks to that size, though, the UK-based brand has included bento box holes on the underside, removing the need for the wide central tethering strap to fasten it to the top tube on gravel bikes.The bag has a base and sturdy structure, so it holds its shape. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThat said, if you dont have top tube mounting points on your bike (like my Fairlight Strael 3.0), you can employ the loops underneath to use supplementary fitting straps in addition to the one provided the brand says its Fast Straps are perfect for this.Otherwise, the bag is anchored by a Hypalon fitting at the front, with a guarding sheath to protect your bikes head tube spacers and stem.Inside, the bag features a semi-rigid foam base and supporting sidewall structure, which is claimed to help it hold its shape.The loops can be used to attach using straps, or to bento box top tube bolts. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaFour internal pockets are included, plus an elasticated tether to hold your bits and pieces in situ.The outer is made of an abrasion-resistant X21 waterproof fabric, and zips together via a YKK Aquaguard zip.Easy-access pockets adorn the sides. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaTwo external storage compartments (one on either side) made of elasticated mesh offer easy access to quick essentials, or a place to stuff empty gel and food wrappers.59.99 / $83.99 / 71.99Continental TPU inner tubesThe ContiTPU tube is said to be made of seven layers. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaAnd finally, Im back with another brands TPU inner tubes. This time, German tyre powerhouse Continental has jumped on the bandwagon.Thermoplastic polyurethane is said to create a tube that's lighter than a standard butyl, while offering lower rolling resistance and a more supple ride quality. It also packs down smaller, much like a latex tube.To recap, weve already shone a spotlight on WTB, Revoloop and Pirelli TPU tubes, and on the face of it, the Continental models are little different.The valves have a slightly conical shape at the base to prevent rattling. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaHowever, the brand says its tubes use a seven-layer construction for improved air retention, while the valve shaft is said to have a slightly conical shape. This is claimed to help it fit better to a wheel rim and minimise the risk of unwanted (and annoying) valve rattle.Continental says every tube is manufactured in Germany, with raw materials also sourced from the country. In theory, for European riders, this should result in a lower carbon footprint.Each tube is supplied with a repair patch, while there are three nominal sizes to choose from: a road-oriented 700x25-35c (35g claimed weight), gravel and MTB-suitable 700x40-60c (45g claimed weight) and a smaller-diameter 650x40-60b (43g claimed weight).All sizes TBC / $34.95 / 29.95

Sam Bennett was in the past one of the great winners of the Tour de France. In 2020 he was the leading sprinter of the race and won the points classification. Ever since he has not returned to the Grand Boucle, although every single year he had the intentions to do so.A knee injury in 2021 then led...

Fulcrum has launched its new Sharq all-road carbon wheelset with a distinctive wavy rim profile designed to make the wheels more aerodynamically efficient in mixed wind conditions.Weve seen rim profiles like this before that are claimed to shrug off crosswinds more effectively than standard round rims. Zipps Sawtooth profile (as seen on its NSW line of road bike wheels) is arguably the most famous, but other brands, such as Princeton CarbonWorks, have also got in on the act.The wheelset is claimed to be designed for a mix of riding, covering the wide spectrum between endurance road use and gravel racing.With a price tag of 2,460 / 2,289 / $2,807, the wheelset is built using much of Fulcrums premium-level componentry.A rim like a sharks finNo prizes for guessing what the Sharq's rim profile is said to be reminiscent of. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaFulcrum says after reviewing its current range of carbon wheels, the Sharq was designed to excel on mixed surfaces, with particular attention paid to handling stability and reactivity under power.Using CFD analysis, Fulcrum says it developed seven rim designs and whittled those down to the two best-performing options for aerodynamic efficiency with the help of further wind-tunnel testing.Given its desire to promote handling stability, Fulcrum claims it focused on performance in yaw angles of up to 20 per cent.The first proposed design, called a 1-Wave Rim, used a symmetrical waveform 47mm deep at the spoke nipples, before shallowing out to 42mm in between.The two-dimensional rim design is symmetrical, but viewed from an angle the cutaways reveal themselves. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe second design, called a 2-Wave Rim, makes the rim appear uniform when viewed from the side (two-dimensionally), but with a visible depression in the rim when viewed at an angle this is the design Fulcrum settled on.These slants are effectively smoothed-out cutaways, which in theory help to keep air attached to the rim for longer at greater yaw angles.In contrast, viewed directly side-on, SRAMs SawTooth profile sees a longer slanted edge before cutting back at a more acute angle, and the NSW rims use a textured surface for aerodynamic gain.Fulcrum uses laser-etched decals to highlight the key tech employed in the Sharq wheelset. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaFulcrum doesnt say which specific wheelsets it used as benchmarks for its comparative testing, but against a (presumably) uniform rim, it claims the final 2-Way Rim design saves 21 per cent energy at 0-10 degrees of yaw, and 29 per cent at 10-20 degrees.These results were achieved using a 700x30c Pirelli P Zero Race TLR road tyre.The rims are hooked, although optimised for use with tubeless tyres, and measure 25mm wide internally. Fulcrum claims the Sharq wheelset can accommodate tyres ranging from 700x29-71c.Established tech matched to new spokesAs with many of Fulcrum's wheels, the rim bed is undrilled, meaning the alloy spoke nipples are drawn into place using a magnet. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaBecause the rims feature a smooth, undrilled rim bed, rim tape isnt required for a tubeless tyre setup (or to protect the tube in a clincher setup).This means the alloy nipples are installed using the MoMag technique it shares with Campagnolo. This sees magnets used to orient the nipples into the holes, having been inserted into the hollow rim cavity through the valve hole.The rims feature Fulcrums C-Lux finish, which the brand claims aids easier tyre installation, with the rims exhibiting a matt finish with a mix of lasered and applied decals.The Sharq wheelset is fitted with new A3RO spokes, which are said to be aerodynamically optimised for the rim design without compromising stability.The wheelset employs ceramic bearings. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThese are bladed, with a straight-pull interface claimed to match the alloy hub body to ensure they cant rotate and misalign, according to the brand.The hubs are made of milled alloy, housing Fulcrums cup-and-cone USB (Ultra Smooth Bearing) ceramic bearings.Like Fulcrums other wheels, they continue to use a preload system. The disc brake rotor fits using an external splined interface so you dont have to remove the rotor whenever you adjust the preload or service the hub.Inside the freehub is a three-pawl engagement system, with each pawl featuring three ridges on their outside face.Fulcrum's sparing use of chromed decals looks premium. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThese are intended to spread the engagement forces on the outer ratchet rings 36 teeth, equating to a 10-degree engagement angle.Fulcrum claims the wheelset weighs 1,440g on the BikeRadar Scales of Truth, they weighed 1,444g with a SRAM XDR freehub body fitted.The tubeless valves add 5g apiece and the lockrings another 12g each, totalling 1,478g.Fulcrum Sharq wheelset prices and availabilityThe wheelset comes refreshingly close to its claimed weight. - Scott Windsor / Our MediaThe Fulcrum Sharq wheelset costs 2,460 / 2,289 / $2,807 and is available from today.It can be bought with all major freehub body formats: Shimano HG and Microspline, SRAM XDR and Campagnolo N3W.Well be putting it through its paces soon.

When childhood friends Colin O'Brady and Lucas Clarke reached the Race Across America finish line in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on Saturday evening, they may not have fulfilled their "Sub Six" goal, but celebrations were in order all the same.

Two Irish junior track teams male and female have been selected for the Ghent International Track Meet, which begins later this week. The team is being sent by Cycling Ireland to compete in Belgium as part of the build up towards the Europeans and Worlds. The European Track Championships take place in Germany []The post Irish junior teams picked for Ghent International towards Europeans, Worlds appeared first on Sticky Bottle.

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, Tom Marvin is guided by deputy editor Jack Luke and video presenter Liam Cahill through the unexpected tech from Unbound 2024.The 200-mile gravel race is regarded as one of the most challenging on the calendar, with riders using quirky setups to reduce the unpaved toll on their bodies, while saving seconds at the line.This year saw a wider adoption of ultra-wide tyres, skinsuits and suspension, with Tom and Jack discussing the thought process behind these decisions.For the visually stimulated, weve explored the Unbound 2024 tech trends and will be publishing tech galleries throughout the week.Remember, 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.

A solid, no-frills helmet from American brand Giro with a fun bit of history behind it.