After a horrific crash at the Itzulia Basque Country earlier this year left him in intensive care with a punctured lung among other injuries, there seemed no chance Jonas Vingegaard would contest for the Maillot Jaune at the 2024 Tour de France. Yet, with the Grand Depart just days away, the Dane wi...

Its that time of year when I start auditioning bikes for summer vacation.So which bike will get to come with me?Yesterday I auditioned this one:In fact its the very bike I took with me on our first summer vacation almost a decade agothough it was a different color back then, and I didnt know where I was going, so I got in a little over my head when I went looking for gravel:Of all my bikes, the Milwaukee is the one thats been in continuous service the longest. Yes, there are bikes Ive had for longer, such as the Faggin:Though until I put it back together again recently the frame had been sitting in storage for like 10 years, so it doesnt count.And yes, Ive now got new cartridge bearings to fix that rattly front Spinergy, so well soon see if Im able to install them without causing the wheel to ass-plodethough I guess thats better than the wheel ass-ploding while Im riding it.I tinker with the relics of cycling history so you dont have to.One make of bicycle that is no longer represented in my holdings is Specialized; Ive owned several over the years, and my most recent one was the RockCombo:Which like so many other former New Yorkers now lives in New Jersey:Also like many former New Yorkers who now live in New Jersey, it seems much happier and healthier since it left.Ive been doing more road riding these days, and on the popular New York City-area routes it seems like at least half the Fred bikes on the road right now are Specializeds. (Is Specializeds the plural of Specialized, or do you just say Specialized?) Such is the ubiquity of The Big Red S that you hardly even notice the logo anymorebut I did notice one of these stuck to a pole this past weekend, and shortly afterwards I caught up to a group or riders with more of them adhered to to their helmets and torsos:It appeared to be some sort of anti-Specialized campaign, and immediately I was torn. On one hand I was excited, because Im always looking for an excuse to criticize Specialized, but on the other hand I was annoyed, because if I see young people protesting I automatically take the other side:As a result, I had no other choice but to remain neutral and open-minded, and as I approached them I asked what the stickers were about. One of the riders informed me that Specialized had closed a factory in El Salvador without paying the workers, which surprised me because I had no idea Specialized was making Tarmacs in El Salvador. Then another rider offered me a sticker, which I accepted and placed in my jersey pocket. Ive since scanned the QR code, and as it turns out, there was a factory in El Salvador making apparel for a number of companies:And Specialized is one of two companies that supposedly still owes the workers compensation after the factory closed:It sounded bad, but it also sounded a little pat, and once again I was torn:So I read a little more about it:And of course its a little more complicated than the sticker suggests:No doubt the bike industry has a sustainability blind spot:Or, more accurately, they engage in shameless virtue signaling:Which is really just what marketing has become in the 21st century:And of course marketing has never reflected reality in this or any other century.Nevertheless, it sounds like Specialized did pay something, contrary to what the Green America site says:The argument is whether or not it was enough:But admittedly #SpecializedHiredASupplierToProduceOverpricedApparelAtAFacoryInElSalvadorWhichClosedAndAfterMuchNickelAndDimingOnSpecializedsPartTheyPaidThe WorkersLikeFortyGrandButWeReallyThinkTheyReallyShouldHavePaidMore doesnt make for a very convenient hashtag.In any case, its not hard to believe Specialized are being shitty and dont want to spend the money at a time when bike companies arent doing so good, but its also not hard to believe that their share of a garment factorys output is in fact way, way smaller than that of the other companies that were using that factory, like Hanes, a company with something like $7 billion in annual revenue, or Gildan with $5 billion, versus Specializeds $500 million (at least according to about nine seconds of research on a popular search engine).But that doesnt matter when youre competing for the hearts and minds of the next generation of cyclists, and all it takes is one sticker for them to ditch Specialized and grab hold of the PNS:[PNS model demonstrating the ol reacharound.]And if you ever wondered about the intensity of a PNSs emissions, heres your answer:The graph on the left really says it all:As for how much your PNS is warming the planet, heres your answer:It may seem like a lot, but rest assured its merely .00000000001% of the warming caused by one (1) Kathy Hochul:I know because I read it on Streetsblog.And if that werent enough, all PNS stores will be powered by renewable energy in 2024:I really hope that power is generated by a PNS model on a trainer:[Well do anything if youll finally feed us, we havent eaten in weeks.]Its your move, Specialized.

Garmin has announced the Edge 1050, its new flagship GPS bike computer.Claimed to be the brightest and smartest bike computer it has ever made, the Edge 1050 gets a new touchscreen display, Garmin Pay contactless payment capabilities and a replaceable quarter-turn mount.There are also updates to mapping and navigation, and new features that enable greater connectivity with other Garmin Edge users, with in-ride hazard alerts, leaderboards and witty post-ride awards.The Garmin Edge 1050 is an evolution of the brands Edge 1040 bike computer one of the best bike computers currently available.Notably, though, the Edge 1050 doesnt get the optional solar charging capabilities and the claimed battery life has been reduced from 35 to 20 hours.The Garmin Edge 1050 is available now and costs 649.99 / $699.99 / 699.99.Updated designThe big change compared to the Edge 1040 is the new LCD screen. - GarminOutwardly, the most obvious change compared to the Edge 1040 is the updated display and form factor.The overall size appears similar to the Edge 1040, but the Edge 1050 gets an updated, more angular design with a new vivid colour display.According to Garmin, this new screen is its brightest ever, thanks to the use of a new transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD), instead of a transflective LCD as used on previous models.The screen itself is the same size as on the Edge 1040 (3.5in / 88.9mm diagonal), but it has a higher pixel density, at 480x800 pixels compared to 282x470 pixels on the Edge 1040.Garmin says the new transmissive LCD screen is its brightest ever. - GarminIn theory, this should mean the Edge 1050 screen offers better brightness and clarity compared to the Edge 1040.This perhaps explains why the claimed battery life has been reduced from 35 hours on the Edge 1040 (non-solar) to 20 hours on the Edge 1050.However, Garmin notes that switching to its battery saver mode (which automatically adjusts screen brightness and settings to improve battery life) increases the claimed battery life to 65 hours. That's closer to the 70 hours the Edge 1040 promises in the same mode.New featuresScreen aside, the Edge 1050 gets a number of new features and updates. - GarminAs well as changes to the design, the Edge 1050 gets a speaker, instead of a simple beeper which can offer audio prompts for workout and navigation cues, and the ability to play a bell sound.Like a real bike bell, Garmin says this can be used to alert other riders, road users or pedestrians to your presence.Garmin has also added Garmin Pay to the Edge 1050, which enables contactless payments to be made by the device itself.Until now, this feature has only been available on Garmins range of smartwatches.Garmin also says the quarter-turn mount on the base of the Edge 1050 is now replaceable.Navigation updatesNavigation has also seen updates, with Garmin attempting to make on-device course creation easier. - GarminGarmin says the Edge 1050 also has more powerful mapping and navigation tools.The on-device course creator has been updated, with Garmin saying courses can now easily be created on the device, with the ability to toggle between different map overlays.Perhaps with an eye on the ever-expanding interest in gravel and all-road cycling, Garmin says the Edge 1050 can differentiate between paved and unpaved roads, and can even alert you to upcoming unpaved sections.As a result of this, Garmin says the Edge 1050 will be able to offer ride-specific routing for mountain, gravel and road cycling.As on other Garmin Edge bike computers, riders will also be able to use Apple Maps on a connected iOS device to share a point of interest and automatically navigate to that location.Garmin says riders will now be able to manage, download or update maps from the Edge 1050 itself, when connected to a Wi-Fi network.GroupRideGarmin has announced a number of updates to its GroupRide features. - GarminGarmin has updated its GroupRide functionality, integrating it more prominently into the Edge 1050.In addition to existing features, such as course information, shared messaging and live location data for group members, GroupRide will now feature 'road hazard alerts' from other group members.In the spirit of friendly competition, Garmin says it is also implementing in-ride leaderboards for timed segments and witty post-ride awards, including (but not limited to) the following:Speed Racer the rider who records the highest maximum speedChatterbox most heavily using the GroupRide messaging featureWorker Bee most time spent pedallingGarmin Edge 1050 pricing, specifications and availabilityThe Garmin Edge 1050 is the brand's new flagship bike computer, but there's no solar model as things stand. - GarminThe Garmin Edge 1050 is available now and costs 649.99 / $699.99 / 699.99.As noted, the Edge 1050 is only available without solar charging capabilities. When asked if a solar version would be available in the future, Garmin said it couldnt comment on its upcoming product roadmap.Claimed weight for the Garmin Edge 1050 is 161g, up 28g compared to the Edge 1040.The Edge 1050s dimensions are similar to the outgoing model at 60.2x118.5mm (the Edge 1040 measured 59.3x117.6mm), although the Edge 1050 is a little thinner at 16.3mm, compared to 20mm for the 1040.Garmin says the Edge 1050 has 64GB of internal storage. This is the same as on the Edge 1040 Solar, but double the 32GB available on the standard Edge 1040.

Bicycling advocacy nonprofit PeopleForBikes has released its annual city ratings, highlighting the most bike-friendly communities across the country.

The Grand Depart of the 2024 Tour de France will take place on Italian roads, with a stage from Florence to Rimini. The plan is for an up and down parcour of 206km. Mother Nature may have other plans however.According to reports by Sporza, in recent days, this particular region of Italy has been ba...

Listen up if youre tired of replacing batteries in your heart rate monitor. The new Wahoo TRACKR heart rate monitor will replace the TICKR and address common complaints about the previous design.(All Images: Wahoo)Wahoo TRACKR Heart RateThe Wahoo team started from the ground up with a new design for the TRACKR. The goal was to improve the processing technology and deliver highly accurate heart rate monitoring metrics. The team also looked at some of the shortcomings of the TICKR HRM units. Reliability being a key focus as reports of TICKR monitors spontaneously not working, is on the rise.More Reliable The TRACKER design team put the new unit through a gauntlet of rugged testing, taking athletes feedback into consideration with design features. The new unit is rated IPX7 and is equipped for rainy rides, sweaty runs, and muddy cyclocross races.RechargeableThe TRACKR heart rate monitor comes with a high-capacity, rechargeable battery that provides over 100 hours of active battery life in most conditions. The charger is a proprietary Wahoo piece, a smart magnetic connector that attaches to the base of the HRM unit.AccuracyFeaturing an advanced detection algorithm, TRACKR provides accurate real-time heart rate data to enhance training efficiency and support optimal performance.New Chest Strap DesignThe chest strap is a new design with comfort in mind. It includes a noninvasive side closure that allows athletes to move freely during any workout.Plays Well With OthersWith ANT+ and multi-Bluetooth connectivity, the TRACKR heart rate connects with indoor training systems and outdoor equipment. It works with Wahoo ecosystem units like the ELEMNT computers. But it also pairs easily with any GPS smartwatch or smartphone. It is compatible with Apple Watch, Zwift, STRAVA, Adidas Running, Nike Run Club, Peloton, and the Wahoo ecosystem of apps and training products.We are thrilled to launch the TRACKR HEART RATE monitor. Our goal was to create a device that athletes can rely on for accurate data, unmatched comfort, and seamless integration with their training ecosystems. TRACKR HEART RATE is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding athletes, providing them with the tools to optimize their training and achieve their performance goals.Gareth Joyce, CEO of Wahoo,TRACKR is the first in Wahoos newly branded TRACKR lineup of accessories. Later this year, a range of newly designed sensors for endurance athletes will be available.Wahoo TRACKR Price and AvailabilityThe Wahoo TRACKR is shipping now and is available on Wahoo.com and retailersPricing: $89.99, 89.99, 79.99, CAD: $119.99, AUD: $149.95, 10,100For more information, check out Wahoo.comThe post Wahoo Fitness Unveils All-New, Rechargeable TRACKR Heartrate Monitor appeared first on Bikerumor.

New Garmin Edge 1050 gets Garmin Pay, a brighter high resolution screen, and a slew of software upgrades.

Holyrood is expected to pay almost 40 million after spending during Scotlands mega-worlds, which brought in a total revenue of 205 million, went over budget most notably due to inflation

CyclistGarmin Edge 1050 has a new shape and more social features including Garmin Pay and a bellThe new Garmin Edge 1050 breaks away from the steady progression seen in the top spec Edge 10x series computers. While the Edge 1040 had essentially the same format as the Edge 1030 Plus, the new Edge 1050 has a more squared-off shape, and Garmin has also added new features including a speaker that can act as a bike bell.The Garmin Edge 1050 is priced at 649.99, 20 more than the Edge 1040 Solar. Related Posts Opinion: Cycling is better without GPS Best turbo trainer workouts to make you a stronger cyclist Best bike computers with GPS 2024 for training, navigation and data reviewed Best smart turbo trainers: Top Zwift compatible indoor trainers In praise of the cafe stop Shorter battery life, more colourGarmin quotes a battery life of 20 hours for the new computer. Again, thats a break with its trend to offer longer and longer battery life on its premium computers and more in line with competitors from Wahoo and Hammerhead. The Edge 1040 has a claimed 35 hours runtime, extended to 45 hours with solar charging a feature not offered with the new Edge 1050.The Edge 1050s display is 3.5 inches diagonal, the same size as the Edge 1040s, but it offers a more vivid screen with greater colour usage. As well as touchscreen operation, there are metal buttons and a replaceable quarter-turn mount.The new speaker offers more interaction, with enhanced prompts when navigating and during a workout, rather than the usual beeps. It also provides an electronic bike bell.Garmin has included Garmin Pay, so you dont need to dig in your pockets to pay for your mid-ride coffee and cake. Its a first for Garmins computers, although Garmin has included Garmin Pay in its smartwatches for a while. It may not be as useful for UK riders as for those in the US though, as there are a limited number of UK banks signed up.Theres on-device course creator functionality, which will route you depending on whether youre riding on the road, gravel or on an MTB. The map display on the Edge 1050 will differentiate between tarmac and unpaved roads and alert you to an approaching section of gravel or cobbles handy if youre planning to ride Paris-Roubaix or its amateur Challenge ride.Enhanced Group Ride featuresGarmin is going increasingly social with the new computer. When linked to your phone, it will offer in-ride messaging functionality in Group Rides, as well as providing live locations for riders in a group, in-ride leaderboards for climbs and incident detection alerts for group members.Youll also get road hazard alerts for potholes and other problems that have been reported by other riders. You can add to the tally yourself for the benefit of other cyclists.Once your ride has finished, Garmin has post-ride awards for the rider with the fastest maximum speed, most time spent pedalling and other stats across your group.Garmin says that it will be rolling out the new Group Ride features on its other current generation Edge computers soon.Garmin Edge 1050 other features and pricingOther features highlighted by Garmin are inherited from its previous cycling computers, including training plans and training status, in-ride stamina, power guides, ClimbPro and more, and theres connectivity to rearview radar devices and to smart trainers.The UK SRP of the Garmin Edge 1050 is 649.99, an increase of 130 on Garmins previous top spec computer, the Edge 1040, or 20 on the Edge 1040 Solar. Related Posts Opinion: Cycling is better without GPS Best turbo trainer workouts to make you a stronger cyclist Best bike computers with GPS 2024 for training, navigation and data reviewed Best smart turbo trainers: Top Zwift compatible indoor trainers In praise of the cafe stop The post Garmin Edge 1050 has a new shape and more social features including Garmin Pay and a bell appeared first on Cyclist.

After his star performance at the 2023 Giro d'Italia, EF Education-EasyPost's Ben Healy will make his hotly-anticipated Tour de France debut in 2024 and the Irishman is full of ambition."The Tour is the biggest race there is and I am really excited for it. It's a pretty big milestone. The first ste...