The Tour de France has only had five stages so far but every single day has been a great story. This Wednesday was no exception as Mark Cavendish raced to Tour de France history with a record-breaking 35th win. Stage 6 is another chance for the sprinters to thrive but it will be very difficult to to...

The long-awaited, much-hyped moment finally arrived at the Tour de France

CyclistPro bike: Mark Cavendishs record-breaking Wilier Filante SLRIn Saint Vulbas on 3rd July 2024, Mark Cavendish finally claimed a 35th Tour de France stage win, making him the most successful stage hunter in the history of the great race.I have nothing to lose, Mark told us on Friday. Its not very romantic, its a clinical situation. Weve had the time to make a plan of how to approach the Tour and well put that into motion. We have everything in place so we can do it.Now a history maker, Cyclist caught a glimpse of Cavendishs custom Willier Filante SLR in Florence ahead of the 2024 Tour de France. Related Posts Its not romantic: Mark Cavendish on his final Tour de France, #35 and an Astana lifeline Gallery: Behind the scenes at the Tour de France 2024 Grand Dpart Mark Cavendishs Tour de France 2023 bike: Wilier Filante SLR Mark Cavendishs comeback: The missile flies again Gallery: Wiliers classic bikes Wilier x CVNDSH Wilier Filante SLRThe Filante SLR is the Veneto-based bike brand Wilier Triestinas aero bike. The custom CVNDSH frameset was launched a week before the Tour de France in celebration of Cavendishs final Tour de France.Last year Cavendish went muted and monochrome with his setup, now hes going out with a bang in this fiesta of hues. Patrik Lundin/CyclistPatrik Lundin/CyclistCavendishs record-breaking bike is adorned with a custom paint job. The frameset has dashes of colour from all across the spectrum, which represent wins in the palmars of the greatest sprinter of all time. The yellow represents his time at the Tour de France, but importantly his day spent in the yellow jersey back in 2016. The green, the classic green jersey colour. The blue, red and black allude to Cavendishs World Championship victory in 2011. The addition of baby blue and yellow is for his Astana team.Willier has also confirmed that the custom CVNDSH frameset will be available to buy until the end of the year. The price has not been confirmed yet, however Wiliers website suggests that the custom frameset will incur a 2,000 surcharge.Patrik Lundin/CyclistWhen the bike was launched ahead of the 2024 Tour, Cavendish said, Everyone has their own taste and thats why I love to add my own touch to the bikes I use, as they have been an inseparable part of my professional life for 20 years now.In keeping with this personal touch, the forks are highlighted with Cavendishs brand name CVNDSH.Willier disclosed that it has moved the fork blades away from the wheel, reducing turbulence and improving aerodynamics. The forks come in at a claimed weight of 360g.Patrik Lundin/CyclistCavendishs Tour setup includes a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, and reports suggest that he is a55/42T crankset.The bike is complemented by Vision Metron 60SL disc wheels and 28mm Vittoria Corsa Pro tyres. This is the same groupset and wheel configuration as his Astana Qazaqstan teammates.Here the bike is fitted with a Prologo Zero II saddle at an estimated height of 68cm, but some have spotted Cavendish sporting a Fizik saddle during the race.Patrik Lundin/CyclistPatrik Lundin/CyclistPatrik Lundin/CyclistUp front, Cavendish is using 40mm wide Vision Metron 5D ACR Integrated handlebars. This has also received a custom rework in line with the rest of the Manxmans setup.The bars sit at a slight downward angle, roughly -6. We measured his stem length at 130mm.Patrik Lundin/CyclistPatrik Lundin/CyclistOn the ground in Florence, we weighed Cavendishs bike at 7.6kg, including empty bottles.We will share more bikes from the 2024 Tour de France on Cyclist.co.uk throughout the race. We will also be sharing videos of the bikes on our Instagram @cyclist_mag. Related Posts Its not romantic: Mark Cavendish on his final Tour de France, #35 and an Astana lifeline Gallery: Behind the scenes at the Tour de France 2024 Grand Dpart Mark Cavendishs Tour de France 2023 bike: Wilier Filante SLR Mark Cavendishs comeback: The missile flies again Gallery: Wiliers classic bikes The post Pro bike: Mark Cavendishs record-breaking Wilier Filante SLR appeared first on Cyclist.

The sprinter's coach, Vasilis Anastopoulos, reveals all about the six months that led to a successful 'Project 35'

CyclistBest cycling shorts: Mens bib shorts reviewedBib shorts are pretty much the staple clothing item for cyclists. We sit on a saddle for hours on end, so a pair of cycling shorts can make or break a ride. They are generally designed to be used between temperatures of 10 degrees C and up, although thermal bib shorts will go cooler and can be paired with leg warmers. Specialist bib shorts in particular are often used for temperatures over 30 degrees C.Bib shorts consist of the shorts section, the chamois (or seatpad) and straps that go over the shoulders to help keep everything secure, reducing movement and friction when riding. You can also purchase bib shorts with pockets on the rear or the side of the legs, so you can store items if you want to ride in a T-shirt or just bring more food on longer rides.Key factors to look for are comfortable materials used on the legs with appropriate grippers to prevent the shorts from riding up, a good quality chamois with ample support and padding, and bib straps that spread weight over the shoulders without being too warm.Reviews of the best mens cycling bib shortsQ36.5 Dottore Pro bib shorts: RRP 228 Read our full reviewSantini Unico bib shorts: RRP 178 Read our full reviewCastelli Espresso bib shorts: RRP 160 Read our full reviewRapha Pro Team PowerWeave bib shorts: RRP 300 Read our full reviewMaap Team Evo Cargo bib shorts: RRP 240 Read our full reviewPoc Essential Road VPDS bib shorts: RRP 160 Read our full review Also ConsiderSportful SRK bib shorts: RRP 110 Read our full reviewLe Col Hors Categorie II bib shorts: RRP 210 Read our full reviewCaf Du Cycliste Augustine bib shorts: RRP 225 Read our full reviewPas Normal Studios Essential Light bib shorts: RRP 225 Read our full reviewAssos Equipe R S9 bib shorts: RRP 155 Read our full reviewHow do we test and why trust our advice?PinarelloAll of our product reviewers are avid cyclists who have been riding for many years. They have all built up a huge array of experience from riding in various conditions and testing what kit works and doesnt work.The shorts below were tested between March and June, in a range of different temperatures and weather conditions, on long rides over five hours, to one-hour fast-paced group rides, to virtual races indoors. These rides and conditions over the course of thousands of kilometres allow us to put these shorts through their paces and deliver the good, the bad, and the ugly facts straight to you.Why bib shorts, not shorts?Some people might be wondering why you should go for bib shorts rather than standard shorts. When we cycle, we usually wear cycling-specific shorts that feature a chamois pad that can aid comfort particularly on longer rides, and also reduce the chance of chafing. Bib shorts help with this further by using straps that go over the shoulders to keep the shorts in place and further reduce the chance of irritation, friction and rubbing.The bibs are particularly useful to keep the pad in place through the repeated standing and sitting typical of a bike ride. They also avoid the need for a waistband, which can cut into you when riding in a semi-crouched position. What should I look for in bib shorts?There are a few key features to look for in a good pair of bib shorts. The first is the seatpad, as this is what the majority of your comfort when cycling will be down to. Multiple-density foams are good as they provide different levels of support to different areas. Most pressure goes through your sit bones, so additional padding here can be preferable, while less padding around the crotch can help relieve pressure to that area. You also want to ensure the pad suits your type of riding. If you are racing, then more coverage or support at the front may be needed, while for more relaxed riding, a wider seatpad, along with silicone inserts for shock absorption, could provide better support when sitting more upright.Other features to look out for are fast-drying and moisture-wicking materials, as they help regulate temperature, especially in warmer weather. Bib straps that are wide and not too tight will make your rides more comfortable by removing pressure from the shoulders. The type of leg grippers is important to consider as well, since some people can find silicone irritates their skin, while no grippers can lead to shorts rising, bunching and rubbing against skin.Compressive or not compressive?Cycling shorts tend to fall into one of two camps: compressive performance materials, or more supple relaxed fit materials. Compression around the legs has been shown in some studies to improve blood flow and reduce fatigue, which should be ideal for high-intensity training sessions, group rides or races. However this may not be to everyones taste, and for focus on all-day comfort at lower intensity a more supple second-skin feeling material may be preferable. It all depends on the type of riding you intend to use the shorts for. Related Posts Best thermal bib shorts reviewed Best cycling shorts with pockets 2024: Buyers guide to cargo bib shorts Best toilet-friendly cycling shorts 2024: Buyers guide to comfort break bib shorts Best womens bib shorts: A buyers guide to the best bibs for cycling Buyers guide: the best road bike saddles The best cycling shorts for menQ36.5 Dottore Pro Bib Shorts228 / $317 / 241.97Packed with innovative techGreat levels of comfort and performanceEnvironmentally conscious companyThe Q36.5 Dottore Pro bib shorts offer something quite special. The compressive elements are great for high-intensity sessions, while the lumbar and gluteal support really do help on long rides in an aggressive position. The material is fast-drying thanks to the addition of silver thread, while the straps are supportive and breathable. The chamois is also exceptional with great levels of support across the sit bones and perineum when in a more aggressive position. The low-friction surface and fast drying materials also make it great in warmer weather. The price is high at 228, but perhaps justifiably so given the performance of these shorts. The environmental credentials of the company are also a nice bonus.Read our full Q36.5 Dottore Pro Bib ShortsreviewBuy the Q36.5 Dottore Pro Bib Shorts from Alpine Trek (226.54)Santini Unico Bib Shorts178 / $199 / 199Brilliant comfort with minimal panelsC3 seatpad is superbGreat size rangeThe Santini Unico bib shorts owe a lot of their superb performance to the high thread count, high density fabric, which requires no silicone grippers to keep the legs in place while also being incredibly soft to the touch and highly breathable. Minimal panels are used to reduce the number of seams, while the straps feature a perforated rear panel to aid in breathability and are themselves nicely supportive. The proprietary C3 chamois with gel inserts is also incredible for all-day comfort, shock absorption and breathability. There is no focus on aero here, just comfort for all-day riding, and the huge size range is nice to see for accessibility. They are not cheap, but they are pretty much perfect as a pair of shorts.Read our full Santini Unico Bib ShortsreviewBuy the Santini Unico Bib Shorts from Alpine Trek (159.91)Castelli Espresso Bib Shorts160 / $169.99 / 149.95Progetto X2 Air chamois is greatDoppio fabric feels premiumLarge range of coloursThe Castelli Espresso bib shorts use a new Doppio fabric to offer great levels of comfort for all-day riding while limited silicone grippers on the hems keep the shorts in place. The Progetto X2 Air chamois is superb and gives brilliant support across a range of cycling positions thanks to varying densities of foam, low friction, and fast-drying materials. The shorts are incredibly comfortable and, although not the coolest in hot weather, the fast moisture-wicking makes up for this. Price is also decent for the quality and a huge array of colours are available. However the fabric can be prone to pilling from zip rub on jerseys.Read our full Castelli Espresso Bib ShortsreviewRapha Pro Team PowerWeave Bib Shorts300 / $380 / 345Best compressive qualities on testGreat in warmer weatherThat price though!The Rapha Pro Team Powerweave bib shorts are an exceptional pair of bib shorts at an exceptional price! The Powerweave material offers the greatest levels of compression of any shorts tested and is superb for higher intensity training sessions or races. The fabric is also fast-drying and great for moisture wicking so it performs brilliantly in warmer conditions. The chamois is thin but very comfortable, and gives great support. The straps pull you into a more aggressive position, but are a bit too short on my body and are very warm. At 300, these shorts cant afford to be anything less than perfect.Read our full Rapha Pro Team PowerWeave Bib ShortsreviewBuy the Rapha Pro Team Powerweave Bib Shorts from Rapha (300)Maap Team Evo Cargo Bib Shorts240 / $315 / 265Pockets are useful and sleekComfortable male-specific chamoisDecent compressionThe Maap Team Evo Cargo bib shorts have become a go-to for me for my longer rides or for rides where the temperature starts cooler and then heats up. The two cargo pockets really are superb for stashing away spare clothing items as well as food wrappers or even your phone if you like taking lots of snaps while riding. The material itself on the shorts offers a good level of compression, which is good for high-intensity efforts, while the upper features decent breathability and very supportive straps. The chamois is great for all-day riding with the male-specific anatomical fit being very comfortable up front, although the shorts can get a bit warm in temperatures over 25 degrees C. At 240 they are also very expensive, however for those who want all-day comfort and plenty of cargo options, they are fantastic.Read our full MAAP Team Evo Cargo Bib ShortsreviewBuy the MAAP Team Evo Cargo Bib Shorts from MAAP (240)Poc Essential Road VPDS bib shorts160 / $180 / 180Decent valueGreat strapsFast-dryingPocs bib shorts are a good option if your ride position isnt too aggressive, as the front of the Elastic Interface seatpad is a little narrow and lacking in support.They offer a high degree of compression, helping to keep the pad in place well, and flatlocked seams. We liked the straps, which lay flat and are broad and well ventilated.The shorts work well for shorter, more relaxed rides and also on the trainer, thanks to the fast-drying, moisture-wicking fabric. A more upright position also means that youre riding more on the thicker sections of the pad, upping support.Read our full Poc Essential Road VPDS bib shorts reviewSportful SRK Bib Shorts110 / $120 / 119.90Superb valueGreat chamois for relaxed cycling positionsNot great support at the frontThe Sportful SRK bib shorts have been designed specifically for more relaxed cycling positions, and for this type of riding they perform admirably. The four-way stretch fabric offers decent levels of breathability and comfort, while the silicone dot leg grippers are effective without being irritating on skin. The DMS chamois is also very effective for this style of riding with support weighted towards the rear and the sit bones, while being low volume at the front to reduce bulk and weight and improve temperature control. The lack of frontal padding is noticeable when riding in an aggressive position, and the fabric can get a bit warm in direct sunlight, but at 110 these are by far the cheapest shorts on test and perform better than some more expensive options.Read our full Sportful SRK Bib Shorts reviewBuy the Sportful SRK Bib Shorts from Sportful (110)Le Col Hors Categorie II Bib Shorts210 / $255 / 275Brilliant chamois for long ridesGood temperature regulationLeg grippers arent the bestThe Le Col Hors Categorie II bib shorts have been designed specifically for all-day comfort in the saddle across a wide range of temperatures. The fabric is very soft to the touch and supremely comfortable while also being very effective at moisture-wicking. The chamois is one of the most comfortable Ive used thanks to varying foam densities, gel inserts, and channels to aid ventilation and temperature control. This does make the shorts supremely comfortable for long, warm days in the saddle. The straps, however, are a little long, and while they dont affect the fit when riding, a bigger issue is the leg grippers, which rise up on hairy legs or leg warmers, leading to discomfort. At 210, better leg grippers are needed for these shorts to be the perfect all-day riding short.Read our full Le Col Hors Categorie II Bib ShortsreviewCaf Du Cycliste Augustine Bib Shorts225 / $300 / 230Superb in hot conditionsIncredibly lightweightSweat patches show through easilyThe Caf Du Cycliste Augustine bib shorts are brilliant warm weather bib shorts thanks to the incredibly thin, lightweight and supple fabric, which offers great breathability and moisture-wicking. It is also partly made of recycled materials and sourced from within a 100km range to reduce carbon footprint. The Coldblack panel across the back also does help reduce temperature build-up on very sunny days while the perforated straps and front aid temperature regulation. The Elastic Interface chamois is also very comfortable and offers decent support, however it is a touch narrow for me on the sit bones and also towards the front. The fabric also shows sweat very easily, and at 225 this is an expensive pair of bib shorts.Read our full Caf Du Cycliste Augustine Bib Shorts reviewBuy the Caf Du Cycliste Augustine Bib Shorts from Caf Du Cycliste (225)Pas Normal Studios Essential Light Bib Shorts225 / $280 / 255Brilliant moisture-wicking propertiesUseful cargo pocketFit is a little loose in placesThe Pas Normal Studios Essential Lightweight bib shorts are designed primarily around hot weather temperature-management. PNS has come up with a new material that feels papery to the touch and performs brilliantly when it comes to very fast moisture-wicking. This temperature regulation is aided by a similar fabric used on the bib straps as well as a perforated rear panel. The chamois pad, PNS own design, is very comfortable and offers a brilliant level of support across a range of positions. The fit is also better than the PNS Mechanism line for all-day comfort and a more relaxed cycling position. However this can lead to a bit of loose fabric, especially around the cargo pocket, which can impact its ability to keep things in on rougher roads. At 225, these are also a very expensive pair of bib shorts.Read our full Pas Normal Studios Essential Light Bib Shorts reviewBuy the Pas Normal Studios Essential Light Bib Shorts from Pas Normal Studios (225)Assos Equipe R S9 Bib Shorts155 / $205 / 205Good valueGreat bib straps and sit bone supportHigh-volume front can be uncomfortableThe Assos Equipe R S9 bib shorts include many features from the higher spec shorts in the Assos Equipe line, but do so for a big reduction in price. The Type.443 fabric offers good levels of compression for higher-intensity sessions and the shorts were great for fast paced rides and e-races while also being comfortable on the skin. The chamois is also great, with the GoldenGate stitching and 3D waffle foam for support and breathability. The only downsides are that the fabric does get very warm in direct sunlight, and the chamois is a little bulky at the front, leading to some slight pressure at times.Read our full Assos Equipe R S9 Bib Shortsreview Related Posts Best thermal bib shorts reviewed Best cycling shorts with pockets 2024: Buyers guide to cargo bib shorts Best toilet-friendly cycling shorts 2024: Buyers guide to comfort break bib shorts Best womens bib shorts: A buyers guide to the best bibs for cycling Buyers guide: the best road bike saddles The post Best cycling shorts: Mens bib shorts reviewed appeared first on Cyclist.

Bicycle tool giant, Park Tool is releasing updates to some popular tools in your shop. The new CT-15 Professional Chain Tool, the PFP-10 Home Mechanic Floor Pump, and the BO-6 Bottle Opener. Lets get to the meat of this launch.CT-15 Professional Chain Tool(Photos/Park Tool)The new CT-15 is exactly what it says it is, a professional-grade chain tool capable of pushing chain pins in and out of any chain. That means everything from the beefy single-speed, half-link chains to the latest 13-speed systems. (Photos/Park Tool)The magic lies in the unique floating shelf. It ensures that every chain is securely fixtured and centered during use.Another cool feature is that the ergonomic handle stores spare driving pins as well as a peening anvil for peening Campy 11, 12, and 13-speed chains. Its built for daily use and is fully rebuildable.CT-15 Retail and FeaturesRetail: $148Compatible with single-speed bicycle chains including 1/8, 3/16 and half-linkCompatible with all 5 to 13-speed derailleur chains, including SRAM 12-speed Flattop, SRAM 12-speed T-Type, Shimano 12-speed XTR, and Campagnolo 13-speed Ekar.Includes removable anvil for peening Campagnolo 11 to 13-speed chainsIncludes two spare driving pins (part #2987)PFP-Home Mechanic Floor PumpTheres nothing like a good, reliable floor pump in a well-stocked home shop. Park Tool says that this new pump is equally at home in the garage, workshop, or trailhead. It comes equipped with a long hose, extra-large foot pads, and a giant easy-to-read gauge. Lastly, the locking universal head is compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves. PFP Retail and FeaturesRetail: $50Compatible with Presta and Schrader valves without switching internal partsMaximum pressure: 160 PSI (11 bar)Updated pressure gauge and universal head (Presta, Schrader, Dunlop)BO-6 Bottle OpenerI think the coolest thing about Park Tools new BO-6 bottle opener is that its molded after the iconic PW-4 pedal wrench, with two offset wrench openings. Pretty cool. But coolness factor aside, the mechanical advantage of the two different openings is obvious, and you get nice leverage from the long vinyl-dipped handle. This bad boy is made in the USA out of laser-cut stainless steel for a lifetime of use. BO-6 Retail and FeaturesRetail: $35Compatible with glass bottles with pry-off caps, including: BeerRoot BeerGinger BeerCiderPopKombuchaSparkling Water and More!Get all of the bicycle-specific tools you need at the link below. ParkTool.comThe post Park Tool Rolls Out Professional Chain Tool, New Floor Pump & Updated Bottle Opener appeared first on Bikerumor.

Cavendish heaps praise on his Astana Qazaqstan teammates after surpassing Eddy Merckx in the all-time stage winner ranking with victory in Saint-Vulbas

Did you see it? Mark Cavendish won stage 5 of the Tour de France and alongside it, took all the attention on a day that had a few other striking moments. One was of Tadej Pogacar almost hitting a road traffic island at high speed, and the other was Mads Pedersen crashing against the barriers in the...

Launched today, the new WTB Macro is a fast-rolling mountain bike tire designed for modern XC races and riding your local trails. Find everything you need to know about it here...The post New WTB Macro Tire Looks Fast and Light appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

Upstart Aeron claims to have the new worlds best TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) inner tubes, using a true multi-layer construction with road bike tubes starting at just 22g.They also claim to dramatically improve rolling resistance while providing better puncture protection and air retention compared to butyl rubber tubes, and provide an easier, lower-total-operating-cost than going tubeless. While Ill stick to using lightweight tubes as a backup for my tubeless setup, they do offer some interesting options compared to the competition.They roll up really small, like all TPU tubes, saving space in your saddle bag or pack.First, they have distinct versions for City bikes, road bikes, cyclocross and gravel, and mountain bikes. Within those, the performance bikes get SuperLite Race, ExtraLite Protect, and UltraProtect options. Heres a quick overview of the options:Road bike tubesThree sizes are offered, all for 700c wheels only. The ExtraLite Protect and SuperLite Race fit tires measuring 23-28mm and 28-32mm wide, and the UltraProtect fit 25-35mm tires. All offer 42, 65, and 80mm valve stem lengths. Weights from 22-96g.CX/Gravel tubesThese have 42 and 65mm valve stem options, fit 32-52mm wide tires, and fit both 650B and 700c rim diameters. Weights from 31-129g depending on level of protection.Mountain bike tubesAvailable for 27.5 and 29 rims to fit tires from 1.7 to 2.5, plus an oversized UltraProtect option for 2.5-3.0 tires. Aerons TPU MTB tube weights range from 42-199g, and they have a glueless patch kit available for making repairs.City/Touring bike tubesThese have the thickest walls for the most puncture protection, yet are up to 68% lighter than comparable butyl tubes. Theyre available in 650b and 700c sizes to fit tires 37-50mm and 50-65mm wide, with both Presta and Schrader valve stem options. They have two levels of puncture protection, too, with weights from 67-156g.Aeron says TPU is 100% recyclable and can be turned back into new TPU tubes. MSRP ranges from 17.95 to 24.95, which compared to the recent increase in rubber tube costs, doesnt sound like too much of a premium.Aeron-tpu.comThe post Aeron Debuts Tougher, Lighter Ultralight TPU Inner Tubes appeared first on Bikerumor.