CyclistCyclist Magazine Podcast episode 109: Mikkel Honor, pro cyclist at EF Education-EasyPostThis week on the Cyclist Magazine Podcast, Robyn and Will are joined by Mikkel Honor, Danish pro at WorldTour team EF Education-EasyPost. Mikkel talks us through the differences between a team like EF and one like his previous team, QuickStep; how a small (and decidedly flat) nation like Denmark has produced so many great cyclists; and his thoughts on Tadej Pogaar, the Tour de France, the importance of the World Championships and his love of NBA basketball.Interview begins at 4:38.Listen toCyclist Magazine Podcast episode 109 now on AcastCheck outall episodesAlso available wherever you get your podcastsDid you knowCyclistis also stunning monthly magazine? Subscribe now atstore.cyclist.co.uk/cycpodand get every issue for less than in the shops, delivered straight to your door. Related Posts Cyclist Magazine Podcast episode 108: Carlton Kirby, Tour de France 2024 special Cyclist Magazine Podcast episode 107: Factor Bikes owner Rob Gitelis Cyclist Magazine Podcast episode 106: Unbound Gravel 2024, racing with British champ Danni Shrosbree The people behind a WorldTour team #5: The directeur sportif The post Cyclist Magazine Podcast episode 109: Mikkel Honor, pro cyclist at EF Education-EasyPost appeared first on Cyclist.

Whilst Tadej Pogacar starts stage 12 of the 2024 Tour de France actually with a bigger lead than he had before stage 11, his aura of being the Maillot Jaune winner in waiting seems significantly diminished following Jonas Vingegaard's incredible performance and stage win.There was a curious moment...

Following a successful Silk Road Mountain Race, Allan Shaw will soon attempt another ultra-distance race aboard a cargo bike. In this piece, he shares an in-depth preview of the unique OMNIUM Titanium Cargo V3IR he plans to pedal some 4,000 kilometers between Spain and Italy. See his one-of-a-kind Via Race rig here...The post A Look at Allan Shaws Latest Race-Ready Omnium Cargo appeared first on BIKEPACKING.com.

It was just a matter of time, but younger trail riders now have the option of going electric thanks to Rocky Mountain Bikes. RMB says their new Reaper Powerplay is the first mid-motor, full-suspension eMTB specifically designed for kids.An all-new Dyname S4 Mini motor and drive system is the heart of the Reaper Powerplay. Add to that dropper posts, hydraulic disc brakes, and some kid-sized components, and youve got a fully legit trail eMTB for your upcoming shredder. Furthermore, the smaller wheeled 24 model adapts to 26 wheels so it can grow with your grom.Rocky Mountain Reaper Powerplay:The Reaper Powerplay features a FORM alloy frame with 130mms of rear travel driven by RMBs mid-high pivot Smoothlink linkage. The frame is the same for the 24 and 26 wheeled models, but RMB has a few tricks up their sleeve to make it work with either wheel size.The Reapers get RockShox Deluxe Select rear shocks, and Manitou JUNIT 34 forks. The 26 bike gets the JUNIT Expert model with 140mm travel, and the 24 bike gets the Comp model with 120mm (please note the Manitou forks are not shown in the photos).RMB includes a version of their Ride chip on the Reaper Powerplay, but in this case, its a Ride 2 flip-chip. Flipping the chip optimizes the frame for 24 or 26 wheels, so the 24 model can accept the larger wheels and fit your growing kid for longer.To adapt the Reaper Powerplay for both wheel sizes, there is also a flip-chip in the chainstay. That does mean the 26 bike must be run in its Long setting, but the chainstay length can be adjusted on the 24 bike between its Short and Long positions. The frames are SRAM UDH compatible in Long mode only.The third adaptation to fit both wheel sizes is an adjustable reach headset. The 24 Reaper Powerplay comes with -5mm headset cups installed, and the 26 version comes with +5mm cups. The longer reach is necessary to fit a 26 wheel up front so the reach adjustment isnt there as a preference option, it just makes it possible to run both wheel sizes. The +5mm cups will be available to order so you can grow the 24 Reaper into a 26.Powertrain:Rocky Mountain went to Dyname to develop an all-new S4 Mini motor, which was made specifically for the Reaper Powerplay. The S4 Mini motor puts out 40Nm of torque and 300W peak power (250W nominal). A torque sensor ensures smooth power delivery.Just like the adult Powerplay eMTBs, the Reaper Powerplays offer four assist levels Eco, Trail, Trail+, and Ludicrous. They also include the ability to fine-tune the drive system with two rider profiles that offer adjustable boost and assistance levels.One key feature for this grom-specific eMTB is the motors kid mode. This mode allows parents to limit the power output and the pedal assists top speed.RMBs Micro Remote handlebar-mounted controller allows for easy assist level changes, and access to the various info screens and configuration menus.The Jumbotron display screen in the Reaper Powerplays top tube shows your key ride stats, and includes the bikes power button. Power is supplied by an internal 240Wh battery. A 2A charger is included with the bike.Geometry:Some of the Reaper Powerplays key angles are very similar to adult bikes. They offer slack, up-to-date head tube angles; The 26 version is 64, and the 24 bike is 65.7. For efficient pedaling, seat tube angles are steep at 76.5 (26) and 78.3 (24).Check out the above chart for the complete geometry of both models.Build Notes:Of course, Rocky Mountain made sure there were several kid-sized components on the Reaper Powerplays. First off, they come with 640mm wide RMB handlebars, with a 31.8mm clamp and 19mm diameter to accommodate junior-sized grips.The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes feature short reach levers, and the bikes run 180mm rotors. RMB made sure the cranks were appropriate for young rippers, stocking 155mm arms on the 26 bike, and 140mm on the 24 model. The Dyname motor also allows Rocky Mountain to run two-piece cranks in the Reaper Powerplays, instead of the three-piece cranks some motors require.The kids also get dropper posts! The 26 Reaper Powerplay offers an X-Fusion Manic 125mm dropper, and the 24 version runs a shorter 80mm version.A few components that are not kid-specific include a Shimano CUES 10-speed drivetrain with an 11-48t cassette, and WTB KOM Team rims wrapped with Maxxis Minion tires.Model Lineup:The Reaper Powerplay will be available in one model for each wheel size. They are only available in the colorways shown.Reaper Powerplay 26 $4,769Reaper Powerplay 24 $4,399Images c. Rocky Mountain Bikesbikes.comThe post A Full Suspension Electric Mountain Bike for Kids? The Rocky Mountain Reaper Powerplay is Here appeared first on Bikerumor.

Yesterday I put the Nonerini up for auction:And Im pleased to announce it looks like weve got a winner!I can only imagine how much money we would have raised had I auctioned off something more exotic, like the Normcore Bike:However that wont be happening very soon, as this bike is a priceless piece of velocipedal history.Speaking of which, like any bike dork Ive always got one eye open for interesting bikes when Im walking around the city, and recently this setup caught my eye:In the post-integrated shifting era people with old bikes will often go to great lengths to get their gear controls in the vicinity of their brake levers without making a costly investment in STI or its various equivalents, and the above is a good example. While I appreciate all forms of alternative shifter, I admit I prefer mine in the more canonical locations, and as such Ive never been interested in offerings like these from Gevenalle:I get it, I applaud it, its a great alternative to costly and proprietary integrated levers, but I admit I simply cant get past the aesthetics, and once you realize it looks like some sort of sad robot-insect looking up at you plaintively you simply cant unsee it.I feel the same way about the IRD Power Ratchet:Again, its a fantastic alternative to something that locks you into a dedicated drivetrain and Im all in favor of it, but Im also a shallow and self-conscious person and lack the confidence to equip my bike with a brake lever that looks like it has a windshield wiper.I was thinking about all this as I contemplated this particular shifter as well as the stent that ran under its raggedy bar tape, and I wondered why if they wanted more convenient shifting they didnt just use bar end shifters instead:Theyre clean-looking, theyre easy to reach, and they dont require running cable all the way up the bar. So why use these things instead?Then I figured it out:Sure, they may not take bar-end shifters, but an underappreciated advantage of the Scott Drop-In bar is that when you yoke your bike to a pole by the stem its that much harder to remove the bar to steal the bike:Unless of course the thief simply removes the quill stem, in which case the bike is theirs in a matter of seconds. But todays thieves probably dont even know what a quill stem is, and in fact Im reasonably certain that these days theyre only interested in e-bikes anyway.Also, its no worse than locking your bike to the leg of a mailbox, which is how my own bike got stolen back when I worked as a bike messenger:Either the box wasnt bolted to the ground, or else somebody unbolted it while I was inside, but either way when I came out my Cannondale was gone. Regardless, as a proud member of the Bonded Trek Siblinghood, I hoped this bicycle did not meet with the same fate:Plus, the bike sported not only the mighty Altus rear derailleur, but also my favorite chainstay protector of all time:See?There is no design better than function specific design.

CyclistRavemen lights are the smartest on the marketWhatever the season, having a good set of bike lights is essential, whether youre riding in the dark, in bad weather, through tunnels or even just normal daylight riding. With Ravemen lights you can always be sure to see and be seen, no matter the conditions.Ravemen started in 2013 on the premise of creating lights that are safe for riders while being friendly to others. After a couple of years developing its first product, the brand successfully made the only bike light with high and low beams like a car.In the years since, Ravemen has continued to develop its range and its technologies to make a collection of lights ideal for cyclists across the spectrum, from commuter to all-out racer and everything in between. In doing so it has constantly innovated to push on not just the brand but the whole market to make riders safer. And thats a big part of the Ravemen philosophy, as the brand prioritises reliability, friendly design and innovation. Today, that initial product has been developed into a range based around the unique optical lens, and user-friendly features including a runtime display, so you always know how much battery is left, as well as wireless control and USB output functions.Ravemen PR2000The PR2000 is a powerful light thats packed with clever features. Its 2,000 lumens max brightness mean you can find daylight in the darkest places with different modes for road and off-road riding. Road biking mode uses the DuaLens optical design to provide a wide but close-range light with a low-beam and no dazzle or glare for oncoming riders, pedestrians or traffic. Mountain biking mode uses the HiLo beam system, which brings a similar light to cars with a far-reaching high beam as well as a wide low-beam. Riders can easily switch between beams and brightness levels with the wireless switch that attaches to the bars, it only needs a single click to get the light back to max output when required.It also features the LED runtime display, which indicates which mode youre in and cleverly shows the remaining battery life in each brightness level. Run time ranges from 1.1 hours to 25 hours depending on the mode and brightness level youre using, but if battery is a concern for the length of your rides, it has a USB-C charging port so you can charge it on the go, and it also has a USB output so you can charge other devices in case of emergency. And on top of all that its IPX8 waterproof, durable and easy to slide in and out.Ravemen CR1000The CR1000 has a huge runtime of up to 45 hours. Its made for road cyclists that ride at night, at high speed and over long distances.Its anti-glare lens provides a T-shaped beam that shows both a close-range flood light and long-range spotlight, and it also has a cutoff to avoid dazzling other road users. On top of that it features small side lights to help you be seen each way, especially useful when using crossroads at night. The remote switch is wired here but is simpler, with one button that can be long-pressed to take it to max output.Like the PR2000 it can be plugged into an external source to extend the battery even more. Its IPX6 water-resistant.Ravemen FR300The FR300 is really clever. It doubles up as a light and a computer mount that can take either Garmin or Wahoo computers, keeping the front of your bike clean but safe. The light itself is a strong daytime running light that gives out 300 lumens in its flashing mode and has a runtime of up to 24 hours. It has three constant and three flashing modes to choose from, and uses a wide-angle lens for maximum visibility from the side. It also can be used to charge your computer to keep it going on long rides, and it has an auto on-off mode so you wont forget to turn it off. Its IPX6 water resistant.Ravemen TR500 Brake LightFinally, the TR500, which is a rear light that has a brake sensor to increase your visibility to those behind you when slowing.Compatible with both round and aero seatposts so anyone can use it, it has six different modes for day and night use, with a max of 500 lumens and eye-catching flashing patterns. The brake sensor switches the light to 200 lumens for two seconds when it detects braking, and it has an auto on-off so it switches off after staying still for two minutes and back on again with vibration. It features side stripes for extra side visibility and has a USB-C charging port. Runtime ranges from 4.5 to 21 hours and it weighs just 77g.Get 10% off in all four of these lights with the code: cyclist10% at shop.ravemen.comThe post Ravemen lights are the smartest on the market appeared first on Cyclist.

Just a few weeks ago, there was a black cloud of uncertainty surrounding Jonas Vingegaard's condition following his very nasty crash at the Itzulia Basque Country earlier this year, which resulted with time spent in intensive care. On stage 11 of the 2024 Tour de France however, Vingegaard put all u...

Lighter, stiffer, and higher-end components. Thats what the new carbon variant of the GHOST ASKET gravel bike promises, building on the success of the aluminium model. But is there more to it than just a new frame material? We put the limited 30th anniversary edition of the GHOST ASKET CF to the test to find out.GHOST ASKET CF 30 | 10.3 kg (size L) | 6,000 | Manufacturers websiteThe ASKET family is growing! Following the GHOST PATH ASKET Pro e-gravel bike with a FAZUA Ride 60 motor, and its aluminium, analogue counterpart, the 2,199 GHOST ASKET Advanced, GHOST now present a carbon version of their analogue adventure gravel bike. And for the 30th anniversary edition, GHOST specced the bike with top shelf components!How much bike do you get for 6,000? And what kind of gravel adventures is the new GHOST ASKET CF 30 destined for? We took it to France to explore the dirt roads of Provence, and find out what its capable of.The GHOST ASKET CF 30 in detailGHOST are celebrating their 30th anniversary, and to commemorate the occasion, theyve launched the ASKET CF in a limited edition with top end components. Thanks to a mullet drivetrain consisting of wireless SRAM Force AXS controls, a SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission derailleur, and a huge 1052 t cassette, the ASKET CF 30 promises high-end shifting performance off the beaten track. The package is completed with a wireless RockShox Reverb AXS XPLR dropper post offering 75 mm drop, revealing GHOSTs mountain bike roots!GHOST celebrate their 30th anniversary with a special edition.All the gears you need! The huge mountain bike cassette takes the sting out of even the steepest climbs.The 75 mm RockShox Reverb AXS XPLR dropper post offers increased freedom of movement at the touch of a button.Of course, a suspension fork is part and parcel of an off-road build like this. On the front of the GHOST ASKET CF 30, youve got a RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork providing 40 mm of travel, which should offer increased riding comfort, and greater control on rough descents.The cockpit of the GHOST ASKET CF 30 also yearns for off-road action. The 460 mm Easton EC70 AX carbon handlebar is on the wider side for a gravel bike, coupled with a short 70 mm stem, again showing GHOSTs MTB genes.Providing the necessary traction are a pair of 45 mm MAXXIS Rambler tires, which proved to be the grippiest models in our big gravel tire group test.The 460 mm wide Easton EC70 AX carbon handlebar should provide a ton of control.The RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR suspension fork offers 40 mm travel.However, the GHOST ASKET CF 30 aims to be more than just an off-road gravel bike for drop-bar curious mountain bikers. The new carbon frame has plenty of bosses, making it easy to fit bags without scuffing up the paint with straps and buckles. The wide handlebar and neat cable routing also play well with a handlebar bag.The ASKET CF 30 also features GHOSTs signature kink in the seat stays.The build variants of the GHOST ASKET CFGhost Asket CF 30 2024 6,000SpecificationsFork Rockshox Rudy Ultimate 40 mmSeatpost Rock Shox Reverb AXS XPLR 27.2 mmBrakes SRAM Force AXS HRD 160 mmDrivetrain SRAM Force eTap AXS 1x12Chainring 40 TStem Ghost Dia. 70 mmHandlebar Easton EC70 AX 460 mmWheelset DT Swiss G1800 Spline 12 x 100/12 x 142 mm Through AxleTires Maxxis Rambler EXO 700 x 45 c 45Cranks SRAM Force 1 Wide 172.5 mmCassette SRAM CS XS 1295 10-52TTechnical DataSize XS S M L XLWeight 10.3 kgIn addition to the special anniversary edition, the GHOST ASKET CF comes in two more affordable builds:GHOST ASKET CF Full Party | 3,499 | Weight: TBAThe GHOST ASKET CF Full Party boasts a FOX 32 Taper-Cast Performance Elite fork with the FIT4 damper, and a mechanical mullet drivetrain consisting of Shimano GRX and SLX components and a large 1051 t cassette, offering a more affordable alternative to the all-out anniversary edition. You can also replace the rigid seatpost with a dropper post if you want more freedom of movement the frame has routing for a dropper cable.GHOST ASKET CF Pro | 2.999 | Weight: TBAFeaturing a lightweight carbon fork with ample mounts and a Shimano GRX/SLX mullet drivetrain, the Pro version of the ASKET CF is aimed at those who prioritise storage space and a lighter front end over comfort on very rough terrain. Fewer moving parts also means less maintenance and complexity, which is particularly beneficial on long bikepacking tours.The geometry of the GHOST ASKET CF 30Compared to the aluminium version, the GHOST ASKET CF is a few millimetres shorter in almost all respects. Less stack, less reach, a shorter wheelbase and shorter chainstays result in a more compact bike. However, the upright riding position remains unchanged, promising ample comfort on long adventures. The head angle has become half a degree slacker, depending on the size, and the seat angle is minimally steeper. As such, the handling of the new ASKET CF should feel more composed, while offering more relaxed pedalling.SizeXSSMLXLTop tube526 mm544 mm564 mm590 mm624 mmSeat tube440 mm470 mm500 mm530 mm560 mmHead tube95 mm115 mm135 mm165 mm195 mmHead angle696969.57070.5Seat angle7474747474Chainstay430 mm430 mm435 mm435 mm440 mmBB Drop62.5 mm62.5 mm62.5 mm62.5 mm62.5 mmWheelbase1,044 mm1,063 mm1,084 mm1,107 mm1,142 mmReach375 mm387 mm400 mm417 mm443 mmStack542 mm560 mm581 mm612 mm642 mmCompared to the aluminium GHOST ASKET Advanced, the many small geometry adjustments arent obvious to the naked eye. However, they can have a noticeable effect on the bikes handling nonetheless.Comfortable and controlled: the upright riding position suits the intended use of the GHOST ASKET CF to a tee.The GHOST ASKET CF 30 on the roads and trailsBuilt for the rough GHOSTs motto applies just as well to the ASKET CF carbon gravel bike as it does to their mountain bikes. The MTB inspired components and progressive geometry instil you with confidence, while the 45 mm wide MAXXIS Rambler tires offer loads of grip on all surfaces and also provide plenty of vibration damping. Coarse gravel and rocky terrain left the Rambler unfazed during our tests. Paired with SRAM Force AXS brakes and 160 mm rotors, you can still drop the anchor on loose surfaces too.Built for the rough. The ASKET CF 30 doesnt shy away from hitting the trails.However, all that traction comes at a cost: you can clearly feel the rolling resistance on asphalt roads and compacted gravel. Considering the choice of components and 10.3 kg heft, theres no denying the fact that this bike isnt exactly made for chasing seconds on the clock. Clearly, the GHOST ASKET CF 30 is not a gravel race bike. For that, its comfort and off-road optimization runs too deep.Instead, the upright riding position invites you to just cruise along. The 460 mm handlebar (in size L) is wide enough to provide lots of control without making it feel like youre driving a bus. The classic round tubing allows a firm grip of the bar in all positions, though we wouldve liked to have flattened tops to help relieve pressure on long ridesThat said, the bike is superbly comfortable in all other respects. The wide tires and suspension fork absorb most vibrations and bumps, so youll always feel in control aboard the ASKET CF 30, even at high speeds off road.The GHOST ASKET CF 30 offers plenty of control, a high level of composure, lots of grip, and plenty of damping for that mountain bike feeling.The handling does in fact differ from that of the aluminium version. The slightly slacker head angle, narrower handlebar, wider tires, and suspension fork result in a much more composed ride, though also less responsive handling. The GHOST ASKET CF 30 is less playful than its aluminium counterpart, favouring fast and controlled descents. We believe this is a better fit for the bikes intended use. The improved stability is particularly noticeable when loaded up with camping gear.On steep descents, the additional freedom of movement provided by the dropper post boosts confidence and control, and the wide range of the mullet drivetrain allows you to winch yourself up steep climbs with ease, even if youre hauling supplies for a multi-day trip. The GHOST ASKET CF 30 makes a sturdy impression, perfectly capable of letting you have a blast even when heading off the beaten gravel track, or mastering gravel adventures into the unknown with spontaneous trail excursions.Helmet POC Ventral Mips | Glasses Shimano Technium L | Jacket GORE Spinshift GORE-TEX | Jersey GORE Spinshift Breathe | Bib GORE Spinshift | Shoes Fizik x PNS FeroxWho is the GHOST ASKET CF 30 for?If youre looking for an ultra-light, aero-optimised gravel racer, you better look elsewhere. Drop-bar trail surfers, bikepacking adventurers, and gravel aficionados looking for a robust, comfortable gravel adventure bike for all eventualities will get what theyre looking for here. The stable, intuitive handling and quality components instil you with confidence on the descents, letting you focus on having fun. The mountain bike inspired build suits the intended use and underlines the bikes off-road DNA. Its only the handlebars ergonomics we didnt quite get along with.Our conclusion on the GHOST ASKET CF 30The GHOST ASKET CF 30 certainly lives up to the brands claim of being built for the rough. It feels at home on fast and rough gravel road descents and moderate singletrack, quickly instilling you with the confidence to tackle the trails. The ASKET CF 30 also invites you to head into the unknown or go on leisurely gravel tours though the countryside. Thanks to the MTB-inspired build, it proves to be a reliable companion for all kinds of gravel adventures.Topshigh level of composurevery comfortablerobust bikeFlopscockpit ergonomicsFor more information, visit ghost-bikes.comDer Beitrag GHOST ASKET CF 30 test debut Gravel adventure bike with mountain bike DNA erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

Issues concern warehousing and distribution which Shimano outsourced to Kuehne + Nagel last year, the components giant not holding back when identifying "problems" and the need for the logistics provider to "improve service levels"

One of the running themes of the 2024 Tour de France has been drama between Belgian compatriots Wout van Aert and Jasper Philipsen. Sadly, the pair continue to trade barbs via post and pre-stage interviews, even now, more than halfway through the Grand Tour.It all started back on stage 6. Philipsen...