Sure, comfort is everything in a saddle, but that doesnt matter if you cant afford it. Last summer, Specialized evolved a much more complex structure of their 3D-printed Mirror padding with the S-Works Power EVO, calling it the most comfortable high-performance saddle theyd ever measured. Now, with the Power EVO Pro Mirror, the cost of that comfort just dropped 25%, adding just 30g with the shift to ti rails. Weve been riding the new saddle since January, benefitting from the Evos revised Power shape that lets riders move around without sacrificing comfort. And yes, the new Power EVO Pro Mirror is still a really expensive saddle. But Specialized also have added a Power EVO Comp level with more conventional adaptive foam padding that costs less than 1/3 the price of the S-Works version.Specialized Power EVO Pro Mirror comfy 3D-printed saddle(All photos/Cory Benson)The S-Works level Power Evo Mirror debuted last summer with 47,000 3D-printed Adaptive Support struts to offer improved ergonomics, with 34.1% less nose pressure, and 28.8% less pressure at your sit bones. Compared to the original 3D-printed Power saddles, thats more than twice as complex an internal structure. On top of that, the EVOs flatter shape gives you support across a wider range of positions, perfect for riders who like to move around on the saddle, and longer rails for more front-to-back adjustability.Now, you can effectively get the exact same Mirror support and comfort at the Pro level. Whats new?The Power EVO Pro Mirror saddle top is still the same 3D-printed thermoplastic material, just a different, slightly more closed design reminiscent of the original S-Works Power Mirror. And it still features the same virtual Body Geometry pressure relief central cutout made possible by the variable density 3D-printed structure.That Pro-level also means the shell moves to a slightly lower-cost, and more durable carbon-reinforced nylon. It also switches to 7mm round hollow titanium rails. (Compare to full carbon shell & oval carbon rails for the S-Works version). The difference is a matter of just about 30g.Power EVO Pro Mirror Tech details & pricing(Studio images/Specialized)flat Power EVO shape, tuned for dynamic movement40% bio-based Digital Light Synthesis 3D-printed elastomeric polyurethane Mirror padding & covercomposite 15% carbon fiber chop and 85% nylon shell2-bolt SWAT accessory mount compatible 7mm round hollow titanium rails70mm long rail clamping area 2cm longer rails than the Power Pro for more adjustability240mm long overall, just like the original Power4 widths available: 130mm, 143mm, 155mm, and 168mm248g claimed weight (143mm)253g actual weight (143mm)The new 3D-printed Specialized Power EVO Pro Mirror saddle with ti rails sells for $350 / 320. Thats still undeniably expensive. But compared to the $475 / 450 S-Works, it looks like the Power EVO Pro is a better value with increased durability and very little weight compromise.Riding the new Power EVO Pro MirrorLike Jayson, I had ridden the original S-Works Power Mirror saddle on a gravel bike, then had spent a lot more time on the Pro-level of the Power Mirror when I was testing Specializeds latest Levo 4 eMTB. The same shift to ti rails and carbon-reinforced nylon made a lot more sense to me for high-impact off-road riding on an ebike. But while the Power Mirror offers pretty great comfort, I simply move around too much to stay comfortable on it for longer rides. So, when the Specialized told me the Power EVO would get the same Pro Mirror treatment, I was fully on board. Riding with the Power EVO Pro Mirror, I get every bit of tech I love with Specializeds latest Body Geometry saddles. I love the flatter EVO top that lets me move around, and the wider nose that I can perch on for extra steep climbs. Then, I get top-tier Mirror comfort with its 3D-printed padding and zero perineal pressure, meaning padded shorts arent needed for my MTB riding. Plus, I did a Body Geo fit test, and my 112mm-wide sit bones are perfect for the 143mm saddle. And on top of that, the Pro-level offers a more resilient (and not too stiff) shell and tough ti rails that fit every seatpost.Its better than the S-Works on every count in my book. The only big issue is that its still so expensive, butTheres now a much more affordable Power EVO Comp saddle, too!The new Power EVO Comp truly makes the new EVO shape accessible to many more cyclists (who move around as they ride.) The Comp saddle doesnt get 3D-printed Mirror padding (and it doesnt hide it inside like the affordable Power Expert). But Specialized says that the Comp features a much-improved conventional foam padding that offers Adaptive Support for reduced saddle pressure, similar to their much more expensive model. 4/5 Sit Bone Support & 3/5 Midline Pressure Relief compared to 5/5 & 4/5, respectively for the Power EVO Mirror saddles.The Power EVO Comp features a conventional synthetic upper with a normal pressure relief cutout. It gets a basic nylon shell and hollow tubular chromoly rails. Its still the same 240mm length, available just in 143mm (267g) & 155mm widths now, with a 168mm version coming soon.The new Specialized Power EVO Comps claimed weight is only 19g heavier than the Pro-level, but it costs a lot less just $150 / 99.Specialized.comThe post Review: Specialized Power EVO Pro Mirror Drops Cost of 3D-Printed Saddle Comfort 25% appeared first on Bikerumor.

The original, which launched in 2024, wasnt that big to begin with. Now, theres an even smaller option for keeping tabs on your bicycles tire pressure with the Outrider TL Mini.The design is the same, using a small transmitter plate that sits inside your rim, and it still works with almost any standard Presta tubeless valve stem.Whats new is the size its smaller to fit inside more rims, and its just 3.7g per wheel. They say its recommended for symmetric rims with a 19mm internal width, or asymmetric rims with 23mm internal width.It works up to 125psi (which is way higher than anyone is, or should be, running in a tubeless setup). Its electronics are completely sealed in epoxy, with a chemically-resistant membrane over the pressure sensor to repel liquids, so add all the tire sealant you want. Its even compatible with tire inserts.The wireless communication lets it talk to Garmin and Hammerhead computers (as well as most Garmin smart watches), as well as their iOS and Android apps. At launch, its not compatible with Wahoo.It does more than just show real-time tire pressure, though. Features include:Customizable low pressure alertsTire pressure timeline from your ride+/- 2% accuracyThe battery lasts for up to 2,000 hours of ride time, which is good because its not replaceable or rechargeable. But if you typically ride two hours, thats 1,000 rides, or about three years of riding every single day. They say thats more like 5-10 years for most riders. Soooo its probably fine.MSRP is $69 for the pair. Youll need to supply your own valve stems with removable gaskets you have to sandwich the monitor between the valve stems base and the gasket to create a seal on your rim. Its available for pre-order now and ships in June 2026.OutriderComponents.comThe post Outrider TL Mini Shrinks its Wireless Tire Pressure Monitor appeared first on Bikerumor.

Recently, Rapha and Hiut Denim Co. announced that they have partnered to create a cycling-focused denim collection that bridges the gap between commuter practicality and everyday wear. The collection reworks Raphas very popular City Jeans. And it offers two styles: The Work for men and The Aurelia for women.(Photos / Rapha)Both The Work and The Aurelia are crafted from 12.5oz raw indigo selvedge denim sourced from the Cone Denim Mill in the USA, featuring the mills signature pink selvedge line.The jeans include thoughtful details for cyclists. Such as a reflective Rapha logo that becomes visible when you roll up the right leg cuff, providing extra visibility during night rides. A reinforced double center-back belt loop adds durability where cyclists need it most, while in the saddle. Additionally, Hiuts signature hi-vis pink owl rivet adds a distinctive finishing touch. The Work & The Aurelia Retail & DetailRetail (you should be sitting down): $580Premium Selvedge Denim: Crafted from 12.5oz raw indigo selvedge denim from the iconic Cone Denim mill (USA), featuring a signature Rapha pink line detailCycling-Specific Reinforcement: Engineered with a double belt loop at the centre back to provide essential reinforcement and stability while ridingIntegrated Visibility: Iconic reflective Rapha branding on the right leg for low-light ridingHandcrafted Quality: Authentic five-pocket construction fastened with durable copper rivets and lined with tough ecru twill for longevity on and off the bikeCollaborative Heritage: Finished with a bespoke Rapha + Hiut branded patch, made with British Pasture Leather and the No Wash Club philosophy, ensuring these jeans get better with agePrice be damned, one thing thats clear about this collaboration is that theres a real commitment to product longevity. Every pair sold comes with free repairs for life. This is handled by Hiuts experienced and talented craftspeople in Cardigan, West Wales. This approach aligns with both brands focus on reducing waste and creating products built to last, rather than replace. This collection launches as part of Raphas Spring/Summer 2026 program. There will be exclusive early access to RCC (Rapha Cycling Club) members first. If money is no object, and youre a cyclist whos looking for bespoke denim jeans to ride in, this collection is your jam. Check out the links below to get yours now.Rapha.ccHuitDenim.Co.UKThe post Rapha x Huit Denim Co. City Jeans are $580, but Include Free Repairs for Life appeared first on Bikerumor.

Bontrager expands its road tire lineup with two all-new all road options, plus more affordable versions of their Aeolus race tires. The new Kwaremont and Hard-Case Max Pro are aimed at the all conditions, all-weather riders who need more protection and tire volume without giving up good performance. Heres what you need to knowBontrager KwaremontThe new Kwaremont road tire is their take on a modern, wide, do-it-all tire for riders who still like to go fast, but maybe venture onto rougher roads and hardpack gravel. It has a smooth, fast-rolling center tread with a herringbone shoulder tread for cornering traction. Theyre available in 32/35/38mm widths and come in RSL, Pro, and Comp (32mm only) levels. MSRP from $29.99 to $99.99. The RSL 70032 is 345g (claimed), which is the only size/model they list a weight for.Bontrager Hard-Case Max ProHard-Case Max Pro replaces the brands All-Weather tire family as a more durable, tubeless-ready option designed to handle the worst of anything youre likely to ride on a non-gravel drop bar bike. Think, commuting, and you cant be late because you got a flat, or you just dont want to have to think about your tires or replace them very often.They have bead-to-bead puncture protection, with an additional puncture strip under the tread. Armorskin sidewall construction, a dense 60 TPI casing, and tubeless-ready construction add even more protection.The rubber is long-wearing for high mileage, and large sipes on the center and sides help move water out from under them. MSRP is $64.99, available in 26/28/32/35mm widths. No weights listed.Bontrager AeolusBontrager also expands its Aeolus road tire lineup with new Pro and Elite construction options, giving riders more approachable ways to access race-proven performance. These new trims bring Aeolus speed and efficiency to a broader range of budgets while maintaining the fast, confident ride feel the lineup is known for.The Elite comes in 23/26/28mm widths, and the Pro gets a bit wider with 28/30/32mm options. Prices now start at just $39.99 (Elite) and $64.99 (Pro). No weights listed. The RSL remains $99.99.TrekBikes.comThe post Bontrager Adds Wider, Tougher & More Affordable Road Tires appeared first on Bikerumor.

Is this the year of the 32? Who knows? I mean, were not there yet, but I feel like I hear the 32 wheeled train blazing a big wheeled trail towards Monterey, CA. Ill be stoked to see all of the innovations in the 32 wheel dept. by all the different brands. And no, Im not grouchy about it. I think its exciting, albeit a bit frustrating sometimes, when the industry finds a new standard that could improve/change the rider experience for the better.(Photos / Ron Frazelle)So, with that being said, I would guess that you guys will be reading about a bunch of new 32 tech that the crew will be covering in the next few weeks. Speaking of the Bikerumor crew, the whole U.S.-based crew will be covering the show this year. Zach, Travis, Jeremy, Jordan, and I will be present and working the show. Thatll for sure be a good time.Have a 32 Wheeled Opinion? I dont yet. There hasnt been an opportunity for me to ride a 32 wheeled bike, yet. I mean, I do have some initial thoughts on the matter, but I dont really have a hard opinion yet.But I bet you guys do. I, for one, would love to read your opinions, so drop em below..We do have some 32 bikes inbound for testing, so, stay tuned for that. Other than that and the other 32 wheeled stuff weve covered, youre definitely going to have enough 32 stuff to read about (and some 30.5 too!).We Love the Sea Otter ClassicThis is a really fun event to cover. And unofficially speaking for the whole crew, we all love to go. This year marks my 10th consecutive year covering the event for Bikerumor. Its not really totally about the bikes and parts. Its about finally seeing the people youve been calling and emailing all year, in person, sometimes seeing them again, or finally being able to put a face to the name. The Sea Otter Classic is now called the biggest cycling festival in the world. It has been in existence since 1991 and has been officially called the Sea Otter Classic since 1993. Its also considered the start of the race season. For me, it just feels like home. Like a big family reunion and a giant group hug. There is a tremendous passion for bicycles and bicycle culture at this event. And I absolutely eat it up. It seems to be getting larger and larger every year, and it takes a lot of work to get you guys the good coverage that you want. But for us, thats the nature of the beast, and for me personally, its a real labor of love. For our readers, get ready for an onslaught of coverage, and we hope youll love it.Stay Tuned!To quote myself from my 2023 piece about the Sea Otter Classic: I guess I just wanted to say cheers to the bicycle lovers.all of you. Both in and out of the industry. I wanted to lift my hand off the handlebars and wave to you as you pass. Raise a frothy pint of brew to you, and to your style of riding. Nod my head to your discipline of choice and your efforts being put forth. The thinkers, tinkerers, inventors, enthusiasts, pros, amateurs, the shop guys, the wrenches, the game changers, the fellow retro-grouchesall of you. We are, after all, in this together. See you out there.Thats it. Stay tuned here for the coverage starting later this week. SeaOtterClassic.comThe post Will the 32 Wheel Dominate the 2026 Sea Otter Classic? appeared first on Bikerumor.

Released for the longer travel ZEB forks earlier this year, the Fast Suspension DC3 compression damping insert is now also available for the Rockshox Lyrik (140-170mm) and Pike (120-140mm) forks, both using 35mm stanchions.While Rockshoxs latest updates add some interesting features to improve smoothness, particularly on the air spring side, Fast Suspension still thinks they can do better. on the compression damping side of things (and yes, these inserts should work on the newest models with the Charger 3.2 dampers).How? By adding a third compression damping circuit, among other things.By now, weve all heard about High and Low speed compression damping. The DC3 adds Mid-speed compression, as well as their own take on high- and low-speed circuits. Rather than reword it all, heres how Fast Suspension explains it:Low-speed compression manages the overall balance of the bike in normal riding conditions, preventing excessive diving under braking or when maneuvering the bike at slower speed.Mid-speed compression acts to control forces induced by more aggressive weight transfers, such as when cornering in berms or picking your way through a rock garden it acts almost as a gas pedal for your bike, allowing it to generate speed as opposed to bogging down in rougher terrain.High-speed compression damping adds control to the harshest and most violent events, such as landing big drops or hitting square edges at speed. High-speed compression prevents harsh bottom-outs and keeps the last part of your suspensions travel available for when its really needed.Theyre also made to order, custom tuned for each rider based on your preferences, riding style, weight, etc. This internal tuning sets the high- and mid-speed compression damping characteristics. But, it comes with fork oil and a valving kit if you want to fine tune those settings yourself (and youre confident that you know what youre doing).Theres an external low-speed compression adjustment knob that gives you 35 (thirty five!!!) clicks of adjustment. The circuit simply drops in to replace the stock compression damping circuit, no special adapters or tools needed. Its fully sealed with its own IFP, so it should be a pretty simple upgrade.Its available now for the following Rockshox models:ZEB SELECT A1, ZEB SELECT A2, ZEB R A1PIKE SELECT B3-B4 2020-2022 / PIKE SELECT C1 2023 and +LYRIK SELECT C2-C3 2020-2022 / LYRIK SELECT D1 2023 and +MSRP is 279 including VAT.Fast-Suspension.comThe post FAST Suspension DC3 Compression Damping Upgrade Comes to Lyrik & Pike appeared first on Bikerumor.

HotBars has created a nearly universal heated grip, because theyre not actually selling the grips. Rather, its a high-end carbon riser bar with integrated heating elements that heat up your favorite grips, whatever grips those may be.The HotBars handlebars have a removable power-bank-slash-control-unit thats wired into the bars and out to heating elements at the ends. Those warm your hands through standard mountain bike grips, eliminating the need for bulky winter gloves or pogies. That means more dexterity and control, whether youre shredding trail, fat biking, or just commuting year-round. The system uses a centrally-mounted power bank with three heat settings and 2-3 hours of runtime per charge. USB-C fast charging fully recharges the battery in under three hours.The bars are the brainchild of former WTB marketer Clayton Wangbichler, whos a real shredder, so theyre not just any ol carbon bar with heating as a gimmick. Theyre made from UD carbon fiber with glass fiber reinforcements for vibration damping, and theyre assembled in the MTB wonderland of Bellingham, WA. And youve got lots of width options:Clamp DiameterStackRiseWidthComplete Weight31.8mm50mm25mm700 / 740 / 750mmStarting at 480g35mm60mm35mm750 / 760 / 770 / 780 / 800mmStarting at 510gWhich is good, because you cant cut them down due to the integrated heating elements. All bars have an 8 backsweep and 5 upsweep. The battery pack mounts in the same plane as the handlebars to minimize interference with lights and GPS units, so you can still mount a wide variety of those.Its IP65 water resistant, and come summer, Summer Plugs seal off the heating cable ports when the battery pack is removed. A storage mode maintains optimal battery charge during the off-season. HotBars MSRP for $395 and are currently available for preorder, with shipping planned for fall 2026. Initial availability is limited to US customers, and the first 100 customers receive a $50 early-adopter discount. HotBars.comThe post Worlds First Heated Carbon Handlebars from Hotbars will Heat Any MTB Grip appeared first on Bikerumor.

The latest collaboration from San Franciscos Ornot is with pro skater Chico Brenes and local artist Ferris Plock. They worked together to create The City Collection, a San Francisco-inspired line that captures the unique experience of navigating the citys challenging terrain.(Photos / Ornot)The collaboration pulls from Brenes unique perspective, inspired by San Franciscos super-unique characteristics. It focuses on how those elements help shape how people move through the citys urban landscape. Whether theyre cycling, skateboarding, or using public transit.The MugLiving here, you learn pretty quickly how to move with the city. The hills, the fog, the microclimates, nothing is flat or predictable. Whether youre on a bike, a skateboard, or hopping on a cable car, you adjust as you go. After a while, the terrain starts to shape you. It changes your route, your pace, and how you move through the streets and into the hills.The City CollectionThis collaboration represents a meeting point between cycling culture, skateboarding, and local art. Each piece is designed to work both on and off the bike, reflecting Ornots approach to creating apparel that transitions between athletic performance and casual wear.All items in The City Collection are produced in limited quantities and will not be restocked once sold out. Lets take a look at some of it.House Jersey in SF PrintRetail: $155Made in USAOeko-Tex approved fabric from recycled contentAdvanced UV Protection Fabric (UPF 30+)Available in Mens and WomensUV Trail Shirt in SF PrintRetail: $78Made in USAQuick-drying, UPF 30, and extremely breathableOeko-Tex approved recycled fabric 85% Polyester / 15% LycraParacord on the back of the neck for hang dryingSewn by hand in CaliforniaAvailable in Mens & WomensUltralight Boxer Briefs in SF PrintRetail: $40Made in USA (sewn by hand in Oakland, California)Oeko-Tex-approved recycled fabric 85% Polyester / 15% Lycra, 115 GSMConstructed with bluesign-approved materialsFlatlock seams for comfortFull gussetSoft waistbandHousemade Cotton Tee in SF PrintRetail: $65Made in USA100% organic ringspun cottonGOTS-certified fabric milled in California186 GSMSewn by hand in the USAAvailable in MensCity Collection AccessoriesRetail: $18 (22oz or 26oz bottle), $27 (two bottles)26oz bottle22oz BottleHandmade mug, natural glaze, and finishDishwasher safeMade in USA BottlesStandard cage-compatible sizingSocks made in the USA from Recycled water bottles \ breathable, quick-drying, and built for long ridesGet more details at the link below. OrNotBike.comThe post Ornot Collabs with Pro Skater & Local Artist to Launch The City Collection appeared first on Bikerumor.

Specialized has precisely tweaked the fiber angles inside the Bitcher & Eliminator casing, giving their gravity mountain bike tires a more radial update. Its not quite as extreme an angle as some brands. And its still functionally a bias-ply tire. But Specialized calls their slightly more conservative radial-ish casing construction the perfect Sweet Spot Ply that balances a 30% boost in radial tire compliance and 30% larger tire contact patch, while maintaining the necessary lateral support to keep running low tire pressures for maximum grip.Specialized Butcher & Eliminator Grid Gravity Radial MTB tires(Photos/Specialized)Specialized say their two new Grid Gravity Radial tires reinvent how trail riders experience grip and compliance by creating a better balance of radial compliance and lateral support. When Schwalbe debuted their game-changing radial tire construction in 2024, every other tire maker quickly took notice. But when Specializeds S-Works Tire Factory in Baden, Germany dug deeper into more-radial tire casing angles, they saw a significant hurdle.While brands like Schwalbe and Zleen adopted more dramatic radial angles, according to Specialized, that shift also necessitated revised structures to make up for the loss of lateral support, diminishing the benefits of the more radial angles. While we havent yet tested the new Specialized radials, that seems confirmed by Schwalbes own recent tweaking of their Gravity Radial construction to give the extra lateral support that their hard-charging downhillers had demanded.OK, so how did Specialized settle on their new 70 Sweet Spot Ply?It all comes down to a lot of iterative R&D testing. Luckily, tweaking casing angles is relatively straightforward process. And it doesnt require new tire molds to get a sense of the impact of small changes. As the casing angle approaches 90 perpendicular to the direction of travel / tire rotation, radial stiffness in the tire decreases significantly increasing grip, but lateral stiffness drops off as well negatively impacting handling & control. With a closer-to-radial casing, increased tire pressure (or other heavy internal tire reinforcement) is needed to maintain a minimum acceptable level of lateral support. But those higher pressures what Specialized calls pressure-tuning negate the benefit of compliance offered by radial construction. And thus, they limit the usable range of tire pressures a mountain biker can use to fine-tune their ride.(click to enlarge)Specializeds Grid Gravity R&D prototype testing illustrates the performance impacts of simply changing the casing angle from the 50 for their standard casing (vs. the 45average of most conventional bias-ply bike tires). Specialized iterated their prototypes in ~10 steps for testing, up to ~80 to mimic the angle used in Schwalbes Radial tires (according to Specializeds claim).Based on their R&D test results, Specialized settled on their own new Sweet Spot Ply casing angle of ~70. They describe that those first two 10 steps away from their standard (50) gravity tire construction demonstrated the biggest improvement in Radial Compliance, while having a minimal negative impact on Lateral Support.(click to enlarge)Hence, the Sweet Spot. Where you can still run the same pressure that you did in your conventional Specialized Gravity tires, or maybe just +1psi extra as a starting point.Why only Butcher & Eliminator in Gravity casings?Specializeds Grid Gravity Radial Sweet Spot Ply claims to:Reduce radial stiffness by 30.0%, dramatically improving trail conformity.Decrease lateral stiffness only 7%, retaining cornering support and precision.Deliver compliance and control at the same PSI riders already use.But ultimately, like weve seen with Schwalbe, going radial increases tire footprint, allows for more tire deformation, increases vibration damping, and provides more grip. But more grip isnt free and also means more rolling resistance, too. So even though Specialized describes their Grid Gravity Radial construction as reinventing the grip that trail riders experience, its clear that its going to take more effort to pedal the new tires up hills, too.So even with Specializeds reduced radial angle, this is still only tire tech for riders prioritizing maximum grip over tricky technical terrain. Think aggressive trail, all-mountain, enduro, and eMTB riders. Thats where the grippy Butcher & Eliminator trail & enduro tires shine.Specialized even says hard charging bikepark riders and DH racers who rely on firm supportive tires, may still prefer to stick with conventional 50 Grid Gravity tires, not these new radials.Only in the grippiest T9 & T7/T9 rubberconventional Butcher Grid Gravity (l) vs. new Butcher Grid Gravity Radial (r) tire foot print at the same rider + bike loadIf you are going to change casing construction to maximize grip, you might as well start with the grippiest rubber to start. Thats why the Grid Gravity Radial construction only comes in Specializeds stickiest T9 rubber. OK, also with the dual-compound Eliminator that features longer-wearing T7 rubber down the middle of its tread knobs, too.Interestingly, Specializeds testing that showed a 30% larger tire footprint under the same rider+bike load, also points towards more than just a big increase in grip. They suggest that it should also mean increased tire durability. If the same load is distributed over a larger area, there is reduced stress on the tire, hence longer-wearing rubber?Specialized Grid Gravity Radial tires Pricing, options & availabilityEliminator (l) & Butcher (r)Just two Specialized tubeless mountain bike tires get the Grid Gravity Radial treatment. First, theres the most aggressive, often front 2.4 Butcher Grid Gravity Radial T9 tire in 27.5 or 29 1240g & 1330g, respectively. Then, theres the more durable, often rear 2.4 Eliminator Grid Gravity Radial T7/T9 again in 27.5 or 29 also 1240g & 1330g claimed weights.All of the Specialized Grid Gravity Radial mountain bike tires sell for the same price $90 / 69 a piece, just a few bucks more than the conventional versions. Get a set from your local Specialized dealer starting today.Specialized.comThe post Specialized MTB Tires Go Radial(ish) For More Grippy, Supportive Butcher & Eliminator appeared first on Bikerumor.

Today outta Petaluma, California, e*thirteen drops the new Sidekick 2.0 Hub. This new hub is supposed to be lighter and faster with zero pedal kickback for MTBs and eMTBs. The new Sidekick 2.0 addresses a common mountain bike issue: pedal kickback. (Photos / e*thirteen)The new hub uses a patented ratchet system that fully retracts the main pawls during coasting. This, in turn, completely separates the drivetrain from the suspension, allowing the rear wheel to follow terrain more naturally, while keeping the suspension working the way it should.We engineer for true ride performance, not just instant engagement that can hinder suspension and ride quality. Sidekick 2.0 is built for riders seeking improved capability, near-silent hubs, and real speed. Project Engineer, Greg Thrash.Sidekick 2.0 HubRiders can adjust between the three engagement settings (9, 13, and 18) without tools while on the trail, letting them fine-tune performance based on riding conditions or terrain. The Sidekick 2.0s 9 fast engagement option is the fastest option, providing quicker engagement similar to conventional hubs, while still reducing kickback during the initial part of suspension travel.Compared to the original Sidekick, the 2.0 version weighs up to 38% less, with the Pro Straight Pull rear hub weighing 275g. The updated design also reduces coasting friction by 30% using improved bearing press-fits and low-friction seals. e*thirteen replaced traditional springs with a magnetic pawl retraction system. This eliminates a wear point and maintains consistent performance over time.(Photos / e*thirteen)The Sidekick 2.0 starts at $249.95, making it significantly more accessible than the original version at less than half the price. Pro-level versions include upgraded bearings and nickel-plated pawls for enhanced durability. The hub operates silently during coasting and works with both traditional mountain bikes and e-bikes across various riding disciplines.Sidekick 2.0 Retail & DetailRetail: $249.95 (Sidekick), $349.95 (Sidekick Pro), $399.95 (Sidekick GR)The Sidekick: Anti-kickback performance for any full-suspension rider.J-Bend 148mm 300gXD, MS, or HG Driver148mm or 157mm28H or 32H9/13/18 DegreesSidekick Pro: Pro-level performance and finishingJ-Bend 148mm 300gStraight Pull 148mm 275gXD, MS, or HG Driver148mm or 157mm28H or 32H9/13/18 DegreesThe Sidekick GR: Reinforced shell, oversized outer bearing, and steel axle for the extreme demands of heavy Enduro, DH, and E-MTBsJ-bend 148mm 424gXD, MS, or HG Driver 148mm or 157mm28H or 32H12/15/18 DegreesFor more details, hit the link below!ethirteen.comThe post e*thirteen Launches the Sidekick 2.0 Hubs for a Lighter, Faster & Cheaper Anti-kickback Hub appeared first on Bikerumor.