The latest Colnago C-Series road bike keeps the handmade-in-Italy soul intact while adding more tire clearance, cleaner integration, and a smoother ride for riders who want heritage without sacrificing modern speed.(All photos/Colnago)What Is The Colnago C72? This is the next chapter in Colnagos storied C-Series, the line that has long stood as the brands handmade, high-end expression of road-bike craft. It is still built in Italy. It still uses Colnagos signature modular construction. And it still looks like a Colnago in the way only a C-bike can. But this time around, the old-world recipe gets a few meaningful updates: more tire clearance, an integrated storage compartment, revised geometry, a new cockpit, and a noticeably more forgiving attitude toward real-world roads.While the C-Series has always traded on prestige, craftsmanship, and ride feel, the road beneath high-end bikes has changed. Riders are going faster on wider tires.Made In Italy Seven PartsAt its core, the C72 is still very much a C-Series Colnago. That means the frame is built from seven carbon parts joined together rather than formed as a single traditional monocoque. It is a construction method Colnago has used for years, and it remains one of the biggest things separating the C-bike line from the rest of the premium road market.This time, though, Colnago is leaning into that identity even more. Rather than trying to hide the joins, the new C72 makes the lugged construction part of the visual story. The transitions between sections look deliberate and crisp, giving the frame a sculpted, almost tailored look. It is one of those rare cases where the frame details feel less like an engineering compromise and more like design flex.Still A Race BikeIt is still a race-bred road bike that carries performance geometry. It still looks fast leaning against a wall. But Colnago has clearly opened the door to a broader kind of speed here. The bike now clears up to 35mm tires, which is a big move for a flagship road model with this kind of pedigree. That is enough room to make the C72 far more versatile than older C-bikes without dragging it into gravel-bike cosplay.That added tire room also comes with a smoother overall ride. Colnago says the frame improves compliance, especially at the rear end, to make the bike more comfortable and more composed on rough surfaces.That sounds like marketing copy until you look around the road world and realize nearly every premium performance bike is inching in the same direction. Wider tires are faster on rough roads. More control means less fatigue. Less fatigue means you are still making power when the ride gets long and the road gets rough.This is not Colnago going soft. It is Colnago catching up to what fast road riding actually feels like now.Hidden Storage C-SeriesYes, the C72 has storage, and honestly, Colnago handled it better than we expected.The new bike gets an integrated downtube storage compartment, opened via a twist-tab setup at the bottom of the tube. The bottle cage lifts away to reveal the compartment inside, a smart, clean solution on a bike that could have looked silly if the storage had been handled poorly.Instead, it is subtle enough to stay out of the way visually, but useful enough to matter once you actually start riding the thing. Tube, CO2, tool, maybe a tiny emergency snack if youre the type who likes to pretend you wont need one. It is one of those features that feels slightly unromantic on a hand-built Italian superbike until you use it once and immediately decide it should be on more road bikes.New Cockpit And More Fit FlexibilityUp front, Colnago gives the C72 a new CC.02 integrated cockpit, which replaces the previous setup with a lighter, more refined bar-and-stem combo. Colnago says it trims 15 grams over the older unit and is shaped for a more aggressive hand position and better brake control in the drops.That sounds like a small detail until you remember how much the front end can change a bikes feel. On a premium road bike, small front-end changes are usually the difference between pretty good and this thing absolutely rips.Colnago has also tweaked the geometry with a higher stack-to-reach ratio, giving riders a little more setup flexibility and a slightly more relaxed fit window than the more aggressive V5Rs. That does not suddenly turn the C72 into a grand-fondo machine, but it should make it easier to build the bike into something that feels properly fast. That is probably the smartest kind of update Colnago could have made. The riders shopping for this bike still want performance. They just do not all want to feel like they are trying out for Roubaix every time they leave the house.Lighter Than The C68Colnago says the unpainted C72 frame in size 485 weighs 895 grams, 30 grams lighter than the outgoing C68. The complete bike can reportedly hit 6.8kg with the right build.Those are healthy numbers, but this is not one of those bikes that lives or dies by being the lightest thing on the sales floor. The C-Series has always been about something a little more layered than that. Ride quality, construction, feel, brand heritage, and the particular satisfaction of owning a bike that still gets built with some actual romance baked into it.The weight drop is welcome. The bigger story is that Colnago found a way to make the bike more modern without sanding off its personality.A Price To Match None of this comes cheap, obviously. The C72 lands firmly in the if you have to ask section of the road-bike world, with pricing that matches its handmade, Italian-built, flagship status. That is not going to shock anyone shopping for a C-Series Colnago. Exclusivity has always been part of the pitch, and Colnago is not suddenly pretending otherwise.If anything, the C72 doubles down on that by making the bike more useful without sacrificing its uniqueness.Colnago C72 Models & PricesFrame kit: 6,299 / 5,940 / $8,535Shimano Dura-Ace + ENVE SES 4.5 wheels: 14,999 / 15,900 / $20,324Campagnolo Super Record 13s + Bora Ultra WTO wheels: 14,999 / 15,400 / $20,324Shimano Dura-Ace + Fulcrum Sharq 57 wheels: 13,299 / 14,200 / $18,020SRAM Red AXS + ENVE SES 4.5 wheels: 16,299 / 16,600 / $22,085 Availability 60 days from ordering Colnago.comThe post Colnagos New C72 Brings A More Comfortable Edge to Its Italian-Built Flagship appeared first on Bikerumor.

Saddles are usually one of the least dramatic parts of a road bike launch. A shape tweak here, a new foam recipe there, maybe a fresh cutout and a few big promises about comfort. Usually, you can squint at a new road saddle and more or less know what youre looking at. Plus, its totally up to you whether you can use it. Saddles either work with your anatomy or dont, no matter what carbon they adorn thats why its hard to write about them.(All photos/Prologo)However, this new Prologo saddle has a unique design, and the Italian saddle maker is calling it the first integrated road saddle. So its a bit more than comfort and power for the sell line. What Is The Prologo Choice?At its simplest, the Choice is Prologos new flagship road saddle, built around aerodynamics, low weight, and a more integrated structure than the usual shell-and-rail layout.The key detail is the Nack carbon rail, which is tucked up inside the body and hidden by two flowing side wings. Prologo says that layout helps smooth airflow around the saddle while also tightening up the structural connection between the rail and base. The whole thing is meant to work more like a single aerodynamic piece than a traditional saddle with the usual exposed hardware hanging underneath.Visually, it looks like it came off a concept bike. Which is probably the point.Chasing More Than ComfortA lot of saddle launches still lean on the same language: support, relief, position, comfort. Prologo is going further down the aero rabbit hole with this one.The company says the Choice was developed using CFD simulations and refined in the wind tunnel, with the goal of reducing drag and optimizing the interaction among rider, saddle, and bike as a complete system. That may sound like a lot of pressure to put on one component, especially one thats hidden under a butt but the design at least matches the ambition. The hidden rail and the covered side profile are not there by accident. This saddle is clearly trying to manage air, not just hold a rider in place.Prologo also says the reduced stack height and tighter rail-to-shell connection add structural stiffness. They also claim cleaner power transfer and more precise handling. Thats a bold claim for a saddle, but it fits the broader direction of modern road gear, where every component is getting more integrated, more sculpted, and more system-focused than it used to be.Its A Saddle FirstThankfully, Prologo did not forget the obvious part.The Choice uses variable-density foam, and the shape was refined using the brands Pressure Map MyOwn pressure-mapping system. The idea is to balance comfort and performance while letting riders stay in an aero position longer without the usual saddle-related negotiations. Shape-wise, Prologo calls it a semi-round, T-shape saddle. That usually means a little more versatility than the ultra-flat, ultra-specific saddles that work brilliantly for a very narrow slice of riders and nobody else. The overall length is a modern 240mm, and it comes in two widths: 140mm for the narrow version and 147mm for the wide. Claimed weight is 152g.Modular Maybe SmarterThe aero shape will get the attention, but the most interesting detail might be the one underneath.Prologo says the rail can be separated from the carbon shell with two screws, meaning individual parts can be replaced in the event of damage. That is not something you hear very often in the premium saddle world, where lightweight and repairable rarely show up in the same sentence.Its a smart feature, especially on a product this expensive. High-end saddles are usually treated like precious objects right up until the moment a crash, travel mishap, or bad lean against a wall turns them into a very expensive paperweight. Prologos approach here at least opens the door to fixing part of the saddle instead of binning the whole thing.A Bigger Idea?The bigger story is that Prologo seems to be treating the saddle the same way it has treated the rest of the road bike over the last few years. Frames got more aerodynamic. Cockpits got cleaner and more integrated. Wheels got deeper. Seatposts got more shaped and more specialized. The rider position got lower, faster, and more system-driven. Saddles, for the most part, stayed a little more familiar. But a saddle is arguably the most important part of the bike because if its uncomfortable, the rider suffers greatly, making the aero gains null and void. The Choice is Prologo, arguing that the saddle doesnt have to stay in that lane.It wont be for everyone. No saddle is. Fit is still personal, and the most advanced design in the world does not mean much if it doesnt work with your position, your hips, and your tolerance for very firm race equipment. But from a pure product standpoint, the Choice is at least doing something new in a category that usually changes in very small steps.And honestly, that alone makes it interesting.Prologo Choice Tech DetailsDimensions: 240 x 140mm or 240 x 147mmShape: Semi-round, T-shapeRail: Nack carbon, 7 x 9mmConstruction: Long-fiber carbon base with integrated hidden-rail designPadding: Variable-density foamClaimed weight: 152gPrice: 490Availability: Available now through Prologo and authorized dealers.PrologoThe post Prologo Choice: A Wild Aero Saddle with Hidden Rails & A Repairable Design appeared first on Bikerumor.

Boyd Cycling is rolling out two new 55mm carbon wheelsets built for very different jobs. One is a deep, light aero road set meant to kill the usual fast but heavy excuse. The other is a purpose-built gravel race wheel that says yes, aero matters in the dirt too.(All Photos/Boyd)Deep wheels usually come with a catch. Theyre fast, but always kinda heavy, or theyre light, but fragile because of that. Deep wheels are great on a smooth road, and less convincing once the surface gets rough. The biggest challenge can be the wind; a poorly designed rim can act like a sail in crosswind, making a hard pace nearly impossible.The South Carolina wheel brand is adding two new 55mm carbon wheelsets to its Podium lineup: the Pinnacle Race for gravel and the 55 Road Disc SL for road. Both use Boyds new Grade 54 hubs, both are hand-built, and both lean hard into aero benefits without dragging around the usual deep-section penalty. The difference is in where each wheelset works.One wants race numbers zip-tied to a gravel bike. The other wants fast road miles, rolling terrain, and a rider who no longer wants to choose between aero set and climbing set.Boyd Pinnacle Race: Deep Gravel Wheels Race ReadyThe more eyebrow-raising of the two is the Pinnacle Race. A 55mm gravel wheels still sound slightly unhinged until you remember what modern gravel racing actually looks like now.Boyd says the Pinnacle Race was built specifically for that version of gravel. The Pinnacle Race uses a 55mm-deep, hookless carbon rim, a 28mm internal width, and a 33mm external width. Boyd says the recommended tire starting point is 40mm and up, with the wheel optimized for 45mm-plus tires.Lightweight & Durability Come StandardClaimed weight is 1354 grams for the set, split 618g front and 736g rear, which is pretty light for a gravel wheel this deep. The new rims use T1000 aerospace-grade carbon and carry a claimed 150-joule impact resistance, putting the durability claim in possible enduro-MTB territory. Boyd also gives the rim a 2.5mm spoke offset to better equalize spoke tension and improve responsiveness. Boyd 55 Road Disc SLBoyds 55 Road Disc SL sits at the top of the Podium Series and is meant to deliver deep-section aero benefit without feeling like a punishment every time the road tips up. Claimed weight is 1329 grams for the set, with 610g front and 719g rear, which is very tidy for a 55mm hooked tubeless road wheel.That weight comes from a 400g rim built from T1000 aerospace-grade carbon. Boyd says the full wheelset lands more than 200 grams lighter than comparable premium wheels in the 50mm-plus category.The 55 Road Disc SL uses a 24mm internal width and 29mm external width, with recommended tire sizes from 28mm to 38mm. That puts it squarely in line with where modern road riding has gone: bigger tires, better shape, and a better ride.Boyd also says the road wheel carries a claimed 140-joule impact strength, thanks to reinforcement around the bead hook and spoke bed. So while this one is clearly chasing speed, it is also being sold as a real-world wheel. One that can take a bit of bad handling and poorly maintained roads. Same Hubs Hand-Built ApproachOne of the cleaner parts of the launch is that both wheelsets share Boyds new Grade 54 straight-pull ratchet hubs.The hubset weighs a claimed 270 grams for the pair and uses a 54-tooth ratchet for 6.6 degrees of engagement, along with Enduro ABEC-5 bearings. Boyd says the hubs offer tool-free service and quick-swap freehub bodies for Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo.Both the Pinnacle Race and the 55 Road Disc SL are also hand-built, using 24 spokes front and rear, Pillar Wing 20 spokes, Pillar double-square alloy nipples, and 2x lacing at both ends. Both come with tubeless tape and valves installed, and both are backed by a lifetime warranty.Pricing & AvailabilityBoth wheelsets retail for $2,100 USD, 1,860 GBP, and 2,150 EUR, with UK and Euro pricing including VAT. Orders are open now, and Boyd says shipping is expected to begin before the end of April.The bigger question is whether your idea of speed currently lives on pavement or somewhere out past the county line.Boyd Pinnacle Race gravel wheelsetPrice: $2,100 / 1,860 / 2,150Rim depth: 55mmRim type: Hookless carbon tubelessWidth: 28mm internal / 33mm externalWheel size: 700cSpokes: 24 front / 24 rear, Pillar Wing 20Hubs: Boyd Grade 54 straight-pull ratchet hubsBearings: Enduro ABEC-5Weight: 1354g set / 618g front / 736g rearRecommended tire size: 40mm+Other details: 150J impact resistance, 2.5mm spoke offset, tubeless tape and valves installed, lifetime warrantyBoyd 55 Road Disc SLPrice: $2,100 / 1,860 / 2,150Rim depth: 55mmRim type: Hooked carbon tubelessWidth: 24mm internal / 29mm externalWheel size: 700cSpokes: 24 front / 24 rear, Pillar Wing 20Hubs: Boyd Grade 54 straight-pull ratchet hubsBearings: Enduro ABEC-5Weight: 1329g set / 610g front / 719g rearRecommended tire size: 28-38mmOther details: 140J impact resistance, 2.5mm spoke offset, tubeless tape and valves installed, lifetime warrantyBoydcycling.comThe post Boyd Goes Deep with New Pinnacle Race Gravel Wheels and 55 Road Disc SL appeared first on Bikerumor.

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.