The new Calibre Bossnut may have only just been released last month, but it's now got a massive £500 price cut in this Black Friday mountain bike deal. And that's not because there's anything wrong with the bike as it's a proper ripper.

Our ultra-experienced bike tester, Guy Kesteven, awarded it 4.5 out of 5 stars in his Calibre Bossnut 2025 review, saying: "The new Bossnut is an outstanding mix of sorted handling and geometry in a seriously tough frame that’s begging you to ride it flat out straight away. Add very durable, serviceable top brand components and it’s great long term as well as initial purchase price value too."

Buy the Calibre Bossnut 2025 for just £999 at Go Outdoors.

Our colleagues over on MBR were equally impressed and the Bossnut got a great reception from all corners of the MTB press. It was already one of the best budget mountain bikes at its full £1499 price, but at £999 in this deal, nothing else comes anywhere near close.

Given a budget of £1000, I'd only usually recommend hardtail mountain bikes at that price. But with this deal taking the Bossnut to £999, if you're in the market for a sorted trail MTB that doesn't cut any spec corners, it's definitely the bike to choose. Nothing else can touch it in terms of value.

Component highlights include a RockShox suspension pairing of a 140mm Recon Silver RL fork up front and RockShox Deluxe Select shock with 135mm of rear travel at the rear. Brakes and gears are from Shimano, with a 1x11 Cues drivetrain and 180mm brake rotors.

Also included is an X-Fusion Manic dropper post complete with an adjustable alloy underbar remote lever and size-specific (125mm XS + S, 150mm M, 170mm L + XL) stroke lengths.

The Bossnut has bolt-through axles and Boost width hubs front and rear. It comes with 29in wheels as standard but can be converted to a mullet with an aftermarket kit from Calibre. Bike sizing runs from XS to XL, the large-sized test bike tested by Guy weighed in at 16.4kg. For full bike specs, see the list below.

To buy the Bossnut for £999, you'll also need to get a Go Outdoors discount card for a fiver. This deal runs out on 2nd December when Go Outdoors says the Bossnut will return to its usual £1499 price.

Tech specs: Calibre Bossnut 2025

• Discipline: Trail, Enduro
• Head angle: 64.5º
• Frame material: 6061 butted alloy
• Fork: RockShox Recon Silver RL 140mm travel
• Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select 135mm travel
• Size: XS, S, M, L (tested) XL
• Weight: 16.4kg (size large)
• Wheel size: 29in
• Chainset: Shimano Cues 32T, 170mm crank length bottom bracket.
• Rear mech: Shimano CUES 1x10
• Shifter: Shimano CUES 1x10
• Cassette: Shimano CUES LG300 11-48T 10-speed
• Brakes: Shimano BR-MT401 2-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 180 rotors
• Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF EXO wired 29x2.5in front and Maxxis Forekaster EXO wired 29x2.4in
• Wheels: 30mm internal tubeless rims on Shimano TC500 Centerlock hubs
• Bars: Alloy low rise 31.8 x 780mm
• Stem: Forged alloy 31.8 x 45mm
• Grips: Calibre ribbed lock on
• Seat post: X-Fusion Manic LC 170mm dropper
• Saddle: Calibre Trail

One of the best parts of any hobby is spending money on that hobby. And if you want a hobby that demands that you spend money on it then you've found the right one in mountain biking!

As our goal has always been to help you make the best mountain biking purchases, we'd really appreciate it if you could take some time to complete our third Bike Track Pulse Survey.

We'd love to know what influences your mountain biking purchases? We also want to hear what you've spent your mountain-biking money on in 2024 and how you plan to invest in your favourite sport in 2025.

As a thanks to all those who take the time to complete it, there is a prize draw at the end for the chance to win a $150 / £150 Amazon voucher.

The survey shouldn't take any longer than 10 minutes to complete and to say thank you for your time, your name will be placed into an optional prize draw for a chance to win* that Amazon voucher worth $150 or £150 (depending on your location). *T&Cs apply

The survey is open to those based in the UK, US, Canada, and selected countries in Europe and runs until the 18th of October 2024. Hit the link below to get involved.

Take part in our survey 

Good luck in the prize draw and we look forward to hearing from you!

With the wealth of boxes with flashing LEDs attached to shocks and forks in the World Cup pits, it is clear that electronic suspension could be the next big performance boost in mountain biking. There have been plenty of sightings of Fox equipping its best rear shocks with electronic wizardry, and today it officially lifted the lid on the latest version of its electronic suspension system, Fox Live Valve Neo.

Fox originally launched its Live Valve electronic suspension back in 2018, the system used cables to connect the fork and shock to a frame-mounted control unit. Live Valve Neo breaks free of the confines of cables, utilizing the same Neo wireless protocol that was announced with the release of the Fox Transfer Neo dropper post.

The Live Valve Neo system is made up of four components: a Fork Sensor, a Rear Sensor, the shock which is the system Controller, and the Fox Bike app. 

The sensors are mounted on the front and rear brake calipers, with the front sensor housing a built-in accelerometer to determine both the angle of the terrain you are riding and the bump force experienced by the front tire while the rear sensor only measures the rear tire bump force. 

Fox says the sensors send data about the terrain 400 times per second. This information triggers a 2-position magnetic latching solenoid in the shock’s compression circuit to switch the shock between two positions – Open and Firm in as little as 1/70th of a second. The Solenoid is powered using the same battery as the Transfer Neo, which is mounted on the shock.

The result is a system that Fox claims can instantly read terrain and adapting the shock while you ride. In open mode, the shock absorbs bumps and enhances traction but when pedaling, cornering, and jumping are detected it automatically switches to Firm mode. Most other suspension brands offer a climbing mode too, although Fox says that Live Valve Neo reacts so fast that it's no longer required.

This is similar to the suspension characteristics of the previous Live Valve, although Fox says Live Valve Neo brings more updates than just a cable.

Whats the difference between Live Valve and Live Valve Neo?

Beyond simply benefitting from the more advanced suspension tech of the current FLOAT X and DHX shock platforms, Fox has developed a new high-flow solenoid allowing the shock to perform better in open mode. Moving from sensors built into the shock and fork for sensors on the unsprung extremities of the bike may have also contributed to the improvement of pitch detection, with Fox noting a particular improvement when riding trail switchbacks. 

Precision Mode offers more precise tunability of Live Valve Neo Tunes than the threshold adjust feature included in Gen 1 Live Valve, more on that further down. Fox says the system will even feature a Handlebar Switch to enable riders looking to switch Tunes on the fly, although there are no specifics as to when this will be released. 

One feature that didn't ever materialize with the Gen 1 Live Valve was the tuning aspect. You could choose from five different tunes and edit the bump threshold that activated the suspension but that was it. 

The new app offers loads of new tuning potential so you can adjust the system to perform to your personal preference. There are five default tunes – Standard, Firm, Plush, Open, and Closed – with additional tunes available for download and the ability to save and store your tunes in the Fox Bike app. You can even share tunes with other riders through QR codes.

Where it gets more interesting though is the new Precision mode. This gives more in-depth control to tunes, allowing riders to edit parameters such as Bump Sensitivity Thresholds (how much force is required to open the shock), Open Timers (how long the shock stays open), and Terrain Angle triggers (the angles required to transition between Climb, Flat, and Descend states) to suit their trails. 

Like the Transfer Neo dropper post, the Fox Bike app will also keep track of service intervals and perform firmware updates.

Live Valve Neo will be available on either a Fox Float X Live Valve Neo (Factory and OEM-only Performance Elite) or Fox DHX Live Valve Neo (Factory only) shocks, sharing much of the same architecture as the standard shocks. Both shocks feature 10 clicks of tool-free low-speed compression adjustment, 12 clicks of tool-free rebound adjustment, and 6 clicks of Firm mode adjustment.

The Fox Live Valve Neo complete system utilizes a Kit and Shock of rider choice, with the Float X Live Valve Neo Factory full system retailing for $1398 / £1568.99 / €1798 and the DHX costing $1348 / £1548.99 / €1749.

Full pricing below:  

• Live Valve Neo Kit: $399 / $534.65 CAD / £449.99 / €499
• Live Valve Neo Float X: $999 / $1,399 CAD / £1,119 / €1,299 
• Live Valve Neo DHX: $949 / $1,269 CAD / £1,099 / €1,249
• Neo Spare Battery: $79 / $106 CAD / £99.95 / €99
• Spare Charger and Cable: $49 / $69 CAD / £62.95 / €79 

Our take...

Following the release of Fox's Transfer Neo it was clear that Fox had more than a dropper post in mind when developing its Neo wireless protocol. Suspension was the obvious next application, allowing Fox to shed the unsightly mess of cables that came with the Gen 1 Live Valve.

Moving to a wireless design will be a big advantage for the adoption of Live Valve Neo. Frames no longer need specific Live Valve internal routing and battery mounts which limited availability and stopped Live Valve from being available as an aftermarket upgrade. With Live Valve Neo any bike can be set up to use the system.

Unlike the previous generation Live Valve, Live Valve Neo no longer controls the fork. Fox says the Neo system has been designed for Trail and All-Mountain riding where the majority of on-trail efficiency can be achieved from firm suspension is attributable to the rear shock. Despite the ultra-fast Neo communication, Fox says that even with a 1/70th of a second delay in opening the fork’s compression circuit is noticeable to riders and not worth the sacrifice in on-trail performance. 

I tested Live Valve 1.5 during my review of the Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 29 and was very impressed with its perceptive performance for XC activities. Hopefully, we will see a cross-country version of Live Valve Neo, capable of controlling front and rear suspension, in the future.

In comparison, RockShox Flight Attendant controls both fork and shock and is available in enduro, trail, and cross-country versions. Live Valve Neo is arguably a little more simplistic than the auto-personalized Adaptive Ride Dynamic suspension of Flight Attendant, however, Live Valve Neo doesn't require you to run a specific fork and a power meter to use it. 

I'm not going to pretend that Live Valve Neo is electronic suspension for the masses, a Float X Neo setup costs $1,398 / £1,568.99 / €1,798 and the DHX Neo comes in at $1,348 / £1,548.99 / €1,749 which is a healthy chunk of cash. That said, it's cheaper than the ZEB Ultimate Flight Attendant fork on its own $1,599 / £1,609 / €1,799, before you add the $949 / £939 / €1,049 for a Super Deluxe Ultimate shock (assuming it's compatible with your bike) and €480 / €480 / £430 power meter needed for the system to work.

e*thirteen has released a unique new rear hub that isolates the rider from the effects of pedal kickback. The Sidekick hub features a proprietary freehub mechanism to eliminate pedal kickback at the source and improve suspension performance.

The new hub will be available specced on its new Sylvan all-mountain, Grappler Flux Enduro, and Grappler Flux Downhill wheelsets, which will come in both carbon and alloy options.

For those who aren't aware, pedal kickback is caused by the suspension compressing, which effectively lengthens the chainstays and causes the cranks to rotate backward as the chain tightens. The amount of pedal kickback a bike has depends on the pivot location, riding speed, and gearing, so it affects some bikes more than others. 

Eliminating kickback has several advantages. Stopping the suspension from moving the cranks will keep the rider more stable on the bike while allowing the suspension to move more freely. Using a BYB Telemetry system with a 1000Hz/sec sampling rate, e*thirteen claims that its testing shows the Sidekick hub allows the suspension to be more active and predictable.

"Using data acquisition I was able to test and quantify the effects of the Sidekick hub. It's easy to see that the rear end of the bike is more active, especially in the larger mid-stroke of the shock. In our tests, we saw a cumulative increase of up to 44% in time spent across the 11%-70% travel ranges with DH bikes. Results will vary for different bike designs. It was also really impressive to see 20% less crank movement in comparison to the standard hub, meaning the cranks and pedals are more stable and subjected to less accelerations." says Nick Lester (Downamics Data Acquisition - Muc-Off Young Guns).

The rear hub uses a spring to keep the Sidekick's pawls disengaged. As you start pedaling, the "pawl pusher" mechanism lifts the pawls into position, allowing them to engage with the ratchet. This creates what e*thirteen refers to as "deadband", which is the degree of crank rotation before the hub pawls reconnect.

The amount of slip offered by the deadband can be adjusted (12 degrees, 15 degrees, and 18 degrees) based on bike type and riding style. Shorter-travel bikes on less extreme terrain may prefer a snappier pedal response whereas long-travel bikes taking big hits and tackling rough descents will benefit from a longer deadband.

As the ratchets are fully disengaged when freewheeling there is no pawl drag, e*thirteen claims the Sidekick hub is noticeably faster at carrying speed and is nearly silent when riding.

The hubs are made from AL 6061-T6 and spin on 6903 / 6808 bearings, available in black or silver. e*thirteen caters to XD, Microspline, HG, mini-HG, and 7-speed integrated cassette driver options, as well as Boost, Super Boost, 157x12mm, and 148mm DH spacing. Rear hubs are all claimed to weigh around 450g, while the fronts come as either Sidekick SL at 132g or the Sidekick at 196g.

The new Sidekick hubs will be built into six new wheels from e*thirteen, aimed at all-mountain, enduro, and downhill riders.

The Grappler Flux comes in enduro or downhill versions and features a new low-profile, 30mm inner diameter, hookless rim design. e*thirteen says it has designed the Grappler Flux to offer high levels of angular and vertical rim deflection to enhance traction and reduce fatigue.

Both the enduro and downhill wheelsets come in carbon and alloy versions, available in 29er and mullet configurations.

For all-mountain riders, e*thirteen has paired the new Sidekick SL hubs with its Sylvan Sidekick Carbon and Alloy rims for a more versatile setup. The rims feature an asymmetrical spoke bed design, a 30mm inner rim diameter, and are claimed to weigh 450g for the carbon and 567g for the alloy version.

Pricing for the e*thirteen Sidekick range

• e*thirteen Sidekick front hub: $169.95 / £159.95 / €169.95
• e*thirteen Sidekick rear hub: $499.95 / £469.95 / €499.95 ($589.95 / £559.95 / €589.95 w 7-speed integrated cassette)
• e*thirteen Grappler Sidekick Flux Carbon wheels: $799.95 / £729.95 / €799.95 front and $1199.95 / £1099.95 / €1199.95 rear
• e*thirteen Grappler Sidekick Flux Aluminium wheels: $379.95 / £349.95 / €379.95 front and $649.95 / £589.95 / €649.95 rear
• e*thirteen Sylvan Sidekick Carbon wheels: $779.95 / £709.95 / €779.95 front and $1119.95 / £1019.95 / €1119.95 rear
• e*thirteen Sylvan Sidekick Aluminium wheels: $379.95 / £349.95 / €379.95 front $629.95 / £569.95 / €629.95 rear

For more details, head over to ethirteen.com.

Specialized has announced a more affordable alloy Stumpjumper 15, the metal tubed frame shares numerous features of the existing carbon model and comes with three shock options.

Specialized released the latest edition of its best trail bike back in July, the new Stumpjumper 15 featured tweaked geometry, more travel, and new shock tech that Specialized has dubbed Genie. In his Specialized Stumpjumper review, Guy Kesteven said the "new version is the most awesome Stumpy ever".

Now Specialized has launched a new M5 alloy version that comes with mechanical groupset compatibility, SWAT door downtube storage, geometry adjustments, and Specialized's new Genie shock technology. 

The new Genie shock is claimed to give "16.3 percent better bump force management and 39 percent fewer severe bottom-outs compared to a standard air-sprung shock" – according to Specialized. It uses a two-stage air shock with a large volume chamber offering linear action through the initial shock stroke, before transitioning to a small air chamber to ramp up progression to resist bottom-out forces.

The alloy Stumpjumper 15 shares the same geometry as the carbon bikes and features several geometry adjustments to tweak the ride feel. An eccentric headset cup adjusts the head angle between 63, 64.5, and 65.5 degrees. The bottom bracket height can also be altered from 337mm to 330mm via a flip-chip in the Horst suspension link. There are six frame sizes with S1 and S2 frame sizes with a 27.5in rear, wheel while larger bikes are 29in front and rear. The smaller three frame sizes are equipped with 165mm cranks and the larger three have 170mm cranks. Chainstay lengths are size-specific and vary from the S1's 430mm up to the 445m of the S5 and S6.

Specialized will offer the Stumpjumper 15 Alloy in three builds and as a standalone frameset. The Stumpjumper 15 Comp Alloy and Stumpjumper 15 frameset comes with the Genie shock, the Stumpjumper 15 Fox Coil Alloy, you guessed it, comes with a Fox DHX Factory coil shock, and the base model Stumpjumper 15 Alloy gets a standard air shock from X-Fusion.

The carbon-framed Stumpjumper 15s caused some controversy because the frames don't have routing for a cabled shifter – all the models have wireless versions. However, the alloy Stumpys have the required plumbing whether they come with a conventional shifter or not.

Specialized Stumpjumper 15 pricing

• S-Works Stumpjumper 15: $12,000 / £10,000 / €13,000 / AUD 19,500
• Stumpjumper 15 Pro: $9,000 / £7,500 / €9,500 / AUD 14,500
• Stumpjumper 15 Ohlins Coil: $8,500 / £7,000 / €8,500 / AUD 12,500
• Stumpjumper 15 Expert: $6,500 / £6,000 / €7,500 / AUD 11,200
• Stumpjumper 15 Comp: $5,500 / £5,250 / €6,500 / AUD TBC
• S-Works Stumpjumper 15 frame and shock: $3,500 / £4,000 / €4,500 / AUD 7,500
• Stumpjumper 15 Fox Coil Alloy: $5,500 / £5,000 / €6,200 / AUD 8,500
• Stumpjumper 15 Comp Alloy: $4,500 / £3,750 / €4,500  / AUD 6,200
• Stumpjumper 15 Alloy: $3,000 / £2,750 / €3,250 / AUD 4,900
• S-Works Stumpjumper 15 Alloy frame and shock: $2,300 / £TBC / €2,600 / AUD 3,900

Tech specs: Specialized Stumpjumper 2025

Stumpjumper 15 Fox Coil Alloy

• Frame: M5 Alloy chassis and rear-end, Trail Geometry, SWAT Door integration, head tube angle adjustment, threaded BB, internal cable routing, 12x148mm dropouts, sealed cartridge bearing pivots, SRAM UDH compatible, 145mm of travel
• Fork: FOX FLOAT 38 Factory, GRIP X2 damper, HS and LS rebound and compression adjustment, 15x110mm QR axle, 44mm offset,160mm of travel
• Shock: FOX DHX Factory, Ride Dynamics Trail Tune, 210x55mm, S2:400lbs, S3: 450lbs, S4: 500bs, S5: 550lbs, S6: 600lbs
• Brakes: TRP DH-R EVO, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 
• Gears: Shimano SLX, M7100, 12spd
• Crankset: Shimano SLX, M7120, 32T ring, 55mm chainline,S2-S3:165mm, S4-S6: 170mm
• Wheels: Roval Traverse, hookless alloy, 30mm inner width, tubeless ready,Front: 29, Rear: 27.5
• Front tire: Butcher, GRID TRAIL casing, GRIPTON T9 compound, 2BlissReady, 29x2.3"
• Rear tire: Eliminator, GRID GRAVITY casing, GRIPTON T9/T7compound, 2Bliss Ready, 27.5x2.3"
• Seatpost: PNW Loam OE Dropper, tool-less travel adjust, Range lever,34.9, S2: 150mm, S3: 170mm, S4-S6: 200mm
• Saddle: Bridge Comp, Hollow Cr-mo rails, S1-S2: 155mm, S3-S6:143mm
• Bars: Deity, Racepoint, 5-degree upsweep, 9-degree backsweep, 810width, S2: 25mm rise; S3-S6: 38mm rise
• Stem: Deity, 35mm clamp, 35mm length
• Weight: 16.90 kg

Stumpjumper 15 Comp Alloy

• Frame: M5 Alloy chassis and rear-end, Trail Geometry, SWAT Door integration, head tube angle adjustment, threaded BB, internal cable routing, 12x148mm dropouts, sealed cartridge bearing pivots, SRAM UDH compatible, 145mm of travel
• Fork: FOX FLOAT 36 Rhythm, GRIP damper, two position Sweepadjustment, 15x110mm QR axle, 44mm offset, S1:140mm of travel, S2-S6:150mm of travel
• Shock: FOX FLOAT Performance with Specialized GENIE Shock Tech, Ride Dynamics Trail Tune, 2-position lever w/ LSR adjustment, S1:210x52.5mm, S2-S6:210x55mm
• Brakes: TRP Trail EVO, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc
• Gears: Shimano SLX, M7100, 12spd
• Crankset: Shimano SLX, M7120, 32T ring, 55mm chainline, S1-S3:165mm,S4-S6: 170mm
• WheelsSpecialized, 6000 series alloy, 6-degree upsweep, 8-degree backsweep. S1-S2: 780 width, 20mm rise; S3-S4: 800 width,30mm rise; S5-S6: 800 width, 40mm rise
• Front tire: Butcher, GRID TRAIL casing, GRIPTON T9 compound, 2BlissReady, 29x2.3"
• Rear tire: Eliminator, GRID GRAVITY casing, GRIPTON T9/T7compound, 2Bliss Ready, 27.5x2.3"
• Seatpost: X-Fusion Manic, infinite adjustable, two-bolt head, bottom mount cable routing, remote SLR LE lever, 34.9, S1: 125mm, S2:150mm, S3: 170mm, S4-S6: 190mm
• Saddle: Bridge Comp, Hollow Cr-mo rails, S1-S2: 155mm, S3-S6:143mm
• Bars: Specialized, 6000 series alloy, 6-degree upsweep, 8-degreebacksweep. S1-S2: 780 width, 20mm rise; S3-S4: 800 width,30mm rise; S5-S6: 800 width, 40mm rise
• Stem: Alloy Trail Stem, 35mm bar bore
• Weight: 16.17kg

Stumpjumper 15 Alloy

• Frame: M5 Alloy chassis and rear-end, Trail Geometry, SWAT Door integration, head tube angle adjustment, threaded BB, internal cable routing, 12x148mm dropouts, sealed cartridge bearing pivots, SRAM UDH compatible, 145mm of travel
• Fork: RockShox, Psylo Silver, Motion Control Damper, 15x110 axle,44mm offset, S1:140mm of travel, S2-S6:150mm of travel
• Shock: X-Fusion 02 Pro RL, Ride Dynamics Trail Tune, rebound adjust, lockout S1:210x52.5mm, S2-S6:210x55mm
• Brakes: Shimano, BR-MT420, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 
• Gears: Shimano Deore, M6100, 12spd
• Crankset: Shimano Deore, M6120, 30T ring, 55mm chainline,S1-S3:165mm, S4-S6: 170mm
• Wheels: Specialized Alloy, Tubeless Ready, 29mm internal width, 28h, Front: 29, Rear: S1-S2: 27.5, S3- S6: 29
• Front tire: Butcher, GRID TRAIL casing, GRIPTON T9 compound, 2BlissReady, 29x2.3"
• Rear tire: Eliminator, GRID GRAVITY casing, GRIPTON T9/T7compound, 2Bliss Ready, 27.5x2.3"
• Seatpost: TranzX Dropper, remote SLR LE lever, 34.9, S1: 125mm, S2:150mm, S3: 170mm, S4-S6: 200mm
• Saddle: Bridge, Steel rails, S1-S2: 155mm, S3-S6: 143mm
• Bars: Specialized, 6000 series alloy, 6-degree upsweep, 8-degreebacksweep. S1-S2: 780 width, 20mm rise; S3-S4: 800 width,30mm rise; S5-S6: 800 width, 40mm rise
• Stem: Alloy Trail Stem, 35mm bar bore
• Weight: 16.57kg

Santa Cruz has just revealed the fourth incarnation of its Hightower. Dubbed by the brand as "probably the most versatile bike in our line-up", the latest version gets more travel, a slacker front end, a steeper seat tube, and redesigned VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension. The six-model range starts at $4,999 / £4,899 / €5,499 for the R model, topping out at $10,999 / £9,999 / €11,499 for the XX AXS RSV.

"Built for trails of every kind", the Hightower 4 gets beefed-up hit absorption capabilities with a 10mm increase in fork travel, which takes it to 160mm, while the rear gets a 5mm boost to 150mm.

The overhaul to the fourth-generation VPP suspension system means that, like the latest Bronson, the shock and lower suspension link now sit lower down in the frame. Santa Cruz says this lower position reduces anti-squat to improve traction when pedaling over rough terrain.

As you'd expect, key frame numbers have evolved too, though the changes are very subtle. Depending on whether the frame is in the Hi or Lo geometry setting, the head angle is now a tad slacker at 64.2/63.9 (Hi/Lo) degrees. Santa Cruz says it didn't want to go too slack on the front end as it would negatively affect the handling. The effective seat tube angles across the size proportionate frames are now around a degree steeper than before at around 78 degrees, this is designed to give better positioning on steeper climbs.

Another geo tweak is that the rear center (measurement from the middle of the BB to the middle of the rear axle) has been extended by 2mm to help improve traction. Overall, numbers have grown slightly in most areas of the bike, with reach and stack getting a touch bigger too. Reach on large bike in the Hi suspension setting is 480mm and the stack is 641mm

Santa Cruz says the changes give the new Hightower "a more settled, mature, and confident ride". The brand says though it now has the same suspension capabilities as its mixed wheel Bronson, the Hightower is more efficient while the Bronson is more aggressive. Capability-wise, the longer travel Megatower and Nomad sit about the Hightower, while the 120mm Tallboy sits below it.

Build-wise, Santa Cruz has almost gone with Fox suspension across the entire range (the R model gets a base RockShox Lyrik) with 36 forks ranging from Performance to Factory and Float X shocks to match (the R gets a Fox Rhythm).

All the models come with 29in wheels. The R to XO AXS bikes get Race Face AR30 rims with increasingly fancy hubs from SRAM and DT Swiss as you go up the model range. The two RSV models get Reserve carbon rims with Industry Nine hubs (1/1 on the X) and Hydra on the XX).SRAM drivetrains adorn all the bikes with wired NX and GX gears on the R and S models respectively, then wireless drivetrains from GX to XX across the other bikes. Only the builds (R to GX AXS) with Santa Cruz's slightly less fancy C carbon have plumbing for a gear cable – the fancier CC carbon frames are wireless drivetrain only.

Brakes all come from SRAM too, with DB8 Stealth stoppers on the R and S models, then Mavens of increasing expensiveness as you move up the range. The DB8s come with 200mm rotors at both ends, while the more powerful Mavens only need 180mm discs.

The Hightower 4 comes in two color options – 'Gloss Day Green' and 'Matte Deep Purple'.

SRAM drivetrains adorn all the bikes with wired NX and GX gears on the R and S models respectively, then wireless drivetrains from GX to XX across the other bikes. Only the builds (R to GX AXS) with Santa Cruz's slightly less fancy C carbon have plumbing for a gear cable – the fancier CC carbon frames are wireless drivetrain only.

Brakes all come from SRAM too, with DB8 Stealth stoppers on the R and S models, then Mavens of increasing expensiveness as you move up the range. The DB8s come with 200mm rotors at both ends, while the more powerful Mavens only need 180mm discs.

The Hightower 4 comes in two color options – 'Gloss Day Green' and 'Matte Deep Purple'.

Santa Cruz Hightower 4 model list and US, UK, EU pricing

• Hightower R: $4,999 / £4,899 / €5,499
• Hightower S: $5,899 / £5,699 / £6,399
• Hightower GX AXS: $6,999 / £6,599 / €7,399
• Hightower XO AXS: $7,999 / £7,799 / €8,799
• Hightower XO AXS RSV: $8,999 / £8,799 / €9,999
• Hightower XX AXS RSV: $10,999 / £9,999 / €11,499

Our take

The Hightower has always leaned towards pedaling efficiency over trail capability, but Santa Cruz has moved the dial a couple of clicks back in the other direction. Bigger suspension, better performance on rowdy trails, and steering that's a touch slacker should all boost the bike's tough trail performance.

Our tech ed, Guy Kesteven, was hugely impressed with the Hightower 3 and has just reviewed the latest version, saying: "The new Hightower is hungry for the ever faster and rowdier direction mountain biking is increasingly heading in, but can still climb like a goat and haul ass through the pedals. That makes it a pricey but properly outstanding aggressive all-rounder."

For more, see his full Santa Cruz Hightower 4 XO AXS RSV review.

Tech specs: Santa Cruz Hightower 4

Hightower R

• Frame: C Carbon, 150mm travel
• Fork: Rockshox Lyrik Base 160mm
• Shock: Fox Rhythm
• Drivetrain: SRAM Eagle NX 1x12
• Brakes: SRAM DB8 Stealth 200mm rotors f/r
• Seatpost: SDG Tellis
• Wheels: Race Face AR30 29in rims on SRAM MTH hubs
• Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.5 3C EXO MaxxGrip front, DHR II 29x2.4 3C EXO+ MaxxTerra rear
• Price: $4,999 / £4,899 / €5,499

Hightower GX AXS

• Frame: C Carbon, 150mm travel
• Fork: Fox 36 Performance Elite 160mm
• Shock: Fox Float X Performance Elite
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX AXS Transmission
• Brakes: SRAM Maven Bronze, 180mm rotors f/r
• Seatpost: OneUp V3
• Wheels: Race Face AR30 29in rims on DT Swiss 370 hubs
• Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.5 3C EXO MaxxGrip front, DHR II 29x2.4 3C EXO+ MaxxTerra rear
• Price: $6,999 / £6,599 / €7,399

Hightower XX AXS RSV

• Frame: CC Carbon, 150mm travel
• Fork: Fox 36 Factory 160mm
• Shock: Fox Float X Factory
• Drivetrain: SRAM XX AXS Transmission
• Brakes: SRAM Maven Ultimate, 180mm rotors f/r
• Seatpost: OneUp V3
• Wheels: Reserve 30 HD rims on i9 Hydra hubs
• Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.5 3C EXO MaxxGrip front, DHR II 29x2.4 3C EXO+ MaxxTerra rear
• Price: $10,999 / £9,999 / €11,499

Canyon has released the lightest e-MTB its ever produced. The new Spectral:ONfly combines a TQ HPR50 motor with an e-MTB chassis capable of enduro-level riding, creating what could be its best e-MTB yet.

This isn't Canyon's first lightweight electric mountain bike; it released the Neuron:ONfly earlier this year, which is equipped with a Bosch SX motor. The latest Spectral:ON is Canyon's first bike with a TQ motor – a system that saves considerable weight compared to most leading e-MTB motors. Despite offering more travel and tougher enduro-proof Category 4E strength, the Spectral:ONfly is significantly lighter than the 19.1kg Neuron equivalent, coming in at a claimed 18.1 kg in its lightest configuration.

More than low-weight numbers make the Spectral:ONfly stand out: burly specs, aggressive geometry, and Canyon's K.I.S technology across all four models. 

The Spectral:ONfly 8, Spectral:ONfly 9, Spectral:ONfly CLLCTV, and Spectral:ONfly LTD will be available worldwide except for the US, which will just get the Spectral:ONfly CF 8 and the Spectral:ONfly CF CLLCTV model for now. Sizing goes from XS to XL, while pricing is competitive and starts at €5,599 / £5,199 / €5,599 for the CF 8 model and tops out at €8,999 / £8,349 for the CF LTD. 

Canyon Spectral:ONfly frame and geometry

The Spectral:ONfly frame follows a similar format to the analog Spectral and Spectral:ON, equipped with 160mm front and 150mm rear suspension, mullet wheel setup, and Category 4E frame. 

Geometry is similar too with a capable 65-degree head angle, 76.5-degree seat angle, and 440mm chainstay across all sizes. Reach has been increased by around 10mm across all sizes and the bottom bracket has been lifted by 5mm.

Canyon offer the Spectral:ONfly in four sizes: S, M, L, and XL. Those sizes accommodate riders from 166 cm (5’4”) to 200 cm (6’5”) tall.

There are no flip-chips to change geometry or alter the characteristics of Canyon's Triple Phase, four-bar rear suspension which is said to "smooth over small trail chatter, poppy and efficient thanks to its supportive mid stroke, and bottomless-feeling on the biggest hits."

One significant feature of the Spectral:ONfly is that all models will come equipped with Canyon's K.I.S 2.0 steering system. This is similar to the system first seen on bikes like the Canyon Spectral CF 7 K.I.S and stabilizes handling by recentering the wheel when riding through rough terrain which is claimed to offer predictable handling, filtering out front wheel deflections, and lowering rider fatigue.

The system is adjustable and all bikes will ship with a blanking plate, should riders prefer to hit the trails without K.I.S. 

This is Canyon's first TQ-equipped e-bike. The HPR50 is a compact motor that offers up to 50 Nm of torque and 300 W of power. While this output is less than that of lightweight motors from Bosch and Fazua, TQ's HPR50 motor weighs just 1.85 kg and should give the Spectral a more natural riding feel.

The motor is paired with a 360 Wh battery, which can be boosted by up to 44 percent with TQ’s 160 Wh range extender. Battery range is hard to predict due to various influencing factors; however, Canyon claims it's possible to pedal up to 1,000 meters of elevation gain (based on an 85 kg rider, using 65% mid and 35% eco mode) per charge.

Battery life and other metrics can be monitored via a display in the top tube, and the TQ system can be paired with the TQ smartphone app to tune power settings.

The combo of a compact motor and small battery means the Spectral:ONfly has a very svelte frame shape that's almost indistinguishable from the unpowered Spectral.

Our take...

While it could be easy to write off the Canyon Spectral:ONfly as yet another sub-20kg eMTB in a sea of lightweight eMTBs. Not only could this be the best lightweight e-MTB that Canyon makes, but the specs and features like K.I.S mean the Spectral:ONfly stands out amongst the competition.

The Spectral:ONfly is claimed to weigh between 18.1kg and 19.5kg depending on which build you choose, it's not enough to better something like Scott's Voltage eRIDE 900 SL which is claimed to weigh just 17.9kg. That said, lower in the range, the Spectral:ONfly CF 8 is lighter, cheaper, and better specced than the equivalent Scott Voltage eRIDE 920.

For further comparison, Trek's eXE with 150mm/140mm of travel is said to weigh 17.47kg, and Mondraker's extremely expensive NEAT RR SL with 160mm/150mm at 17.9 kg, both of which use the same TQ motor. YT's Decoy SN MX Core 2 comes in at 20.4kg and the Trek Slash+ 9.7 SLX/XT is said to weigh 20.38kg, although these are designed to be full-on 170mm enduro bikes. For an idea of how it compares to Bosch SX powered bikes, the Whyte E-Lyte 150 RSX comes in at 18.9kg and Haibike Lyke SE at 18.5kg. 

Canyon Spectral:ONfly release, pricing and spec

Canyon kicks things off with the Spectral:ONfly 8 that's priced at €5,599 / £5,199 / $5,999 and equipped with RockShox suspension, Shimano drivetrain and SunRingle wheelset. The Spectral:ONfly 9 gets Fox suspension and upgrades to an XT groupset and DT Swiss wheels. The Spectral:ONfly CLLCTV is the burliest build with Fox 38 forks, rather than Fox 36, SRAM GX Eagle Transmission wireless drivetrain, SRAM Code Silver Stealth brakes, and DT Swiss HX1700 LS wheelset. Finally, there is the Spectral:ONfly CF LTD with Fox Factory suspension, SRAM XX Eagle, SRAM Code Ultimate Stealth, and Reynolds Blacklabel Expert wheels.

All markets outside of the United States will be able to choose from all of the Spectral:ONfly CF models from September 12th. Canyon USA will offer a smaller product line, both the Spectral:ONfly CF 8 and CF CLLCTV models will be available for consumers in the States, beginning the first week of October.

• Motor: TQ HPR 50 (300 W, 50 Nm)
• Battery options: TQ HPR V01 Battery (360 Wh )
• Fork: Fox 36 Factory, 160mm
• Shock: FOX Float X Factory
• Drivetrain: SRAM XX Eagle Transmission, 12-speed
• Brakes: SRAM Code Ultimate Stealth (200/200 mm)
• Wheels: Reynolds Blacklabel Expert
• Tires: F: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 Maxxterra, EXO, R: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 Maxxterra, EXO+
• Seatpost: Canyon G5 Dropper
• Cockpit: Canyon ON AL HB0057, 35 mm clamp (760 mm S, 780 mm M-XL)
• Colors: Dark Matter (P04)
• Bike weight: 18.3kg
• Sizes: S –XL
• Price: €8,999 / £8,349

Canyon Spectral:ONfly CFR LTD

• Motor: TQ HPR 50 (300 W, 50 Nm)
• Battery options: TQ HPR V01 Battery (360 Wh )
• Fork: Fox 38 Performance Elite (160 mm)
• Shock: Fox Float X Performance
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission, 12-speed
• Brakes: SRAM Code Silver Stealth (200/200 mm)
• Wheels: DT Swiss HX1700 LS
• Tires: F: Maxxis Assegai 2.5 Maxxterra, EXO, R: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 Maxxterra, EXO+
• Seatpost: Canyon G5 Dropper
• Cockpit: Canyon ON AL HB0057, 35 mm clamp (760 mm S, 780 mm M-XL)
• Colors: Stadtwald Sunset (P03)
• Bike weight: 19.5kg
• Sizes: S –XL
• Price: €7,299 / $7,499 / £6,799

Canyon Spectral:ON CLLCTV 

• Motor: TQ HPR 50 (300 W, 50 Nm)
• Battery options: TQ HPR V01 Battery (360 Wh )
• Fork: Fox 36 Performance, 160mm
• Shock: FOX DPS Performance
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT, 12-speed
• Brakes: Shimano Deore XT (203/203 mm)
• Wheels: DT Swiss H1900 LS
• Tires: F: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 Maxxterra, EXO, R: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 Maxxterra, EXO+
• Seatpost: Canyon G5 Dropper
• Cockpit: Canyon ON AL HB0057, 35 mm clamp (760 mm S, 780 mm M-XL)
• Colors: Stealth (P01), Barely Olive (P02) 
• Bike weight: 18.8kg
• Sizes: S –XL
• Price: €6,299 / £5,849

Canyon Spectral:ONfly 9

Canyon Spectral:ON CF 8

• Motor: TQ HPR 50 (300 W, 50 Nm)
• Battery options: TQ HPR V01 Battery (360 Wh )
• Fork: RockShox Lyrik Select, 160mm
• Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore, 12-speed
• Brakes: SRAM Code R
• Wheels: Sunringle Trail Expert 329/327
• Tires: F: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 Maxxterra, EXO, R: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 Maxxterra, EXO+
• Seatpost: Canyon G5 Dropper
• Cockpit: Canyon ON AL HB0057, 35 mm clamp (760 mm S, 780 mm M-XL)
• Colors: Stealth (P01), Barely Olive (P02) 
• Bike weight: 18.9kg
• Sizes: S –XL
• Price: €5,599 / $5,999 / £5,199

The EX Enduro returned over the weekend for its eighth edition. Three days of enduro racing amongst the Exmoor hills awaited the 80 competitors, plus a few riders from the main sponsors, Merida, and MTB media such as ourselves.

The total number of riders is kept deliberately small which helps promote a friendly vibe as faces become familiar over the three days of racing. Smaller numbers of tire tracks means a lower impact on the local environment too.

The weather didn't exactly play ball for last year's EX Enduro, so fingers were crossed for this year. However, while the forecast conditions looked promising earlier in the week, as the event became nearer heavy rain looked set to hit. Mud and slippery roots were a certainty as it rained hard the night before the first day of proceedings. Heavy rain was also predicted to hit during the first race day too.

As it turned out, the weather more-or-less played ball for Friday's afternoon of competition which comprised of five stages. The first of them was non-competitive – which helped to get everyone warmed up and in tune with the slippery conditions ahead.

After a few hours of slip-sliding in the mud, riders got some time to rest up before the second round of racing of the day – the night stages. Sponsored by Exposure Lights, the brand helpfully issued bar and helmet lights to those who needed them. While the skies remained dry for the first stage (which was epic), they properly opened after that. Stair rods of rain battered down and bow waves of spray were coming off front wheels, so visibility was at a premium for stages two and three. The tricky conditions made the BBQ, beers and DJs awaiting us at the end of the final stage even more welcome as the curtain came down on an awesome day's racing despite the wet finale.

After a very sodden end to Friday, spirits were buoyed by a brighter start to Saturday, with the sun even making guest appearances now and then for good measure. With 10 race stages and over 1,850m of descents (yes, that meant a lot of ups too), Saturday is known as the 'big day' for good reason.

Things kicked off with some steep singletrack that's not often accessible to the public (it also appears in the Southwest Enduro Series), then across the A39 to the woods that are home to many of the EX's stages. 

Midway through the day was the incredibly fantastic vintage tea stop, which is arguably the best feed station on the planet. Where else can you get fed and watered mid-race with tea served in china cups and saucers, or snacks and sandwiches served on tiered cake stands?

A new stage on Saturday afternoon definitely divided opinion. Dubbed the 'Pain Cave', stage eight consisted of at least as much up as down, which saw many riders having to push their bikes up the steeply ramped finish to complete. A hornet's nest at the end of the stage meant a bonus bit of climbing too, as the marshall clocking finish times had moved further up the hill to stay away from the flying beasties. A dinner party awaited us on Saturday night with live music and competitive roller racing for those hardy riders with energy still left in their legs.

More heavy rain was forecast for Sunday and riders were keen to load their bikes onto the uplift vans to begin the day's racing before it got too wet. The increasingly sketchy conditions meant that the first stage was removed from the schedule, which left five competitive stages for the riders to negotiate in the testing conditions. The tough conditions didn't seem to dent riding spirits though and while it may well have been type two fun, the stoke was still high at the end of the day.

So that was it, another EX Enduro completed. All that was left was to hand out the prizes to the winners and hit the road. Many thanks to organisers Mike, Paul and their team who had put on a stellar event as always and the race stages were properly brilliant. Roll on next year for more of the same!

EX Enduro 2024 winners

Open female

• 1. Rachael Gurney
• 2. Amy Jones
• 3. Natasha Litherland

Open male

• 1. Luke Teare
• 2. Nick Horsley
• 3. Luke Paterson

Vets male

• 1. Guy Chandler
• 2. David Valler
• 3. Stuart Brereton

Grand vets male

• 1. Mick Kirkman
• 2. Graham Sheldon
• 3. Ian Sanders

E-bike

• 1. Sam Shucksmith
• 2. Simon Wakely
• 3. Liam Mason

GoPro has launched the Hero13 Black – the latest update to its long-standing best MTB action camera range and although the updates aren't exactly groundbreaking there are a few eye-catching load features to get mountain biking creators and budding adventure film-makers excited.

From the outside not much has changed, the Hero13 is identical in size to previous models with external dimensions of 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6mm, and even with a larger capacity battery squeezed in the weight gain is negligible at 159g compared to 154g on the Hero12. 

Inside the performance is pretty much identical too, there’s no 8K video or larger sensor. So Hero13 has the same excellent-quality 5.3K video and for stills they remain the same with 27MP photos delivering crisp detail and cinematic image quality with High Dynamic Range (HDR).

The Hero13 has the award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization. HyperSmooth already set the bar for steady footage and the Hero13 continues to maximize HyperSmooth with AutoBoost, so even the shakiest footage comes out silky smooth.

So with all that being the same as Hero12 what's new? I had a look over the finer details to find out...

Improved battery life

One of my main gripes with previous GoPro models has always been the battery performance. GoPro with recent models has improved this with the Enduro battery and the step forward continues with the new Enduro Battery with a higher-capacity – 1900mAh battery (compared to the previous 1720mAh) which is claimed to give longer runtimes in all conditions, from hot to cold. 

So that equates to more than 2.5 hours of continuous recording at 1080p or over 1.5 hours at 4K and 5.3K. One slight annoyance is that the new Enduro battery is not backwards-compatible and older versions are not forward-compatible – so there is more outlay if you like to have extra batteries.

There is also a new magnetic attachment for the charging cable on the outside of the camera which now makes charging a breeze. It removes another moan of mine from previous models – the need to open the vulnerable door that would always pop off when opening for charging or changing batteries (you do still have to open it to change the battery.)

Magnetic mounting

The Hero13 now has super useful magnetic mounting and this has to be one of the key improvements for mountain bikers. GoPro has finally added this feature which has been around for a while on some of the best action cameras like the Insta360 X4. 

The Hero13 magnetic mount allows for swift attachment and detachment of your GoPro without the need for thumbscrews and buckles. You can easily snap it in and out of place, so checking footage before your next run on the uplift has never been easier. It also offers the option to use the traditional interlocking ‘clevis’ mount and a standard tripod thread for versatility.

HB-Series Lenses

GoPro introduced its Max Mod lens attachments on the Hero12 and for Hero13 it has added new lens accessories.

For mountain bikers, the ND Filters are very appealing. GoPro says that by attaching one of these neutral density (ND) filters the Hero13 will auto-detect and shift into Auto Cinematic video mode – which enables users to create footage with motion blur making you look even faster than ever. In more practical terms the ND filters also reduce light hitting the sensor. So for those bright days and for shooting helmet or chest-mounted POV footage the shutter speed and exposure settings can be fine-tuned to suit any lighting for quality footage no matter the conditions.

The Macro Lens is also another interesting option and allows for close-up detailed focusing. This lens means you can focus on objects 4x closer than the standard lens, and for mountain bikers who like to see components in action while riding – like suspension travel, it'll be a really useful addition. Equally handy for doing detailed bike checks too.

The Ultra Wide Lens Mod expands carries over from Hero12 and expands the Hero13's field of view (FOV) to 177° which is 36% wider and 48% taller than shots captured with its standard lens, so for mountain bikers it's perfect for capturing more of the action. It also maximizes HyperSmooth performance for superb video stabilization.

Finally, the new anamorphic lens will give those MTB influencers and vloggers even more creative power and GoPro claims it's the easiest way to capture cinematic, ultra wide-angle footage without distortion. It also delivers the 21:9 aspect ratio used in feature films, and cinematic lens flares to add a pro-quality result to your footage – so recording your epic fails will now have Oscar-winning quality.

The HB-Series lenses range all come at an additional cost with various bundles and options available to choose from. GoPro adds that all the lenses are durable, scratch-resistant, and waterproof when installed.

GPS data

GPS was missing from the Hero12 Black, but it's back for the Hero13 and gives an extra creative addition to the footage. Using the GoPro Quik app it's possible to overlay telemetry data as real-time animated graphics to edits and display location, speed, altitude, maps, and more.

This looks like a very cool addition but using GPS will put an extra drain on the battery.

GoPro Hero13 Black camera pricing

The GoPro Hero 13 Black is available to order directly at GoPro priced at $399 / £399. 

The lens kits are available to buy priced as follows: Ultra Wide Lens Mod is $99.99 /£99.99. The ND-Filter 4-pack is $69.99 / £69.99, the Macro Lens Mod is $129.99 / £129.99 and the Anamorphic Lens Mod is $129.99 / £129.99.

GoPro has numerous bundles available at various price points with more information found at GoPro.com.

GoPro Hero13 Black spec

• Dimensions: 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm
• Weight: 159g
• Rear Display Size: 2.27” Color LCD
• Front Display Size: 1.4” Color LCD
• Max video resolution: 5.3K@60 / 4K@120, 5.3K@30 8:7 / 4K@60 8:7
• Image stabilization: HyperSmooth 6.0
• Max photo resolution: 27MP
• Maximum video bit rate: up to 120Mbps (5.3K / 4K)
• Built-in GPS: Yes
• Battery: Removable 1900mAh
• Battery life: Up to 2.5 hours
• Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C
• Price: $399 / £399

Fulcrum has released two new trail wheelsets, the Metal Carbon and Metal ALX. Up until now, the Fulcrum had focused almost entirely on XC riding and e-MTB with only the Red Metal 5 wheels catering to trail riders. The new Metal Carbon and Metal ALX add performance and budget options for trail riders and lightweight e-MTBers.

Fulcrum has been steadily growing its best mountain bike wheel range adding a new flagship Red Zone Carbon + XC carbon wheelset at the end of last year. Prior to that, Fulcrum shored up its budget MTB wheel offerings with the Red Zone 5 and Red Metal 5.

The Italian wheel manufacturer has now turned its attention to its Metal wheel range, releasing two new trail bike wheelsets. The slightly confusingly named flagship Metal Carbon and a budget-focused Metal ALX.

The Metal Carbon is built around a proprietary FF80 carbon fiber rim with a wide 32mm inner diameter which Fulcrum claims is the optimal width to support 2.4 to 2.6in tires. The rim uses a double Carbon NIP(PLE) Force asymmetric spoke pattern (6 mm on one side and 3.5 on the other) that was introduced on the Red Zone Carbon XC wheel and is claimed to offer "greater resistance to stresses".

The 6069 aluminum rim of the Metal ALX is narrower at 30mm and shallower at 18.6mm than the carbon rim. Fulcrum has CNC machined the rim in between the spokes to save weight.

Both wheels spin around Fulcrum's low-flange cup and cone bearing hubs and are built up using 24 double-butted steel spokes up front and 28 on the rear. Hubs are compatible with XD, Microspline, and HG freehub standards but the Metal Carbon will only be sold with either XD or Microspline. A steel freewheel body version of the wheelset will also be available as OEM spec for light e-MTBs (maximum torque 60 Nm, total rider+bike weight 125 kg), although Fulcrum doesn't confirm whether this will be available aftermarket.

The claimed weight of the Fulcrum Metal Carbon is a respectable 1,550g for the XDR version while the Fulcrum Metal ALX is stated to weigh 1,860 g in the XDR version. There is a rider weight limit on these, the maximum total weight of the system (rider and bike) is 125 kg. 

Pricing starts at $605 / £742 / €650 for the Metal ALX or $1,872 / £1,525 / €1,640 for the Metal Carbon wheels. For more details, head over to Fulcrumwheels.com.

Trek has released the Gen 3 Procaliber. The latest version of Trek's best hardtail mountain bike features three carbon models with updates that include increased fork travel, wider tire clearance, lighter weight, and updated geometry. The highlight according to Trek is the new IsoBow technology which replaces the IsoSpeed decoupling technology seen in previous models.

IsoBow is said to continue Trek's focus on compliance and is claimed to give equivalent seated compliance to the previous IsoSpeed speed system. Rather than decouple the top tube and seat tube, Trek reduces the weight by utilizing the flex of carbon fiber which is said smooth out trail imperfections.

Trek also says this is achieved by constructing the bike with lengthened seat stays that extend past the seat tube and the new Procaliber, to put it bluntly, now has a massive-looking hole where the seat stays join the top tube. This new design is claimed to allow for more seat stay flex to soak up vibrations and also means the frame now weighs a claimed 150g less than the Gen 2.

Trek claims the Procaliber is a hardtail cross-country bike designed to cater to a wide range of riders, from novices to elite racers. However, in line with the many rival brand's top-level XC hardtails, the Gen 3 Procaliber places "greater emphasis on lightweight design over comfort" when compared to the best full-suspension mountain bikes. 

The new models do see an increase in front fork travel from 100mm to 120mm which is pretty much in keeping with the majority of cross-country hardtails and RockShox provides the forks in their various guises depending on the model chosen.

Trek also says the emphasis is on better handling over stability and aims to give a rider increased speed and confidence. Trek says this is achieved mostly in the geometry changes made between the Gen 2 and Gen 3 bikes. The modernized geometry features a slacker 67-degree head angle compared to the 68.8-degree angle and the seat tube angle steepened to 74.3 degrees from 73.8 degrees aimed to give riders a more efficient pedaling position. The Reach has increased with a 10mm growth to 460mm in a size large.

Elsewhere the new Procaliber models now have a floating brake rotor mount similar to Trek’s full-suspension Trek Supercaliber, and the mount is said to isolate braking forces from the seat stay flex to increase comfort and provide more consistent braking. Procaliber also gets more tire clearance – up to 2.4-inch to accommodate the best XC mountain bike tires.

Pricing and specification

Trek has launched the Gen 3 with three carbon options to choose from which are the 9.5, 9.6, 9.7 AXS and frameset. It's worth noting this is for the UK and EU only with North American Trek riders only getting the choice of the Procaliber 9.5 and a frameset. Prices range from £4,250 to £1,950 for complete bikes and in the US the available model complete bike is $2,499 with the frameset priced at $1,999 / £1,400.

The new Procaliber alloy version will replace the outgoing X-Caliber and also gets many of the changes found on the carbon bike but as an aluminum framed bike, it doesn't benefit from IsoBow but gets the 120mm suspension forks and geometry tweaks with exact specs and pricing yet to be confirmed.

Further information can be found at Trek.com or in the YouTube video below.

Trek Procaliber 9.7 AXS spec

• Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, IsoBow
• Fork: RockShox SID, 120mm
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle AXS
• Shifters: SRAM AXS Pod
• Bar: Bontrager RSL MTB Carbon Handlebar/Stem
• Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle
• Seatpost: Bontrager Line Dropper
• Saddle: Verse Short Elite
• Brakes: SRAM Level Bronze 4-piston 180mm F/R
• Wheels: Bontrager Kovee Elite Carbon 30
• Tires: Bontrager Sainte-Anne RSL
• Color: Carbon Red Smoke
• Sizes: S-XL
• Price: $N/A / £4,250

Trek Procaliber 9.6 spec

• Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, IsoBow
• Fork: RockShox Reba RL, 120mm
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT M8100
• Shifters: Shimano SLX M7100
• Bar: Bontrager Comp alloy
• Crankset: E*thirteen Helix core
• Seatpost: Bontrager Line Dropper
• Saddle: Verse Short Elite
• Brakes: Shimano hydraulic disc, MT501
• Wheels: Bontrager Kovee Comp 25
• Tires: Bontrager Sainte-Anne Pro XR
• Color: Dark Web
• Sizes: S-XL
• Price: $N/A / £2,350

Trek Procaliber 9.5 spec

• Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, IsoBow
• Fork: RockShox Judy GOLD, 120mm
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore M6100
• Shifters: Shimano Deore M6100
• Bar: Bontrager Comp alloy
• Crankset: Shimano MT512
• Seatpost: Bontrager Line Dropper
• Saddle: Verse Short Elite
• Brakes: Shimano hydraulic disc, MT200
• Wheels: Bontrager Kovee
• Tires: Bontrager Sainte-Anne Pro XR
• Color: Purple Flip/Hex Blue or Lava
• Sizes: S-XL
• Price: $2,499 / £1,950

Voodoo Bikes have always been among the best bargain mountain bikes for riders getting into off-road riding on a tight budget. The all-new Canzo full suspension bikes launching today are significantly more expensive than they used to be, but you’re getting a lot more bike now. 

That means they’re not just for beginners, but serious shredders that the Voodoo team says are ready for bike park or off-piste action. The totally up-to-date frame design and high durability, brand name components make them a proper long-term investment not just a disposable gateway bike too.

All new frame

Both Canzo bikes get the same totally new butted 6061 alloy chassis with internal cable routing, Boost rear axle spacing, down tube bottle cage mount, and even a UDH hanger. The 140mm of travel comes via a classic four-bar rocker link set up with a rear pivot on the chainstay, 65-degree head angle, 77.5-degree seat angle short seat tubes, and reach measurements of 433mm, 455mm and 478mm on S, M, and L frames respectively create a promising handling dynamic too.

Basic black 10 speed or pimpin' 12 speed builds

The Canzo complete bikes come in two versions, the basic Canzo and the Canzo Pro. Paying £1400 for the Canzo gets you a RockShox 35 Silver R fork and RockShox Deluxe Select rear shock, with Shimano CUES 1x10 gears and MT201 Hydraulic Disc brakes. You get Maxxis Forekaster 29x2.4 on broad tubeless-ready wheels too, so the only obvious thing missing is a dropper post.

Paying another £400 for the Canzo Pro earns you a RockShox Pike Select fork, RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock, Shimano Deore 1x12 gears, and MT401. The tire/wheel spec gets more aggressive too with a Maxxis Minion DHR II / Maxxis Dissector combo on WTB wheels. You get a dropper as standard too, as well as pimpin’ blue-purple paintwork.

Buy now or wait for what we say

Bikes are available from Halfords and Tredz right now but if you want to know what our expert tester Guy Kesteven thinks of the bike before you buy, he’ll be meeting the design team and getting a ride sample ready to hit the trails next week.

Red Bull has announced this year's Rampage roster ahead of the iconic freeride mountain biking event which takes place on the 10th and 12th of October 2024. For the first time in Rampage history, the top female riders join the party and attempt to tame the jagged ridgelines and cliffs of the unforgiving Southwestern Utah desert.

The 18th edition of the event will see eighteen male riders – including returning four-time winner Brandon Semenuk – and eight female riders compete over two days. The women are up first on Thursday, October 10th followed by the men on Saturday, October 12th.

Red Bull says that for the inaugural women’s competition athletes were selected by a committee of former Red Bull Rampage competitors, pro athletes, judges and industry experts based on a criteria that looked at a combination of recent competition results, video submissions, and overall ability.

Pre-qualified rider Hannah Bergemann said, "I’m so honored and excited to get to be a part of the first-ever women’s competition at Red Bull Rampage. Red Bull Rampage is the pinnacle event of freeride mountain biking, and I'm so excited for women to have a platform on this stage. I can’t wait to see everyone compete. This will elevate the sport and continue to open doors for the next generation of female mountain bikers."

For the uninitiated, Red Bull Rampage is like no other freeride MTB competition, with riders and their crews building their own lines with huge jumps and drops. The Utah desert terrain pushes dig crews and riders to the very limit. This year's event returns to the same legendary zone that was used last year and has been the stage for some of Red Bull Rampage's most iconic moments in the past.

Only invited riders can compete, and this year's roster is stacked with the world's best freeriders. The men's lineup is loaded with former winners and last year's top three riders Cam Zink, Tom Van Steenbergen and Carson Storch are all eye-catching names. Spaniard Bienvenido Aguado Alba is also back and the Red Bull Rampage 2023 Best Trick and People's Choice winner will be looking to match his incredible run or even better it.

There's no Gee Atherton after his horrific crash last year that saw him suffer skull fractures and damaged vertebrae during race practice. The real excitement for fans is the return of four-time winner Semenuk who missed out last year due to an event schedule clash. Semenuk is sure to be fired up and will be looking to grab another title.

Flying the flag for the female riders are recognised names who appeared at Red Bull Hardline Tasmania earlier in the year including Bergemann, Camila Nogueira and Jess Blewitt.

However, there's no place for Tasmania Hardline winner Gracey Hemstreet who is recovering from injury or the UK's Tahnee Seagrave.

2024 Red Bull Rampage Male Roster

• Pre-Qualified Males: 
• Cam Zink (USA)
• Tom Van Steenbergen (CAN)
• Carson Storch (USA)
• Brendan Fairclough (GBR)
• Talus Turk (USA)
• Kyle Strait (USA)
• Emil Johansson (SWE)
• Bienvenido Aguado Alba (ESP)

• Male Wildcard Invites: 
• Adolf Silva (ESP)
• Brandon Semenuk (CAN)
• Clemens Kaudela (AUT)
• Kurt Sorge (CAN)
• Luke Whitlock (USA)
• Reed Boggs (USA)
• Szymon Godziek (POL)
• Thomas Genon (BEL)
• Tom Isted (GBR)
• Tyler McCaul (USA)

• Male Alternates:
• Ethan Nell (USA)
• DJ Brandt (USA)
• Jaxson Riddle (USA)
• Hayden Zablotny (USA)
• Dylan Stark (USA)

2024 Red Bull Rampage Female Roster

• Pre-Qualified Females:
• Camila Nogueira (ARG)
• Casey Brown (CAN)
• Hannah Bergemann (USA)
• Jess Blewitt (NZL)
• Robin Goomes (NZL)
• Vaea Verbeeck (CAN)
• Vero Sandler (UK)
• Vinny Armstrong (NZL)

• Female Alternates:
• Harriet Burbidge-Smith (AUS) 
• Chelsea Kimball (USA) 
• Georgia Astle (CAN) 
• Micayla Gatto (CAN)

ESPN+ will exclusively stream the event in the U.S., and the competition will be available live on Red Bull TV in all other countries. Following the live show, the complete event will be available on-demand on both ESPN+ and Red Bull TV.

To stay up to date on the latest Red Bull Rampage information, including venue details, ESPN+ and Red Bull TV tune-in times, and spectator info, follow @RedBullBike and visit the Red Bull Rampage website. 

Fox has released its first wireless electronic dropper post, the Transfer Neo features an unusual battery layout for added clearance, and a claimed actuation time of just 26 milliseconds from lever press to post movement.

Several of the best dropper posts have already opted for an electronic design, foregoing cables for a cleaner cockpit and simplified fitment. Fox wanted to make its dropper post feel instantaneous in action, to achieve this Fox developed its own wireless protocol. The signal is called Neo and Fox claims to be "over 100x faster than Bluetooth and 20x faster than our closest competitor" giving the Transfer Neo a reaction time of just 26 milliseconds.

The post is driven by a Coreless 7V Motor with Fox-customized steel planetary gears to increase durability. Unlike other wireless droppers, Fox has positioned the Transfer Neo’s battery and wireless controller on the top of the outer tube rather than underneath the saddle.

It might not be the sleekest position however Fox says this position improves tire clearance and maintains the ISO-recommended 6mm of clearance between tire and battery. This alternative packaging has allowed Fox to offer the Transfer Neo in a 200mm length, in comparison RockShox Reverb AXS and Magura Vyron max out at 170mm and match the KS Lev Circuit at 200mm. Stack height is reduced too, the 47mm stack height is only 11mm more than a standard Transfer (measured from the bottom of the controller to the center of saddle rails).

Battery life is stated to be between 30 to 40 hours depending on the frequency of dropper post-actuation. The post takes around 1.25 hr to 1.5 hours to charge via USB-A to USB-C cable (supplied).

Fox has based the new Transfer Neo around the same architecture as the 2025 Transfer released earlier this year. Static sealing should reduce friction and air loss and separate air and oil chambers stop the two from mixing. You can also tune the return rate of the dropper post by increasing the air pressure too.

Fox has developed a new lever focusing on giving a familiar feel but a shorter throw. The shifter uses a standard 22.2mm, Matchmaker, and I-Spec EV clamp options and uses a compact design to sit just 36mm below the handlebar. The shifter uses CR2032 battery and is expected to last for around a year. if your shifter runs out of battery mid-ride, the post can be manually activated by pressing and holding the pair button.

The Fox Bike app gives an overview of Transfer Neo components, through the app you can update firmware and activate useful features like Bike Park Mode, Transport Mode, and monitor service interval tracking. Rather than measuring by hours, Fox recommends a service after 8,000 actuations and the app will send you a notification when a service is due. Fox also says the app will display service pricing and details, with the ability to create a service request or pinpoint nearby service locations.

The Transfer Neo will be available in the Kashima coated Factory series and an OEM-only Performance Elite level post. The Transfer comes in three seat tube diameters; 30.9 / 31.6 / 34.9mm and five lengths between 100mm to 200mm. Weight ranges from 528g for the 30.9 diameter 100mm post up to 800g for the 34.9 diameter 200mm. 

The Transfer Neo Factory dropper will cost $859 USD / $1149 CAD / €1100 and includes Transfer Neo Post, Lever, Battery, Charger, Cable, and clamping options.

If you need spares, a battery costs $79 USD / $106 CAD / €76.75 and a spare charger and cable: $49 USD / $69 CAD / €61.25.

Our take...

With many components going electronic, it's unsurprising that Fox has released a wireless dropper post. Fox has plenty of experience in dropper post design and the Transfer Neo has some great features, specifically tire clearance and max 200mm length, that set it apart from other options. 

One interesting snippet from the press release is Fox's mention that the Fox-specific battery will be "compatibility for future Neo products". While there is no official indication as to what these products are, it's probably a safe bet that Fox is referring to a new version of Live Valve.

I unearthed a Fox Active Valve patent last year which outlined some interesting innovations that could be around the corner. There are a lot of interesting ideas and the release of the Transfer Neo could be the beginning of a new suspension ecosystem from Fox.

Kona has announced the release of two new long-travel e-MTB's, the Remote 160 DL and Remote X. It's been four years since Kona last announced an e-MTB and to bring the new Remote bikes in line with the best electric mountain bikes Kona has given them a complete redesign.

Both the Remote 160 DL and Remote X follow the same design cues as the recently released third-generation Process to boost the Remote's performance. Suspension kinematics have been updated to improve small bump performance and greater bottom-out resistance. Although both bikes ship with air shocks, they are also coil-shock compatible too. Shorter seat tubes give more standover clearance and are uninterrupted to give deeper post insertion for longer travel dropper post compatibility. Kona also says that the water bottle clearance has been vastly improved too.

The Remote X and Remote 160 DL target different types of riding. Kona says the Remote 160 DL is an electric version of the Process 153 aimed at enduro-style riding, sporting 160mm of travel front and rear. The Remote X ups the suspension travel to 180mm to take on the gnarliest terrain. Interestingly Kona has opted for 29-inch wheels front and rear on the Remote, rather than using a smaller 27.5-inch rear wheel setup like most other e-MTBs.

Both bikes have the same reach, chainstay, and seat tube angle numbers, set at 480mm reach for a large, 440mm chainstay, and around 77 degrees depending on the size. The Remote 160 DL features a 64.5-degree head angle whereas the Remote X is a degree slacker.  

Despite their different purposes, both bikes are powered by the same Shimano EP8 motor and powered by a 612Wh battery. There's a new two-material battery cover on the bottom of the downtube to protect the battery from weather, debris, and impacts. The battery is also securely held in place with two M5 screws to ensure the battery isn't jettisoned mid-ride.

Our take

A long overdue update for Kona's e-MTB range and a promising sign that Kona's future is stronger now that the Canadian brand is back in the hands of Dan Gerhard and Jake Heilbron. 

Tech specs: Kona Remote

Kona Remote 160 DL

• Price: $TBC / £TBC / €TBC
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Frame: Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted 160mm Travel
• Fork: RockShox Zeb Select + Charger RC 2.1 DebonAir 160mm Tapered 110 Spacing
• Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select
• Motor: Shimano EP800 20MPH / 25KPH (Depending on regional specification)
• Battery: Darfon 612Wh
• Brakes: SRAM Code R, 220 front/200mm rear rotors
• Gears: SRAM GX Eagle 
• Crankset: Shimano XT 
• Wheels: WTB HTZ i30 TCS 2.0
• Front tire: Maxxis Assegai DD TR 3C 29x2.5" WT
• Rear tire: Maxxis Minion DHR II DD TR 3C 29x2.4" WT
• Seatpost: TranzX Dropper +RAD Internal 31.6mm
• Saddle: WTB Volt 
• Bars: Kona XC/BC 35
• Stem: Kona XC/BC 35

Kona Remote X

• Price: $TBC / £TBC / €TBC
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Frame: Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted 160mm Travel
• Fork: Fox 38 Performance 180mm Tapered 110 Spacing
• Shock: Fox Float X Performance Elite
• Motor: Shimano EP800 20MPH / 25KPH (Depending on regional specification)
• Battery: Darfon 612Wh
• Brakes: Shimano SLX, 220 front/203mm rear rotors
• Gears: Shimano Deore
• Crankset: Shimano XT 
• Wheels: WTB HTZ i30 TCS 2.0
• Front tire: Maxxis Assegai DD TR 3C 29x2.5" WT
• Rear tire: Maxxis Assegai DD TR 3C 29x2.5" WT
• Seatpost: TranzX Dropper +RAD Internal 31.6mm
• Saddle: WTB Volt 
• Bars: Kona XC/BC 35
• Stem: Kona XC/BC 35

Canyon has launched two brand new cycling helmets that use a retention system that it claims to be a game-changing move.  The system is called HighBar and it uses plastic arms paired with a dial closure system to replace the traditional straps and buckles found in most of the best MTB helmets.

The system used on the Disruptr CFR and Stingr CFR helmets is claimed to offer benefits including a more secure fit (and, therefore, improved protection) better aerodynamics than a trad-strapped lid, more efficient cooling and less wind noise.

So by removing the traditional fit system has Canyon changed cycling helmets forever or fixed something that doesn't need fixing? 

What caught my eye immediately with these helmets is that the fit system – which I think looks rather unsightly and awkward – breaks the unwritten rule regarding wearing sunglasses on the bike!

The best mountain bike sunglasses are always worn with the arms over the helmet strapping, mostly because it's more comfortable, under means the strapping presses the arms into your head when tightened, and in a crash, they are likely to fly away from the face and eyes easily, but also just because it's way cooler looking!

Putting this tongue-in-cheek sunglasses issue to one side, why has Canyon changed something that's worked perfectly well in helmets forever? I had a look into the more serious claims to see what these premium-priced helmets have to offer, and if they can match up to some of the other leading helmets from rival brands.

For mountain bikers and most gravel riders, aerodynamics are not often top of the list when choosing the best off-road helmets. However, adequate cooling and precise fit are, and if Canyon's claims of watt-saving performance are true, getting faster is an obvious added benefit.  

Precision fit system details

The HighBar system is claimed to offer a "secure, precise, and user-friendly helmet experience with a simple twist of a dial". We are all used to the traditional strap system, with a correct fit achieved easily by adjusting the length of the strap, and ensuring the helmet is securely attached to your head. 

The HighBar system has only one point of adjustment and once the strap is rotated down beneath your chin (it flips up when not in use, for easier storage) it's a claimed simple twist of the dial clockwise will tighten and counter-clockwise will loosen. 

As well as a claimed perfect fit every time, it's also designed to offer easy, one-handed adjustment and a customized fit too.

It does look unusual but HighBar is keen to point out that they are "helmet industry experts who are re-inventing fit and retention to optimize the fit and performance of every helmet, for every rider, every time."

Safety, cooling and noise reduction

Canyon claims that the new CFR helmets will keep you cooler and will deliver a quieter performance than rival helmets. The Disruptr CFR is the all-rounder of the two aimed at XC, gravel and road riders, while the Stingr CFR is the dedicated aero helmet – both feature the MIPS Air Node crash protection system.

I'd be interested to know how the plastic retention system performs in a crash and whether they break away or are soft enough not to do damage, it does raise a question for me as the traditional material strapping performs perfectly well.

The helmets are also designed to keep you cooler as the plastic retention system is designed not to touch the rider’s skin.  Canyon claims that testing showed a reduction in skin surface temperature of 4.8ºC (40.6ºF) on areas where normal straps would usually make contact with flesh.

Wind tunnel tests have shown that the HighBar System can also reduce sound levels at the ears (6-7.5dB) compared to conventional helmet straps. That said, if you take the time to correctly set up any helmet there shouldn't be any flapping straps to make excessive noise.

Watts for free?

Canyon says that in its wind-tunnel testing HighBar system reduced drag and therefore saved valuable watts. 

In its tests on the HighBar strap vs a conventional strap, Canyon found a claimed 7-watt saving at 50kph and an even greater 10-20 watt saving at speeds of 60-70 kph which is said to equate to 33 seconds over 100km - which is quite significant and Canyon says it will give riders "pro-level performance boost." 

However, how many average riders are regularly actually doing 50-70 kph for sustained periods? These gains will mostly apply in the pro-pelotons rather than everyday gravel biking adventures or cross-country mountain biking.

"Your helmet can play a major role in aerodynamics, it’s one of the first things to hit the air when you’re riding," explains Canyon’s Global Director of Gear, Stan Mavis "Whilst the helmet form has seen shape changes over the years, the design of the helmet strap hasn’t seen any real innovation for over 100 years. That’s why we decided to collaborate with world-leading experts to create a line of helmets that would set a totally new standard for helmet performance, completing the Canyon offer from head to toe."

The helmets are already delivering on the global racing stage being worn by Canyon athletes including gravel racers Jasper Ockeloen and the Unbound 2023 winner Carolin Schiff. Luca Schwarzbauer also showcased the Disruptr CFR helmet at the recent Paris Olympic games in cross-country mountain biking.

Pricing and availability

Both models are available to purchase now directly from Canyon.com or via the Canyon app. The Disruptr CFR comes in White, Black, and Grey, with a claimed weight of 275g (M size). Priced at $330 / £289.95 / €299.95 it comes in sizes Small, Medium, and Large.

Disruptr CFR also comes with a magnetic port in the rear to take a Canyon's rear light with 5 modes and up to 30 hours of run time, available to purchase separately priced at $33 / £28 / €29.

The Stingr CFR is available in White and Black, and weighs in at the same claimed 275g. It's also priced at $330 / £289.95 / €299.95 and comes in sizes Small, Medium, and Large.

BMC has overhauled its URS adventure gravel range adding several new features to increase the capability and performance across the range, the most significant being the addition of a TQ motor to create BMC's first electric gravel bike.

URS stands for UNRESTRICTED and denotes BMC's adventure gravel bike range. The new lineup features four versions; URS, URS 01, URS 01 LT, and URS AMP LT. While the all-new URS AMP LT e-gravel bike is the headline news, the other URS models also see some significant updates.

When the URS and URS LT were originally released in 2019 it was BMC's do-it-all gravel bike, now that BMC has the race-focused Kaius the URS range has been focused on adventure and bikepacking duties.

To start with, all URS now use SRAM's UDH (universal derailleur hanger) so it's compatible with SRAM's recently released RED XPLR AXS groupset. BMC has increased tire clearance on all URS bikes to 47mm – from 42mm – and added cargo mounts to the forks. There is also downtube storage (apart from the bike) and frames with the MTT suspension system feature a cargo strap for mounting accessories like inner tubes.

The URS 01, URS 01 LT, and URS AMP LT use BMC's MTT rear suspension system which uses an XCell damper and flex stay to offer 10mm of vibration absorption. While that might not sound like much, I have ridden the previous generation URS and it's surprisingly efficient. Up front, the URS 01 bikes are equipped with BMC's ICS MTT Stem which uses Redshift Shockstop technology and offers 20mm of tunable suspension using different elastomers. The URS 01 LT and URS AMP LT use BMC's MTT fork, developed with HiRide it delivers 20mm of coil-sprung suspension.

BMC has always prided itself on the progressiveness of the URS geometry and tweaks to the latest URS should make the bike even more capable. The bottom bracket has been dropped from 69mm to 76mm, the head angle is now 69.5 degrees and the longer 430mm chainstays should all improve stability on fast blown-out gravel tracks.

The seat tube has been steepened too for an improved climbing position and the D-shaped seat tube is now compatible with short travel dropper posts or a standard round post using a shim.

BMC has rejigged the sizing too, adding a new XS size to cater to a wider range of riders.

The BMC URS AMP LT is the newest addition to the URS family, adding an electric gravel option to the range. The bike is powered by a lightweight TQ-HPR50, capable of producing 50 Nm of torque and 300 Watts of peak power. The bike comes equipped with a 360Wh battery that's integrated into the downtube.

BMC hasn't provided any official weights of the URS AMP LT, however considering the TQ-HPR50 weighs just 1,850 grams the added motorization shouldn't add too much additional weight to the bike.

Our take

I rode the outgoing BMC URS 01 when it was released and while it impressed me, there were a few areas where it didn't live up to its name. Increasing the tire clearance and adding more mounting options remove these restrictions and significantly improve the capability of the URS for adventurous riders. Geometry was already really sorted on the URS and the latest tweaks should improve performance further.

Those looking for assisted gravel riding will be well served by the new URS AMP LT, although only having one ultra premium build will put it out of reach for the majority of riders.

Pricing and availability

The BMC URS range starts at $3,799 / €3,799 for the SRAM Apex 1 Eagle and DT Swiss G 1800 SPLINE BMC URS Three. The URS 01 range which is equipped with the MTT stem and rear suspension comes in three versions and begins at $5,999/ €5,999 while the URS 01 LT with the HiRide fork has two models starting at $6,499/ €6,499.

There is a single URS AMP LT build which is loaded with a premium spec and asks for an equal premium $9,999/ €9,999 price tag.

For full specs and pricing, see below.

BMC URS THREE

• Frame: URS Premium Carbon
• Drivetrain: SRAM Apex 1 / SRAM Apex Eagle
• Brakes: SRAM Apex
• Wheels: DT Swiss G 1800 SPLINE
• Price: $3.799 / £TBC / €3.799

BMC URS TWO

• Frame: URS Premium Carbon
• Drivetrain: SRAM Apex XPLR AXS / SRAM X1 Eagle AXS
• Brakes: SRAM Apex
• Wheels: DT Swiss G 1800 SPLINE
• Price: $4.499 / £TBC / €4.499

BMC URS 01 FOUR

• Frame: URS 01 Premium Carbon with Micro Travel Technology
• Drivetrain: SRAM Rival XPLR AXS / SRAM GX Eagle Transmission
• Brakes: SRAM Rival
• Wheels: DT Swiss G 1800 SPLINE
• Price: $5.999 / £TBC / €5.999

BMC URS 01 THREE

• Frame: URS 01 Premium Carbon with Micro Travel Technology
• Drivetrain: SRAM Force XPLR AXS / SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission
• Brakes: SRAM Force
• Wheels: BMC CRD-400
• Price: $8.499 / £TBC / €8.499

BMC URS 01 ONE

• Frame: URS 01 Premium Carbon with Micro Travel Technology
• Drivetrain: SRAM RED XPLR AXS / SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission
• Brakes: SRAM RED
• Wheels: ZIPP 101 XPLR
• Price: $11.999 / £TBC / €11.999

BMC URS 01 LT TWO

• Frame: URS 01 Premium Carbon with Micro Travel Technology
• Fork: MTT Suspension Fork (HiRide, 20mm)
• Drivetrain: SRAM Rival XPLR AXS / SRAM GX Eagle Transmission
• Brakes: SRAM Rival
• Wheels: DT Swiss G 1800 SPLINE
• Price: $6.499 / £TBC / €6.499

BMC URS 01 LT ONE

• Frame: URS 01 Premium Carbon with Micro Travel Technology
• Fork: MTT Suspension Fork (HiRide, 20mm)
• Drivetrain: SRAM Force XPLR AXS / SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission
• Brakes: SRAM Force
• Wheels: BMC CRD-400
• Price: $6.499 / £TBC / €6.499

BMC URS AMP LT TWO

• Frame: URS 01 Premium Carbon with Micro Travel Technology
• Motor: TQ-HPR50
• Battery: 360Wh battery
• Fork: MTT Suspension Fork (HiRide, 20mm)
• Drivetrain: SRAM Force XPLR AXS / SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission
• Brakes: SRAM Force
• Wheels: BMC CRD-400
• Price: $9.999 / £TBC / €9.999

Rapha has had its big Summer Sale running for the last month and it's now entering the final weekend, with the sale officially ending on Tuesday, September 3rd at 23:59 BST.

The iconic British cycling brand has made the final reductions across its site including loads of its MTB and off-road riding kit, with MTB jerseys, pants, and gravel shoes all carrying big discounts.

Here at Bike Perfect, we have tested many items from the Rapha range over the years, and it has always delivered on comfort, performance, and style with many of its products taking spots as recommended products in our various buyer's guides.

I've dug around the Rapha Summer Sale on the UK and US sites and added my top ten picks on Rapha kit that I think are well worth checking out. With discounts up to 50% they won't be around for long and I suggest if you're looking to refresh your kit, you snap these Rapha deals up fast before it's all over.

Rapha sale deals

Schwalbe has launched two new tire models which it claims marks a "revolution in tire technology". It's not the new tread patterns or a magically sticky compound that is said to be "turning the MTB world on its head", instead Schwalbe has developed a new Radial carcass construction which is said to offer improved grip and traction, and a smoother-feeling ride.

The new Radial carcass design will initially be available in three tire options - the Albert, Shredda (front and rear), and a Radial version of Schwalbe's popular Magic Mary.  

What makes Schwalbe's new Radial tires different from its existing best MTB tires is the orientation of the threads used to form the tire carcass structure. Instead of running across the tire at a 45-degree angle, Schwalbe has arranged them at a more obtuse angle. While it's not a true radial design as the threads don't run perpendicular, Schwalbe says its design offers most of the benefits of a radial design without adding any additional structure. 

Using this Radial design Schwalbe says the thread's overlap is reduced and they are under less tension allowing the tire to deform to the ground better. Set up to the same air pressure, Schwalbe claims the Radial design offers a contact patch that's approximately 30 percent larger than a conventional tire. That means more contact with the ground which should enhance grip for turning, braking, and acceleration. It's also said to be more comfortable as the flexible casing can absorb impacts and vibrations better.

Michelin introduced radial tires to the automotive industry in the 40's and in the process revolutionized car tire technology, will Schwalbe's Radial design do the same in MTB?

It's interesting that despite the concept existing for over 70 years it's only just reached MTB now. We asked Schwalbe why this was the case, "We can only guess why the topic was not investigated earlier with the objective of "suppleness", but we would say that the challenge here has always been that you cannot build a radial tire with a lot of sidewall support without using a lot of material, which makes the tire heavy again. It is the combination of APEX and SnakeSkin (for which we have also filed a patent) that makes the tire a positive overall package for MTB use at the same weight."

Comparing the claimed weights between the Magic Mary Radial Trail (29x2.5 1220g) and the standard Super Trail carcass (29x2.6 1370g), it appears that Schwalbe has figured out how to add support without additional weight.

Another potential offset of a more supple casing is the increased risk of pinch flat and rim strikes as the tire will compress more on impact.

We haven't had an opportunity to ride the new Radial tires yet to put their performance to the test, however, they are already proven on the elite downhill circuit. Schwalbe's prototype Radial tires have been secretly racking up 14 wins since 2022, ridden by the likes of Amaury Pierron, Myriam Nicole, and others. Most recently, Pierron won the last two World Cup downhill rounds at Val di Sole and Les Gets by significant margins using the Radial tires.

If Schwalbe's claims of improved grip and comfort are true, I suspect we are likely to see the Radial tech extend to other MTB tires in its range fairly quickly.

Schwalbe says that the new radial design has its disadvantages, the larger contact patch will increase rolling resistance when riding on smoother surfaces which could limit the radial design's effectiveness on smooth gravel and tarmac. Interestingly, Schwalbe also reports that if air pressure is increased by 50 percent you still benefit from a 15 percent larger contact patch whilst retaining the flexible sidewall properties. Schwalbe says it's still early days and it's investigating benefits for further applications. With its potential to improve vibration damping and roll faster over rough surfaces, I think there is a good chance we will see this tech in gravel tires in the future.

The new radial technology will be initially launched in three options. Albert is an enduro all-rounder. The aggressive shoulder lugs of the Schwalbe Tacky Chan tire are combined with a more closed and rounder center tread pattern to maximize the amount of rubber in contact with the ground. The Albert comes in 29x2.5 or 27.5x2.6  sizes, soft or ultra-soft compounds and either Trail or Gravity protection.

The new Shredda is a spiked front and rear tread pattern inspired by motocross. They feature an 8mm center tread and 10mm shoulder tread designed to dig into the soft ground whether you're charging downhill or climbing on an e-MTB. The Shredda front only comes in 29x2.5 but is available in 29 or 2.75 on the rear, all tires are Gravity casing and ultra-soft rubber.

Lastly, the venerable Magic Mary is also treated to the new Radial casing. The Magic Mary Radial comes in three versions; 29x2.5 Gravity ultra soft, 29x2.5 Gravity soft, and 29x2.5 Trail ultra soft.

For claimed weights and pricing see below.

Schwalbe Albert Pro Radial

• 27.5x2.5 Gravity Soft - 1245g
• 27.5x2.5 Trail Soft- 1110g
• 25.5x2.5 Trail Ultra Soft - 1110g
• 27.5x2.6 Gravity Soft - 1265g
• 29x2.5 Gravity Soft - 1330g
• 29x2.5 Gravity Ultra Soft - 1330g
• 29x2.5 Trail Soft - 1180
• 29x2.6 Gravity Soft - 1350g
• 29x2.6 Gravity Ultra Soft - 1350g
• Price - £79.99 / $104 / €79.90

Schwalbe Shredda Pro Radial

• 29x2.5in Gravity Ultra Soft Front - 1450g
• 29x.2.5in Gravity Ultra Soft Rear - 1410g
• 27.5x2.5in Gravity Ultra Soft Rear - 1500g
• Price - £79.99 / $104 / €79.90

Schwalbe Magic Mary Radial

• 29x2.5in Gravity Ultra Soft - 1340g
• 29x2.5in Gravity Soft - 1255g
• 29x2.5in Trail Ultra Soft - 1220g
• Price - Gravity £79.99 / $104 / €79.90, Trail £73.99 / €73.90

Automotive giant Ford has joined other well-known car brands like Audi, McLaren, and Porsche, as well as Italian motorbike maker Ducati, and released two e-bikes. 

Ford has named them after two of its best known vehicles – the off-road/SUV Bronco and the iconic Mustang muscle car – and claims that the new bikes aim to evoke the "spirit and performance" of these models.

So, can you expect to off-road in style on the Bronco and will the Mustang offer you plenty of grunt? Read on to find out.

Both the Bronco and Mustang have aluminum frames. These aren't made by Ford - its teamed up with e-bike frame builder N Plus, which also supplies Mercedes with its AMG F1 e-bikes. 

We are used to car and bike brands launching 'unusual' looking bikes, but these two from Ford could well take the title as the oddest-looking electric bikes I've ever seen, and they even trump the Optibike Riot e-MTB.

Both bikes feature a 750W motor that puts out an impressive 85Nm of torque. Ford has – unlike practically every other e-MTB manufacturer – specced a hub-mounted motor. So what makes these slightly more unappealing is that a hub-mounted motor shifts the majority of the weight of the bike to the rear. Ford says both models are 'full-suspension', with 120mm of travel front and rear, using what Ford calls the G.O.A.T. system, or Goes Over Any Terrain. However, for anyone taking these on proper trails that extra rear-specific weight could make getting these over any sort of obstacle harder and it likely impacts the suspension performance. 

While we are talking weight these two take no prisoners on the scales, the Bronco's claimed weight is 30.4kg, while the Mustang is even heavier at 30.8kg. For reference, the Riot Optibike Riot weighs 31kg, the Specialized Turbo Levo Expert Carbon weighs 21kg and the Whyte E-Lyte 140 Works is just 17.4kg.

Other mountain biking-related details on both include Shimano Cues U4000, 9-speed, mechanical shifting, Tektro brakes hydraulic brakes with 203mm rotors and alloy e-MTB specific wheels which are unbranded. The Bronco has the highly rated Pirelli Scorpion Enduro M 27.5 x 2.6-inch tires, and the Mustang rolls on a more all-road-friendly Pirelli Angel Urban GT 27.5 x 2.25 tire.

There are some eye-catching features on both bikes, but the most unusual is on the Bronco and what Ford calls their 'moto-inspired saddle'. According to Ford there is no need to raise or lower the saddle for pedaling efficiency or for clearance on descents, and it 'helps riders confidently negotiate obstacles and land jumps'. The Bronco comes in one size and Ford says this Universal size will fit riders 5'4"-6'5". Mustang comes in S-L.

The two bikes come with a fairly massive digital dashboard and having damaged a few e-MTB control units over the years I'd say it looks pretty vulnerable. Riders use this to control the four power modes Eco, Normal, Sport, and Baja (Baja is for all-out performance) and Ford says the unit is an easy-to-read full-color display. 

Other performance data like speed and remaining battery, as well as lights – with 2000 Lm of output and 180 Lux –can be viewed/controlled from here, with the graphics and telemetry inspired by the infotainment system found on Ford's vehicles. 

Tyler Hill, Ford's global brand licensing manager said, “We know the passion and thrill that gets unlocked when people get behind the wheel of a Bronco and Mustang and these new electric bikes will allow more people to experience the adventurous spirit of a Bronco and the exhilaration of a Mustang from the moment they grip the handlebars.” 

However, the names may be as close to being legendary as these two e-bikes are likely to get. And I think Steve McQueen would have walked off-set in embarrassment if he'd been asked to ride around on one of these bikes in his classic film Bullitt, instead of the gorgeous 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback.

Both bikes are available to order from Ford.com with a retail price of $4,500 for the Bronco and $4,000 for the Mustang. Custom color options are available for an extra $390. 

Blacks, the well-known adventure and outdoor retailer is on a mission to get you out on the trails for less this summer. The Big Blacks Summer Sale has massive discounts across the site on the best mountain biking kit, and bikepacking goodies. They have now slashed 42% off the Jamis Dakar which means this full-suspension MTB deal is available for just £799.

Our Tech Editor Guy Kesteven reviewed the Jamis Dakar at its RRP of £1,400 last year, and he was full of praise saying, "For the money, the Jamis Dakar is a very well specced and enjoyably engaging hardtail beater – a full-suspension mountain bike with a hardtail price."

The Jamis Dakar comes equipped with a Shimano Deore drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and most notably suspension components from RockShox, which means the spec you're getting at the discounted price is much better than most of the other best budget full suspension mountain bikes.

At this price, the Jamis Dakar is a great way to get into mountain biking, diving deeper into the details it has a spec more than capable enough to get you out and enjoy the trails with confidence. The Dakar's MP2 alloy frame has also won numerous industry awards and is paired with a RockShox Monarch rear shock and up front a RockShox Judy fork with 120mm of travel on both.

Elsewhere it features a wide range 11-46t Shimano Deore 1x groupset. There are hydraulic Shimano MT200 disc brakes for confident braking and the bike rolls on tubeless ready 27.5in WTB STX i25 wheels with fast-rolling tubeless WTB 27.5x2.4in tires. Our handy tubeless tire set-up guide has all the information on this simple but performance-enhancing upgrade.

The Dakar is also ready for a dropper post-upgrade and Guy also highlighted that fitting one of the best budget dropper posts would make a huge performance difference to the Dakar. You'll also need pedals and we recommend the best clipless SPD pedals for a budget model, the Shimano M520 is superb.

This deal is UK only but if you're based in the US don't worry, you'll find the best budget mountain bike deals in your location below.

One of the UK's leading mountain bike events organisers, Tweedlove, has announced an end to its wide and varied events that include a highly popular MTB festival and Scotland's only enduro series – the YT Industries TweedLove Enduro series. 

"It's with a heavy heart and after several difficult years keeping everything afloat, these final races over the next couple of months will be our last," said TweedLove's founder Neil Dalgleish in a blog post announcing the decision.

The Tweedlove Festival, the last of which took place in June, has been part of the UK mountain-biking scene for over 14 years, and Tweedlove also organised popular races like the Glentress 7 XC, the Hope Enjoyro EVO, and the Bosch E-MTB challenge, as well as family-orientated events like the Glentress Family Day.

In the emotional blog post on the Tweedlove site, Dalgleish covered the demise of the festival in more detail with dwindling interest in enduro racing and the impact of COVID-19 being some of the main reasons. "We’re not going bust or anything dramatic like that, but it just doesn’t add up for us going forward so we’ll quit while the events are still strong," he stated.

Dalgleish added that costs had risen by 30% since Covid and with bike industry sponsorship at a fraction of the pre-Covid level it made for higher running costs saying "The bottom line is we can’t afford the salaries to attract or retain all the staff we need to do what we do."

The statement continues saying how the "whole enduro vibe had changed" mentioning the below-par management and changing direction of enduro racing at the top level. Dalgleish said "Enduro has moved towards elitism in the racing. Access to the big races has changed and much of the buzz and spirit has disappeared, which has had an impact on grass-roots events and rider participation."

TweedLove also hosted the Bosch E-MTB Challenge which was supported by Trek and had a host of e-MTB-related events including one of the UK’s biggest e-MTB demos, a test track, and e-MTB racing. Dalgleish said, "The development of e-MTB racing is still far from clear. The rise of e-MTB participation and racing is not proving an easy fix for organizers though, as e-MTB races need more stages, more bike scrutiny, and ultimately more work, staff, and facilities and this means a lot more cost."

For the events still yet to take place this year, TweedLove said, "the Glentress 7, Hope Enjoyro EVO, Glentress Family Day, YT Industries TweedLove Enduro Series Round 3 and Tour O' the Borders will go ahead as planned."

The YT Industries TweedLove Enduro Series Round 4, has been canceled, and refunds will be issued. 

In a sign that, perhaps, a more positive outcome could still be possible Dalgleish signed off his post by saying: "If anyone has any realistic proposals for how TweedLove can return, we’re all ears."

The full statement from Dalgleish can be read at TweedLove.

BikePark Wales has signed a new 33-year lease with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) which will see massive expansion to the home of some of the UK’s best mountain bike trails. BikePark Wales says they have already started work on some of the new trails, as well as an extension to the existing car park, with exciting on-site accommodation in the form of glamping pods and chalets to follow.

The new lease included planning permission for new trails which according to BPW will feature nine climbing, 27 downhill, seven linking lines, and two new skills areas. The new trails will join the park’s existing 46 mountain bike-specific trails, visitor centre, woodland café, bike hire and bike shop.

It was just last week that Natural Resources Wales announced the planned closure of three visitor centers that included Coed y Brenin – the UK's first purpose-built MTB venue and major job losses, which was seen as a blow to the UK MTB scene and the Welsh economy in general. Today's announcement will be seen as a shot in the arm for the area and although nothing announced, hopefully, a few jobs will come from the new project too.

Natural Resources Wales, which manages the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, has worked closely with BikePark Wales since 2013, and call's the new 33 year lease "an unprecedented step forward for both parties."

BikePark Wales says that the revenue from mountain bikers using the site will allow for major investment in what it calls a 'Future Forest Vision'. This aims to return the majority of BPWs mountain to its natural state, and the rewilding plan will aim to improve the resilience of the forest and encourage the return of more natural woodland. 

Martin Astley for BikePark Wales said: “Our mountain is without a doubt a stunning area, and we already have a diverse range of broadleaf trees here on our mountain. But there is also a lot of monoculture pine forest in South Wales, the result of decades of commercial forestry. The new lease changes the entire site of BPW, and aside from the mountain bike trails through the forest, we will be encouraging and assisting the forest to return to a more natural state with our colleagues at NRW. Because of the trails, this isn’t classic ‘rewilding’ but it’s as close as we can get, and the trails will allow riders to go deep into our wilderness. What is exciting is that no one has seen what the more natural state of these hills really looks like for a couple of centuries. And now we’ll get to find out.”

Elsie Grace, Head of Sustainable Commercial Development for NRW, said: “We are delighted that our successful relationship with BikePark Wales is set to continue. This partnership demonstrates how the NRW-managed estate can successfully combine commercial activity which benefits the Welsh economy and is sympathetic to the environment. This plan will develop innovative forest management techniques to support the longevity of the mature forest cover, which benefits the biking experience in the forest.”

Sigma Sports has some of the best gravel bikes available discounted in its huge Summer Sale. If you have been thinking of getting into adventure gravel riding, or fancy some gravel bike racing, now is a good time to be grabbing a discounted bargain.

Gravel riding is massive, arguably the most popular genre of cycling with gravel races and adventure riding events cropping up almost weekly. The British Gravel Championships are at the end of this month in Scotland and are sure to attract a huge field with top riders like Ineos Grenadier Connor Swift to Cyclocross National Champion Cameron Mason lining up in Gatehouse of Fleet. 

Sigma Sports also offers interest-free finance on sale prices and discounts of up to 50% from capable entry-level to race-ready gravel bikes. I had a look through the gravel bikes that have been discounted and compiled the five best options that tick the boxes for a great gravel bike at the lowest price possible. 

We'll be keeping a close eye on these gravel bike deals because, at such great prices, these bikes are unlikely to hang around for long, so if you're swithering on one, best to move quickly.

Sigma Sports gravel bike deals

1. Specialized Diverge STR Expert

The Specialized Diverge in its various incarnations has been around for years, it's one of the most popular gravel bikes, and for good reason. The Diverge has always been at the forefront of gravel bike technology and the latest Diverge STR takes gravel bike riding to the next level using suspension front and rear. The STR has 20mm of travel upfront using the Future Shock system seen in older models and now gets 30mm of travel on the rear.

The all-new Future Shock at the rear is a radical-looking hydraulic damper between the seatpost and the top tube and allows it to move independently from the rest of the frame. It's also tunable to suit each rider and terrain and Specialized says the system will boost comfort and control on even the roughest of gravel rides.

2. Cinelli Zydeco

My colleague Graham Cottingham reviewed the Cinelli Zydeco King and it delivered a "confident and controlled gravel ride". This was after an upgrade on the wheels and tires and this version comes with the Mavic Allroad1 wheelset which is a budget gravel wheelset that rode very well for me while I tested the Ribble 725. The tires are the same Schwalbe CX Comp K-Guard 38mm, so the best gravel tire upgrade may be on the shopping list with the money saved.

The highlight visually is the stunning multicolor paint job that makes the Zydeco stand out from the crowd. You also get the dependable Shimano 1x11-speed mechanical GRX groupset with GRX hydraulic disc brakes.

2. Cannondale Topstone 1 GRX

The Cannondale Topstone 1 features a SmartForm C2 aluminum frame and has all of Cannondale's expertise in aluminum craftsmanship built in. The lightweight frame is paired with a full carbon fork and a spec ready for the best gravel bike adventures. Topstone has a Shimano GRX 2x12-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc braking with plenty of stopping power delivered from the 160mm rotors.

This model comes with 37mm WTB tires and WTB ST i23 TCS alloy rims, but there's plenty of clearance for up to 40mm tires, and you can add a dropper post if your adventures are hitting more technical terrain. It's a capable bikepacking workhorse designed for maximum cargo capacity with a load of fender mounting points for bikepacking bags.

3. Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon

This Diverge is one of the best gravel bikes you could ever hope to swing a leg over. From winning Unbound Gravel 200 with Ian Boswell to featuring the latest in gravel bike technology like Future Shock suspension.

This Expert model of the Diverge has a FACT 9r carbon frame and Future Shock 2.0 front suspension. The frame also has SWAT internal storage which gives plenty of space for tools, nutrition, and essentials in the downtube of the bike. SRAM provides the reliable Rival Etap AXS 1x12-speed shifting. Roval Terra C carbon rims are paired with the Specialized Pathfinder Pro 2BR 42mm tires.

4. Specialized Crux Expert

If the Diverge is Specialized's all-rounder gravel bike then the Crux is its ultimate lightweight gravel offering. At just 825g the carbon 10r frame borrows plenty from the Specialized Aethos – the lightest bike Specialized has ever made and it makes the Cruz a gravel bike that climbs like a dream and floats over the roughest of terrains.

The spec on the Expert version is great too, with the SRAM Rival eTap AXS drivetrain providing a great range of gears across the 12-speed range. Paired with Roval Terra C wheels and 38mm Specialized Pathfinder Pro tires, the Crux is ready to deliver race-ready gravel performance.

5. Orbea Terra M41ETEAM

Orbea says it has designed the Terra M41ETEAM from scratch and the result is a gravel bike ready to deliver and take the gravel experience to the next level. Terra M has a carbon frame designed to strike a balance between weight, comfort, and strength. The LOCKR system is similar to Specialized SWAT and stashes your essentials in the downtube

It has a SRAM Apex XPLR AXS drivetrain, alloy wheels and Vittoria Terreno Dry 38mm tires but has ample clearance up to 48mm.

How to choose the best gravel bike

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has announced a consultation that looks to close all three of its mid-Wales MTB visitor centers including the UK's original MTB center at Coed y Brenin.

The NRW announced the news to staff members at the three sites, Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Ynyslas near Aberystwyth, and Coed y Brenin that they were at risk of redundancy and the possible site closures via email earlier this week. It stated that the NRW had to reduce its budget by £13 million by the 1st of April 2025, and that would include the removal of 265 posts (108 posts are already vacant) with an internal consultation running for 45 days with staff and Trade Unions. NRW said that there are no confirmed dates for the closures, but without staff they could theoretically close soon after the consultation period in September.

The news is, of course, disastrous for the employees facing redundancy but also for the NRW-managed mountain bike trails and mountain biking in general in Wales. It seems that the redundancy consultation includes all 265 positions, so looks certain to threaten the staff who look after mountain bike trails. The cuts would also see the MTB trail maintenance budgets slashed which could see the trail upkeep potentially falling into the hands of community groups and volunteers. However, with no NRW staff or budget to work with, it looks like a difficult situation going forward and assumes these groups and NRW can reach an agreement on how to keep the trails and facilities open.

Robin Grant the Chair of the UK MTB Trail Alliance spoke about his concerns for the future saying: "This announcement does not bode well for the future of mountain biking in Wales, but it's a future we need to face up to and deal with as best we can. We need to be in a position to convince the Welsh Government that the mountain bike community can be a trusted partner. One that can help relieve some of the budgetary pressure by taking on responsibility for looking after their local trails. But also to help them understand that this can only happen if they cut back on the red tape that is currently blocking it.

"The UK MTB Trail Alliance will only be able to do this if we ourselves are seen as a trusted and properly constituted partner, who have the backing of mountain bikers. We've currently raised only just over a third of the £10k we need to get us set up properly as a charity and take us through our first year."

A glimmer of hope that some jobs and visitor centers could be saved came from the announcement that in the short term. NRW will seek alternative partners to deliver trails, access, car parking, and toilets on its behalf. The NRW said: "Because we need to ensure the redundancy consultation is meaningful, we cannot at this stage engage with any potential partners at any sites, as this would look, incorrectly, that a final decision had been made which it has not. If the outcome of the consultation is that NRW proceeds along these lines, we will then start engaging with potential partners, including community groups, over future operations."

The community group, Caru Coed y Brenin, whose members hope to be given the chance to run the mountain bike visitor center at Coed y Brenin, has said they will meet NRW officials soon. But there will be no commitment about the future of the sites made during the redundancy consultation period.

The timeframe looks already set with likely closures and redundancies from September onwards. Even if the NRW find potential partners, the negotiations and arrangements are likely to involve a substantial time frame and could see the mountain bike trails closed and unattended for a lengthy period.

This is an ongoing story that we will monitor and update as it develops. Anyone wishing to donate to the UK MTB Trail Alliance can do so at its GoFundMe page.

SRAM has launched the latest version of its RED XPLR AXS groupset which sees the addition of one extra sprocket and one less derailleur hanger. Alongside the update to SRAM's best gravel groupset, Zipp has announced the release of two gravel-specific 303 XPLR wheelsets and a new handlebar.

It was over a year ago SRAM made its checkmate move on the MTB derailleur hanger with the launch of its new direct-mount T-Type Transmission drivetrain. Since then the tech has been filtering through SRAM's MTB drivetrains, including the recently introduced S-1000 Eagle Transmission that will be offered as an OEM spec part of lower-cost production bikes. SRAM has also been busy working on its road tech too, releasing the latest version of its flagship road groupset earlier this year. So it was only a matter of time before its gravel groupsets got an update. It was spotted at Unbound Gravel but now SRAM has officially lifted the lid on the latest SRAM RED XPLR AXS.   

One less hanger and one extra sprocket

The big update revolves around the new RED XPLR AXS rear derailleur. It features a T-Type hangerless design, a MTB-inspired spring clutch, and the number of gears has been increased from 12 to 13-speed. 

We aren't surprised that SRAM's RED XPLR AXS rear derailleur has been updated to the T-Type system. T-Type is claimed to offer more precise shifting with increased reliability and has been quickly implemented throughout SRAM's MTB range. The system uses a direct mount configuration that not only does away with the derailleur hanger but also B and Limit adjustment, simplifying setup and eliminating the need for adjustment. To run the new T-Type groupset, your frame will need to be compatible with the UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) standard.

The move to 13-speed is a bit of a curve ball though. This is SRAM's first 13-speed groupset – although 13 gears is nothing new in the gravel sphere as Campagnolo has offered 1x13 for a while with its mechanical Ekar groupset. The new 13-speed XG-1391 cassette features a 460 percent range with a tighter spread of gears (10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 24, 28, 32, 38, 46T) for better cadence management. Interestingly, SRAM has managed to squeeze the extra sprocket onto the block without requiring a narrower 13-speed specific chain and is compatible with all road flattop chains, it also uses SRAM's existing XDR driver body standard.

Lighter cranks and a dual sided power meter

SRAM has also overhauled the RED XPLR crankset, shaving weight with a new hollow carbon construction. The cranks come in more size options (160, 165, 167.5, 170, 172.5, 175) and can be fitted with chainrings between 38t and 46t. 

For those looking for power data to enhance training and racing, SRAM has released a new dual-sided power meter. The power meter is mounted on the spider and uses a proprietary Thread Mount SRAM chainring. Accuracy is claimed to be +/-1.5 percent and the power meter is said to be able to compensate for temperature changes and recalibrate as you ride.

Zipp releases two new gravel wheels

To complement the latest SRAM Red XPLR AXS groupset, Zipp has released two gravel-specific versions of its successful 303 wheelset. 

Up until now, Zipp's 303 Firecrests have been the gravel racer's choice, combining an aero 40mm depth, 25mm inner rim diameter, and low weight. However, it was designed as a road bike wheel and wasn't optimized for 38mm to 50mm tires used in gravel racing.

Zipp claims that the new 303 XPLR S and SW wheelsets are its fastest gravel wheels ever, featuring a very wide internal rim diameter and deeper profile that is said to integrate seamlessly with wider gravel tires.

The 303 XPLR rims feature a 32mm inner rim diameter which SRAM claims improves cornering, decreases rolling resistance, and gives the ability to run pressures under 30psi. The rim uses a hookless design and features a rim edge that's 77 percent thicker than the previous model, decreasing the chance of damage when the tire bottoms out on impact.

The rims are also significantly deeper using a 54mm profile which SRAM says creates the perfect aspect ratio for aerodynamic efficiency with a 40mm gravel tire at race speeds.

A new Goodyear Inter (45mm) or Slick (40mm) gravel tire was designed for the 303 XPLR, SRAM claims the combo offers a five-watt saving over its nearest competitor. There is good reason for this, ISO standards dictate a minimum of 58mm to be run on a rim this wide. SRAM states the "303 XPLR is only compatible with approved tires", so compatible tire options will be limited.

The 303 XPLR wheels come in two options; the 303 XPLR SW uses SRAM's ZR1 hub while a more affordable 303 XPLR S wheelset uses more basic 76 / 176 hubs. If SRAM's numbers are to be believed, the 303 XPLR SW weighs an impressive 1,496g, while the 303 XPLR S weighs 1,610g.

Zipp has released a new SL 70 XPLR gravel handlebar designed to integrate with the new SRAM Red AXS groupset. The unidirectional carbon handlebar features a shelf that smoothly integrates with the lever hoods and covers the brake hoses as they exit the lever. There's hidden external routing for hydraulic hose routing through the stem if you want to hide your hoses. SRAM has added defined locators to the bars for the placement of SRAM AXS Wireless Blips to give more shifter options

The bars have a 70mm reach and 115mm drop giving a shallow position in the drops, the bars are flared with a 5-degree and 11-degree out sweep which positions the drops 6cm wider than hoods.

The Zipp SL 70 XPLR gravel handlebar will be available in 40cm, 42cm, 44cm,46cm, and 48cm widths and weigh a claimed 240g (44cm).

Our Take

Will we see gravel riders gleefully jumping up and down on their rear derailleurs (as demoed in MTB T-Type launch videos) with the introduction of SRAM's T-Type standard? I'm not convinced.

The UDH standard hasn't been as prolifically picked up in the gravel world as it was in mountain biking, which means there are significantly fewer existing bikes that can be upgraded to the new SRAM RED XPLR AXS groupset. Big manufacturers will be keen to convert though and some brands like Specialized and Wilier have already updated their CRUX and Rave SLR to be compatible with the new hangerless flagship groupset.

Whether it's welcomed or not, this is a big statement from SRAM and a clear message of intent that will likely usher in the mass adoption of UDH in the gravel scene. If the introduction of MTB T-Type is anything to go by, we can likely expect SRAM's other gravel groupsets to follow suit over the next year, strong arming UDH and T-Type onto new gravel bikes whether manufacturers and customers like it or not.

Gravel T-Type is officially here and there is nothing you can do about it.

Weight, pricing, and availability 

The groupset is available now and is already available OEM from some manufacturers too. If you have a UDH-compatible gravel bike and looking to upgrade your drivetrain, SRAM's flagship groupset demands a hefty premium. The Red XPLR AXS including a power meter will set you back $3,979 / £3,980 / €4,465 and opting to forego the power meter drops the price to  $3,979 / £3,980 / €4,465.

It's worth noting that the groupset doesn't include the derailleur battery and charger. Unlike the road-going SRAM Red groupset, the XPLR version doesn't include the Hammerhead Karoo GPS computer either.

See below for pricing:

SRAM Red XPLR AXS 

• Price: $700 / £700 / €785 (battery not included)
• Cassette: $650 / £600 / €675
• Chainset with power meter: $1100 / £1100 / €1235 
• Chainset: $650 / £650 / €735 
• Crank arm assembly (BB, spider, chainrings not included): $400 / £400 / €450 
• Power meter spider: $500 / £500 / €560 
• Chainrings (threaded fitment): $150 / £150 / €170

Zipp 303 XPLR SW

• Zipp 303 XPLR SW price: $2,200 / £1,600 / €1,800 
• Zipp 303 XPLR S price: $1,400 / £1,100 / €1,200

Zipp SL 70 XPLR

• Price: $320 / £320 / €360

Goodyear XPLR tires

• Price: $80 / £80 / €90   

As a massive fan of bikepacking adventures, I'm always on the hunt for essential gear at the best prices. UK outdoor and adventure retailer, Blacks, has a massive sale on that includes some amazing deals on Fox Racing kit which I stumbled upon unexpectedly a few weeks ago. 

At the time, I also spotted Blacks running big discounts on some highly recommended products that I've used on my bikepacking adventures that have included the North Coast 500 in Scotland and further afield on the Pilgrims Trail in Italy. Blacks have reductions of up to 64% on tents, sleeping bags, bikepacking bags and much more...

Below I've highlighted my Top Ten stand-out deals and suggest you snap them up fast, Blacks also have an extra 20% or 15% off on selected items by using the codes EXTRA20 or EXTRA15 at the checkout.

Bikepacking kit deals

These Blacks deals are for the UK only, so below you'll find some other great deals on bikepacking essentials and recommended products in your location. Be sure to check our best bikepacking bikes guide for our choice of adventure-ready mountain and best gravel bikes.

There is also a list of retailers with sales running, and you'll find a massive selection of discounts on bikes, bikepacking and cycling kit with some tasty deals.

Quick links US

• Competitive Cyclist: Huge flash sale with big reductions on bikes and kit
• Backcountry: Save up to 70% on MTBs, gear and clothing
• Evo: Decent savings on bikes with reductions across the site
• Jenson USA: Big reductions on tons of gear plus free shipping when you spend $50
• Mikes Bikes: Save on bikes, clothing and accessories

Quick links UK

• Decathlon: Tons of bikes and cycling kit reduced in its summer sale
• Evans Cycles: Up to 70% off a wide range of bikes and cycling gear
• Cycle Store: Big discounts on bikes and even bigger savings on bike gear
• Tredz: Save up to 52% off mountain bikes and gear
• Sigma Sports: Worthwhile reductions on kit, but disappointing bike deals
• Blacks: A load of excellent reductions from some of mountain biking best brands

Shimano has announced its Trail Born Fund to increase and sustain mountain bike trails and trail access around the globe. According to Shimano, the fund will deliver what it says is an "unprecedented level of industry support" and has pledged to donate $10 million over the next 10 years, which will "support and facilitate worldwide trail projects and trail advocacy organizations."

The Trail Born Fund initially will focus on selected areas in North America, Europe, and Oceania and aims to further expand across these regions into 2025. By 2026, the Trail Born Fund aims to support mountain bike riding worldwide, with support in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America.

Shimano says it will work closely with trusted partners and aims to ensure "significant and sustainable gains" are made locally and globally, supporting the dedication and passion of mountain biking trail builders everywhere.

The hard work, dedication and expense involved in building and maintaining MTB trails is staggering. Shimano quotes the typical cost to be between $10,000 to $45,000 per mile. This figure seems crazy, but factors in everything from permits and impact studies to tools, materials, and labor. However, Shimano says it believes the return on investment is "priceless" and that "supporting trail building and trail advocacy helps protect and expand trail access." That of course means more places for all of us to ride with and more opportunities for new riders and children and secures an exciting future for the sport we all love.

As the world's biggest mountain bike component manufacturer, Shimano is no stranger to supporting trail advocacy and trail-building efforts through the years. It founded the IMBA Dig In program which provides grant opportunities for MTB projects. Shimano's new Trail Born Fund will become its biggest and join similar programs from some of the world's best mountain bike brands.

Specialized has donated funds to trail builders via their Soil Searching program and the US brand raised funds last year with the limited edition Specialized Soil Searching Levo e-MTB competition. Shimano's biggest rival, SRAM, has its SRAM Cycling Fund and claims to invest around $1 million a year in projects supporting mountain biking. Trek has the Trek Foundation and Santa Cruz has made trail-building donations of $500,000.

How will Trail Born work

Shimano says support will be earmarked for legal and sustainable trails, and funds will be allocated only after a thorough review of the advocacy organizations and proposed projects. Shimano adds that it will also help promote these chosen projects, telling the stories of the people and places behind these critical efforts. They also aim to assist individual projects find additional funding from other sources such as private donations and government grant programs.

Information on selected trail organizations and how future trail schemes can get involved with the Trail Born Fund will be shared after the initial launch and information can be found at Shimano.com.

Packed with incident right from the start, Great Britain's Tom Pidcock has retained his Olympic Mountain Bike title in style after one of the most thrilling and dramatic XCO races in the event's history. The UCI MTB World Champion would be booed across the line, ignoring the crowd's reaction to a controversial clash between him and the second-placed French rider Victor Koretzky. Pidcock put his pre-race criticism of Elancourt Hill XCO track behind him as he secured the win on a course he had called “Just gravel and not really mountain biking”.

Pidcock said that the build-up to the race had "messed with his head", and that having withdrawn from the Tour de France early with Covid-19, he had "felt knackered on the start line." However, Pidcock would look anything but tired as he set light to the afterburners on his Pinarello Dogma XC bike early on. The field would be splintered as leading contenders found the heat and pace at the front too hot to handle, with only Victor Koretzky able to hold the defending champion's wheel. Koretzky, the current number one ranked rider and winner of the Elancourt Hill test was also looking comfortable in the blazing heat as he aimed to emulate his compatriot Pauline Ferrand-Prévot who won the Women's XCO race yesterday.

Gold seemed inevitable for Koretzky after what looked like a fatal puncture for Pidcock, saw the French rider seize his chance and power into a commanding lead. Rider after rider passed the helpless Pidcock as the Team GB mechanics looked unprepared for the front wheel change, frantically running to the pits for a replacement wheel as a calm-looking Pidcock waited for his bike to be made ready. It would leave him with almost 35 seconds to make up with five laps left.

Speaking after the race, Pidcock said: "We are all used to things going well, so even my mechanic wasn't ready for it. He did a fast change in the end, my bike was perfect apart from my mistake of puncturing. I knew I had a few laps to get back to the front and I still knew anything was possible.” 

The race drama was just beginning and although Koretzky had a big gap, South African, Alan Hatherly, was still in contention as he too chased the gold medal. But he would soon be looking over his shoulder as a charging Pidcock helped by his fellow Brit, Charlie Aldridge, started to make serious inroads into the time gap.

Pidcock would soon catch and ride straight past Hatherly in his pursuit of Koretzky. Could the attacking British rider catch the Frenchman? Pidcock slowly chipped away at the gap as Hatherly followed his wheel in third. The pursuing pair would catch Koretzky as his 35-second lead disappeared. 

Pidcock made a big attack and it looked like the winning move, but there was more to come as Koretzky powered back in front on the final lap – the two riders then duked it out for the lead. There was controversy during what proved to be the final duel of the day. Pidcock attacked on a separate line to Koretzky and the two riders came together as the lines converged. With Pidcock's wheel just in front, Korektzy was forced into taking a foot dab. That was enough to see the Pidcock finally disappear and ride over the line with nine seconds clear to booing from the crowd.

When asked about the final lap incident an emotional PIdcock said: “In the end, he left a gap and I had to go for it. It’s racing, it’s what I’ve always done, the Olympics are no different. I’m sorry for Victor, but it’s the Olympics, you've got to go all in, never give up, give everything, and that is what I had to do. I know people might view it differently and it’s a shame that the French were booing me, but you know."

Celebrating with the Team GB support crew, friends and family before the medal presentation Pidcock said: "I can't thank everyone enough, everyone was around me and we trained perfectly for this.”

Pidcock now has seven days to recover before the chance to secure more Olympic history as he looks to grab the unique double of mountain bike XCO and Road Racing gold. After this tenacious and never-say-die performance, you wouldn't bet against the 'Yorkshire Terrier' doing just that.

Trek has launched an e-MTB version of its Slash enduro bike. The new Slash+ is a 170mm high-pivot electric mountain bike. Rather than equip it with a full-power motor and a big battery, Trek has instead specced a lightweight motor from TQ.

Trek was at the forefront of the best lightweight e-MTB market back in 2022 with the release of its Fuel EXe and prophesizing that the bike marked the 'dawn of a new era'. Turns out they weren't wrong.

Most MTB brands now have a lightweight e-MTB in their catalogs, although they are almost exclusively aimed at XC and trail riding. When designing the Slash+, Trek decided to equip its new electric enduro bike with the same lightweight e-MTB motor used in the Fuel EXe. 

The TQ HPR50 is an extremely compact and quiet harmonic pin-ring drive motor capable of pushing out 50Nm and 300w of assistance. Thats considerably less power than you get from a Bosch Performance Line CX or Shimano EP801 with both motors producing 85Nm of torque, it's also less than Fazua's lightweight Ride 60 with 60Nm and 350w (450w in the 12-second Boost mode). Trek didn't design the Slash+ to be a self-shuttling e-MTB, instead, the TQ motor was chosen to give more of a natural ride feel while offering an extra boost when cruising up climbs. The motor is paired with a new bigger 580Wh battery, so it should be capable of assisting a lot of climbs. There's also an optional 160Wh external battery that increases the range by 40 percent should you need more.

The Slash+ uses the same high-pivot suspension design and geometry as the standard Trek Slash Gen 6, along with many of the adjustment features. The progressiveness of the leverage ratio can be adjusted using a flip-chip and angle-adjusting headset cups (sold separately) to adjust the geometry by a degree.

Unlike the unpowered Slash, the Slash+ is designed specifically for an MX (mullet, 29 front and 27.5 rear wheel) and isn't compatible with 29in rear wheels. There is also no internal frame storage in the downtube as that's where the TQ battery is stored.

There will be two versions of the Slash+ at launch:

The Slash+ 9.9 is the top spec model ($11,999 / £11,000) and comes equipped with a RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork, RockShox Vivid Ultimate shock, SRAM X0 Eagle AXS, T-Type drivetrain, SRAM Maven brakes, and Bontrager carbon wheels and handlebar. Trek claims this build weighs in at 20.88kg.

Alternatively, the Slash+ 9.7 ($7,999 / £7.500) is stated as being a little lighter at 20.38kg and comes with a Fox Rhythm 38 fork, Fox Performance Float X, Shimano XT and brakes, and Bontrager alloy wheels and finishing kit.

Our take

There appears to be an emerging trend of enduro e-MTBs being specced with smaller motors. Specialized were pioneers of this with the Turbo Kenevo SL II, but other big brands are now paying attention, notably YT's new Decoy SN, and now Trek's Slash+.

Trek says that the Slash+ was its most requested bike this year and although we are yet to ride it, we remain skeptical if the juice is worth the squeeze. Only time will tell whether riders are willing to sacrifice full-power climbing performance for the improved handling dynamics afforded by the lightweight motor and smaller battery when choosing their next bike.

Tech specs: Trek Slash+

Trek Slash+ 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type

• Price: $11,999.99 / £11,000 / $15,999.99 CAN
• Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, 170mm travel, Boost, UDH
• Fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate, 170mm travel
• Shock: RockShox Vivid Ultimate, 230 x 65mm
• Motor: TQ-HPR50, 50 Nm, 250-watt maximum continuous rated power, 300-watt peak power
• Battery: TQ 580Wh
• Groupset: SRAM X0 Eagle, T-Type, 12-speed
• Brakes: SRAM Maven Silver
• Wheels: Bontrager Line Pro 30, MX
• Tires: Bontrager SE6 Team Issue 29 x 2.5 front, Bontrager SE5 Team Issue 27.5x2.5rear
• Seatpost: RockShox Reverb AXS, 170mm travel, wireless, 34.9mm, 480mm length
• Saddle: Verse Short Comp, steel rails, 145mm width
• Stem: Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Blendr compatible, 0 degree, 35mm length
• Bars: Bontrager Line Pro, 35mm, Blendr compatible, 0 degree, 35mm length
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on
• Sizes: S to XL
• Weight: 20.88kg (claimed)
  

Trek Slash+ 9.7 SLX/XT 

• Price: $7,999.99 / £7,500 / $10,999.99 CAN
• Frame: OCLV Mountain Carbon, 170mm travel, Boost, UDH
• Fork: Fox Rhythm 38, 170mm travel
• Shock: Fox Performance Float X, 230 x 65mm
• Motor: TQ-HPR50, 50 Nm, 250-watt maximum continuous rated power, 300-watt peak power
• Battery: TQ 580Wh
• Groupset: Shimano XT M8100, 12-speed
• Brakes: Shimano 4-piston hydraulic disc, M6100 lever, M6120 caliper
• Wheels: Bontrager Line Comp 30, MX
• Tires: Bontrager XR5 Team Issue 29 x 2.5 front, Bontrager XR5 Team Issue 27.5x2.5rear
• Seatpost: Bontrager Line Dropper, 170mm travel, MaxFlow, internal routing, 34.9mm, 450mm length
• Saddle: Bontrager Verse P3, chromoly rails
• Stem: Bontrager Elite, 35mm, 0 degree, 35mm length
• Bars: Bontrager Line, alloy, 35mm, 27.5mm rise, 780mm width
• Grips: Bontrager XR Trail Elite, nylon lock-on
• Sizes: S to XL
• Weight: 20.38kg (claimed)
  

The High Roller II has been a staple of the Maxxis range for well over a decade, in that time it's garnered a loyal following and its fair share of racing success. The tire that was once a stalwart of downhill MTB racing (and ran on gravity-orientated bikes everywhere) has since been superseded by the likes of Maxxis' Minion DHF, Assegai, and Shorty.

Maxxis has now officially revealed the successor in the High Roller lineage. The new MK III version features a redesigned tread pattern and a new purpose to bring it back up to date with the best mountain bike tires.

The latest High Roller is still firmly routed in downhill racing and has already seen World Cup Downhill success being ridden to victory by Jackson Goldstone at Mont Saint Anne.

The High Roller III features what Maxxis is calling a hybrid tread design that is aimed to offer a halfway option between a wet condition penetrating mid-spike like the Maxxis Shorty without sacrificing cornering control and traction on hard-pack dry conditions that you get from an Assegai.

To achieve this the Maxxis has opened up the center tread pattern. Gone are the aggressively ramped tread pattern of the High Roller II which switched between two tightly packed center knobs and two horizontal lugs. The High Roller III has a far more blocky center tread with horizontal and vertical sipping which will help the lug deform. The supported shoulder knobs look relatively unchanged from the previous generation tire to ensure cornering traction.

The High Roller III will initially launch in a 2.4in width featuring MaxxGrip and a downhill casing for 29 and 27.5-inch wheel sizes. The Double Down High Roller III is expected to be released in early fall/autumn, and while Maxxis has confirmed that there will be an EXO+ version, there is currently no confirmed date as to when it will be available.

The High Roller III will retail for £74.99 for the DH casing and £79.99 for the DD casing. The RRP for the EXO+ version is still to be confirmed.

Our take

The High Roller line has been one of the most successful downhill tires, although recently the classic tread design has fallen out of favor. A vague transition between the center tread and shoulder lugs meant the High Roller II needed a more aggressive cornering style to get the best from it – unlike Maxxis Assegai and Minion DHF which offer super predictable cornering performance as you lean into a turn.

The new design of the High Roller III could reinvigorate the High Roller line, especially for riders on typically wetter trail conditions, such as the UK. The new tire looks like it could be a great choice for damp trails that don't need a mid-spike tire to fully penetrate the surface, but are still sticky enough that a tighter tread pattern will become clogged.

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games are here and run from the 24th July to the 11th August. The main events for us here at BikePerfect are the mountain biking races and the XCOs (cross-country Olympic) scheduled for July 28th and 29th. 

The women get things going at 13:10 on the 28th, with the men racing at the same time the following day. So what can you look forward to as the best mountain bike riders from around the globe battle it out for Olympic gold medal glory? Here's everything you need to know to watch and enjoy the XCO events…

The course

The XCO racing takes place at Elancourt Hill, located just a short distance from the Palace of Versailles, southwest of the Paris city center. The 36 women and 36 men chosen to represent their respective countries will battle it out on a 4.4km course based around pre-existing trails, transformed for the Olympics by South African trail builder Nick Floros. With just 110m of elevation gain per lap, the climbs are short and punchy, and it looks like a course that will deliver fast, close, and exciting racing.

The race distances will be determined just before the event and are based on estimated lap timings, so depending on the weather conditions, it could be around one to two hours of racing. You can check out the XCO course in the video below with US Cycling's Anneke Beerten at last year's test event.

How to watch

The TV coverage and schedules will differ depending on where you are based. For US viewers, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games will air on NBC, USA Network and will be available to stream on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com. For UK viewers, the BBC is the place to be, with live and on-demand coverage across the main BBC channels or via the BBC iPlayer.

Elsewhere, Discovery+ is the rights holder for Paris 2024 and will show every moment of the games, with a total of 3,800 hours of live coverage across the entirety of the games. Discovery+ and Eurosport do require a subscription and you can find more information at Discovery+.

For Olympic viewers in a country with geo-blocking, with a bit of internet trickery live streaming is still an option. Using a piece of simple software called a VPN (virtual private network), gives users the ability to change their IP address and location. This means that you can easily switch your location to one that streams the event live, such as in the US or UK, and access free on-demand content or live-streaming coverage.

Setting up a VPN is as easy as downloading, installing, and selecting the location you wish to use. There are plenty of VPN choices, but our tech-expert colleagues at TechRadar recommend Express VPN for its ease of use and privacy, which starts at $6.99 a month. Other top VPN providers are SurfShark and NordVPN.

The US contenders

USA Cycling is fielding a powerful team in Paris. In the men's race, Riley Amos from Trek Factory Racing and Christopher Blevins from Specialized Factory Racing get the nod to wear the stars and stripes. Amos is the highest-ranked rider of the two and looks to have the best chance of getting the US on the podium. Ranked 7th in the World, he is the current US XC National Champion, with nine World Cup wins and 17 podiums. Blevins also has impressive palmares and the two-time US National Champ will be hoping for a strong performance.

Savilia Blunk from the Decathlon-Ford Racing Team and Specialized Factory Racing's Haley Batten are the selections for Team USA in the women's race. Blunk and Batten have kept former world champion Kate Courtney out of the team with strong performances across the season. Blunk has seven World Cup podiums to her name and an American Continental title, with her teammate Haley Batten boasting national titles and World Cup wins – the US duo are sure to be major players in the medal shakedown.

Team GB

The rescheduled Covid-19 2020 Tokyo Olympics saw tremendous success for British mountain bikers, with the current XCO World Champion, Tom Pidcock taking gold – Britain’s first-ever Olympic MTB medal. Former women's World Champion, Evie Richards, also finished a credible 7th.

Pidcock is scheduled to challenge for a unique double and will race both the XCO and the road event. However, having left the Tour de France early with Covid-19 symptoms, at the time of writing, it's still unclear if Tom will defend his XCO title. The other selected Team GB male rider is Charlie Aldridge, while Evie Richards will line up with Ella Maclean-Howell.

Other riders to watch

There are only a maximum of two spots per nation available in both the XCO Men's and Women's events. So competition for the coveted spots has been intense, and some of the best mountain bike riders on the planet, such as Filippo Colombo ranked 5th in the world, and his Swiss compatriot Lars Forster are missing out. Big names missing from the women's race are Kate Courtney and Great Britain's Annie Last, Last misses out by just two ranking points to teammate Ella Maclean-Howell.

On home soil, the French are fielding a strong squad with five-time World Champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Loana Lecomte. Lecomte won the test event at Elancourt Hill earlier in the year and we can expect a strong battle between those two. The French male squad has test event winner Victor Koretzky and World Cup podium regular Jordan Sarrou.

Elsewhere in the Men's XC, Nino Schurter will take to the start line for Switzerland, and we can expect a strong performance from Schurter – the GOAT of XCO racing. There will be no Mathieu van der Poel, having crashed out in Tokyo, the Men's Road World Champion is concentrating fully on the road event. Schurter's teammate Mathias Fluckiger, South African Alan Hatherly, German Luca Schwarzbauer, Short Track World Champion Sam Gaze, and Italian Luca Braidot are all noteworthy riders.

The women's lineup is also stacked with 2023 World Cup overall winner Puck Pieterse, the Swiss duo of current Olympic Champion Jolanda Neff and Alessandra Keller, and Australia's Rebecca Henderson all in the hunt for the podium.

I think a fit Tom Pidcock will have too much for the rest of the field and put in a dominant display to defend his title. In the women's race, Pidcock's Ineos teammate Pauline Ferrand-Prévot is my tip for the gold medal.

Olympic cycling schedule

As well as the XCO racing, there's plenty of other cycling to enjoy at the Olympics with BMX racing – including Great Britain's Bethany Shriever looking to defend her title – BMX freestyle, road racing, and track racing. Here's the full cycling schedule...

Standert of Berlin launched its race-ready Kettensäge gravel bike last year with three models. The cult German brand, specializing in steel and aluminum framed bikes, has now updated the Kettensäge with two new colorways – a beautiful Cherry Kiss red and an equally nice beige Team Edition.

Standert also recently celebrated its tenth anniversary and in those ten years, it has grown from its humble beginnings as a café and bike shop in Berlin to a global cycling bike brand. Standert founder and CEO, Max von Senger, says the brand is redefining modern cycling, and its best gravel bike to date, the race-ready Kettensäge reflects the classic Standert style with framesets meticulously handcrafted in Europe, matched with stunning paintjobs and then finished with componentry.

The Kettensäge borrows the racing DNA of its popular Kreissäge (Circular Saw) RS road bike and translated it into a gravel racer. Kettensäge was recently put to a real-world test in the toughest conditions – the Standert-supported 'Road to Desolation' gravel race in South Africa’s Karoo desert, which featured 179km of unforgiving terrain and nearly 3,000m of elevation.

Built with premium 7000-series Dedacciai Aegis alloy made in Italy. Standert reckons that modern race bikes don’t all have to be made only out of carbon, and its collaboration with Dedacciai combines state-of-the-art light tubing, designed for racing and high-performance aluminum bicycles matched to the Standert-proven racing performance taken from the road. The frames are welded by hand and hand-painted with a claimed weight of 1,590g, the carbon fork at 400g, and the complete bike depending on spec chosen around 9.4kg on a 54cm model.

The gravel bike geometry on the Kettensäge is similar to their more adventurous Erdgeschoss (Ground Floor – sorry, no saw reference) gravel bike but gets more of a race-ready fast gravel geometry with a longer reach of 390mm on a 54cm model and a 71.5-degree head tube angle to give an aggressive riding position on the bike. Standert also includes its 'Project Compact' seven stock size range from 48 to 60cm, designed to fit gravel racers tall and small.

As a race-ready gravel bike, the Kettensäge doesn’t go for full bikepacking mounts. It has two standard bottle cage bosses plus direct bolt-on top tube bag mounts and the fork has fender mounts, so could also be a capable multi-day gravel adventure bike, but Standert has the choice with their more adventure-themed stainless steel Erdgeschoss gravel bike. 

The best gravel tire of choice for most fast-gravel racing riders is a 40mm tire, and that's what comes on complete Kettensäge bike builds in the form of Challenge tires. It can also accommodate up to 700x45c.

Other features of the Kettensäge include fully integrated cable routing, with a straight 1.5-inch headtube, routing all the cables through the headset into the frame. Inside the headset, integrated cups have CeramicSpeed SLT bearings/

The Kettensäge also gets a wider MTB-width 73mm threaded T47 bottom bracket optimized for gravel bike drivetrains and is also compatible with mechanical or electronic 2x setups. Flat mount disc brakes, 12mm thru-axles with light SRAM Maxles, and the future-proof UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) mounting for the rear mech complete the standard Standert, with customization choices available on wheels, groupset and finishing kit.

Pricing and availabilty

The two new colorways are available now along with the existing choices of the Team Edition dark green with pink graphics, 'Give ’em Hell Caramel' tan and 'Yolo Barolo' red with orange logos. The Kettensäge frameset in any color, with the bottom bracket standard of your choice starts at €2,199

A complete Standert Kettensäge starts at €5,399 with alloy wheels and Shimano GRX 2×11 build. The SRAM Rival/Force XPLR AXS wireless 1x starts from €5,000 with alloy wheels. There are also plenty of possible upgrades to choose including DT Swiss carbon wheelsets, and the choice of 3D-printed Fizik saddles priced up to €7,599.

The bikes are available to order at standert.de and ship anywhere in most color and size combinations, delivery times are between one to two months depending on the choices of components.

Outdoor and adventure retailer, Blacks, has a massive summer sale right now and includes huge discounts on Fox Racing kit. Fox makes some of the best mountain bike clothing, helmets and protection and there are some sweet bargains to be had. I've already grabbed a few myself and suggest, if you're on the hunt for some new bike kit you check these MTB deals out.

Blacks also have tons of other reductions including some of the best bikepacking kit if you're fancying some gravel bike adventures, with discounts of up to 64% on tents, and bikepacking sleeping bags.

The Fox Racing deals really caught my eye though and gear like the Ranger pants, Defend jersey, Dropframe helmet, and the highly rated Fox Union shoes all have amazing discounts. I've highlighted my stand-out deals below and suggest you snap them up fast.

Fox Racing top deals

The Blacks deals are UK only so below you'll find Fox Racing deals for non-UK locations. If you're looking for some non-Fox Racing kit, there is a list of retailers with sales running, and you'll find a massive selection of mountain biking kit carrying some sweet deals.

Quick links US

• Competitive Cyclist: Huge flash sale with big reductions on bikes and kit
• Backcountry: Save up to 70% on MTBs, gear and clothing
• Evo: Decent savings on bikes with reductions across the site
• Jenson USA: Big reductions on tons of gear plus free shipping when you spend $50
• Mikes Bikes: Save on bikes, clothing and accessories

Quick links UK

• Decathlon: Tons of bikes and cycling kit reduced in its summer sale
• Evans Cycles: Up to 70% off a wide range of bikes and cycling gear
• Cycle Store: Up to 50% off bikes with bigger savings on bike gear
• Tredz: Save up to 52% off mountain bikes and gear
• Sigma Sports: Worthwhile reductions on kit, but disappointing bike deals
• Blacks: A load of excellent reductions from some of mountain biking best brands

Ever since I reviewed Cycplus' range of tiny electric pumps, they have become a must-have inclusion to my tool kit. I will admit, I was skeptical at first but the more I used them the more they impressed me with quick effort-free tire inflation. They are a bit pricey compared to the best MTB pumps, however, if you fancy some effort-free inflation, now is the time as the full Cycplus AS2 e-pump range is discounted in the Amazon Prime Day sale.

The AS2 range features three different e-pumps from the smallest AS2 to the most powerful AS2 Pro Max. My pick of the range is the middle AS2 Pro which combines a compact size, a pressure reading screen, and a powerful motor.

An electric pump might not suit every rider's needs but I have found them to perform extremely well when mountain biking and gravel riding, efficiently inflating tires without having to exert any extra effort. The AS2 Pro and AS2 Pro Max both feature a real-time display to show pressure and can be set to automatically shut off when the pump reaches your desired pressure to ensure accurate tire pressure.

The pumps all feature a durable alloy construction and have a compact size and low weight so they are easy to pack in a framebag or pocket, with the AS2 Pro measuring 49mm x 28mm x 70mm and weighing 138g (including the silicone case). 

Here at BikePerfect, we did a lot of deal hunting over this Amazon Prime Day period. However, in one last sale scouring hurrah, I thought I'd try and find some deals with significant savings that don't involve Amazon or Prime Day on genuinely useful mountain bike kit that I use (or that's very similar to what I use) myself. So here's my pick of the current sales split into five US and five UK offers.

Top 5 US deals

Top 5 UK deals

Quick links US

• Competitive Cyclist: Huge flash sale with big reductions on bikes and kit
• Backcountry: Save up to 70% on MTBs, gear and clothing
• Evo: Decent savings on bikes with reductions across the site
• Jenson USA: Big reductions on tons of gear plus free shipping when you spend $50
• Mikes Bikes: Save on bikes, clothing and accessories

Quick links UK

• Decathlon: Tons of bikes and cycling kit reduced in its summer sale
• Evans Cycles: Up to 70% off a wide range of bikes and cycling gear
• Cycle Store: Up to 50% off bikes with bigger savings on bike gear
• Tredz: Save up to 52% off mountain bikes and gear
• Sigma Sports: Worthwhile reductions on kit, but disappointing bike deals

If you're looking for a great discount on a new mountain bike you're in luck. I have scoured the internet and found some brilliant deals on budget mountain bikes.

Whether you are looking for a budget full-suspension mountain bike or a hardtail MTB, there are some serious savings to be had, as I have found discounts of up to 40% off bikes. Most come in a range of sizes too, although stock appears to be low on some models, so I recommend acting fast to avoid disappointment.

So let's get stuck into the deals. I have compiled these budget mountain bike deals into US and UK regions, then organized them in ascending order of price below. 

Quick links US

• Specialized Fuse 27.5: Was $1,500, now $949.99 at Specialized
• Liv Lurra 2 27.5: Was $1,499.99, now $1,199.95 at Mikes Bikes
• Norco Torrent HT: Was $1,899, now $1,309.94 at Jenson USA
• GT Zaskar FS Comp: Was $1,799.99, now $1,349.95 at Mike's Bikes
• Orbea Alma M51: Was $2,599, now $1,559.94 at Jenson USA

Quick links UK

• Merida Big Trail 400: Was £1,200, now £729 at Tredz
• Calibre Line T3 29: Was £1,300, now £999 at Go Outdoors
• Specialized Chisel HT Base 29: Was £2,000, now £1,199 at Tredz
• Orbea Laufey H30: Was £1,599, now £1,199 at Tredz

Best US budget MTB deals

Best UK budget MTB deals

Trust me, if you haven't already set your tires up tubeless, it's arguably the best and most cost effective mountain or gravel bike upgrade you can make. Not only will you be making most punctures a thing of the past (you can still get flats from tire cuts with tubeless setups), but you'll be saving weight, and you can run lower tire pressures which will give your tires more grip.

For a full tubeless setup, you'll need valves, tape and sealant. Valves are usually the most expensive piece of the puzzle with a set costing around $30 to $40. However, these BWSHLF branded ones (no, I've never heard of them before either) are reduced to around $12 (per 40mm pair) in this Amazon Prime Day deal – which is as low as tubeless valve prices get. Almost all the colors are reduced in price except for the black and oil-slick finished valves. Prices also vary depending on the combination of color and length you go for.

While most tubeless models at this price are pretty basic, the BWSHLF ones come in a range of 12 colors, four different lengths, and are made from aluminum alloy with top caps that have in-built valve core removal tools. I've only just bought a set so haven't tested them yet, but they look just as good and have all the features of the best tubeless tire valves for less than half the price of brands such as Peaty's, Muc-Off, or Hope.

While the valves are available elsewhere in the world, at the time of writing, the only place I've seen price reductions is in the US. At Amazon UK, the BWSHLF valves cost around £20 – depending on the size and color chosen.

The GoPro HERO12 Black is the best MTB action camera currently available and it's carrying a brilliant discount in this Amazon Prime Day GoPro deal. Amazon has reduced GoPro's flagship adventure camera by up to 29% (depending on your location), which makes it a brilliant deal worth grabbing quickly.

The list of features on the GoPro HERO12 Black ticks every possible box making it the perfect companion for recording your mountain bike rides and adventures.

The HERO12 Black has a best-in-class image quality with 5.3K video that gives 91% more resolution than 4K, and 665% more than 1080p. It also captures crisp detail and cinematic image quality with High Dynamic Range (HDR) while also taking 27MP photos. You can also grab stunning photos up to 24.7MP of your favorite shots from your videos using the GoPro Quik app.

Along with the outstanding image quality, the HERO12 has the award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization. HyperSmooth already set the bar for smooth footage in earlier GoPro cameras, but the HERO12 Black makes it even better by maximizing HyperSmooth AutoBoost, so even the shakiest footage comes out silky smooth.

If you're looking for more deals, you'll probably be interested in our Amazon Prime Day cycling deals article, where we've dug around for the best off-road cycling deals already available on Amazon and across the internet.

And if you're after more tech, then check out our dedicated Amazon Prime Day Garmin deals article.

It seems like not a day goes bike when you don't read or hear about somebody having their bike stolen. I moved house a few years ago and decided to install security cameras to watch over my outside bike storage. I chose the Blink Outdoor Wireless HD smart security camera – which is now at the lowest price ever seen for Amazon Prime Day 2024.

They immediately paid for themselves as after only a few weeks they caught an opportunist thief on camera as he attempted to break in and steal my bikes. I can't recommend them enough, and if you're looking to add some extra security around your home, with a massive 65% discount, now's the time to give your best mountain bike the extra protection it deserves.

Amazon has a host of discounts for Prime Day, with various camera options. I've chosen the two-camera pack to highlight as it currently has the biggest discount, and I found two covered the areas of my own home I needed with ease. There are up to four camera options though, and if you need more, I've added a few but you can check the various offers out at Amazon too.

The Blink Outdoor cameras work amazingly well and are easy to set up. They are wire-free, AA lithium battery-powered (included), and offer 24-hour HD security day or night with infrared night vision. They are also designed to withstand the elements and are easily attached to your home, garage and wherever you need them with no professional installation required.

Once installed, you can customize your motion detection zones via the Blink Home Monitor app so you’re only alerted when you need to be. This is useful if you have a road or high footfall area because the wide-angle lens has a brilliant field of vision, so switching certain areas off helps avoid unwanted triggers and preserves battery life.

You can also hear and speak to visitors with Live View in real-time and two-way audio features on your Blink Home Monitor app. Although Live View is not continuous, it's handy if there's an Amazon delivery or in my case asking the thief (ever so politely) what he was doing!

You get a free 30-day trial of the Blink Subscription Plan to save and share clips or save locally with the Sync Module 2 and USB drive (sold separately)..

I like to keep my bikes as clean as possible. It's part of my post-ride routine to wash and lubricate my bike, removing the day's trail crud and keeping everything clean and pristine.

A quality pressure washer can help make light work of removing grime off your best mountain bike. I've been hunting around for deals in the Amazon Prime Day 2024 sale and a pressure washer that features in our best pressure washer guide – the cordless and compact Worx Hydroshot Pressure Cleaner is currently discounted by 35%, which makes it a bargain purchase, on a power washer that comes loaded with bike-friendly features.

The beauty of the Worx Hydroshot is its cordless performance – no need for a power cable, hose or the inevitable tangled cables that always happen. The Hydroshot has a maximum water pressure of 320 Psi (22 Bar) water pressure, which can effectively eliminate caked-on dirt, it's also adjustable making it ideal for delicate areas of the bike like bearings or suspension seals. It also draws water from a bucket or any other source that can take the suction hose that comes with the Hydroshot.

This deal also comes with two batteries and the Worx Lithium-ion Battery Technology is designed to deliver long-lasting performance. You also get various lance attachments including a handy snow foam sprayer and a collapsible water bucket.

This great deal is UK only, but below you'll see the best prices on the Worx Hydroshot in your territory. If you're not in the market for a power washer our Amazon Prime Day 2024 cycling deals page has plenty of MTB and off-road bargains, that are being updated as they appear – so be sure to check that out.

It's the last day of the Amazon Prime Day sale and these Shokz headphones are brilliant for listening to music while riding. We are big fans of safely listening to music on the go, but earbuds have always been problematic, as most earphone designs either close out the surroundings which can be dangerous on the road, or they are at risk of leaping out when sending it on the trails.

Shokz aims to solve all these issues with its bone-conduction headphones. The latest models – the Shokz OpenFit are also discounted and these use a slightly different open-ear technology that we found gave a superb sound quality over their Shokz siblings.

Saying that Bike Perfect tester, Graham Cottingham, still preferred the overall performance of the Shokz Bone Conduction technology. Having first used the OpenRun model, he was so impressed he upgraded to the OpenRun Pro, and he liked those so much they featured in his Gear of the Year lineup.

US Shokz deals

UK Shokz deals

Amazon Prime Day is here and the online ultra-store has slashed the price of the Garmin Fenix 7 smartwatch. In fact, this is the Garmin Fenix 7's best price on Amazon ever so act quickly and you could snap up a great Amazon Prime Day Garmin deal on this top-spec smartwatch.

The Garmin Fenix 7 is one of the best Garmin watches for mountain biking. Featuring accurate GPS tracking and detailed mapping and navigation to ensure you stay on track. The Fenix 7 has a built-in heart rate monitor offering detailed training advice and in-depth performance metrics like real-time stamina and recovery time.

Not only does it excel at recording your mountain bike rides, but it also has profiles for recording 30+ other activities and will also track your day-to-day health statistics including Pulse Ox, stress, and enhanced sleep tracking.

The watch is controlled with a responsive touchscreen or buttons making it easy to use and the impressive 57-hour battery life in GPS mode is more than enough to track even the longest MTB ride.

While this is a great deal for customers in the UK to get a leading smartwatch at an unbelievable price, unfortunately, those based in the US aren't able to take advantage of this deal.

Don't fret though, if you aren't in the UK or looking for a deal on a different Garmin smartwatch, check out the deals on Garmin smartwatches below.

The Competitive Cyclist 48-hour flash sale that ran in conjunction with the Amazon Prime Day sales has ended, but the huge deals keep coming as the American cycling retailer has handily kept its deals live – and even improved some of them.

Competitive Cyclist has plenty of brilliant offers on everything including bikes, components, clothing, and protection. So no matter what you're after, Competitive Cyclist probably has it. I've had a good rummage through the MTB and off-road cycling deals and picked out the very best below, but best grab them quick as they may not be around for much longer.

Competitive Cyclist Sale quick deals

• 1. MTB shoes: Five Ten Trailcross. Were $165, now $99
• 2. Helmet: POC Ventral Air MIPS. Was $260, now $195
• 3. MTB shoes: Specialized 2FO DH Clip. Were $169.99, now $49.99
• 4. Clothing: 7Mesh Farside Shorts. Were $120, now $84
• 5. Sunglasses: Smith Wildcat ChromaPop. Were $209, now $156
• 6. Protection: G-Form Pro-X3 Knee Guards. Were $74.99, now $41.50
• 7. Components: Fox Transfer SL Factory Dropper Post. Was $399, now $299
• 8. Clothing: Fox Ranger Lite Short. Was $89.95, now $62.99
• 9. Components: SRAM NX Eagle DUB Groupset. Was $404, now $282.80

Bike deals

Component and accessory deals

Helmet and shoe deals

The above deals are only for US-based shoppers at Competitive Cyclist so I've added the best mountain bike deals from various retailers in your territory, including the best Amazon Prime Day deals.

The last generation of Trek’s Top Fuel took it further on its journey toward trail riding from its XC origins, but reviewers and customers confirmed that was the right direction with multiple awards and very healthy sales for a human-powered bike in an increasingly electrified environment. It's no surprise then that they’ve stayed on a very similar trajectory with the latest Gen 4 Top Fuel, so what are the changes and are they enough to make it worth buying compared to a Gen 3 version?

Structure

Detailed information around the new Top Fuel is relatively sparse and I’ve not had a chance to talk to the project engineers yet, but what I do know is good news. The biggest beef I had with the previous bike was that it was on the heavy side for the 120mm travel category. So while I don’t know how it’s been achieved, news of a half-pound / 220g frame weight saving on both carbon and alloy bikes is very welcome. Especially as it still has the same basic ‘proper rear pivot’ ABP suspension that’s always given the Top Fuel outstanding traction and suspension sensitivity under power and particularly braking.

The chain stays are now size-specific to balance handling better with M/L (that's not as typo) and L bikes getting 5mm longer 440mm stays, and XL bikes getting 445mm stays. Inevitably someone on a forum will point out that means they’re fractionally ‘proportional’ not fully proportional but does anyone really want 500mm plus rear centers on an XL frame? Small sizes will also come with 27.5-inch wheels at both ends as well as a curved top tube for a more inclusive standover height.

Storage and steering

Frame storage accessibility has been improved for an “overall better experience” too, which will hopefully solve the previous issues where getting an innertube into or out of the down tube was a twelve-round wrestling match. The door is better sealed than before, you get improved ‘BITS’ bags inside and the internal cables are tucked away more neatly. 

The Knock Block steering limiter is gone for Generation 4 as well, which will delight all the people hating on it when they posted an ad for the current bike on Facebook last night, triggering me to think they’d broken their own embargo. Note to self, check all the obvious facts before you try and be a smart arse to the marketing department, otherwise you risk having a ‘Kock Block’ installed on your media access.

Shock

The two-position ‘Mino Link’ at the bottom of the shock now becomes a four-position link. Which doesn’t sound much, but it opens up all sorts of variability in terms of shock rate (14 or 19 percent progression), geometry (half a degree), mullet rear wheel, and even longer stroke shock (55mm rather than stock 50mm) use. Again, it’s really accessible and easy to use rather than being buried deep inside a frame cavern, ready to eat its own small parts as soon as you loosen them. 

While 130mm fork travel and 120mm rear wheel travel are unchanged, the Top Fuel now has slightly more anti-squat for a more peppy pedaling feel. The frame is cleared for use with 140m forks and piggyback shocks as well – if you want more stroke to enable your stoke.

Geometry and options

What hasn’t changed much is geometry. The head angle is half a degree slacker at 65.5 degrees but the effective seat angle is the same at 76 degrees. Reaches only change slightly (+2mm to 447mm on a medium) but dropper post insertion is improved so you’ve got more latitude in frame size choice.

Despite Trek saying they’d be cutting their bike range by 40 percent, the Top Fuel seems to have largely escaped the culling. It still comes in five carbon frame specs (XT, GX AXS, XO and XX) and three alloy frame specs (Deore/XT/GX AXS) all in two or three color options. You’ll still find five different sizes including the ‘M/L’ option that’s a genuine sweet spot for riders dithering between M and L sizes on other brands. 

Our take

I’ve not ridden the new Gen 4 Top Fuel yet, but I’ve ridden every previous version. The move to a lighter frame with peppier pedaling is definitely a welcome shift for those of us who remember it as a mainstay of privateer racers and there’s potential to take it lighter with a 120mm fork and XC shock too. Conversely, the fact it’s more versatile in terms of increasing travel, adding a piggyback shock, and tweaking geometry and suspension will get nods of approval from more trail-focused riders. Better storage is better for everyone and judging from online comments, nobody is going to miss the Knock Block either.

In other words, it looks like the new Gen 4 evolution only adds positives to a full-suspension mountain bike that has already won several 'bike of the year' awards, as well as the hearts of many riders who want a fast but very capable and enjoyable trail bike.

Trek is also in the rare position of being able to launch a new MTB without currently having discounts on the previous model. In fact, the new bike prices are actually lower than the previous bikes in many places, so if you ignore other brands who are binning out surplus bikes at clearance cost, the price is another positive aspect of the new Top Fuel. 

As to how the bike actually feels on the trail, I’ll get back to you as soon as my test sample arrives and I've logged some proper riding on it.

Full specs and more info are available now over at Trek.com.

Trek Top Fuel Gen 4 pricing

• Top Fuel 5: $2,699.99 / £2,500 / €2,799
• Top Fuel 8: $3,999.99 / £3,500 / €3,999
• Top Fuel 9: $4,799.99 / £4,500 / €4,799
• Top Fuel 9.8 XT: $6,249 / £6,000 / €TBC
• Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS: $6,999.99 / £6,500 / €TBC
• Top Fuel 9.9 XO: $8,499.99 / £8,500 / €TBC
• Top Fuel XX AXS: $10,499.99 / £10,000 / €TBC
• Top Fuel alloy frame: $2,499.99 / £2,500 / €TBC
• Top Fuel carbon frame: $3,899.99 / £4,000 / €TBC

Canyon's product range covers just about everything you could possibly need from bike to kit, whether you're hitting the trails, gravel tracks, road, or the urban commute. Up until now, there has been one glaring omission among the product lines as Canyon hasn't offered any type of footwear. 

That has all changed with the launch of Canyon's Tempr CFR XC and gravel race shoe. Canyon has pulled in the expertise of Carl Bird and Eric Horton, of FORM8ION, and worked alongside some of the top brands to make a shoe that can compete with the best gravel shoes and XC shoes.

“Our first shoes straight out of the block are pushing state-of-the-art performance and have already proven themselves at the highest levels of racing. We are known for challenging the status quo with our design expertise and our athlete input. With these shoes we’ve achieved another innovation milestone," said Canyon’s Stan Mavis, Global Director Gear.

Canyon’s Factory Racing (CFR) denotes that these shoes are aimed at racing and the shoes have already taken victories in elite-level Gravel, Cyclocross, and XC thanks to Canyon athletes such as Petr Vakoč, Zoe Bäckstedt, Luca Schwarzbauer, and Dante Young.

The shoes use Canyon's own PerformFit Wrap system to hold the foot in place and use two Li2 dials to tighten the shoe and offer fine-tuned adjustment. Inside the shoes feature a full-length CFR carbon sole for maximum power transfer and a PUREFIT360 insole developed in collaboration with Solestar. The outsole uses Vibram Megagrip for traction when you need to walk. Canyon claims that the Tempr CFR shoes weigh in at 290g (size 42).

Alongside the Tempr CFR Off-road shoes, Canyon has released an on-road version too. Tempr CFR Off-road shoes come in black with gum tread, or grey or white with a black tread, and feature minimal branding on the heel of the shoe

Canyon's new shoes are available in EU sizes between 36-48 with half sizes from 40.5 to 46.5 exclusively from Canyon.com, priced at 329,95 EUR.

Kona has announced the release of an updated new Process 153 and Process 134. These are the third generation of a line of trail mountain bikes that were originally released by Kona a decade ago. While it might not be a complete redesign, it's great news to see the cogs of the Kona machine moving once again.

Earlier in the year the future of  Kona Bicycles was a bit bleak. A BOGOF sale and then an unexplained exit from Sea Otter raised suspicion that the writing was on the wall for the legendary Canadian mountain bike brand. Kona Bicycles parent brand, Canadian sporting goods company Kent Outdoors, put Kona up for sale back in April and it was bought back by its original founders, Dan Gerhard and Jake Heilbron. 

To the naked eye, the new Process 153 and Process 134 look much the same, however, Kona has made a load of tweaks to bring the Process platform up to date. The Process 153 and 134 are now compatible with both 29er and mullet wheel setups and feature a flip-chip to maintain the geometry when switching between rear wheel sizes.

Kona has made changes to the suspension kinematics on both the 153 and 134 so it works better for both air and coil shocks The geometry itself has also been tweaked, lengthening the reach (455mm on a medium) and slackening the headtube angle to 64.5 degrees. There are more sizes too with a new small size added, while the seat tubes have been made shorter giving more flexibility with sizing and offering a deeper seatpost insertion (175mm small and medium, 200mm on large and XL) for longer travel dropper posts.

The updates don't stop there either. The frames now come equipped with a UDH hanger, more mounts for bottles and tools/accessories, and extra frame protection including a tailgate protector under the downtube in case you transport your bike using a pick-up truck.

The 134 and 153 Process will both be available in two carbon fiber (Process CR/DL, Process CR) and two aluminum (Process DL, Process) builds. Alloy frames feature external cable routing while the carbon frames have fully guided interal routing.

As things stand, pricing and release info is still unknown.

Our take

While the third-generation Process might be more of an evolution rather than a revolution, it's great to see a major overhaul from the much-loved brand. Under the new/old leadership, we hope this is a promising step to seeing Kona return to its former glories.

Tech specs: Kona Process

Kona Process 153 CR DL

• Price: $TBC / £TBC / €TBC
• Frame: Kona DH Carbon 153mm Travel
• Fork: RockShox Lyrik Ultimate RC2 Charger 3 DebonAir+ w/ButterCups 160mm Tapered 110mm Spacing 
• Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Trunnion
• Brakes: SRAM G2 RSC, 200mm rotors
• Gears: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission
• Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission
• Wheels: WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS
• Front tire: Maxxis Assegai EXO+ TR 3C 29x2.5" WT
• Rear tire: Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO+ TR 3C 29x2.4" WT (27.5x2.4" WT size S)
• Seatpost: Rock Shox Reverb w/1x Remote Lever 31.6mm
• Saddle: WTB Volt 
• Bars: Kona XC/BC 35
• Stem: Kona XC/BC 35

Kona Process 153 CR

• Price: $TBC / £TBC / €TBC
• Frame: Kona DH Carbon 153mm Travel
• Fork: Fox 36 Performance 160mm Tapered 110mm Spacing
• Shock: Fox Float X Performance Elite Trunnion
• Brakes: SRAM G2 R, 200mm rotors
• Gears: SRAM GX Eagle 
• Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle 
• Wheels: WTB KOM Team i30 TCS
• Front tire: Maxxis Assegai EXO+ TR 3C 29x2.5" WT
• Rear tire: Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO+ TR 3C 29x2.4" WT (27.5x2.4" WT size S)
• Seatpost: TranzX Dropper +RAD Internal 31.6mm
• Saddle: WTB Volt 
• Bars: Kona XC/BC 35
• Stem: Kona XC/BC 35

Kona Process 153 DL

• Price: $TBC / £TBC / €TBC
• Frame: Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted 153mm Travel
• Fork: RockShox Lyrik Select RC Charger DebonAir 160mm Tapered 110mm Spacing
• Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select Plus Trunnion
• Brakes: SRAM G2 RS, 200mm/180mm rotors
• Gears: SRAM GX Eagle 
• Crankset: SRAM NX Eagle 
• Wheels: WTB KOM Team i30 TCS
• Front tire: Maxxis Assegai EXO TR 3C 29x2.5" WT
• Rear tire: Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO TR 3C 29x2.4" WT (27.5x2.4" WT size S)
• Seatpost: TranzX Dropper +RAD Internal 31.6mm
• Saddle: WTB Volt 
• Bars: Kona XC/BC 35
• Stem: Kona XC/BC 35

Kona Process 153

• Price: $TBC / £TBC / €TBC
• Frame: Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted 153mm Travel
• Fork: RockShox Yari RC Motion Control DebonAir 160mm Tapered 110mm Spacing
• Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select Plus Trunnion
• Brakes: SRAM DB8, 200mm/180mm rotors
• Gears: Microshift Advent X
• Crankset: FSA Comet Heavy Duty
• Wheels: WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0
• Front tire: Maxxis Assegai EXO TR DUAL 29x2.5" WT
• Rear tire: Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO TR DUAL 29x2.4" WT (27.5x2.4" WT size S)
• Seatpost: TranzX Dropper +RAD Internal w/ Shimano Lever 31.6mm
• Saddle: WTB Volt 
• Bars: Kona XC/BC 35
• Stem: Kona XC/BC 35

Kona Process 134 CR DL

• Price: $TBC / £TBC / €TBC
• Frame: Kona DH Carbon 134mm Travel
• Fork: RockShox Pike Ultimate RC2 Charger 3 DebonAir+ w/ButterCups 140mm Tapered 110mm Spacing 
• Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Trunnion
• Brakes: SRAM G2 RSC, 200mm rotors
• Gears: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission
• Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission
• Wheels: WTB KOM Trail i30 TCS
• Front tire: Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR 3C 29x2.5" WT
• Rear tire: Maxxis Dissector EXO TR 3C 29x2.4" WT (27.5x2.4" WT size S)
• Seatpost: Rock Shox Reverb w/1x Remote Lever 31.6mm
• Saddle: WTB Volt 
• Bars: Kona XC/BC 35
• Stem: Kona XC/BC 35

Kona Process 153 CR

• Price: $TBC / £TBC / €TBC
• Frame: Kona DH Carbon 134mm Travel
• Fork: Fox Float 34 Performance 140mm Tapered 110mm Spacing
• Shock: Fox Float X Performance Elite Trunnion
• Brakes: SRAM G2 R, 200mm rotors
• Gears: SRAM GX Eagle 
• Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle 
• Wheels: WTB KOM Team i30 TCS
• Front tire: Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR 3C 29x2.5" WT
• Rear tire: Maxxis Dissector EXO TR 3C 29x2.4" WT (27.5x2.4" WT size S)
• Seatpost: TranzX Dropper +RAD Internal 31.6mm
• Saddle: WTB Volt 
• Bars: Kona XC/BC 35
• Stem: Kona XC/BC 35

Kona Process 134 DL

• Price: $TBC / £TBC / €TBC
• Frame: Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted 134mm Travel
• Fork: RockShox Pike Select RC Charger DebonAir 140mm Tapered 110mm Spacing
• Shock: RockShox Deluxe Ultimate Trunnion
• Brakes: SRAM G2 RS, 200mm/180mm rotors
• Gears: SRAM GX Eagle 
• Crankset: SRAM NX Eagle 
• Wheels: WTB KOM Team i30 TCS
• Front tire: Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR 3C 29x2.5" WT
• Rear tire: Maxxis Dissector EXO TR 3C 29x2.4" WT (27.5x2.4" WT size S)
• Seatpost: TranzX Dropper +RAD Internal 31.6mm
• Saddle: WTB Volt 
• Bars: Kona XC/BC 35
• Stem: Kona XC/BC 35

Kona Process 134

• Price: $TBC / £TBC / €TBC
• Frame: Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted 134mm Travel
• Fork: RockShox Recon RL Motion Control Solo Air 140mm Tapered 110mm Spacing
• Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select Trunnion
• Brakes: SRAM Level, 180mm rotors
• Gears: Microshift Advent X
• Crankset: FSA Comet 
• Wheels: WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0
• Front tire: Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR DUAL 29x2.5" WT
• Rear tire: Maxxis Dissector EXO TR DUAL 29x2.4" WT (27.5x2.4" WT size S)
• Seatpost: TranzX Dropper +RAD Internal w/ Shimano Lever 31.6mm
• Saddle: WTB Volt 
• Bars: Kona XC/BC 35
• Stem: Kona XC/BC 35

This year saw the world's toughest downhill race, Red Bull Hardline, expand from its origins in west Wales to the island state of Tasmania off the Australian mainland. It has now just been confirmed the Tasmania incarnation of Hardline will return in 2025.

Hardline Tasmania will once again take place at Maydena Bike Park, the competition dates for 2025 are February 7th and 8th. Another one to mark on your calendar is November 10th, as that's when spectator tickets will go on sale from redbull.com.

Incredibly, 22-year-old Irish riding sensation, Rónán Dunne, won both the Tasmanian and Dyfi Hardline events. He confirmed that he's extremely keen to retain his Tasmanian title (and his Dyfi title too). "Red Bull Hardline Tasmania was a pretty amazing event. It was my first time down in Australia and to this day one of my favorite tracks I have ever ridden. Jumps were sick, technical features were amazing, an all-round incredible event. To take the win was amazing, a dream come true, especially in one of the biggest races of the year. Now I have my eyes set on winning the next Red Bull Hardline Tasmania.”

Canadian rider, Gracey Hemstreet, won the women's event. The 19-year-old said: "I absolutely loved Red Bull Hardline in Tassie, it was my first ever Red Bull Hardline and it was the most insane experience. The people were amazing, and the course was next level!! I can’t wait to see what kind of changes they make for 2025!"

We have already shown you what really caught our eye from this years's Eurobike show for e-MTB and MTB, so here’s what peaked our interest gravel-wise. You could easily think it's just a show for electric bikes these days, but there was still plenty of tech for the pedal-powered fans out there, too. 

1. Buffalo S2 WBR two-speed bike

The latest Buffalo bike could well be the most important gravel model at the show. It's a long way from the sort of bikes you find at events like Unbound, but considering it's designed to be used on rough and sandy surfaces for mile after mile, I think it fits well within the same spirit. The bike is part of World Bicycle Relief, a not-for-profit charity set up by one of the SRAM founders back in 2005, that aims improve lives in sub-Saharan Africa by getting people onto bikes which will make their daily tasks easier.

The original Buffalo is a fantastic success story, with nearly 800,000 bikes being made and sold to communities in Southern Africa, but its single-speed setup limited the terrain in which it could be used. The Buffalo S2 solves this with a very clever and seriously robust system that uses two chainrings and two freewheels connected by a shift ring. Changing gear is done by backpedaling half a revolution, so there's no need for a derailleur or any cables, which makes it easy to look after and ideally suited to the rough roads it will encounter. It’s also designed to be repaired as easily as possible with basic tools.

For more info and to donate to the fund, check out worldbicyclerelief.org

2. Classified and TRP Vistar 16-speed electronic groupset

Classified probably had some of the biggest news in the drop bar world at Eurobike with the introduction of its 16-speed electronic groupset in conjunction with TRP. Don't panic though, as that doesn't mean there's a new 16-speed cassette. Riders control the gears with one shifter that uses a combination of the seamless 2-speed hub shifting with a wireless 12-speed rear derailleur. That gives 16 individual gears operable from a single shift lever with no overlapping gear ratios.

We have tested the Classified system and have been impressed with its operation, especially on the Ridley Kanzo Adventure, as it had the shift function integrated into a GRX Di2 lever. This update now means there are more build options for bike suppliers, and the automated shifting makes it even easier to use on the trail.

For more info, check out Classified-cycling.cc

3. K-Edge 1x Race W gravel chain device

Fresh from the latest Unbound gravel event, K-Edge had this neat-looking chain device on display. As some gravel courses get gnarlier, the need for better chain retention arises. That's easy if you have a front mech tab, but many bikes are now 1x specific to enable bigger tire clearances and still keep chainstays short, which leaves no mounting point for a chain guide. That's where the latest guide from K-Edge comes in.

Using frame bottle cage bosses, the brand has designed a chain guide that should fit pretty much everything. It's super adjustable and comes with all the bits you need to fine-tune it for your specific setup. The guide itself is also angled with the frame side guide plate being longer, which means should your chain come off the ring, you can still backpedal to re-seat it without dropping the chain and having to get off, which is handy for those racing.

4. Passoni Cicloprato custom-built Titanium bike

I should admit that a Passoni has long been at the top of my lottery win list of dream bikes, so I felt I had to include the brand here as I spent way too long at the stand admiring the bikes and discussing my other favorite thing – Italian cuisine. The Italian custom masters' latest gravel offering, the Cicloprato, was no exception. With near-endless custom build possibilities and beautiful finishes all hand-built at their Lake Como base, the bikes are real head-turners, though builds start at €7,599.

5. Bulls 3D-printed Mache-Ti bike

At the other end of the titanium spectrum was this futuristic-looking Mache-Ti gravel bike from German brand Bulls, which uses polished 3D-printed sections and regular straight tubes. The bike is almost at odds with the rest of the enormous range of e-MTB and MTB bikes they had on display, but they have made great use of the tech to create a very modern-looking machine and have even gone for a full titanium fork to match.

It also looked very good value compared to other bikes using similar tech I've seen. At €5,999 with an SRAM AXS groupset and carbon wheels, the Mache-Ti is a bike we would love to get some miles on to see how the modern tech equates on the trail.

6. Giant Revolt Advanced Pro

We tested the original Giant Revolt Advanced back in 2022, and the brand announced the latest version at the show. It shares many of the features from the previous incarnation but has added additional frame storage options, plus finishing kit like the SLR XR D-Fuse carbon handlebar and D-Fuse SLR seatpost that add more compliance.

It looks like they have addressed the issues Guy Kesteven found when testing, too, with the option for a longer wheelbase with its flip-chip at the rear dropout for more controlled handling and some proper off-road rubber. The Revolt is still sticking with front mechs though. The Revolt Advanced Pro 1 costs $5,800 / £4,899. 

7. ERE research GT25 wheels

We tested the ERE Research Tenaci GA40 wheels last year and loved its comfort and floaty feel on rough trails, thanks to its large box section rim. Their latest carbon wheelset aims to combine many of its features with a lighter, shallower, 25mm deep rim. 

It still retains the 26mm internal rim width, ratchet hubs, and Sapim spokes, but these will be nearly 200g lighter, which will make a difference on climbs and accelerations. We look forward to getting a set of these out on the trail soon.

8. Shimano S-Phyre SH-XC903 XC9 shoe

Shimano’s latest top-of-the-range XC shoe is a lightweight race option with a double Boa setup and features such as a lock-down heel to keep the shoe secure and light. It's also got a grippy enough outsole for when you need to get off and run. Though billed as an XC race shoe, I think these would make a great gravel race shoe too. I've been a long-time user of the road equivalent of these and think the super supportive heel cup and roomy fit would be great for long off-road rides as well as frantic XC racing.

They come in three colors and are a wide-fit version. Like other Shimano shoes, there should be plenty of room in the toe box too.

9. Deuter Rogla 5 lightweight hydration backpack

Deuter has been making backpacks for over 125 years and they had some great stuff on show. We have reviewed some of their more MTB-focused packs before, like the Attack 20, and loved the high quality and useful features, and the latest Rogla 5 looks like it continues in the same vein.

Using lots of tech from their trail running range, the Rogla 5 is a lightweight, close-fitting rucksack that looks perfect for gravel use. It has a 2-litre bladder and enough storage space for essentials. There are also some very neat wide pockets on the shoulder straps that are perfect for storing snacks and items you need to get quickly, like your phone or money. There's even the possibility of fitting a filter to the bladder for those riding in areas where shops are limited and you need to access water from potentially iffy sources. Lightweight packs are gaining in popularity in gravel events, and the Rogla 5 looks like it could be just the thing for an adventure ride.

Lapierre has launched the latest version of its Spicy CF. The new bike features a reworked suspension system, a new size, and unique bike configuration adjustments that Lapierre says give its latest enduro mountain bike two distinct characteristics.

In the last few years, high-pivot enduro bikes have been on trend with modern enduro bikes like Trek's Slash, Norco's Range, and Forbidden's Dreadnaught featuring high-pivot and idler configurations. 

High-pivot suspension designs give a rear-ward axle path which can improve stability, traction, and control on fast rough trails. This can give a bike a glued-to-the-ground feel although this isn't always beneficial on trails that require more agility, airtime, or drivetrain efficiency.

"There are so many ways to ride enduro that we wanted no limits on this new Spicy! From rolling terrain to the steepest slopes there's bound to be a configuration to suit, with four possible versions without compromise.“ says downhill legend Nico Voullioz who played a part in developing the new Spicy CF’s unique solution.

To achieve this, the Spicy CF features a new low-slung shock design that has a rocker with two chainstay pivot mounting positions. The low position offers a more traditional pivot point aimed at flatter or rolling enduro courses and bike parks. That gives a more vertical wheel path as the suspension compresses which is said to give the bike low anti-squat numbers for improved pedaling performance, a more dynamic ride feel, and maintain the geometry under braking. By using the second rocker mount and adding a 15-tooth idler to combat chain growth, Lapierre was able to give the Spicy CF a rearward axle path which should improve the bike's performance on steep technical terrain. 

Alongside the pivot mounting adjustment, the Spicy CF features four three-way flip-chips. Unlike other bike designs that use flip-chips to modify the bike geometry, Lapierre’s versions are designed to maintain consistent geometry numbers whether the Spicy CF is set in the high-pivot or low-pivot shock positions and being run with a 29 or 27.5in rear wheel. Lapierre says all bikes in the range will be shipped in the high-pivot, mullet wheel setup and include the kit for switching to the low-pivot version. 

Lapierre has also revised some of Spicy’s geometry numbers too. The headtube has been slackened to 63.5 degrees and is now rated to be run with a 180mm fork. The seat angle has been steepened to 78 degrees for an improved climbing position and the reach has been lengthened to 460mm (medium) to accommodate the steeper seat tube – although it's still on the short side compared to many enduro bikes. Initially developed for Lapierre Zipp Collective team rider, Isabeau Courdurier, Lapierre has also added a new XS size with a 410mm reach to cater to a wider range of riders.  

The Spicy frame needed to be completely redesigned to accommodate the new 174mm suspension system. Gone are the swoopy tubes of the old Lapierre in favor of a far more aggressive angular design. The frame is built using 600 plies of UD SLI carbon which the brand says have been used to optimize frame stiffness through real-world testing, stiffening up the bottom bracket area and rear triangle to enhance pedaling and cornering performance. The frame features a single bottle cage, a 'knock block' to stop the handlebars from rotating, and rubber armor to protect high-risk areas and reduce noise when riding. There's an integrated toolbox with an internal kit to protect your tool kit or jacket and reduce noise, this has been positioned in the bottom of the downtube for any additional extra weight low on the bike for a better ride feel...

There will be four complete Lapierre Spicy CF builds available which start at €5,499, plus a frame kit including a RockShox Vivid Air 2 Ultimate shock for €3,699 – if you wish to build a Spicy CF up to your own specification. US and UK pricing is still to be confirmed. For more details, head over to Lapierre.com.

Our take

Lapierre's Spicy CF looks like it means business with its new burly, low slung framset and its interesting to see Lapierre trying something unique with its high/low pivot adjustment. Being able to switch between the two should give the Spicy CF two very different characteristics to choose from which could be a real advantage when adapting the bike to different trail or race conditions. As far as we are aware this is the first bike to offer this type of adjustment and I wouldn't be surprised if this becomes a more common feature on bikes of the future. 

Adjustability is becoming a increasingly hot topic as geometry figures on new bikes harmonize, especially on race focused rigs like the Spicy CF. It's now common to see bikes with reach, rear center, head angle, or bottom bracket drop adjustment using offset headsets and flip-chips. Having the option to switch between high/low pivot options will certainly be a selling point although its interesting that Lapierre hasn't added other geometry adjustments the mix. 

Tech specs: Lapierre Spicy CF 2025

Lapierre Spicy CF 6.9

• Price: $TBC / £TBC / €5,499 
• Frame: Spicy Carbon U D S L I 174mm travel, press-fit, Boost, metric, thru axle
• Fork: RockShox ZEB Select Charger RC 29” 15x110 DebonAir 180mm (29”) 44mm offset 
• Shock: RockShox Vivid Air 2 Base, Adjust Hydraulic Bottom Out, 205x65mm Trunnion
• Brakes: Shimano M4100 4 pistons Shimano RT64 203mm rotors
• Gears: Shimano SLX 12s Shadow +
• Crankset: Shimano MT612 32T 165mm (XS,S,M), 170mm (L,XL)
• Wheels: Rodi Tryp30 EVO 30x622 32H Tubeless Ready
• Front tire: Schwalbe MAGIC MARY Evo, Super Trail, TLE, ADDIX Ultra Soft, 62-622, 67TPI
• Rear tire: Schwalbe BIG BETTY, Super Trail, TLE, ADDIX Soft, 62-584, 67TPI NW-91K 
• Seatpost: Lapierre dropper, Ø: 31.6mm, travel 100mm (XS,S), 130mm (M), 150mm (L), 170mm (XL)
• Saddle: WTB Volt 142mm
• Bars: Lapierre Thirty Five 6061DB, Width: 800mm, Rise: 30mm, Ø: 35mm
• Stem: Lapierre Thirty Five alloy, 0°, L: 35mm (XS,S), 45mm (M,L,XL)
• Grips: Lapierre grips anodized, S/M: small diameter, L/XL: large diameter
• Extras: Lapierre Thru axle and bottle opener lever Accessory Box for Low Pivot Point configuration
• Weight: 16.5kg 

Lapierre Spicy CF 7.9

• Price: $TBC / £TBC / €6,499
• Frame: Spicy Carbon U D S L I 174mm travel, press-fit, Boost, metric, thru axle
• Fork: Fox Float 38 Performance Elite GRIP2 29’’ 15x110, 180mm travel, 44mm offset / HSC, LSC, HSR, LSR
• Shock: Fox Float X2 Performance, 2-Pos Lever, LV Evol, 205x65mm Trunnion 
• Brakes: Shimano SLX M7100 4 pistons, 203mm rotors
• Gears: Shimano Deore XT 12s Shadow + 
• Crankset: Shimano SLX 32T 165mm (XS,S,M), 170mm (L,XL) 
• Wheels: DT Swiss E1900 SPLINE
• Front tire: Schwalbe MAGIC MARY Evo, Super Trail, TLE, ADDIX Ultra Soft, 62-622, 67TPI
• Rear tire: Schwalbe BIG BETTY, Super Trail, TLE, ADDIX Soft, 62-584, 67TPI NW-91K 
• Seatpost: Lapierre dropper, 31.6mm, travel 100mm (XS,S), 130mm (M), 150mm (L), 170mm (XL)
• Saddle: WTB Volt 142mm
• Bars: Lapierre Thirty Five 6061DB, Width: 800mm, Rise: 30mm, Ø: 35mm
• Stem: Lapierre Thirty Five alloy, 0°, L: 35mm (XS,S), 45mm (M,L,XL)
• Grips: Lapierre grips anodized, S/M: small diameter, L/XL: large diameter
• Extras: Lapierre Thru axle and bottle opener lever Accessory Box for Low Pivot Point configuration
• Weight: 16.1kg 

Lapierre Spicy CF 8.9

• Price: $TBC / £TBC / €6,999
• Frame: Spicy Carbon U D S L I 174mm travel, press-fit, Boost, metric, thru axle
• Fork: Fox Float 38 Factory GRIP2 29’’ 15x110, 180mm travel, 44mm offset / HSC, LSC, HSR, LSR
• Shock: Fox Float X2 Performance, 2-Pos Lever, LV Evol, 205x65mm Trunnion 
• Brakes: Shimano Deore XT M8100 4 pistons, 203mm rotors
• Gears: Shimano Deore XT 12s Shadow + 
• Crankset: Shimano Deore XT 32T 165mm (XS,S,M), 170mm (L,XL) 
• Wheels: DT Swiss EX1700 SPLINE
• Front tire: Schwalbe MAGIC MARY Evo, Super Trail, TLE, ADDIX Ultra Soft, 62-622, 67TPI
• Rear tire: Schwalbe BIG BETTY, Super Trail, TLE, ADDIX Soft, 62-584, 67TPI NW-91K 
• Seatpost: TranzX RAD+ dropper, Ø: 31.6mm, travel 125mm (XS,S), 150mm (M), 170mm (L), 200mm (XL) 
• Saddle: WTB Volt 142mm
• Bars: Lapierre Thirty Five 6061DB, Width: 800mm, Rise: 30mm, Ø: 35mm
• Stem: Lapierre Thirty Five alloy, length 35mm (XS, S), 45mm (M ,L, XL)
• Grips: Lapierre grips anodized, S/M: small diameter, L/XL: large diameter
• Extras: Lapierre Thru axle and bottle opener lever Accessory Box for Low Pivot Point configuration
• Weight: 16.0kg 

Lapierre Spicy CF Team

• Price: $TBC / £TBC / €10,000
• Frame: Spicy Carbon U D S L I 174mm travel, press-fit, Boost, metric, thru axle
• Fork: RockShox ZEB Ultimate Charger 3 RC2 29” 15x110 DebonAir 180mm (29”) 44mm offset
• Shock: RockShox Vivid Air 2 Ultimate, 2-Pos Lever, 205x65mm Trunnion 
• Brakes: SRAM CODE Silver Stealth 4 pistons, 220mm/200mm rotors
• Gears: SRAM XO1 Eagle 12s 
• Crankset: SRAM X1 Carbon Eagle DUB 32T 165mm (XS,S,M), 170mm (L,XL) 
• Wheels: DT Swiss EXC1501 SPLINE® 
• Front tire: Schwalbe MAGIC MARY Evo, Super Trail, TLE, ADDIX Ultra Soft, 62-622, 67TPI
• Rear tire: Schwalbe BIG BETTY, Super Trail, TLE, ADDIX Soft, 62-584, 67TPI NW-91K 
• Seatpost: TranzX RAD+ dropper, Ø: 31.6mm, travel 125mm (XS,S), 150mm (M), 170mm (L), 200mm (XL) 
• Saddle: WTB Volt 142mm
• Bars: Renthal Fatbar, Width: 800mm, Rise: 30mm, Ø: 35mm 
• Stem: Renthal Apex, 35mm, length: 33mm (XS, S), 40mm (M, L, XL) 
• Grips: Lapierre grips anodized, S/M: small diameter, L/XL: large diameter
• Extras: Lapierre Thru axle and bottle opener lever Accessory Box for Low Pivot Point configuration
• Weight: 15.8kg