Specialized Rolls Out Fast, Lighter Next-Gen Road & Gravel Rubber
Specialized announced its 2025 drop bar (and drop off a cliff) tire lineup. The newest road and gravel (and XC) lineup additions are claiming some serious gains, like a “race only” RapidAir TLR road tire that is 33 seconds faster (over 40km) than the previous model. Or if gravel is your flavor, how about an […]
Specialized Next-Gen Butcher & Eliminator Get More Grip
When hammering through rock gardens or threading the needle on steep, loamy chutes, your tires are the make-or-break contact between staying upright and eating dirt. Photo: Specialized Specialized knows this all too well, and they’ve gone back to the drawing board with their Butcher and Eliminator tires, working with World Cup pros to fine-tune the […]
Third Gen is the Charm For Updated Ari Signal Peak 3.0 Modern XC Machine
Ari Bikes just unveiled an update to its flagship cross-country machine, the Signal Peak 3.0. This marks the third generation (check out our Gen 2.0 review here) of this ripper, and this update is all about modernization. The new frame has an all-new Tetra-Link Race Lite suspension platform, which offers more travel and improves pedaling […]
Hutchinson Expands Blackbird Lineup with Race and All-Season Models
Hutchinson just announced two fresh additions to its Blackbird lineup: the Blackbird Race and Blackbird All Season. Whether hunting podiums or grinding winter base miles, Hutchinson says these new models bring WorldTour-level speed, grip, and durability to every ride. (Images:Hutchinson) Blackbird Race: Pure Speed, Refined The Blackbird Race is Hutchinson’s fastest road tire. We covered […]
Roval Releases 992g World Cup Wheelset and Updated XC Tires
Specialized has been running an all-new, mega light-weight cross-county wheelset right under our noses. For 2024, the Specialized Factory Team was a winning mobile test lab, experimenting with new XC rim shapes, carbon/titanium spokes, and updated hub designs. As a result, the new Roval Control World Cup Wheels were designed directly with the Specialized Factory […]
Specialized Phenom Saddle Gets the Pro Mirror Treatment
Saddles can make or break your ride. They are a highly personal piece of kit (probably the most, IMO), and once you find a match – you stick with it. Specialized’s Phenom is the go-to saddle for many on and off-road athletes. It was my favorite saddle until the Power saddle arrived on the scene. […]
Velocio Enters Hydration Pack World With Super Minimal Race-Focused Design
Velocio has held off the lure of luggage and backpacks for quite some time. Instead, the brand has been focusing on soft goods, riding gear, and outwear. In 2025 however, it seems the dam has broken. Seeing the premium cycling clothing company release three bag designs (so far). The newest is a super minimalist, super […]
AERON/TPU Gives Us SuperLight Race Tubes with Aluminum Valves
AERON/TPU is the latest to step deeper into the high-performance, ultra-light inner tube game. Founded by RTI Sports Group, the folks behind Ergon saddles and grips, AERON wants to instill longevity and durability into the hyper-lightweight tube world and swap out less user-friendly (but light) plastic valves for alloy ones. Their SuperLight Race series, which […]
BMC Issues Recall for All Kaius 01 Bikes and Framesets
BMC Switzerland calls a hard stop on the Kaius 01, recalling all models and framesets over concerns with the fork’s steerer tube. The Swiss brand cites several cases where specific steerer tubes have separated under “heavy-duty riding conditions.” While the issue seems limited, BMC is erring on the side of caution and replacing affected forks […]
Rapha Drops Pro Team Bib Shorts III for High Comfort & High-Performance
Rapha is back with its latest take on high-performance racewear. Launching the Pro Team Bib Shorts III—its most dialed and comfortable bibs. Designed around a proprietary chamois that’s been road-tested over 400,000km and fine-tuned with World Tour athletes, these next-gen bibs aim to deliver pure, uncompromising performance. (Images: Rapha) Tested at the Edge of Endurance […]
