Fans of vintage MTBs, klunkers, and cruisers, listen up: there’s a rad new brand in town and they just released their first tire. Or, their first modern recreation of a legendary vintage tire. House of Looptail was founded in 2023 by industry veteran Wakeman Massie, who was QBP’s first product designer.

House of Looptail (named for the classic frame style) is dedicated to those who want to keep vintage bikes of the 70s-90s rolling, and keep riding them as well. To that angle, they’re planning to offer high-quality, period-correct parts to keep those vintage dreams alive.

To kick things off, House of Looptail has partnered with Panaracer to bring the Snake Belly tire back to life. The Snake Belly was originally created by the National Tire Company of Japan in 1979 (now called Panaracer) as a BMX tire, and then scaled up to a 26″ tire which may or may not have been the first tire specifically made for MTB use.

This isn’t some cheap, sort-of-reproduction of a storied tread. Instead, Panaracer is offering the exact same original tread design in a brand new mold with a modern lightweight 60tpi casing and a folding aramid bead. The modernization of the tire also includes Panaracer’s proprietary ZSG rubber compound which has been “specifically tuned for this application” – we’re assuming that means a more durable tread for skids!

Wakeman tells us that the Snake Belly project has been in the works for years, but it’s finally happening. House of Looptail has already received their first air shipment of tires, of which about half are already sold. Judging by the response on the House of Looptail Facebook group, these are likely to go fast. But if you miss the initial order window, don’t worry – more tires are on the way, with an ocean freight shipment expected sometime in December.

As these are meant for vintage MTBs, cruisers, and klunkers, the Snake Belly will be offered in 26 x 2.125″ only. Available in Tanwall or black, the tires sell for $85 each, and there is currently a four tire maximum per customer to try and let as many people as possible get a pair.

What’s Next?

In addition to the Snake Belly, House of Looptail has two additional tires in the works with the Competition Deuce motocross tire and an officially licensed Ritchey Megabite Z-Max recreation in black and red and in 2.1 and 2.35″. We might also see a few components as well.

Head over to the link below for more.

houseoflooptail.com

The post House of Looptail Partners with Panaracer to Recreate the Snake Belly Tire for Vintage MTBs! appeared first on Bikerumor.

Mondraker goes all-in on drop bars with their first-ever gravel bike – the all-new carbon Arid. Created by a progressive mountain bike company, the new Mondraker Arid is still designed to go fast. But instead of pigeonholing it into one small niche, Mondraker built a versatile gravel all-rounder that is as happy to go racing as it is to spend a chill week bikepacking.

It also happens to be the first-ever Mondraker to get internal frame storage. Maybe that’s something we’ll see come to mountain bikes soon, too?

2025 Mondraker Arid carbon gravel bike

“Get out of the saddle. Pedal as hard as you can. Don’t look back. This thing is fast, we know. Let your instincts kick in and…. Boom! You’ve unlocked all that potential. As easy as. The new Mondraker Arid is the perfect ride whatever your idea of gravel. We’ve created something that moves, something truly authentic. Our way.”

If the silhouette of the new Mondraker Arid looks a bit familiar, that might be because last year Mondraker already debuted their first dropbar model, which curiously was the Dusty gravel ebike with a stealthy, almost-entirely-hidden Mahle ebike drive system. But while that gravel ebike might have been perfect for the Mondraker eMTB fans, this new Arid is for the Mondraker fans who want to push themselves fast and further after the pavement ends.

One thing that I noticed was missing from the Dusty was Mondraker’s signature pierced headtube. But now, the Arid brings it back, well it brings it to the back. The new Mondraker Arid features a unique cutout window at the top of its seatstays, where it can provide a bit of vertical flex, while maintaining overall frame stiffness for solid handling.

Gravel geometry designed by mountain bikers

Mondraker describes the Arid’s gravel bike geometry as “innovative”, clearly inspired by their progressive mountain bike Forward Geometry. It features “generous reach figures and stem lengths of between 60mm and 90mm depending on frame size, a 70° head angle, and 425mm chainstays“.

The result is a fit and feel meant to provide ample rider comfort, and still be “confidence-inspiring” when the terrain gets spicy.

Tech details

• lightweight top-tier Stealth Air carbon frame & fork on all models
• integrated fully internal cable routing through the headset, accessible outside under the stem
• 1x-only, compatible with mechanical & electronic drivetrains
• internal frame storage in the downtube behind a watertight, dustproof & locking hatch
• includes 3 zippered ‘Carry-On’ bags inside to keep your spares sorted & secure
• 2 standard bottle cages, 1 under-downtube cage & 1 toptube bag mounts
• plus 3-bolt Anything cage mounts low on each fork leg
• 27.2mm round seatpost with external clamp
• 12mm thru-axles & flat mount disc brakes
• T47 threaded bottom bracket
• UDH for max drivetrain compatibility
• 50mm max tire clearance
• 5 stock sizes available (S, M, M/L, L & XL)

Mondraker Arid – Pricing options & availability

Four complete gravel bike builds, plus a separate frameset, round out the options to get your hands on the all-new Mondraker Arid carbon gravel bike. All sharing the same frameset layup.

Of course, the Arid Carbon RR SL frameset is the lowest-priced of all at $2200 / 2000€, but then you’ll have to put together your own build kit.

Complete bikes start at $3300 / 3200€ for the base Mondraker Arid Carbon with mechanical Shimano GRX, carbon post, alloy bar & alloy Mavic AllRoad wheels (9.7kg). Arid Carbon R brings that up to $4700 / 4500€ with a wireless electronic SRAM Rival AXS build, a carbon bar upgrade, and machined-out alloy Mavic AllRoad SL wheels (8.9kg). Then, $6500 / 6500€ gets you a Force Xplr AXS upgrade, powermeter cranks, plus lighter & more aero Mavic AllRoad Pro Carbon SL wheels with the Arid Carbon RR (8.8kg).

And finally, the builds top out with a $9800 / 9500€ Mondraker Arid Carbon RR SL complete bike built up with SRAM Red Xplr AXS 13-speed, powermeter cranks, and ultra-wide carbon Zipp 303 Xplr SW wheels (7.9kg).

Get yours from your local Mondraker dealer now, and let them know you are down with a gravel bike built by a mountain bike brand.

Mondraker.com

The post All-New Carbon Mondraker Arid is the MTB Brand’s First-Ever Real Gravel Bike appeared first on Bikerumor.

If you want to own a piece of cycling history that no one else has, donate to Outride, and have an extra $50K lying around, listen up. The Vault by Robb Report (home to the “world’s rarest shopping experience“) is currently auctioning off a unique piece of cycling kit. Now you can own the same bike Dutch powerhouse Demi Vollering and the SD Worx–Protime team rode in the 2024 Tour de France Femmes. The auction will benefit the charity Outride, founded by Former Specialized CEO Mike Sinyard. 

SD Worx–Protime Custom S-Works Tarmac SL8

The Vault is auctioning off an exclusive team bike build from Specialized. The bike in question is an S-Works Tarmac SL8 SD with custom Worx–Protime graphics and the exact spec the team uses.

The auction winner will have the bike custom-made for them in their size. The bike will arrive signed by the 2023 Tour de France Femmes (and Strade Bianche, the Ardennes Tripple, and Dutch National Road Championship…) winner Demi Vollering, accompanied by a signed kit. 

What’s a $50K Bike Spec? 

The frame is an S-Works Tarmac SL8 in the exclusive SD Worx–Protime “Dream State” paint. This colorway is not available for commercial purchase. Specialized Racing will custom-build the bike, and the purchaser will have the option of selecting a size.

The Custom S-Works Tarmac SL8 arrives with ‘Pro-only’ SRAM Red AXS components (lighter? better bearings?) for shifting and braking. For wheels, a pair of Roval Rapide CLX II Team wheels in an SD Worx colorway which are also not commercially available. The cockpit is a one piece a Roval Rapide bar/stem combo, built to the auction winner’s specifications. Last but not least, the saddle is an S-Works Power w/mirror in your width of choice, featuring a custom-painted shell to match the bike. 

That’s Not All 

The custom Specialized bike will be marked as No. 1 of 1, with the purchaser’s name added, just like Specialized’s pro athlete models. The purchaser of this bike can’t ride around in just any kit; they have to match. So, the bike comes with one official SD Worx–Protime race kit in the purchaser’s size. This kit is the same one designed uniquely for the 2024 Tour de France Femmes and signed by Demi Vollering.

Who is Outride? 

Outside is a charity focused on improving kids’ social, mental, and cognitive health — through cycling. The organization helps get kids on bikes and uses them as a tool for better mental and physical health. 

To learn more about Outride, check out: Outride.org

Do you want to purchase the SD Worx–Protime Custom S-Works Tarmac SL8? Buy it Now!

The post $50K 1-of-1 Custom Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8 Bike Includes ‘Pro-Only’ Components appeared first on Bikerumor.

OK, so, technically this new Lauf Cycles rear hub design could have “thousands” of points of engagement per rotation, but that might as well be infinite. Also known as instantaneous.

Either way, the effect is that the hub will engage so quickly that it will feel immediate, and it does this with a very clever staggered, potentially “elastic” pawl design that also softens engagement and can be located throughout the hub’s entire shell.

Oh, and it does all of this without magnets or springs.

How Lauf’s hub design works

The basic premise uses integrated pawls (701) made on an inner ring, each essentially its own spring with a toothed hook at the end to engage with the teeth (105) on the drive ring (102).

However, it could also place the pawls on the outer ring and put the drive ring on the inner surface:

The pawls are staggered to engage at different points in the hubs rotation, effectively creating more points of engagement with fewer-but-larger teeth. This is how many current hubs work, usually having two or three pawls engaged at any point in time. For hubs that don’t need ultra-quick engagement, the pawls could be wider (Fig. 5b).

For quicker engagement, a second set of pawls could be offset from the first set (blue & orange image on right). Or…

…they could even use three sets for even faster engagement (Fig.12). Alternatively, they could use two or three rings in sync to increase strength because, admittedly, these pawls would have to be pretty thin to fit into a traditional hub design. Assuming that’s what Lauf has in mind, let’s stay on that track for a moment.

Stretchy, Wavy Pawls

Another tactic for improving total engagement and strength is to use a wavy shape, allowing each pawl to “stretch” slightly, just enough such that one set engages first, then they stretch until the second set engages, then those stretch until a third set engages.

The benefit to this is that you have more engagement all the way around the hub, reducing lateral stresses between the cassette and freehub and hub shell.

And, assuming you apply too much torque, that wavy design allows the pawl to breakaway before it snaps. No, that would not be pleasant for you, but it would theoretically preserve your hub. However, take a look at Fig. 13 above for a second, and then scroll down…

Thousands of Pawls, Full-Width Freehub Bodies

What if you filled the entire hub shell with rows of pawls, providing a massive amount of contact area, each slightly staggered but also able to stretch to allow other rows of pawls to also engage?

Not only would this create insanely fast engagement, but it would provide insanely solid engagement, too. Lauf says this also provides a much greater tolerance for pawls and ratchets being out of sync, which they say often are due to real-world manufacturing limitations.

And, because it allows for a full-width freehub body that’s essentially a second axle, it would make the entire assembly far more robust, too. Figures 15-20 show a variety of design options where multiple rows of pawls fit in various places and allow for a wider variety of freehub-to-hub shell interfaces.

Lauf also says the “stretch” of each pawl allows your power to come on gradually (still very quickly, mind you), which eliminates that loud KLUNK, particularly on hubs with lower engagement speeds. This may actually reduce wear and tear on your drivetrain, too.

While Lauf is known for their bikes and forks, they’re always tinkering. Their likely goal is to license this design rather than become a hub brand, too, but we’ve been surprised by them before, so who knows?

LaufCycles.com

The post Lauf Patents an Infinitely Engaging Rear Hub Design appeared first on Bikerumor.

Highlighting their new painted-in-Italy WPNT colors inspired by classic car paintjobs, 3T almost glossed over a really big update to their core RaceMax gravel bike… an Integrale shift finally gives the bike fully internal cable routing. Sure, 3T already adopted fully internal routing on their aero road bike a couple of years ago, and then incrementally on each of their premium made-in-Italy Italia models since. But now, the more affordable standard 3T RaceMax WPNT Integrale drops the annoying toptube routing port. And it’s also available as a frameset for 1/2 the cost of the Italia edition!

3T RaceMax WPNT Integrale carbon gravel bike is integrated!

For four years, the 3T RaceMax has been 3T’s best-selling gravel bike – aerodynamic, versatile with faster and wide 700c tires or even wider 650b tires for bigger adventures, and plenty of mounts for bikepacking and adventure. Now, 3T gives the RaceMax a “fresh coat of paint” by adding it to their new WPNT program, with 5 special edition metallic & iridescent colors said to be inspired by classic cars. That “We Paint” label meaning that 3T paints the bikes themselves in Italy, letting them run more special edition colors.

At the same time, the 3T RaceMax WPNT also becomes “Integrale” like their top-tier made-in-Italy Italia edition carbon road & gravel bikes…

Why does an integrated gravel bike update matter?

The 3T Exploro has been around as an aero gravel bike since 2016. And, I’ve ridden every generation since – at least 5 or 6 different Exploros with one inelegant cable routing solution. The RaceMax platform itself, has been around for 4 years, now. I reviewed this latest bike back in the summer of 2020. And all-in-all I think it’s still one of the best, most versatile but still race-ready gravel bikes out there. Well, except for one major nit I had to pick…

The cable routing into the frame just behind the headset was simply bad. Always in the way, whether mounting devices over the stem or using any toptube bag. It was annoying enough that I wasn’t bothered when it was time to return that test bike to 3T.

And I was genuinely psyched when I first rode the made-in-Italy Exploro Extrema Italia which fixed the internal cable routing issue (even if the toptube bolts didn’t exactly seem to be in the correct spot).

Sure, it meant that the new made-in-Italy bikes were only compatible with electronic shift drivetrains. And they were a lot more expensive. But, it was so much better a solution that this was a gravel bike I would like to keep around for a bit longer.

Now, that’s no longer holding it back, I can say this made-in-Taiwan RaceMax is one of the best all-rounder gravel bikes out there. It does everything the RaceMax Italia does – the same shaping, tire sizes, component standards, and geometry – just with a frameset that costs half as much built with pre-preg carbon instead of filament winding.

2025 3T RaceMax WPNT Integrale – Pricing, options & availability

The newly integrated RaceMax WPNT is now available directly from 3T in 5 special edition paint colors: Camo gray, Indaco blue, Mara blue, Malva purple & Avorio off-white. And it is offered both as a 2975€ frameset, or a complete bike build for 6150€ with a new GRX Di2 2x build and aero carbon 3T Discus 40/30 wheels. Either way featuring the 3T Fango RaceMax Integrale compact crown fork & Apto Integrale Stealth stem to route all cables (electronic shift only) through the headet.

Both new iterations of the new 3T RaceMax WPNT Integrale are painted and built-to-order, with a 6-8 week lead time.

3T.bike

The post 3T RaceMax WPNT Finally Integrates Internal Cable Routing For Popular Gravel Bike appeared first on Bikerumor.

A new generation of the meticulously machined Actofive I-Train mk2 aluminum trail bike lets MTB riders pick from 120-140mm of rear wheel travel and then fine-tune anti-squat to create their own perfect mountain bike. More travel, more adjustability, and more capable than ever. This second generation of Actofive’s full in-house CNC-machined aluminum mountain bike can be built into a lightweight downcountry bike or with a bit more burly build into a beast of a trail bike blurring into short-travel enduro for the capable rider…

ActoFive I-Train Mk2 versatile, adjustable CNC alloy Trail bike

Just over a year and a half ago, Actofive introduced the I-Train as a simplified shorter-travel and more affordable example of their beautifully precise CNC-machined mountain bike handiwork. Compared to the much more complex and longer travel variable high-pivot P-Train enduro bike, the I-Train was meant to be a more accessible bike, and a bike more suited to the type of riding most mountain bikers actually experience.

But now, with 15mm more travel in each of three settings, three different flip-chips to fine-tune suspension, wheelsize combos & ride height, plus an angle adjust headset… the limitations of what the new I-Train mk2 can do are kind of flying out the window. What you are left with is a bike that can adapt to almost any style of modern mountain biking.

Actofive calling this machine a short-travel trail bike seems to undersell what is clearly a capable tool in the right hands. I watched first-hand as Czech enduro racer Vojta Blaha rode his new I-Train mk2 to a Blinduro Podzim win on the bike’s first weekend racing after its debut at Bespoked, while most riders (myself included) raced the 2 days of steep, rocky & loose blind stages on much longer travel bikes.

Yet, Blaha had nothing but great things to say about the playful new bike… calling it a “Shred machine. The ultimate trail bike that you can pedal for 100km and then throw a DH track at it”.

What’ new?

The new all-29er I-Train Mk2 gains 15mm longer rear wheel travel, now reaching 120mm / 130mm / 140mm depending on your choice of rear shock. It’s simple plug-and-play according to Actofive, so you can always change travel down the road with a simple shock swap – no other parts/modifications required.

While the original I-Train used welded Nicolai seat & chainstays, now Actofive machines the entire bike in-house. The new stays feature intricately hollowed-out truss-like structures that you can see on their backsides. We got a preview of the new stays in our recent Actofive Factory Tour.

What’s really most unique about the new I-Train mk2 is its newfound adjustability, giving more options to fine-tune it for various styles of trail riding. It keeps the same 3-position ride height adjustment & angle adjustable headset cups.

But now adds the option for a 10mm shorter chainstay link for mullet builds AND a new 4-position suspension tuning flip-chip they’re calling Adjustable Pivot.

By minutely adjusting the height of the main pivot just above the bottom bracket users can significantly adjust the anti-squat response of the suspension, while fine-tuning the pedal kickback curve, as well. This lets riders easily adjust how lively or planted the bike feels to suit their riding & pedaling styles. Read our summary of Anti-Squat here if you want to learn more on why it is great to be able to adjust it to your preference.

The new bike also features more progressive geometry, inspired by its Enduro World Cup-racing P-Train sibling. Its headset is now a degree slacker at 65° (+/-1°), seattube a degree steeper at 78°, and frame Reach 5mm longer.

Perfect for fast and technical trail riding.

Tech details

• fully CNC-machined from 7075-T6 aluminum billet in Dresden, Germany
• two-piece hollow clamshell adhesive-bonded front triangle
• open machined seatstays & open machined chainstays with press-fit polymer bridge for tuned rear-end flex
• two-piece keyed & bolted-together aluminum rocker link

• 120, 130, or 140mm of 4-bar rear wheel travel via different shock stroke (190×45 or 210×50/55mm)
• matched to 130-150mm fork travel
• 4-position Adjustable (main) Pivot to tune suspension anti-squat characteristics
• 3-position bottom bracket drop settings: Low 43mm, Neutral 39mm, or High 36mm
• 2-position size-specific chainstay lengths: 437mm (S1/2) or 444mm (S3); adjustable -10mm for Mullet setup
• three Reach-based sizes: S1 455mm / S2 475mm / S3 505mm
• slack 65° headtube angle, adjustable +/-1° with eccentric headset cups
• steep 78° seattube angle
• full 29″ or Mullet wheel size combinations
• max 2.4″ tires
• UDH for SRAM T-type Transmission or conventional derailleurs
• 73mm BSA threaded bottom bracket with ISCG 05 tabs
• Boost 12x148mm thru-axle, PM 180 brake & 31.6mm seatpost
• bottle cage bosses on top & bottom of downtube, plus tool bag/carrier mount under toptube
• internal cable routing through main triangle (external routing optional)
• custom anti-noise chainstay protector & downtube guard
• 3300g frame weight (size S2, without shock)
• raw aluminum or several anodized colors available

Actofive I-Train Mk2 – Pricing, options & availability

The new Actofive I-Train Mk2 is available made-to-order as a frameset starting at 6000€ without a shock.

Once you hit the order button, Actofive’s Simon Metzner will work out exactly what you are looking for to customize your bike, including figuring out what the best shock is suited for your build… from a 420€ Fox Float to a 1079€ Intend Hover Opt and every coil or air option in between.

Then, once you put a 2/3 down payment, he’ll get to machining your bike. Frameset lead time is currently around 4-5 months. Custom complete Actofive I-Train Mk2 dream bike builds are also available. The sky is the limit, but complete pricing starts at 12,900€, and again Simon will help you build a one-of-a-kind shredder.

ActoFive.com

The post Actofive I-Train Mk2 Adjustable Travel CNC-Machined Trail Bike Shreds in 2nd Generation appeared first on Bikerumor.

We’ll be the first to admit it: Fueling for long events is challenging, especially if you don’t have a game plan or it’s your first event. With the rise of longer and more intense gravel races and events, proper fueling is more critical than ever. If you’ve ever questioned what and when to eat on the bike, this podcast will improve your fueling game.

A Guide to Gravel Race Fueling

This conversation isn’t just for first-timers or elite gravel grinders; it’s for everyone. I’ve often gotten my fueling strategy wrong, and I still do sometimes (and I’ve been at this for years).  Whether it was not eating enough, not eating the right food, or the dreaded “I’ll eat later” followed by a dreaded BONK and vision quest for the finish line. We can all work on our fueling for training and racing, no matter how many races we have under our belt. 

For BikeRumor Podcast Episode 103, I sat down with the Fuel Good Nutrition (formerly Rider Box) team to dispel fueling myths and clarify what a race nutrition plan can look like. 

So, should I eat as many gels as I can? No, this isn’t a laundry list of 20 gels and 50 blocks for over 250k of racing. It’s a real-food and practical look at what riders can do (and stomach) to achieve the most from their training.

From Training to Race Day

We discuss what a fueling plan looks like from the very start. Please look at the week leading up to the big event (gravel race in our scenario) and forward from there. We are tackling not only what but also how to get in the correct amount of carbs and other fuels to stay robust and fresh over your ride. 

Bottle Strategy and Pack Prep

Are you going to go bottles or pack? How many? What should I put in them? These are the big questions for a longer (hot) gravel event. The last thing you want as an athlete during an event is dehydration. It affects not only your ability to perform but also your mental capacity.

Do you know what kind of sweater you are? Are you someone who needs more sodium or electrolytes? We discuss sweat rate and how to find your sweat type. Whether you jump on the scale pre and post-ride or check your rate with the NIX biosensor – knowing what you need to replenish is vital.

Post Gravel Race Recovery

After the race, you need to replenish, recover, and rebuild. We discuss re-fueling, recovery meals, drinks, and strategies so you can be stronger in the next race.

Learn more about FuelGoods.com

The post Podcast #103: A Guide to Practical Gravel Race Nutrition appeared first on Bikerumor.

This guide is for those of us who ride all the things, or are just getting into the sport and haven’t quite found our tribe yet, some basics are loved by anyone who’s pedaling two wheels for fun or exercise.

Here are our top gift ideas for the cyclist (or cyclists!) in your circle, from budget stocking stuffers to roll-up-the-garage-door surprises at every price point…

REI is Linking Together a Bikepacking Bag Range

A good frame bag is a must-have for riders who love long-haul adventuring and bikepacking, or for commuters and everyday riders who want to keep weight off of their backs and have a little more space to carry essentials.

The REI Co-op Link Frame Bag provides a spacious, weather-resistant storage option that fills up the main triangle of a bike.

The bag comes in 5.25-liter, 9-liter, or 12-liter options, and can hold up to 10 pounds of gear.

The Link frame bag is composed of a puncture- and scratch-resistant nylon shell and polyester lining that makes the bag tough enough to handle the toughest conditions.

It also features a nonfluorinated durable water repellent that helps water bead up and roll off the surface of the bag, rather than soaking all your stuff.

The bag includes a 1.25-liter zipper pouch that nestles into the bottom of the bag, and a stuff sack to help keep things organized.

The bag sells for an MSRP of $80.

Sponsored Placement

Nite Ize

The Nite Ize Squeeze Rotating Smartphone Bar Mount provides a simple, yet elegant solution to mounting just about any phone to the bars or stem of a bike. 

The Squeeze mount offers a tool-free strap attachment system that allows for lightning-fast installation and removal without the headache of having to fiddle with tiny bolts or slim rubber bands that are a chore to unhook. 

The mount fits any smartphone ranging from 2.3 to 3.6 inches in width. 

In addition to providing a secure and reliable hold on road, gravel, or even trail, the Squeeze mount also features unique 360-degree rotation to allow users to easily switch from portrait to landscape orientation.

The Squeeze mount is available in black or white for an MSRP of $26.

Sponsored Placement

Lectric Bikes

For those looking to put a little more power in their ride, there’s never been a better time to get your hands on an e-bike.

The Lectric XPress 750 e-bike makes commuting zippy and fun with a 750w rear-hub motor that offers 85 Nm of torque, which is more than enough power to effortlessly cruise up urban hills and bike paths.

The XPress 750 has a top assisted speed of 28 mph and a range of up to 60 miles. Other features include a color LCD display, torque sensor, and a suspension fork with 80mm of travel that makes the bike comfortable and extremely user-friendly.

The Lectric XPress 750 is currently on-sale for $1,299 in either step-over or step-through models. Plus, now through December 31 shoppers will receive $365 in free accessories with the purchase of an XPress 750.

Sponsored Placement

Best Cycling Gifts Under $25

Ornot MacGyver Strap ($8, available at Ornot) this versatile strap may seem simple and not very flashy. But what it lacks in the bling department it makes up for in the versatile market. Is the ride warming up? Strap your jacket to the frame. Don’t need your gloves anymore? Strap them to your bike. Carry an extra tube, your snacks, a banana, you name it, this strap will come in handy, Ornot.

Every cyclist needs a multi-tool along for the ride, and the Park Tool IB-2 ($19, available at REI and Competitive Cyclist) has most of what you’ll need in a tiny, lightweight package that fits in a saddlebag, jersey pocket, or even the tiny side pockets on some hydration pack waistbands. It’s a great starter tool or a perfect replacement for the weight weenie. (Check out all our favorite mini-tools here)

Chamois Butt’r may be the original anti-chafe cream (or at least the best known), but it wasn’t until they introduced their Coconut Oil & Shea Butter formula ($17.99, available at Amazon) that it became one of our favorites. Along with a good pair of padded shorts, a good chamois cream will improve rider comfort, especially if you’re not used to spending much time on a saddle. (Check out all our favorite chamois creams here)

Full disclosure here, the all-new Biking for Dummies book ($15, Amazon) was written by Bikerumor founder Tyler Benedict and co-edited by EIC Zach Overholt. As such, the book makes our technical expertise fun and approachable to the beginner cyclist but keeps plenty of interesting tidbits for enthusiasts, too. With an overview of every type of bike and every category of riding, plus detailed explanations of how all the latest components and technology works, it’s the perfect all-in-one summary of everything bike! If you have friends and family just getting into cycling, it makes a great gift to get them up to speed quickly.

Best Gifts For Cyclists Under $50

The Topeak SmartGauge D2 ($32.99, available at Amazon) digital tire pressure gauge does a bit more than just check the air in your bike tires, it’ll also check your suspension fork and shock (up to 250psi at least, so heavier riders might find it doesn’t quite go high enough on some rear shocks). It works with both Presta and Schrader valves, rotates to keep the screen in view, and has a pressure release valve to help you dial in your setup.

No matter what type of cyclist you’re buying for, they all have aches and pains. That’s why the KT Health Ice Sleeve ($29.99) is one of the best gifts for cyclists. We use ours a lot, and we’re convinced it’s resulted in more time on the bike with less pain. Unlike a traditional ice pack or bag of frozen peas, the Ice Sleeve is made from a soft, flexible fabric filled with a semi-solid gel that won’t ever leak. Not only does it stay in place so you can still move around the house, but it also provides gentle compression to help reduce swelling. Available in three sizes for use on knees, elbows, arms, legs, and other areas if you get creative.

The Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 ($33 at REI) is a compact first aid kit in a waterproof pouch that fits in a jersey pocket. This means it’ll fit in a hip pack, hydration pack, or glove box just fine, too. We take one with us on almost every ride, and there’s a bit extra room to customize it with whatever meds or little additions you want to add.

Ergon GE1 Evo Factory ($39.95, available at Ergon) Most grips that boast relief from hand numbness, often end up feeling too vague and squishy, leaving the rider feeling less in control. The GE1 Evo Factory grips manage to accomplish the real job of offering relief from hand discomfort. Plus they offer great damping that doesn’t leave you feeling disconnected from the trail.

For $40, the Ergon GE1 Evo Factory grip is a low-cost, upgrade for your bike that will yield very noticeable differences in your ride feel and hand comfort.

Rapha Racing Books

Unsure about what to get the roadie in your life? Are they too particular (like all roadies), and you don’t want to buy them the wrong gels or kits? Check out Rapha’s newly released coffee table books. They are the perfect addition to any roadies training den or living room.

Kings of Pain ($55) is a hard-back book filled with beautiful (to cyclists) photos of the sport’s most iconic days. It is also packed with short stories and information to engage even the most tangential cycling fan. 

The Extra Mile ($45) is another highly recommended book by Rapha. It covers the start and progression of the brand through the years, what influenced it, what events it held, and everything in between.

Also, you should buy your favorite cyclist a liter of Stan’s No Tubes Race Day Tubeless Sealant ($44 at Stan’s). Pretty much every serious bike rider has gone tubeless for all the right reasons over the past decade or so. But most of us forget that we have to actually refresh the sealant in our tires at least every year. Many new tubeless sealants have come and gone, but Stan’s was really the original. And you’d still be hard-pressed to find a better and more universally appreciated sealant than their Race Day formula. This is a super practical one, like finding new merino socks under the tree. But we’re all adults, right? And this is a gift all of us would be happy to unwrap.

Bicycle Gifts under $100

The Muc-Off 8-in-1 Bicycle Cleaning Kit ($80, available at REI) gets you all of the essential brushes to clean every part of your bike, plus a spray-on cleaner that gently releases grime from your chain or road spray. We like this because it lets us add whatever degreaser and chain lube we like, and it’s half the price of their bigger kit while still giving you all the right brushes.

We are firm believers that every bike should be equipped with a bell to help stay safe by being heard. The Spurcycle Original Bell ($59 at REI) is not only our favorite, but it is a real thing of beauty. It can be heard pretty far away with its distinctive “ring”. It’s a sharp but pleasant ring that we’ve witnessed penetrate trail users’ headphones. These are precision-built in the USA for a lifetime of bell ringing. Comes with the ability to swap from a handlebar with a 2.22 diameter, to a bar with a 31.8 diameter.

If your favorite cyclist has been dropping hint that they need more hydration, the Camelbak Hydrobak Light 50oz ($65) could be a good place to start. The minimalist hydration pack includes a 1.5L (50oz) Crux reservoir with a Quicklink disconnect hose and an Air Support Light back panel with ventilated harness straps. There’s also a secure zippered pocket for essentials and the ability to carry a helmet, spare tube, and a light.

Regardless of what type of cyclist you’re buying for, there are times when we’ll skip the full Spandex kit but we still want some padding. Whether it’s for a long spin around town or a casual ride with friends. The Club Ride Woodchuck (Men’s, $60 available at Club Ride Apparel) and Montcham (Women’s, $60 available at Club Ride Apparel) are super comfortable under regular shorts (or even jeans), with just enough compression to support muscles on longer, harder rides, too. They’re great under MTB baggies, too!

Don’t forget your Local Bike Shop! In fact, any of this stuff you can find locally should be bought locally. And let’s face it, there’s always going to be some repair we don’t wanna do ourselves or some part we need in a pinch. Buying local and supporting your favorite bike shop means they’ll be around when you need them! Grab a Gift Certificate to your cyclist’s favorite shop so they can get exactly what they need when they need it!

Best Cycling Gifts under $250

Sure, you can get cheaper floor pumps, but few if any will outlast a Silca. In fact, chances are this will get passed down to the next generation of cyclists from its original owner.  The Silca Pista Plus Floor Pump ($200, available at REI) is a do-it-all pump with its special Presta valve chuck that makes it quick and easy to inflate any bike you’ve got. And it’s fully rebuildable, so it won’t end up in the landfill if something does break.

Technically, this combines two under $100 gifts to save a bit of cash as one Knog Blinder 1300 & Blinder R-150 Rear Bike Light Set ($150 direct from Knog) because cyclists need to see AND be seen. So, while each is solid on its own, this combo is even better together. The USB-C rechargeable Blinder 1300 headlight is like a tiny super-powered flashlight that you can strap around a handlebar, clip to a helmet, or hang under your out-front GPS mount. It’s bright enough for extending your road, gravel, or most mountain biking in the winter months, and snaps securely on & off the bike in a second. The Blinder R-150 taillight is simply bright and easy to loop around a seatpost, and has a USB-A plug built into its mount so you never need a cable to keep its battery topped off. Simple bright lights mean your favorite cyclist doesn’t have to stop riding just because Daylight Savings is back.

Theragun Mini

If you’re looking for the perfect gear bag companion for the rider you list, the Theragun Mini is it. Its small size and lightweight build make throwing in any race-day bag super easy. The updated Theragun Mini is 20% smaller than the previous one and has three settings to loosen up your muscles (lower back especially) pre- or post-ride.

Since incorporating the Theragun Mini into my pre-race warm-up, I’ve noticed less back pain and shoulder tightness during the race. It provides a slight “wake-up” to the muscles without overstaying its welcome. The $199 price tag is enough to make it a premium gift, but if you’re lucky, you can find refurbished ones on the TheraBody site for $140. Plus, it has an excellent case for falls, drops, and mishaps. My Theragun Mini has hit the pavement more than I can count, and it’s always good to go when needed. 

Best Cycling Gifts over $250

Every cyclist should have a good work stand, and if you’re working on heavy e-bikes (see below), you’ll need a heavy-duty work stand ($495 ). The new Feedback Sports Pro Mechanic HD Bike Repair Stand ($495 at REI) is a burlier version of their impressive work stands that’s meant to handle ebike heft. Even if you’re not working on ebikes, heavier bikes like long travel mountain bikes, commuter bikes, and anything else that isn’t light weight will benefit from the bigger tubes.

Whether your favorite cyclist gets lost on purpose or by accident, make sure they can always make their way back with the wahoo ELEMNT ROAM V2 GPS bike computer ($400 at REI). The smart navigation features are easy to use, which is wahoo’s calling card – no need to spend hours learning how to use your GPS, just get on and go. The color screen has just enough color to call out important information, but it’s still easy to see in bright sunlight and the battery lasts long enough for all but the longest adventures.

The post Best Gifts For Cyclists: What to Get Your Favorite Bike Rider appeared first on Bikerumor.

Is Manitou trying to reinvent the mountain bike again, more than 30 years later with this FS II Future MTB project?

Honestly no. Sure, Manitou was one of the pioneers of full-suspension mountain bikes back in the early 90s. But they are fully aware that suspension design has advanced far beyond simply strapping a second suspension fork to the back of any frame to get rear-wheel travel. Yet that doesn’t mean that it wouldn’t be fun to see what a more modern adaptation of their first full-suspension mountain bike would look like updated with some much more modern tech…

Manitou FS II project: Updating a Mountain Bike Legend

So, Manitou’s Hayes Bicycle Group parent company decided to reach out to Swiss gravity bike builders Gamux to see what kind of modern full-suspension trail bike they could create, built around a suspension fork managing rear wheel travel like in the early days of mountain bike evolution.

Manitou figured they could work with a short-travel XC kids’ bike fork in the back, a mid-travel trail bike fork up front, a Pinon gearbox transmission at the bottom bracket, and then let Gamux create one of their wild machined aluminum frames to make it all work, with bonded in carbon structures to modulate frame stiffness as needed!

The inspiration for all this silliness – and a brief history lesson for those too young to remember – was this early Manitou FS bike from the 1990s. Probably the first suspension mountain bike fork was created by Doug Bradbury under the Manitou name in 1990. Just a year later, Bradbury had strapped a second fork onto the back to create a softail mountain bike. All controlled by elastomers.

Back when 26″ and rim V-brakes were the only thing going, and 3x drivetrains were still the rage, Manitou was pretty advanced with their original FS offering already in 1993. It was a simpler time.

So, Manitou and Gamux set to work on making a new version of the FS.

And then once they had it, to take the new Manitou FS II project bike to the next level, they sought out Gee Milner for a Dream Build…

Manitou FS II future trail bike prototype Dream Build

“In an effort to celebrate not only the origins of the brand but also an innovation that changed the face of an entire sport, Manitou has partnered with Gamux, Pinion, Gates, Schwalbe, Hayes, ProTaper and Reynolds to create a forward thinking, modern twist on the original Manitou FS bike.

The thought was that while the nostalgic motives for recreating such a bike certainly hold some value, examining the past can also be a conduit to building a better future. Employing lessons learned from such a long and storied history with the same passion and desire to innovate ensures that the future of MTB is every bit as exciting as the wild ride that has brought us to present day.

The Manitou FS II project set out to incorporate the most advanced components and solutions of tomorrow on a platform that has roots in the iconic design that kicked off the revolution of the full suspension mountain bike.”

– Hayes Performance Systems 

Why build it in the first place?

Now Manitou has assured us that their FS II project bike isn’t really meant to shake up full-suspension mountain bike design again. Modern suspension is much more nuanced than a single pivot with a semi-stock fork dropped in.

And in reality, with the bigger 29″ wheels we ride today, combined with the lower sloping toptubes to get enough standover height, I get the feeling that this isn’t exactly the smoothest way to actuate a couple of sliding fork stanchions without something else to provide stability & stiffness, side-to-side balance, or even to control kinematics in a more manageable way.

A fork at both ends

But I’m sure it was a fun project. And Manitou says the Gamux crew has actually ridden the FS II a bit, and says it rides well enough. So, at least it’s a bit more than a show bike.

The heart of the whole project is this Manitou Machete JUnit Pro fork. It apparently started out just like the same fork that’s on my kid’s 24″ hardtail. Except, Manitou & Gamux chopped the steerer tube off and CNC-machined a completely new set of lowers and a new yoke to interface with the frame. They also created an all-new slimmer arch shape, more reminiscent of that original FS from 1993.

And they gave it a custom tune and reduced the travel down to just 80mm to provide the completed bike with 125mm of single-pivot rear wheel travel – paired to 130/140mm up front.

And then, they gave the concept bike a Pinion gearbox and Gates belt drive to yield a lower center of gravity for “better handling, protected gearing, and significant reductions in unsprung weight.“

Geometry-wise, Gamux says they built it to the specs they would want for a shred-capable downcountry trail bike. So it gets a 66° headtube angle, a steep seat angle, relatively long 450mm chainstays to fit 29×2.4″ tires, and a 460mm long frame Reach.

Tech details by Gamux

Just like the rear fork was heavily modified by Gamux, they also machined the entire rest of the FS II prototype frame in their workshop in Switzerland.

While at first glance it looked like there were a few round tubes welded together with some more complex tube shapes, the whole frame is actually CNC-machined from 7075-T651 aluminum in just two parts.

The most dramatic-looking is the 1-piece chainstays swingarm with a hollowed-out truss design that’s not too dissimilar to Gamux’s current production belt-drive Sego gearbox DH race bike… or even their own still-in-development prototype trail bikes.

The main triangle is mostly made up of hollowed-out box section tubes – in-filled with bonded-in carbon tubes. Gamux explains that they developed these “Bonded Carbon Elements” with their World Cup DH race team in order to modulate frame stiffness and tune the flex of the frame individually for each rider.

The Manitou FS II project frame does get more conventional round tube shapes at the headtube and seattube – where the frame meets the tapered steerer tube of its fork and the seatpost.

It looks like the oversized headtube can accommodate an angle adjust headset if they feel the need to tweak the bike’s handling. But there’s really not much room in that stubby seatpost to fit in a dropper post. Although, maybe you could get away with a short wireless dropper for more rideability?

The Manitou team described the construction of the bike as “somewhat cost prohibitive” if anyone thought they had intentions of making it a viable product you might actually be able to buy.

Giving the project bike a somewhat realistic build

While you aren’t going to find this Manitou FS II prototype showing up on the floor of your local bike shop anytime soon, there still are a number of more realistic components that make up the complete bike build. It is a Dream Build, so there’s a lot of fancy kit here. But it’s mostly reasonably attainable bits from the Hayes Bicycle family of brands.

Up front, the key spec is the Manitou Mattoc Pro fork. Truly one of the lightest, stiffest, and most versatile trail bike forks, the thousand-dollar 29er Mattoc features 34mm stanchions and can offer travel anywhere from 110-150mm, with easy adjustability in 1cm increments.

Manitou fitted their prototype FS II project bike with a Gates CDX belt-drive pulling a Pinion C1.12 gearbox – fittingly in anodized purple to match the special edition Purple Hayes (Haze) brakes.

Besides Purple Hayes Dominion A4 brakes, there’s also a nice shiny full silver ProTaper A25 alloy bar and ATAC stem for more old-school style.

Of course, there are plenty more shiny purple graphics, and a set of carbon Reynolds Blacklable 309 Enduro wheels to finish off the dream build.

“As we reflect on the past, we not only see where we’ve come from but also catch a glimpse of the future of mountain biking. From the Manitou rear-facing arch to the standards Hayes set for brakes, and the near-universal adoption of full suspension, today’s riders—whether in XC, DH, or anything in between—are enjoying a better experience in the saddle, hands down. They ride on the technology of tomorrow, built upon lessons from the past for an incredible present.”

– Hayes Performance Systems 

ManitouMTB.com

The post Manitou FS II Future MTB Project Reimagines Mountain Bike Classic with Gamux & Pinion appeared first on Bikerumor.

Earlier this month, I was invited to Huntington Beach, California, to be introduced to Aventon’s new eCargo bike, the Abound SR (Short Rack). Unlike the existing Abound, this new version is a little taller, and sports a shorter wheelbase, a better stem and stack height, and a more comfortable handlebar.

The new Class 2 Abound SR gets Aventon’s new electronic control unit (ACU). This new ACU offers intelligent safety features, such as 4G and GPS Tracking, remote locking, and an alarm system. There are more features that I will get into below.

The new size of the bike makes it easier to ride and maneuver, as well as easier to park and store. Still a super capable eCargo bike, the Abound SR is great for hauling the kids to school, picking up groceries, commutes, and any all-around errands. It’s a real multitasker.

It has up to a 60-mile range and a top speed of 20mph that is unlockable to 25mph in the app. The new, lower step-through frame makes mounting and dismounting easier. It uses a 750W, 36V rear hub motor, and it also boasts a 440lbs payload capacity.

Abound SR Detail and Retail

Retail: $2199

• Frame: 6061 Aluminum Gravity Cast
• New display unit with 3 levels of pedal assist: Eco, Sport, Turbo
• Rear hub drive motor with 80Nm of torque
• Battery, Aventon 36V, 20Ah, 708Wh, LG 21700 cells
• Weight: 80lbs
• ACU – Aventon Control Unit ft. Smart Security + Ride Features
• Suspension seatpost
• Included rear rack, fenders, and mesh wheel guard
• Quill stem with BMX-style handlebars
• Tektro Hydraulic brakes
• Shimano Altus 8-speed drivetrain.
• Smart Lock kickstand
• Double-sided bottom bracket torque sensor
• Three colors: Haze, Stealth, and Cobalt

Initial Thoughts on the Abound SR

My wife and I have been toolin’ around on the original Abound eCargo bike for close to a year and are very happy with it. So when I attended the Aventon launch of the Abound SR, I was curious about what changes they were making to what I thought was an already great eCargo bike.

I found myself impressed with the changes that were made. These weren’t changes for the sake of change. The updates on the new Abound SR improve on the already great Abound platform, like the new and improved display.

It was nice to see. I am a fan of most of the recent bikes that Aventon has been releasing. For instance, besides the OG Unbound eCargo offering, there’s the Ramblas, which is a reasonably priced and fun eMTB that is full of features and great for someone curious about eMTBs.

The Aventon Control Unit (ACU)

The Aventon Control Unit (ACU) helps to keep you “connected and protected”. The security features include a remote lock, geofencing, and passcode. These safeguard your Abound SR giving you peace of mind. When you are riding your Abound SR you will be able to rely on GPS tracking, a 4G connection, and cloud synchronization, so you can get real-time bike stats.

ACU Features

• Peace of mind with a smart Password-protected login, smart locking kickstand and battery, alarm system, geofencing, remote shutdown, and theft protection.
• Connectivity: 4G/Bluetooth enabled (OTA Updates), GPS tracking including ride log and statistics, Abnormal event logging, and Power status reporting.
• Ride Tune allows the rider to fine-tune the feel and performance of the 3 levels of pedal assist for the ultimate personalized ride experience.
• All-new handlebar display unit with easy one-touch access to all bike features and pedal assist levels without having to take your hands off the bars.

The Abound SR will come with 4G connectivity free for the first year, but that means you will likely have to pay a subscription fee after the first year to maintain all of the features.

Riding the Abound SR

After arriving in Huntington Beach, it was time to ride the bike. It was a foggy morning at the beach, which was kind of nice.

The route featured 17 miles along the water through Huntington and Newport Beach, then onto a ferry to get across to Balboa Island, and back to the hotel via Pacific Coast Highway for lunch.

One thing I noticed right off the bat, was that the seapost was a little’ short for me. I’m only 6’1″ and I had the stock post 2mm past the “minimum insertion” line, and still needed more seatpost to get decent leg extension. The stock seatpost is a suspension post, which compounded the issue of it being too short.

That being said, a new (non-suspension) post is not a big expense. But, perhaps Aventon could offer longer stock suspension posts on their website. This could eliminate the guesswork of ordering one for the consumer. The short post didn’t stop me from having a bunch of fun on the ride.

Dual Torque Sensors

As we rode, I was loving the smoothness of the power delivery likely thanks to Aventon’s dual torque sensors. It’s not like the older hub motors found on less popular eBike brands. Those feel either on or off, lacking any sense of finesse. However, the Aventon dual torque sensors let you feel that you are in constant control.

The slightest input to the pedals gives immediate assistance. The harder your effort, the more pedal assistance the Unbound SR rewards you with. That was nice. On top of that, I found the new handlebar and stack height to be very comfortable as well.

The original Abound has one of those long, foldable/collapsable stems. The new Abound SR eliminated that type of stem. Aventon spec’d the SR with standard spacers, stem, and riser bar while still keeping the ability for the bike to fit a wide range of users.

Great Lights, Mediocre Suspension

The Abound SR’s integrated front and rear lights, worked great. The rear brake light and turn signals are a great touch for a bike of this price point. Honestly, both the brake light and turn signals probably made things a bit safer on the busy PCH while riding back to the hotel.

The front suspension fork wasn’t super great, but worked OK. I’m not sure about the longevity of the fork, but after a year, the one on our OG Abound is holding up pretty nicely. It hasn’t given any issues.

Also, in Aventon’s defense, all of the suspension forks I have ridden on cargo bikes at this price point aren’t great. I’m reviewing another eCargo bike from a competitor, and it likely uses the same unnamed 50mm travel fork, but the bike costs over twice the price of the Abound SR.

I just don’t think a suspension fork is an imperative spec for a 20″ wheeled cargo bike. I usually lock them out and ride like that. And, speaking of non-imperative specs, the suspension seatpost needs to be revisited.

When it came to the suspension post on the Abound SR, it was virtually unnoticeable to me and offered no real benefit to ride quality. I could’ve done without it as it was exacerbating the seatpost length issue.

I would find a dropper post a lot more useful in the eCargo bike space.

In Conclusion

I think Aventon is doing good work lately and isn’t the same Aventon of 2017. They are continuing to offer quality eBikes at accessible prices. The Abound that I own and the Abound SR that I reviewed, are both great bikes with great features at a great price point.

It’s a reasonable buy-in cost with less risk for people who are entertaining the practice of driving less and riding more. I see this as one of the biggest benefits of the eCargo bike.

I would highly recommend the Aboud SR to anybody ready to give the eCargo bike a go. I’ve gotten a few friends on the OG Abound, and they’re happy with their purchases.

The Aventon Abound SR is available for pre-order today and will ship come 11/25/24. Hit the link below to get yours now.

Aventon.com

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