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58cm:ENVE's all-road wheels get shallower and lighter with the SES 3.4 AR

Enve launched its first AR or 'all-road' wheel in 2016 with the SES 4.5 AR, a tubeless and disc-only road wheel designed around wide tires to optimise the aerodynamics of using bigger rubber.

Best road bike tyres in 2019: everything you need to know

Why gravel roads made me a believer in road tubeless

10 of the best deep aero wheels lab tested

Now, the brand has added a shallower and lighter SES 3.4 AR to better mesh with 28–32mm rubber.

Claimed to weigh 1,417g with the Enve's own Alloy Disc CL hubs, the wheelset features a 25mm internal width and a tubeless-ready inner rim profile, even coming with an approved/recommended tire list which the brand says results in the best aerodynamics and safety — all of which are tubeless ready.

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ENVE does point out that you can still run a tube if you're so inclined, but these wheels are safest with a tubeless-ready tire. The wheels also come with a roll of tubeless tape and two valves.

Enve SES 3.4 AR highlights

Claimed to weigh 1,417g with the Enve's own Alloy Disc CL hubs

Disc only

Hookless bead wall

Asymmetric rim profile

Starting at $2,550, international pricing TBC

These recommendations are likely due in part to the new hoops featuring a not often seen, on the road at least, hookless bead wall. With this, the Enve says the new SES 3.4 ARs get the same Anti-Pinch flat technology that was first introduced on its M-Series MTB wheels and then adapted for the G-Series Gravel wheels.

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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58cm:Niki Terpstra's Wilier Triestina Cento10PRO for the Tour of Flanders

Niki Terpstra will be riding a Wilier Cento10PRO with a gorgeous custom painted fork as he defends his Tour of Flanders title on Sunday April the 7th. The Direct Energie racer's machine is pretty much standard, save for the Cento10PRO #CobblesCrusher edition carbon fork. 

Top Five Aero Bikes

Wilier reviews and news

How to watch the Spring Classics Live

While 'cobble crusher' makes it sound as if the Italian brand might have added trick suspension to its aero bike especially for the 2019 editions of the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, the reality is somewhat different — the fork simply has an intricate paint job depicting the cobbles the Dutch rider will be tackling this Spring. 

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Wilier tell us that Terpstra is more than happy using a stock fork and frame as he's ridden long cobble recon rides over the winter and 'feels perfect' on the Cento10PRO.

Terpstra's bike is the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 rim-brake equipped version of the Cento10PRO, with FFWD F4R wheels rolling on 28mm Hutchinson Racing Lab 11Storm tyres. The saddle's a Prologo Dimension153 and the finishing kit is from FSA.

Niki Terpstra's full bike specifications

Frame: Wilier Triestina Cento10PRO - XL

Fork: Wilier Triestina Cento10PRO, #CobblesCrusher edition 

Front brake: Shimano Dura Ace Di2

Rear brake: Shimano Dura Ace Di2

Levers: Shimano Dura Ace Di2

Front derailleur: Shimano Dura Ace Di2 

Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura Ace Di2

Cassette: Shimano Dura Ace R9100, 11-28

Chain: Shimano Dura Ace Di2

Crankset: Shimano Dura Ace Di2

Wheel-set: FFWD F4R

Tyres: Hutchinson Racing Lab 11 storm / 28mm

Handlebars: FSA

Stem: FSA

Tape: Prologo One Touch Pro Gel 

Pedals: Shimano Dura Ace

Saddle: Prologo Dimension 153 carbon rail 

Seat post: Wilier Triestina 

Bottle cages: Tacx Ciro

Computer mount: K-Edge

Chain catcher: K-Edge

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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58cm:Bontrager rolls in with new tires and aero saddle

It took a while for Trek’s in-house component brand to hit its stride, but now Bontrager is up there with the best when it comes to parts and accessories.

While some of the claims about its recent releases have caused some controversy, there is no question the brand's tyres, wheels, shoes and saddles are top notch.

Bontrager claims WaveCel technology is biggest change to helmet safety in 30 years

Best road bike tyres in 2019: everything you need to know

A buyer's guide to getting the best road bike saddle

And now, Bontrager has updated its tire and saddle range with the revamped R3 tire lineup and Aeolus aero saddles.

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R3 Hard-Case Lite tires

Bontrager has given its most popular road tires a facelift, with the brand saying the update to the R3 Hard-Case Lite improves on the best parts of the original, while also rolling faster, lasting longer and offering better puncture protection.

The tire starts with a new rubber compound called TR-speed, which is claimed to reduce rolling resistance and wear slower too. The casing has also gone from being completely slick to now having a smooth centre with light tread on the shoulders for a claimed increase in cornering traction.

R3 Hard-Case Lite priced at £35 / $55 / AU$50

R3 Hard-Case Lite TLR which cost £50 / $65 /AU$70

R3 Hard-Case Lite Reflective which are priced £TBC / $60 / AU$55

Buy now from Trek

Bontrager Aeolus Road saddle

Buy now from Trek

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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58cm:Crankbrothers partner with Industry Nine to offer new Hydra hubs on Synthesis carbon hoops

For its brand-spankin' new Synthesis 11 Carbon wheels, Crankbrothers has just partnered with Industry Nine to offer the new Hydra hubs on the ‘tuned’ wheel system.

Best mountain bike: how to choose the right one for you

Best mountain bike wheels

Carbon mountain bike wheels usually fall into one of two camps: super stiff and harsh, and not so stiff and compliant.

According to Crankbrothers, the Synthesis carbon wheel system combines one of each, with a rigid rear wheel for enhanced tracking and stability at speed and a more manageable front wheel for improved handling and control.

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Our own Tom Marvin took a look at these wheels when they were initially launched, and didn't immediately discount Crankbros claims as pure marketing buzz, but said he needed to spend more time with them.

Crankbrothers Synthesis wheels, tuned for optimum performance

Initially, the Synthesis hoops were spec’d with either Project 321, which featured a nifty magnetic freehub, or a set of Crankbrothers hubs. Now the brand will be one of only a few to offer builds with the new Hydra hub launched back in February.

Crankbrothers Synthesis 11 wheels with Industry Nine Hydra hubs pricing and availability

Buy now from Crankbrothers

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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58cm:RockShox reveals 2020 forks and shocks

Continuing in the tradition of releasing next year’s products earlier every year, RockShox has just unveiled its 2020 model year forks and shocks.

RockShox 2020 first ride review

You may have spotted some of these on pro racer’s bikes in the first few races of the season, but now we can reveal all the juicy details.

You can also read how the 2020 Lyrik Ultimate compares to its 2019 counterpart on the trail here.

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How to set up your mountain bike suspension: video guides to help you get the most from your bike

The ultimate guide to mountain bike rear suspension systems

Select, Select+ and Ultimate models

The most obvious change is the introduction of a new naming structure across all RoxkShox high-end forks and shocks.

RockShox calls its all-singing all-dancing offerings “Ultimate” or “Signature Series”; the next tier down is “Select+” and the cheapest models are simply named “Select”.

New Charger 2.1 damper

Reduced friction

RockShox 2020 pricing

Aftermarket upgrades

Rear shock updates

MegNeg

£90 / €100 / $90

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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58cm:Why this rider claims butchering his carbon rims made them 'better'

What do you do when you want wide hookless road rims but don’t want to pay ENVE money? Well, if you’re Bart of Bartthebikeman, you take a Stanley knife and a Dremel to your existing rims and slice those hooks right off!

How to set up road tubeless tyres

6 of the best: tubeless pumps and inflators

Before we start, we absolutely cannot recommend carrying out this modification on your own rims. Doing so will undoubtedly void any warranty and could result in serious harm to yourself, your rims, or innocent members of the public. Consider yourself warned.

With that out of the way, Bart is delighted with his “butchered” rims. But why do it in the first place?

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As Bart points out, a hook on a tubeless rim is “like a tailbone in humans”, in that it is a vestigial carryover from the days of regular clincher tyres (hooked rims have nothing to do with when we had tails).

Many brands have begun removing hooks from their tubeless rims for this very reason — doing so reduces weight, can ease tyre installation and the resulting rim profile is simpler, making manufacturing easier.

Why hookless mountain bike rims may be the way of the future

It also increases the internal width of the rims, which works well with high volume wide road tyres.

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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58cm:Look enters e-road market with the e-765 Optimum

Look has, perhaps expectedly, joined the e-road market with the e-765 Optimum range of electric bikes.

SRAM Force AXS - wireless for the masses

The Look 785 Huez is super light

As a bicycle brand, Look is about as French as they come with a history stretching back 35 years to their early clipless pedals. Its pedals first won the Tour de France under Bernard Hinault in 1985 a year after they were launched. It wasn't long after, in 1986, that Look decided to go into producing bicycle frames.

Its heritage is one rich with carbon, with both its bikes and pedals using the material as an integral part of their design.

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Currently, Look claims that 41% of the pro peloton uses its pedals. It also claims that it spends 5% of its turnover on R&D. It holds 550 patents, sells one million pedals a year through 31,000 shops and is one of the few brands to have its own carbon manufacturing facilities in France and Tunisia.

While Look has had road, triathlon, track and mountain bikes in its range, it has now expanded into the e-road market, which coupled with its road range is where they will now focus.

The Fazua Motor

Frame Details

3D Wave Seat Stays

Direct Drive Concept

Carbon Composition

Look e-765 Optimum geometry

Look e-765 Optimum models

Look e-765 Optimum initial ride impressions

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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58cm:11spd: This week's best new bike gear

Spring has most definitely sprung – or at least it has in the UK. You can tell because your riding day can start in sub-zero temperatures, rise enough to warrant short sleeves, and then get pelted with hailstones. Ah spring!

How to watch the 2019 Spring Classics

Grab an entire turbo training bundle for £80 / $107 / AU$150

As well as wildly variable weather, spring also means two other important things. First, the results of the long-awaited Bike of the Year 2019 awards were announced — keep your eyes peeled on BikeRadar as more reviews are going up each day, and if you want to check out the winners, let us make it simple for you, they are:

Best road bike — Rondo HVRT CFO

Best women’s road — Trek Domane SL6 Disc

Best trail bike — Commencal Meta TR 29 Brit Edition

Best women’s trail bike — Liv Intrigue Advanced 1

Second, it’s when lots more new kit starts to come on the market, and if there’s one thing we love here on BikeRadar, it’s new kit. In recent weeks we’ve had news of a budget RockShox fork, short-reach shifters from Shimano (good news for small handed riders) and more.

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Endura PFC-free kit cleaner and re-proofer

Given the impact we’re having on the very environment we love to ride, it might be a good idea to consider choosing products that have a lower environmental impact.

Step forward Endura who has produced a new PFC-free cleaner and reproofer to keep your kit in top nick.

£8.99 / €11.00 each

Buy now from Tredz

X Tools Colourful Hex Key set

 £14.99 / $21.99 / AU$3079

Buy now from Wiggle

 Odlo Seamless High sports bra

£40 / €44.95

Buy now from Boobydo

Specialized S-Works SW Road Carbon Seatpost and SL alloy stem

S-Works SW Road Carbon seatpost:  $180 / AU$230

Buy now from JE James

Specialized S-Works SL stem:  £95 / $125 / AU$160

Buy now from Tredz

 Burgtec The Bartender Pro Greg Minnaar grips

£19.99 / $TBC / AU$TBC

Buy now from Stif

DJI Osmo Pocket video camera

 £329 / $349 / AU$599

Buy now from Argos

Veloforte Avanti bar

£2.50 / $TBC

Available from Sigma Sports

Leatt DBX 3.5 neck brace

£234.99 / $322.41 / AU$452.36

Available now from Wiggle

Giant Numen Aero+ TL rear light

£21.99 / $29 / AU$39.95

Buy now from Tredz

Brompton X CHPT3 special edition folding bicycle

£1,990 — not available in other territories

Buy now from Brompton

Norco Search XR Steel Apex 1

£1,350 / $2,199 / AU$2,399

Buy now from Evans Cycles

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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58cm:Wireless shifting for the masses — SRAM Force eTap AXS is here

SRAM has today launched Force eTap AXS — a cheaper alternative to its premier 12-speed wireless RED eTap AXS groupset that was released a few months ago. The new groupset takes direct aim at the dominance of Shimano’s Ultegra Di2 groupset. 

SRAM 12-speed RED eTap AXS HRD review

Road bike groupsets: everything you need to know

What is the difference between SRAM Red eTap AXS and SRAM Force eTap AXS?

The new Force eTap AXS groupset shares the same motors as RED, as well as the faster signal transfer and the new more powerful chipset.

To make the group more affordable, some of RED eTap AXS’s other bells and whistles have been stripped back.

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The biggest difference comes with the chainset. RED’s elaborate — and expensive — one-piece X-Dome design has been replaced by two separate rings and a more traditional spider-based connection between chainrings and cranks.

The power meter option (based on sister brand Quark’s D-Zero technology) is also spider-mounted rather than integrated into the direct-mount chainrings.

SRAM AXS app

Sequential — when you activate the next available gear in either direction, it will automatically actuate the front derailleur to keep the ratio increase or decrease even between shifts and your cadence steady (though it can be overridden to front shift)

Compensating — smooths out gear shifts, so when you change the front ring (either up or down) it compensates at the rear derailleur, moving either one or two cogs to keep your gear progression even and your cadence steady.

SRAM's new cranks will fit any bike you like

SRAM’s 12-speed philosophy

Force eTap AXS gear numbers

What bikes are available with SRAM Force eTap AXS?

The differences between the Force and RED eTap AXS

SRAM Force eTap AXS weights (without power meter)

SRAM Force eTap AXS MSRPs (without power meter)

SRAM Force eTap AXS component weight comparison (in grams)

SRAM Force eTap AXS cassette weights vs RED

SRAM Force eTap AXS bottom bracket weights vs RED

SRAM Force eTap AXS chainset weights vs RED

SRAM Force eTap AXS derailleur weights vs RED

SRAM Force eTap AXS brake weights vs RED

SRAM Force eTap AXS chain weights vs RED

SRAM Force eTap AXS rim brake weights 

SRAM Force eTap AXS disc brake weights (TT)

SRAM Force eTap AXS time Trial component weights

SRAM Force eTap AXS rotor weights (160mm)

SRAM Force eTap AXS Complete group weights vs RED eTap AXS

Road

TT

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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58cm:Kask flexes its mountain bike muscles with the Caipi off-road helmet

Known for its popular road lids, Italian helmet brand Kask is about launch its second MTB helmet, the Caipi, at next week's Sea Otter Classic.

KASK Rex helmet review

Best mountain bike helmets for trail riding

Best mountain bike: how to choose the right one for you

Caipi helmet highlights

290g in the CPSC certified helmet and 250g for ‘non-CPSC.’

22 vents

Available in nine colours

Claimed to weigh 290g in the CPSC version and 250g for ‘non-CPSC’, the Caipi features 22 vents and appears to slot in above the Rex in KASK’s range with more vents and less weight. According to KASK, the helmet complies with EU, US and Australian safety standards.

As with most trail oriented helmets, there appears to be extended rear coverage, with Kask saying that the back of the helmet comes down to a "line level with the base of the skull."

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At the front, there is a generously sized polypropylene visor complete with ventilation, though it doesn’t appear to be adjustable. It also lacks the goggle retention strap at the rear and the integrated GoPro mount seen on the Rex.

Inside, the helmet features thermoformed padding, KASK’s Octo Fit retention system, and comes with the brand's faux leather Custom Fit Divider chin strap and fixed ear splitters, for the most possible comfort with the least amount of fiddling.

Caipi helmet availability and pricing

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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58cm:More 12-speed kit from Shimano (but it’s not a groupset)

Shimano has added a small selection of 12-speed components to its STEPS e-bike system, updated firmware to allow riders to control their power units via the buttons on Di2 shifters, and added a couple of other interesting options to its range.

Shimano XTR M9100 groupset first ride review

Shimano’s massive 10spd cassette is backwards compatibility done right

12-speed you say?

Don’t get too excited, this isn’t a new groupset, but rather a range of STEPS-specific chainrings. These include 34t, 36t and 38t MTB options, plus a 42t aimed at “e-trekking” bikes, i.e. electric hybrids.

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Shimano has yet to trickle 12-speed down from XTR level or offer it on the road so, for the time being, there probably isn’t going to be massive demand for 12-speed e-bike bits.

All that changes of course if more affordable 12-speed groupsets are announced down the line.

STEPS now integrates with Di2

Charge your e-bike on the go

2019: the year of the e-bike?

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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58cm:Small hands? Shimano Ultegra has your back

Shimano has announced a new version of its existing Ultegra R8020 hydraulic levers for riders with smaller hands. Called the R8025, the new levers bring Ultegra R8000 in line with 105 R7000, which already offers a short-reach option.

Shimano Ultegra R8000 groupset review

Shimano 105 R7000 groupset — everything you need to know

Ultegra gets the small hands treatment

R7000 was the first of the latest generation of Shimano groupsets to include hydraulic levers specifically designed for smaller hands. In addition to the standard R7020 model, Shimano offers the R7025 which is subtly reshaped to bring the lever contact point closer to the bar without compromising on function.

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Now Shimano has done the same for Ultegra, with the R8025 lever bringing the effective reach 4mm closer to the bar.

We can expect to see these levers fitted as standard on some 2020 bikes, and we can imagine they’ll be popular for custom builds, particularly for smaller-handed and younger riders.

Shimano Ultegra R8000 and Ultegra Di2 R8070: all you need to know

When trickle-down is trickle-up

As a general rule, Shimano tends to trickle features down from the top of its range. A new look gets debuted with Dura-Ace and then the lower tier groupsets are upgraded over the following years.

Road bike groupsets: everything you need to know

Shimano Ultegra R8025 pricing and availability

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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58cm:WOHO launches two new bikes

Bike bag and accessories specialist WOHO has expanded into the bike market and launched two new models: the steel Double Ace and the titanium-framed Double Ace Ti.

Ribble hits the trails with prototype titanium hardtail

11spd: this week's best new bikes and gear

Both bikes are based on the same geometry, which WOHO describes as sporty enough for full-on gravel racers but not too much of a handful for adventure riders and long haulers.

The Ti uses 3Al-2.5v titanium tubing with a purposefully oversized bottom bracket and a large diameter down tube for max pedalling efficiency and stability in the rough stuff.

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The frame is compatible with 1x and 2x setups, and cleverly features internal routing for a dropper post. Clearance is a generous 40c on a 700 or 47c on a 650b tyre.

The standard Double Ace uses a mix of Columbus Life chromoly steel and Max tubing, custom-sized to WOHO’s specification.

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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58cm:Behold, the Reversityre, slick on one side and knobbly on the other

If you thought the Retyre zip-on tyres were weird, then you’re in for a treat. We’ve had exclusive word of a brand new tyre on the market, and it’s the epitome of versatility.

Top 5 weirdly wonderful mountain bike tech of 2018

Top 5 weird and wonderful road and gravel kit of 2018

The two-in-one Reversityre allows you to take your bike anywhere, whether it’s meant for the road or the trails. How? Simply pop off your wheels, remove your tyres, flip them inside out, and off you go.

While it’s not tubeless (yet), the Reversityre can take standard inner tubes, which will work for both of its guises. When it’s set up to be slick, the tread creates an extra layer on the inside that doubles up as puncture protection, and offers similar benefits of the CushCore, damping the shocks from the road.

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No more will you find yourself at the opening of a mud-slathered rocky lane to the unknown, staring gloomily down at your sad, slick tyres and wishing they had the grip needed to take you on that mystery adventure.

Never again shall you slog along the roads between your favourite singletrack spots wishing your bike was more efficient on the tarmac and less of a slow, groaning, dying beast crawling its way on low volume limbs.

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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58cm:Agu may have made the warmest winter riding jacket ever

Dutch clothing brand Agu has certainly upped its game over recent years, with its partnership with Lotto Jumbo in the pro tour and an expanding range of well thought out clothing and great prices.

Alé PRR Winter Jacket review

The Gore Thermo Helmet Cap is the best winter cap I've ever used

What caught our eye over here at the Taipei Show won’t arrive until the autumn, but we’re pretty excited to see how it shapes up. The new Deep Winter Essential jacket looks at first glance to be another warm padded winter jacket in the style of Rapha’s Transfer or Endura’s Pro SL Primaloft. But alongside its warm padding design it also features integrated heating on the chest and back.

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This is all powered by a rechargeable battery unit with three heat settings, which are all controlled by the AGU logo/button on the chest. The jacket we were shown is a development piece but AGU is getting close to having the final version, with a few small mods to the reflective detailing and locking down the special battery pocket on the rear — at the moment it’s a simple pocket near the hem, which isn't ideal for riding, but fine for testing the concept we guess.

AGU tell us that there are three settings so you can regulate your temperature during a ride; use it for warming up pre-race or just so you don’t get a chill straight after a coffee stop.

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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58cm:Limar launches Air Speed helmet and new S9 and Kona glasses

Italian lightweight helmet specialist Limar has a big presence in the peleton, sponsoring ProTour teams Astana, Gazprom-RusVelo and Direct Énergie, as well as Canyon Topeak Factory Racing and Topeak-Ergon outside of the WorldTour.

Specialized S-Works Evade with ANGi review

Limar 555 review

Its pro-series Air range consists of the Air Pro, the Air Star with built-in LED light, the Master and our pick of the bunch, the new Air Speed.

The Air Speed is a full-on aero road helmet with large forward-facing vents and huge internal channels running its full length, which Limar claims keep you cool with the efficiency of a standard helmet.

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With a claimed weight of 250g (M) and a €189.95 price tag (UK and US prices TBC), this could well be a serious competitor for the aero-lid crown up against the likes of Specialized’s S-Works Evade, Giro’s Vanquish and Kask’s Utopia.

Limar has also expanded its eyewear offering, with two new designs that we think look the business.

You can read more at BikeRadar.com

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58cm:Ribble hits the trails with prototype titanium hardtail

Ribble Cycles today revealed a prototype titanium hardtail mountain bike at the London Bike Show as it continues the rapid expansion of its 2019 range.

Currently known by its project name, the HT/650/Ti has been developed in the UK for “tough trail riding” and is likely to hit the market in the summer, says Ribble Cycles CEO Andy Smallwood.

BikeRadar Bike of the Year 2019

Ribble Cycles bikes: latest reviews, news and buying advice

Ribble CGR SL 105 review

Ribble Cycles HT/650/Ti

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While best known for road bikes — Ribble's Endurance SL Disc is our best value road Bike of the Year 2019 — Smallwood says that the HT/650/Ti “…is completely aligned to the new Ribble brand strategy.”

While Smallwood, who joined Ribble from Boardman Bikes in 2017, says that mountain biking is a new market for the brand, it does have some history with the company producing the R4 mountain bike at the start of this decade — although no-one involved in this project had a hand in that bike.

The sweet looking HT/650/Ti is built from triple butted 3AL/2.5V titanium and is designed around a 150mm travel fork with a geometry that, Ribble claims, combines “confidence inspiring agility and stability through the long wheelbase, short stem, slack head angle around a wide bar with an ability to put the power down with maximum traction due to the big tyre clearance up to 650x2.6in and tight back end.”

Electric urban and gravel bikes added to Ribble range

You can read more at BikeRadar.com