Cycling Plus UK - January 2025

Lightweight
pedal-assist
all-rounders
p22
THE UK’S BEST-SELLING CYCLING MAGAZINE
ISSUE 426 ● JANUARY 2025
THE BIG REVEAL

Discover the winners of
DITCH
our much-coveted
annual awards
THE GPS
Exploring the
pleasures
of natural
navigation
ENDURANCE
ADDICTS
The secrets to why
tough events keep us
coming back for more
TOP RIDES
FOR 2025
Plan the ultimate
Euro cycling holiday,
tackle L’Étape du Tour,
explore Oslo & more
TRAINING ZONE How to turn back time

and stay feeling young on your bike
JANUARY 2025 UK £7.50 PRINTED IN THE UK
Issue 426 ● January 2025
WELCOME…
By the time you read this,

we’ll have held our Rider
of the Year awards ceremony
and crowned our winners.
It’s always an amazing
opportunity to meet the We test a trio
of electric
people we’ve been following allroad bikes p22
through the nominations and voting process,

sometimes for the first time in person, and to
see what it means to them to be recognised by
Learn the art
you, our readers, and by our in-house team. of natural
navigation p40
Last year there was nary a dry eye in the house,
and I’m anticipating the same this time
around. What a trio of winners we have, with
very different stories to tell – a great reminder
of the strength in diversity of our sport, and the
difference it can make to people’s lives.
John Whitney, Senior Editor – Cycling Plus

[email protected]
Your experts What we think

of SRAM’s new
Red XPLR AXS
gravel group p64
Michael Crawley Katherine Moore

Author Features writer
The anthropologist and Kat heads to Olso for this
former international issue’s Big Ride, to explore
endurance runner behind the vast Nordmarka
the new book To the wilderness, where she
Limit explains the allure discovers that the spirit
of challenging long- of the Norwegian people
distance events. is in the woods.
p46 p76
4 JANUARY 2025 cyclingplus.com

P64
TECH
INSIGHT
SRAM Red
XPLR AXS
Issue 426 ● January 2025 The pinnacle of gravel gearing?
Warren Rossiter certainly
thinks so. He breaks down
why it’s so special
THE BIKE TEST p22
p22 Allroad e-bikes

We take three assisted allroaders,
from Sonder, Ribble and Canyon,
for blasts on and off the tarmac to see
which one ticks the most boxes in
terms of motor system, groupset,
handling and more, to come
out on top this month
FEATURES p35
p35 Rider of the Year

It’s time for the big reveal! Turn to p35
to find out which deserving recipients
have picked up our three prestigious
awards this year and learn more about
their cycling stories
p40 Natural navigators

If technology has begun to interfere
with your connection to nature on
your bike rides, then Tristan Gooley,
who uses clues from the world around
him to navigate, has the antidote
p46 Why we like to suffer

What makes us voluntarily do
exhausting things? That’s the central
question at the heart of anthropologist
Michael Crawley’s new book To the Limit.
He talks us through what he learned in
its writing
INSIDE EVERY ISSUE
RIDDEN & RATED p57

The best gear
THE BIG RIDE p76
Oslo overnighter
TRAINING ZONE p85
Riding advice & technique
● Budget road pedals, CHPT3’s ● Katherine Moore explores the ● Ways to lose weight safely and plot
Transit shoes, car-boot bike racks, Nordmarka gravel trails, which lie a Euro adventure, plus how Oli France
degreasers and more on the doorstep of Norway’s capital rode from Death Valley to Alaska
bikeradar.com JANUARY 2025 5

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GEAR
OPINION
RI DES
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The Big Picture ●
L’Étape du Tour
Albertville, France
20 July 2025
● Every year since
1993, L’Étape du
Tour has given you
the chance to ride
one of the legendary
mountain stages of
the Tour de France,
under the same race
conditions as the pros,
and with closed roads.
Next year’s route starts
in Albertville, south of
Chamonix, and finishes
at La Plagne ski res
ort, 131km and 4,500m
of ascent later. It takes
in four huge climbs,
including the Col
du Pré. Registration
opened on 6 November
so enter now!
Image: A.S.O./Aurélien Vialatte

CULTURE
Breaking news
What’s on ●
Sir Chris Hoy’s memoir All That
Matters (Hodder & Stoughton,
The best media, entertainment £24.99) has just been released,
telling the story of his diagnosis of
Kidd you not
and events from the cycling world terminal prostate cancer and how
● he and his family are processing
Tickets for Britain’s biggest early such shattering news
season sportive, the Hell of the
Ashdown, in Westerham, Kent,
have gone on sale. Taking place
on 23 February, it includes classic Maratona not a sprint
climbs such as Kidds Hill ●
www.helloftheashdown.cc The 2025 Maratona dles
Dolomites, Italy’s biggest
gran fondo, will take place
on 5 July in Corvara. The
longest 138km route
includes ascents
of prestige climbs
such as the
Pordoi, Falzarego
and Giau
www.maratona.it
Oz against the world Land of Ned

● ●
The Tour Down Under, the first Prolific author Ned Boulting
race on the WorldTour each returns with another book, The
season, celebrates its 25th Accidental Tour-ist (Bloomsbury
Plant power
anniversary in January (17-26). Sport, June 2025, £20). This one
●
Also on the agenda for fans are follows Ned’s experiences in pro
Chef Alan Murchison releases a fourth
the Adelaide Epic sportive (23rd) cycling since his 2010 memoir,
edition of his Cycling Chef series, this
and RADL GRVL gravel ride (24th) How I Won the Yellow Jumper
time dedicated to plant-based recipes.
Plant-powered Performance is out
Photography Getty Images, Freddy Planinschek, Joseph Branston, David Powell
in January (Bloomsbury Sport, £22)
Go figure The month in numbers
1 4 6 8.1 11
More year of ITV’s Consecutive Mountain stages Average gradient Length in km of the
Tour de France Il Lombardia titles for in the 2025 Tour of the Col de La mountain TT of the
coverage before Tadej Pogačar. He’s de France, including Madeleine, finish 2025 Tour, climbing
Eurosport take one behind Fausto a final one to the ski of stage 7 of the Tour the Peyresourde
it exclusively Coppi on five overall resort of La Plagne de France Femmes and Peyragudes

GUEST COLUMN
A hero I was
glad to meet
Warren Rossiter remembers
Bob Parlee of Parlee Cycles, who
passed away in September
Bob Parlee – founder of Parlee Cycles – died

peacefully at home with his family in September
after suffering with cancer for four years.
Bob began applying his knowledge of composites
and engineering to bicycles in the late ’90s, following
a successful career building high-performance
carbon fibre racing boats, By the end of 1999, he and
his wife Isabel had quit their day jobs and set up their
own bike brand.
Word spread quickly about the unique, ultra-light
and high-performance bikes coming out of the Parlee
workshop on the North Shore of Boston. Parlee became
the name in custom carbon framesets, and his work
remains the high watermark of carbon frame building.
Parlee debuted the first sub-900g frame in 2004 ridden, but also with a connection to that bike that
and took on the biggest brands in the world with their remains to this day.
off-the-peg sub-800g Z5 in 2010. They also adopted Bob’s personality made him more than just a bike
new tech earlier than most, debuting a disc brake- builder of note. He was also a friend I always looked
equipped TT/tri bike ahead of the competition. The 2012 forward to seeing at shows and events. Never afraid
Z-Zero brought not only custom geometry but also Warren Rossiter to push the boundaries, I recall him talking with
Warren is the
custom ride quality. senior technical boundless enthusiasm around a project with Toyota
I’m honoured to say I had first-hand experience with editor of back in 2011, for instance. The concept was a bike based
Cycling Plus
Parlee Cycles and Bob. Back in 2013, I had the pleasure on the green principles of the Prius hybrid (celebrating
of going through the process of speccing a custom bike its 10th anniversary). Parlee came up with a design for
with Parlee. Retül fittings and lots of consultations went an aero road bike with full integration, which was
into creating my Parlee Z-Zero. Weighing 6.65kg and unseen at the time. All the carbon used was from scraps
replete with original SRAM Red eTap, power meter and and offcuts to reduce waste. Tech specialists DeepLocal
Zipp wheels, it still has pride of place in my garage. were even on board to design a ‘Neuron’ helmet, the aim
The icing on the cake of this experience was heading of which was to shift gears by simply thinking it!
to Bespoke Cycles in Farringdon to collect the bike. Bob led the design and development of Parlee for two
There, I had the honour of meeting Bob face-to-face and decades. He stepped away from running the business
spending the day talking through his bike history full-time four years ago, after his cancer diagnosis.
and all about my bike. Even in semi-retirement, Bob kept sketching out new
They say never meet your heroes, but that wasn’t the ideas and designs in the notebooks he was never
case with Bob. We spent hours chatting about all things without. In 2023, he sold Parlee to British ex-pat John
bikes, including outlining his time spent making Harrison. John explained to me that, as a long-time
Words Warren Rossiter Image Russell Burton
models that went uncredited in the world’s biggest races Parlee customer, he wanted to take on the rebuilding
underneath the biggest stars of the day, including Tyler of the business and continue the work Bob had started,
Hamilton and others. These bikes remain off the record. ensuring the legacy of the Parlee name.
Bob had the ability to distil the most complex Bob’s death marks the passing of one of the greats
engineering and composites technology into language of bike design and the builder of some of the most
that was easy to understand. I learned more that day desirable road bikes of the past 20 years. After writing
about carbon fibre bike building than from myriad this, I’ll be heading to my garage to pull down the
brand presentations and much PR spin. On that note, Z-Zero from its prime position, wipe it down, check the
PR spin is something Parlee didn’t do – Bob simply let tyres and head out for a ride to remember a brilliant bike
his products speak for themselves. I left that meeting, designer, engineer and friendly face who’ll be sorely
not only with one of the very best road bikes I’ve ever missed. Thanks for the ride Bob – it’s been a privilege.

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PEDAL-O-METER
WHAT’S SPINNING ALONG AT
SPEED AND WHAT’S CRASHING
OUT THIS MONTH?
LUKE WHO’S WALKING

Luke Rowe’s career as a rider may be
over, but his time as a sports director
is just getting started. Not on his
ICONS OF CYCLING career-long team, Ineos Grenadiers,
but at Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale
The Triple Crown AN AUSSIE RULES

Lachlan Morton obliterated the lap
of Australia record, completing the
14,200km journey in 30 days, nine
hours and 38 mins – almost eight
There may not be a physical trophy to show for it, but days quicker than the old record
winning the three biggies of the pro circuit is massive
RUNNING MAN
Mark Cavendish was already making
post-retirement endurance plans.
Statistics show that it’s the toughest feat Zurich in September, the last man to even
In an interview with Men’s Health,
in professional cycling. Riders who’ve have a sniff at the title was Marco Pantani
he said he’s already committed to
achieved the ‘Triple Crown’ – winning the back in 1998, when he didn’t ride the
running a marathon with his brother
Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and World Worlds. Before that, Miguel Induráin came
Championships Road Race in the same within a whisker when he finished second
season – number just three men (Eddy behind Lance Armstrong in Oslo. From
Merckx, 1974; Stephen Roche, 1987; and the ’90s back through to the ’60s, when
Tadej Pogačar, 2024) and one woman the Giro-Tour double was more common,
(Annemiek van Vleuten, 2022). Like for several of the major stars of cycling history TOM’S UP?
a world record or number one ranking, got one or more cracks at the triple – Tom Pidcock’s future at Ineos
no physical award is bestowed on the Fausto Coppi, Jacques Anquetil, Merckx Grenadiers was thrown into doubt
rider – and in the case of the Triple Crown, on two occasions before he did finally crack when he was ‘deselected’ for
it’s not even an official title recognised it, and Bernard Hinault. Il Lombardia by management,
by the governing body. Its value lies in As to why so few have achieved it, the despite being one of the favourites
recognition from those who understand reasons are numerous. They include
what goes into such a colossal physical task.
The achievement of van Vleuten in 2022
the now-shorter gap between the Giro and
Tour, the era of the specialist stage racer in
TINTIN CASE CLOSED
Wolfgang Rieke, 63, was sentenced
shouldn’t be underestimated. Hers was the early 21st century, a drop in the number
to four years in prison for driving the
an otherworldly season, which also of riders who succeed on all terrains and
truck that killed former pro Davide
included wins at the Vuelta a España and at all races, and variations in how well
Words John Whitney Image Getty Images
‘Tintin’ Rebellin in Italy in 2022. The

Liège-Bastogne-Liège. However, with different Worlds courses suit a climber.
German had fled the scene
a shallower pool of opponents and, more The idea of the Giro-Tour double, let
broadly, a patchier calendar of races – with alone the Triple Crown, has taken on
only sporadic women’s editions of the Tour legendary status in the 37 years between NOT SO SAINTLY
de France until recently – it’s a feat with Roche and Pogačar. Even top riders of their Saint Piran, the Cornwall-based
fewer reference points. generation, such as Alberto Contador and UCI Continental team, have been
Dating back to 1927, when the first World Chris Froome, came unstuck at the Tour using unmarked Chinese bike
Road Race was staged, the men’s Triple having won the Giro. But with powers frames with fake UCI approval
Crown is notoriously difficult to achieve. of recovery without peer, the Triple Crown stickers, reported Cycling Weekly.
Before Pogačar scored his hat-trick in seemed destined to fall to Pogačar. The UCI were investigating
10 JANUARY 2025
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BIKE LAUNCH
Cube Nuroad Shaving weight

● Cube have opted
C:62 SLT
for a minimalist seat
clamp, claimed to
save weight. It’s
secured by two
4mm hex bolts
£5,999 The cheapest complete bike with on the seat tube
SRAM Red XPLR AXS we’ve seen to date
Cube’s Nuroad C:62 SLT adventures into consideration with

is the brand’s premium gravel the design of the Nuroad. There’s
offering, and this top-spec model a third set of bottle cage bosses under
comes with SRAM Red XPLR AXS. the down tube, mounts for a top tube
While it has quite a substantial price bag or bento box, and not one but
tag, remember the groupset alone two carrier mounting positions for
is priced at £3,980. The German an optional fork rack, which can
brand say they’ve further refined carry up to 10kg of additional weight.
the Nuroad C:62’s gravel versatility,
with increased tyre clearance and 03
weight-saving measures. There are Nice and clear
six models in the range, with the Tyre clearance has increased from
Nuroad C:62 One opening the line- 45mm to 50mm on the new Nuroad,
up at £1,999, and a big (£1,700) drop making it more competitive among
in price from the SLT to the second- the latest gravel bikes. This drops
tier C:62 SLX (£4,299). down to 45mm if you run full-length
mudguards or a rack.
01
Carbon capture 04
The Nuroad is made from Cube’s Great groupset
C:62 carbon fibre layup, which they SRAM Red XPLR AXS is the
say gives the bike uncompromised American brand’s new 1x13 gravel
lightweight performance and groupset, which uses a direct-mount
vibration-absorbing comfort. rear derailleur, forgoing a traditional
To achieve this, the resin is reinforced derailleur hanger. Cube even
with nanoparticles and bonded with include a power meter crankset
a greater proportion of high- for the price.
modulus carbon fibre than on its
predecessor, to create a stronger, 05
lighter and more durable composite. Optimal angles
A medium frame is claimed The bike uses Cube’s Gravel
to weigh just 1,150g. Endurance Geometry, which is said
to optimise your position for long
02 days in the saddle and give the
Ready for adventure Nuroad the perfect balance of
Cube have taken versatility for longer stability and agility. Nick Clark
Weight 7.85kg (claimed, M) Frame C:62 carbon fibre Fork C:62 carbon fibre
Image Scott Windsor
Gears SRAM Red XPLR AXS (10-44t, 40t) Brakes SRAM Red AXS hydraulic
disc Wheels Newmen Advanced SL X.R.36 Vonoa Carbon Tyres Schwalbe
G-One R (front), G-One RS (rear) Finishing kit Newmen Advanced Carbon
27.2mm seatpost, Acid Nuance SLT X Carbon saddle, Cube CIS stem
(90mm), Newmen Advanced Gravel bar (44cm)

“The German brand say they’ve
further refined the Nuroad
C:62’s gravel versatility”
Carbon hoops
● You even get a set of
Newmen Advanced
SL X.R.36 Vonoa wheels
for the asking price
Chain reaction
● Although it shouldn’t
drop, Cube have provided
a chain guide for those
just-in-case moments

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OPINION: THE GOLDEN AGE OF CYCLING?
Green shoots
Small changes to our busy roads are combatting climate
change, in all sorts of ways
I’m sitting in my little office all of the water-pollution problems

in east London, with rain we know too well.
pounding at the window. After a wet Surface flooding is considered the
September, weather warnings for greatest short-term climate risk to
thunderstorms and heavy rain London. Not only do these planted
promise more of the same. areas soak up surprising amounts
It’s fair to say 2024 was a soggy of water, and slow its progress to the
year in the UK. January and February drains, but the shade they provide can
featured record rainfall, as did spring, reduce the impact of heatwaves by up to
recording 132% of the 1991-2020 average. 12°C. The council tend to use planting
A relatively dry summer (for most) was schemes of mixed, hardy perennials instead
followed by what I’m hearing now – more rain. of annuals that need replacing each season,
Less than half a mile from where I sit, a cycle meaning little ongoing maintenance, saving money.
route has become a part of the solution, not just for London isn’t alone in doing this work. Increasingly,
transport and health, but for the extreme weather events, Laura Laker street transformations for walking and cycling, from
including storms, we can expect due to climate change. Transport Stirling to Cardiff and beyond, include SuDS. Each year
journalist
Romford Road was, perhaps, an unexpected candidate ——
the Welsh capital’s Grangetown scheme – 108 relatively
for a major protected cycle lane, but that’s what my plucky Each issue, small planting beds, across just 12 Victorian streets –
local council, Newham, are in the process of building with her ear removes an estimated 40,000m3 of surface runoff from
to the world
along the almost three miles from Stratford to Ilford. of UK cycling Cardiff’s sewer system. That’s half the volume of the Royal
Picture a wide, long, heavily-trafficked, four-lane road infrastructure, Albert Hall. As if that’s not enough, growing bodies of
Laura reports
populated with thrumming local businesses, from cafes to on the setbacks research tell us snippets of green space can improve our
car washes. Add a steady stream of bus traffic and a liberal our community mental and physical health too, boosting our immune
faces – and
sprinkling of illicit pavement parking, and you’re probably how we’re systems, reducing anxiety, and increasing our levels
close. It’s an intense place – noisy, polluted and dangerous fighting back of physical activity. They can also absorb noise and air
for the huge numbers of people using the shops and buses. pollution, and improve biodiversity, making our streets
A few established trees do little to break up the grey. Only healthier, calmer places. Facing the pointier end of
the brave would cycle there. Europe’s sobering summer heatwaves, I’ve noticed Paris is
Backed by Government funding to revitalise high doing the same across the city, as are urban areas in Spain.
streets, Newham is turning this cacophony of competing The rest of the Romford Road cycle route, with all its
needs into a people-friendly boulevard, as much as new trees and plants, is being delivered in a scattered
that’s possible. Alongside the bike lanes and improved order, as complicated logistics allow. With bustling
pavements, they’re adding miles of beds hosting an array Stratford on its western end, this is among the top 5%
of trees and shrubs – the climate change-solution element. of roads with the highest pent-up demand for cycling
The first two sections of cycle track were finished over in London. That means, given the types and length
the summer, and I dashed down to ride it, separated from of journeys currently done in the area, a safe, direct and
traffic, in the shade of small trees and a nursery of achillea, pleasant cycle route could unlock some serious cycling
verbena and euphorbia. This kind of planting is known numbers. Delivering the car-dominated eastern section
as ‘SuDS’ (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems), or could prove the council’s greatest challenge, but by
Illustration Harry Tennant
sometimes ‘rain gardens’. Densely-populated areas have making walking and cycling safer and more accessible,
a lot of impermeable surfaces – concrete, tarmac and more people should feel able to leave their vehicles
hard paving. This means rainwater rushes along gullys, at home, with all the benefits that’ll bring. In this low-
down drains and into the combined sewer system. income, densely populated end of town, cheap, easy and
Overwhelmed sewers, built to accommodate a fraction accessible transport options, and the oasis of green space
of the modern population, overspill into rivers, causing being delivered alongside them, could be a literal lifesaver.

ALL
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at you. Offering exceptional grip, tubeless ready compatibility
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Scan for more info.
Right Brittany has a similar feel
to Cornwall, but the roads across
the Channel tend to be in better
condition with less traffic
DESTINATION
Brittany
Like Cornwall across the
English Channel, Brittany has
a dramatic coastline, fierce climbs
and volatile weather. Yet it’s eight
times larger, in terms of landmass,
as well as having fewer people,
weighed against its size. This makes
it feel a peaceful, more remote
prospect when out on the bike,
particularly in central Brittany,
away from its coasts, to which
tourists – predominantly British,
Dutch and German – make a beeline.
An impossibly dense network of
roads abounds, and despite harsh
winters, lighter traffic ensures the
tarmac is generally in far better
condition than across the water.
Also in common with Cornwall is
a keen sense of identity – Brittany
is one of six regions of northwestern
Europe in which the Celtic languages
(for example Cornish and Welsh) and
cultural traits have survived. Breton,
the language, survives most strongly
in southwestern Brittany and
bilingual road signs abound (the
non-Celtic Gallo language of eastern
Brittany is spoken far less).
This region is a heartland of
professional cycling, its tough
climate and rolling terrain producing
fiercely competitive riders such
as Tour de France winners Bernard
Hinault and Jean Robic. David
Lappartient, the president of the
16 JANUARY 2025
Left Hop on a ferry from the Below The Tour de France
UK or Ireland and you could often visits Brittany, and the
be enjoying post-ride cider region’s short, sharp climbs
and crêpes before you know it aren’t to be underestimated
The route
Try the longest 1 Bike shop
‘Challenge’ route – Cycles des Abers in
known as the ‘Hell Lannilis offers bike
of the West’ – of rental (road, gravel,
Tro-Bro Léon. This e-bike), servicing and
is around 135km long parts. It’s closed on
and peppered with Sunday and Monday.
21 ribinoù, or dirt-road cyclesdesabers.com
sectors. The pros will
UCI, world cycling’s governing body older than the Tour de France, ride it on road bikes 2 Lunch stop
since 2017, hails from Pontivy in is staged once every four years, with wider tyres. This The commune of
central Brittany. which has gone some way to is also encouraged for Plouguerneau, in the
The world’s biggest race regularly preserving its mystique. the amateurs, though final third of the ride, is
visits, often early in the proceedings, gravel bikes are known for its oysters.
when Brittany’s short, vicious climbs Don’t miss allowed. Starting in
– such as the Mûr-de-Bretagne – can Tro-Bro Léon, a pro-am race in the Lannilis, northwest 3 Photo op
provide the sort of stage finish that Finistère region (Lannilis) of Brittany, Brittany, the route The Site de Meneham,
can result in a change of leader. was first run in 1984 for amateurs heads counter- on the most northerly
In 2025, it’ll host the Grand Départ before turning pro in 2000 and now, clockwise, inland and section of the coast, is
(start) of the Tour de France Femmes, in true Spring Classic style, operates along the coast, on a hamlet of thatched
with a stage beginning in Vannes, both a pro and amateur ride under undulating terrain. cottages nestled in
in the southern Morbihan region, the auspices of TdF organiser ASO. The ‘Breton Paris- the rocks of the
before moving west to Finistère for Its mixed-terrain route has given Roubaix’ has two Côte des Légendes
the second stage. it a reputation as a hipsters’ Paris- shorter routes as well facing the English
Brittany is also central to Paris- Roubaix, although time and the (105 and 35km). plus Channel, formerly
Brest-Paris, the audax whose route growth of gravel racing has perhaps two Gravel routes home to soldiers and
travels substantially through it, lessened its street cred. A date for the (95 and 60km) with customs officers as
and is a cycle-tourism paradise, ride in 2025 is yet to be announced, more off-road bits. well as fisherman.
thanks to its extensive road network. but 2024’s race was on 5 May.
Eight cycling routes criss-cross and Distance 132km/82 miles Elevation 960m/3,150ft
intercept in the region, along the Travel Download komoot.com/tour/1850410310
coast and cross-country for over Brittany Ferries operate crossings
2,000km, following towpaths, old from Plymouth to Roscoff and B R I G N O G A N-
3 P L AG E S
railway lines and quiet lanes. The St-Malo, and Portsmouth to St-Malo.
Words John Whitney Photography Joby Sessions, Getty Images
historic northern port of Roscoff is There are three airports in Brittany –

a hub for cycle tourists. Not only can Nantes, Rennes and Brest. Note that
British (from Plymouth) and Irish there are currently no flights from P LO UG U E R N E AU
(Cork) cyclists reach Roscoff via the UK to the latter. 2
Brittany Ferries but they can jump G RO UA N E G
straight onto numerous cross- Accommodation

Brittany and cross-France cycle There’s no shortage of lodgings in 1 L E F O LG O Ë T
routes, such as the EuroVelo 4, which Brittany, one of the most-visited T R É G LO N O U
goes east along the northern Brittany regions in France. Campsites are
coast and beyond, to Eastern Europe. particularly numerous – one of
the bigger operators, Sandaya,
Big dates for example, have eight locations
B OU RG -B L A N C
Paris-Brest-Paris, a 1,200km event across Brittany’s coastline.
which, first run in 1891, is 12 years www.brittanytourism.com

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20 DECEMBER 2024 cyclingplus.com

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DECEMBER 2023 21
The Bike Test
● E-allroad bikes
The Bike Test

The Bike Test
E-allroad bikes ●
The bikes
Sonder El Camino
Apex 1
£2,999
Ribble Allroad
SL R e Pro
£5,999
Canyon Grizl:ONfly
CF 9
£6,499
Three drop-bar
allroad e-bikes
tested on the
road and the trails
Words Warren Rossiter
Photography Russell Burton

The bike test
● E-allroad bikes
Need to know
We help you choose the best combo of bike and electrical
assistance to suit your on- and off-road escapades
Electrical assistance has now come Ribble opt for Mahle’s compact X20 rear before parting with your cash. Within our
to every type of bicycle. We’ve seen hub, with an impressively light 1.4kg trio of test bikes, the Grizl:ONfly is better
road, mountain, hybrid, cargo and even claimed weight, for their Allroad SL R e. suited to rougher terrain, the AllRoad
BMX bikes get electrified. But perhaps the SL R e is more at home on tarmac and the
most compelling transformation has been 02 Out of range El Camino sits in between.
that of allroad and gravel bikes. You can Along with lighter motors, our trio all use
now have a lightweight bike to zip along smaller batteries than more conventional 04 How we tested
the road or trail, with a handy boost of e-bikes. The Canyon’s battery has a 400Wh Each bike was subject to a selection of my
assistance when you need it on steep, loose capacity, the Ribble’s 350Wh and the Sonder regular mixed-surface Wiltshire routes.
climbs, allowing you to stay seated for a more minimal 250Wh. All three brands I wanted to understand the ride quality
longer. This helps prevent you losing grip claim ranges up to and above 100km, but and handling, particularly on my favourite
and having to dismount and push your that will depend on how you ride, total descents. My other goal was simple – to run
bike to the summit. system weight (you and the bike) and the the batteries down to zero, which meant
topography of where you’re riding. If you plenty of miles and elevation.
01 Motor pacing want to go further, aftermarket, range-
All three of our contenders use smaller extending batteries are available as an Warren Rossiter
batteries and lighter motors to keep the option for all three systems. Senior technical editor
overall ride experience more akin to a non- ● Warren believes electric
assisted bike. The Sonder El Camino (half 03 Allroad or gravel? bikes are the future of
the price of the other two) uses the new Are you going to spend most of your time transport and he regularly embarks on
Kynamic BC250 rear-hub motor from fully off-road? Or will it be more a mix of the 60-mile round trip commute to CP’s
chain brand KMC, while Canyon spec road with some occasional rough surfaces? offices aboard his trusty Sven Cycles
Bosch’s mid-drive Performance Line SX Thinking about the type of riding you’re steel e-bike. He thinks it’s a positive that
system on their Grizl:ONfly. Both have going to do is essential to help you hone more bike types are becoming electrified,
a claimed weight of around 2kg. Meanwhile, in on the style of bike that’s best for you opening up the sport to a wider audience.

The bike test
E-allroad bikes ●
Bikes on test
Bike tech These three machines will help you
rip up light gravel
explained
Your quickfire guide to jargon
Reach e-road and e-gravel

● This is the horizontal bikes, but can lack the
distance from the sheer power of
centre of the bottom a mid-drive system.
bracket (BB) to
the centre-top of the Mid-drive
head tube. Assuming ● Mid-drive motors
the seat tube angle are incorporated into
remains the same, the BB area and
a longer reach lowers integrated with the
Sonder El Camino Apex 1
your ride position, cranks. This keeps the
£2,999
a shorter reach means weight low down and
How will the least-pricey of the trio, an aluminium-framed bike,
you sit more upright. central for better perform compared to the others here?
handling. They
Stack generally produce
● The vertical better torque and
distance from the offer smoother
centre-top of the head traction than hub
tube to the centre motors, making them
of the BB. A taller a great option for
stack means a more e-gravel and allroad
upright ride position; bikes where you want
a shorter stack balance and power
means a lower one. in equal measure.
Power meter Wh – Watt-hour

● A device that ● The unit used to
measures the power express battery
delivered by the rider. capacity. This is a unit
Most use strain of energy, equivalent Ribble Allroad SL R e Pro
gauges to measure to one watt of power £5,999
applied torque and, expended for one Will its allroad label mean this Ribble is fast and light on less-
when combined with hour. So, a 500Wh technical terrain, we wonder?
angular speed, battery would be able
calculate power (in to provide 500W of
watts). Power meters power for one hour,
generally transmit or 250W for two
wireless data and can hours, and so on.
be paired with most
GPS bike computers. Allroad
● A bicycle type
Hub motor that sits between
● Rear-hub motors endurance road and
have the advantage gravel. These bikes
of being lighter than have more generous
mid-drive systems. tyre clearances than
They also allow bikes endurance bikes, for
to be more easily tackling light dirt and
adapted to provide gravel. But a dedicated
Canyon Grizl:ONfly CF 9
assistance. Hub gravel bike would
£6,499
motors have found be more suitable for
We’re expecting an impressive spec and performance at this
favour on lightweight more technical terrain. price, but will it suit more rugged trails?

The bike test
● E-allroad bikes
01 At 69°, the head

01 angle is the slackest 02
of the three bikes
02 The remote
controls are
mounted close to
the stem clamp
03 Kynamic’s
BC250 rear-hub
motor is impressive
04 Sonder have
built the El Camino
to dispatch rugged
terrain with ease
03 04

The bike test
E-allroad bikes ●
Sonder El Camino Apex 1

£2,999 Assisted alloy adventurer
Weight 13.75kg (L) Frame 6061-T6 aluminium alloy Fork Carbon fibre monocoque Motor Kynamic, 250w Battery 250Wh Groupset SRAM
Apex 1 with FSA CK-745 crankset (1x11) Wheels Sonder Alpha EX Tyres Goodyear Connector, 700c x 45mm Handlebar Sonder Bomber,
56cm Stem Sonder Storc, 80mm Saddle Sonder Abode Seatpost Sonder alloy
Sonder are the in-house bike brand with Sonder’s Abode saddle, which has the hoods though, to make them easier
of outdoor specialists Alpkit. The El more than a passing resemblance to the to use on the gnarliest terrain. With 43Nm
Camino is the electric version of their legendary Fabric Scoop and matches its of maximum torque, the Kynamic system
highly regarded Camino gravel bike and well-regarded comfort levels. A short is a good match for Mahle’s X35 and not
blends mountain bike-inspired geometry 80mm stem is paired with Sonder’s far off the performance of the premium,
with a wide, flared bar, a short stem and Bomber bar, which measures 56cm at the lightweight X20 found on the Ribble.
clearance for 50mm tyres. drops thanks to its 45° flare. In terms of range, I achieved
The frame is made from butted 6061-T6 54km/33.56mi with 467m/1,532ft of
aluminium, with a distinctive sloping top Singletrack slayer climbing on a fully off-road excursion.
tube reminiscent of modern hardtail The El Camino’s ride is fun and forgiving On a smoother route, that rose to 95.73km/
mountain bikes. In terms of mounting in the rough, and the motor system is 59.5mi with 878m/2,880ft of elevation. If
points, you get mudguard eyelets, rear impressive. While the bike’s geometry you’d like more range, Kynamic will offer
rack mounts and triple fork bosses. makes it feel somewhat sedate on tarmac, a bottle cage-mounted extender, which
Kynamic’s BC250 rear-hub motor get it onto dirt and it comes alive. During Sonder tell us will be available soon.
system is neatly integrated into the frame, test rides, I found myself hunting out The El Camino is the most gravel-
with the oversized down tube housing the sections of tight, twisty singletrack and orientated bike here, and is designed to
internal battery and a 1.3in OLED control lots of downhill woodland trails. This bike take on the toughest technical terrain.
screen built into the top tube. The motor It’s well-priced and a great companion
has three numbered modes. Setting one for pushing the boundaries of what
gives subtle assistance that’s useful for
“The bike’s geometry constitutes ‘gravel’. Ideally, the remote
maintaining a good pace on steady off- makes it feel controls would be mounted closer to the
road inclines. The second mode gives hoods and the wheels set up tubeless as
plenty of punch for steeper climbs, and the
somewhat sedate on standard. It’s outclassed by the spec and
third one allows steep, loose-surfaced tarmac, but on dirt range of the Ribble and Canyon, but it
climbs to be tackled while seated, making trumps them in sheer off-road fun factor.
hike-a-bike a thing of the past. it comes alive”
Apex action makes it possible to achieve the same kind Verdict At home and impressive
An 11-speed, mechanical SRAM Apex 1 of flow as on a good hardtail mountain on the most technical terrain
groupset is paired with an e-bike-specific, bike, putting a smile on my face.
40t FSA crankset. At the rear, Sonder You can still ride the El Camino at
Also consider...
spec an 11-42t cassette. Although Apex 1 a good pace with the motor off – there’s
is a solid entry-level gravel groupset, it’s very little drag from the hub itself and the
now showing its age with the release of wide-range of the Apex 1 group makes
SRAM Apex Eagle, which is 12-speed and it easy to fine-tune your gear. The large
incorporates wider 11-44t or 11-52t gearing 45mm tyres are a good choice and take
options that offer more the sting out of rough surfaces, while the
help on steeper inclines. wide bar, cushy tape and excellent saddle ● A little less… ● A little more...
The Good The alloy Sonder all do a great job of keeping comfort levels Sonder El Sonder El
Brilliantly Alpha EX wheels with high. It may only have 11 speeds, but Apex Camino Apex 1 Camino Rival 1
capable on a broad 21mm internal 1 shifts consistently well. The brakes are
rough terrain; Flat bar £3,099
value-packed; width give the wide impressive and full of feel too, but can be £2,699 Stepping up to
solid motor 45mm Goodyear somewhat vocal after prolonged descents. An identical frame, SRAM’s higher-
system drivetrain and motor level Rival groupset
Connector tyres a good The motor’s remote controls are
system but with reduces the weight
shape. Finishing kit mounted on either side of the stem, which
The Bad a flat handlebar and a little while upping
is all own-brand too, I like, because it means you can keep simpler controls, the performance
Sluggish on
tarmac; brakes including a simple your hands on the bar when switching making this bike a bit, and you’ll pay
noisy when hot alloy seatpost topped between modes. I’d have put them closer to £300 cheaper. just £100 more.

The bike test
● E-allroad bikes
Ribble Allroad SL R e Pro

£5,999 Aero-optimised endurance bike with lightweight Mahle motor
Weight 12.27kg (XL) Frame T1000 and M46 carbon fibre Fork Ribble Allroad carbon fibre Motor Mahle X20, 250w Battery 350Wh Groupset
Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 (1x12) Wheels Mavic Cosmic SL 45 Tyres Pirelli P Zero Race TLR, 700c x 32mm Handlebar Ribble UB-2 carbon,
38cm Stem Ribble Allroad aero, 120mm Saddle Selle Italia SLR Boost Seatpost Ribble Carbon Allroad aero
Ribble’s new Allroad bikes are Mahle X20 motor incorporated at the home on gravel, despite their 32mm
inspired by their radical Ultra aero rear. These are shod with road-specific width, and are mounted on relatively
road line-up, with this electrified SL R e tanwall Pirelli P Zero Race TLR tyres. narrow rims by modern standards. I ran
blending aerodynamic tube profiles with them at firmer pressures than I’d ideally
a lightweight Mahle X20 rear-hub motor Good range have liked in order to cope with the bike’s
and 38mm tyre clearance. Irrespective of the motor, the Allroad added weight. This adversely affected the
The SL R e is made from a blend SL R e is a fast bike. At just 12.27kg, Allroad’s ability to smooth out and damp
of T1000 and M46 carbon fibres, which it’s not too heavy, and without the chatter from poor surfaces.
Ribble claim offer the best blend of assistance, I found the bike cruised to When I gave Ribble my feedback, the
stiffness, compliance and light weight. the 15.5mph/25kph limit with ease. It brand listened, and now offer a Schwalbe
Not only is the down tube shaped to cut handles beautifully too, with particularly G-One 35mm gravel tyre option via
through the air, but also to hide your responsive steering that doesn’t get their ‘Bike Builder’ programme. But
water bottle for a smoother airflow. The unsettled on poorer roads. The Ribble even with these tyres, the Allroad SL
aerodynamic fork integrates smoothly flows through fast corners and rolls like R e is still not as capable as the El Camino
into the head tube junction, with the a true aero bike. or the Grizl:ONfly.
wide bow to the legs helping to minimise With the aid of the X20 motor, which This is a brilliant e-road bike – fast and
disruption of the air from the front wheel. has 55Nm of maximum torque, you can fun, even without assistance. The fact
Ribble have routed the hydraulic brake it doesn’t compromise its ‘real road bike’
hoses through the cockpit and upper feel despite having a battery and motor
headset bearing. Steering stops are used “It’s not as capable is quite the achievement. The tapeless bar
to prevent the bar from turning too far off-road, but this is will divide opinion though – I wore gloves
and ripping them out. This does limit to feel comfortable. With larger-volume
low-speed manoeuvrability though. a brilliant e-road bike tyres as standard, I think the AllRoad SL
Speedy shapes
– fast and fun, even R e could be even better.
The brand’s fascinating UB-2 bar copies without assistance”

the wild shape of their aerodynamic Ultra Verdict Ribble have hit a high
bar with its patented airflow-disrupting attack strenuous climbs with the verve mark with this impressively
wake generators and sculpted drops. of Tadej Pogačar. It responds well to big speedy allroad ride
Unlike on the Ultra though, there’s scope efforts, measuring cadence and power
for adjustment, as it forms part of a two- and then optimising the assistance being
Also consider...
piece cockpit. There’s a bonded grip on delivered, whatever mode you’re in. This
the drops, rather than conventional tape, means that, despite the modestly sized
for a claimed aero advantage. But the bike 350Wh battery, none of that resource
can be ordered with tape if you’d prefer is wasted and the bike achieves a hefty
to have it on there. range for such a lightweight package.
Shimano’s electronic Our best result was 81.3mi/131km with
The Good Ultegra Di2 R8100 4,043ft/1,232m of elevation.
Huge range on ● A little less… ● A lot more...
the road; very groupset, used here, You can cycle through the modes or see Ribble Ribble AllRoad
fast even with is so competent and remaining battery life on the in-built top AllRoad SL R e SL R e Hero
the motor off; slick that there’s no tube display. Unless you connect it to
great handling Enthusiast £8,499
need to step up to a Garmin, though, you can only go one £4,599 What you see here,
Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 – way through the settings – to change The same frameset but with Shimano’s
The Bad you’d only save a few to a lower power mode, you must cycle and motor system, premier Dura-Ace
Steering stops with Shimano’s 105 Di2 groupset and
limit low-speed grams. You also get through the higher ones first.
manoeuvring; Di2 groupset, Mavic’s Selle Italia’s 3D-
a set of Mavic Cosmic I think the Allroad name is somewhat Allroad alloy wheels printed SLR Boost
lack of bar
tape will SL 45 carbon wheels, of a misnomer though, at least in this and Ribble’s Level carbon saddle –
divide opinion with the compact spec. The Pirelli tyres really aren’t at alloy bar and stem. the best of the best.

The bike test
E-allroad bikes ●
01 Ribble opt for

a bonded grip for
an aero advantage,
rather than bar tape
02 You can cycle

through modes and
monitor battery life
on the iWOC display
03 The seatstay
junction is striking,
as is the paint job
04 You’ll have to
look closely to know
it’s an e-bike
01 02
03 04

The bike test
● E-allroad bikes
01 The seatpost
01 is of a leaf-spring 02
design to help
boost comfort
02 You even get

some integrated
rear lights
03 Bosch’s
Performance Line
SX motor impresses
04 Components
come from SRAM,
DT Swiss and
Schwalbe
03 04

The bike test
E-allroad bikes ●
Canyon Grizl:ONfly CF 9
£6,499 Mid-drive power and a high-end build for this rugged e-gravel bike
Weight 16.25kg (L) Frame Carbon fibre Fork RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR, 40mm travel Motor Bosch Performance Line SX, 600W Battery
400Wh Groupset SRAM Force XPLR AXS (1x12) with FSA CK-703 crankset Wheels DT Swiss HGC 1800 Tyres Schwalbe G-One Bite, 700c x
45mm Handlebar Canyon HB0064 Ergo, 44cm Stem Canyon ST0037, 60mm Saddle Fizik Argo Terra X5 Seatpost Canyon S14 VCLS 2.0
The Grizl:ONfly CF 9 combines and the topography undulating, the On fireroad descents, it feels balanced and
the ride position and geometry Tour+ mode works well, but step up into confident, thanks to most of the weight
of Canyon’s Grizl gravel bike with Sprint and the Grizl:ONfly really comes being low and central. The lightweight
a RockShox suspension fork and Bosch’s alive. I only resorted to using Turbo on DT Swiss HGC 1800 carbon wheels further
Performance Line SX mid-drive motor. seriously steep, loose, in-the-saddle off- liven up proceedings and sport a bang-
This lightweight unit has 30Nm less road climbs. In terms of range, I achieved up-to-date 24mm internal rim width.
torque than the Performance Line CX between 97.4km/60.05mi with 456.47m/ On more technical terrain, it’s easy to get
motor found on Canyon’s previous 1497.6ft of elevation and 72.4km/45mi into a rhythmic flow on the Grizl:ONfly,
e-gravel bike, the Grail:ON. A controller with 952m/3123.4ft of climbing. though it never feels quite as fast to turn
built into the top tube indicates current SRAM’s Force XPLR AXS shifting as lighter rivals such as the Scott Solace
mode and battery level via colour-coded is smooth, fast and, above-all, accurate. eRIDE or 3T Exploro Racemax Boost.
LEDs. If you need a more accurate Chain retention is superb too, despite A capable off-roader with a comfortable
indication of remaining battery life, Canyon speccing an aftermarket FSA ride position and a top-drawer spec, the
you can use Bosch’s excellent eBike chainring and cranks. Our CF 9 model Canyon is more of a tough-terrain trekker
Flow phone app. came with the optional (£139.95) but than a singletrack slayer. It’s a bike that
The frame design closely follows that useful LOAD FidLock Quickloader revels in getting way off-grid, with the
of the Grizl, with a sloping top tube size-specific frame bag. This has excellent Schwalbe tyres offering grip
that connects a suspension-corrected in spades and the comfort from the fork
front end and dropped seatstays with and seatpost keeping you fresh. My only
a generous 50mm of tyre clearance.
“More of a tough quibbles are its weight penalty over
(This reduces to 45mm if you choose to terrain trekker than lighter assisted bikes, plus I’d prefer
run full-length mudguards.) a remote switch so you don’t have
A RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork
a singletrack slayer, to take your hands off the bar on bumpy
delivers 40mm of trail-taming suspension it revels in getting terrain to change modes.
travel. Top-end carbon wheels from DT
Swiss, sturdy Schwalbe G-One Ultrabite way off-grid”
EVO tyres and SRAM’s Force XPLR AXS Verdict Impeccable parts spec
wireless shifting round out the build. magnetic flaps covering storm zips on and a smooth ride that’s off-road
its flanks, offering quick access to the capable and comfortable
Smooth operator contents even when riding.
The SX motor impresses, with four modes
Also consider...
– Eco+, Tour+, Sprint, and Turbo – and A sturdy companion
feels relatively free Over rougher surfaces, the bike handles
of drag, so the bike well. The Rudy fork has a smooth and fast
spins along easily with action, and is equipped with a lockout
The Good
Impressive little to no assistance. switch for road use. Canyon even include
equipment; However, if you turn an optional, short bolt-on mudguard.
great range; the e-bike system off, Matching the front suspension’s comfort
stable ● A lot less… ● A little more...
handling and you also lose the ability at the rear is Canyon’s S14 VCLS 2.0 carbon
Canyon Canyon
comfortable to shift gears, because fibre seatpost. With its unique leaf spring
ride quality Grizl:ONfly CF Grizl:ONfly CF
Canyon have opted design, this gives up to 20mm of vertical Daily £5,149 Trail £7,449
to save weight at the deflection – enough to take the sting out An identical mid- Upgrades include
The Bad rear derailleur by of rougher surfaces. Together, the fork drive motor system, a SRAM X0 Eagle
Shifting doesn’t frame and fork, but AXS Transmission
powering it via the and seatpost do a great job of isolating
work when here with slick tyres, (paired with Force
powered off; 400Wh Bosch battery you from jarring and vibrations.
not the most mudguards and eTap levers) plus
in the down tube. The geometry is focused more on a rack, to make for a wireless dropper
engaging ride
on technical When the going stability than speed, but that’s no bad the ultimate rugged post and even
terrain gets really rough thing, considering the bike’s 16kg heft. commuter e-bike. bigger-volume tyres.

The bike test
● E-allroad bikes
The winner is…

Ribble Allroad SL R e Pro
Get the tyre choice right to unleash this brilliant bike’s full potential
All three bikes here could be worthy the Ribble or the all-around prowess of the Sonder have been successful in focusing on
victors in this battle, depending Canyon. That said, it rides well on tarmac, doing one thing well, so if you’re looking
on your needs and wants. though not at the pace the El Camino can, for a performance option to predominantly
The Canyon’s high-tech motor system and its handling is more relaxed than that get off-road, then look no further.
and impeccable spec are commendable. of the Grizl:ONfly. Off-road, it’s an Our winner, the Ribble AllRoad SL R e,
As a bike for big treks or long days out, the absolute blast to ride. It’s incredibly well- doesn’t fully deliver on its allroad promise
Grizl:ONfly CF 9 is hard to fault. However, priced, the motor system impresses, and in its stock spec. Those 32mm slick tyres
the CF Trail version, with its mountain it’s backed by a solid and dependable build. are ample for the occasional very light-
bike gearing and dropper post, looks gravel shortcut, and they’ll manage
a better option if you’re after a full-on off- maintained woodland trails or converted
roader, and would enable you to unleash “The massive range railway bike paths, but they’ll struggle on
the Bosch motor’s potential. On the
flipside, the CF Daily would be a wonderful
and huge speed anything more challenging. The massive
range and huge speed potential, however,
long-distance commuter for year-round potential of the make the bike very impressive. Thanks
use that could handle some gravel too. to our feedback, you can now choose
Sonder’s El Camino is a pure gravel
Ribble make the bike a gravel-tyre option and this great bike’s
e-bike – it doesn’t have the road speed of very impressive” potential has been fully unleashed.

The bike test
E-allroad bikes ●
Sonder El Camino Apex 1 £2,549 Ribble Allroad SL R e Pro £5,999 Canyon Grizl:ONfly CF 9 £6,999
Size tested L XL L
Sizes available XS, S, M, L, XL XS, S, M, L, XL XS, S, M, L, XL
Weight 13.75kg (L) 12.27kg (XL) 16.25kg (L)
Frame Heat-treated 6061 T-6 aluminium alloy Carbon fibre Carbon fibre
Fork Carbon fibre, rigid Carbon fibre, rigid RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR,
40mm travel
Electric Motor Kynamic BC250 rear-hub motor (250W, Mahle X20 rear-hub motor (250W, 55Nm), Bosch Performance Line SX mid-drive
System 45Nm), Kynamic battery (250Wh) Mahle IX350W battery (350Wh) motor (600W, 55Nm), Bosch
CompactTube battery (400Wh)
GROUPSET
Shifters SRAM Apex hydraulic Shimano Ultegra R8170 Di2 SRAM Force eTap AXS
Crankset FSA CK-745 Shimano Ultegra R8100 FSA CK-703
Bottom bracket Kynamic T47 Mahle PF30 N/A
Derailleurs SRAM Apex 1 (11-speed) Shimano Ultegra R8150 Di2 (12-speed) SRAM Force XPLR AXS (12-speed)
Cassette SRAM Apex, 11-42t Shimano Ultegra, 11-34t SRAM Force XPLR XG-1271, 10-44t
Brakes SRAM CenterLine, 160mm Shimano RT66 six-bolt, 160mm SRAM CenterLine, 180mm
WHEELS
Wheels Sonder Alpha EX Mavic Cosmic SL 45 (Mahle X20 rear hub) DT Swiss HGC 1800
Tyres Goodyear Connector, 700c x 45mm Pirelli P Zero Race TLR, 700c x 32mm Schwalbe G-One Bite, 700c x 45mm
FINISHING KIT
Seatpost Sonder alloy Ribble Carbon Allroad aero Canyon S14 VCLS 2.0 CF
Saddle Sonder Abode Selle Italia SLR Boost Fizik Argo Terra X5
Stem Sonder Storc, 80mm Ribble Allroad aero, 120mm Canyon ST0037, 60mm
Handlebar Sonder Bomber, 56cm Ribble UB-2, 38cm Canyon HB0064 Ergo, 44cm
Specifications & Sonder

El Camino 592.4mm
measurements Apex 1
● Geometry is probably the most important 69˚
74˚
factor when buying a bike, but even bikes Size L
520
that are nominally the same size can vary Stack 601mm
mm
considerably. Reputable bike retailers – high Reach 420mm

440mm
street and online – should ensure the bike
fits you and your needs.
1,111mm
Next issue…
Ribble Canyon Winter workhorses
Allroad 585mm Grizl:ONfly 597mm
SL R e Pro CF 9 ● We test a trio of bikes that
73.5˚
73˚ 69.5˚ are equipped to help see
74˚
Size XL Size L you through cold, dark, wet
540
5 52
Stack 606.7mm Stack 630mm

and muddy conditions, from
mm
mm
Reach 405.3mm Reach 416mm

415mm 44 5mm All-City, Cinelli and Genesis.
1,026mm 1,112mm
JANUARY 2025 33
THE
RESULTS
PRESENTED BY
RIDER OF NEWCOMER LIFETIME

THE YEAR OF THE YEAR ACHIEVEMENT
LET’S CELEBRATE THE CYCLISTS WHO’VE CONTRIBUTED

THE MOST TO THE SPORT IN 2024
● Rider of the Year ’24
RIDER Above Siraj gained

a bike maintenance
OF THE YEAR
qualification and
now helps fix bikes
whenever he could, he’d get out and ride.

Siraj Balubaid “It helped me keep my mind and body
active, and to cope with the wait for my
A refugee from Yemen, Siraj was given a bicycle application decision, while exploring
by the charity Bikes for Refugees Scotland, and has more of Glasgow and Scotland,” he says.
transformed not just his life but that of others Freedom is what Siraj enjoys most
about cycling, and the self-propulsion –
Y
his effort, his time, his energy. “It’s me
ou don’t have to work too alone. It took three years for his asylum deciding where to stop and where to keep
hard to figure out why Siraj application to be processed by the Home going – it’s literally a freedom, I’m not
Balubaid secured almost Office, a “very stressful” period when he restricted by anything.”
40% of votes in our reader couldn’t work or easily study, despite his He’s protective over his bike, and is
poll – and with it our 2024 motivation to do so. upset when anything goes wrong with it.
Rider of the Year award. The story of how He learned about Bikes for Refugees “I have a big attachment to it. I’ve cycled
this Yemeni refugee used his beloved Scotland, a charity that helps to resettle thousands of miles on it already – I think
bicycle to integrate into his adopted city refugees by giving them bicycles, and I take more care of my bike than I take
of Glasgow is one our favourite features so applied for one. Siraj had been used to care of myself sometimes!” he jokes.
we’ve published this year and speaks cycling in his local neighbourhood before Siraj’s nurturing of his own bike led
of the boundary-breaking, frontier- arriving in Scotland, but now he sensed to the desire to become a mechanic, then
opening possibilities of riding a bike. an opportunity to use two wheels for on to leading bike rides – “little things
Siraj arrived in Scotland in 2019 from more – commuting around the city and to most people, but to me a great
Yemen, happy at the prospect of the new avoiding public transport, as well as achievement,” he muses. He started
life ahead of him but apprehensive at the cycle touring, which he’d seen on social helping at the Drumchapel Community
thought of starting out all over again media. The charity gave him a bike and, Project, where he gained a qualification

Rider of the Year ’24 ●
in bike maintenance from Velotech, and put off trying other trips though and has
later became a mechanic and bike library ambitions to ride Scotland’s North Coast
co-ordinator with Govan Community 500, though big trips like this are having
Projects. There, he repairs bikes, for free, to take a back seat while he studies.
for anyone living in Glasgow. Siraj was taken aback by his
After becoming a bike mechanic, Siraj nomination for our Rider of the Year
set himself new goals and is currently gong. “I was surprised, because the other
studying sports and exercise science individuals have done way more than me.
at university. He’s also been shortlisted I was really happy, it’s a completely
to be a non-executive director with different experience for me.” We can’t
Dynamo Glasgow, a community wait to see his reaction when he finds
interest company (CIC) that supports out that he’s won!
under-represented cyclists.
As well as giving him a professional
Right Commuting
boost, cycling has been important in the city or riding
socially, helping him to meet friends and into the country,
Siraj embraces it all
allow others to learn to ride too. The bike
has been a gift, in all senses of the word, Below left He loves Bottom It hasn’t all
how his bike gives been plain sailing
with one door opening to another, helped
him the freedom to since arriving in the
by Siraj’s own enthusiasm and motivation see more of Scotland UK, but cycling helps
to make it happen.
It’s not been all rosy, however. Like
every cyclist, Siraj has had to deal Editor’s comment
with his share of poor or aggressive
drivers – “anti-cyclists” – as he calls Siraj’s story
them. “I cycle with three front lights shows just what
and three back lights (flashing and
a difference cycling can
static) and yet some motorists say that
make to someone’s life,
they still don’t see me. Sometimes,
maybe as much as once a week, drivers
and now he’s helping others
come very close to me on the bike, to experience that joy and
which is unnecessary. They could wait freedom too. While all the
literally a couple of seconds and then nominees for this award
they could overtake me easily but they were deserving, Siraj really
stood out to those of us
The bike has been a gift, working on the magazine,
and it seems like he
in all senses of the word, did to you, too
with one door opening
to another, helped by
Siraj’s own motivation
don’t want to wait so they drive
dangerously close to me.” He cycles up to
five days a week, primarily commuting
from his flat to work or university,
depending a little on the weather (“It’s
tough sometimes in Glasgow!”).
There have been bigger trips too, into
wider Scotland. In July last year Siraj
cycled solo to the Outer Hebrides,
witnessing the beauty of the Scottish
landscape as well as the beast of its
howling wind and persistent rain. “Sadly
I couldn’t complete the trip that I wanted
to [because of the weather]. I was totally
drained and fatigued by it, and I ended
my ride by heading down to Skye and
back down to Glasgow.” He hasn’t been

● Rider of the Year ’24
Editor’s comment
Daisy may not have
the palmarès of some
of the other nominees, but
NEWCOMER that’s what makes her a great
OF THE YEAR
choice in this category. She’s
a true newcomer, who most
readers won’t have heard
Daisy Barnes of before this year, and her
performance in the Fred
This master’s student was the fastest woman Whitton suggests we’ll
at the Fred Whitton Challenge in 2024, see more of her in future
20 minutes clear of her nearest rival
Who is Daisy Barnes? What’s your favourite place to ride? time. I also met some of my best friends
I’m 24 years old and I’ve been sporty for Hartside Pass [in the North Pennines]. through road cycling.
as long as I can remember. I was I know most people would say this
a typical active kid at school who looked is boring and I should choose somewhere What’s your perfect day?
forward to sports day every summer. abroad but Hartside has so many My perfect day starts with pancakes
I did my undergraduate degree in memories for me. I love that I can ride and a coffee for breakfast. I then head
Stirling, which I loved, and I still enjoy it from home. Whenever I come home on a group ride (bonus points if it gets
revisiting the city now. This is where from university, this is a ride that always a little competitive at times), which
cycling became a big part of my life excites me. I’ve done it with good and includes a coffee stop, and then home
and where I made really good friends awful legs, in all weathers, and it’s for a late lunch and nap.
through the sport. different every time. I remember it as
the first long ride I ever did with my What do you get up to away from cycling?
Where are you from? brother. I got the Strava QOM from I’m currently studying for a master’s
I’m from Carlisle in Cumbria and very Renwick to Hartside, and that was in Physiotherapy, which is doing
proud of this. I’m someone who believes when I first thought I might be quite a wonderful job of keeping me occupied
the North is best, and where else would good at this sport. when I’m not training. I do love a run
you want to ride a bike when you can ride though, so when I need to switch off from
the Eden Valley from your doorstep? How did you get into road cycling? everything, including cycling, I’ll pop
I’d been a runner for my whole my trainers and headphones on and get
childhood. But then my brother out for a run.
took up cycling and I’d go to the
local time trials to help out or Where do you hope the sport will
watch. Everyone was always take you?
really friendly and the events I want cycling to take me on days I look
finished with cake at the end. back on and say, “that was the best
I just thought it would be a nice day ever”. I’ll always see the 2024 Fred
thing to part of so I bought a Whitton in that way. But it’s not all
road bike and went from there. about the racing – I enjoy the feeling
of a relaxing ride too.
Who’s your inspiration?
My mum. After I started How did it feel to be nominated for
cycling, she took up triathlon, Newcomer of the Year?
and watching her It was quite a surprise, and probably
commitment and dedication the only time I’ve ever been in the same
inspires me every day. category as a triple Olympian and double
world champion, so I had a little giggle
What does road cycling about it. But it’s been nice reflecting on
mean to you? the Fred Whitton and knowing my efforts
It’s a treat at the end of the day, are being appreciated.
an escape from studying at
university. If I’m riding on Left Daisy storms to
victory in the 112-mile
a day off, I feel lucky that’s 2024 Fred Whitton
how I get to spend my free in the Lake District

Rider of the Year ’24 ●
LIFETIME
ACHIEVEMENT
AWARD
Maurice Burton
A life on two wheels, told this
year in his excellent authorised
biography, made Maurice
Burton a standout winner for our
Lifetime Achievement gong
M
aurice Burton’s on the track in Belgium and the Six Day
reaction to finding circuit across Europe.
out that he’s won our Competing in the Six Day circuit in the
Lifetime Achievement 1970s meant a decent career and wage for
award may be those talented and committed enough
somewhat like when he was inducted into to tolerate its unique demands. Maurice
British Cycling’s Hall of Fame last year. competed in 56 meets through his decade
“They asked me if I wanted to accept it and, at the top, racing against Eddy Merckx, the
of course, I did. But I did feel, when I looked greatest of all time, in his winter downtime
at some of the other people in it, like Tom from the road calendar. Your average Six Above Maurice at the Skol 6
Simpson… I mean, I did okay as a rider, but Day involved an almost-unimaginable Day in London in 1980 with
Constant Tourne
I didn’t do anything that was on the level volume of high-intensity racing, a carnival
of someone like him.” Wait until he finds of excess that pushed riders to the brink on times. His last race there was in 1983,
out he fended off competition from Mark a weekly basis. He’d finish one event and shortly before a career-ending crash at the
Cavendish to win Cycling Plus’ own hall then drive through the night to another Buenos Aires Six the following year, and he
of fame award! distant European city to be on the start didn’t go back to Ghent for another 32
It’s been a big year for Maurice. His life line for the next. years, when he supported his son Germain
story was immortalised in print, with the All roads of the Six Day season would in the U23 event. His reason for not
help of author Paul Jones, in The Maurice lead to Ghent – it was and remains the returning earlier might make accepting
Burton Way: Britain’s First Black Cycling biggest show of the year – and Maurice a lifetime achievement award difficult:
Champion, a superb but often competed in the annual showpiece six “If there’s a reason to go, I go, but you can’t
uncomfortable biography detailing the live in the past. It was a great time, but
racism in Britain and beyond that he was to go back can be emotional.”
up against to make it in his beloved sport. What our panel said Maurice’s early retirement was never
The most public incident came in 1974 going to mean an end to his life around
at the British National Track From fixing up bikes bikes. First, he rode around London in the
Championships. Having won his first burgeoning world of cycle couriering in
in his youth to selling
senior title, in the 20km scratch race, he the 1980s, then bought De Ver Cycles
Colnagos in his own London
was booed by the crowd on the podium – in Streatham from a former racer. He still
for the colour of his skin, as Maurice says
shop over 50 years later – and, owns it today. A pillar of the local cycling
in the book. Less public but no-less- in between, racing them in community, Maurice’s passion for De Ver
damaging flashpoints came through a pioneering career – Maurice has allowed it to continue to ride the waves
treatment by fellow riders, the press and Burton offered us so many of the turbulent bike-retail environment.
even the British Cycling Federation, and reasons to acknowledge Barring illness or injury, he continues
saw him see his future as a racing cyclist him with this award to ride his bike every day.

● Natural navigation
Could you navigate a long bike ride using natural

clues from the sun, clouds, winds and trees alone?
We explore the freedom, adventure and thrills that
can be experienced with natural navigation
Words Mark Bailey Image Andy McCandlish

Natural navigation ●

’m riding through the flatlands

of rural Lincolnshire. My bike “By using natural navigation, cyclists
computer is back at home and
my phone is turned off. A cyclist
can enjoy a more intimate bond with
could easily get lost here. However, the landscape and feel the cerebral
I’m somehow navigating a 100km
loop using ‘natural navigation’ thrill of decoding clues.”
– a rewarding technique, part Sherlock
Holmes, part Bear Grylls, which draws on
the rich clues provided by nature itself. The adventurous instincts, greeting every how to navigate by using Holmesian
midday sun shows me where south is, as do spontaneous spin up an intriguing lane observations and deductions about the
the plump berries on the sunnier southern with a tantrum of angry beeps. sun, land, clouds, winds, trees, plants and
side of a hedge. Piles of dung under a tree In our desire to know exactly where we animals. If you’re planning on chasing
suggest that sheep have been sheltering are, we’ve forgotten the joy of working a Strava PB today, this is not for you. But for
from the summer sun on the shaded north it out for ourselves. By using natural leisurely weekend spins and bikepacking
side. Later on, lowering clouds warn me navigation, however, cyclists can enjoy trips, natural navigation is a new thrill.
of imminent rain. But the wind-sculpted a more intimate bond with the landscape As Gooley writes: “The natural navigator
shape of nearby trees suggests the prevailing and feel the cerebral thrill of decoding clues. puts more into a land journey than other
winds here will give me a turbo-tailwind This is an important safety skillset, too. Be travellers, but returns with a basketful
home. Even the birds, puddles, church honest – if your GPS died on a remote ride, of observations and sensations that
spires and satellite dishes offer clues to could you find your way home? pass others by.”
Images Joseph Branston, Andy McCandlish
cyclists who learn what to look for. Gooley, who lives in Sussex and enjoys
Yes, there are easier ways to get around, ENTER TRISTAN GOOLEY a few spins on his Giant bike, says ‘natural
but none quite so fun. GPS computers have The man to thank for my nascent navigation navigation’ injected renewed joy into his
brought new benefits, but stripped away skills is Tristan Gooley (www.natural own adventures. “I was doing journeys
old pleasures. Tech makes navigation navigator.com), the author of best-selling which, on paper, were incredible, but with
simpler, and helps us to explore new books including The Natural Navigator, The conventional navigation, I was losing the
locations. But it also encourages a bland Walker’s Guide to Outdoor Clues and Signs, love,” he tells me. “These amazing journeys
submission to nagging digital arrows, and The Natural Explorer and The Secret World felt less exciting than a walk in the park
a blinkered insulation from the natural of Weather. A trove of information for – and that might chime with cyclists
world. GPS devices can also fetter our hikers and cyclists alike, his books reveal who feel a bit ‘head down’ when they ride.
42 JANUARY 2025
I knew basic things, such as the sun is due Left You can even
navigate by the moon
south in the middle of the day. But over the and stars when riding
past 20 years, my knowledge has blossomed at night
– and the psychology is fascinating. I’ve
spoken to experts who understand the
wiring of our brains, and we’ve evolved
to do this… We wouldn’t exist if our
ancestors hadn’t been good at this.” down to your horizon,” says Gooley.
Because natural navigation is an “In northern latitudes, that’ll give you
evolutionarily rewarding skillset, it leaves a rough idea of south.”
your synapses tingling. When I now spot
a clue on my rides, the buzz is electrifying. CLOUDS AND WINDS
“From the simple act of gaining a sense Clouds can provide rich clues for cyclists,
of where you are by looking at a cloud or decoding the clues around you, you’ll find but be aware that they may not move in the
tree, the brain rewards that learning with your rides change forever. same direction as the wind you feel, owing
neurochemicals that say, ‘This knowledge to local influences such as valley breezes.
is the difference between life and death,’” SUN, STARS AND MOON “On the average day, we might see clouds
says Gooley. “The second we see things and To get your bearings as you ride along, passing west to east,” says Gooley. “If you’ve
decode them, it blows the dust off that part always scan for the big celestial clues first. given some curiosity to cloud direction
of the brain that’s been sitting idle. Natural “Think top down,” begins Gooley. “The sun at the start of your ride, it’ll pay you back
navigation encourages us to look – and it is due south in the middle of the day, and later with a rough sense of direction.”
rewards us for looking.” that’s true for everybody north of the Further into your ride, if you can’t see the
Ready to give natural navigation a whirl? tropics.” But there are nuances. “While sun, a patch of sky that reveals the moving
Before setting out, study maps to build most cyclists know the sun rises in the east clouds can help you to hold direction.
a mental picture of your chosen bike route, and sets in the west, not many will know Clouds can also help you to map
including recognisable topography such the sun rises closer to northeast in a landscape. “Dark woodlands and towns
as forests and rivers, and key destinations midsummer and southeast in winter. That’s heat up faster than pale fields, so the
along your ride. Stash your bike computer nearly a 90° difference, so be aware.” accompanying clouds we see give us a map,”
in your pocket as a back-up. Then, with On night rides, locating the North Star is explains Gooley. “If I’m high up in a rural
Gooley’s books as your guide, go forth and an easy win. A crescent moon can also help. setting, I can show people the clouds in the
conquer. Whether you use this new skillset “Imagine a line that touches the horns of the distance are mapping a dark woodland we
deeply or sparingly, as soon as you start crescent, like a tangent, and extend that line can’t see. But we could get the map out and
show that the clouds reveal its location.”
Weather forecasting is another thing
clouds can help with. In the northern
hemisphere, winds circle anticlockwise
around a low-pressure system – the kind of
system associated with rain and storms. So,
Left Looking at the Below Another tip
direction the clouds are to keep you on the right try Gooley’s magic trick. Stop riding and
moving in can help you track is that south- feel the wind on your back. If you face left,
figure out which way to facing slopes tend to
head and what weather be less steep than
you should be pointing at the centre of the
to expect next north-facing ones system. Now look at the highest clouds and

see if they’re moving in the same direction uphill from different points, they’d all
as the lower winds you feel. If the clouds are experience a headwind.”
moving left to right, warm air is probably on
its way, which means worse weather. But if LANDSCAPE
they’re moving right to left, it means cold The landscape you ride though offers infinite
air may have passed by, and the weather clues. “This is a big one for cyclists,” insists
should improve. Remember: ‘left to right, Gooley. “One of the cornerstones of natural
not quite right’. If they’re moving in the navigation is this idea that nothing is
same direction, no weather change is likely. random. So, if you’re cycling up a steep
But if you notice the clouds change climb, that’s not just a pain, it’s a clue. In
direction (keep cross-checking them with the South Downs, if you look from west to
other directional clues as you ride), that east, you’re looking along a high ridgeline.
The Secret World
means a changing weather front – a sign You’ll see the gentle southern slopes going
of Weather
you might get wet. And if the clouds are by Tristan Gooley down towards the sea, and the steeper
taller than they are wide, expect showers. is out now northern scarp.” That’s because southern
“Cumulus clouds – those fluffy sheep – slopes experience a greater variety of
signify good weather,” says Gooley. “But temperatures, frosts and thaws, which
cumulonimbus – those tall, dark, often leads to greater erosive forces, resulting in
anvil-shaped clouds – suggest rain.” mellower gradients than on northern ones.
Lots of different cloud shapes, meanwhile, “If we want to follow the west-east ridgeline
signifies unsettled weather. and we suddenly find ourselves going down
Being able to read the winds is a huge something steep, it’s a big sign we’ve come
benefit for cyclists. “In general, prevailing off the northern side,” says Gooley.
winds in the UK blow from the south- Height offers vital perspective, allowing
west,” explains Gooley. But it’s important you to capture a snapshot of the area. Look
to distinguish between high winds and the for ridgelines and rivers, and think of the
winds we actually feel, so don’t get caught forces that shaped them..But not all clues
out. “A classic example is a gap wind,
when the wind is channelled between
a firebreak in a wood, so you get double the
strength of winds you expect,” says Gooley. “One of the cornerstones of natural
“And in the mountains you get katabatic
winds, where the cold air high up is denser
navigation is this idea that nothing is
than the warm air lower down, so that
falls down the hill as headwinds. This
random. So if you’re cycling up a steep
means that if there were 15 people cycling climb, that’s not just a pain, it’s a clue”
The location of
animals can help you
work out the prevailing
wind direction

3 NATURAL
NAVIGATION
CLUES FOR
CYCLISTS
Natural navigator Tristan

Gooley shares some
simple signs to search for
PUDDLES
That puddle on the road or track is also
a handy compass. On a hedge-lined
route running west-east, there’ll be more
puddles on the south side, as it’ll be
shaded by the hedge so the sun won’t Plants and trees can
dry it so quickly. And if there’s opaque also help you find
green water at one end of the puddle and your bearings
clearer water at the other, plant matter
has likely been blown by the prevailing
winds (southwesterly in the UK) towards need to be natural, says Gooley – roads, your legs,” says Gooley. “Grey soil is wetter
the puddle’s northeast corner. Who railways and paths will also be positioned than red-to-yellow shades, so not good
needs a GPS? logically to connect key places. And churches camping grounds.” And if you see
usually have their altar in the east and their dark mounds, the ground is likely to be
tower in the west, making them a useful damp – because burrowing animals such
compass to use from afar. as moles prefer moist, soft soil on shaded
slopes – so not a great camping spot. If you
TREES, PLANTS AND ANIMALS see a bird of prey hovering above, they’re
After analysing the big picture, zoom in likely facing the prevailing wind to hold
on the details. You can check the prevailing their position. Walls sheltering livestock
winds in an area by looking at the ‘combed’ also tend to front the prevailing winds.
TREES upper branches of wind-blasted trees. An
Tops of trees are often combed into exposed individual tree is often the best URBAN ENVIRONMENT
an ‘aero’ shape by the prevailing marker. Gooley recalls travelling through You may assume this natural navigation lark
southwesterly winds in the UK. Also, Dartmoor in near-zero visibility using the isn’t for you if you’re an urban cyclist, but
notice how the branches tend to be way the grass was combed by the wind, and think again. The main clues still apply, but
denser and more horizontal on the tree’s the wind on his face, to hold direction. other directional markers exist too. “In the
sunny southern side, and sparser and Small clues matter. Sunny southern UK, most satellite dishes point close to
more vertical on its northern side as they slopes tend to have more plant matter. The southeast,” says Gooley. “We find more
grasp for light. berries on hedges tend to be bigger on green mosses on north-facing roofs and
southern aspects. Leaves and debris tend golden Xanthoria lichens on south-facing
to accumulate on the southwest windward roofs.” Most municipal tennis courts are
side of a hedge. Bikepackers, in particular, positioned north-south to minimise glare
stand to benefit. “Granite landscape (such during morning and afternoon games.
as Dartmoor) is associated with moors, Even the flow of people can provide clues.
Images Russell Burton, Andy McCandlish, Getty Images
mountains, peat and bogs, so it’ll be hard on “If 80 people are walking one way and 20
people are walking another, ask yourself
why?” says Gooley. “They’re probably
CLOUDS Hovering birds of
prey will often face heading to a station – a useful navigational
The higher the clouds you can see as you prevailing wind
ride, the drier the air. “Every cloud is
clue. In Edinburgh I noticed that the west-
mapping the dew point – the point at facing cafes were getting the evening sun
which moisture is concentrated enough and lots of people were sitting outside,
in vapour form that it’ll condense (into while the shaded east-facing ones weren’t.”
rain),” says Gooley. “So, if the clouds get But however skilled and savvy you
lower as you ride, the air is getting wetter, become, don’t ignore life’s easy clues either.
which means you may still be cycling You don’t need to be Bear Grylls to know
in sunshine, but the forecast is where Bridge Lane, River Street or North
deteriorating.” It’s time to dart home! Avenue will take you.

● Endurance
The Traka event

near Girona
has distances
up to 560km
Words Image
Michael Crawley Guillem Casanova Bosch
PUSHED

Endurance ●
TO THE
LIMIT
Why do we choose to do agonising feats of endurance?
Anthropologist Michael Crawley seeks answers in his new book
● Endurance
As an anthropologist and former Endurance

international endurance runner, sport tends
I’ve long been fascinated by what to be popular
makes endurance sport meaningful at times of
to people. What makes us voluntarily societal change
run or ride hundreds of miles? And what
For a couple of decades in the
can we learn from studying cultures mid to late 19th century, there
of endurance such as Rarámuri runners was a sport so popular that tens of
thousands of spectators crowded
in Mexico? I began exploring these venues in America and England for
questions by spending 15 months an entire week. A contest of this type
in 1879 even heralded the first time
living and training alongside elite electric lighting was put to popular
Ethiopian marathon runners for my use, and Gilmore’s Garden, in New
York, was so crowded that a balcony
PhD in anthropology, learning Amharic collapsed under the weight of
(Ethiopia’s official language) and trying To the Limit: spectators. The sport in question
the Meaning of was walking, with the most popular
to follow the same routines of training, Endurance from
contests taking place over six days,
Mexico to the
eating and resting as they did. Since
Image: Ben Becker/Haute Route

Himalayas with participants barely sleeping and
sustaining themselves on such things
then, I’ve spent time immersing myself by Michael
Crawley as beef tea, egg yolks and champagne.
in endurance activities, from cycling Later, six-day bicycle races, also
The active featuring endless indoor laps in front
100 miles overnight at Ride to the Sun anthropologist
of huge crowds, also became popular,
delves into what
to running the length of the Lake District makes people with an Irish immigrant named
William Martin setting a world record
at the Lakes in a Day ultramarathon. worldwide do
for six days (on a penny-farthing no
endurance
Here’s what I learned along the way… events. less) of 1,466 miles. These races took
place at a time of profound change,
when walking everywhere was
starting to be replaced by driving,
Below Are we and machines were more generally
motivated to do beginning to replace people. As
long-distance
events to feel
a journalist for the Virginia Quarterly
more human in the Review put it at the time: “It seemed
world of big tech? as though the muscles of the nation
were making one final, vast, collective
effort before being replaced by the
internal combustion engine.” Could
the current boom in endurance sports
be motivated by thoughts about being
replaced by AI and the like, perhaps?

Endurance ●
02 Endurance
events can
be a form of
secular ritual
Inspired by the Rarámuri
runners I met in Mexico, who
don’t explicitly train for races that can
be up to 180km long, I took part in
the 100mi/160km overnight Ride to
the Sun from Carlisle to Cramond
after just a few cycles to and from
work. The ride marked the summer
solstice, enacting a kind of moving
vigil on the shortest night of the year.
It felt significant to mark the changing
seasons with something challenging
that brings together a bunch of people
who wouldn’t otherwise know each
other. In the anthropologist Victor
Turner’s classic work on ritual, he
writes of a ‘liminal’ period that After running for a little over
Enduring together
temporarily transports people beyond
their routine lives to a “moment
in and out of time,” which usually
involves the acceptance of pain and
suffering, and where the kinds of
hierarchies and distinctions that
03 creates unusually
strong bonds
13 hours at a Lake District
ultramarathon, I sat on the ground
watching people finish the race until
after midnight. Most new arrivals
came in pairs or small groups rather
than alone. “Oh mate, thank you,”
characterise their lives are broken one man said, wrapping his arms
down. Turner was writing primarily around his companion in a sweaty
about African rites of passage, but embrace that made it seem like
many people experience a sense they’d known each other for years,
of a generalised social bond through before adding, “Nice to meet you.”
endurance sports and find that gives It turned out they’d met an hour
them a renewed perspective on the or so before, on the dark fellside.
rest of their lives. One ultra runner “It’s incredible the bond you can
described running all day and all create over 20km of an ultra,”
Images: Alex Treadway/Getty Images; The Traka
night as a way of performing a kind said someone else. This was also
of factory reset on himself, both something I experienced when
mentally and physically. He spoke cycling 100 miles overnight in the
of “scraping off the life pollution” Ride to the Sun – something about
over a long endurance challenge, covering long distances together
where everything else pales into connects us. As the historian
insignificance apart from the desire William H McNeil puts it: “Moving
to continue, and a subsequent feeling our muscles rhythmically…
of calm that can last for months after. consolidates human solidarity by
When I went back to work on the altering human feelings.” This was
Monday after the ride, I was tired, but probably an important part of
it felt like I’d put a lot more distance bringing communities together
than usual between one week and in the past, and one we can recreate
the next. Which, in a sense, I had. through endurance challenges.

● Endurance
Left Brit rider Tao

Geoghegan Hart
dismissed the
04
data and listened
to his body on his
way to Giro victory
The best
endurance
athletes in the
world embrace
technology
carefully and
selectively
When Tao Geoghegan Hart
won the Giro d’Italia in 2020,
he didn’t even start the race as Ineos
Grenadiers’ main GC contender.
Speaking about his first stage victory
at the ski station finish at Piancavallo,
he told me about looking at the
numbers on his bike computer
on the climb. “I remember a point
where I saw some stuff on the screen
and I was conscious of how high it’d
been for such a long time, and I kind
of decided to tune out of it, because
I was feeling really good. And in some
moments, you just have to trust
your intuition and your feeling.”
At a time when it feels like there are
ever-increasing opportunities to track
even more variables – from watts and
heart rate variance to blood glucose –
it’s interesting to note that many
of the best athletes in the world, from
05 Endurance sports create an
Geoghegan Hart to the marathon interesting tension between work
runners I knew in Ethiopia – are
very selective about when and how
and play. Being aware of this can
they record data on themselves. help us get more out of them
“I don’t think there are many people
in the world for whom having more On the one hand, sports such a non-stop 268-mile journey over
and more numbers dictating how as running and cycling seem to the Pennines – was an extreme way
they live their lives is going to be offer an escape from the pressures of of battling phone addiction.
beneficial,” is how Geoghegan Hart modern life. We lace up our running However, we can have a tendency
put it. Companies such as Whoop and shoes or jump on our bikes and, for to think of these activities in
Forth Edge may well give us privileged a few hours at least, we’re away from precisely the same kinds of terms
insights into what’s going on in our our emails and our minds are free we’re trying to escape. We celebrate
bodies that may be performance to wander. Many of the endurance individual resilience, the endless
enhancing, but I think it’s worth also athletes I speak to talk of “stripping drive for productivity, the
considering whether an over-reliance things back”, of returning to quantification of ever more
on this kind of data might blunt our something more simple and variables, from watts to glucose
ability to run or ride using feel, as profound, of embracing their own levels, and we rank ourselves in
Geoghegan Hart did on Piancavallo. vulnerability. The ultra runner terms of performance. It seems
It’s also important to remember that Damian Hall, for instance, joked important to get the right balance
there are many important things that that completing the Spine Race – between these two kinds
Image: Alamy Stock Photo
we can’t track. If you focus too much

on the data, “anything that isn’t
quantifiable gets removed from the Many of the endurance athletes I speak
picture,” Geoghegan Hart says. “But
our emotions and our experiences
to talk of “stripping things back”, of returning
as humans – we aren’t robots – to something more simple and profound,
actually determine far more about
our performance than anything else.” of embracing their own vulnerability
Endurance ●
07 It helps if you
can connect
what you’re doing
to something
bigger than
yourself
While the current focus on data
tends to make endurance sport
about the individual, it seems to help
many people if they can connect what
they’re doing to something bigger.
For trail runners in Nepal, this meant
connecting their aspirations to run
internationally to other ways in which
Nepalese people have demonstrated
physical prowess on the world stage,
Above
Cultural explanations
06
primarily by becoming a Gurkha in
The Caballo
Blanco ultra in the British Army. Being a Gurkha was
of success in endurance Mexico attracts
thousands
a way to ensure your name was never
forgotten, and the same was true
sport may be more important than of becoming an athlete. For many
physiological or genetic ones others, endurance sport has become
a way of delivering a message about
This is perhaps a less significant being that superior genetics makes climate change. Lewis Pugh, the UN
problem in the cycling world, running come ‘naturally’, in spite Patron of the Oceans, for example,
where you don’t tend to read claims of there being no scientific proof argued that many people develop
that Slovenian athletes have superior of this. This can downplay the hard an environmental consciousness
genetics, but many of the endurance work and expertise that go into through connecting with nature by
cultures I studied have been assumed running at the top level or guiding spending long periods of time moving
to have some kind of genetic or often hapless clients up Everest, through it, and often suffering in the
altitude-derived advantage. A CNN and also fails to account for the often process. For him, there is a clear
article from 2016 is entitled ‘The more interesting cultural reasons symbolic value in doing challenging
Biological Secrets that Make Sherpas why people do hard things. For things that draw attention to the
Superhuman Mountaineers’, for Rarámuri runners in Mexico, for fragility of the planet. His 1km swim
instance, claiming that they’re example, races are explicitly about in supra-glacial Antarctic water, for
able to scale Himalayan mountains bringing communities together, example, had a genuine effect on the
“with ease”. Similar comments are and running for a long time has negotiations to secure a protected
often made about Ethiopian and been seen as a way of pleasing God area there with Russia and China.
Rarámuri runners, the assumption and keeping the earth turning. On a smaller scale as well, our efforts
to replace driving with active travel
make a difference not only to our
health, but also to the environment.
There have been many attempts to
connect endurance sport to our
ancestral past, for instance in
glorifying hunter-gatherer lifestyles
or trying to run barefoot like the
Rarámuri. It may be that the most
important thing we can learn from
the way we used to live as a species
is that our physical activity was far
more embedded in the necessities
of our everyday lives.
Images: AFP via Getty Images
To the Limit: The Meaning of

Endurance from Mexico to the
Himalayas by Michael Crawley
(Bloomsbury, £18.99) is out now
Left It’s amazing

what we can
put our bodies
through if we have
the mental will

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Edited by Ashley Quinlan and Warren Rossiter
Tried and tested

Most Wanted Squire D16 MAX lock......... p58
New Bike Condor Italia Disc ..........................p60
Shootout Budget road pedals .................... p62
Head to head Car-boot bike racks ...........p63
Tech Insight SRAM Red XPLR AXS...........p64
New Bike Giant Revolt Advanced...............p70
Six of the best Chain degreasers ..............p72
Most Wanted CHPT 3 Transit shoes........p74
New Bike
Giant
Revolt
An evolutionary update
for the gravel speedster
p70
Tech Insight p64
Most wanted p58
Your Experts
Trusted content
Here at Cycling Plus, we
take our testing seriously,
sending highly experienced
cyclists onto the roads and
trails to see how each and
every item stands up to Warren Rossiter Ashley Quinlan John Whitney
their scrutiny. The result is Senior technical editor Road technical lead Deputy editor
independent and honest This month’s duties include Ash has been busy testing CP’s deputy editor puts two
reviews to help make your an in-depth look at SRAM’s degreasers, along with boot racks through their paces
next purchases easier. Red AXS XLPR groupset Condor’s Italia Disc and delivers his verdict

Ridden & Rated
● Most wanted
01
“The material is noticeably

tough on grinding discs,
getting through three and
wearing well into the fourth,
making the D16 MAX one of
the toughest locks around”
Squire Stronghold D16 MAX

£289.99 Super-tough, angle grinder-resistant lock
This burly 2.79kg lock has a 16mm- shackle resisted until 106.3kN of force was
diameter boron steel shackle that’s passed through the jaws. This means you’d
reinforced with a proprietary, welded need a set of bolt croppers of significant
anti-angle grinder armoured layer. Even length (over 3ft/1m) operated by someone
the lock mechanism is protected by the of substantial strength to break the lock.
same tough, 25mm hardened steel surface, The bolt cropping test also requires the
showing impressive attention to detail. thick, rubbery coating on the shackle to be
All this means the D16 MAX has the cut away first, and this part took 2 minutes
highest Sold Secure bicycle lock rating – 45 seconds per side with a Stanley knife.
‘Powered Cycle Diamond Approved’. To With an angle grinder, we cut through
achieve this, it had to resist five minutes one side of the lock in 5 minutes
of attack by the independent company 56 seconds, but the material was noticeably
using a multitude of tools, including tough on grinding discs, getting through
the professional thief’s favourite, the three changes and wearing well into the
battery-powered portable angle grinder. fourth disc. The Squire lock needs two
The lock itself is a high-security, six-pin complete cuts to open, meaning a total
key cylinder with anti-drill, anti-pick and time of 11 minutes 52 seconds. That’s a long
anti-bump technology. It has more than period for a thief to risk making a loud
500,000 key combinations. Two keys are noise for, making the D16 MAX
supplied, which can’t be copied without a significant deterrent.
the accompanying registered card. The only chink in its considerable
Thanks to a generous 218mm x 94mm armour is corrosion. Our testing also
locking area, the D16 MAX fits road, gravel, included putting the lock in a climate
mountain and electric bikes. The shackle chamber (to ISO 9227 standards) for seven
has a thick, rubbery coating, which helps days. This is the equivalent of around
to prevent dings and scratches on your 10 to 12 months of outdoor use in a salty air
bike frame (it doesn’t include a bracket environment (like living on the coast). The
for attaching it to temperature and humidity fluctuate to
your bike though). further simulate real-world conditions.
The Good Under our pull test, The D16 MAX started to show corrosion
Strong against which simulates the use after five days. After six days, the lock
all manual
attacks; resists of a hydraulic jack to mechanism didn’t work properly. This
extended burst a lock, the D16 means you’ll need to look after the lock
power-tool MAX resisted for a total by regularly maintaining and lubricating
attacks too
of 54.3kN of force, it and not leaving it outdoors for extended
which is way beyond periods of time. As long as you take care
The Bad what an average bottle of that, the D16 MAX is one of the toughest
Can submit to
corrosion if not jack can produce. Under locks around for protecting your
maintained bolt cropping, the investment. Warren Rossiter

Ridden & Rated
● Most wanted
01
Strong elements Also consider...
The 16mm-diameter shackle
is made from ultra-tough
boron steel with an anti-angle
grinder coating on top
02
Size matters
With a locking area of
218mm x 94mm, the D16
MAX should fit around
chunky-framed mountain
bikes and e-bikes
03
Lock tight
Its mechanism features
anti-drill, anti-bump and
anti-pick tech, and there Hiplok D1000
are more than 500,000
types of keys out there,
£249.99
for further security ● While Hiplok’s D1000
may not have the monster
performance of the Litelok X3
(£249.99) or Squire D16 MAX,
02 it’s plenty tough enough to
make it a serious challenge for
any bike thief. It’s well made
and designed, and comes with
a neat bracket and three
coded keys. As an anti-angle
grinder option, it’s solid,
properly portable, and strong
against manual attacks too.
Litelok X1
£149.99
● The best-value angle
grinder-resistant lock we’ve
tested, requiring a total cutting
time of 9.27 minutes, which
far exceeds the Sold Secure
Powered Cycle Diamond
rating. It’s tough against
cropping and pulling, and
03 well protected against
the elements too.

Ridden & Rated
● New bike – Condor Italia RC Disc
Specialized Tarmac SL8. The seat tube

angle is 73°, which is 1° slacker than
on the Standert and 0.5° shy of a Tarmac
Condor Italia RC Disc SL8. One might consider those two
bikes more progressive in this area,
£4,670.99* A fine example of an aluminium race bike their steeper seat tubes opening the hip
angle for improved power transfer, but
Weight 8.62kg (58cm) Frame 7000-series aluminium Fork Carbon fibre Groupset
the Condor is still contemporary. The
Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 (11-30t, 52/36t) Wheels Mavic Cosmic S 42 Disc Tyres
reach is a more compact 387mm and
Continental GP5000 S TR, 700cx28mm Finishing kit Deda Elementi Zero 100 alloy
the stack a higher 597mm, compared
seatpost, Fizik Vento Antares R3 saddle, Deda Elementi SuperZero RS stem (120mm),
to the longer and lower designs of the
Deda Elementi Zero 100 handlebar (40cm)
Standert (398/580mm) and Specialized
(402/591mm). While not straying into
Condor’s Italia RC Disc is a shining is lighter and stronger than more the realms of an endurance bike fit, the
example of what can be achieved commonly used 6000-series alloys, but Condor is reasonably accommodating.
using the most modest of frame materials. generally considered harder to work with.
It handles like a race bike should, without It weighs a claimed 1,450g, and the carbon Semi-custom spec
delivering an overly fork 350g (both in an unspecified size). You can spec the Italia RC Disc largely
rigid ride experience Officially, the Condor has clearance for as you wish, assuming that Condor
The Good – something often 32mm-wide tyres. The rear triangle have access to the parts you desire. This
Responsive
handling; touted as a weakness of is classical in design, without dropped inevitably means the complete-bike price
well-balanced aluminium race bikes. seatstays, and uses slender tubes and will vary significantly. My custom build
stiffness The fact you can spec a traditional seat clamp. There’s no front- came in at around £5,000. For reference,
and comfort;
customisable it (for a price) to fit your end integration, and the bike can accept the frameset costs £1,399.99. I specified
build needs means it has the either mechanical or electronic groupsets. a Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 groupset
potential to stray into Geometry-wise, the Italia RC Disc has and a set of mid-section carbon wheels
The Bad dream-bike territory. a steep 74° head tube angle, which – Mavic’s latest Cosmic S 42 Discs, which
*Custom build
Weighty The frame is made matches that of the sharp-handling cost £900. They have a 21mm internal
compared
to equivalent from 7000-series Standert Kreissäge RS (tested in issue 425) width and weigh a claimed 1,660g.
carbon bikes aluminium, which and is 0.5° steeper than on the same size By default, you’ll be served with Deda

“Condor’s Italia RC
Disc carries all the
hallmarks of a race
bike, with sharp and
responsive handling”
Below Our test bike Below right Shimano
came with a 120mm Ultegra R8170 brakes
stem and 40cm bar are reliable stoppers
Elementi finishing kit, which can be behaviour of the competition, such as the
modified to suit the spec level (budget) Standert. The natural downside to this
and fit you want to hit. kind of frameset is that you’re giving
up some aerodynamic optimisations over
A satisfying ride a carbon bike. I could feel this at higher
The Italia RC Disc carries all the speeds (around 40kph), where I didn’t get
hallmarks of a race bike – it has sharp quite the same sense of efficiency I might
and responsive handling yet feels stiff have from a composite race bike.
enough to provide a sense of immediacy But, of course, the term ‘horses for
under acceleration. I particularly enjoyed courses’ applies – it isn’t designed
getting out of the saddle while climbing, to be the fastest race bike in the world,
the bike offering a satisfying platform to but one that offers the handling qualities
push on over steeper sections and sudden of a race bike in an alloy package.
rises. It’s not the lightest bike on paper, At my more modest average speeds,
at 8.62kg, but it doesn’t feel sluggish as it gives up almost nothing to the carbon
a result. In reality, a few hundred grams competition. The Condor Italia RC Disc
isn’t going to make much difference, Above The Condor Below We’d upgrade is a very good alloy race bike,with a great
unless you regularly ride up long climbs. uses a band-on the seatpost to blend of ride characteristics. Alloy race
front derailleur a carbon fibre one
I was also impressed by the bike’s level bikes can feel a little unforgiving, but
of comfort, particularly on typical UK this one isn’t. It’s also tempered with
tarmac, which is often less than silky a sensible – if still aggressive – geometry.
smooth. The Italia is on the firm side, I’d prefer if it came with a carbon seatpost
but the alloy seatpost didn’t spoil the for the price, but the fact that you can
Photography Scott Windsor
ride quality through the saddle, and spec the components (and sizes) you want
the two-piece cockpit is a good foil for is a draw. Ashley Quinlan
the frameset. An upgrade to a carbon
post would further improve compliance
though. Road buzz is dealt with well, and Verdict A thoroughbred alloy
the Condor feels well-balanced, even if race bike with well-rounded
it lacks some of the whip-crack handling handling and ride qualities

Ridden & Rated
● Shootout
Budget road pedals

We find out the pros and cons of four models
BEST ON
TEST
Time Shimano Halfords Look Keo

XPRESSO 4 PD-R550 Clip In Road Classic 3
£75 £78 £26 £49.99
Platform width 60mm Platform width 68mm Platform width 60mm Platform width 60mm
Q factor (stance width) 53mm Q factor 53mm Q factor 53mm Q factor 53mm
Weight (pair) 236g Weight (pair) 308g Weight (pair) 291g Weight (pair) 274g
Time differ significantly The R550 is the second- This Look-style offering Look are the originators
from their rivals with their cheapest option in from Halfords is of the clipless pedal. The
iClick engagement system, Shimano’s road range, gaining a rebranded Zeray ZP-110 pedal Keo Classic’s body is made
where the retention mechanism a larger replaceable stainless- with a body made from 30% from a carbon-infused resin
is left open when you’re not steel body over the RS500. This carbon fibre and 70% thermo- material affixed to a steel axle.
using it, much like a ski pedal comes with a set of plastic. The cleat is simpler than It comes with a set of Keo Grip
binding. In my view, it’s a much Shimano’s yellow SH11 cleats, Look’s, but lacks their patented cleats, offering 4.5˚ of float. The
easier system to clip into. offering 6˚ of float. The steel memory positioner, and the pedal can be serviced,but you’ll
The XPRESSO 4 has a carbon axle is oversized, and the pedal grip inserts are stiffer, yet need a specific wrench, which,
fibre-filled resin body and steel can be serviced using the engagement is similar. oddly, isn’t available from Look.
axle. Although Time say Shimano’s TL–PD40 tool. In testing, these feel almost Like with any Keo-style
servicing isn’t necessary, the In use, the R550s are almost indistinguishable from Look’s pedals, entry is easy, cleat
pedal can be disassembled, indistinguishable from originals and the positive location is quick and the
and replacement bearing kits Shimano’s premium pedals, engagement and exit impress. tension (which is adjustable)
are available. You’ll need with the extra weight being the Despite the cleats being a little is just right straight out of the
a specific tool though. biggest difference. The cleats harder and the hardware not as box. The pedal body lacks metal
These pedals perform wear well, but be mindful of high quality, when you consider inserts, instead relying on
superbly. Engagement is easy, as catching the front edge when these pedals cost just £6 more a non-replaceable textured
is the solid-clicking exit. Cleat walking – if damaged, it can than a set of Look original strip. This works well and offers
wear is on a par with Shimano cause engagement issues. cleats, the flaws are trivial. grip even in wet conditions.
but not as long-lasting as with With their wide platform and Overall, this Halfords option Although the bodies or our
Look’s system. There’s plenty secure engagement, these represents exceptional value for pedals scored a little over the
of kind-to-your knees float, and pedals offer a more stable fit money. The only flaw is they test period, the oversized axles
swapping left and right cleats than Look and Time’s systems, aren’t user-serviceable, but are smooth-spinning and free
ups the Q factor to 54.3mm. making them a safe bet. do have a two-year guarantee. of play. Warren Rossiter

Ridden & Rated
● Shootout – Car-boot racks
BEST ON
TEST
Boot Racks
Two of the biggest hitters go head-to-head
Thule OutWay Hanging Saris Bones EX

£399.99 A robust rack but you pay a heavy price £224.99 A simple design that’s easy to install
Sizes two-bike, three-bike (tested) Weight 8.9kg Sizes two-bike, three-bike (tested) Weight 4.9kg
Requiring neither a tow times you’ll need somebody Saris’ Bones rack has easily attached solo. Straps,
bar nor a roof rack, to hold the rack or car-boot been in production since with rubber-covered hooks,
Thule’s premium boot rack door in place while you tinker. 1996. This newer EX version are attached to the car in three
attaches to your car’s rear via is said to fit 20% more cars, places (upper, side and lower -
strong and secure aluminium OutThere thanks to rear windscreen arms all are labelled) and only the
arms and steel cables. It can This rack is superbly stable, with sharper curves to reach lower hooks need the boot
carry up to three bikes of 15kg on all sorts of roads. Your around spoilers. The design to be opened. Once fitted, you
each, though can be used with view out of the rear window is super-simple. Four plastic tighten the straps and are ready
one or two at a time. Folding is obscured by a mash of bikes arms (with rubber ends for to add your bikes.
down to a compact size for and rack, as is your number protection) are in contact with
storage, it unfurls to suit your plate to varying degrees, the bumper and windscreen. Beam me up?
vehicle’s rear proportions, with though you don’t require These slide onto a serrated, When driving, the rack is rock
rubber helping to protect all of an additional plate. An upside aluminium-reinforced tube solid. It’s best suited to road
the areas where rack meets car. of the OutWay is that you can and are tightened to secure. bikes, or bikes with straight top
lift the boot door up while the Two more arms, pointing tubes. Like on the Thule rack,
Two to tango rack is attached (only if bikes in the other direction, fit up bikes with sloping frames (such
First installation requires a little aren’t loaded), which means to three bikes (15.8kg each). as mountain bikes) require
patience, even if the Ikea-esque for longer trips you can leave an additional beam to act as
photo instructions are it fitted throughout. Worth the weight a makeshift top tube.
relatively easy to The rack can be locked Installation is simpler You can’t open your
follow. Just don’t leave into place on your car, than for the Thule. You boot, even without
The Good The Good
it until the day of travel In-built rack in a way that would only have to remove Easy to install; bikes attached, and
to open the box! security; robust make it hard to steal, the outer arms, lightweight; there’s no in-built
Subsequent fits are design though the thin steel reposition them simple design locking mechanism,
much easier though, cable that attaches approximately for your either of bike to rack
particularly if you’re The Bad your bike to the car, then rotate the The Bad or rack to car (for
attaching to the same High price; bike- rack would need arms that hold the Can’t open the latter, a $50 lock
to-rack lock not boot with bikes
car. It’s also a two- secure; needs a susbstantial upgrade bikes. It’s almost half on; rack lock is can be purchased).
person job – at various two to install to prevent theft. the weight too, so added cost John Whitney

Tech insight
● SRAM Red XPLR AXS

l l
Tech insight
SRAM Red XPLR AXS
Images Russell Burton Words Warren Rossiter
The new premium gravel groupset is here.

After an in-depth look and plenty of off-road
testing, here’s what we’ve learned…
bikeradar.com AUGUST 2025
JANUARY 2023 65
Tech insight
rear derailleur and chain. These components could then

be used with a Red crankset and shifters though.
SRAM’s Red XPLR AXS
mixes new gravel-specific 03 Faster shifting
● What’s immediately noticeable is the faster shifting
components with the current compared to Red AXS, backed up with impressive
accuracy. Changing gear under load is also without
Red AXS road groupset to drama. That’s all down to the massive increase in
produce an off-road group stiffness of the derailleur, which is enhanced by more

accurate alignment, thanks to the full-contact fitting
with some seriously cool that SRAM’s Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH)
dropout standard brings. The Red XPLR AXS derailleur
tech. However, if you want

a completely fresh setup, it’ll
set you back an eye-watering
£3,896 (or £3,446 without
a power meter).
My test bike also featured Zipp’s new gravel-specific Right The ‘Magic
SL 70 XPLR carbon handlebar (£320). Of course, Wheel’ pulley
is a nifty touch
because it’s compatible with older AXS components
of any level, you don’t need the latest Red levers, brakes
or even the crankset – although the changes here bring
some useful benefits. Here are the top 10 things we think
you should know about this exciting new groupset.
01 Simple set-up
● The set-up experience is different, to say the least.
There are no high and low limit screws, and no
B-tensioner – you start by getting the derailleur
in the sixth cog (highlighted by a red band on the
carrier). Chain length is then determined by chainstay
length and chainring size, for which SRAM have a handy
chart online. Connect the chain, turn the cranks and
tune the gears (if need be) with the MicroAdjust feature
in the AXS app, and the system will work the rest
out. It’s the simplest groupset I’ve ever worked on,
and I think that even if you’re a bit wary of tinkering
with your bike, you’ll be able to adjust things hands-
and tool-free. There’s nothing here that can go out
of whack and create a problem.
02 Thirteen speeds
● Part of the reason why you don’t need limit screws
is because there’s only one available cassette size
(10-46t). However, the steps between gears have been
brilliant in testing, and I’ve found the 46-tooth largest
sprocket to be enough for the steepest of climbs. The
13-speed cassette fits onto existing XDR freehubs
thanks to some clever space-saving work. Helpfully,
it’s also designed to work with any of SRAM’s current
12-speed Flattop chains.
If you want a wider-ranging 10-52t cassette to help
you up steep climbs, you could opt for one of SRAM’s
Eagle Transmission mountain bike options, but you’d
also need to pair this with an Eagle AXS Transmission

Tech insight
SRAM Red XPLR AXS ●
is also quicker than the Eagle AXS Transmission

equivalents – SRAM told me that their engineers found
gravel riding doesn’t exert the same heavy torque loads
at lower cadences that mountain biking does, helping
them to increase shifting speed. It’s inspired by the
Transmission derailleurs though, and gets the same
‘Magic Wheel’ pulley. This enables the chain to keep
turning if a stick gets lodged, with a clever carrier for the
pulley teeth that enables them to slip and rotate if
the pulley wheel is jammed.
04 Smaller cog jumps

● The jumps between sprockets on the XG-1391 cassette
aren’t as big as on the previous 10-44t, 12-speed, XG-1271
Red XPLR option. In fact, from the 10-tooth through to
the 21-tooth sprocket, it’s as close a range as you’ll find
on a road race bike.
The new cassette has a 460 per cent range, with a
closely spaced set of ratios: 10-11-12-13-15-17-19-21-24-
28-32-38-46. This means single-tooth jumps for the first
four gears, moving to two teeth for the next four. It then
moves by three to 24 and finishes with two jumps of four,
and then eight to the biggest 46-tooth sprocket.
I envisage this derailleur and cassette combination
to appeal to plenty of elite-level cross-country mountain
bike racers, even if SRAM might rather they stick with
Eagle. In short, this is because the Red XPLR cassette
doesn’t have the extreme ramps of the Eagle
Transmission version, so the chain doesn’t have to lift
or drop as far, speeding up shifting.
Above The
shifters and
crankset come
straight from
05 Separate power meter
SRAM Red AXS ● Perhaps the most sensible change for Red XPLR
AXS is the power meter crankset. On the road version,
the chainrings and power meter are integrated,
necessitating a complete switch when a chainring
wears out. This can be wasteful and expensive, and,
understandably, divides opinion. If anything, having
a power meter is more prescient with a 1x drivetrain,
because the rider is likely to experiment much more
with gearing, especially at the sharp end of racing.
These are arguably the sort of riders who’ll want
a power meter to assess how efficiently they’re riding.
Weighty matters
Here’s how the components add up
SRAM parts Weight (g)

Rear derailleur (exc. battery) 375
Cassette (11-30t) 288
Crankset* (172.5mm, 40t) 427
Battery 24
Shifters and brake callipers 692
*with power meter
Chain (114 links) 236

Left The Full
Mount derailleur Brake rotors 280
is paired with
a 10-46t cassette
Total weight 2,322g

Tech insight
“It’s performed
perfectly for chain
retention, with
no vibration or
chatter, even over
the roughest
surfaces”
06 Simple chainring switching

● With the move to Thread Mount, switching chainrings
is a simple procedure, but it does need a special tool
(the Threaded Chainring Removal Tool, available for
an additional £63). My test bike came with the 40-tooth
Jargon buster
Thread Mount chainring attached to the spider-
We explain the terms behind the tech
based power meter. It’s performed perfectly for chain
AXS hangers from Eagle
retention, with no vibration or chatter, even over the
● SRAM’s electronic different brands. Transmission
roughest surfaces. Anecdotally, as a long-term user
ecosystem, shared Now they have Eagle cassette
of SRAM’s power meter, the unit fitted here recorded
between its road, AXS Transmission ● A 10-52t cassette
my efforts as I’d have expected.
gravel and mountain (mountain) and Red designed to be
bike components. XPLR AXS (gravel) paired with an Eagle
07 Compatible handlebar groupsets that use AXS Transmission
● I also tried the new Zipp SL 70 XPLR carbon handlebar, XPLR a direct-mount rear derailleur and chain.
which has been designed to perfectly complement the ● Gravel-specific derailleur and don’t
shape of the new Red AXS shifters. The flare is more SRAM drivetrain need a hanger. TRPx Classified
subtle than most and the stepped shape, which enables components with Vistar
the brake hoses to channel straight into the bar, makes distinct gear ratios Campagnolo ● A collaboration
a real difference too. My 42cm-wide bar has a shallow on the cassette. Ekar between TRP and
70mm drop and 110m reach, identical to Zipp’s road- ● Campagnolo’s Classified. The
going SL 70. However, it’s the subtle 5° flare in the drops Universal mechanical gravel cassette has
and 11° outsweep that works for me in this gravel setup. It derailleur groupset, which 16 speeds, and
keeps the levers at a regular angle, which isn’t something hanger (UDH) pairs a single Classified’s
you get on all flared gravel bars. The drops measure ● SRAM designed chainring with two-speed internal
48cm, which is great for getting down low and going fast, a dropout that a wide-ranging gear hub replaces
while keeping that all-essential control in the rough. could take derailleur 13-speed cassette. a front derailleur.
The ‘shelf’ created by the smooth integration of
bar and hood, and hose exit point, feels wonderful.

Tech insight
SRAM Red XPLR AXS ●
It supports the heel of your hand when riding in the

hoods, even though the shape of the new hood
is significantly more minimal than that of the older
Red levers with their large pommel. I felt just as
confident with the hold when smashing over root
and rock-lined singletrack up on the hoods with
this new setup as I did when I was in the previous
version’s taller hoods.
08 Boosted braking
● Braking, which is now identical to that of Red
AXS, is the most notable improvement over the
outgoing Red eTap AXS. There’s much more progressive
power on tap and I really get on with the lever shape
when riding in the rough. Single-finger braking is
now possible, even on testing terrain and downhill
singletrack runs. SRAM spec a new organic pad for
an increased bite from the Red AXS XPLR brakes,
which performs very well.
09 A little squeaky
● While braking is immediate when the pads grab the
rotor, after a couple of grimy splashes through rim-
deep puddles (washing the rotors in filth), I got a bit
of noise from the rotors. This is something I haven’t
experienced in my testing of Red AXS so far. Opposite The
groupset took
So, what do we think?
everything we Senior technical editor Warren’s verdict
10 Pecking order could throw
at it in its stride
on SRAM’s new flagship gravel groupset
● It’s difficult to assess Red XPLR AXS’s performance
against its gravel groupset rivals. Campagnolo’s
● If you’re in the market for a premium gravel
mechanical Ekar isn’t in the same league as Red, Above The brake bike, the new Red XPLR AXS is highly desirable,
despite also having 13 speeds. The new TRP x Classified lever piston
is mounted representing a big leap forward for gravel
Vistar 1x16 groupset could prove a worthy competitor
horizontally groupsets. The contact points, shifting and braking
though. Even Shimano’s ageing 11-speed GRX Di2 to increase all hugely impress. There are only a couple of
was never pitched at the top end as Red is (Shimano stopping power
downsides – I’ve had a few murmurs from the
always described it as Ultegra-level componentry).
brakes when they’ve been wet and grimy, and the
In this regard, Red XPLR AXS stands at the pinnacle
Below There are price tag is significant if you’re buying a complete
of gravel gearing, so it’ll be interesting to see if
weight savings groupset. Compared to the previous-generation
Shimano’s much mooted 12-speed GRX Di2 reaches to be found at the Red eTap XPLR AXS groupset, this new range-
the same heady heights. Watch this space… brake callipers
topping effort is as significant a step forward
as the latest-generation Red AXS is for the road.
It’s lighter, faster, tougher and easier to live with.
If the whole groupset is too costly and you
already have an XPLR AXS drivetrain of any
persuasion – and a bike with a UDH dropout
– I’d wholeheartedly recommend upgrading to the
new derailleur and cassette. Although, if you can
bear to wait, I’d make a sizeable bet that SRAM
will trickle down the Full Mount derailleur design
to lower (and more cost-effective) levels sooner
than you’d think.
The Good Excellent shifting and braking;

great ergonomics; modular power meter
crankset; cross-compatible with other
AXS groupsets
The Bad Complete group is expensive;
UDH-compatible only; organic brake
pads make some noise when dirty

Ridden & Rated
● New bike – Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0
to 68mm on this Large model (from 65mm

in the short setting). Retaining the flip-
chip means that Giant haven’t made the
Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0 switch to SRAM’s Universal Derailleur
Hanger (UDH). However, this model
£5,599 Light and lively adaptable gravel speedster comes with a versatile 2x drivetrain. It’ll
be interesting to see if Giant adopt UDH
Weight 8.34kg (L) Frame Advanced-grade composite Fork Advanced SL-grade
for the more adventurous Revolt X when
composite Groupset SRAM Force AXS, 2x12 Wheels Giant CXR1 Carbon Disc
it’s next updated.
WheelSystem Tyres Cadex GX 40mm Seatpost Giant D-Fuse SLR, composite Saddle
The geometry remains largely
Giant Grit SL Stem Giant Contact AeroLight Handlebar Giant Contact SLR XR D-Fuse
unchanged, which is a good thing –
the Revolt sits at the racy end of gravel
The 2025 Revolt Advanced Pro tube storage – while retaining an identical geometry, with quick handling and an
brings subtle changes to the 990g claimed frame weight (size Medium). aggressive riding position. On a size Large,
already-excellent platform from Giant, At the front end, the sculpted tubes the road-like 73° seat tube angle is now
with adaptable geometry and clearance look similar to the TCR’s. The oversized paired with a 72° head angle, which
for sizeable 53mm tyres. It’s a serious Powercore bottom bracket shell houses is 0.5° steeper than on the 2022 Revolt.
rival to bikes such as a press-fit BB86 and flows into asymmetric
BMC’s Kaius, Factor’s chainstays. An ovalised and flattened seat Group Force
Ostro Gravel, and tube with a cutout echoes the Defy, as does A SRAM Force AXS groupset is specced,
The Good
Great Specialized’s S-Works the use of Giant’s D-Fuse carbon seatpost. with a 43/30t crankset and 10-36t cassette.
specification, Crux, undercutting The clamp’s crescent shape is clever – Giant provide their CXR1 wheels, with
handling and them all on price. it can be adapted to run either the 35mm-deep rims of a hookless design
comfort in
a versatile This fourth- D-shaped post specced, a 30.9mm round and with a 25mm internal width. The rest
package generation frame’s option or a dropper post. of the build is from their stable too. An
changes from the The rear dropouts retain the clever flip- 80mm stem clamps onto a Contact SLR XR
The Bad previous 2022 design chip. In the long setting, the frame can take D-Fuse 46cm gravel bar. This has a subtle
Flip-chip are subtle – integrated a 53mm tyre, while in the short setting it’s 8° flare and a 5° backsweep on the tops.
dropouts
mean no UDH cables, a geometry limited to 42mm. Switching to the long The D-shaped profile is claimed to reduce
compatibility tweak and new down setting also affects the trail, pushing it out vibrations while retaining stiffness when

“The Revolt rides
brilliantly. With a light
and lively feel, it flows
over light gravel
at an enviable pace”
Below The flip chip Below right This
allows you to alter the neoprene storage
bike’s geometry bag comes included
sprinting. Also from the D-Fuse range, The tread sheds mud quickly too and was
the seatpost has a tapered shape below the only overwhelmed by an extended stretch
head to allow for bump-smoothing flex. of thick slop – the result prolonged October
rainstorms had on some of my favourite
Track tamer local singletrack trails.
The Revolt rides brilliantly. With a light Subtly relaxed geometry gives the Revolt
and lively feel, it flows over light gravel at a superb endurance-bike-like feel on the
an enviable pace. When things get choppier road. This is only enhanced by Giant using
and more rutted, the combination of tyre a 2x drivetrain. I found that adding a little
volume and superb contact points takes more air into the off-road tyres gave the
the harsh edges off, so you can maintain Revolt the pace to make on-tarmac sections
your speed and composure. Take the on big days out swift and enjoyable.
Revolt further afield onto more technical The Revolt Advanced 0 is one of the best
trails and it impresses. It’s not quite the gravel race bikes to date. It rides light but
singletrack slayer its X-rated stablemate is, still has plenty of composure when things
but it doesn’t get overwhelmed like some get technical. The spec is premium, the
out-and-out gravel racers do. Above A twist lock is Below 160mm disc pricing competitive and the bike has the
Giant’s CXR 1 wheels contribute heavily used to access the brake rotors are par chops to cut it as a versatile all-roader too.
down-tube storage for the course
to the lively feel. They weigh just 1,398g I’d still choose the rowdy-ready Revolt
a pair – light road-wheel weight, rather X over this, but that’s more down to my
than tough-gravel territory – and personal riding preferences than the
accelerate well with a solid yet laterally Revolt Advanced Pro’s considerable assets.
stiff feel. The 54-point engagement from If you’re looking for a bike that’s fast,
the DT Swiss internals means a snappy forgiving, fun and versatile then the Revolt
response to big efforts too. Advanced has it all. Warren Rossiter

The Cadex GX tyres strike a good balance
between smooth road speed and off-
road grip. Mid-spaced tread blocks give Verdict A sublime sweet spot
plenty of cornering bite, and the casing is between race and rowdy gravel,
compliant, which smooths out ruts well. but I’d still buy the Revolt X

Ridden & Rated
● Six of the best
Degreasers
£8.99-£15.99 Which of these options best blasts away the grime from your drivetrain?
01 03
BEST ON 02 Weldtite Jet

TEST Blast Degreaser
£9.99 for 500ml
Sizes 500ml only
● There’s no doubting the power of

Weldtite’s solvent-based Jet Blast Degreaser
to shift stubborn grease and oil. Apply this
aerosol spray to your cassette and chain,
and the solvents get to work quickly,
needing only a little agitation to remove
tougher muck. However, the lack of
a precision spray nozzle meant I felt a little
more wasteful when targeting specific areas.
This is a concern, considering that the
product carries a health warning for aquatic
life. Generally speaking, you’ll want to use
such a potent degreaser sparingly. The
nozzle will accept a tube applicator,
although one isn’t provided. Jet Blast
is decent value at £19.98 per litre. Of the
solvent aerosol degreasers, only Oxford’s
products are cheaper.
02
01 Oxford Mint 03 Peaty’s XXX

Chain Cleaner Solvent Degreaser
£8.99 for 500ml £10.99 for 400ml
Sizes 500ml and 750ml Sizes 400ml and 750ml
● Oxford’s Mint Chain Cleaner is effective ● This solvent degreaser is water-soluble

at removing cassette and chain gunk. and biodegradable, which is a bonus if you
It doesn’t contain chemicals that could care for the natural environment (albeit
be harmful to aquatic life (unlike the aerosols remain harmful). The high-
brand’s heavy-duty Bike Degreaser and pressure application through the mini
many others) yet can still be used to blast nozzle enables you to be sparing and helps
dirty chain oil into submission. Once push away built-up crud. I found it effective
applied, the formula remains at work for at cleaning a drivetrain, if less punchy than
a good few minutes before drying out, the most powerful solvent cleaners. It’s
although I found rinsing it off with water best left for a couple of minutes to work
didn’t seem to clear it away quite as easily away at grime and then agitated, so don’t
as it would some other products. The mint expect instant cleanliness. Despite it being
odour is more pleasant than the usual water-soluble, I needed to rinse and wipe
fumes you get from solvents, but you it away thoroughly to remove residue. It’s
should still use it in a well-ventilated area. also more expensive than some
It’s well-priced, although the larger can alternatives, although the larger 750ml
is only slightly better value than the smaller workshop can is better value (£21.32 per
one (£17.32 per litre versus £17.98 per litre). litre, compared to £27.48 per litre).

Ridden & Rated
Six of the best ●
05
04 Morgan Blue 06 Muc-Off

Professional Chain Bio Degreaser
Cleaner £15.99 for 1l £12 for 500ml
Sizes 250ml bottle, 400ml aerosol can, 1l spray Sizes 500ml only
applicator, 5l container
● Water-soluble and biodegradable,
● The Morgan Blue chain cleaner is used Muc-Off’s Bio Degreaser isn’t as potentially
by the Soudal Quick-Step Pro Cycling Team, damaging to the natural environment
among others. It’s reasonably priced, with as many aerosol-based products.
the 1l variant (an unpressurised container Understandably, it’s not as instantly effective
with a supplied spray applicator) by far the as the most powerful degreasers, but I didn’t
best value we’ve come across on a volume- need copious amounts of it to get the job
to-pound basis, at £15.99. The 400ml size done. I’ve found it to be good at shifting
takes the form of a pressurised aerosol can, loose grime, and it breaks down tougher
while the 250ml bottle can be poured into build-ups when left to do its thing. Some
a chain-cleaning device. This cleaner works agitation with a brush is needed at times
well on all but the toughest chain detritus, though. The nozzle doesn’t feature
though scrubbing and extra applications a directional applicator, so it’s harder
inevitably help. Morgan Blue recommend to be specific in your application and use
using soapy water to help clean the solution it to only blast certain spots. The design
away. Note that this cleaner may be harmful won’t fit a tube applicator either. On the
to aquatic life, even if this isn’t explicitly plus side, this degreaser rinses away
labelled on the bottle. easily. Ashley Quinlan
04 06
05 Fenwick’s
Drivetrain Degreaser
£12 for 500ml
Sizes 500ml only
● Formerly known as Fast Blast Degreaser,

this is an effective solvent-based grease
tackler. Applied to a grimy chain and
cassette, the solution works quickly to
dissolve thick gunk, when helped by a little
brush agitation. The aerosol application
is powerful enough to force away grime,
and the mini nozzle applicator enabled
me to target components and avoid spraying
more delicate parts. Fenwick’s say the
degreaser leaves behind a protective
residue layer, but I found I still needed
to dry the chain quickly to avoid it rusting.
The usual warnings apply to this aerosol
product, including that it may be harmful
to aquatic life. Other solvent-based cleaners
tested here work out cheaper and are
practically as effective.

Ridden & Rated
● Most wanted
03
CHPT3 Transit
£195 Urban shoes that look great and work off the bike too
CHPT3 are ex-pro and Tour de France walking. This makes the Transit different
commentator David Millar’s brand, from many other urban shoes, such
known for their tie-ups with the likes as Chrome’s classic Kursk, which has
of Castelli and Brompton. The Transit shoe a rubber outsole and a full-length nylon
is the first product CHPT3 have released shank with inset cleat plate. The CHPT3
outside of a collaboration. shoe’s more flexible sole makes it much
This premium urban shoe is comfortable more comfortable to walk (or even run) in.
to walk in, looks sharp in the office and yet The two-position, adjustable cleat
still performs as a clipless shoe should on mountings are SPD-compatible (I had no
the bike. The styling is very much in the issues clipping into Shimano Deore XT and
classic Adidas Court, Nike SB, or Vans XT Trail, Look X-Track, and Redshift
Classic mould, though it’s more understated Arclight PRO pedals) and hidden by bolt-on
than those examples. With subtle logos covers. This means you don’t have to use the
on the flanks and heel, and a monochrome Transits as ‘just’ SPD shoes, yet you still reap
upper, the shoe is available in all-white the pedalling benefits of the increased
‘Day’ or all-black ‘Night’ trim for the first midfoot stiffness thanks to the nylon plate
drop, which is limited to 1,000 pairs. embedded in the sole. The thick, cushioned
The upper is made from real leather with midsole lifts your foot away from the pedal,
a subtle texture, while the toe box and heel giving the Transit a different feel to
top are wrapped with a short suede panel. a low-stack performance cycling shoe,
A lightly padded, breathable textile lines but also helping to damp vibrations from
the inside, adding plenty of luxury to the the road (or trail).
fit. The padded tongue is vented for At 476g per shoe for my size 45 (UK10.5)
breathability and capped with suede too, samples, the Transits are a similar weight
while the insole is 3D moulded, which to my Vans Old Skool Overt skate shoes
CHPT3 say adds a wealth of foot support. (400g). Sizes range from EU 39 to 45.5.
Meanwhile, a subtle reflective inset on the I tested the Transits on my commute
heel gives a touch of useful on-bike to the office, which mixes towpaths, bike
visibility without compromising the paths and roads for over 30 miles each way.
understated looks. They worked well, albeit with that slightly
A thick EVA midsole, elevated foot position over the pedals. The
The Good with a small nylon cleat stylishly understated looks aren’t out of
Quality; fit; plate integrated into the place in the office or on a night out, though
comfort; styling pedal area, is combined I’d probably choose the black colourway for
with a treaded, multi- winter use. Unlike other urban shoes I’ve
The Bad density rubber outsole. tested, the Transits are comfortable when
Taller stack The cleat plate doesn’t walking longer distances and around the
height than
standard SPD come into contact office. The downside is the premium price.
shoes; price with the ground when Warren Rossiter

Ridden & Rated
Most wanted ●
“Unlike other urban shoes

I’ve tested, these are Also consider...
comfortable for walking
longer distances in”
01
Chrome Industries
Dima 3.0 Night
£92.30
● Stylish skate shoe-style
slip-ons with subtle reflective
details. They’re built to last,
with a reinforced toe box and
firm heel cup. The superb
grippy sole is made by
Japanese tyre brand
Panaracer so it sticks like glue
to flat pedals. A reinforced
midplate in the sole makes
them feel supportive and
stable on the bike while
allowing enough flex to make
them great for walking in too.
01
Upper Quoc Chelsea Boot
Textured leather £180
and suede gives the ● These rugged yet smart-
Transit an
understated look looking boots from Quoc have
a two-tone suede upper
matched to a recycled, cork-
02 infused rubber outsole –
Midsole a more sustainable material
The thick EVA foam than standard. The EVA foam
midsole has a nylon cleat
plate embedded into it, midsole has a stiff plate under
02
with two-bolt SPD the midfoot, and hidden in the
fittings hidden under chunky tread is a two-bolt SPD
a screw-on cover
cleat fitting. Subtle reflective
3M dots on the rear add some
03 road safety, and the boots
Outsole are comfortable both on and
Its textured rubber off the bike.
tread makes the Transit
great for both riding
and walking

● The Big Ride / Oslo
Katherine Moore experiences a forest cabin overnighter

on Oslo’s neighbouring Nordmarka gravel trails

Oslo / The Big Ride ●
Words Katherine Moore

Images Arnau Lumeras

uddled around the warm glow of candlelight on the surrounded by thick forest and a sloping doubletrack
cabin’s cushioned bench seats, Jørgen handed each trail leading down to Lake Langlivatnet. On one hand,
of us a miniature bottle of Norwegian aquavit. We it’s very civilised. It has separate rooms for sleeping,
were still distant from the harshness of the oncoming with bunks. The kitchen area has a two-hob gas stove
Scandinavian winter, but the glowing, low sun and racks of plates, mugs and cutlery. There’s even
of these September days soon gave way to a biting a trunk of board games and cards. Of course Jørgen
chill at night. The three-pronged approach of a well- pulled out the ‘1911 Amundsen vs Scott’ game, based
stocked wood-burning stove, cosy woollen blankets on the race to the South Pole, and with a wry smile,
and the warming spirit was welcomed. took great joy in reminding us how that really ended.
Some bikepacking purists may insist on carrying Other aspects of spending a night here are more
all their own camping gear with them, but there’s primitive though. A galvanised bucket and ladle are
sometimes a smarter – and in this case, far more labelled for collecting water from the stream 50m
magical – approach. Travel to Scotland and make up the track. Half-a-dozen candles are supplied for
use of small stone-built bothies, or enjoy the lively light, with no electricity supply to the cabin. And
wooden mountain refuges in the Alps. Here in a composting toilet has been built onto the end of the
Norway, there’s a huge network of wilderness cabins neighbouring log shed.
to be explored. There’s something special about stripping back
Built and maintained by the DNT (Norwegian to basics to enjoy the simple pleasures of a warm fire,
Trekking Association), the country’s largest volunteer hot meal and comfortable bed at the end of a long
organisation with over a million members, these day on the bike - not to mention the company
remote cabins offer summer shelter for hikers and of new friends collected from different ends of Europe
a winter retreat for cross-country skiers. When you and North America.
start to get your head around the Norwegian nature-
loving psyche, it’s understandable how these much- Out of Oslo
loved hideaways offer such comforting sanctuary. Our trip began in central Oslo, with a visit to Fara
Smedmyrkoia, which translates as ‘cabin in the Cycling, the Norwegian bike brand. We saddled up
swamp of the blacksmith’, is a medium-sized cabin on some of their F/All-Road bikes and buckled on

“While there were a few short stretches of more rocky

trails, we were mostly on supremely smooth, fine and
fast-rolling ‘Champagne gravel’”
Above left The countryside matching Fidlock bags before being treated to a taste that are the most noticeable. We passed plenty of
around Oslo is a patchwork
of woodland and farmland
of the local terrain by Fara’s sales and marketing riders on our way out of the city, but none nodded,
director Jørgen Helland and founder Jeff Webb. waved or shouted a cheery hello . If I was back home,
Jørgen led us out into Nordmarka, the area of I’d have been mildly offended, but Jørgen reassured
Above right Lakes forested wilderness to the north of the capital. Of me that it wasn’t personal.
and rivers pepper the
Nordmarka Forest
the four valleys leading out of Oslo, we ticked off “The spirit of the Norwegian people is in the
three over our two-day ride, heading out through woods,” he explained, citing a culture of shyness
Maridalen, across the top of Sørkedalen and that prevents people here from engaging in
returning through Lommedalen to the west. conversation when in the city, rather than rudeness.
Even riding out of the centre – usually the less Sure enough, once out onto the gravel tracks that
glamorous side of cycling city breaks – was blissful. followed, we were often greeted by a “hi hi” from
We followed the Akerselva River, linking Oslo Fjord walkers and cyclists alike.
to Maridalsvannet, on shared paths bustling with Roads led us around the shores of Maridalsvannet,
folk enjoying the early sun on a Saturday morning. soon crumbling into gravel doubletracks after skirting
Beyond the parks, we navigated past large brick-built around the edge of Snippen village and crossing
buildings with ornate iron detailing and big windows. under the railway line through a short rock tunnel.
Once busy factories run off the hydroelectric power Running parallel to the river and the railway to Søndre
from the gushing river, these gorgeous buildings have Movann, our first taste of Nordmarka gravel was
now been converted into upmarket flats. certainly a sweet one.
After stocking up on novel Norwegian sweets of While there were a few short stretches of more
all varieties and some breakfast at the Meny rocky trails, we were mostly on supremely smooth,
supermarket, we left the suburbs behind. Then came fine and fast-rolling ‘Champagne gravel’. I’d been
our first taste of what was to come – the spectacular a little sceptical about the F/All Road bike choice, shod
road to the west of Maridalsvannet, a deep blue lake with 35mm semi-slick tyres – surely Fara’s more
that provides the lion’s share of Oslo’s drinking water. adventurous F/Gravel model would be better for
Cycling is universal when you’re travelling in a forest trip? Yet with riding like this it made sense,
Europe, but it’s often the smallest cultural differences the F/All Road proving both sprightly on the road

Above The rolling gravel

roads through the forests
are supremely peaceful
Right No visit to Norway is

complete without waffles
and brown cheese

Left Fara Cycling’s Jørgen

was our local guide for the
ride to the north of Oslo
Below At this time of year,

‘golden hour’ is more like
‘golden three hours’

Above The area may and tough enough to take on these smooth gravel much less sweet, though with lashings of jam and
not be mountainous, but tracks. Anything wider than a 40mm tyre would cream, and a few slices of brown cheese – which
underestimate the rolling
hills at your peril be overkill on these endless unpaved roads. Jørgen claimed to be the ‘unofficial food of Norway’ –
The deeper we rode into Nordmarka, the more they were far from savoury. The edges of the heart-
spectacular every viewpoint became. Just when shaped waffle pieces spilled over the edges of the
we thought it couldn’t get more impressive, a couple plate, and with a small beer in the other hand,
of kilometres of undulating gravel tracks later, we I made my way out onto the cabin steps. The waffle
rounded the corner to an even more breathtaking was impressive enough, but the view over the
vista. Deep blue lakes of glassy water reflected the glistening Lake Bjørnsjøen straight ahead made
yellowing hues of the birch trees and evergreen pine, it taste even more delicious.
while the rounded leaves of aspen trees fluttered I know a fair few photographers who cite autumn
in the faint breeze, almost shimmering in the sun. as their favourite month, with generous helpings of
After a morning of sampling Norway’s sweets, soft, golden light at the close of day, or ‘golden hour’.
including my favourites, Knatter Skogsbær, we rode Norway delivered, with the low sun giving ‘golden
down to the edge of Trehørningen Lake to crack out three hours’ as we traced the last 30km of our route.
the stove to cook up some soup for lunch. Basking One of my favourite views came as we rounded
in the early autumn sun on the edge of the water a small lake called Kringla, with a single line of silver
while we patiently waited for our dehydrated soup birch at the water’s edge casting long shadows across
mixes to cook, fish leapt from the surface of the lake the gravel track. We were much further from the
to catch a lunch of their own. most popular routes now, and later in the day, had
these expansive gravel tracks all to ourselves. We’d
A load of waffle periodically stop to refill our water bottles straight
We parted ways with Jeff, who made a beeline back from the lake or share around a pack of Freia milk
to Oslo for afternoon meetings, and ventured deeper chocolate, but on tiring legs, we all knew that getting
into the woodland. After a glorious stretch alongside to the hut before darkness was key.
Hakkloa Lake, we arrived at what had to be the climax The final, staggeringly long descent to the cabin was
of the day – Kikutstua. This large, chalet-like hut is a singletrack through the woods, punctuated every
a thriving cafe for riders and hikers (and in the winter, 50m or so by chunky drainage ditches lined with
cross-country skiers and ice skaters), a remote oasis stone. The rocky trail shook us, a stark contrast to the
drawing people from miles around to come and refuel sublime graded tracks we’d been blessed with for
or grab a simple bed for the night. the rest of the day, but between the yelps and laughter,
Waffles in Norway are nothing like their Belgian it was just what we needed. Out of nowhere, and just
counterparts. These larger gridded offerings are like a scene from the 2010 Norwegian comedy horror

NORDMARKA
O S LO
LOC A L
K NOW L E DGE
‘The final, staggeringly long descent Getting there

● Hop on a direct
reserve individually, or
book all together for
to the cabin was a singletrack through flight with Norwegian exclusive cabin use.
the woods, punctuated every 50 metres from Gatwick,

Manchester or Where to eat
or so by chunky drainage ditches lined Edinburgh and take ● Java Kaffebar, Oslo
with stone’ the Flytoget express

train into central Oslo.
(www.javamocca.no)
for pre-ride coffee
You can also fly from and pastries.
film Troll Hunter, our red and white-clad cabin for the Stansted with Kikutstua café
night came into view, just as the light was fading. Ryanair, or from (www.kikutstua.no)
Heathrow with British for a mid-ride stop
Back to civilisation Airways, who allow overlooking Lake
It was hard to leave the cabin on the Sunday morning. you to take your Bjørnsjøen, serving
The air thankfully wasn’t as fresh as we’d feared, but bike as hold luggage. incredible waffles.
it had been too lovely in the kitchenette, sipping on Peloton, Oslo (https://
Jørgen’s filter coffee while wrapped in blankets, to Where to stay pelotonbar.no) for
want to venture out. Little did we know, the best was ● Smedmyrkoia post-ride pizza in the
yet to come. cabin is bookable heart of the city or
Layered up in puffy jackets, our second day started with a DNT Vippa (www.vippa.
with a long descent into the more agricultural (Norwegian Trekking no) for a great choice
Sørkedalen valley, the mix of small pasture fields Association, www. of street food
and wooden cabins taking my mind back to Austria. dnt.no) membership, vendors at the
It wasn’t long before we were stripping off layers, on costing approx. £70 port of Oslo.
a lengthy but never brutal climb on gravel roads to the per year, and opened
west. This was Jørgen’s ride home from Oslo on less using the universal Camp meals
time-strapped days. Some commute! DNT key. This self- ● Real Turmat
The reward far exceeded the effort, with the gravel service cabin has dehydrated meals
tracks now pointing downhill almost all the way bedding and (https://realoutdoor
back to the fjord. Tight, technical corners on firewood provided, as food.com), especially
a steep gradient led to more flowing tracks past Lake well as a gas stove - the tomato soup.
Byvatn. Soon, a breathtaking mountaintop view you just need to bring Meny pick ’n’ mix
opened up above the pine trees, so striking that a sleeping bag liner. (https://meny.no) –
I stopped in my tracks while most of the others sped There are nine beds, just avoid the
away down the hillside. I needed to take a moment which you can salty liquorice.
to breathe it all in before motoring on and sweeping
through the oncoming hairpin.
Pump tracks, ski pistes, golf courses and a more
open landscape awaited as we reached the edges
of Lommedalen, following well-routed cycle paths
down to the fjord. Returning to a city after even just Distance 139km Elevation 1,730m
a few days in the wilderness can often be jarring, Download the full route
but somehow the warm, sunny calmness of Oslo komoot.com/tour/1868425124
prevented it from being so.
If this is how gorgeous a simple overnighter out Ride profile
540m
of the capital city can be, I can’t wait to return to 360m
Above With no electricity,
explore the mountainscapes in more remote the cosy cabin is lit by 180m
Norwegian parts further north. atmospheric candlelight 0m

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Inside
Boost your ride ......................p86
Masterclass............................. p92
Expert cycling advice on maximising your performance Experience...............................p96
Boost your ride p86 Masterclass

Plot a Euro
Adventure
Top tips to enrich your
next cycling holiday
p92
Experience p96
Your Experts
James Witts Nicola Smith Clare Dewey Oli France

Boost your ride Boost your ride Masterclass Experience
James offers tips for losing Freelance journalist Nicola The founder of Oli is an adventurer who's
belly fat and keeping strong gathers advice on cycling Epicroadrides.com shares recently ridden 3,500 miles
as you age through pregnancy her ultimate travel checklist from California to Alaska

Training
zone
Performance Q&A The big cycling questions answered

by our team of expert coaches, nutritionists and riders
belly fat – in their studies,

a 9% increase in abdominal
fat and an 11% increase in
abdominal visceral fat.
“Our findings show that
shortened sleep, even in
young, healthy and relatively
lean subjects, is associated
with an increase in calorie
intake, an increase in weight
and a significant increase in fat
accumulation inside the belly,”
said Virend Somers, PhD,
professor of cardiovascular
medicine and principal
investigator of the study.
Healthy individuals were
randomly assigned either to
the control group, who could
sleep for nine hours a night, or
the restricted group, who were
awoken after four hours of
sleep. Those deprived of
shut-eye racked up more than
300 extra calories per day
during sleep restriction, eating
17% more fat, compared to
HOW CAN I LOSE Great gut
A sensible
it? Well, continuing your
FAST FACT
the acclimation stage.
cycle journey will certainly do Why the increase? There’s
BELLY FAT? lifestyle will no harm. As, we’re afraid to Poor sleep a hormonal element.
help your
say, will cutting alcohol. The can lower your Insufficient sleep impacts
waistline
Even the most committed following ideas will also help metabolism, levels of appetite hormones
cyclist can cast their eyes and are scientifically proven. making it ghrelin and leptin, resulting in
harder to
down and, enlarged by form- poor food choices. There’s also
burn calories.
fitting polyester, view a gut that A WEIGHT OFF YOUR MIND the simple fact that the longer
betrays their healthy hobby. Maxi Jazz, of the band you’re awake, the more
Age is a particular amplifier of Faithless, lit up many an arena opportunities you have to eat.
this deep abdominal fat known with the restless words: “I can’t Not eating a big meal late on,
as visceral fat. It protects the get no sleep.” You wouldn’t no caffeine after lunch, using
organs, so has its virtues, have known it to look at the layers instead of one big duvet
but too much can lead to slender frontman, as research to better help you regulate
inflammation and metabolic from the Mayo Clinic suggests your temperature, and no
disease. How can you banish lack of sleep results in excess scrolling on your smartphone

Training
zone
a rider’s physical demands that
Images Getty Images, Unsplash.com

in bed are all strategies to
improve your sleep hygiene. day. So, if they were a GC rider
on the attack in the Tour de
SAUERKRAUT EQUALS SPEED France mountains and burnt
Diverse bacteria in your gut through 7,000 calories, their
is linked to myriad health post-race dinner would reflect
this with significant amounts
TOP TIP
benefits, including better this effect, specifically those
immune function and lower that are more viscous, such of carbohydrate and protein
incidence of heart disease, as pectins and beta-glucans. You need to (they’d have fuelled before
diabetes, asthma and These thicken in water, forming be consistent and during the race too). The
depression. Key to good a gel-like substance that in order to see ‘performance plate’ would be
changes, so
gut health is consuming sits in your gut and slows the much lighter if they were a GC
schedule in
a variety of different-coloured emptying of your stomach, a couple of rider sheltered by their team
fruit and vegetables, as well increasing digestion and gym sessions and the peloton on a flat day.
as fermented foods, such as absorption times. The result is per week. How can you integrate
kombucha. You can also a prolonged feeling of fullness portion control into your life?
supplement with a probiotic, and reduced appetite. Hexis is a piece of software
which is a dose of live Viscous fibres occur that matches your nutritional
organisms. All this also exclusively in plant foods. needs to your training, helping
forges another defence Sources include legumes and you to periodise your fuelling
against belly fat. beans, asparagus, flaxseeds, on a daily basis. If you’re
According to 2021 research oats and Brussels sprouts. a TrainingPeaks user, you can
in the journal Microbiome, link the two apps, elevating
probiotics influence appetite WEIGHTS TO CUT WEIGHT your performance nutrition
and energy usage via the Weight training and cycling to another level of specificity.
production of acetate, used to be unhappy Hexis will tap into the kilojoules
propionate and butyrate, which bedfellows, but times have burnt information captured by
are short-chain fatty acids. In changed as studies have your power meter and deliver
other words, they dampen one shown that gym work can more precise portions.
and maximise the other. bolster a rider’s strength and Or you could keep it simple
There’s also evidence from power output, while reducing by using a smaller plate.
a 2022 Chinese study that the chances of injury. And, A Polish study earlier this year
certain probiotics may inhibit according to a wealth of showed that large plates can
the absorption of dietary fat, research, banish belly fat too. make food appear smaller,
helping to cut inflammation as A study in 2013 found that often resulting in over-eating.
well as increasing the amount visceral fat loss was highest in Your plate should be roughly
of fat that you excrete in your subjects who combined high- half fruit and veg, a quarter Get lifting
Weights work
faeces. Two further studies intensity resistance training each of protein and carbs, plus
adds muscle
suggest probiotics may help with moderate-intensity a small portion of fat. mass to burn
trigger the appetite-reducing cardiovascular activity. So, an James Witts more calories
hormones peptide YY and off season mixing pedalling,
(glucagon-like) peptide-1, pressing, pulling and pushing
plus crank up levels of could be ideal.
fat-regulating proteins. You’ll enjoy more bang for
your belly buck by focusing on
FILLED BY FIBRE compound exercises. These
Fibre is a nutritional essential, are movements that target
because it helps to increase several muscle groups at once,
the weight and size of your and so rev up your metabolism
stool, as well as softening what and stimulate your body into
lies within. All of this makes its fat-burning gear. Examples
passing the stool much easier include squats and leg presses,
and decreases the chances bench presses and push-ups,
of constipation. lat pull-downs and pull-ups,
Not only does fibre keep and power lifts.
your system running as nature
intended, but there are studies PERFORMANCE PLATES
that show sufficient intake A recent development in
of fibre prevents belly fat, fuelling at WorldTour level is
primarily because it’s believed the ‘performance plate’. This
to suppress appetite. However, is where the chef will measure
a 2019 study suggests that out the exact composition and
only certain types of fibre have quantity of meals based on
bikeradar.com 87
Training
zone
HOW CAN
I STRENGTHEN MY
AGEING BODY?
As cyclists we pride ourselves
2 mins
Stand for a minute on
on sinewy calves, bulging
each leg while you brush
thighs, svelte torsos and
your teeth to boost
an impressive level of
proprioception
cardiovascular fitness. The
problem is, cycling’s a very fixed
activity – you’re clipped into
position and follow a very linear
movement. This has its benefits
(see above), but it’s not great Brush up
for factors such as mobility. And Try balancing
that’s a problem, especially as while tooth
the years pass, because poor brushing
mobility severely affects your
“While sitting or
quality of life. Pat yourself on the So, mobility counts, especially furthest away from the centre,
back for your sub-hour 25-mile as you age. As does a general such as your feet – is more
time trial at 55, but is it worth it
if climbing the stairs is painful?
‘bullet-proofing’ of both your
body and your mind.
impaired than that in proximal
body parts, such as where the
standing at your
In the 2000s, a team of femur joint meets the pelvis. desk, put your arms
out behind you and
Brazilian researchers monitored JOIN THE MOVEMENT Thankfully, you can improve
2,000 people aged 51 to 80, Proprioception, otherwise your proprioception with
who regularly undertook
a ‘sitting-rising’ test. This
known as kinaesthesia, is
your body’s ability to sense
minimal effort each day.
Endurance coach Darren
clasp your hands
involved the subjects sitting movement, action and location. Smith once told me that he together with
your palms facing
on the floor from a standing As a basic example, it’s why has all his athletes work on
position, then getting back up, even if you’re blindfolded, you’ll this household drill: “Simply
all without using their hands,
knees or arms. After monitoring
know your arms are hanging by
your side or above your head.
stand on one leg while
cleaning your teeth. It might
outwards”
them for nine years, they In essence, it gives you a sense feel odd, but it improves your chair also helps posture and
concluded that those who of where you are in space. sense of awareness.” You improves mobility. We know
failed this test were up to six As we age, proprioception can increase the challenge how magnetic the computer
times more likely to die earlier. in distal body parts – those to your neurological system screen is, pulling you forwards
and trigger more adaptation until you have a curved neck,
by doing this with your eyes so remind yourself to sit upright
closed, then progress to until it becomes the norm.
jumping and landing on one If that doesn’t stick, see
leg. Build up to that or you’ll if this does. While sitting at
endure a face full of fluoride. your desk, put your arms out
behind you and clasp your
OFFICE MOVES hands together with your
Those of you who spend 40 palms facing outwards. If your
hours a week in front of shoulders are tight, bend
a computer know how your elbows slightly as you
unhealthy it is. That’s why an shouldn’t be in pain. Hold
hourly five-minute walkaround for a minute.
is essential. Not only does it There’s also evidence that
get you moving, it also delivers standing desks help relieve
a screen break to reduce the lower back pain caused by
risk of developing eye strain. poor posture. On the flipside,
An upright position on your standing too long with hunch-
88 JANUARY 2025
Training
zone
FAST FACT TOP TIP

back posture will only muscles such as your glutes bone health and prevent
accentuate the symptoms. and thighs via squats and osteoporosis. So, too, is vitamin
Osteoporosis leg presses. Circuit training Aim for three D, which helps the body absorb
THROW ME A BONE is often called is another good choice, portions of calcium to be deposited into
a ‘silent’ dairy per day.
Chris Boardman had to retire especially circuits that include bones. The amount of calcium
disease For example,
at 32 due to low bone density. because you sprinting and jumping. and vitamin D needed to
a glass
In fact, a 2009 study in the may not have And you can make of semi- optimise bone health increases
Journal of Clinical Densitometry any symptoms nutritional tweaks too. “The skimmed milk, with ageing. Milk’s great for
showed that two-thirds of until a bone one supplement I swear by is a 150g pot of calcium, but supplement with
the professional and master breaks. glucosamine,” says endurance plain, low-fat vitamin D in the winter because
adult road cyclists could be coach Jo Lewis. “As they age, yoghurt it’s synthesised in the skin by
and a 30g
classified as osteopenic, which athletes suffer from utilising sunlight, which can be rather
(matchbox-
is a precursor to osteoporosis. minerals, so you might sized) piece lacking in the UK.
That’s because cycling’s consider supplementation.” of cheese.
a non-weight-bearing activity, It’s inevitable that your STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
so the bone isn’t under enough joints stiffen as you grow Any form of cycling is to be
strain to stimulate more bone older. This is because the applauded, but there’s
tissue and strengthen itself. amount of lubricating fluid persuasive evidence that
And if you suffer from inside them decreases and riding with your mates will
osteoporosis, that’s bad news cartilage thins out. Which is forge a happier, more resilient
if you crash, as you’re more where supplements such as you, compared to perma-solo
likely to break a bone and glucosamine come in. rides. That’s because people
endure a longer spell on the “For women going through with strong social connections
sidelines. As stated, this is the menopause, ensure you live longer and healthier lives,
a particular concern for those consume plenty of dairy according to numerous studies
who’ve been training hard or foods too” adds Lewis. “This on the subject.
consistently for years. helps to avoid the onset of A 2023 review article in
How do you remedy the osteoporosis, which can be the journal Neuron by a team
situation? We’ve mentioned stimulated by the hormonal of researchers at Rutgers
Pedal pals
before that strength work changes of the menopause.” Riding with University in America showed
in the gym helps, especially A calcium-rich diet is also friends that prolonged periods of
working on the larger important to maintain optimal is healthy isolation are associated with
increased stress and related
changes in brain structure.
Which makes sense.
Human beings are social
creatures and, as a 2017
paper in the American
Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
put it, “social connection is
a pillar of lifestyle medicine”.
The paper continued: “From
psychological theories to
recent research, there’s
significant evidence that
feeling connected can help
people maintain a healthy
body mass index (BMI),
control blood sugars, improve
cancer survival, decrease
cardiovascular mortality,
decrease depressive
symptoms, mitigate post-
traumatic stress disorder
Images Getty Images, Russell Burton
symptoms and improve

overall mental health.”
Yes, solo rides have their
place, especially when life’s
hectic, but don’t forget to
ride and chat with your cycling
mates. Coffee breaks are
a good thing. Science says so.
James Witts

Training
zone
TOP TIP
source of advice and support make it easy to think that the
for Rebecca through social most normal things are an
Try raising media. “It was inclusive, from unnecessary risk,” says Clark.
the handlebar the elite athlete perspective “It isn’t much use if you’re
height and through to beginner cyclists,” already an active person, skilled
fitting
says Dr Douglas. “A lot of it was at a particular sport or used to
a shorter stem
if your bump evidence-based advice for training and racing, and can
or back starts exercise in pregnancy, such be alarming and discouraging.”
SHOULD I KEEP to feel less
comfortable
as Jessica Ennis-Hill’s blog She adds that this can put
and the Bump it Up book by women off, and many don’t
CYCLING DEEP INTO when you’re Professor Greg Whyte.” return to cycling after a long
PREGNANCY?
in a lower
break and a big life change.
position
on the bike. Recovery rides Dr Douglas says: “For
Lizzie Deignan and Ellen van The benefits of exercising while a regular cyclist who becomes
Dijk are among the numerous pregnant are, of course, many. pregnant, I’d encourage her
women in the pro peloton The National Childbirth Trust to keep cycling, and work
who’ve given birth and returned (NCT) website lists advantages with her to come up with an
to elite racing in recent times, from helping to reduce high individualised plan about how
providing a blueprint for how blood pressure and lowering best to continue.” He adds
it’s done. How can women the risk of pre-eclampsia that for some people, the
continue to enjoy cycling safely (a pregnancy complication) perceived risk of injury, such
during pregnancy, and how to shortening the length of as falling off or being hit by
quickly should mere mortals labour, and improving the a car, can be a big concern.
expect to get back on the bike likelihood of a straightforward
after giving birth?
Sheffield-based GP Dr
birth and recovery.
Kelly Clark, who works at
“For a regular
Andy Douglas, whose wife Sustrans, was commuting cyclist who
Rebecca Douglas continued
cycling during her pregnancy
around 60 miles a week by bike
before her first pregnancy, as becomes pregnant,
in 2021 – including riding to
her ultrasound scans – says
well as doing longer half-day
or full-day road or mountain
I’d encourage her
there’s a lack of advice around bike rides. She says official to keep cycling, and
exercise, and specifically
cycling, during pregnancy.
Easy rider
advice usually encourages only
gentle exercise, and finds this work with her to
Step-through
“I have knowledge and training
in it from my job as a GP, but
bikes are can be disquieting.
“It urges caution and is
come up with a plan
easier to get
otherwise the information on and off packed with disclaimers that on how to continue”
from most sources, such
as midwives, GPs and
pregnancy booklets, is fairly
limited,” he admits.
Indeed, the NHS website
offers a page of generic
‘exercise in pregnancy’ advice,
including “Keep up your normal
exercise for as long as you feel
comfortable” and “Exercises
that have a risk of falling, such
as horse riding, downhill skiing,
ice hockey, gymnastics and
cycling, should only be done
with caution. Falls carry a risk
of damage to your baby.” As
for intensity? “Do not exhaust
yourself” and “As a general rule,
you should be able to hold
a conversation as you exercise
when pregnant”. The site
advises consulting your
maternity team if in doubt.
Dr Douglas says cycling role
models and athletes such as
Sarah Storey were a helpful

Training
zone
“For my wife, this meant

choosing routes that she felt
more comfortable on, riding
with people she knew well
and avoiding trickier
conditions such as icy roads.”
He says that, from his time
working in the maternity
wards as a junior doctor, he
learnt how well protected
the baby is. “In reality, we
probably overestimate the
risk,” he concedes.
Deignan says specific
athlete-related advice was
hard to find during her first
pregnancy, so she just trusted
her own instincts. Like many
women, she found cycling
more comfortable than
walking. It also moved
the uncomfortable
fluid build-up around.
Deignan continued
cycling the same
routes during
3rd
In the third trimester, your
centre of gravity shifts
pregnancy, just slower. and it can affect your
“There were certainly
balance on the bike
days when I turned
around after five minutes
because I felt too fatigued or
it wasn’t right, but every day
was different,” she says.
“I learnt that baby was in
charge and I had to respect a designated cycleway, people Dr Douglas says: “After my
TOP TIP
Keep active
what my pregnancy was smile at you indulgently. If Walking may wife had a caesarean
telling me. It isn’t useful to You’ll burn you’re on a road sharing space be a safer (C-section) she was back on
more calories bet in later
compare, because every with cars, people often react the turbo having a tentative
when you’re pregnancy
pregnancy and every more negatively.” try after six weeks, then riding
pregnant, so
mother is different.” Deignan says she’s gentle off-road routes after
don’t forget to
keep properly experienced mixed reactions another week or two. During
Bump in the road fuelled, and to cycling when pregnant, but time after delivery, especially
The perceived risk of injury to remember to acknowledges that she may after a C-section, there’s
which Dr Douglas alludes can drink plenty once have been surprised to a much higher risk of blood
also be a common concern. of fluids too. see a heavily pregnant woman clots, so it’s especially
Regular cyclist Rhiannon cycling. “It’s different when important to start moving
Hedge says she stopped riding you’re in that situation. It’s about as soon as possible.”
her bike at seven months about each mother assessing A return to cycling may
because she felt too unsafe to what they think is a risk and also demand another bike
continue her usual commute also what they need for their adjustment, or a change
along busy roads with little own mental health.” She of riding style. Clark says:
cycling infrastructure. “When says she gets grumpy if she “After birth I found it took
you’re going much slower than doesn’t exercise regularly. a good few weeks before
you used to and you can’t react “I rely on being outside as well I was comfortable sitting on
quickly to dangerous driving, as the exercise itself to be a bike saddle again – I had
it can be intimidating,” she says. happy and relaxed.” to ride ‘BMX style’ for a while
New segregated cycleways How quickly any woman to avoid sitting down.”
have since been built in her can return to cycling after It seems that because
Images Getty Images
home city, Cardiff, transforming giving birth will also depend everyone is unique, it’s hard to
Hedge’s experience. There’s on the delivery and any labour give blanket advice. So listen
also a difference in people’s complications, for which it’s to your body, your instinct and
reaction. “If you’re cycling best to get advice from the your maternity team, and work
through a park or on maternity team or your GP. within your limits. Nicola Smith

Training
zone
MASTERCLASS
Plot a Euro
Adventure
Your essential checklist for the
ultimate cycling holiday in 2025
01
Why not make the most of HERE Jet off
Do you have
on high mountain passes such
as the Passo dello Stelvio in Italy,
the long nights at this time TO HELP a bucket-list ride
you want to tick which, after a harsh winter, may
of year to plan your next off the list? not open until June. Dead-end
mountain roads, which aren’t
big cycling adventure? a priority for snow clearance, will
You’ll probably have to start take much longer to clear.
with the grand idea – the Clare Dewey
Clare is the
CHOOSE THE On Tour
RIGHT TIME
Big events
destination, or even the founder of mean high
https://epic prices for
specific mountain pass roadrides.com, tourists
Got a dream destination in
(turn the page for a few a website
mind that you want to tick
that provides
suggestions) – and then inspiration and off your cycling bucket list?
information to Consider the time of year
work backwards into the cyclists looking you’ll be travelling before
to explore the
finer details. That’s where world by bike.
booking. Look out for events,
such as the Tour de France,
this issue’s Masterclass It covers over
when prices can be inflated
80 destinations
comes in. With years of worldwide and availability limited. The
weather can also vary
experience planning hugely month to month.
inspiring rides, our expert Don’t assume the high
guide Clare Dewey can help mountain pass you’re
travelling miles to ride will
you decide when to go, be open just because it’s
officially spring. Snow can
what to take and how to hang around for a long time
make it a highlight of 2025. in the mountains, particularly
92 JANUARY 2025
Training
zone
£75
Ryanair will charge you
£75 one way for a pre-
booked bike. Some
airlines have no fee
Choosing the right accommodation for your

trip can make a big difference. Look for
somewhere that really understands cyclists
and offers useful facilities, including secure
bike storage, tools and cycle hire options. CHECK THE RULES
Some hoteliers will appear surprised when they
realise you’re not willing to leave your pride Planning on taking your bike with you? Check airline rules to Box clever
and joy locked outside. Ski resort hotels, on see what they say about sporting equipment, and compare the Bike box or
bike bag? Both
the other hand, are often well set up for bike costs before booking. Short-haul costs vary, but you’ll probably have their pros
storage, because they’re used to handling have to pay around £50 each way to transport your bike. Some and cons
masses of ski and snowboard equipment in long-haul carriers allow you to check in your bike box as part of
their basements. Not sure where to start? Get your hold luggage allowance. Want to drive or hire a car? Find
recommendations from trusted sources out which documents are needed – for example an International
online or speak with your friends about places Driving Permit may be required (and there are types for different
they’ve stayed and loved. countries). Know the highway code for the country you’re visiting.
04 05
Ferry good
Ride-on boat
passengers
usually don’t
have to pay
for their bikes
CHECK LOCAL LINKS GET COVERED

Familiarise yourself with Before you set off, make sure
the transport you’ll need to you have adequate insurance
use and find out the rules cover. In Europe, make sure
around bikes. Some train and you have a GHIC (Global
bus operators may require Health Insurance Card). This
you to pay an extra fee or card gives you access to
box up your bike, or will only state-run hospitals, but it
Images Joseph Branston; Getty; Andy McCandlish
allow you on with your bike won’t necessarily grant you

at certain times of day. On completely free medical care.
cross-Channel ferries, you’ll That’s where travel insurance
likely pay a fee to transport comes in! As well as medical
your bike on the roof or boot cover, consider polices that
of your car (though it’ll likely include trip cancellation,
be free if you cycle onto repatriation and curtailment.
the boat). It’s also worth Many travel insurance policies
checking for bike shops exclude some kinds of cycling,
on your planned rides – so read the policy wording
you never know when you carefully. And don’t forget
may need assistance. insurance for your bike.

Training
zone
06
MAKE USE OF
LOCAL EXPERTISE
Looking for extra support
on the ground and the chance
to learn more about the area
you’re cycling through? Hiring
a local guide for the day
is a great option for anyone
new to cycling holidays, or
those who just want some
good company! They’ll
coax you up long mountain
passes, pass on crucial local
knowledge and act as a
translator if you don’t know
the lingo. Or book with a tour
operator. They should help
with the logistics and take the
hassle out of planning a trip.
100
You could find a route
07
on Strava. The
platform now has
08
PLOT A GREAT ROUTE over 100 million
registered users.
Drink up
Do your research to find the best
Keep well-
hydrated cycling routes before you head off. You
in the heat don’t want to end up on a popular Strava route,
MODIFY YOUR only to find out it’s busy because it’s a daily
commuter route and you’ve missed out on
PHONE SETTINGS lots of amazing roads and local highlights. That
said, sites/apps such as Strava and Komoot
If you’re planning to navigate can be useful for route suggestions and
with your phone or expect downloading GPS files that you can use. Hotels Surface check
Google Street
to be out all day, it’s worth set up to look after cyclists can usually help out View is useful
preserving battery life. Low- with local routes, or may even have organised for previewing
battery mode and dimming rides that you can join from the front door. the road or trail
the screen can both help.
Many modern battery packs
can provide a lot of power
for a low weight so consider
09
packing one if your ride
is especially long and your
KEEP HYDRATED Look out for cafés or water
fountains, and take any
phone or bike computer is Staying hydrated is essential opportunities to refill when
prone to running out of juice in the sun. You’ll get through they arise. If in doubt, fill it up,
quickly. You can’t always rely much more liquid in higher drink it, then fill it up again.
on reception, especially in temperatures. If you’re If it’s going to be a scorcher,
rural locations, so know your heading somewhere remote, it’s worth packing some
route and have a back-up research the route and electrolytes to help prevent
plan for if you can’t access identify places you can refill dehydration. They replace the
Wi-Fi or your battery dies. your bottles during the day. salts lost through your sweat.

Training
zone
DESTINATIONS
Three inspiring routes for an
unforgettable cycling holiday
Route des Grandes Alpes, France
10
Take on an iconic cycling route through
the French Alps from Geneva to Nice. The
precise stats vary, but you’re looking at
Alongside the essentials of Bare roughly 720km, 17,000m of climbing
PACK THE any cycling trip (helmet, bib necessities and 18 major cols, including the Galibier
ESSENTIALS
Sunglasses,
shorts, jerseys) you should a jacket and and Iseran. It’s a serious challenge!
also consider where you’re some chamois
Create a packing list to make going and the time of year. For cream are Euro
essentials
sure you have all the basics example, even in midsummer,
(and any extras) you need for if you’re planning to ride in
your cycling holiday. There’s high mountains you’ll want to
a lot more to remember pack a windproof jacket, arm
than on a normal trip, and warmers and gloves, so that
the gear often takes up you can properly enjoy the
a huge amount of space. long, fast descents.
ESSENTIAL TECH Via Francigena, Italy

Discover some of Italy’s most scenic
This trio will help you to get the most out of your trip
landscapes by bike on the historic Via
Francigena route. The 280km section
from Siena to Rome takes in idyllic Tuscan
landscapes, iconic Italian cities and the
country’s legendary white gravel roads.
Garmin Edge 840 Insta360 Ace Pro Epic Road

Solar GPS £519.99 camera £329.99 Rides website
Investing in a GPS bike Photos from your phone Looking for beautifully
computer allows you to are one thing, but high- crafted, in-depth
track your progress and definition video footage content to help you
find your way through of your trip from a state- plan your cycling
Images Joseph Branston; Getty
unfamiliar lands. This of-the-art camera trips? Epicroadrides.com

touchscreen Edge unit is another. Insta360’s is home to hundreds Shimanami Kaido, Japan
has up to a whopping 60 Ace Pro comes with of articles on cycling Looking for a two-wheeled adventure
hours of battery life (in a Leica lens, and in 80+ destinations further afield? The Shimanami Kaido is
battery saver mode) to performs particularly worldwide. And there’s one of Japan’s most famous cycling
help you on your way. admirably in low light. no paywall! routes. This ride connects several islands,
taking in fishing towns, beautiful temples
and coastal scenery.

Left Below
Oli had just two He had to be
punctures on his careful not
trusty Genesis to disturb any
Tour De Fer hungry bears
EXPERIENCE emerge from hibernation and

they’re peckish. Travelling on long,
empty roads by bike meant I made
“Grizzly bear attacks

far less noise than large vehicles
so the chances of surprising a bear
were very real and I needed to be
are a major hazard when

prepared. Close to my camp in
Alaska I found a half-eaten moose
carcass, which helped explain the
cycling through Alaska” grizzly bear prints in the snow.

The idea of cycling 3,500 miles/
5,633km – equivalent to the
distance from London to Dubai –
Oli France, 33, from Lancashire, rode 3,500 miles from can be overwhelming. I focused on
Death Valley in California to Mount Denali in Alaska smaller goals – getting through the
next hour, reaching the next rest
stop or covering the day’s mileage.
. In March 2024, I embarked adjusted to the challenge, but Follow Oli’s Reaching the summit of Denali
on a ride that’s part of my after that, I found my rhythm and Ultimate Seven was a profound moment. Standing
Ultimate Seven project, where I was able to tackle back-to-back progress at 6,194m/20,110ft, I felt a mix of
I’m aiming to journey from the 100-mile days. @oli_france elation, relief and overwhelming
lowest to the highest points on all The scenery as I approached the fatigue. I realised how much I’d
seven continents. After years of northern Yukon and Alaska was poured into achieving this goal.
dreaming, researching and gaining breathtaking, with endless snowy Descending the mountain, I was
experience, I was ready to take on mountains, and encounters with then hit with a wave of euphoria.
what would be the most physically, wildlife such as moose, bears and Next up is South America, where
mentally and logistically bald eagles. These moments made I’ll cycle 1,600 miles and climb
demanding challenge of my life. all the hardships worthwhile. As Aconcagua (6,961m/22,838ft), the
Words Rob Kemp Photography Oli France, Aaron Rolph
The early days of the ride were spring arrives, thousands of bears highest mountain in Argentina.”
gruelling. Three days in, I was
battling strong headwinds in
Nevada, already feeling the strain
mentally as well as on my body.
I had two young children at home,
Oli’s bear necessities
and the thought of being away
01 Pack a deterrent bear 02 I ride a steel-framed 03 Don’t underestimate the
Beware of bears Have a suitable bike Seek out springs
for 10 weeks, combined with the
physical pain and the pressure spray. This is a chilli-based Genesis Tour De Fer, which is power of natural hot springs.
of staying on schedule, had me aerosol that can buy you time built for long-distance journeys They’re perfect for soaking
doubting whether I could finish. when a bear charges at you. and is perfect if you’re going weary muscles, and the
I had to push through the pain Cook away from the tent and self-supported and carrying hot-water therapy prepared
barrier before my body finally store cooking clothes with food. around 30kg of kit and food. me for my most brutal day.

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FINAL
WORD
MUSINGS ON THE WORLD OF PRO CYCLING
The last
broadcast
Ned contemplates the loss of
the Tour de France from ITV
There are far, far more important things going

on in the world than what I’m about to outline.
People I know are facing real hardship, dealing with the
toughest of circumstances that bear down directly on
their lives. I want to set this all in its proper context:
cycling on the telly is simply a form of entertainment,
that’s all. So, please let’s remember that.
The news I’d been anticipating, even if hoping that
I wouldn’t read, was confirmed. After nearly 25 years,
ITV’s association with the Tour de France will come
to a close once the show goes off air after stage 21 of the
2025 race. There will be no further live broadcasts
or highlights shows. While you never know for sure,
I’d imagine that is the last we’ll see of the Tour
on free-to-air TV in the UK. Once sports migrate job of showing the vast amount of racing all year long,
in that direction, it tends to be a one-way process. to have to share the rights to the Tour de France. The
In the 23 years of my participation, first as a reporter Tour eclipses everything else. It towers over the
and over the past nine years as the commentator, I’ve calendar, and for the vast majority of the cycling public,
watched the audience grow and then shrink back. The is the only race of the year they’ll watch.
Ned Boulting
peak of the viewership was, of course, in 2012, when Sports journalist I’ve heard the argument that Eurosport’s subscriber
Bradley Wiggins won the GC – the first British rider —— base has been, to some extent, built by the free-to-air
Ned is the main
to do so – and Mark Cavendish the final sprint down the commentator platforms (the BBC included) that have promoted the
Champs-Élysées. But since then, it’s been slowly for ITV’s Tour de sport to a far wider audience in the first place.
France coverage
declining most years, retreating to a sizeable number and editor of The There’s no way of knowing this, and it remains only
(certainly bigger than when I began in 2003), but no Road Book. He a suggestion, albeit a logical enough theory.
also tours his own
longer one big enough to merit its profitable inclusion one-man show
The new landscape may lead to a better outcome for
in the schedules. ITV obviously need to generate enough the new exclusive rights holders (for whom many of my
advertising revenue to fund the programme production closest friends in TV work, and for whom I have a great
and pay for the broadcast rights, which have been deal of respect). But it’s hard to spin it in any other way
pushed ever higher by increasing pressure from than as a loss for cycling in the UK, which, having
subscription services. It was only a matter of time before scrabbled around to gain a fingerhold in the public
the tipping point was reached. imagination, is now being slowly erased. The visibility
There’s no blame attached to any of the parties in this the free-to-air coverage gave the sport was an
negotiation. ASO have a right to sell to the highest bidder incalculable benefit. It will henceforth inhabit the same
and ITV aren’t a charity, nor are they in receipt of the space as winter sports – there for those who seek it but
licence fee that can sometimes justify a wider public gone for the rest. And many of those who will no longer
responsibility to the viewer. The bottom line is that not be exposed to its wonder are the future riders of
enough people watched. It’s as simple as that. tomorrow – champions such as Tom Pidcock, who told
Image Getty Images / Tim de Waele
It’s hard to know how many disenfranchised ITV me he grew up with the 7pm highlights every summer
viewers will now take up subscriptions to follow the evening. He’s far from alone in that regard.
Tour going forward. I suspect there will be many, but I’ve been in TV sport for long enough to know that
I’ve no idea how many. The difference between accessing these things happen, and that 25 years is a heck of a long
the race on an open-source TV channel such as ITV4 and time for any sport to stay on any channel. It was a good,
adding another subscription to our already subscription- Above Daily ITV long run. I’m incredibly honoured to have been a part
Tour coverage
heavy lives is significant. of it, and I’ll miss covering the race for ITV with all my
and highlights
Either way, I understand how unsatisfactory it must shows will cease heart. But the bitter truth at the core of it all is this – not
have been for Eurosport, who do such an outstanding after 2025 enough of us cared. Not really.

THE ART OF BEING SEEN
A i D R I V E N B R A K E S E N S I N G T E C H N O L O G Y,
THE NEXT LEVEL IN CYCLING SAFETY
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THE UK’S BEST-SELLING CYCLING MAGAZINE

ISSUE 426 ● JANUARY 2025

THE BIG REVEAL

TRAINING ZONE How to turn back time

By the time you read this,

through the nominations and voting process,

John Whitney, Senior Editor – Cycling Plus

Your experts What we think

Michael Crawley Katherine Moore

4 JANUARY 2025 cyclingplus.com

THE BIKE TEST p22

p22 Allroad e-bikes

p35 Rider of the Year

p40 Natural navigators

p46 Why we like to suffer

INSIDE EVERY ISSUE

RIDDEN & RATED p57

bikeradar.com JANUARY 2025 5

6 JANUARY 2025 cyclingplus.com

bikeradar.com JANUARY 2025 7

Oz against the world Land of Ned

in January (Bloomsbury Sport, £22)

Go figure The month in numbers

8 JANUARY 2025 cyclingplus.com

Bob Parlee – founder of Parlee Cycles – died

bikeradar.com JANUARY 2025 9

LUKE WHO’S WALKING

The Triple Crown AN AUSSIE RULES

‘Tintin’ Rebellin in Italy in 2022. The

Cube Nuroad Shaving weight

£5,999 The cheapest complete bike with on the seat tube

SRAM Red XPLR AXS we’ve seen to date

Cube’s Nuroad C:62 SLT adventures into consideration with

12 JANUARY 2025 cyclingplus.com

bikeradar.com JANUARY 2025 13

OPINION: THE GOLDEN AGE OF CYCLING?

I’m sitting in my little office all of the water-pollution problems

14 JANUARY 2025 cyclingplus.com

historic northern port of Roscoff is There are three airports in Brittany –

straight onto numerous cross- Accommodation

18 JANUARY 2025 cyclingplus.com

Christmas gift guide

20 DECEMBER 2024 cyclingplus.com

01 Cycology Totally Cactus 05 Bridgedale Off Road

02 OnGuard Zip Locks 06 Lezyne Classic Pedal Rod

04 Alpkit Lunar Toploader 08 Prendas Cycling Jerseys

The Bike Test

22 JANUARY 2025 cyclingplus.com

bikeradar.com JANUARY 2025 23

24 JANUARY 2025 cyclingplus.com

Reach e-road and e-gravel

Power meter Wh – Watt-hour

bikeradar.com JANUARY 2025 25

01 At 69°, the head

26 JANUARY 2025 cyclingplus.com

Sonder El Camino Apex 1

bikeradar.com JANUARY 2025 27

Ribble Allroad SL R e Pro