Bicycling
fromBikeMag
23 hours agoDon't Buy Your Next MTB Wheelset Until You Read This Comparison
Carbon MTB wheels are generally worth the investment due to their stiffness and reliability, but high-end alloy wheels remain a strong alternative.
Batch aims to repeat the process, now in the gravel corner of the industry. Now, surely, these new gravel offerings won't completely knock your socks off, but that isn't Batch's intention. However, will they get new riders out on two wheels without the incredible cost barrier? Absolutely.
Why Cycling Gloves Wear Out So Fast The palm of your glove absorbs: Constant road vibration Brake pressure and grip force Sweat and salt Friction against bar tape Impact in the event of a fall That contact area gets worked every single mile. Helmets last years. Shoes last seasons. Bib shorts rotate. Gloves? If you ride consistently, one year is normal.
Start with the tires and chain. Is your chain cleaned and lubed? Is the sealant in your tubeless tires good to go? If not, refresh both. Pop your bike in a stand like the Feedback Sports Pro Mechanic or Sport Mechanic 2.0, confirming that it's shifting correctly and brakes are functioning properly before embarking on any significant cycling journey.
The GP5000 S TR is the all-rounder, balancing weight and protection for a fast but durable (and puncture protected) ride. Designed for general purpose road riding, the new size lets you push the boundaries of what "all road" really means. And the increased volume means you can run lower pressures for more traction and comfort while doing so.
The new absoluteBLACK MTB 4-Pot Brake Piston Press Tool slides into your calipers (with the pads removed) to quickly and evenly press the pistons back to a neutral position. This lets you reinstall the pads with plenty of space for new (or any) rotors, then squeeze your brake lever to advance them to the right position.
The beauty of chainrings is that they wear out, generally after a few seasons depending on how you ride, which means they are a perfect opportunity to give your old bike some new bling. At $75 a pop, they aren't exactly cheap. But the precision of these machined-in-Colorado 7075 chainrings is on point, and Wheels Mfg has a long record of making solid, long-lasting components.
It uses a semi-closed cell foam that works by slowly absorbing the air pressure in fully inflated tires. Then, when you puncture, the rapid release of air from your tire causes them to swell up and fill the tire, keeping you riding on air...almost like normal.
BBB CoreCap has reinvented the lowly bicycle tire valve with a design that boosts airflow, improves durability, expands pump compatibility, and even possibly sheds a bit of weight. Their new CoreCap design is a mash-up up the two major tire valve options - Presta & Schrader, and yet it manages to avoid the main pitfalls of each. Less chance of clogged valves with up to 3x more airflow from the same skinny valve as before.
Electric mini-pumps were among the many trendy products in 2025. From Silca and Trek to Cycplus and Muc-Off, many brands threw their hats into the portable tire inflator ring. Topeak was among them, and its E-Booster Digital was my first experience using one of these new-fangled gadgets. Topeak didn't waste much time, and it recently introduced its second pocket-sized compressor, the new E-Booster Digital Mini.
Rimpact's Chain Damper was launched in 2024, and since then, interest in drivetrain feedback mitigation seems to be gaining momentum. The fact that current World Cup DH ruler Jackson Goldstone uses a similar device on his bike has likely caused quite a spike in interest. On their part, Rimpact supported 15 World Cup DH Teams through last season, and they're expecting that number to grow this year.
For its partnership with Tune, Reserve chose its high-performing SL Tubulent Aero rims. However, they didn't limit the options to one size; they included all three aero profiles in their lineup: 34/37 SL TA, 42/49 SL TA, and 57/64 SL TA. Reserve designed its Turbulent Aero rims to withstand real-world racing conditions rather than the controlled airflow found in some testing environments. And the SL (Super Light) rims shave 60g off a wheelset while delivering the same performance.
After launching several new products in 2025, Silca's first new product to hit the market in 2026 is Hold Fast Carbon Paste. The self-proclaimed " leader in marginal gains," Silca is already well-known for its high-quality bike pumps, multi-tools, immersion waxes, drip lubes, and much more. The brand continues to expand its ever-growing portfolio of products, typically with the goal of improving upon existing options on the market. That also seems to be the intention with its new Hold Fast Carbon Paste.
Washington's long-time carbon wheel brand, Light Bicycle, just released what might be the first widely accessible 32″ carbon MTB wheelset. Starting at a little over $1,400, the new Anax32 XC is ready to purchase now and carries a 5-year Pro Warranty. Light Bicycle's Anax32 XC wheelset is at the front of the pack on the emerging 32-inch mountain bike space. The wheelset is geared towards the cross-country rider, so the set is relatively light. But each carbon hoop weighs 380g.
The Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) has solved many problems. If you've ever had a cycling weekend cut short due to a bent or broken derailleur hanger and not been able to find a replacement, you know what I'm talking about. The UDH eventually gave way to SRAM's direct-mount derailleurs, both electronic and mechanical. However, these direct-mount derailleurs posed challenges for some indoor trainers, often requiring users to fiddle with tricky adapters or ditch them altogether.