POC’s VPD Air kneepads were my go-to knees for quite a while, as I liked their minimal leg coverage and how well they stayed in place. Given that experience, I was stoked to try out the new VPD Max kneepads. I’ve been riding them since June and found they are very secure on the leg, offer zero restriction of mobility, and have remained perfectly comfortable the whole time.

VPD Max Kneepads – Construction

POC recommends the VPD Max kneepads for downhill, enduro, or technical trail riding. Their main feature is the two-layer VPD construction on the knee padding, which provides level 2 protection. This new protector allows for some movement between the layers, helping the pad stay properly positioned on your leg during a crash. POC’s VPD (Visco-elastic Polymer Dough) protectors stay soft enough to hug the shape of your leg when they’re warmed up, but they harden upon impact. The VPD protectors are perforated to allow airflow, and ergonomically shaped to ensure comfort while you’re in the riding position.

Aside from the knee protector, there’s just a simple sleeve and some grippy hems on these slip-on knees. The pads’ soft Lycra sleeves stretch and move with your leg, and basically provide zero resistance as your leg bends. A more durable outer fabric covers the knee padding itself.

Keeping these pads in place are silicone-printed hems. The upper hem is 2” wide, but the silicone printing covers 1.5” of that. POC ensured the upper sleeves were nice and long so the upper hem can grab your thigh and stay put. The rear half of the lower hem features the same silicone print to grip the upper calf.

POC says these pads can be washed on a gentle cycle… but the fine print says: “This product’s performance has been verified up to a maximum of five washes at 30° C.” I guess if you wash your pads often, it might be best to hand wash them. On that note, the VPD protector is not removable; it’s fully sewn in.

If you ride with elbow pads, POC has a matching set of VPD Max Elbows which also feature the two-layer protector. 

Ride Impressions: Fit/Comfort

Following POC’s sizing guide, I requested size medium pads, and they fit me very well. Due to the sleeves’ long upper sleeve, the top hem of these pads sits very high up my leg. They sit so high up that I almost had issues pushing certain shorts up enough to get the hems properly positioned. Some of my slimmer-fitting shorts’ legs were getting tight on my thighs by the time I had them pushed out of the way.

Thankfully, every pair of shorts I tried did accommodate the VPD Max kneepads, so I never had to put the pads on first, then pull my shorts on over top.

The bottom of the VPD padding doesn’t extend far below the knee, but it does cover about 3” beneath my kneecaps. If shin protection is a priority for you, the VPD Max kneepads don’t offer much, but the minimal leg coverage is nice for hot weather rides. The dual-layer knee padding sits right over my kneecaps and never shifted around while I rode.

Right away I found the VPD Max’s top hems are pretty snug, but they do their job and keep the pads in place. The first time I wore the pads, it immediately felt like having two rubber bands wrapped around my thighs. I hoped this wouldn’t be annoying or uncomfortable, and thankfully the hems were easily forgotten on the trail.

While the hems left well-defined impressions of their silicone grippers around my legs, they’re not tight enough to cause any muscle-related discomfort. By the third time I wore the pads, the upper hems were becoming less noticeable. So far the hems haven’t loosened up noticeably, which is a good sign for the pads’ longevity. 

On the bottom end, the VPD Max’s knee padding does sit right on your shin, but I never found the bottom edges pushing against my leg enough to be uncomfortable. I also had no comfort issues with the lower hems, which don’t fit quite as tightly as the uppers. After all my rides over the last month and a half, I have no complaints about discomfort of any kind from the VPD Max kneepads.

Fit with Pants

Since I tested these pads in the summer, I almost forgot to try riding them with pants. The knee protection on the VPD Max kneepads is a tad bulky, but I went right for my slimmest-fitting MTB pants and the pads were totally fine underneath. I had no issues with the kneepads feeling tight inside the pant legs, and they never got hung up or tugged on them as I pedalled. Since these pads stay in place so well, you’ll probably never have to shift them back into position mid-ride, and that’s ideal when you’re wearing pants.

Security

From my first test ride, the VPD Max knees provided a secure fit. Those snug upper hems and grippers work very well, as I’ve never once had to readjust these pads during a ride. The lower hems help hold the pads in position, too. While putting them on, you can feel the silicone printed backsides of the hems gripping your calves.

Throughout hot, sweaty rides, three-hour-plus pedals, and all my other test laps, the VPD Max knees simply stayed put. I even rode them with a budget-friendly chamois that doesn’t have tight-fitting legs, and despite no extra support from the chamois, the pads didn’t budge at all.

After a few rides, I noticed some minor stretching of the sleeve fabric on the backside of the pads, but the fabric has not stretched out considerably and it never bunched up inside my knees.

Mobility/Warmth

The VPD Max Kneepads are possibly the best knees I’ve ridden in terms of pedalling mobility. As soon as I bent a leg in them, I was impressed with the unrestricted freedom of movement. The only thing that flexes when you bend your knee is the Lycra sleeve, so there’s pretty much zero resistance. The VPD knee padding itself is fairly short, so it doesn’t have to flex as your leg bends.

As for warmth, it’s nice to know the VPD padding is perforated, but I can’t say I felt air flowing right through it during rides. As mentioned, most of your lower leg remains exposed in these pads, but the upper sleeves do cover a lot of the thigh. The sleeves don’t allow wind to breeze right through, but overall these pads aren’t excessively warm, so I’ve had no problem riding them in mid-summer temperatures.

The VPD Max Kneepads are available in sizes XS-XL, and come in Black only. MSRP is $170. POC includes a mesh carry bag with each pair.

poc.com

Remember the patent story I wrote a year and a half ago that predicted all the latest wireless Di2 derailleurs, or the one more than two years back that teased 13-speed Shimano cassettes? Well, that early tease is getting supported by several recent partial slip-ups from several different companies in the bike industry. And it all points to a new Shimano GRX 1x 13-speed update on the near horizon, possibly with Dura-Ace 13-speed coming not far behind?

So what do we know?

Is Shimano going 13-speed with a new MicroSpline Road freehub?

About a week ago, DT Swiss revamped their affordable aluminum 1800-series of road, endurance all-road & gravel bike wheels. Out of those three separate disciplines, only one, the gravel G1800, included a slightly new reference to a previously-unannounced freehub standard. DT called it “MicroSpline Road” in their press kit. We could have written that off as no big deal… if there wasn’t anything else floating around. Plenty of Shimano gravel groupsets were already using MicroSpline since GRX 1×12 shares wide-range MTB cassettes on MicroSpline freehubs.

So why a separate MicroSpline Road?

It turns out the next one to reveal a bit more was German online retailer Bike-Discount.de.

They listed those new DT Swiss G 1800 Spline wheels with a bit more detail on freehub options, and some telling freehub body product codes. In addition to classic SRAM XDR (AXDR) & Shimano HG 11s (ASF11), we see two other options with very similar codes: Shimano MicroSpline 12s (ASL12R) & Shimano 13-speed (ASL13R).

The 12-speed MicroSpline seems to be the current MTB standard, and the new ASL13R appears to be the next-level progression that DT was calling MicroSpline Road. Similar product numbers would make sense for both being the same spline pattern. But this one goes to 13!

Why, you ask?

Perhaps a new 13-speed MicroSpline road freehub needs more space to fit that extra gear? Shimano, SRAM & Campagnolo have all used a few tricks in the past to fit more cogs of the same width in the same spacing before – sometimes pushing those cogs closer to the frame/dropout surface, and sometimes cantilevering them over hub flanges & spokes. The fact that Shimano would need another, slightly different freehub body suggests they couldn’t find more space with the existing MicroSpline, and needed to push it a bit further…

Shimano 13-speed isn’t guaranteed, but it’s not just speculation either

Shimano has been teasing us with 13-speed cassettes in the patent drawings for at least two years. They could have easily put 12 cogs on that cassette if they weren’t trolling us.

And in the meantime, both SRAM and Campagnolo have launched 13-speed gravel & road groupsets. So, it’s high time for Shimano to catch up.

When is it coming to gravel? And when will Shimano 13sp hit the road?

That’s something we don’t know. Shimano hasn’t told us when to expect a new dropbar groupset. Frankly, with fairly recent GRX 12-speed launches, we wouldn’t have expected a new Shimano gravel launch any time soon. But the fact that DT Swiss is debuting this new freehub body option only on their gravel wheels (and clearly not on the road & all-road variants) suggests gravel is likely to get 13-speeds first. That probably does make the most sense, giving more range or smoother gearing steps to 1x drivetrains.

Yet really, we’ve been waiting for a new Dura-Ace groupset for several years. DT is calling the new 13sp freehub ‘MicroSpline Road’ which sounds to us like it’s laying the groundwork for a 13-speed road groupset, too. The fact that we didn’t see it on pro bikes at this year’s Tour de France suggests it likely won’t be ready until at least next spring.

But let’s just say that Shimano & DT have piqued our interest. And we’ll be keeping our eyes open to spot an extra cog on pro road and gravel bikes over the next few months!

bike.Shimano.com

At Sea Otter, Giro had several new road and mountain bike shoes on display. Among them was the all-new Chamber Trail. Based on the Chamber III, it shares the same outsole, sole stiffness, and general fit with its gravity-oriented sibling. But with its trail-oriented intended use, the Trail version is a bit lighter with a thinner, more ventilated upper, BOA Fit System closure, and a stretch ankle cuff. 

When I saw Giro’s new Chamber Trail back in April, I knew right then that I wanted to try them out. I got my hands on a pair back in June, and I’ve been riding in them off and on ever since. So far, I’ve found them to be a well-balanced mountain bike shoe that has been serving me well on everything from my mid-travel trail bike to long-travel e-enduro bikes. I wouldn’t go so far as to call them perfect, but they’re a great all-around option that I’m happy to slip on for most rides.

Giro Chamber Trail

Check Price at REI

Specifications

• MSRP: $220
• Intended use: Trail, all-mountain, enduro
• Weight: 437 g/shoe, 874 g/pair (size 43.5)
• Uppers: Microfiber
• Outsole: Sensor rubber
• Sizes: Whole; 36 – 48 EU, half: 42.5 – 45.5
• Colors: Black, dark sage, white

Pros

• Good-looking
• Balanced sole stiffness
• Versatile on-bike performance
• Stretch ankle cuff helps keep debris out

Cons

• Low toe box height
• Potential durability issue with stretch ankle cuff

Jeremy Benson

Before jumping into my review, here’s a quick rundown of the new Chamber Trail Shoes. According to Giro, the Trail is “built on the same tri-molded DH platform as the World Cup-winning Chamber.” In fact, the outsole, midsole, cleat box, and stiffness are identical to that of the Chamber III. That includes the “custom DH shank with +10mm of cleat setback,” and the full-coverage Sensor rubber outsole with the Gamma tread pattern. 

With the Chamber Trail, however, Giro says it has been “engineered to deliver a lighter feel and enhanced ventilation.” This includes the thinner microfiber upper with large mesh ventilation panels on both sides of the midfoot. The closure consists of a single BOA Fit System Li2 dial with a stretchy, knit ankle cuff to keep debris out of your shoes. The heel pocket is lightly reinforced, as is the front of the toe box. 

Fit and Comfort

I’ve ridden in many pairs of Giro mountain bike shoes in the past decade or two, and I’ve pretty much always gotten along with the fit. That’s especially true of the brand’s XC and gravel shoes, like the Empire XC and Stylus XC, which seem to fit my foot shape like a glove. The Chamber Trail has a bit more of a relaxed and slightly roomier fit than those shoes, comparatively speaking.

The size 43.5 Chamber Trail fit true to size in length, but slipping them on for the first time, I immediately noticed one of this shoe’s quirks. The toe box is fairly shallow in height, and I could feel it against the top of my toes, especially my big toes. I didn’t and still don’t find it uncomfortable necessarily, although it is noticeable pretty much all of the time. 

The width of the Chamber Trail feels about average to me, although the overall volume is a bit greater than my relatively low-volume feet. The stock footbed is quite thin and basic, and after the first few rides, I switched it out for something with a little more support and volume to get a snugger fit. I’m happy I did, too, because that enabled me to feel more secure in the shoes without having to crank down on the BOA closure as much. 

On that note, I’ve found the BOA Fit System does a good job of evenly tensioning the whole shoe, which is not always the case with single-dial closures. Before adding the aftermarket footbed, I was cranking the BOA down, which resulted in the upper wire digging into my tendons a bit. Since adding the footbed, however, that hasn’t been an issue. 

The stretch ankle cuff does a great job of keeping debris out of the shoes, and it hasn’t caused me any discomfort whatsoever. That said, I think the ankle cuff poses a potential minor durability issue. The cuff itself is very stretchy, and it is stitched directly onto the backside of the not-stretchy microfiber uppers. Given that one material wants to stretch and the other is static, I’ve already popped a couple of those stitches (only one of the four stitched spots) just putting them on and taking them off. To be clear, this doesn’t impact the shoes’ comfort or performance in any way, but it seems like a minor design flaw.

On the Trail with the Chamber Trail

I’ve ridden quite a bit in the Chamber III as well as the Chamber II that came before it, so I had some expectations for their performance. Underfoot, the Chamber sole delivers that familiar balanced sole stiffness that feels plenty efficient for any length of pedaling mission, putting your effort into the drivetrain while providing great fore/aft and lateral support. At the same time, they avoid being too stiff, so they’ve got a bit of forgiveness on long, rough descents, and when you’re just walking around.

Like the Chamber III, the Trail has more than enough cleat adjustability for my needs and presumably enough setback for gravity riders who like to really slam their cleats. I’ve found the sole to interface well with the platforms on the Wolf Tooth Shift and OneUp Clip pedals that I’ve been testing them with. That positive pedal/sole interface adds to their lateral stability and locked-in feel. 

I wouldn’t call the uppers the most supportive, but they don’t exactly feel floppy either. Since upgrading the footbed, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in foot security and stability, simply from taking up some volume and getting a more precise fit. 

With large mesh panels on both sides of the foot, I had high hopes that these shoes would be well-vented, especially since it has been 90+ degrees for the past month and a half straight. I’ve found the ventilation to be decent, but not quite as airy as I expected. This could be partly due to the fact that I’ve been comparing them to the new Crankbrothers Trail Vent shoes, which are super breezy, so that might be a bit of an unfair assessment.

In the weight department, my size 43.5 test shoes weighed in at 436g and 438g, for a total of 874g for the pair. That’s about 90g lighter than the Chamber III in the same size, and much more competitive with similar trail-oriented shoes like the Crankbrothers Mallet Trail BOA and the Fox Union BOA, for example. They certainly don’t feel heavy on the feet.

Style-wise, I think the new Chamber Trail look pretty good, too. They don’t hide the fact that they’re bike shoes, but they don’t stick out like a sore thumb, either. I’ve been testing a black pair, but the dark sage would definitely be my first choice if I were getting another set. In my opinion, the dark green upper and gum sole offer a cool style you don’t find too often in clipless mountain bike shoes.

My Takeaway

Giro’s Chamber Trail shoes fill an important gap in the Giro mountain bike shoe lineup, and finally give the trail-riding crowd an option to consider (other than the Chamber III). I’ve found them to provide a well-balanced on-trail performance, making them a solid option for any ride on any bike with more than 120mm of rear wheel travel.  

While I’ve been enjoying riding in them, they do have a couple of minor quirks. Given the shallow height of the toe box, I’d suggest that folks try them on before purchasing if possible to ensure they’ll work for you. If you’ve got an average width but low-volume foot like me, you might need to invest in an aftermarket footbed to dial them in. And I’ll be keeping an eye on those ankle cuff stitches and report back with an update if it becomes problematic. 

Otherwise, if they fit your feet, I think Giro’s Chamber Trail is a solid new option that will meet the demands of the vast majority of mountain bikers out there. It’s a versatile all-arounder that’s certainly worth considering; just try them on first.

giro.com

We first learned about DRIFT Shoes at Sea Otter earlier this year when the brand made its debut before the official launch of the ARC a few weeks later. While the DRIFT brand may be new, it’s actually a relaunch of DZR shoes, which was founded all the way back in 2010. Just recently, DRIFT launched its second model, the Minna, with a name and silhouette that carries over from one of DZR’s most popular models. 

Like the ARC, the Minna is SPD-compatible, has a fully waterproof construction, and a casual aesthetic. Unlike the ARC, the Minna has a more streamlined, lower-profile silhouette, and an arguably even more laid-back style. As DRIFT puts it: “The new Minna strikes a deliberate balance between a relaxed, comfortable fit and a sleek, slimmed-down profile.” Let’s check it out.

DRIFT Minna Details

With the textile, leather, and suede upper materials and the decidedly casual style, the Minna doesn’t exactly look all that technical. But don’t let the looks fool you. DRIFT assures us that these shoes were developed and athlete-tested in the often wet weather and terrain of British Columbia. As such, they have a waterproof lining and are claimed to be fully waterproof to fend off everything from puddle splashes to steady rain. 

“We wanted to design something that feels effortless the moment you put it on, and doesn’t result in swamp foot if you ride in the rain-sprinkled forests,” said Shane Rattazzi, DRIFT Co-founder and CEO. “The Minna respects our heritage in the SPD-compatible sneaker category with modern textile and suede blends to offer a more relaxed, versatile fit for everyday progression on and off the mountain.”

The casual look continues with lace closure and lace retainer flap. Same with the gum rubber outsoles, although the tread has reportedly been designed to provide grip on everything from pedals and rocks to city streets. Of course, the soles of the clipless-compatible Minna shoes also feature a recessed cleat mount area with a two-bolt cleat interface. Inside, a composite shank adds rigidity and support for your pedaling efforts and hard landings alike. A reinforced toe box adds protection from rock strikes.

Style-wise, the Minna has a low-profile silhouette and a decidedly old-school casual sneaker kinda vibe. In that regard, I think they look fairly similar to the Five Ten Sleuth DLX 2. They certainly don’t give away the fact that they’re mountain bike shoes, and look like they could easily transition to other pre- and post-ride activities without being out of place. 

The Minna shoes come in Noir Black, Navy, Army (green), and Bone White, all of which have a gum rubber sole. The Minna is a unisex model and is available in whole US men’s sizes between 5 and 12 or women’s 6 to 13.

Pricing and Availability

The new DRIFT Minna shoes retail for $189 USD and are available now through the brand’s website.

drift-sports.com

When we first started the Beyond the Bike series, I thought I would be writing a lot more of these articles. But, so far, I’ve only written about tacos. I thought it was a good one, and it was fun to write and hopefully just as fun to read. But I really want to try harder to write more of these. After all, we all have lives off the bike, and there’s a lot to share about that part of our lives that might also relate to yours.

Well, today I wanted to introduce you to a unique and, I think, really neat instant coffee product. I’m sure you’ve seen it around; in fact, we even covered it when it came out last year. I’m talking about NoNormal, an instant coffee that comes in a tube that you squeeze out like toothpaste.

It’s been an excellent addition to my camp kit and my #coffeeoutside kit, as it strikes a great balance between running a minimalist coffee kit and producing great coffee. It doesn’t have to be one or the other anymore.

Who is NoNormal?

NoNormal was co-founded by lifelong friends Alexander and Philippe. They enjoy spending their free time outdoors, hiking, camping, and facing the challenges that nature offers. They like to say, “There is No Normal adventure.” NoNormal grew from those shared experiences and the realization that most coffee solutions when you’re off-grid don’t deliver.

So, they moved forward to create something better.

NoNormal Coffee

NoNormal has claimed to be the “world’s first coffee paste“. And I believe this to be true. I haven’t researched it, but I’m pretty confident that’s an accurate statement.

Anywho, NoNormal sent over some coffee tubes for me to try out. They sent over two tubes of the Classic Black and one of the Sweet Black flavor. These tubes are relatively small and super portable.

The lil’ tubes fit just about anywhere, even in my small coffee bag. You need zero special gear or refrigeration to use this coffee paste. No mess either; there are no filter pods or cleaning out your French Press each time you make coffee. NoNormal calls this “coffee freedom“… I like that.

The coffee is shelf-stable for up to 15 months from the time of production. The “best before” date is stamped on the tube fold. It does not need to be refrigerated after opening. The tube itself is made from 100% recycled aluminum and is infinitely recyclable.

For all of the coffee lovers out there, let’s take a quick look at the details for each flavor.

Classic Black

Retail: $39.80 (two tubes = 60 cups)

• 30 Cups per tube
• 35 mg caffeine per serving
• Swiss Made

This flavor uses 100% Arabica coffee sourced from Colombia and is processed/produced in Switzerland. It’s a dark roast, so it tastes like a fresh brew from your Moka Pot. The Classic Black is made with 20x concentrated Arabica coffee, micro-ground coffee beans, and natural emulsifiers. And it has zero sugar.

Sweet Black (my fave)

Retail: $39.80 (two tubes = 40 cups)

• 20 Cups per tube
• 45 mg caffeine per serving
• Sustainable Energy (no crash)
• Swiss Made

The Sweet Black flavor is the flavor I’ve used the most over the past several months. I like it so much that sometimes I even use it while at home. I add a lil’ half and half with some raw sugar, and it tastes great! Basically, like the Classic Black but with a hint of sugar. Think Moka Pot in its intensity, but with a subtle hint of sweetness.

The Sweet Black flavor is made with 20x concentrated Arabica coffee, micro-ground coffee beans, beet root sugar, and natural emulsifiers. The Sweet Black doesn’t yield as many cups per tube as the Classic Black. The reason being you double the amount of coffee you use to make a cup (1 full teaspoon as opposed to 1/2 teaspoon).

Nutritional Facts

How to Use it

It’s literally only three steps for either flavor.

Step One: Squeeze the coffee onto your spoon…

Step Two: Add hot or cold water…

And, Step Three: Stir for a few seconds…

Sweet Black for the Win

I liked the Classic Black flavor, but loved the Sweet Black. It is really good straight up, with nothing added. It smells great after waking up on a cold desert morning as the sun rises. It’s so easy to use and has helped make both my overlanding coffee kit and my #coffeeoutside kit a super manageable size.

I mean, both of those kits were already pretty small, but now I don’t really need to carry my Stanley All-in-One for #coffeeoutside sessions anymore. I still carry it for my overlanding camp kit, but I don’t use the French press part; I just use the pot to boil water.

The coffee can easily be used for other things besides making a delicious cup o’ joe. NoNormal says to go ahead and try it on chocolate and fruit, and use it in recipes. I’ve tried the Sweet Black on some chocolate, and it was pretty delicious. You can check out NoNormal’s blog for recipes using the coffee.

I would recommend NoNormal coffee to any coffee lover out there. It’s a great idea that is well executed. It’s not cheap, but I’d argue that it’s worth it.

Shhhh, Hold on… Here’s a Secret!

I’m going to tell you the real reason you need to try this coffee. Freakin’ vanilla Ice cream! Yeah. A lil’ squeeze of the Classic Black into a few scoops of vanilla bean ice cream. Stop it!

That’s all I need to say… It’s a game-changer, bro.

Hit the link below and give it a try; you won’t regret it.

NoNormal.com

If you read my stuff, you’ve definitely noticed that I’m a huge fan and long-time customer of Camp and Go Slow (CAGS). Owners Casey and Sarah are great people who run a tight ship. Located in Northern California, near the Nevada border, they operate Great Basin Pottery as their main gig.

Camp and Go Slow started as a cool lil’ side business that has developed into a bitchen lil’ brand that designs and makes classy, handsome goods for your bicycle. One of those products is what I consider to be the greatest bar tape on the planet.

Today, CAGS drops a summer refresh on their inventory so you can pick up some great items and venture into fall with both class and style. Let’s take a gander.

But before we do, Casey and Sarah say they’ve got “a couple big projects in the works that are not quite ready to share yet.” I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to see what’s coming.

In the meantime, here are a few updates to the Camp and Go Slow catalog of bitchen bike bits that are available to the discerning cyclist. Check them out below, with the price and a description from CAGS.

Rattler Socks

Retail: $20

“We’ve done a little color refresh on our Western and Eastern Rattler wool socks. Wool socks in the summer, you ask?! Yes, friend! If you’re still riding around in the hot months with plastic bags on your feet, do yourself a favor and try some merino. You won’t be bummed.“

Mix n’ Match Cable Cherry 4-Pack

Retail: $36

“These little gems from Forager Cycles are hands-down the cutest way to finish off your cables. We’ve sold them before, but now you can build your own four-pack and pick any mix of colors you want. Pro tip: that little reusable tin is perfectly sized to hold a small sewing kit or 24 Dual-Action Advil.“

Die-Cut Stickers

Retail: $7

“We’ve been working on a big project with our pal Shin at Blue Lug (more on this soon), so we thought we’d ask him to choose the colors for our new batch of die-cut stickers. He picked the perfect summertime flavors: Watermelon and Lime. Refreshing!“

A New Bar Tape Box

Retail: $46

“With production costs, tariffs, and shipping prices finally catching up with us, we had to choose between raising our prices or changing our packaging. We designed this custom box, big enough to hold our extra-long rolls, and we’re saying goodbye to our old stuff sacks. This will be a rolling change as we sell through the last of our bagged inventory, so what you see on our website photos will be what you’ll get.“

Also, Buy 100 Tacos

“Our friends Mick and Roxy down in L.A. just lost their garage to a fire, and most of their bikes, tools, camping, and cooking gear were destroyed. If you’ve been following along here at Camp and Go Slow for a while, you know we can relate.”

“They’re working their way out of a rough spot, and if you want to support their efforts, head over to the 100 Tacos webstore. They sell everything from stickers to stems, and more projects are in the works. You can read more about the 100 Tacos story here.“

Hit the link below to go through the CAGS inventory and pick yourself up something nice while supporting a small business and the good people behind it.

CampAndGoSlow.com

OK, so the only thing new about these limited edition DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 55 LTD road wheels is that DT has given them some shiny polished white hubs and bright white logos. But in a world where every aero carbon wheelset looks like the next with black hubs, black spokes, black nipples, and black-on-black graphics, maybe there could be a trend towards getting flashy again with your road bike upgrades!

Limited edition DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 55 LTD road wheels

Just to be clear, I am fully on board with shiny hubs, although maybe polished aluminum might look fancier. And I would love to see silver spokes & nipples, too. But unless you are literally the current World Champion racing in rainbow stripes, I still feel like we should all leave the white shorts at home. OK, now back to these nice limited edition DT Swiss ARC 1100 carbon wheels…

Tech Details

These wheels are a special edition of the aero race carbon ARC wheels that were revamped last summer, available just in the 55mm depth with 22mm hooked internal tubeless beads.

What’s different is shiny white-painted 180 hubs with polished silver graphics on the hubs, plus the same 2x big, eye-catching white DT Swiss rim logos, just like the pros race – just like the Uno X team rode at the Tour.

• 22mm internal hooked bead, tubeless-ready carbon rims
• 55x28mm external
• 1100 series with 180 hubs, Aerolite spokes & SINC ceramic bearings
• aerodynamic Dicut alloy hubs with straight-pull T-head spokes
• 20-spoke front & 24-spoke rear
• centerlock disc brake-only and 12mm thru-axles
• laced 2x with internal alloy nipples
• fast 54T Ratchet EXP freehub internals
• includes both SRAM XDR and Shimano HG freehubs standard (Campy N3W & Shimano Microspline available separately)
• pre-taped for tubeless and include alloy tubeless valves, shaped valve guards, aero valve caps & wheel bags
• 1471g claimed wheelset weight

DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut White LTD 55 – Pricing

The limited edition wheels sell for $3604 / 2800€. That’s only a slight premium over what the standard 3rd generation edition wheels already sold for in Europe, but a pretty big price hike in the US, likely due to changes in tariffs and exchange rates in the past year. The white-hubbed wheels are also available as a Limited Edition Wheel Tire System including a limited edition set of Tour de France tires from Continental with the aerodynamic Aero 111 front tire.

Get yours now from your local DT dealer.

DTSwiss.com

Long thought of as their classic road bike, Stevens’ new Izoard now takes aerodynamic inspiration from their Arcalis and endurance comfort from their Xenith to build a better, more modern all-rounder road bike. With aero shaping, 10% weight reduction, bigger 32mm tire clearance, a classic 27.2 post, a mini integrated Fidlock frame bag, and more relaxed road geometry. The new Izoard is meant to be the ideal no-nonsense road bike for riders looking to just ride. Plus, it’s just as affordable as it was a few years ago. Thanks to a wide range of mechanical and electronic build options.

2026 Stevens Izoard all-rounder road bike updated

Named after the 2360m pass in the French Alps topped with a small cycling museum and monument to Fausto Coppi, the Stevens Izoard is a one-stop-shop all-rounder road bike.

Aerodynamic fork, hourglass headtube & downtube shaping, plus fully integrated cable routing adapted from Stevens’ aero race bike ensure you won’t be sacrificing watts in the wind. Its frame is not exceptionally lightweight, but now up to 160g lighter to handle some big climbing days. And still, the new Izoard keeps pretty sharp angles to preserve responsive handling. But it now gets longer chainstays, fitting bigger 32mm tires, and slightly shorter Reach & incrementally taller Stack to improve all-day riding comfort.

What else is new?

A revised sloping top tube layout, plus a new integrated seatpost clamp that gives more extension of the classic round seatpost for improved comfort at the saddle.

Now, a new integrated Fidlock magnetic mount under the toptube provides a quick-release mounting point for a mini Vaude frame bag to carry ride essentials. Or on the other hand, use it to mount any other standard Fidlock bottle or accessory.

Additionally, a move to the UDH standard out back means compatibility with all types of drivetrains, even 1x setups thanks to a removable front derailleur tab. And in good news for affordability, the new Izoard’s fully internal routing is still compatible with mechanical shift drivetrains.

Tech details

• hi-mod Carbon SL Fiber frame & full carbon tapered steerer fork
• 1090g frame & 450g fork (claimed)
• fully internal routing through IS52 headset (with separate bar & stem on complete bikes)
• flat mount disc brakes
• 12mm thru-axles
• UDH & removable braze-on style front derailleur mount
• compatible with both mechanical AND electronic 2x drivetrains
• Pressfit BB86 bottom bracket
• 27.2mm round seatpost with side-access internal wedge clamp
• 32mm max tire clearance
• all bikes and framesets include mini frame bag made by Vaude with QR magnetic attachment by Fidlock
• UCI-approved for racing
• 6 frame sizes available (48-61cm)

MY27 Stevens Izoard – Pricing, options & availability

The new Izoard is available now four complete bike builds, or as a separate frame set for your own custom build. And starting next week, it will also be offered in Stevens’ online custom bike configurator.

The most simply-named Stevens Izoard is also the most affordable build at just 2400€ with Shimano 105 mechanical 2×12, 30mm deep alloy DT Swiss AR LN Classic wheels with 370-level Ratchet hubs, and 30mm tubeless Continental Grand Prix tires, at 9.0kg complete (all claimed). Interestingly, that’s the same entry-level price Stevens sold the previous generation Izoard since it debuted in 2022.

Step up to 3000€ for the Izoard 105 Di2, which shocker… carries the same general spec, upgraded to the semi-wireless electronic Shimano 105 Di2 2×12 groupset, at 8.6kg.

Then, at 4000€, the Stevens Izoard Ult goes up to Ultegra Di2 and a set of 45mm deep aero carbon Leeze CC 45 Basic AR wheels, at 8.0kg.

The top spec model is the Izoard Force, a 4600€ build with a SRAM Force AXS E1 2×12 wireless drivetrain and aero carbon Vision SC45 i23 wheels, at a weight of 7.9kg complete.

If you want to build up your own custom bike, or just need more colorful paint options, then there’s also a 1900€ Stevens Izoard frameset. It comes in 4 colors: Solar orange, Phantom white, Mystic violet & True black – not the Ocean green of the Force build, though.

The all-new Izoard can be ordered now from your local Stevens dealer, with real in-shop availability expected in “autumn 2026”.

StevensBikes.de

Continental reasserted itself in the gravity mountain bike tire market a few years back when it launched a completely new range of tires in 2022. Those tires have proven themselves with numerous World Cup DH wins and have become a popular choice as both an OE spec and an aftermarket purchase for everything from aggressive trail to downhill riding. 

But for as popular and well-received as Continental’s latest tires have been, people have been asking for some holes in the lineup to be filled. Most notably, softer rubber compounds paired with the light- and mid-duty Trail and Enduro casings. Today, Continental is filling in some of the casing/compound combination gaps with the announcement of 13 new options. Let’s check them out.

“MTB riders have very different needs depending on where and how they ride. With these 13 new tire combinations, we are giving riders even more ways to find the perfect balance of grip, control and durability for their individual setup. Whether they are racing enduro, pushing their limits on technical trails or simply looking for maximum confidence on the descents, our expanded Gravity range offers the performance and flexibility they need.”

-Alexander Haenke, Product Manager for MTB & Gravel at Continental Tires

Softer Rubber For All

Until now, if you wanted to ride Continental’s grippiest SuperSoft rubber compound, you were almost exclusively limited to the heavier downhill casing, with just a couple of exceptions. Now, with the addition of several new Enduro SuperSoft options, riders can enjoy the benefits of the brand’s tackiest rubber with the still tough but lighter-weight Enduro casing. In fact, now riders can find the Kryptotal Front, Kryptotal Rear, Xynotal, and Argotal in Enduro SuperSoft in both 27.5″ x 2.4″ and 29″ x 2.4″.

Similarly, Continental’s Soft rubber compound, which balances grip and durability, has previously only been available on the Downhill and Enduro casings (and the Kryptotal Front 29″ x 2.4″). This has left riders seeking the more supple, lighter-weight Trail casing tires primarily limited to the brand’s firmer Endurance rubber compound. Well, not anymore. Moving forward, the Trail casing and Soft rubber combination will be available for the Kryptotal Front and Rear, Xynotal, and Argotal in both 27.5″ x 2.4″ and 29″ x 2.4″ sizes.

New Casing/Compound Combinations

Xynotal

• 60-584 (27.5″ x 2.4″) Xynotal Enduro SuperSoft, black/black foldable skin
• 60-622 (29″ x 2.4″) Xynotal Enduro SuperSoft, black/black foldable skin
• 60-584 (27.5″ x 2.4″) Xynotal Trail Soft, black/black foldable skin
• 60-622 (29 x 2.4″) Xynotal Trail Soft, black/black foldable skin

Kryptotal Front

• 60-584 (27.5″ x 2.4″) Kryptotal-F Enduro SuperSoft, black/black foldable skin
• 60-584 (27.5″ x 2.4″) Kryptotal-F Trail Soft, black/black foldable skin

Kryptotal Rear

• 60-584 (27.5″ x 2.4″) Kryptotal-R Enduro SuperSoft, black/black foldable skin
• 60-622 (29″ x 2.4″) Kryptotal-R Enduro SuperSoft, black/black foldable skin
• 60-584 (27.5″ x 2.4″) Kryptotal-R Trail Soft, black/black foldable skin
• 60-622 (29″ x 2.4″) Kryptotal-R Trail Soft, black/black foldable skin

Argotal

• 60-584 (27.5″ x 2.4″) Argotal Enduro SuperSoft, black/black foldable skin
• 60-584 (27.5″ x 2.4″) Argotal Trail Soft, black/black foldable skin
• 60-622 (29″ x 2.4″) Argotal Trail Soft, black/black foldable skin

Pricing

• Enduro SuperSoft RRP: €86.95 / £74.99 / USD 104.95
• Trail Soft RRP: €73.95 / £63.99 / USD 88.95

Availability

The new gravity MTB tire casing and compound combinations will be available globally through Continental’s dealer network. Head to the brand’s website to learn more or find a dealer near you.

continental-tires.com

We caught a glimpse of the Giro Montaro Pro at Sea Otter, so we’ve known that it’s coming; we just didn’t know when. We still haven’t gotten a media kit or official launch date yet, but when poking around the Giro website yesterday, we saw that the Montaro Pro was already listed and available for purchase. This new model essentially replaces the long-standing Manifest Spherical as the top-tier half-shell in the Giro lineup.

The Manifest Spherical has been considered by many to be one of the best mountain bike helmets on the market since it came out all the way back in 2020. Six years is a long time for any cycling product, so the Manifest was certainly due for an update. With the Montaro Pro, it appears that Giro is combining the Manifest’s low-profile shape, MIPS Spherical, ventilation, and features with a more aggressive design language consistent with the new Montaro III. Let’s check it out.

Giro Montaro Pro Details

The new Montaro Pro has a similar, low-profile silhouette to the Manifest Spherical, which does a good job of hiding the dual-shell MIPS Spherical rotational impact protection system. Giro has been using Spherical Technology for a while now, and it is a ball-and-socket design with inner and outer shells that rotate independently to redirect impact forces in a crash. Additionally, Giro has included its Aura II Arch, a translucent, shatter-resistant reinforcement that runs throughout the helmet for structural support. 

The Aura II Reinforcement Arch adds structural integrity, which allows for 23 “Wind Tunnel” vents. The Manifest was a well-ventilated helmet, and it appears that Giro intends for the Montaro Pro to carry that torch. Eyewear grippers in the front vents provide a place to stash your glasses, while a goggle gripper keeps your goggle strap from shifting. Inside, the silver incorporated in the Ionic+ padding is naturally odor-resistant.

As is the current trend, the Montaro Pro’s visor appears to be positioned a bit higher up on the helmet, similar to the visor on the Montaro III. Giro says the visor is adjustable with two positions for blocking the sun or stashing your eyewear. The magnetic Fidlock buckle makes securing the chinstrap a snap, and Giro’s RocLoc Trail Air adjustment system allows riders to snug up the helmet for security and stability on the trail. 

As of today, the new Montaro Pro does not appear in Virginia Tech’s Bicycle Helmet Ratings, so unfortunately, we don’t have that information to compare it with other helmets. That said, it is certified to the NTA 8776 e-bike standard, meaning it offers enhanced protection against higher impact speeds associated with electric bicycles. 

The new Montaro Pro is available in S, M, and L sizes, which should cover head circumferences between 51 and 63cm. It comes in seven colorways: Matte White, Matte Black, Stone, Black/Frequency Orange, Frequency Blue, Sapphire, and Sky Blue. Unfortunately, Giro does not have the Montaro Pro’s weight listed yet.

Pricing and Availability

The new Montaro Pro has a retail price of $299.95, landing it squarely in the high end of the half-shell helmet market. It is currently available for purchase directly from Giro through the brand’s website. We’d expect it to hit online and brick-and-mortar retailers soon, too. 

giro.com