Fresh from the announcement that Skarper’s ebike conversion kit is now available on Sonder’s gravel bike range, the British brand has announced five further partnerships, including one with Ribble.

Ribble will offer the Skarper kit online, either as a standalone product or ordered alongside any standard Ribble bike.

Skarper’s kits enable you to turn a non-assisted bike into an electric bike using a patented design to drive your bike’s rear wheel. The rotor stays on your bike, but the main unit clicks on and off in seconds, meaning it can be switched between bikes.

Ribble’s CEO, Sean Hastings, says: “We love the idea of Ribble riders being able to use their acoustic bike but have the flexibility of occasional electric assistance, without it being a permanent thing.

“The Skarper system complements our award-winning range of lightweight integrated ebikes, with the potential to bring a new lease of life to an existing bike and the benefit of being shareable across several bikes.”

Six brands on board, with the promise of more to come

As well as Sonder and Ribble, British-made titanium and steel specialist Enigma has teamed up with Skarper.

Scottish rugged frame and bike builder Shand is even incorporating the chainstay mount as a braze-on on its frames, replacing the standard band-on mount. 

Fellow Scottish brand Tiger is offering the Skarper kit on its range of affordable aluminium bikes, including the value-packed junior mountain bike range and the forthcoming Gravel model. 

One of Skarper’s founders, Andrew Wallis, has his own bike brand: Black Series, and will also be offering Skarper options across all models, including the world’s lightest production road bike.

Wallis says Skarper is in discussion with more bike brands, and there will be a continued focus for Skarper to make further inroads into the OEM (original equipment) market.

Skarper has also joined forces with ZyroFisher, one of the UK’s largest cycle distributors, expanding the potential network of bike shops to more than 3,000 across the UK and Europe.

Rim-brake option is coming

If you like the idea of Skarper’s ‘click-on, take off’ system but don’t have a disc-brake bike, Skarper has the answer coming soon.

A new rear hub designed for rim-brake wheels is in production, too. This enables the fitment of the Skarper disc (without disc braking surface) containing the Red Bull engineered planetary gearing. That makes the Skarper compatible with rim-brake bikes.

I like the idea of having a Skarper in conjunction with my disc-brake bike and getting a second setup (wheel and disc drive) to fit to one of my classic rim-brake road bikes, because a single Skarper unit can be used across multiple bikes.

If you’ve paid attention to professional gravel racing in recent years, you’re probably aware that pro riders have taken to running drop handlebars on XC mountain bikes.

Now, Pinarello has fully embraced the trend, launching its new Grevil MX gravel bike at the Velofollies trade show in Belgium.

While this is an addition to the brand’s Grevil gravel range, Pinarello has gone one step further than combining gravel and cross-country tech. It says it has drawn from its road portfolio for this ‘monster’ gravel bike. 

“The Grevil MX combines the aerodynamic efficiency of a road bike with the stability and control of an MTB, enabling it to excel on steep climbs, rugged trails, technical descents and long endurance routes without compromising responsiveness or stiffness on hardpack ground,” Pinarello says in its press release for the new bike.

The bike’s geometry takes the 67.75˚ head angle and 101mm trail of the Pinarello Dogma XC, but adds the Most Talon Ultra Light cockpit found on Pinarello’s top road bikes. This handlebar setup provides a “lower, more compact and faster position” than running a flat mountain bike bar.  

The frame uses Toray’s ‘best-in-class’ carbon fibre and has a threaded bottom bracket. The BB area features the double-triangle design found on the Pinarello Dogma XC for added stiffness.

The rear triangle uses Pinarello’s asymmetrical design. The left-hand side is reinforced to counterbalance the forces produced on the driveside of the bike. 

“This architecture creates more balanced energy transfer and improved traction and acceleration on loose or variable surfaces,” Pinarello says. 

“The chainstays and seatstays have both been specifically shaped and reinforced to withstand the high torsional forces typical of aggressive gravel riding, steep off-road climbs and explosive accelerations.” 

The bike can fit 50mm tyres for traction and comfort, and comfort is further aided by the 10mm suspension fork. 

Elsewhere, the bike has a SRAM XX SL Eagle drivetrain with a 38-tooth aero chainring and a 10/52 cassette. Pinarello says these gear ratios provide better climbing ability than the gears you typically find on gravel bikes, while also improving on descents compared to mountain bikes.

A Pinarello spokesperson at Velofollies told BikeRadar that the Grevil MX can fit a rigid fork and that it has only made 50 of the bikes worldwide. Yet, future developments of the Grevil MX are already in the works. 

More from Velofollies

• Van Rysel reveals FTP2 Concept Bike that will double your power and reach speeds over 100kph
• New Nukeproof Tracker is a bargain range of ‘kick-ass’ hardtails 

Nukeproof has unveiled the new Tracker range of ‘kick-ass’ hardtail mountain bikes at an affordable price point.

Launched at the Velofollies trade show today, there are four bikes in the Tracker range, costing from £539 / €599 to £999 / €1,099. 

Nukeproof says the Tracker name is inspired by the origins of off-road riding, when riders would modify ‘regular’ bikes with chunkier tyres and ‘cowhorn’ handlebars in a bid to improve performance and increase the fun they were having. 

But the Tracker range is far removed from those bikes of the 60s and 70s. The hardtail frames use 6061-T6 aluminium, feature tapered head tubes and have clearance for 2.4in mountain bike tyres.

Elsewhere, they’re fitted with Nukeproof’s own saddles, but also Shimano disc brakes and drivetrains, and tubeless-ready rims. The frames can fit a dropper post and feature suspension forks with 100mm of travel, or 80mm on the extra-small frames.

Said to be “ideal first mountain bikes”, the Trackers also have practical details such as a removable seatstay bridge to fit mudguards. They also have rack mounts and a hidden kickstand mount. Nukeproof says this means the Trackers can “double up as everyday transportation”. 

The bikes were developed in-house by the Nukeproof team, which was led by product manager Tom Bugler.

“The brief was brief: make a kick-ass range of affordable bikes that gives riders a great experience and introduces them to the Nukeproof brand,” says Bugler. 

“This is a new price segment for us, but these bikes respect the heritage and quality that Nukeproof was built on, whilst opening the brand up to a new audience.”

Engineer Dale McMullen adds: “The frame design was inspired by our Scout hardcore hardtail, which has become a cult classic. We used similar geo with a relaxed head angle, tapered head tube optimised around the Tracker’s 100mm fork and a similar kink in the bottom of the seat tube for the increased tyre clearance.” 

When Wiggle closed its doors in 2024, it was assumed that its house brands such as Nukeproof were destined to close, too.

However, Belgian Cycling Factory, which owns Ridley among other brands, bought Nukeproof in 2025. 

In November, Nukeproof announced the release of its second-generation Reactor. The launch of the Reactor was limited, with only one carbon and one aluminium model, and it appeared to signal a cautious return from Nukeproof.

However, the new Tracker signals a more committed return for the once-troubled brand. 

• You may like: 6 reasons why your next bike should be a hardtail

Nukeproof Tracker specifications 

Nukeproof Tracker Sport 

• Fork: Suntour XCE 28
• Drivetrain: Shimano Essa 1x 8-speed
• Wheels: Formula 6-bolt GR hubs on tubeless-ready rims
• Tyres: Kenda Booster 2.4in
• Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic
• Price: £539 / €599

Nukeproof Tracker Race 

• Fork: Suntour XCM 32 Lockout
• Drivetrain: Shimano Cues 1x 9-speed
• Wheels: Formula 6-bolt GR hubs on tubeless-ready rims
• Tyres: Kenda Booster 2.4in
• Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic
• Price: £629 / €699

Nukeproof Tracker Comp

• Fork: RockShox Judy Coil 
• Drivetrain: Shimano Cues 1x 10-speed
• Wheels: Formula 6-bolt GR hubs on tubeless-ready rims
• Tyres: Maxxis Rekon 2.4in EXO TR
• Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic
• Price: £849 / €949

Nukeproof Tracker Pro 

• Fork: RockShox Judy Air 
• Drivetrain: Shimano Cues 1x 11-speed
• Wheels: Formula 6-bolt GR hubs on tubeless-ready rims
• Tyres: Maxxis Rekon 2.4in EXO TR
• Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic
• Price: £999 / €1,099

O2C’s new footwear range brings a unique outsole design combined with ultra-lightweight uppers and a complete anatomic design based on the foot’s natural movement when pedalling.

Steven Nemeth, founder/designer at O2C shoes, has a long history in technical cycling footwear. His journey started nearly two decades ago when he created Bont’s unique bathtub shoe design.

Since then, his shoe designs have been worn for 36% of all Olympic track cycling medals over the last five Games. They’ve also seen victories in the Olympic time trial, UCI BMX World Championships, Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, La Vuelta, Paris-Roubaix, and in both mountain bike and BMX World Cups.

Now, Nemeth has branched out on his own with a new shoe brand, O2C, releasing a range of new low-profile, lightweight, yet fully anatomically correct performance shoes.

• Read more: Best cycling shoes 2026 – 18 top-rated road cycling shoes for every budget

Designed around your feet, not based on tradition

Nemeth’s softly spoken Australian lilt masks a designer who’s always looking to improve, learn and be bold. In his opinion, much of cycling shoe design is hampered by tradition, with shoes designed and made the way they always have been, rather than using the latest biometric learnings.

“I’ve always looked to create shoes that mirror the way your foot moves,” he says. “If that means approaching the construction differently, changing the ‘norm’ and completely reshaping the shoe, then so be it.”

O2C’s 10 key elements of a cycling shoe

1. Heel cup

“The heel anchors every pedal stroke, yet many shoes allow the rear of your foot to move under load,” Nemeth says. “We’ve designed a heel cup that securely cradles the calcaneus [the large heel bone]. This is done to reduce lateral movement and keep your foot aligned. In turn, that improves power transfer and minimises heel lift.”

The added benefits are that this should reduce friction and improve long-ride comfort.

2. Toe-box shaping

Nemeth’s original Bont shoes were known for their broad, blunt toe-box design. They looked worlds away from the classic tapered-toe shaped shoes we were used to. The new O2C toe box falls somewhere in between. It does, however, look more like the natural shape of a foot.

Nemeth explains: “The toe-box shape follows the natural metatarsal parabola.”

The metatarsal parabola is the natural curved arrangement of your metatarsal bones (the jointed series of long bones in your foot from your toes back).

“We did this so your foot has more natural toe splay and reduces compression,” he says.

The goal here is to spread the load, prevent nerve irritation (numbness) and reduce the chances of hot spots.

3. Low stack height

Low stack height has been talked about a lot recently, with new pedal/shoe systems from Q36.5 and Ekoi/PW8. So it’s no surprise that any new shoe will make this the focus of the outsole design.

4. Last construction

“Still today, lots of cycling shoes prioritise aesthetics over anatomy,” says Nemeth. “That compromises both the fit and your foot alignment.

“Our last is completely new and based on a true anatomical shape, based around natural foot biometrics. We aim to balance out pressure distribution, keep your foot aligned correctly and keep the foot secure without compression.”

5. Carbon soles

All of the O2C shoes, from the base model RC1 through to the flagship RK1, use full carbon fibre soles.

Nemeth believes such a key element of any cycling shoe shouldn’t be compromised with lesser materials.

“The outsoles throughout O2C’s shoes, with what we’ve launched today and what’s coming, will always have full carbon soles,” he says.

“For the ARC design of our outsole, we couldn’t achieve what we need from an outsole without carbon. The soles all use precision-layered Toray carbon fibres to provide the exceptional stiffness combined with a low stack height of just 3.2mm.

“By using load-specific fibre orientation, we can control rigidity and torsional stability whilst keeping our 3D anatomical shoe shape.”

One of the key elements in the outsole is the change in fibre orientation and construction forward of the super-stiff cleat plate.

Nemeth has introduced a small element of flex here. That’s not only to enhance the comfort of the toe box, but also to make walking in the shoes easier.

Nemeth’s years of experience informed him that super-stiff, rigid outsoles, when walked in over time, can create a stress point in the outsole, which in extreme cases has led to failure cracks in the sole. That’s something he wanted to prevent in the new designs.

Unlike many manufacturers, who use one carbon outsole across multiple sizes, O2C made the decision to make individual moulds for each size, in standard and wide fits.

Nemeth says: “The priority is to get the fit as exact as possible. It’s obviously much more expensive to produce moulds for every size, but I didn’t want to compromise all of the work we’ve done over the years developing the O2C range by saving a few dollars in manufacturing.”

6. Foot cradle and wrap construction

The shoe’s upper uses a wrap shape, with a single-sided tongue that enables the upper material to ‘wrap over’.

Nemeth claims this design more closely follows the foot’s natural contours, better supporting the midfoot and helping to anchor the heel. The result is a claimed secure and stable fit that doesn’t restrict your foot’s natural movement.

I have noticed the side profile of the O2C shoes has much less voluminous height than other models, and from my short time trying out the shoes, it appears to give a sock-like fit that’s enhanced by the knit construction on both the RS1 and RK1.

7. Midfoot stability

The O2C design doubles up on midfoot support by reinforcing the upper to stabilise the foot where collapse is most likely under load.

The O2C design, Nemeth explains, “Controls excessive pronation [when your foot naturally rolls inwards] and rotation [where your feet either splay outwards or your toes point inwards].

“By controlling these elements with a combination of the upper design and construction, combined with the outsole design, we can deliver greater stability. That means sustained power over long rides.”

8. Cleat position and adjustment

“Everybody’s pedal position is different, so we’ve given the O2C’s outsole extended fore-aft adjustment,” says Nemeth. “That means more precision to get the optimal alignment. That’s key to both comfort and power transfer, coming as a result of reduced joint strain and more support thanks to being able to get your cleat position just right.”

9. Arch-support system

The O2C’s outsole and footbeds combine to create dual-arch support for both the medial arch (the longest arch that runs along the inner foot) and the transverse arch (across the midfoot).

“By maintaining neutral alignment during the power phase, you reduce plantar strain, and reducing these repetitive stresses helps reduce the causes of plantar tears, which can be incredibly painful,” says Nemeth.

“It also means by better distributing the load, your up-pedalling efficiency helps sustain your output for longer.”

10. Sole stiffness and carbon engineering

Nemeth explains that sole stiffness in the right places is a key element of a top-performing cycling shoe.

“We only use high-grade Toray fibres, you won’t find any blends or nylon in any of our shoes at any price, ever,” he says. “By using precise layups that maximise stiffness-to-weight ratios, we’ve been able to create a very lightweight, thin, yet very durable sole.”

O2C shoe range

At launch, there are three road-shoe options from O2C, with a lightweight high-summer triathlon shoe in the wings (the RT2), and gravel and aero-road options due later in the year.

At the top of the range is the flagship AXIS RK1. This uses a knitted upper, bolstered with a reinforced midfoot, and a 3D-shaped T800 Toray carbon fibre sole.

The twin polished alloy dials are O2C’s own design, with two-way micro-adjustment and pop-out release.

O2C decided that producing its own dials, rather than opting to buy them in from Boa, was the best option to keep costs down for the end user and provide flexibility to refine the design.

My test pair of AXIS RK1s weigh in at 243.4g each for a size 45, making them some of the lightest road shoes available. They’re bested only by Specialized’s featherweight S-Works Torch Remco, at 300g a pair (£549), and Nimbl’s £480 Ultimate Glide (358g a pair). The RK1s are priced at £389.95.

Second in the range, at £359.95, and weighing just over 7g more per pair (247g each), are the AXIS RS1s. They have a larger wrapover section for increased midfoot stability. With more aggressive upper venting, the AXIS RS1 is the sprinter’s option compared to the RK1’s climbing intentions.

The base model of the three-tier road shoe line-up is the £174.95 Vector RC1. These shoes share the same core engineering as the range-topping model, but forgo the unidirectional T800 Toray carbon for a more cost-effective 3K woven Toray fibre.

The upper is made from a more traditional, yet still lightweight microfibre rather than a 3D knit.

There’s plenty of breathability on show thanks to the myriad laser-cut holes in both flanks, on the toe box and through the tongue section.

For a simpler shoe, the weight is impressively low at only 248.1g each for a size 45. These are some of the lightest sub-£200 shoes we’ve seen.

O2C road shoes pricing and key spec details

Vector RC1

• £174.95 / $229.95 / €199.95 / AU$354.95
• 248.1g (size 45)
• 3K Toray carbon sole
• Available in black or white
• Sizes 36-48 in standard and wide fit, 49 and 50 coming soon

Axis RS1

• £359.95 / $479.95 / €414.95 / AU$734.95
• 247g (size 45)
• T800 Toray carbon sole
• Available in black or white
• Sizes 36-48 in standard and wide fit, 49 and 50 coming soon

Axis RK1

• £389.95 / $519.95 / €449.95 / AU$299.95
• 243.4g (size 45)
• T800 Toray carbon sole
• Available in white only
• Sizes 36-48 in standard and wide fit, 49 and 50 coming soon

RT2

• £149.95 / $199.95 / €169.95 / AU$299.95
• Details available soon

Van Rysel has revealed one of the most eye-catching bikes of recent times, the FTP² Concept Bike, which it describes as a “rolling laboratory, unrestrained by current industrial standards”. 

Launched at the Velofollies trade show, which opens today in Kortrijk, Belgium, close to the brand’s home in Lille, France, the FTP² Concept Bike is clearly intended – on some level – as a publicity stunt. 

But, with its radical frame design, powerful electric motor and ability to propel you to speeds in excess of 100kph, Van Rysel intends the FTP² Concept Bike to confirm the brand’s “commitment to research, design and development”. 

Why has Van Rysel created the FTP² Concept Bike? 

Founded in 2018, Van Rysel is Decathlon’s performance bicycle brand. In 2023, it was revealed that Van Rysel would be co-title sponsor of Decathlon AG2R–La Mondiale. 

Since then, Van it has been on a mission to prove it’s capable of producing the best road bikes, worthy of a place at the top of the sport. 

Van Rysel’s RCR-F aero bike was launched in 2024 with bold claims around the company’s development process, and Van Rysel’s Nicolas Pierron describing it as a “UFO”. 

Now, with the FTP² Concept Bike, the extraterrestrial theme continues – it’s a “bike from another planet” – and so does the emphasis on Van Rysel’s technical capabilities.

“Confirming Van Rysel’s commitment to research, design, and innovation, FTP² is a concept bike like no other – pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, inspiring future innovation and showcasing Van Rysel’s unique in-house R&D capabilities,” the brand says. 

The project also has the bigger aim of expanding what the public and bicycle industry deem possible. 

“It is the most complex project ever carried out by the team, aiming to inspire the general public, as well as the bicycle industry, to continue pushing the boundaries to see what is possible,” Van Rysel adds. 

The FTP² Concept Bike’s frame design 

The result of that complexity and ambition is a bike that looks like no other road bike. Freed from the UCI’s constraints on bicycle design, that’s not such a surprise. 

It’s not a surprise either that it has a passing resemblance to another type of go-fast bike freed from the UCI’s rules: a triathlon bike, and specifically the Cervélo P5X.

Like the P5X, Van Rysel’s concept bike forgoes a seat tube. However, it does have a more conventional chainstay, even if the seatstays run virtually parallel. 

The FTP² Concept Bike also adds a wide “two-part fork”, which appears to have two crowns, similar to the design used on Matthew Richardson’s Hope HB.T track bike for his 200m World Record. 

Van Rysel says the handmade carbon frame and complete bike are rideable. 

“It stands as a tangible prototype, built to withstand the constraints of extreme speed on the asphalt rather than just looking good on a podium,” it says. 

‘Superhuman engine’ 

Van Rysel claims the FTP² Concept Bike will “double your FTP” and “magnify” your effort, and while the radical aero frame will likely aid that, the bike has a special motor tucked away in the down tube.

Van Rysel says the bike has a “unique” version of the Mahle M40 electric bike motor. 

“Initially designed for mountain biking, this motor is driven by specific software developed to manage this raw power on the tarmac,” Van Rysel says. 

“The system does not merely assist the rider but multiplies the input effort by four. The athlete transforms into a superhuman engine capable of reaching speeds between 45 and 100 km/h.” 

An ‘integrated ecosystem’

As opposed to just designing a bike, Van Rysel’s concept project includes a “fully integrated ecosystem”, with a special cockpit, shoes, helmet and clothing.

The cockpit of the bike is said to be inspired by Formula One cars, and “fully centralises the machine’s piloting” from a bullhorn position. The cockpit also fits a Hammerhead bike computer flush with the stem and above an integrated front light. 

Van Rysel claims the cockpit can even be used to tighten the FTP² concept shoe, which has an aeroplane wing profile to smooth airflow and “becomes the pedal” by integrating an axle into the carbon sole. 

When designing the FTP² aero helmet, Van Rysel says it didn’t start from the drawing board. Instead, the helmet uses Van Rysel’s new X Clip Concept, where an aerodynamic shell clips onto its existing RCR-R road helmet. 

“This modularity maintains the safety and comfort of a homologated, ventilated helmet while providing the air penetration performance of a record-breaking prototype,” Van Rysel says. 

The outer shell was made with Swiss Side, the aerodynamics experts Van Rysel also collaborated with for its RCR-F aero bike. 

Finally, Van Rysel also created the FTP² speed suit. Because the concept bike is capable of “motorcycle speeds”, the suit incorporates protective pads that are flexible and offer a claimed aerodynamic benefit. 

The exterior of the suit is said to be abrasion-resistant, while there is an integrated baselayer that also has pads for protection. 

Not for sale, but the tech will be

As you might have guessed, the FTP² Concept Bike won’t be for sale. But Van Rysel says the ideas developed for the project will make their way to commercial products.

“The aerodynamic integration of the battery, the fork design, and the integrated lighting signature prefigure the standards for future Van Rysel road bikes,” it says. 

Van Rysel says the tech developed across the rest of the ecosystem will also make its way to consumer products. The protective elements of the speed suit will likely make their way to Van Rysel’s cycling kit in the future, while the X-Clip helmet system “foreshadows” modular equipment and “paves the way for a new generation of versatile helmets”.

Meanwhile, it’s unlikely we’ll see Van Rysel release a cycling shoe with an integrated pedal system, but it says the work on the FTP² shoe’s airflow and textiles will influence the design of its top-spec footwear. 

In Van Rysel’s words: “What is extreme today will be the norm tomorrow.” 

Van Rysel FTP² Concept Bike specifications 

• Frame and fork: FTP² carbon
• Weight: 15kg (M)
• Electric motor: Mahle M40
• Drivetrain: SRAM Red AXS / Praxis carbon cranks
• Wheels: Swiss Side Hadron3 850
• Cockpit: FTP² Carbon with AXS, Mahle and shoe-tightening controls
• Saddle: Fizik Argo Vento 00 Adaptive

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Shimano has released its new PD-EH510 Hybrid SPD and Flat Pedal, which features an SPD mechanism on one side and a flat pedal on the other.

The Japanese brand says the pedals are designed for commuting, exploring gravel roads or venturing off-pavement for the first time.

Hybrid pedals give you the option of utilising the efficiency of being clipped in, while enabling you to ride unclipped on terrain you’re less confident on or when wearing regular shoes.

Unlike other half-and-half designs, such as Crankbrothers’ Double Shot, the flat side of the PD-EH510 features replaceable pins, which should increase the longevity of the pedals.

The pedals come in one colourway and are priced at £79.99.

• Read more: Best mountain bike pedals 2026 – 35 of our favourite flat and clipless MTB pedals

The perfect pub-bike pedal?

The design of the PD-EH510 enables you to unclip from the SPD mechanism and continue to pedal unclipped while retaining traction.

It also means you can use your bike with regular shoes without having to switch your pedals over – making it perfect for quick trips to the pub.

The pedal is made from a durable resin featuring a textured finish that’s said to help protect against rock strikes and abrasions.

There are eight replaceable pins on each flat pedal, with the platform said to measure 111x96mm, which should offer good traction and stability.

Shimano says it has used a thin pedal profile to improve ground clearance for technical terrain, and robust brushing bearings for long-lasting, low-maintenance performance.