The UCI has announced sweeping revisions to its technical regulations, aimed at combating technological fraud and enhancing rider safety through stricter equipment standards – and not everyone in the industry is on board.
Set to come into force from 2026, the changes cover everything from rim depths and handlebar widths to helmet standards and frame dimensions. These changes mark one of the most comprehensive overhauls of technical regulations in recent years.
The changes, which were published in a statement on the UCI’s website, stem from work by the UCI’s Equipment and New Technologies Commission and consultations with SafeR, the rider safety body. Despite claims of industry input, some insiders say their concerns were ignored.
“We’ve been in meetings about all these rules for ages now with WFSGI [World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry] and the UCI,” said an industry source who’s worked with several WorldTour teams and is close to the matter. “They ignored everything the industry said – literally everything.”
The UCI is cracking down further on tilted-in hoods.
From 1 January 2026, mass start road race bikes will be limited to a maximum rim depth of 65mm.
In a more controversial decision, the UCI will also enforce a minimum handlebar width of 400 mm (outside-to-outside) in road and cyclocross events, with a minimum width, as measured from hood-to-hood, of 320 mm. Track mass start events will see a narrower minimum of 350 mm from 1 January 2027.
“These new rules are hugely discriminatory against women and smaller men,” said our source. “It will shift the demographic of winning riders to taller riders.”
“In the last meeting we had, Cervélo said that 14 of the 18 women on Visma–Lease a Bike would need to change their handlebars.”
According to our source, this will cause problems for riders seeking ergonomic setups: “I tried to tell them that you can’t make an ergonomic bar with 400 drops and 320 inner hoods, as it would have a 2 degree flare and hurt your wrists.”
Fork width and frame design
Hope’s now iconic track bike possibly falls foul of the new rules. Scott Windsor / Our Media
Further standardisation comes with new limits on internal fork width. Road bikes will be capped at 115 mm at the front and 145 mm at the rear from 2026, with the same limits extending to track bikes from 2027.
This could have implications for current equipment, with our source warning that “Hope’s track bikes [are] potentially gone too, as they’re wider than 145mm at the rear stays.”
New helmet categories and future approval protocols
Could the UCI’s new rules put an end to riders wearing TT helmets in road races? Liam Cahill / Our Media
Another major change is the introduction of distinct helmet regulations for road races versus time trials, taking effect in 2026. The UCI says this will allow for “clarified specifications” to suit the demands of different race formats.
A more formal helmet approval protocol – akin to standards like CE or CPSC – is expected by 1 January 2027 at the earliest. The UCI Equipment Unit is continuing work on this with manufacturers.
Behind closed doors, our source claims the UCI was pushing for rules stating helmets must have “3 to 4 vents minimum, and nothing that is marketed as a time trial helmet could be used.”
Crackdown on technological fraud
In response to growing concern around hidden motors and other concealed performance aids, the UCI is expanding its anti-fraud regulations. As of next year, the rules will no longer apply only to equipment used during competitions, but also to any attempt to deceive or obstruct anti-fraud testing – regardless of where it occurs.
To support enforcement, the UCI Disciplinary Commission has been granted expanded investigatory powers. “Technological fraud cannot be conducted in the same manner as other disciplinary matters due to their fraudulent nature,” the UCI said in the statement published on its website.
Garmin has launched the Venu X1 ultra-thin smartwatch, which can be worn all day but doesn’t scrimp on high-tech features.
The watch has an “industry-leading” 2in display and Garmin says it’s a trend-setter with its lightweight material, built-in speaker, microphone and torch.
With wearable fitness trackers growing in popularity, the thin design will likely appeal if you want to keep a tab on your health metrics but don’t like the bulk of the best cycling watches.
The Venu X1 has an 8mm-thick watchcase and 2in screen, making it thinner and wider than an Apple Watch.
The watch combines a titanium caseback with a scratch-resistant Sapphire lens and easy-to-read AMOLED display.
This makes the watch suitable for wearing all day, according to Garmin.
“Not only does it pack all of Garmin’s most popular features into a slim profile, but the large display makes it easy to see everything from preloaded maps and workout stats to health insights and smart notifications with stunning clarity,” says Garmin’s Susan Lyman.
Garmin
Despite its thin design, Garmin says the watch has up to eight days of battery life in smartwatch mode, which reduces some functions.
The watch face is customisable, so you can see data of your choosing, including step count, heart rate, altitude and training readiness.
Built-in features
The watch has a built-in microphone and speaker to receive calls, respond to messages and action commands. Garmin
Like the recent Forerunner 970, the Venu X1 has a built-in speaker, microphone and torch.
Garmin says the speaker and microphone enable you to take calls from your wrist, when the watch is paired with a compatible smartphone.
The watch will use your phone’s voice assistant to respond to text messages.
Certain voice commands, such as “start a running activity” and “set a timer for five minutes”, can also be activated from the Venu X1 with no phone connection required.
It also has an LED torch. Garmin
ComfortFit strap
Designed to be worn all day, the Venu X1 has a 24mm quick-release ComfortFit nylon band.
The £679.99 smartwatch is also available in two unobtrusive colours, black and moss.
The Venu X1 will be available to order from 18 June.
Cycling regularly during middle age can reduce the risk of dementia and maintain brain health, a new study suggests.
With the global number of dementia cases projected to rise from 55 million in 2019 to 139 million in 2050, the study aimed to investigate the relationship between how people travel, and dementia risk and brain structure.
It found that, compared with non-active travel such as driving or public transport, active travel such as cycling and walking was associated with a lower adjusted risk of dementia.
The study found that cycling and mixed cycling reduced the risk of three forms of dementia. Halfpoint Images / Getty Images
The study, conducted by researchers in China and Australia, assessed data from 479,723 participants collected over 13 years. The data was from UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database that contains de-identified genetic, lifestyle and health data.
The participants in the study had an average baseline age of 56.5 years. More than half were women and over 85 per cent were of European ancestry. They were free of dementia and able to walk at the beginning of the study.
Participants were asked which forms of transport they had used most to get about in the last four weeks, excluding commuting to and from work. The answers were categorised into four groups: non-active, walking, mixed-walking, and cycling and mixed-cycling.
Nearly half of the participants were non-active, while 6.8 per cent walked, 37 per cent were in the mixed-walking group and 7 per cent were in cycling and mixed-cycling.
Over a follow-up of 13 years, 8,845 cases of dementia and 3,956 cases of Alzheimer’s disease were recorded.
The study found that cycling and mixed cycling reduced the risk for three forms of dementia: Alzheimer’s diseases, young-onset dementia and late-onset dementia.
Cycling could help maintain brain health
Cycling or mixed cycling was significantly associated with a higher hippocampal volume, with the researchers suggesting that cycling is “a promising approach for maintaining brain health”.
“Our findings suggest that active travel modes, particularly cycling and mixed-cycling, are associated with higher hippocampal volumes. The hippocampus is critical for memory and cognitive function, and greater volume is generally considered a sign of better brain health,” co-author Liangkai Chen, of Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, told MedPage Today.
“Cycling, especially as a regular form of transport, may help increase blood flow to the brain, reduce inflammation, and stimulate neurogenesis, and requires higher cognitive engagement during travel, which could all contribute to the observed preservation of hippocampal volume,” Chen added.
Participants without the APOE4 gene, which can double or triple the risk of dementia, appeared to derive greater benefits from active travel in terms of dementia risk. But the research suggests APOE4 carriers can still benefit from cycling.
Walking results were more mixed. “Our results suggest that mixed-walking models, which combine walking with other forms of travel that require higher cognitive engagement (eg, driving), may be more beneficial in reducing dementia risk than walking alone,” said Chen.
The study follows research published in the British Medical Journal that found that “weekend warriors” – those who exercise only once or twice a week – were 25 per cent less likely to develop dementia than those who didn’t exercise at all.
Ever finish a Zwift workout and think, “That was good, but not quite what I needed today?” Or maybe you’ve scrolled endlessly through the workout library, wishing for something perfectly tailored to your current goal or how your legs are really feeling?
Zwift offers a strong library of workouts and flexible training plans, and many riders find real value in them. But sometimes you want a workout that reflects your current goals, recovery state, and fitness — something that adapts to you in the moment. That’s where ZwiftFit comes in.
Every ZwiftFit workout is dynamically generated based on your profile and inputs, meaning even if you request the same workout type twice, you’ll get a different version each time — always targeting the same goal, but never repeating exactly. It’s about keeping your training fresh and specific, every time you ride.
That’s the idea behind ZwiftFit, a new AI-powered web app that creates truly personalized ZWO-format workouts based on your profile, goals, and how you’re feeling today. As an avid Zwifter and independent developer, I built ZwiftFit to solve a problem I personally felt. Now I’m sharing it with the community.
Why ZwiftFit?
While there’s no shortage of workouts on Zwift, finding the right one to match your immediate goals and energy can feel like guesswork. And let’s be honest, repeating the same old sessions can quickly lead to boredom. We’ve all been there: scrolling through lists, picking a workout that looked good on paper, only to find it didn’t quite hit the mark for that specific day.
ZwiftFit solves this by generating workouts tailored to:
Your FTP, gender, age, and training load
Your training goals (e.g., improve climbing ability late in long rides, increase flatland power, sharpen race finish)
Strengths and weaknesses defined in your user profile
Physical limitations or injuries you’ve specified
An upcoming race or event
Daily readiness, HRV, and resting HR
Even how you feel that day — from “Very Tired” to “Excellent”
It’s not about scrolling through a library. It’s about telling ZwiftFit who you are and what you need — and letting it create the session.
Two Ways to Create a Workout
ZwiftFit supports two core paths:
1. Quick Workouts
Choose from 9 workout types including:
Endurance Ride
HIIT Session
Sprint Session
Climbing Challenge
Threshold Intervals
Race Warm-Up
Event Cooldown
With one click, you get a workout tailored to your current profile settings and duration preferences.
2. Custom Workouts
Need more control? Go custom. Custom Workouts give you a much deeper level of customization than Quick Workouts. There are seven main workout categories — like Recovery & Endurance, High-Intensity Intervals, and Strength & Skill Development — and within those, over two dozen specific workout types to choose from.
Once you’ve selected a type, ZwiftFit adapts it further based on your current profile and the specific workout options shown on the Custom Workout screen. Unlike your profile settings — which tend to remain stable over time — these session-specific options allow you to adjust key variables for the ride you’re about to do. You can specify:
Workout duration (fixed or range) – so you can fit in the perfect session whether you have 30 minutes or two hours.
Current feeling (Very Tired to Excellent) – ensuring your workout matches your actual recovery state, not just a pre-set plan.
Resting heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV)
3-day and 7-day training load
Warm-up and cool-down length (Short, Normal, Long)
You can even add custom instructions — whether you want motivational tips, fun cycling trivia, or a focus on specific aspects of execution like cadence, pacing, or technique. ZwiftFit incorporates this input to further personalize your session in real time.
Event Prep & AI Flexibility
Beyond crafting the core of your session, ZwiftFit offers some useful additions designed to seamlessly integrate with your Zwift life and give you even more control.
One of ZwiftFit’s standout practical features, especially for the racing Zwifter, is its event-specific warm-ups. These are invaluable not only for races (which often start hard right from the gun) but also for a variety of other Zwift activities. To meet these diverse needs, ZwiftFit provides a range of targeted warm-up types, including: Race Warm-Up, Climb Preparation, Group Ride Primer, TT Preparation, Sprint Activation, Long Ride Preparation, and Hard Start Readiness. Each is designed to address the specific physical demands you’ll encounter in those events.
To complement the warm-ups, ZwiftFit also offers targeted Zwift Event Cooldowns to enhance recovery immediately following your rides or competitive efforts. These short routines are carefully structured to gradually lower intensity, aiding in the removal of metabolic byproducts and easing muscle tension. Options include Race Recovery, Climbing Recovery, Sprint Recovery, and Endurance Ride Recovery.
You can also choose the duration of these warm-up and cooldown sessions based on your available time and personal preference. For the best experience, generate both the warm-up and cooldown sessions ahead of time. That way, you can smoothly transition from race prep to recovery without needing to leave Zwift or revisit the app. It’s a convenient and practical addition that supports readiness and recovery across a wide range of Zwift activities.
Multiple AI models are available, each offering a distinct style for generating workouts. Some models might emphasize structured intervals, while others introduce more variety or different types of challenges. You’ll also find variations in the verbosity of instructions—some are more concise, others more detailed—and subtle differences in tone. For example, one model might suggest a straightforward “2×20 at threshold,” while another adds pacing cues, motivational prompts, or mental focus tips throughout the session. This variety allows you to select a model that aligns with your personal preference for a particular session or to simply change models periodically to keep your training stimulating and engaging. Whether you want to stick with your favorite or switch it up to explore different approaches, having multiple models gives ZwiftFit a unique adaptability.
Simple and Affordable
There’s no subscription. Just a credit system:
New users get 30 free credits after signing up and verifying email.
Earn 30 more credits by generating one Quick Workout, one Custom Workout, and then downloading either of those workout files.
A 300-credit package costs just $2.99 — typically enough for 30–40 workouts (that’s less than 10 cents a session!)
For now, credit purchases are U.S.-only due to international tax complexity, but international users can still use the free credits and the FIT to CSV tool.
Bonus Tool: FIT to CSV Conversion
For data-driven riders who like digging into their workout files, ZwiftFit includes a free utility that converts your FIT files into CSV format. This makes it easy to import your Zwift workout data into spreadsheets or other analysis tools. There’s no cost and no credits required — just upload your FIT file and download the structured data. It’s a small but powerful addition for those who want more control over how they visualize and track performance.
Try It + Promo Video
ZwiftFit is available now at zwiftfit.com. You can also watch a short 30-second promo video below:
Final Thoughts
ZwiftFit is still evolving, but I hope it fills a real need in the Zwift training ecosystem — helping riders at every level get more out of their workouts with less friction.
If you give it a try, I’d love your feedback! Share your experiences or suggestions via my contact form or tag me @ZwiftFit on Instagram. Your feedback will help shape its future!
Your chosen bike frame and wheelset both affect speed in Zwift, so it makes sense for racers to do a little research and choose the best tool for the job. This is especially important in a time trial (TT) race, since there is no drafting and all your speed is entirely dependent on you and your bike!
While Zwift’s 4-star rating system for weight and aero is simple and easy to understand, performance varies even among frames with the same star ratings, because the stars are just an approximation. On top of that, Zwift’s addition of bike upgrades means racers need to take into account how a frame will perform when fully upgraded, not only when it’s first purchased.
Therefore, we’ve created several charts ranking all the TT bike frames based on their performance on flat roads and climbs, in un-upgraded and fully-upgraded states.
If you’re just looking for recommendations on what to buy, here are some helpful posts:
We begin with a simple chart showing how much time a particular frame will save you across 1 hour of riding at 300W (4 W/kg) compared to the most basic TT frame in game (the Zwift TT). These are “stage 0” frames, meaning no performance upgrades have been applied.
The chart is sorted from the best-performing frames to the worst, and you can sort based on flat performance or climb performance.
Sort Chart By:
Flat Performance
Climb Performance
Takeaways
When sorted by flat performance, you can easily see that the bottom ~10 frames have similar CdA (aero) settings in Zwift.
If you sort by climb performance, the speed falloff from one bike to the next is more even across the board. (This applies to road bike frames as well.) While Cadex Tri is far and away the winner on flat ground, it drops down in the list when it comes to climbs, meaning a pure climb TT needs a different weapon than a mixed or flat race on Zwift.
Time Savings Over 1 Hour (Stage 5 Frames)
This chart is just like the one above, except these are “stage 5” frames, meaning all possible performance upgrades have been applied.
Use the toggle to sort based on flat performance or climb performance.
Sort Chart By:
Flat Performance
Climb Performance
Takeaways
We shouldn’t see any major rankings changes here in terms of flat or climb performance, since all frames receive the same upgrades between stages 0 and 5.
Except there’s a bug (see “Misconfigured Frames” below), which means the Cervelo PX-Series and Ventum One both drop several slots between stage 0 and 5 in terms of flat performance, while improving more than the other frames in climb performance.
Apart from the misconfigured frames, all other frames gain roughly the same performance improvements between stage 0 and 5. (This test data has a margin of error of approximately 1 second, so you’ll see the frames reshuffled a bit due to this.)
Time Savings, Stacked (Stage 0 vs Stage 5 Frames)
Next, we have one of our favorite charts, ranking frames based on total time savings across our flat and climbing tests. This chart lets you easily see the best all-around performers, and whether their performance leans to the aero or climbing side.
Use the toggle to see data for stage 0 frames, or fully-upgraded stage 5 frames.
Show Chart For:
Stage 0
Stage 5
Takeaways
There are clearly four top TT frames in terms of all-around performance: the Cadex Tri, Scott Plasma RC Ultimate, Felt IA 2.0, and Canyon Speedmax CF SLX Disc.
Time Savings for Climbing (2 W/kg vs 4 W/kg)
Some readers have asked us to compute time gaps at lower power numbers, which is a perfectly reasonable request. Making this change has the interesting effect on climb times of making lightweight bikes move up the rankings while the more aero-focused bikes drop.
This is because, as you reduce your climbing speed, having an aero bike delivers less benefit.
Below we’ve charted climb time gaps for both 2 W/kg and 4 W/kg, and you can toggle between those two power levels to see how the rankings change. (The 2 W/kg time gap is compared to the Zwift TT frame at 2 W/kg, while the 4 W/kg time gap is compared to the Zwift Carbon frame at 4 W/kg). Times given are for stage 0 (un-upgraded) frames.
Show Chart For:
2 W/kg
4 W/kg
Takeaways
The top 5 climbers remain the top 5 climbers whether you’re riding at 2 W/kg or 4 W/kg… but they get reshuffled a bit.
Misconfigured Frames
All of the TT frames on Zwift are supposed to be using the duration-based upgrade scheme. But for whatever reason (we assume it’s a misconfiguration), Zwift has configured the Cervelo PX-Series and Ventum One as distance-based upgrades, like standard road bikes.
This means that the upgrades applied to these frames as you progress from stage 0 to 5 are different than the upgrades applied to other TT frames. The end result? As mentioned above, the Cervelo PX-Series and Ventum One improve a bit more than their peers in flat performance between stage 0 and 5, while losing a bit in climb performance.
What About the Espada?
Pinarello Espada
The Pinarello Espada is the only TT Halo Bike currently in Zwift. It is not listed above because it’s impossible to test the Espada frame without also testing the Espada wheels, since they are inseparable.
The Espada, it could be said, performs like a top-quality TT frame from the 1990’s. It loses ~20 seconds to the fastest TT frame in game (the Cadex Tri paired with Zipp 858/Super9 wheels) across an hour of flat riding, while losing around 15 seconds on an hour-long climb to the Cadex (which isn’t even close to the fastest climbing frame in game).
Testing Methodology
The data above was generated using our standard bot testing procedure. Our bot rides alone on Zwift, set to 75kg weight, 183cm height, using the Zwift 32mm Carbon wheels. The aero (flat) test route is Tempus Fugit, the flattest course on Zwift, while the weight (climbing) test is done on Alpe du Zwift since it’s a long, steep, and fairly steady climb.
Last week, Shimano introduced Q’Auto, a self-powered automatic shifting system that integrates with Shimano Cues and eliminates the need for a seperate battery. Here’s what you need to know, in brief:
The Q’Auto system utilises the FH-U6060 rear freehub, which has a dynamo to generate power that it can store for over a year.
The system employs “over 6,500” pre-set algorithms to automatically adjust gears. It learns from manual gear selections made by the rider to personalise shifting.
Shimano said: “Q’Auto brings together the joy and simplicity of riding non-ebikes with the automatic shifting technologies that were limited to ebikes.”
Initially designed for urban, trekking and gravel bikes, the Q’Auto system is compatible with all of Shimano’s Di2 shifters. So we could see it appear on Shimano’s road, gravel and mountain bike groupsets.
The Q’Auto system launched at the same time as the long-awaited Shimano XTR MTB groupset, which lacks wow factor.
Ashley Quinlan said Q’Auto is the daring product XTR should have been: “Technological innovations, such as Q’Auto, are part of the formula for cycling’s wider uptake. While not a silver bullet, its refinement (and application across non-assisted and electric bikes alike) could help make cycling more appealing.”
One of the best ways to monitor progress in cycling is through FTP Tests. In this week’s top video, one Zwifter tackles an FTP test to see how much he has improved since his first ramp test nearly 2 years ago.
Also featured in this post are videos about tips for winning Zwift races, a tour of Zwift HQ, a brutal Zwift race, and the Zwift Insider Tiny Races.
What 666 DAYS on Zwift Did to My FTP
After almost 2 years of training with Zwift, Adam from Road to A shares how the training has impacted his FTP.
How To Win a Zwift Race | My Essential Tips For Success!
Looking to win your next Zwift race? Ryan Condon shares his top tips and tricks on how you can improve your chances of winning a Zwift race.
L.A. Baby! – Puck at Zwift
In Puck’s latest vlog, she visits Zwift HQ and rides the local roads of SoCal.
I Hit My ALL-TIME LOW in this BRUTAL Zwift Race! – Cat D Zwift Racing
Zwift Insider Tiny Races – Can I keep up with the men?
Caryl Granville tackles the Zwift Insider Tiny Races with a few goals in mind, with one of them being finishing in the top ten overall in her category.
Got a Great Zwift Video?
Share the link below and we may feature it in an upcoming post!
Apple’s new Workout Buddy feature incorporates your workout data and fitness history to generate personalised, motivational insights during your workout sessions.
Announced yesterday as part of the WatchOS 26 update, the feature is a “first-of-its-kind workout experience”.
Workout Buddy will be on the Apple Watch and uses Apple Intelligence, the AI system developed by Apple.
It will be available only in English at first, across the most popular workout types, including outdoor cycling, running, walking, HIIT and strength training.
Alongside an Apple Watch, you will need a pair of Bluetooth headphones for it to work and an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone nearby.
Meaningful inspiration in real time
Workout Buddy was announced as part of WatchOS 26, which also includes new features such as Live Translation. Apple
Workout Buddy uses a new text-to-speech model that will then translate insights into a “dynamic generative voice” that Apple says will match the tone and energy required for a workout.
Apple says: “To offer meaningful inspiration in real time, Workout Buddy analyzes data from a user’s current workout along with their fitness history, based on data like heart rate, pace, distance, Activity rings, personal fitness milestones, and more.”
Apple has also revealed the kinds of encouragement Workout Buddy will provide. These include statements such as “Way to go on your run this morning”, “You just broke your all-time weekly distance record!” and “You’ve climbed 2,000 feet in elevation”.
As soon as you start an activity, Workout Buddy can start with a pep talk before marking key moments in an activity, such as distance covered. Then, once you’ve completed your activity, it will recognise your effort and provide summary stats, including speed and average heart rate.
Workout app also updated
As part of WWDC25, Apple’s annual developer conference, Apple says Workout is one of its most popular apps.
It has a new layout to help you easily create a custom workout or race against your fastest time on a route.
There are also new media features built into the app. You can now let Apple choose the best playlist for your workout, or you can select playlists or podcasts based on what you’ve been listening to.
SunRace Sturmey-Archer has released the new A2 two-speed rear hub, featuring automatic shifting and four braking options.
The A2 doesn’t require a shifter on the bar, meaning it should make for a low-maintenance solution for those seeking simple and efficient shifting on their commuter bikes.
A new kids’ version of the hub has also been released, so young riders can concentrate on pedalling rather than shifting gears.
Sturmey-Archer says the disc brake variant is for modern bikes requiring powerful and precise stopping performance. Sunrace Sturmey Archer
Sturmey-Archer is well known for its internal gear hubs, creating its first in 1902 and being bought by SunRace in 2000.
Many riders choose internal gear hubs because they generally require less maintenance compared to derailleur setups, due to the mechanism being protected from the elements.
Sturmey-Archer says the A2 has a gear ratio of 138 per cent and changes gear based on the RPM of the rear wheel.
The brand says drum brakes are durable and dependable, even in wet-weather conditions. Sunrace Sturmey Archer
For a 28in wheel, the hub will shift into the low gear at approximately 14.6km/h and shift into the high gear at 19.4km/h.
There are four braking options available for the A2 hub, with rim, disc, coast and drum brakes all supported, making it compatible with a wide range of bikes.
The compact kids’ version is said to be developed especially for a freewheel mechanism, so there is no coaster brake available. Sunrace Sturmey Archer
SunRace Sturmey-Archer has yet to confirm pricing, but we can expect to see the hubs roll out as OEM parts on commuter bikes soon.
Specialized has issued a voluntary recall of its Globe Haul ST and LT electric bikes due to a potential fall hazard.
The recall, issued together with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, relates to the 13in telescopic seatpost that came with the two e-cargo bikes.
When the lower portion of the seatpost is fully extended, it can break, posing a fall hazard.
Specialized has received 13 reports of incidents to date, including two minor injuries.
The Globe Haul LT. Specialized
Consumers are advised to stop using the Haul ST and Haul LT ebikes immediately, and contact an authorised Specialized retailer to schedule a free repair. The repair will consist of a new post made from a different material.
The statement from Specialized says: “At Specialized, our riders always come first. We have identified a potential issue with certain lower seatposts on our Globe Haul ST and LT bicycles. If extended, affected seatposts could break under heavy loads.
“If your bike is equipped with an affected post, we ask that you stop riding your bicycle immediately.
“We apologize for the inconvenience and want to thank you for riding Specialized.”
Specialized launched the two bikes in 2023 as part of Globe’s new line of urban electric bikes, with the Haul LT designed to replace your car.
Basque brand Oquo has given its new generation of wheels a complete redesign, introducing lightweight proprietary hubs and new carbon rim profiles.
The second-generation wheelsets come in three specification levels. The LTD wheels are built with the new Q10 hubsets and Sapim CX-Ray spokes. The Team and Pro-level wheelsets continue with Zipp’s ZR1 hubsets.
The wheels were produced at Oquo’s new state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facility in Bizkaia (Biscay) in Spain’s Basque region.
Oquo has had success since launching in 2022, claiming podiums at the Tour de France and in the Mountain Bike World Cup downhill.
The brand was initially an exclusive partner to fellow Spanish manufacturer Orbea and part of the same Basque-based co-operative. It has since shifted to become an independent brand.
The new Oquo manufacturing facility can build up to 1,500 wheelsets per day. Oquo
Oquo says the new R&D and manufacturing facility gives it the capability of assembling up to 1,500 wheelsets per day and has provided skilled jobs for more than 100 staff.
For the new generation of wheels, Oquo has redesigned the rim profiles, created a new lightweight hubset and expanded the range to include an all-new aerodynamic, race-oriented all-road/gravel option. We first spotted the new wheelset at this year’s Unbound.
Not a clincher, not hookless
The new Oquo wheels have already been raced at Unbound. Oquo
Oquo has continued to use the same rim and mini-hook designs it pioneered on the original wheel range.
The mini hook, unlike hookless rims, preserves compatibility with clincher tyres, while still enabling you to use tubeless tyres.
The second-generation Oquo wheels were tested and proven in the wind tunnel. Oquo
The mini-hook design is rated to 6.5-7 BAR / 95psi for the road, higher than hookless rims, which come with a 5 BAR / 72.5psi maximum.
The tyre interface may have been carried over, but the rim shapes and profiles are new. Development of the new rim shape has been ongoing over the last three years, involving riders from the Orbea and Oquo-sponsored Lotto team.
Testing on the road, alongside wind-tunnel proving, has been key to the new models, according to Oquo.
New lighter and simpler hubs
The Q10 rear hub can be disassembled for maintenance without tools. Oquo
Oquo originally partnered with Zipp, using Zipp’s ZR1 hubsets throughout its wheel range. For the range-topping second-generation LTD models, it has designed a new hub, the Q10.
The new hub has a shell CNC machined from 7075 T6 aluminium billets. It’s a material Oquo claims has superior durability to steel, while being lighter and stiffer too.
The new ratchet freehub, called Shark Ratchet, combines 45-tooth engagement with a full ceramic coating treatment to keep friction low and provide a fast 8-degree engagement angle.
The hubs use custom stainless-steel bearings, and races with low-friction seals and a proprietary water-resistant grease. Oquo claims they will perform even at temperatures as low as -50°C.
The hubs have a claimed weight of only 175g for the rear and 104g for the front. In comparison, DT Swiss’ lightest road option, the DT Swiss 180, comes in at 192g for the rear and 93g for the front. That makes Oquo’s Q10 one of the lightest Center Lock road disc hubsets available.
Tool-less maintenance
The new hubs’ assembly is a threadless interface, which means disassembly, inspection and maintenance require no special tools.
As a result of this design, Oquo has paid particular attention to making the seals as robust as possible. It claims the sealing is both ultra-efficient and tough, stopping the ingress of water and dust, which can cause premature wear.
Even switching freehubs between Shimano and SRAM is toolless and requires only the changing of a single part.
The range
The RP35 LTD is Oquo’s climbing wheelset. Oquo
The LTD range consists of four models: the lightweight climbing, 35mm-deep RP35LTD; the 50mm-deep, gravel-optimised RA50LTD; the 57mm-deep RA57LTD; and the time-trial specific RA80LTD, which, as the name suggests, is 80mm deep.
The RP35LTD has a 35mm-deep carbon rim with a 21mm internal width, optimised for 28-30mm tyres, with a claimed weight of 1,244g.
The RA50LTD has a 50mm-deep carbon mini-hook rim with a 23mm internal width and a claimed weight of 1,460g. Oquo says this rim profile was developed with input from riders at Orbea-sponsored Lotto. The aim was to design a rim for the roughest road surfaces, including gravel racing.
The new RP50 LTD is a rough surface/gravel racing wheelset. Oquo
The RA57LTD is Oquo’s most aerodynamic road racing wheelset, a direct competitor to Zipp’s 404 and the ENVE SES 4.5. With 57mm-deep, 23mm-wide internal dimensions, the new RA57TDs have a claimed 1,460g weight.
Oquo says the rim shape offers the best compromise between lightweight, aerodynamic stability and speed. This is designed to make it the ideal wheelset for mixed courses.
The RA57 LTD is Oquo’s answer to Zipp’s 404 and ENVE’s 4.5 SES. Oquo
The RA80LTD is Oquo’s time trial and triathlon option. It’s 80mm deep and the 23mm internal-width rims are paired with the Q10 hubset. This results in a 1,626g complete weight, a respectable figure for a wheel of this depth.
Oquo’s RA80 LTD wheels are designed for time trial and triathlon bikes. Oquo
All the Oquo LTD wheelsets will retail for £2,110 / $2,499 / €2,399 and ship with tubeless valves, tapes, sealant and wheel bags. The wheels are available with Shimano HG, Microspline, SRAM XDR and Campagnolo freehubs.
The four new LTD wheelsets are set to see a further upgrade soon, with Oquo confirming it has been busy working on a carbon spoke upgrade. The new spoke design is set to debut at this year’s Tour de France, with wheelsets with the suffix CS (Carbon spoke) becoming available later in the year.
Custom looks
Oquo offers multiple custom graphic finishes on the new wheelsets. Oquo
Oquo has taken cues from Orbea’s MyO programme to bring customisation to the new wheels. It tells us it could only achieve this by bringing assembly and manufacturing completely in-house. That also means a choice of graphic decal styles and colours across all models.
Last week, Zwift launched two summer mini challenges named “Cardio Crusher” and “Heat Check”. Each consists of 5 workouts, and completing them earns you an XP bonus.
Cardio Crusher Workouts
“Get ready to sweat! Cardio Crusher is your ticket to staying fit, fast, and fired up all season. With five targeted workouts built to boost endurance, power, and speed, this challenge keeps your summer training locked in—so you show up stronger for every ride, indoors or out.”
Heat Check Workouts
“Summer’s here—are you ready to bring the heat? Heat Check is all about staying sharp, fast, and race-ready, even when outdoor riding is in full swing. With structured workouts designed to maximize your time and build power, this challenge proves that the smartest riders don’t just ride more—they ride better.”
Joining a Challenge
To sign up for one of these Challenges, just click its card on the home screen under “Challenges”, pick a workout, and go!
Mini challenges are typically available for 3 months.
Challenge Rewards
Your reward for completing all five workouts in one of these challenges? Boosted fitness, of course. B
But you’ll also earn a total of 2000XP as you progress through the 5 workouts.
Tip: do one of these workouts each week on the Route of the Week to earn a 500XP bonus!
The best women’s cycling jerseys are a ticket to comfort and convenience on the bike, with easy-access pockets, aerodynamic fit and good ventilation.
We’ve put a selection of women’s jerseys to the test to find out which will serve you best, whether you’re racing, bikepacking or extending your commute.
You can also jump to the end of this article to read our buyer’s guide to women’s cycling jerseys, which explains what to look for in a jersey, the different types and what to wear them with.
Editor’s note: this list was updated on 9 June 2025 with information on how we test women’s cycling jerseys as well as why you can trust BikeRadar.
Best women’s cycling jerseys in 2025
Gore Distance Jersey
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The Women’s Gore Distance Jersey would be our choice for summer tours. Ashley Quinlan / Our Media
The Gore Distance Jersey is expensive, but arguably worth it. Every aspect of this exceptional jersey is design is well thought out.
The jersey features an ergonomically shaped neck, with a much more subtle take on a traditional collar.
There are long sleeves with raw-cut hems, contributing to a modern and clean look.
Available in block single colours, the material is a polyamide/elastane mix, incorporating recycled content.
The construction is flattering and allows for a super-comfortable fit. Attention to detail is exceptional – the secure zipper pocket has a rubberised grip, which makes it easy to access even when riding.
The reflective details are classy, too. The substantial reflective strip underneath the back pockets worked brilliantly when cycling.
The rear pockets give ample capacity for a day’s worth of snacks.
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Gore Spinshift Breathe Jersey Women’s
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The Gore Spinshift Breathe Jersey Women’s is ideal for long summer rides. Dave Caudery / Our Media
Cons: Flimsy feeling main zip, mesh fabrics may not be the most durable
The Gore Spinshift Breathe Jersey Women’s is superlight, fits well and is hard to fault despite its premium price tag.
If our tester had to choose one jersey for a summer bike tour, it would be this one.
Soft and stretchy fabrics offer good ventilation while remaining reasonably opaque as you sweat.
At the back, the pockets are generously sized and well-designed with reflective details on either side. There is a smaller zipped pocket for valuables.
However, the main zip and some of the mesh fabric feels a little flimsy.
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Le Col Women’s Sport Jersey
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The Le Col Women’s Sport Jersey uses lightweight fabrics. Ashley Quinlan / Our Media
The Le Col Women’s Sport Jersey is designed to be your go-to training jersey. In testing, it provided excellent comfort and a soft touch.
The jersey is constructed from a stretch-knit polyester, resulting in a soft, less compressive jersey with a slightly matt finish. Our tester found the fabric to be breathable on warm days and when working harder.
There are three rear pockets, with a fourth secure zipped pocket that’s waterproof.
A silicone hem gripper sits on the rear, and the sleeves are cuffed without any form of gripper.
The sleeves are on the shorter side, positioned slightly higher up than most jerseys, but still comfortable.
The relaxed fit meant the material bunched a little over our tester’s chest.
Being very lightweight, though, it was fast to dry out after being rained on, and wicked sweat away effectively.
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Santini Colore Riga Jersey
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The Santini Colore Riga Jersey has gorgeous colours, but misses a zipped pocket. Ashley Quinlan / Our Media
£90 as tested
Sizes: XXS-XXXL
Weight: 101g (Size M)
Pros: Gorgeous colours and pattern; comfortable relaxed fit; breathable
Cons: Missing a zipped pocket; reflective details minimal
The Santini Colore Riga is a dreamy summer jersey with materials that ooze quality.
The design aims for a “second skin weightless feel” and a flattering fit, in beautiful colours with a subtly striped top panel.
The raw-cut sleeve cuffs are soft and keep the sleeves neatly in place.
The fabric itself is lightweight and felt breathable even on hotter rides, which was helped by the relaxed cut.
Santini’s kit has a reputation for running small. However, our tester found this jersey to run big, which hopefully means the size range will cater for a broader range of cyclists – up to around UK18-20.
The Santini Colore Riga jersey achieves near perfection – it’s just a shame it lacks a zipped pocket for valuables.
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Altura Icon Plus SS Jersey
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The Altura Icon Plus has great reflective details. Ashley Quinlan / Our Media
£70 as tested
Sizes: 8-18
Weight: 170g (Size 10)
Pros: Great reflective details; large pockets; nice zip toggles; flattering fit
Cons: Over-enthusiastic sleeve grippers; back gripper could be better; main fabric a little heavy
The Altura Icon Plus SS jersey is constructed from a soft ‘streamlined’ body and recycled mesh panels, with a classy pattern and attractive colourway.
The fit is flattering and comfortable with the longer-cut sleeves and well-fitting panels.
The reflective details are subtle in daylight but highly effective at night, offering a good boost to visibility.
The zip toggles are substantial and grippy without being clunky, allowing for easy access and adjustment when riding.
The grippers could be improved. The sleeves gripped a little over-enthusiastically, leaving behind indents on our tester’s skin, and the back gripper struggled to keep the jersey in place when the spacious rear pockets were full.
The main fabric is a little heavier than most comparable summer jerseys, making it slightly warm to ride in at times.
The Icon Plus SS jersey is ultimately a great summer jersey that punches above its price.
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Sportful Light Pro W Jersey
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The Sportful Light Pro W Jersey is lightweight and comfortable in the heat. Dave Caudery / Our Media
The Sportful Light Pro W Jersey wicks sweat and dries quickly, making it an excellent choice for riding in the heat.
Lightweight, super stretchy and incredibly comfortable, the Light Pro W has laser-cut sleeves which sit gently on the skin.
The jersey body is longer than some other brands and it didn’t ride up on our tester.
The pockets are generous and expand to fit larger items (including up to four bananas). But there’s no zipped compartment.
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Also consider…
The following jerseys scored fewer than four out of five stars, so we haven’t included them in our main list. However, you may find they tick the right boxes for you.
Rapha Women’s Pro Team Training Jersey
Sweat patches can become prominent on this otherwise quality jersey. Dave Caudery / Our Media
Cons: Shows sweat (at least in the blue colourway); short in the body; small pockets
The Rapha Women’s Pro Team Training Jersey is a good summer jersey, let down by a tendency to show sweat in the blue colour we tested.
On the plus side, it has a subtle and comfortable low-profile neckline, close-fitting cut, and soft stretchy fabrics. There are three small rear pockets and one zipped pocket.
The relatively long sleeves have comfortable sewn ends which stay put.
But the jersey is quite short in the body and the gripper only covers the rear half. This led to it riding up at times.
Specialized Women’s Prime Short Sleeved Jersey
Although it changes colour when sweaty, this is a decent jersey. Dave Caudery / Our Media
The Specialized Women’s Prime Short Sleeved Jersey is great, but hindered by how much it shows sweat (in the terracotta colour we tested).
Wearing a sports bra underneath highlighted the issue further giving a two-tone appearance with colour changes above and below boob level.
But that aside, there’s a lot to love. The fit is flattering, the material is smooth and supple and the Terracotta colour on test was rich and gorgeous.
The rear pockets are sufficiently roomy and one has a small reflective logo. The secure, zipped pocket uses the same robust zip as on the front of the jersey.
Sportful Kelly Thermal Jersey
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The Sportful Kelly Thermal Jersey is suitable for temperatures down to 9˚C with a short-sleeve baselayer. Ashley Quinlan / Our Media
Cons: Zip lets cold air in; no secure pocket; few reflective details
The Sportful Kelly Thermal Jersey is a solid if not spectacular jersey designed for riding in cool weather.
It uses a combination of brushed fleece and lighter textured panels, focusing warmth around the core while enabling excess heat and moisture to escape.
The jersey performs well and was warm enough with a short-sleeve baselayer to ride in temperatures around 9˚C.
The tapered cuffs are close-fitting and sit comfortably under gloves to keep warm air in. Unfortunately, the front zip is draughty.
While this jersey does a lot of things well, it falls short in several areas. A zipper pocket for valuables would be nice and so would more reflective details.
We test jerseys in various conditions. Sam Voaden / Our Media
We test women’s cycling jerseys over long durations to see how they hold up to the rigours of real life.
The jerseys are worn on a variety of road and gravel rides to evaluate their performance across the board.
Ultimately, our women’s cycling jersey reviews are based on the following criteria:
Comfort – how does the material feel? Is it well-fitting?
Breathability – does the jersey vent well and will it keep you cool on hot rides?
Practicality – are the pockets a useful size and are there any extra features?
Price – does the jersey represent good value for money?
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We have experts testing all types of bikes, parts, clothing and accessories, from road, mountain and gravel bikes to commuting, bikepacking and electric bikes.
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We have more than 15,000 product reviews available at your fingertips, as well as expert buying, maintenance, training, skills, health and fitness advice.
Our annual Bike of the Year test is an industry benchmark and the BikeRadar team consists of some of the most experienced riders and testers in the business.
Buyer’s guide to women’s cycling jerseys
Long-sleeve or short-sleeve, a cycling jersey is your ticket to convenience and comfort. Steve Sayers / Our Media
A cycling jersey is one of the first items you’ll want to invest in when starting out, possibly only second to a pair of the best cycling shorts.
An abundance of options exist and the choice can be somewhat overwhelming, but our guide will help you pick out the right jersey for you.
How should a cycling jersey fit?
A jersey should be comfortably close-fitting for aerodynamic efficiency. Dave Caudery / Our Media
A cycling jersey should be comfortably close-fitting without being baggy or loose. It should gently hug you, and any zips or seams – especially around the neck or under the arms – should not dig in.
Length-wise, a cycling jersey should overlap a little with the top of your shorts. Too short and you risk bare patches when cycling, too long and the jersey will bunch and roll up.
The pockets should sit at a suitable height for you to access when riding, with an opening that’s large enough to get your hand inside easily.
Note that sizing can vary substantially between brands, and some can be much longer in the body than others, so it’s always worth checking the brand-specific size guide if ordering online, or trying the kit on in person.
What to look for in a women’s cycling jersey
Besides fit, there are several key features to consider when choosing a cycling jersey.
Materials
Choose a light material to keep you cool in summer. Dave Caudery / Our Media
Most cycling jerseys will be a blend of synthetic materials, creating a soft stretchy fabric. They are commonly a polyamide/elastane blend. These jerseys are often lightweight and quick-drying.
Alternatively, Merino wool or Merino blend jerseys exist. These utilise Merino wool’s natural antibacterial and insulating properties.
Summer jerseys will often be constructed from lightweight synthetic fabrics and may feature mesh panels to maximise ventilation. Meanwhile, winter jerseys are long-sleeved and often fleece-lined for warmth.
Zips
Full-length zips make the jersey easier to put on and take off. Dave Caudery / Our Media
Most modern jerseys are designed with a full-length front zip for ease of changing. Many of the best women’s cycling jerseys include ‘housing’ for the zip at the neckline and a protective backing for it, both helping to prevent chafing.
Pockets
A zipped pocket is handy for carrying valuables in your jersey. Dave Caudery / Our Media
Rear pockets are a key feature of cycling jerseys and one of the major advantages of a jersey over a T-shirt.
The ideal pocket is stretchy, with some form of band across the top to prevent items escaping when riding.
Many jerseys also include a secure zipped pocket or waterproof zipped pocket for valuable items such as keys or electricals, which you don’t want to lose in the process of retrieving your waterproof jacket or any snacks.
Grippers
Some jerseys have silicone grippers to hold the hem in place. Dave Caudery / Our Media
Grippers are bands of tighter material, or stickier substances (often silicone), which help to keep parts of the jersey in place.
Grippers are common on jersey sleeves, and around the bottom of the garment to stop the jersey from riding up.
The gripper should give a firm hold, without irritating your skin.
Sleeves
Laser-cut sleeves can prove very comfortable with no gripper biting into your arm. Dave Caudery / Our Media
Sleeves come in a variety of lengths and whichever length you choose is largely personal preference, although aero jerseys will generally have longer-cut sleeves made from aerodynamic fabric.
The sleeve hem should stay in place neatly without cutting into your skin. If the hem gives your arm a ‘waist’, it’s too tight.
Laser-cut sleeves don’t have a hem and often remove the need for grippers. These can be very comfortable.
What type of cycling jersey do you need?
Climate is the main thing to consider when choosing which jersey to get. Steve Sayers / Our Media
There seems to be a type of jersey for every niche in cycling, from race jerseys to gravel jerseys.
Be reassured that most jerseys work for most disciplines, and you won’t be disadvantaged wearing a ‘training’ jersey to a race, or a road jersey on gravel.
The main decision-making factor will be the climate you’re riding in. This determines the need for a summer/lightweight jersey, a midweight short-sleeved jersey or a long-sleeved winter jersey.
Other variations include aero jerseys for races and time trials, jerseys with more carrying capacity for longer adventures and (rare) maternity jerseys for cycling while pregnant.
What to wear under a cycling jersey
It’s a good idea to wear a baselayer beneath a jersey in most conditions. Dave Caudery / Our Media
Temperatures will also help you decide what you wear under your jersey. Wearing just a sports bra under the jersey will suffice for warm weather, or on harder rides.
However, combining jerseys with different baselayers can broaden the range of temperatures they’re suitable for.
As the weather cools, a short-sleeved baselayer underneath a jersey is a good call.
A thick, long-sleeve baselayer can make a long-sleeve jersey designed for spring or autumn suitable for winter riding.
Zwift launched bike upgrade functionality in March, and Zwifters have been busy putting in the work to upgrade various frames ever since.
While some people are content with just riding their bike and purchasing upgrades as they become available, others (like myself) are asking questions like, “Just how much faster will this upgrade make me?”
That’s what this post seeks to answer. But before I go there, let me link to two posts that fully explain the bike upgrades feature, in case you don’t yet understand it:
Below, you’ll find charts that answer two questions: how much faster does each upgrade stage make a particular bike, and how much power does that upgrade save?
Every bike frame in Zwift is assigned a particular upgrade scheme that defines what riders must do to achieve each upgrade stage, and what those upgrades are. I’ve created charts below for each of the 9 upgrade schemes, since each scheme is unique.
Performance improvements vary from scheme to scheme but are essentially the same for bikes within a scheme. That is, two different Distance-Based, Entry-Level bike frames will see the same time improvements at each upgrade stage. But a Distance-Based, Entry-Level bike will not see the same time improvements from stage to stage as, say, a Duration-Based Entry-Level bike. (For more on the upgrade schemes, and a table listing which scheme each frame uses, see this post.)
About the Charts
The Time Savings charts illustrate how much time is saved across 1 hour of riding for each upgrade stage. These numbers are based on our tests at 300W (4 W/kg) and may vary slightly if you are riding at higher or lower power levels, but within typical race pace levels (150-375W) the data should remain quite accurate.
The Power Savings charts show how, since your bike is now faster after upgrading, you can put out a little less power but still maintain the same speed as before the upgrade. You may be surprised to see that you’re saving less power on the climbs than on the flats, even though your time savings at that same upgrade stage is greater on the climbs than the flats. But that’s just physics! Power changes have a larger impact on speed when climbing than on flats.
There are a few caveats to mention before we dig into the data:
The time savings data below is representative of each type of bike. Speeds will vary a bit from bike to bike, but for most bikes, the data below is accurate within 1-2 seconds.
The power savings data below is an estimate based on our test rider holding 300W (4 W/kg). If that’s close to the power you race at, then these power savings numbers will be good estimates. But if you are riding, at, say, half that power (150W), the power savings drops (approximately) half as well.
Alright, let’s dive in!
Distance-Based Upgrades
Riders must put in a certain number of kilometers/miles before upgrading a distance-based bike (for details, see this post). Almost all road and gravel frames in Zwift fall into this category, so it’s the largest by far.
Distance-Based, Entry-Level Frames
Time Savings
Power Savings
You can clearly see above that entry-level frames get all of their performance upgrades in the first 3 stages. (Stage 4 gets you a 5% Drops earning bonus, and stage 5 is a 5% XP bonus.)
You can also see how each type of upgrade affects the overall performance: stage 1 is an aero upgrade, so speed on the flats is boosted the most. Stage 2 is a weight upgrade, so climb speed improves massively. And stage 3 is a drivetrain upgrade, so performance on both flats and climbs is boosted.
Distance-Based, Mid-Range Frames
Time Savings
Power Savings
Mid-Range frames get 4 stages of performance upgrades (stage 5 is a 5% Drops bonus), and you can see that the overall performance improvements (time savings at stages 4 and 5) end up matching the improvements to Entry-Level bikes at stages 3/4/5.
Distance-Based, High-End and Halo Frames
Time Savings
Power Savings
Distance-based High-End and Halo bikes have their performance upgrades spread across all 5 stages, but you can see the final time improvement (stage 5) matches the final time improvements for Entry-Level and Mid-Range frames.
(When I say it “matches” I mean the time savings is within ~1 second, since the data plotted above is from actual tests of actual frames, so the numbers won’t match perfectly.)
Again, you can clearly see what is being upgraded in each stage: stage 1 is an aero upgrade, stage 2 is a weight reduction, stage 3 is a drivetrain upgrade, stage 4 is a small aero upgrade, and stage 5 is a weight reduction.
Duration-Based Upgrades
Riders must put in a certain number of hours before upgrading a duration-based bike (for details, see this post). This category is exclusively for time trial frames.
Duration-Based, Entry-Level Frames
Time Savings
Power Savings
Whew, that stage 1 aero upgrade makes a huge difference! And again, we see that only the first three stages offer performance upgrades for Duration-Based Entry-Level Frames.
Duration-Based, Mid-Range Frames
Time Savings
Power Savings
The major upgrade for Mid-Range frames comes at stage 4, when aero performance greatly increases.
Duration-Based, High-End and Halo Frames
Time Savings
Power Savings
Again, High-End and Halo frames have their performance upgrades spread across all 5 stages. And the big stage is the final one with its major aero upgrade, which should save you around 6W on flat races. That’s no joke in a time trial.
Elevation-Based Upgrades
Riders must climb a certain amount before upgrading an elevation-based bike (for details, see this post). This category is made up of mountain bikes and a handful of climbing-specific road bikes.
Elevation-Based, Entry-Level Frames
Time Savings
Power Savings
The big upgrade here happens in stage 2, when the bikes get significantly lighter. Notice also how the upgrades are very climb-focused, with most of the improvement coming on the climb side of things.
Elevation-Based, Mid-Range Frames
Time Savings
Power Savings
The total time savings charted above differs a bit more than usual compared to the Entry-Level and Low-End Elevation-based frames because our sample frame used for the Mid-Range chart is a mountain bike frame (our only option), while the others are road bikes.
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Wahoo has raised prices on all its products for US consumers, with increases ranging from $10 to $2,000.
The brand’s Wahoo Elemnt Ace bike computer has increased from $599 to $649, while a Kickr Core with a Zwift Cog is up $40 to $534.
The biggest price hike is the Wahoo Kickr Run, which has risen from $4,999 to $6,999.
According to DC Rainmaker, Wahoo’s US site appeared “to be updating itself, because if you hover over products, you’ll see the old price. But once you open up the product page, you’ll see the new price”.
Wahoo’s US price increases at a glance
Wahoo Elemnt Ace: $599 to $624
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt 3: $329 to $349
Wahoo Elemnt Roam 3: $449 to $464
Wahoo Kickr V6: $999 to $1,049
Wahoo Kickr Core (with Zwift Cog): $499 to $534
Wahoo Kickr Bike V2: $3,799 to $3,899
Wahoo Kickr Climb: $699 to $749
Wahoo Headwind: $299 to $319
Wahoo Trackr Radar: $199 to £249
Wahoo Trackr HR: $89 to $99
Are Trump’s tariffs causing the price hikes?
Wahoo looks to be the latest brand to have increased its prices due to Trump’s tariffs. Simon von Bromley / Our Media
Wahoo’s European and UK pricing appears to have remained the same, which suggests these price increases are due to Trump’s tariffs.
The cycling industry has seen many brands adjust their pricing or distribution in light of the tariffs.
In April, Silca revealed that selling its new Elettrico electric bike pumps in the US was not viable due to the impact of tariffs. However, last week it was revealed that a reduction in trade war facilities opened an import window for the electric bike pumps.
At the end of April, Garmin revealed its January–March 2025 earnings, showing a 12 per cent year-on-year uptick.
Garmin’s president and CEO, Cliff Pemble, said the results were outstanding, but added that US trade policy was affecting every business, especially those with global supply chains.
Pemble said this would likely result in price increases: “So we’re evaluating pricing not broadly, but specifically in context of each market and product line… there are cases where definitely, there’s room to have different pricing, and there’s other cases because… it’s more competitive and difficult to increase prices.”
Specialized and Trek have also adjusted their pricing in light of the tariffs, with the former adding a surcharge to products and the latter introducing a price increase.
The US bicycle industry’s trade association, PeopleForBikes, has said Trump’s tariffs will have “devastating impacts” on the industry.
Why are there varying price increases?
The Elemnt Bolt 3 had a lower shipping price than the Trackr Radar. Wahoo
The variation in price increases is likely due to where Wahoo’s products are made.
In May, Wahoo added a surcharge to its Wahoo Trackr Radar via increased shipping fees.
US consumers were faced with a $50 fee for the radar bike light, whereas the cheapest shipping fee for an Elemnt Bolt 3 was $15.
The difference between these products is the Trackr Radar is made in China, and therefore subject to higher tariffs, while the Elemnt Bolt 3 is made in Taiwan.
What does Wahoo say about the price increase?
Wahoo hasn’t yet said anything about the price increases on products in the US.
Young people are leading the UK’s charge in electric bike popularity, according to new research by the E-Bike Positive campaign.
Released to coincide with the UK’s Bike Week (9-15 June), the research suggests a shift in Gen Z and Millennials’ approach to travel.
E-Bike Positive says more young adults aged 25-34 are planning to travel by ebike over cars or public transport, with nearly half saying they’re more likely to buy an ebike than they were a year ago.
Jonathan Harrison, director of the Association of Cycle Traders, says: “This surge in ebike enthusiasm among young adults shows the future of transport is already here – and it’s healthier, more sustainable, and more accessible than ever.”
There has also been a shift in the broader UK population, with 20.47 per cent more likely to buy an ebike, compared to the 49.34 per cent of young people.
Half of young people are more likely to buy an ebike than they were a year ago, according to E-Bike Positive’s survey. E-Bike Positive
E-Bike Positive, which launched last August, and includes Cycling UK, Bosch and The Bicycle Association, says more than half of the 2,000 people surveyed say they would likely buy non-manufacturer approved ebike components.
This includes items such as ebike batteries, chargers and conversion kits from online marketplaces.
There have been repeated warnings that these items can pose safety risks, particularly fires.
The research also suggests that among 25-34-year-olds, only 63 per cent would be able to determine if an ebike was road-legal.
Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns at Cycling UK, said ebikes have made a difference to people’s lives, helping them save money and stay healthy.
“That’s why we need to do all that we can to explain clearly the difference between safe, road-legal ebikes and potentially unsafe aftermarket alternatives. With 1 in 4 people unable to make the distinction between what’s safe and what isn’t when it comes to ebikes, we need to do more to increase awareness so people can make informed decisions when it comes to travel choices,” added Dollimore.
Merino wool baselayers deliver superior thermal comfort and performance benefits, according to a new study and four-year research programme led by North Carolina State University and Woolmark.
The study found that, unlike conventional synthetic performance wear, 100 per cent Merino wool baselayers maintain thermal equilibrium during both exertion and rest, making them ideal for stop-go sports, such as cycling.
This means that when wearing wool, you can avoid ‘after-chill’ when you stop moving to conserve energy, with your body having to do less work to maintain its skin temperature.
“No longer anchored by anecdotes”
Merino wool maintained its performance during activity and rest. Woolmark
Merino wool has long been favoured by outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its thermoregulation and odour resistance.
But this new peer-reviewed study means Merino wool’s position as a natural performance fibre is “no longer anchored by anecdotes, but by science,” according to Woolmark, the Australian wool marketer.
In human trials conducted in a climate-controlled chamber, all fibres exhibited similar performance during exercise. But wool maintained its performance during activity and rest.
John Roberts, managing director at Woolmark, says: “This is about the ongoing transition from activity to recovery. With wool’s structure designed by nature to enhance wearer performance, it responds in real time to changing physiological needs.
“It automatically keeps athletes close to their comfort zone, allowing 100 per cent focus on the challenge – especially in unpredictable and high-output activities, such as cycling or rock climbing, where a baselayer is often all they wear.”
The study also found that Merino wool’s hydrophobic outside and hydrophilic inside enable it to absorb up to one third of its weight in moisture vapour without feeling wet.
Who makes Merino wool cycling kit?
A Merino wool baselayer from Rapha. Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
Many cycling brands have Merino wool clothing in their collections, but Rapha and Isadore are two brands that have long championed the natural fibre.
Founded 21 years ago, Rapha’s first-ever product, the Classic Jersey, introduced a Merino wool blend called Sportwool. Combining Merino wool with polyester, the blend is said to combine the absorbent and insulating properties of Merino with the wicking of polyester.
Sportwool was the only fabric used for Rapha’s jerseys until the Pro Team jersey was introduced in 2011.
Isadore uses Merino wool in its cycling jerseys, such as the Signature Merino Air Jersey, for its thermoregulation and breathability. Isadore also uses the natural fibre as part of its commitment to sustainability.
“Building Isadore around the core principles of sustainability, high quality and timeliness of the design, production had to be in the EU with the core material being Merino,” it says.
– Cat D Zwift Racing
