Stéphane Pelletier predicts the rise of 32-inch bikes, a resurgence in freeride culture, growth of the Red Bull Hardline series, ongoing closures in the bike industry, and a shift towards e-bikes over traditional models by 2026, reflecting evolving market dynamics and rider preferences.
The article highlights the BikeRumor Editor’s Choice 2025 awards, featuring top bikes, gear, electronics, and accessories that inspire enthusiasm for cycling, along with personal reflections on the author's year of riding and adventures, including attending a Zwift event in Mallorca and trying new activities like running.
The Pinkbike Podcast revisits the last decade of Pinkbike Awards, discussing which bikes and components have stood the test of time, featuring guest Mike Levy who shares his insights on linkage forks, gravel biking, and bike trends.
REEB Cycles and Industry Nine have launched a limited edition Bronze Project collaboration featuring custom-built bikes with bronze components, available exclusively in August, highlighting American manufacturing and unique customization options.
Black Friday has expanded into a month-long event, offering significant discounts for mountain bikers on bikes, gear, and accessories. Notable deals include up to 75% off at Canfield and BikesOnline, and substantial savings on brands like YT, Ibis, and Canyon. Apparel and protection gear from Velocio, Pearl iZUMi, and BELL Helmets are also heavily discounted. Additionally, electronics like the Insta360 camera are available at reduced prices, making it an ideal time for mountain biking enthusiasts to shop.
GCN's Ollie Bridgewood compared a new £500 Boardman SLR 8.6 bike with a used £500 Pinarello FP Uno, finding that the second-hand bike was 47 seconds faster over a hilly route due to its lower weight. However, modern gearing and wider tire compatibility on the new bike provided advantages in comfort and practicality. The choice between new and used bikes depends on individual preferences and specific bike characteristics.
Eddy Merckx bikes have relaunched with a new range and limited edition 'Retrosonic' models, including a gravel bike and various frame materials and build options. The new range pays homage to places significant in Merckx's racing career and features models for road, endurance, gravel, and all-road riding. Additionally, a limited edition 'Retrosonic' range celebrates the relaunch with heritage paint schemes reminiscent of the 1980s Panasonic team.
In this article, Iain Treloar shares a list of his favorite things in 2023. He discusses the Specialized Jett 20 bike, the Velocio Line SE Wind Vest, the Google Pixel 7A phone, the medication Lexapro for mental health, and the ZTTO derailleur hanger alignment gauge. Treloar also mentions his love for the Ritchey Outback Breakaway bike and shares a list of music albums that made an impression on him this year.
Pinkbike conducted a poll to determine whether people prefer using the metric or imperial system for measuring bikes. While the metric system is considered more logical and consistent, the use of imperial units is still prevalent, particularly in the US and the UK. The bike industry is gradually shifting towards metric measurements, but a mix of both systems is still commonly used. Pinkbike seeks to include both units in their reviews, but the poll aims to gauge user preferences.
Bikes, Blues and BBQ is returning to Rogers, Arkansas with new biker-friendly changes, including street closures for bike traffic only in downtown, extended to-go beer and entertainment district hours, and increased police presence. Safety is a top priority, with officers patrolling both sides of town and urging drivers and bikers to be aware of each other on the roads. The event starts on Wednesday.
Specialized has expanded its P.Series lineup with three new alloy-framed hardtail bikes, catering to both new riders and experienced dirt jumpers. The bikes feature Boost-spaced sliding rear dropouts, adjustable for geared or singlespeed configuration, and are equipped with Specialized Kicker tires for versatile riding. The P1 is a 20" kids bike, the P2 is a 24" bike suitable for growing kids or adults, and the P3 and P4 are designed for dirt jumping with the option to fit a 27.5" wheel. The P4 also has larger wheels front and back, catering to riders who use it as an accessory to their main trail bike.
The Sea Otter Classic, the biggest cycling gathering in North America, is underway in Monterey, California. The event hosts thousands of athletes as they compete in hundreds of pro and amateur events, including the first round of the Life Time Grand Prix off-road series. Alongside the racing, the industry gathers to show off its latest and greatest gear and technology, including Vitus' yet-to-be-released n-1 bike, Bivo x Maghalie Rochette collab, Campagnolo's new $4K wheelset, Pinarello Granger, and Fi'zi:k's expanded line of 3D-printed saddles.