Robert Thorpe Kit Reviews – pedalnorth

Carbon road bikes created in the heart of Europe

Robert Thorpe — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:42:40 +0000

Carbon Bikes created in the heart of Europe – by TIME

by Robert Thorpe & Nadezhda Pavlova

For those of you that haven’t noticed, carbon bike frame production in Europe is not only alive and kicking; they’re still leading the way in innovation and engineering excellence. Yes, tucked away between Vienna in Austria and Bratislava in Slovakia, the small town of Gajary is home to the legendary carbon manufacturer, TIME Bicycles – the brand of former champions such as Paulo Bettini and Tom Boonen. And, TIME has been extremely busy since the Cardinal Cycling Group bought the brand only a few years ago with a seemingly endless drive to innovate and create new bikes to feed the global cycling communities’ thirst for quality and performance.

Leading the way on carbon bike engineering

TIME has always been at the forefront of carbon bike innovation. They’re one of those brands that cyclists aspire to ride. When somebody asks you what you’re riding, you simply say, ‘It’s a TIME’ and they know immediately that you’re riding one of the best carbon bikes in the world.

Their bikes are produced in-house at every stage. They weave the various threads themselves, using their proprietary Braided Carbon Structures (BCS) process, and their in-house Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), which in short, creates possibly the best carbon bike frames in the world. If you click the link at the foot of this article, you can read more about these processes on their own website.

And so, under the guidance of CEO, Tony Karklins, an industry veteran from the USA, but with deep European cycling industry connections, TIME is once again moving forward – pardon the pun – with a number of new bike models, all had crafted and hand painted by their artisans in Gajary, in the heart of Europe.

TIME Scylon

World-leading aero bike made in Europe

These days, too many bike brands use the phrase ‘designed in Europe’ or ‘assembled in Europe’, to hide the fact that many of the engineering processes are carried out elsewhere. Not so at TIME, who are legendary for their industry-leading carbon bike frame expertise. Their latest race offering, the TIME Scylon is testament to this, and is the ultimate expression of what a modern, high-performance road bike should be.

It embraces all the learning from nearly 40 years of carbon fibre expertise, to create a road bike engineered for aerodynamics, speed, and precision handling. Yes, the all new Scylon features their advanced carbon fiber technology, full cable integration, ultra-efficient power transfer, and clearance for 32c tires without sacrificing that legendary ride quality and durability that a TIME frameset has. It’s a bike with no gimmicks and unnecessary elements – pure speed wrapped into a work of cycling art. TIME engineers, under the leadership of Tony Karklins and his team, spent almost 2 years agonizing over every detail of the new Scylon, before releasing it is mid-2025, because balancing aerodynamics, weight, and stiffness is challenging. They increased tube sizes, which can add weight, and narrowed the frontal areas which can affect performance and ride quality – all risky changes, but for TIME, challenges worth exploring.

And, in true TIME style, this iconic bike brand overcame these challenges – in line with their motto, Le Defi – and they produced a lightweight, sleek and aero race bike that responds with precision and rides like a dream. Just ask our editor in chief, Nadezhda, who’s been riding and racing the Scylon since its launch!

TIME can also be fluid

The new TIME Fluidity endurance bike

In May of this year, TIME deliberately flew under the radar, releasing their latest endurance bike, as they set out to capture a proportion of the growing endurance cycling scene. With a focus on all-day comfort, the TIME Fluidity raises the bar on performance and quality – literally! Yes, the Fluidity has a higher stack height and is completely re-developed to meet the needs of the modern performance-orientated endurance cyclist.

Fluidity’s endurance geometry places the rider in a more upright position compared to a pure race bike – shoulders back, breathing freely, sustainable over 200-kilometre days. This they say is not a softer ride. It is, however, a more relaxed position, and one that supports those all-day epic rides. The performance characteristics are equal to those of the previous TIME Alpe D’Huez, but the difference is in how you feel after four hours. As TIME themselves say, cycling is about effortless pedaling that is driven by emotions, and a natural synergy between bike and rider – a passion for exploration. The new TIME Fluidity takes you on a journey into what TIME believes is the future of endurance bikes, whilst keeping one eye on the road taken to arrive at this point. It’s a seamless marriage between performance and comfort – an aspect of cycling that TIME is legendary at creating.

Within their new carbon frameset, they use DYNEEMA woven into their BCS frames in way that others don’t, taking a lead from the aero industry. This technical fibre dissipates high-frequency road vibration, reducing fatigue over long distances. It’s lighter than carbon at the equivalent strength, and it also has superior toughness, improving durability and confidence. It ensures that the new TIME Fluidity retains their legendary handling and performance, whilst being as light and strong as possible. It’s a bike for the future, not just for one ride.

The new TIME NXR

Everything you want from a carbon road bike

Finally, then, those busy engineers at TIME and their European factory have just released another world-leading carbon road bike to join their range – the new, 2026 TIME NXR. It’s not just a high-performance and high-quality road bike; the paint finish on the NXR is designed to show off their unrivalled braided carbon structures, with every strand of the weave on display and beautifully reflected in a modern styling. Yes, the NXR is literally ‘art on 2-wheels.’

Built on a proven platform, by using their proven BCS carbon, it comes with a new Scylon-inspired fork, to deliver the signature ride quality that TIME bikes have held and refined for decades. The geometry is built for taking on challenges and responds instantly to your input – it has 32mm tyre clearance for the roads you actually ride. This pure road design of the NXR positions the rider in a balanced, classic road posture — neither the extreme reach of an all-out race bike, nor the taller stack of an endurance frame. It’s the road position most riders actually want – powerful, comfortable for hours, and ready to attack the moment the road turns skyward. Yes, the NXR draws on the tried and tested and legendary design from the TIME Alp D’Huez, when it comes to climbing, whilst bringing in subtle new elements to continually innovate in their pursuit of the ultimate ride.

And so, yes, TIME definitely hasn’t stood still for this iconic brand, who still have more bikes up their sleeve and in development. Whilst many brands seem confused about their own current positioning and the influx of bikes from China, TIME are tackling things head on, in the only way they know how – through their unrivalled innovation and excellence in pursuit of the best possible ride. For me, TIME isn’t simply a world-leading aspirational brand; it’s achievable, and it’s ready and waiting for you to join their legendary cycling family, still proudly based in the beating heart of European cycling.

Visit the TIME website – Click Here

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Is Ekoi the listening brand in world cycling

Pedalnorth Website — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 10:26:02 +0000

Is Ekoi the listening brand in global cycling?

Jean-Christophe: Bucking the trend in the cycling industry since 2008

Before we start to talk about Ekoi, let’s focus on the cycling industry per se. It’s broken and a minor repair will no longer fix the issue. You can pour as much sealant into the punctures as you like – but, unless you start listening to the consumer… really listening, then you are not going to resolve the issues that are facing the industry. A simple tyre change also won’t help. Instead, pressing pause and engaging with the consumer will possibly begin in educating the industry on where the problems lie – and at heart, they’re fundamentally simple. Stop, look, listen, engage and then deliver.

However, whilst all of this has been going on – and indeed, long before it all started – there has been a company based in the south of France, quietly changing the way in which they (and indeed cycling) operates in that important space between consumer, pro cycling and brand. Yes, Ekoi, started by the passionate French cyclist and businessman, Jean Christophe in 2001, has been a burning beacon of hope for the cycling industry, and for kit-hungry cyclists around the world looking for comfort, performance, quality, style and price-point all operating in perfect harmony. Unfortunately, the coordination of those 5 simple elements have been as rare as a rocking horse winning the Prix de d’Arc de Triomphe. Unless of course, you look deeply at Ekoi and begin to break down how Jean Christophe has been thinking and operating his brand for nearly 20 years – which is when he introduced their revolutionary B2C model, in 2008, and began to change the cycle clothing and accessories industry forever, in a visionary and positive way.

Feeding the cycling child within us all

At heart, we are all that small child still inside of us – and Jean Christophe understands this as a cyclist himself. Do you remember, walking to school and stopping by the bike shop window to look at that blue Peugeot, road bike in the window and dreaming of it for Christmas. We still do this today, if we can admit to it – we frequently buy with our eyes. We watch the pro peloton and dream of our own cycling glory as choose our kit: the same helmets, the same sunglasses, jerseys and cycling shoes – and, if possible, the same bikes. We want to ride in groups with our friends, and to form our own team and pelotons.

What stops us in our tracks however is the price point; and why – well, because so many elements are now involved in the process of getting that simple cycling jersey to you. And they are all adding their own slice of the cake – meaning that the price of that jersey is usually beyond reach. Yes, the average cyclist still dreams and wants to wear a great jersey, of the type worn by the leading riders; but they also have to feed their families, and the dog and the cat – and the kids need those new training shoes for school…. and the list of impact factors goes on, whilst the main protagonists within the cycling industry continue to try to sell their over-priced offerings to 5% of the top egos on 2-wheels! Then, when their limiting strategy fails to deliver results, they wonder where it all went wrong. Conversely, Ekoi have always thought differently – which is why they resonate with me and with team here at Pedalnorth.

Delivering with passion creates proactivity

It was in 2008 that Jean Christophe developed and moved the young Ekoi brand forward, with his visionary direct to consumer, web business model and product strategy. It was still the infant days of online and in particular, online sales. However, in its first year of operation it achieved a 50K Euro turnover, with cycling sunglasses being the predominant product at that time. By cutting out the largely unnecessary and oft irrelevant links of distributors, outside marketing, and retail margins, Ekoi were able to design, make, market and sell the products themselves; and through their direct engagement strategy, they could also understand exactly what the cyclist was looking for – rapidly converting this into new product development which met the needs of the kit hungry cycling consumer.

Let’s not forget two critical aspects of those 5 key elements we mentioned earlier: style and price point. As a French company, Ekoi has style within its DNA. It’s as French as red wine and cheese. Personally, wherever I’m travelling to, a Bordeaux is always first choice of wine for me with dinner – nobody does style like the French. Then, price point; as mentioned, Jean Christophe had by 2008 been operating for 7 years and had learnt a lot about the heavy baggage that frequently attaches itself to the cycling industry. And so, he cut it away and developed Ekoi.com as the portal where his infant brand could grow alongside the cycling consumer, producing the products that they actually wanted, at the right price and at the right time. As cycling grew globally, so did Ekoi; by engaging closely with clubs and cyclists and designing and delivering the right products – products that consumers were directly asking them for.

Helmets came on board, then jerseys, bibs and socks, and the cycling clubs of France and elsewhere ate it all up, knowing the performance and quality of the product as they rode against the weather, seeing the ‘Côte blanc des feuilles’ and knowing that their reasonably priced Ekoi cycling jersey would weather the coming storm – and it has, quite literally!

With many in the world tour pro peloton now clothed in Ekoi products – sunglasses, helmets, clothing, cycling shoes – this visionary French brand continues to innovate and excel as they seek new areas and new ways to create the products being asked for by the growing global cycling community. And at their heart, working under the same principles that Jean Christophe laid down, are engineers, artisans, designers, former and current world-leading riders, all working together to create cycling dreams for everyone who feels inspired to ride a bike! Ekoi translated should mean ‘passion’, as it is this that flows outwardly from their base on the Cote D’Azur, and into the cycling clubs and cafes across Europe and beyond – and which has done since those early online days of September 2008, when their story began to emerge within the e-commerce space, way ahead of its time.

Re-inventing the B2C model

Having been active within the grassroots cycling community from their beginnings, Ekoi still operates closely on engagement. It’s that seemingly simple, but often difficult to get right, principle of observation and analysis. If done correctly, it should determine your strategy; and for Ekoi and Jean Christophe, it led in 2010 to a more defined and wholly web-focused approach, where Ekoi would be the B in the B2C model; designing, creating and delivering products based on the continual feedback from consumers, and by that all-important engagement with cyclists, clubs and a growing VIP client list. Aggressive pricing was based around them cutting away unnecessary retail margins, and it supported realistic club discounts and led to product expansion that was based solely on customer demand – a demand that was arrived at through two-way communication, and not meaningless marketing forums.

Add to this, the advent of Ekoi on the World Tour scene, where sunglasses were the first product taken on board on tested by the world’s best cyclists. Those dreaming club riders could now share the same products – as I did myself – as Ekoi catered for every cyclist in the pyramid of hierarchy, not simply the top 5% at the elite end. However, and it is a very big however, so take a breath please…

Ekoi products are engineered and designed in France, and that process involves input and testing by many of the best riders in the world; so that you can be sure when you pull on a Marion Rousse jersey by Ekoi, that Marion would wear it herself – because she does, and she helped to design the full range. No, Ekoi isn’t a lower level of expectation and quality; it’s quite the opposite – it’s the very best in terms of those key elements: comfort, performance, quality, style, all at the right price point.

Innovation & excellence for a brighter future

Talking with Jean Christophe – and Céline Vandenbroucke, their lead on PR, press, pro cycling and partnerships – they tell me about recent developments, alongside plans for the future. In 2025, Ekoi released their own cycling shoe and pedal development – the pW8 – which increases the shoe platform and power transfer opportunities, by re-inventing the contact area between shoe and pedal. Tested by members of the pro peloton, it delivers the performance gains and allows the foot to remain stable in rotation.

They’ve also been hard at work investing in engineering within French manufacturing, talking with cyclists about carbon wheels that were previously out of reach of the average cyclist. These locally assembled high-performance carbon wheels are a result of countless hours of research and testing, drawing on the expertise that already lay within French cycle wheel manufacturing – and included close liaison with their current and former pro peloton riders. In-house testing is important to Jean Christophe, as is having the position as the leading French brand within cycling – which they now are and which has been hard earned.

In-house testing listens and learns and adapts as the product develops, and it ensures that changes match needs; that the end-product is world-class, whilst remaining an affordable purchase for the majority, and not simply the minority.

Products are looked at, researched and developed alongside their support for some of the world’s best cycling teams. Currently, Ekoi equip and work with: Lotto-Intermarche; Astana; and also, NSN at World Tour level, allowing the brand to continue to call upon the expertise of the best riders in the world, before sharing the results with everyday cyclists as world-leading products.
Getting ahead takes technology & passion in equal measure

Their latest aero road helmet is one of the lightest and most efficient on the market, tried and tested by some of the world’s best riders. The EKOÏ Racing R-AERO helmet is a gamechanger in the aero helmet world because it perfectly combines speed, ventilation, and comfort. Developed with CFD technology, its profile was optimized in a wind tunnel with the clear goal of minimizing aerodynamic drag. An in-depth study in a simulated thermal environment, showed a heat transfer coefficient (ability to shed heat) higher than many ultra-vented helmets designed for climbing. The result: maximum versatility and optimal efficiency, whether in fast races, triathlon, or on mid- and high-mountain rides, even in scorching heat. It’s the helmet that was worn by Ekoi sponsored teams at the 2025 Tour de France, and the R-AERO stands out as the helmet built to win at high speed and at altitude.

Yes, from humble beginnings, Ekoi is a world-leader in so many areas, and yet still focuses on listening, looking and engaging with ordinary cyclists alongside the pro peloton, so that the products they develop meet the actual needs of the cycling community – at every level.

The future’s bright – so wear some Ekoi sunglasses!

With a bright future ahead and even more products in development, Ekoi’s list of collaborations reads like a ‘who’s who’ of world cycling: Fabio Aru, Julian Absalon, Phillipe Gilbert, Marion Rousse, Rudy Von Berg, Nicholas Roche and others. Riders across all forms of cycle sport continue to add to the palmares for this now iconic French brand, sharing the same passion that Jean Christophe used to develop Ekoi into one of the top cycling brands in the world. Innovation and excellence are often talked about in cycling; however, when this is merged with drive, intelligence and freedom of thought, and it is fuelled by passion and a healthy dose of French flair, then it is simply unstoppable.

Ultimately, none of us know what the future holds, but we can help to direct it and to meet the needs of those riding in that direction. Ekoi have been doing this since 2001, and their continued success within the world of cycling is a testament to the people behind the brand and their adherence to being different; to being the best, and in helping and encouraging others to be their best versions, too.

Talking with Celine and Jean Christophe has been exciting and yes, inspiring for me, as we shared our joint passion for cycle sport and for doing things differently – for doing things right! Ekoi won’t add sealant to the puncture that the cycling industry is currently suffering from. No, they’ll literally re-invent the wheel – and I can’t wait to be there when they do!

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2026 Spring-Summer Cycle Clothing Collection from ALÉ

Pedalnorth Website — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:18:27 +0000

New ALÉ Spring-Summer 2026 Collection

A collection that blends technological innovation, cutting-edge materials and contemporary design, created to experience cycling with freedom, comfort and personal style.

As the cycling seasons begins once more, and we start to look ahead to warmer spring days and short sleeved jerseys, Italian brand Alé has unveiled its new Spring–Summer 2026 cycling apparel collection. This latest range from their world-leading design team, celebrates the warm season with a distinctive balance of technical performance, functionality and modern style. It’s a range for the complete cyclist, bringing the Alé experience to all riders, from professionals to passionate enthusiasts.

Alé’s DNA is rooted in the fusion of functionality, design and textile engineering. Each garment supports the cyclist on a journey that is both physical and emotional, where comfort, innovation and aesthetics coexist in perfect harmony. Clean lines and carefully engineered details, and meticulously selected fabrics define a collection designed for those who experience cycling as a personal and authentic expression.

SS26 Collection – inspirational themes

The Spring–Summer 2026 collection is built around several creative universes and themes:

• Pure Essentialism – Clean, no-frills garments designed for riders who want only what truly matters, with no compromises.

• Cosmic Horizons – Celestial colour palettes and space-inspired textures turn every ride into a visual experience, where each shade evokes a journey toward new sensations.

• Energy & Dynamism – Vibrant tones and bold designs that convey speed, adrenaline and freedom, expressing the most instinctive and passionate side of cycling.

• Urban Style – Metropolitan vibes that merge performance and contemporary aesthetics, created for cyclists who live the city with a sporty, distinctive attitude.

• Reinterpreted Heritage – A tribute to cycling’s history, reimagined through modern fabrics and contemporary cuts, preserving the elegance of tradition without sacrificing functionality.

The five macro clothing collection families for 2026

As always, the Alé SS 2026 collection is structured around five main product lines:

• R-EV1 – The capsule collection representing the pinnacle of Alé innovation: advanced technologies, cutting-edge materials and design developed in the brand’s research center.

• PR.E – Creativity and performance inspired by the professional peloton. Garments designed for riders who want to combine technical excellence, colour, style and originality on every ride.

• PRAGMA – Essential, comfortable and practical. A range of durable, refined pieces where quality and craftsmanship are guaranteed by Alé’s long-standing expertise.

• OFF-ROAD GRAVEL – Designed for gravel and mountain biking, a robust and functional collection engineered to tackle off-road terrain with comfort and protection.

• TRIATHLON – Built for triathlon challenges. Ultra-high-performance materials, advanced aerodynamics and maximum breathability for every leg: swim, bike and run.

Together, these lines form the Alé Spring–Summer 2026 catalogue, a comprehensive offering for every type of cyclist, from elite athletes to leisure riders.

Garment engineering and technical performance

At the heart of the collection lies Alé’s commitment to seamlessly integrating technology, materials and design to deliver high performance in all riding conditions. Highly breathable, lightweight and elastic fabrics are combined with advanced construction techniques aimed at reducing friction and improving aerodynamics, while seams and hems are optimized to follow the body’s natural movement without interfering with pedalling efficiency.

Bib straps are anatomically shaped and crossed to distribute pressure evenly, ergonomic cam-lock zippers ensure ease of use and safety while riding, and reflective details enhance visibility in low-light conditions. Selected fabrics feature textures and microstructures engineered to increase stability and grip on the saddle, while advanced body-mapping technology allows each garment to adapt to different areas of the body, improving fit and comfort on long rides.

Every element of the collection is designed to maximize performance without compromising style, making the garments suitable for professional cyclists, dedicated amateurs and everyday riders alike, on the road or off-road. The combination of innovative materials, technical construction and attention to detail defines a versatile, high-performance and comfortable collection, engineered to support every ride with confidence and freedom.

It’s all ready and waiting for eager, style-conscious cyclists, and will no doubt light up the tarmac and trails this cycling season. We’ll be testing out a few selected items from this extensive tapestry of cycling style, with detailed reviews coming to our website, soon.

Visit the ALE Website

Who make the best carbon bikes in the world

Pedalnorth Website — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 16:11:05 +0000

Who make the best carbon bikes in the world

Road and off-road – where does innovation & excellence come as standard

We recently looked at who makes the best carbon road bike in the world. However, for many cyclists, and especially those addicted to N+1, the wider question is: ‘who makes the best carbon bikes in the world – on road and trail? Is the best bike in the world a road bike, a gravel bike or a mountain bike? That’s a far deeper question, and it relies on us speaking with numerous people, such as Guy Kesteven – the tester man – who knows more about mountain bikes than you can shake a stick. Now, in northern English slang, that’s a whole lot of information.

During 2025, Guy tested many incredible mountain bikes, and one of his favourites was the splendidly engineered race machine from Orbea, the Oiz M-Team. Taking a cue from Guy and adding our own thoughts, the Orbea brand has to be up there, as one of the brands making the best carbon bikes in the world – especially for trail riders. In terms of the Orbea Oiz itself, it’s a lightweight, aggressive geometry and nimble handling trail hugger that wants to fly along the tracks. Add to this the quality of the finishing and the components used by Orbea – along with the size of Guy’s grin factor – and you’ve got a competitor for the best mountain bike. Having used Orbea mountain bikes for many years myself, their quality is renowned; and it’s a brand that has been around for many years, with a rich history of developing high-quality and high-performance mountain bikes (and other bikes) since 1847, when the Orbea brothers opened a small workshop in the heart of the Basque country.

Today, they still design and assemble their frames in this area, whilst their frame manufacturing relies on the expertise in the Far East. Their meticulous attention to detail is legendary, and their latest bikes continue to share this adherence to innovation. The Orbea Oiz is simply a bike that looks quite beautiful, and which rides like an unleashed beast, wanting to devour the trails that you test yourself on.

The Road to Gravel

When we talk about the best gravel bike in the world however, other small artisan brands come to mind. Yes, there’s already a pattern emerging here, as these smaller brands tend to focus on the quality, performance and comfort of their bikes, rather than simply feeding the mass market. And unsurprisingly it’s brands such as 3T and TIME who forge ahead in the context of building the best carbon gravel bikes in the world. Breaking down the gravel biking sector in its constituent parts as it continues to evolve – gravel adventure, gravel leisure and gravel race – it’s around gravel adventure that 3T excel, with bikes such as their 3T Exploro Italia leading the way on innovation, quality and performance. However, when we look closely at the growing gravel leisure sector, we see the TIME ADHX45 taking the lead on the road to gravel arena, as probably the best carbon framed gravel leisure bike in the world.

What both these brands share however, isn’t just an adherence to excellence; it’s innovation and the constant desire to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible in carbon bicycle frame engineering. TIME, based in their European factory near Bratislava have developed and refined the Braided Carbon Structure (BCS) technique of weaving seamless carbon socks that provide the ultimate in lightness and strength, and which are seen by many as being the best carbon bike frames in the world. Utilising internal and external molds to ensure perfect frame composition with their Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), TIME carbon bike frames – on road and gravel – are simply works of engineering art that ride as well as they look.

Gravel adventure requires ultimate engineering

From their own small factory close to the Italian lakes and mountains, 3T have been creating iconic cycling parts and framesets since 1961. Like TIME, their own team of artisans have focused on developing techniques that ensure a 3T carbon frameset is ready for anything. Like the BCS technique, but also different in many ways, 3T use their own technique of Filament Winding (FWT).  Instead of sheets of carbon cut in different shapes and applied on a core, filament winding uses a yarn is spun that is spun onto a core to create a carbon shape. By changing the speeds of the winder, you can change the angle of the yarn on the core. This FWT allows to put each strand of fibre exactly where you want it. Having been at the forefront of the gravel adventure rise, 3T continue to make exceptional carbon framesets such as the 3T Extrema Italia at their home in Italy. And so, we have to rightly ask the question: do they make the best carbon bikes in the world?

Well, in terms of gravel adventure – possibly so. However, it’s time to consider the gravel leisure sector, and that’s a whole new ball game.

Riding the road to innovation & excellence

Going back to TIME and their own industry -leading BCS technique, their forte has always been in designing and creating innovative carbon road bike framesets. Are they the ultimate in carbon bikes for the connoisseur – yes, they very likely are in our humble opinion. When it comes to looking at who makes the best carbon bikes in the world, then TIME must be on the list and towards the top. Every aspect of their process has always been geared towards creating carbon bikes that stand head and shoulders above the rest in quality, performance, comfort and responsiveness. When you buy a TIME carbon frameset, you buy into a lifestyle and culture that exudes excellence. They also allow you to decide on what components your bike should have, so that the TIME bike you ride is your own unique bike.

Ultimately, we all want our own dream bike, and TIME make this possible for everyone. And, whilst they don’t make mountain bikes, as Orbea and the skilled designers and engineers from the Basque region of Spain, TIME do continue to innovate. They never stand still in their pursuit of quality and performance. Launching the TIME SCYLON in 2025, it took the brand to even greater levels of carbon engineering, with TIME testing and using new fibres within their BCS technique, to create an even lighter and stronger carbon road bike. And so I guess, and from a personal perspective ultimately; the best carbon bikes in the world are made by TIME in their factory, tucked away beneath the mountains and rolling hills of Slovakia – and all of us should aspire to ride a TIME machine into our own cycling future.

Fundamentally though, if you’re looking for a carbon mountain bike brand that stands tall above the others, then Orbea should most certainly be on your list. And, when it comes to gravel adventure, then using the 3T Extrema Italia is always going to be a good decision. We do however have to narrow down the final point though, and because of their continued adherence to excellence, their innovation and quality of ride, TIME is always going to be a bike to dream about.

Why… well, because we believe that they make the world’s best carbon bikes, with a passion that is reflected in every quite beautiful frameset.

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What is the best carbon road bike in the world

Pedalnorth Website — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:13:53 +0000

What is the best carbon road bike frame in the world?

TIME to find out

by Robert Thorpe & Nadezhda Pavlova

It’s a complex question, I know, as there are so many carbon bike frame manufacturers out there in the world. Many of them are based in the Far East, where they’ve become world experts at creating high-performance, high-quality carbon frames using techniques such as monocoque, which involves the layering of pre-peg carbon sheets around a mold and using an inflatable bladder for a seamless structure. However, in truth, that’s a rudimentary, old-fashioned and simplistic way of producing a frame these days. It helps the larger multinational brands to produce in volume, yes; but does it produce the most innovative, strong, light, responsive and performance orientated frameset – probably not.

Some brands use the Holo Core methods, where foam cores are removed after curing framesets. However, in certain corners of Europe, brands such as TIME and 3T are creating woven carbon framesets, using their own developed techniques, such as TIME with its Braided Carbon Structures (BCS) and Resin Transfer Molding (RTM).

Braided Carbon Structures

Braided Carbon Structure is a technique that involves the weaving of multiple different fibres into complex bi-directional ‘socks.’ These carbon woven tubes are easy to tune with different materials, dependent on what is required from each individual bike model, and how tests have been carried out to determine which works best. TIME for instance, who have perfected the BCS technique over more than 20 years, currently chose from 16 filaments to perfectly tailor their layups.

Using the Braided Carbon Structure technique, from their artisan factory near Bratislava in eastern Europe, this iconic cycling brand has refined a process that allows something that is unheard of in the cycling world: continuous, unbroken fibres that run the full length of a carbon frameset structure. Think about this for one moment; not layered pieces of carbon cloth, but one long, unbroken and seamless sock of woven fibres. It’s easy to imagine the integrity of many layers of uninterrupted woven fibres running through a steerer tube and being integrated into a fork crown, and even down the fork legs with minimal overlapping joints. Contrast this technique with the industry standard prepreg layup where the edge of every carbon sheet is a potential weakness, and you begin to get the answer to that question posed at the start: what is the best carbon road bike frame in the world?

TIME SCYLON – probably the most beautiful carbon road bike in the world

The answer, for us here at Pedalnorth at least, is easy to determine. When you see a TIME SCYLON frameset being finished by the craftsmen and women in Slovakia, then the answer is this: TIME design and create the best carbon bikes in the world. They produce works of engineering art – not in huge numbers, because that would dilute things. They take their time to ensure that a TIME road bike looks as good as it rides – which is exceptional. The TIME SCYLON -the bike of choice for our editor and colleague, Nadezhda, is probably the most responsive and comfortable high-performance road bike in the world.

TIME engineers spent almost 2 years agonizing over every detail of the 2025 SCYLON release. Producing the best aero bike in the world does literally take TIME… pardon the pun. These artisans and engineering gurus wanted to ensure that the balancing of these key elements: aerodynamics, weight, responsiveness and comfort whilst challenging, was ultimately given the detail required if they were to produce the world’s best bike in its class.

When you are working to increase stiffness and tube sizes, it can also increase weight, whilst narrowing frontal areas for that all-important aero shaping can affect overall performance and ride quality. This needed a detailed focus, with absolutey nothing left on the table 2 years later. The result is a bike that glides along the road and produces the ultimate experience in cycling – a perfect balance between performance and pleasure.

Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)

Part of the reason that TIME bikes are so beautifully constructed is how they use Resin Transfer Molding. Having developed molds that are external and internal to the finished frameset, TIME can be sure that the frameset being produced, looks and acts as well on the inside as it does on the outside. It’s also the best way to minimize defects in the composite structure. By injecting resin under high pressure between rigid external and internal molds, air pockets are pushed out, and voids between layers are eliminated. Resin can only flow where the precise molds – internal and external – allow and only assume the shapes that are intended, meaning that the RTM quality is extremely high-tolerance, uniform and consistent yielding a beautiful near-finished product.

The wax inside of each frameset as it is being produced by TIME, which helps to keep the shape and structure so smooth and perfect, is also recycled after each process. Whilst no bike manufacturing process can be totally green, small things count; and this element of recycling and re-use is good to see, whilst also adding to the process that makes a TIME frameset a work of cycling art.

Conversely, brands that use pre-preg bags can suffer from instances where the bags create resin pooling and allow wrinkling of fibre layers inside of the structure. For TIME, taking time to think about how they can produce the world’s most precise carbon road bike frameset is important.

Every TIME bike is an ambassador for the quality and performance that they’ve become renowned for since 1987.

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An adherence to excellence

TIME focuses on an adherence to innovation and excellence. They’re a small but dedicated group of creatives, always seeking out new techniques and testing new weaves, to ensure that a TIME bike frame has the perfect balance between lightness, strength, performance and comfort. The finished carbon weave also looks so good that you can have a TIME frameset that allows the look of the carbon itself to be seen – not hidden away under layers of paint. Yes, of course, they do paint framesets – and they do so quite beautifully. However, when you buy a TIME road bike, you buy into the quality and engineering excellence that has been creating these timeless pieces of cycling art since 1987. And, they continue to look at new ways to increase the strength, lightness and performance of their carbon bikes, by trialing new weaves using Kevlar and Dyneema within the BCS socks. On a weight for weight basis, Dyneema® is 15 times stronger than steel wire. Light Weight: Size for size, a rope made with Dyneema® is 8 times lighter than steel wire rope.Testing how and where to use this within the TIME framesets means that they can create some of the strongest carbon bike frames ever.

Ultimately, for Tony Karklins and his team of artisans, it means that TIME never stands still.

And so, if you’re looking for the ultimate bike for your own cycling lifestyle. One that matches your riding and ambition. A bike that allows you to ride in harmony with the bike itself and feel like one on the road, then maybe you need to take TIME for a new journey of discovery. Look at TIME and their current range of the world’s best carbon road bikes – the SCYLON and the current Alp D’Huez for climbers.

At the end of it all, the simple fact is this: the best carbon road bikes aren’t made in huge multinational factories in the Far East. They’re designed, crafted and created in a small corner of Slovakia – by TIME.

Now, pardon the pun, but isn’t it time that you took a closer look?

Click the link below and take a journey through TIME in 2026!

Visit the TIME website

Using a gravel bike as a winter road bike

Pedalnorth Website — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:19:31 +0000

Using a gravel bike as a winter road bike

Buying a bike for multiple uses

Choosing a gravel bike as a winter road bike can be a sensible solution to an annual problem for keen cyclists. Winter cycling brings on a whole spectrum of challenges and problems to overcome – especially for road cyclists. Wherever you ride, at some time in the year the weather will change and become either cold, wet or icy… or all three in one day! Cycling on winter roads can be a challenge; especially for high end and technically delicate carbon road bikes with expensive groupsets and gears, and with narrow wheels and semi-slick cycling tyres. Winter cycling roads here in the Yorkshire Dales are often covered with field debris, mud, deep water – and then, the ice and snow comes!

Add to this, road surfaces with grit and salt scattered across them, and this then attacking your bike gears – the chain and the cassette – and your wheel hubs and bottom brackets, and every bolt on your very expensive new carbon bike also being attacked by the dreaded and damaging road salt! Did I mention the risk of slipping on the ice and cracking your carbon frame! And yet, as cyclists in winter, we wrap ourselves up in Klimatik clothing by brands such as Ale, and we add mudguards to the bike and use lights even for day time riding… and we hope and pray!

Justifying N+1

As cyclists, we often meet confusion in our families and with our partner, when we try to convince them that each of our bikes is for a different purpose or use. Ultimately, they all have 2 wheels, a saddle and handlebars – so, what makes them different! Where did N+1 originate, and why don’t non-cyclists fully understand that the need to ride in comfort on all surfaces, is only solvable by the addition of yet another bike to your stable!

Thankfully, due to the ascendency of gravel biking, there is a kind of a solution to your winter road bike requirements. Yes, there’s a drop handlebar bike that has a more relaxed geometry, a stronger frame and wider wheels and tyres for you. And, if you buy the right choice of gravel bike, you even get to spec it up yourself and maybe add a double chainset to give you a wider range of gears, helping you to utilise your awesome all-terrain gravel bike as a tarmac munching winter road bike. Yes, making the right choice now in buying your gravel bike, will also give you a great option, as your gravel bike will make a great choice for winter road cycling… and here’s why!

The advantages of using a gravel bike as a winter road bike

The ideal bike for multiple surfaces

Gravel bikes are designed and built in a way that makes them a great option as a winter road bike. Ultimately, these versatile bikes are designed for multiple surfaces – especially road use – allowing you to ride on roads, gravel paths, and even light trails, providing the ultimate in cycling flexibility. Gravel bikes typically have several accessory mounting points, allowing you to easily affix mudguards and racks, keeping that winter cycling road debris at bay, and protecting you and your gear from road spray and debris. Yes, that age-old problem of fixing mudguards that will remain stable on your winter bike, is now easily resolved by using your robust and well engineered gravel bike as your winter road bike option.

Traction and Grip

Traction and grip is all-important in winter, and yes – you can use winter road tyres and ride with lower tyre pressures. However, your tyre size will always be limited on your winter road bike, whilst a gravel bike is designed with the ability to take on several wheel and tyre options. Wider tyres with a deeper and more defined tread pattern will provide better grip on wet, icy, or debris-covered roads, increasing your confidence and assisting with your cycling safety. Running these wider tyres in lower pressures will also add some much need comfort on pot-hole filled and cracked road surfaces.

Bikes such as the TIME ADHX 45 can take a 650B wheel, or a 700C wheel with a 45mm tyre width – now, whilst that’s maybe overkill, using a 35mm gravel tyre with lower pressures will provide you with better grip – and, your winter bike buying is now unnecessary, thanks to your 3-season gravel bike becoming a 4-season road option. And, thanks to the wider gear ranges on your gravel bike, you’ll still be able to comfortably tackle the long and steep hills of the Dales, Lake District, or Italian countryside!

A frame built for strength and versatility

You can of course simply swap your road wheels onto your gravel frame and use winter road tyres, which will ride faster than a gravel bike – if speed is truly important to you. Thankfully, gravel bike frames are more rugged and robust though, and they’re better equipped to take on the rigorous work of a winter road bike, and the dangers that lie around every corner, due to the weather and road conditions.

Looking at the iconic TIME brand – and other high-end gravel bike options – these brands give you the opportunity to spec the frame yourself, with your own choice of gearing and groupset, finishing kit and wheels. TIME also build their ADHX frameset for speed on gravel, leaving the hardcore bikepacking options to other brands such as Surly or 3T. It means that their gravel bikes are perfectly suited for dual usage on roads, and a perfect choice of gravel bike for use as a winter road bike. All that you need to do is to make sure that the gearing is relatable to the roads you generally ride.

Personally, I like a 2×12 gear option on a gravel bike, as the hills around here are steep and unrelenting. I want my gravel bike to be able to ride up with ease, and to allow me the opportunity to speed downhill as fast as possible! When it comes to using a gravel bike as a winter road bike, the 2×12 gravel gearing setup will also perform well as a winter road bike gear choice, giving you that road type feel for gear choice.

Hydraulic disc brakes are more and more common on road bikes. However, if you have to buy a winter bike, this can be an added expense for a bike that you’re likely to use for only a few weeks each year. Thankfully, gravel bikes such as the TIME ADHX 45 come with disc brakes, meaning that when you use this gravel bike as a multi-purpose winter road bike, you’ll still have the very best stopping power to keep you safe. Make sure that you keep the callipers and discs clean though, and help to maximise their performance by maintaining them after every winter ride.

And so, there you have it: taking time to think in detail about your next gravel bike and how it can save you money when it comes to a winter road bike option, will serve you well financially and on the road. Whilst an ‘off-the-peg’ gravel bike always seems tempting – saving you from making too many decisions – by getting a professional bike fit and then building up your own ideal gravel bike, you’ll ensure that you have a gravel bike that fits you perfectly and which will serve you as more than capable winter road bike option. Focusing again on our friends at TIME, the iconic bike brand; they’ve been creating world-leading road bikes for generations and have unrivalled expertise in carbon frame production for road bikes. They’ve used this to pause and think in depth when developing their range of gravel bikes, which are equally as impressive. For all the right reasons, they’re a good starting point in providing you with a dual usage cycling solution.

Technology has made the wide tapestry of cycles even more colourful and varied. However, when finances start to impact – as they do with such modern frequency – spending more on one great bike will often be a more sensible solution that buying two mediocre bikes that will spend months tucked away and unused. Yes, if it sounds as though I’m encouraging you to choose a gravel bike as your next winter road bike, then you’re right on the mark – and you’ll be able to ride off into the summer sunset on too.

It’s Time to Ride – with Time Bikes!

Gravel bike buying guide – choosing a gravel bike for adventure

Pedalnorth Website — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:01:24 +0000

Gravel Bike Buying Guide

Choosing a gravel bike for your next adventure!

Gravel bikes are a recent addition to the global cycling scene, but their impact has been meteoric, with the UCI already crowning world champions, and Strade Bianche becoming a modern cycling classic. Events such as ‘Unbound Gravel’ and ‘Barry Roubaix’ over in the USA, and ‘The Gralloch’ and ‘Dirty Reiver’ in the U.K. provide excellent opportunities for adventure and epic gravel bike racing.

For many people, gravel bikes enable you to unleash that spirit of adventure that’s been locked away since childhood. And, as the development of the best gravel bikes continues, the gravel biking scene grows bigger and bigger, with sub-cultures for racing, bikepacking, endurance gravel events such as the Silk Road race, allowing everyone to find their own adventure on 2-wheels! However, when you are looking to buy your first gravel bike, what do you look for? Indeed, what should a gravel bike look like, and how do you choose your own gravel bike and decide between the growing range of gravel bike options.

Critically, we need to know what actually a gravel bike is, and which are the best gravel bike brands. And yet,as innovation continues in this still developing area, the brands that are currently at the top are changing each year. It’s an area of cycling in flux, due simply to still being in its infancy.

Whilst this article isn’t definitive, we want to help you when you’re looking to buy a gravel a bike, by giving you an insight into what a gravel bike is, what defines a gravel bike, and what to look for when choosing the gravel bike that suits you and your own grave bike lifestyle. And so, here’s a brief gravel bike buying guide for you. If you’re ready, it’s time for adventure, and it’stime for us to guide you around how to choose a gravel bike. Yes, it’s time to help you to find out what constitutes the best gravel bike brands in the world currently – and, what is the best gravel bike for you.

Different types of gravel bikes

Before you jump in and buy that discounted bike online, press pause and ask yourself one simple question: what is my intention?

Firstly, consider the gravel style of riding that you’ll be doing. Will you be entering gravel races, or do you want to explore the trails and woodlands, and ride into the mountains and meadows as you set yourself free. In effect, do you need a race-orientated bike or an adventure orientated gravel bike? Once you know this, you then need to decide about the frame material. Carbon is lighter, but do you actually need a carbon frame – they’re usually more expensive and can be over-engineered for some people.

It may be that an alloy framed gravel bike is perfect for you, and that you don’t need to break the bank. Remember, it’s about you and your style of riding – nothing else. Get the basics right, and yes – you will be riding the best possible gravel bike.

Frame material is critical when you are looking at how to choose a gravel bike. Will an aluminium, steel or titanium gravel bike frame be better suited to your adventures and bike packing trips. There’s a big cost difference between aluminium, carbon and titanium, and each performs in a different way… and has a different level of comfort and longivity.

Then, there’s the wheel size to think about – 700c or 650B, the tyre clearance, drivetrain (1x vs. 2x) are just a few starting points. Will you want to add suspension to your gravel bike – yes, I know, it could easily become an original hardtail bike of time gone by! If you’re going to be gravel biking on long haul endurance trips, do you need mounting points on your gravel bike. Thankfully, U.K. based bike pannier system brand, Tailfin, lead the world on bike panniers and bags that fit out your bike – any bike – with a full bikepacking system, without the need for mounting points.

Finally, what’s your gravel bike budget for the bike and accessories – and, think about a bike fit, to ensure that you buy the right size of gravel bike for you! It can be an expensive mistake, if you buy solely with your eyes and find out that your beautiful new gravel bike doesn’t fit you and doesn’t suit your own unique riding needs.

Breaking down gravel bike design

Thankfully for you, leading brands such as TIME sell custom-built gravel bikes and framesets, as well as complete gravel bikes. This allows you to discuss your needs with them or a retailer and have your gravel created to meet your needs. First of all, let’s get this gravel bike buying guide on the road and go through the various elements that make a gravel bike and which will help you in choosing your own.

It’s Time to Ride – with Time Bikes!

Gravel bike frame

When you are choosing a gravel bike, as mentioned earlier, understanding the frame options is critical. A gravel bike frame is constructed to be stronger and more robust that a road bike frame. Whilst they may look the same, the gravel bike frame will have a longer wheelbase for stability, a higher headtube for a more relaxed riding position, and a lower bottom bracket – again for stability. The frame tubes are generally larger and shaped to help in absorbing the ride; with seat stays often flattened and curved. Some innovative brands have created area headtubes and front forks, to compensate for the wider tyres, creating super-aero designs. In terms of materials, alloys may be just right for your own gravel bike needs, being cheaper; however, carbon frames will give a lighter and more comfortable ride – especially if you get the right quality of carbon manufacturer.

Not all carbon gravel bike frames are the same though. The carbon layup and construction differs between brands and certainly between price point. The best performing, most comfortable, and the stronger carbon gravel bike frames will use a technique such as braided carbon weaving, using the best high modulus carbon fibres. Braided carbon structure is used by TIME Bikes, weaving the fibres into complex bi-directional ‘socks.’ This process allows TIME to create unique continuous, unbroken fibres that run the full length of a structure – or frame. It’s easy to imagine the integrity of many layers of uninterrupted woven fibres running through a steerer tube and being integrated into a fork crown and even down the fork legs with minimal overlapping joints.

Contrast this with standard prepreg carbon frame layup where the edge of every carbon sheet is a potential weakness. When you’ve chosen your gravel bike frame, you want to ensure that it’s flexible enough to absorb the varying terrain, giving a comfortable ride; stiff and strong enough for you to take on the technical terrain and give you precise handling; and comfortable for all-day riding, even when loaded with bags and panniers. Hopefully, you’re getting an idea already of how important it is to understand all of these issues – hence the need for a useful gravelbike buying guide.

Taking a look at one of the iconic brands with cycling, TIME; with this high-performance and high-quality company you get a carbon frame that is the result of years of innovation and engineering excellence, and which will easily cope with many years of grave bike adventures. TIME stand in the higher echolons of bicycle engineering, with their artisan team having a world-class reputation for making some of the best gravel bikes in the world today, at their production facility in Europe. In our opinion, that’s a good starting point for anyone looking to buy the first gravel bike. You will pay more than some other brands, but you’ll be getting a frame that has had everything well thought through, and which has been tested to the highest standards of engineering, performance and that all important comfort factor.

Gravel bike gearing and chainsets

When you are buying a gravel bike, you really do need to consider the gearing and chainset options. Do you go for a double or single chainset – with a double giving you a slightly better range of gearing options. If you’re riding in a steep area such as the North Yorks Moors, then a double chainset may help you on the mixed-terrain, offering you a wider range with smaller gaps for rides that take you on steep tracks and tarmac, or for racing use. For the more rolling gravel tracks such as the South Downs in the U.K., or riding the white roads of Tuscany, then a single set up will be fine and keep you rolling along smoothly.

An 11-44, 11 or 12 speed cassettes will get you going on just about all terrain, especially when paired with a good 40 or 42 tooth chainring. Each of the main brands – Shimano, Campagnolo and SRAM – produce a selection of groupset options, with Campagnolo being widely recognised as the lightest, with their 1×13 speed Ekar GT groupset. Campagnolo has always been a favourite of mine, and if you do choose a high-end from such at the latest TIME ADHX45, then pairing it up with Campagnolo wouldn’t be a bad choice. Just remember though; get the right crank length for your own needs – which is where a bike fit comes in handy. Buying a high quality branded frameset such as TIME allows you to choose your own ideal groupset. If you are intending on bikepacking though, a mechanical groupset may be a better option when riding remote areas.

Gravel bike wheels and tyres

Choosing gravel bike wheels and tyre sizes is allso crucial, if you want them to match your riding style. Gravel bike wheels and tyres are designed to handle varied terrain, with options for both 700c and 650B sizes, and a wide range of tire widths and tread patterns. A 700c wheelset will give you speed and work well on mixed terrain, whilst a 650B wheelset will give you extra comfort and grip. Tyre choice shouldn’t be about price point solely. Getting the right tyre to match the terrain will keep you safe and make the ride far more enjoyable.

Ultimately, if you’re likely to use your gravel bike on mixed routes, then choose a 700c wheelset. If, however, you’re looking at endurance rides and bikepacking adventures, then consider the 650B option for that extra comfort and stability when loaded with bags and panniers.

For tyre choices, first of all check your frame clearances. Many frames these days allow for either the 700c or 650B wheel. However, each provide a different set of options for tyres themselves:

700C: The most common size, found on the majority of road and gravel bikes.
o Narrower (700×28–35mm): Best for roads and hard-packed gravel, offering speed and efficiency.
o Wider (700×38–45mm): Better for rougher and looser surfaces, providing more comfort and control.
o All-rounders (700×40–42mm): A good compromise for mixed-surface riding
650B: A smaller diameter wheel that allows for wider tyres, often used for more off-road-focused gravel riding.
o Wider (650Bx47–50mm): Ideal for comfort, grip, and tackling rough, technical terrain.

Gravel bike handlebars

Whilst this gravel bike buying guide touches only briefly on each area, it does cover the relevant information to help you in choosing the best gravel bike for you. One often overlooked component for all cyclists is the handlebar. It’s easy to choose a bike off the peg, and then to find that the handlebars are the wrong width, causing pain in the shoulders and lower back. Once again, a good professional bike fit is recommended.

Gravel bikes tend to use drop bars, which at first glance look the same as those for road bikes. However, they’re fundamentally different, as they need to cope with different terrains and different pressures.

Terrain choice in finding your perfect gravel bike

Terrain is a big consideration for gravel bike handlebar choice. For those road cyclists who want the benefit of aerodynamics, narrower handlebars might be better for you. However, if you frequently tackle technical terrain or you want a more upright and comfortable riding position, wider handlebars will give you greater control. and high degree of control, consider wider handlebars. Now for the flared design, commonly seen with gravel bike handlebars.

The flare design is critical for comfort and safety, as it enables wrists and forearms to be clear when riding in the drops and whilst tackling tough terrain. You do still need to ensure though, that the handlebar you choose is the correct width for you. And finally, choose a strong bar, meaning that unless you’re racing, an alloy handlebar will stand up to the rigours of technical tracks and loose terrain far better.

Gravel Bike Buying Guide

Ultimately, gravel biking is going to keep growing in participation, as more and more cyclists look for adventure and take to the trails as an option away from the traffic. It enables and encourages an adventurous spirit and allows you to mix your riding up, taking in roads and tracks in some of the most beautiful parts of Europe. Brands such as TIME Bikes have been innovating for many years, and now produce some of the best engineered gravel bikes in the world. Once you’ve worked through your own needs and requirements, you’ll have a better idea about what to look for yourself in choosing your own first gravel bike.

One thing is for certain though; we all need a little time for adventure – and a gravel bike will help to set your cycling spirit free!

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THE BEST CYCLING ROUTES

Schwalbe Racing Ray and Racing Ralph Addix Speed XC Tyres

Pedalnorth Website — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 14:52:18 +0000

Schwalbe Racing Ray & Racing Ralph Addix Speed – MTB XC setup

A need for speed tyre set-up, for XC fun

Robert Thorpe & Jim Hare

These days, finding a good mountain bike tyre is relatively easy. In truth, the industry has moved on to the point that most brands have at least one outstanding tyre within their range. You know the sort: that tyre which is seemingly always at the top of the list for so many riders. In the latest iteration of the Schwalbe Racing Ray, 2.35 Speed Addix, this family-owned brand from Germany have hit the jackpot, with a tyre that rolls like dream across the dusty trails, adds to your confidence when required, and which also creates some extra efficiency with your mileage on your e-Mtb adventure.

Addix speed compound

The Addix speed grip compound from Schwalbe has been developed to make this a fast-rolling XC weapon, when paired with the Racing Ralph, or even when used as a fast-moving front and rear grin inducing setup on its own. We’ve been testing the new tyre here on the tough and technical, dusty trails of the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors National Parks, where it seems to excel on the hard packed Singletrack.

With the new Addix speed compound, alongside the classic Racing Ray closely packed and forward-facing tread pattern, this speed focused XC tyre digs into the dirt just enough, whilst focusing its energy on rolling resistance and speed. The tread pattern is designed to allow the more rounded shoulder blocks to form to the terrain and give the necessary stability, holding you into the berms and turns as you relax and concentrate on having fun. It works well in the wet too, and does just enough to keep the ride interesting.

Schwalbe have developed several new compounds in recent times, to manage the variety of riding conditions that we all experience. For us, the new Addix Speed compound is just about right on hard packed and fast-flowing trails, and expecially useful on technical trails, with the need for tyre stability, reliability and grip. Where you need this perfect trilogy, with the added addition of great rolling resistance, it’s the perfect XC compound. If however, you’re riding a more trail or enduro type of trail, then you may want to change your options. In the dry summer of 2025, though; the Schwalbe Addix Speed has worked perfectly.

When climbing, apart from the occasional testing moment in the super-steep stuff, the Schwalbe Racing Ray Speed Addix is a reliable friend on the trails, always ready to continue its seamless journey towards the summit. When used with the Racing Ralph on the rear, then the wider knobbles of the Ralph take care of the necessary digging in and provide that extra help in forward momentum, utilising their wider centre blocks to give that all-important extra grip over the weighted rear end of the bike. The set-up is orientated towards modern XC racing, and on test, we’ve found that the Racing Ray Addix Speed is a perfect accompaniment to the hard packed and dusty, technical trails of the Yorkshire Dales this summer.

Front specific for balanced fun

Fitting this tubeless ready tyre is easy and straightforward, and it seats and seals well, holding its shape on the technical sections too. We’ve been running it at 23, pressure-wise, and tackling some technical descents – where the tyre has held its own, despite the less aggressive knobbly pattern. The tyre stays firm and holds its shape, with good side wall stability, allowing you to take on the technical corners at speed – which is what this tyre is all about. And, when you hit the odd pool of spring and summer mud, the tread pattern clears the dirt from the tyre quickly enough to be more than acceptable.

As Schwalbe say, this is a front-specific mountain bike tyre that comes into its own on the descents, where its rolling resistance adds to the fun and excitement. In summary, it’s a fast and flowing mountain bike tyre that races you along the XC trail, and which gives you a genuine and noticeable burst of speed to the proceedings. Having initially tested it in an old-fashioned setup, with the Racing Ray front and rear; we then tested it alongside the Racing Ralph, in the intended and more modern setup. After all, variety is the spice of life, and we wanted to try it in all possible options.

Ray & Ralph, riding in perfect harmony

Having used Racing Ralph both front and rear, in an old school style setup; changing to the more common and intended format, with a Racing Ralph on the rear has produced a significantly different ride – as you’d expect. The more power and grip-oriented tread pattern, does what you’d expect from it, with a wide and grippier tread pattern that eats into the trail. The strong side wall construction also holds you on the right line, whilst flexing just enough to put the maximum tread onto the trail, allowing the speed-oriented Racing Ray to do its job by focusing on getting you along the trail as quickly as possible. Having the Racing Ralph 2.35 at the rear, acts like a well-engineered engine house, driving you forward and holding the line, whilst the Racing Ray Addix at the front, maintains the speed.

It’s a great XC tyre combination that works in harmony, and which seems perfect on the U.K. trails. What has been surprising is how hard wearing the Racing Ray Addix Speed compound has been, lasting all summer with regular trail rides every week, on the hard packed trails of the Yorkshire Dales and Moors. Having the Racing Ray Addix Speed and Racing Ralph Addix Speed working in unison is a fast flowing and confidence inspiring setup that we can definitely recommend, and which will provide you with many months of endless trail riding fun.

We’ll be changing the Ray and Ralph compound in our next tests, and seeing how the more versatile Speed Grip compound works in the more unpredictable autumn conditions. Keep checking in to find out!

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Alé Maglia Quick cycling jersey

Pedalnorth Website — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:39:14 +0000

Alé R-EV1 Maglia Quick ls

Style and performance for those cooler days

Reviewed by Robert Thorpe

Over the many years that I’ve been testing and reviewing cycle clothing; there are only a few items that have stayed in my mind as being truly exceptional. When the Alé Maglia Quick jersey arrived some time ago, its style and quality immediately struck me and I was itching to get out on the road. However, significant health issues arose and delayed my cycling by many months; by which time the high temperatures had arrived and short sleeves were the order of the day.

Recently though, the summer sun had dipped away behind clouds for a few days, and rather than resort to uncomfortable arm warmers, it was the perfect moment to wear the Alé Maglia Quick jersey – result. Expanding on my initial impressions of the jersey; it’s simply a stylishly modern, well designed and lightweight mid-season cycling jersey – long sleeved. The jersey is super comfortable for those cooler overcast days, thanks to the well thought out fabric choices and the high-quality Italian finishing. I tend to wear my jersey close to the skin in summer, and the Alé Maglia Quick is exceptionally comfortable against the body, and fits to form, due to the body mapping cut, the anatomical design and the high-quality multi-directional fabrics.

Less sweat, more comfort!

Alé have chosen world-leading fabric technology, QuickDry Frame® for their fabric on this state-of-the-art mid-season cycling jersey. It works in unison with their own renowned fabrics, by applying a precise functional grid to the fabric, allowing excess moisture produced by the body during activity, to be channelled through a hydrophilic process, increasing the level of comfort by keeping you drier on the inside. Ideal then for a cooler, overcast summer day, where I’d hopefully be working hard on the bike!

The choice of fabrics to the front are rear of the jersey are as you’d expect from Alé, with a slightly heavier fabric to combat the wind, and a light fabric to the back. It’s the arms however, that really draw your attention. Alé have kept a very light – and very narrow strip of super-light and super wicking, stretch fabric on the underside of the arms. However, the majority of the long sleeves are constructed of a unique mesh-like fabric, that clings neatly to your arms and moves freely with them, whilst allowing air in and moisture out. It also adds to the super-stylish look of the jersey; contrasting with the soft colour tones and sweeping geometric design for the body of the jersey.

Yes, the whole look and feel of this thoroughly modern and technical cycling jersey makes it a ’must have’ piece of cycling clothing for riders looking for the very best quality and performance, at the right price point.

Italian quality for comfort and longevity

The double cuffs on the jersey, sweep neatly across the wrists, and the silicon waist works in unison with the stretch fabric to keep things in place. It has the usual 3 rear pockets, which hold items in and don’t over-stretch and sag. There’s also a useful zipped pocket at the rear, which is easy to access – unlike some. One aspect of all Alé clothing that I like, is the high-quality zipper. There’s nothing worse than paying out for a high-end branded cycle jersey, only for them to fit a cheap zip which simply breaks or malfunctions too soon. Not so with Alé, who ensure that Italian style and quality comes as standard!

On the bike, despite it being summer and at the end of July, heading into August; this Alé Maglia Quick jersey proved itself the ideal jersey choice for the cooler temperatures as I cycled the steep Yorkshire Dales roads, into the hills.

I’m now looking forward to also wearing it regularly in its natural mid-season environment this forthcoming autumn. Ultimately, it’s already a favourite of mine and a definite recommendation.

Check out more from ALÉ

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Cycling into spring and summer

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 01 May 2025 17:58:30 +0000

Cycling out of hibernation

Getting to grips with global chaos in 2025

by Robert, Kolja and Ben

This year has been more difficult than ever for many people to find motivation, and it’s not really surprising. We currently live in a uncertain and chaotic world, coupled with the January inauguration of Donald Trump as US President, and of the extra and frankly unnecessary uncertainty that this has brought to the world and to the global cycling industry and the community of cyclists around the world. Let’s be absolutely clear, for to do otherwise is frankly ignorant; Donald Trump’s tariff wars have hit consumers hard, and will likely continue to do so into the near future. After all, many products are made in the Far East, a manufacturing base that creates some of the world’s best cycling products, for many of the leading brands.

Yes, if you ride a modern, high-end, high-performance bike, then there’s a very good chance that all or part of it will be made in Asia – a place that has been hit hardest by Trump’s utterly ridiculous and stupid tariff policy. Why stupid? It’s quite simple – consumers always bare the brunt of tariffs. The costs have to be added to the retail price. And so, yes; as we continue through spring, towards an eventful cycling summer, with the spring classic races now done and dusted, cycle consumers are already weary and tired – tired of the economic uncertainties that come with an idiotic administration, run by a 6 times bankrupt businessman. Not really the best CV for helping to guide a global economic strategy.

The resultant mental stresses are therefore obvious, as cyclists have been slow to come out of hibernation, not knowing how far their money will spread. Bikes and cycling products become a low priority when measured against increasingly high food prices, fuel and energy prices, reduced investments and savings, and seemingly no end in sight to the randomness of decision-making.

Image copyright ENVE Composites

Finding the positive in every day

What does all of this have to do with cycling and with buying a bike, you may ask. It’s a reasonable question. However, when you unpick the layers of this debate, the current economic uncertainties and the US administration actions have everything to do with how we all feel as spring continues onwards. We are all now out of hibernation, and the sun is warming up, and short sleeved jerseys and bib shorts are becoming more common again on the roads and trails all over the world. Bikes are being cleaned and serviced and made ready, and new bikes are being dreamt of – and why not. Yes, even in… and especially so when in such times of uncertainty, we have to create a positive bubble around us, and to drive forward with a positive mindset.

We are each given 86400 seconds every day. That’s actually a lot of time… but, when it’s gone, we lose it forever. If we wake up healthy in the morning and are able to rise from our bed unaided, then it’s a good start to the day and we need to be positive. With wars taking place in Ukraine, in Gaza and elsewhere, if we wake up safe, then that’s another positive. And, if we and our families are in good health, then we should definitely be smiling. Six months ago, I underwent life-changing health issues myself. However, I’ve tried to stay focused and positive, and have adapted to a new way of living, and am now back out cycling myself – albeit with certain adaptations and necessary changes to things. Health is something that we take for granted, and yet it’s the most uncertain of all elements in life. If you can ride a bike, then do so and ride the fuck out of it and find adventures as often as you can, and spend those 86400 seconds that each day gives you!

Image copyright 3T Bikes

Buy wisely in 2025, with high quality bike brands

With so much going on across the world, and so much to consider, it’s more important than ever to buy wisely. A new road bike, gravel bike or mountain bike is a big investment, and you need that reassurance that it will perform for you for a long time into the future. Quality counts and that should draw cycling consumers away from the more well-known brands, and cause cyclists to look deeper – to find those bike brands who focus their attention on innovation and engineering excellence. Brands such as ENVE and 3T spring to mind, with an adherence on creating some of the best bikes in the worlds, and unrivalled cycling components.

3T bikes – borne in Italy

3T have been creating some of the best cycling components and bikes since 1962, and are currently regarded by many as making the best gravel bikes in the world, from their base in the north of Italy, where skilled artisans create sleek and stylish, modern carbon frames using their own filament winding techniques to improve strength and the finish. Their carbon Torno crankset is a work of engineering art, and has that unique Italian touch of excellence, whilst creating performance on the bike to take you to the front of the peloton. With their manufacturing base now firmly back in Italy, 3T bikes will give you that high-performance, high-quality cycling feel on the roads and on the trails, wherever you ride.

Bikes such as their 3T Strada Italia are setting the standard, with a road specific performance platform that excels on long and fast challenges, regardless of the quality of the surface. Thanks to the quality of the design and the build, it will also take on paved and badly paved roads without batting an eye; and with 3T’s new performance geometry, you have the right fit to maximize road performance with a geometry designed to excel with 30-35mm tires, giving you a more comfortable ride into the future.

For adventure seekers too, the latest 3T Extrema Italia gravel bike is regarded as one of the toughest and best gravel bikes in the world. The Extrema Italia is designed for the harshest adventures and toughest races. IT’s designed as an aero focused gravel bike, yet is dropper/suspension seat-post compatible, and can fit up to 700x57c tires for the ultimate in off-road comfort.

Image copyright Ben Thorpe

ENVE custom road, for a personal ride into the future

If you’re looking for the ultimate in high-tech cycling, then ENVE Composites may be the brand for you. After all, they currently make the wheels used by the world’s greatest cycling, Podajcar. Their high-end, ENVE custom road bike option allows you to create your own dream machine to last a lifetime. It’s a high-tech option where ENVE guide you from geometry to paint, to wheels and components, as each ENVE custom road bike is tailored to your specific wants and needs.

Further down the range, ENVE has a superb range of world-leading bikes, such as their race-bred and real-world fast Melee, road bike. With a geometry optimized around 27 to 32 mm tires, the Melee dials up the versatility, allowing you to tune your setup to meet the needs of the day. The ENVE Melee takes design cues from their Custom Road option, but where the Custom Road prioritizes customization, the Melee prioritizes efficiency and speed, using the expertise of the ENVE artisans to create your road cycling dream bike.

Image copyright ENVE Composites

Positive thinking creates endless smiles

Yes, there’s currently a chaotic feeling of uncertainty around the world and the global cycling scene. However, as I mentioned earlier, we all have to stay focused and to try to ride into a more positive future. I’m not advocating retail therapy as a solution. No, not at all. Rather, it’s simply time to accept that we need to pause and reflect on how we spend money on new bikes and new cycling products. We both want and need products that will last for longer, perform better and deliver more of what we need, over a longer timeframe. Brands such as 3T and ENVE are at the higher end of the cost spectrum… until you start to appreciate what they deliver and how long they will continue to deliver world-leading performance for.

We can sit at home, in front of the tv or searching the internet news and feel disheartened. Or, we can rise each day with a positive attitude, get those endorphins working and ride into a better, healthier and more fulfilled future. We made it through another year and another winter, and it’s time once more to ride. It’s time to dust off the cobwebs, to clean and service our bikes, and to start thinking about treating ourselves to some of the best bikes in the world. Life isn’t a dress rehearsal, and so let’s not allow an orange painted clown in Washington to direct our own individual pathway and positivity – it’s time to ride!

Image copyright ENVE Composites

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