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@offroadcc.bsky.social
Silver rims are back! This week's fresh batch of cool things comes from Crankbrothers, Pirelli, Michelin, Topeak, and Fizik.

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road.cc
February 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Is it simply evolution, or is it rampant commercialisation? After observing plenty of online chatter on the subject, Steve offers his take.

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Mountain biking has become gentrified... but is that progress? - Cycling News | off-road.cc
Gentrification is a term that we’ve heard a lot of in the past years, initially applied to the situation whereby a less affluent urban area becoming populated with wealthier residents, thus pricing…
road.cc
February 6, 2026 at 3:33 PM
Although all eyes will no doubt be on Red Bull Hardline Tasmania this weekend, there's another race happening - the UCI Snow Bike World Championships. Here's everything you need to know.

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What are the UCI Snow Bike World Championships about, and why are they so controversial? - Cycling News | off-road.cc
From Ski Sunday to Snow Bike Saturday, on February 7th, for one day only, the third annual UCI Snow Bike World Championships will take place in the French Alps. Here’s what you need to know, plus a…
road.cc
February 6, 2026 at 1:28 PM
Canyon's Deflectr RLS is the first mountain bike helmet to feature the ball bearing-filled Release Layer System, which is a very different way of going about the whole rotational impact reduction game. But how does it stack up?

Here's Steve's review - off.road.cc/content/revi...
off.road.cc
February 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Offshoot of BTR Fabrications, Rat Bikes is about simplicity. And as mental as its first-ever gravel/XC bike, the Dad Rat is, it's made a strong impression on our Liam.

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Affordable, UK-made and just outrageous: Rat Bikes Dad Rat first ride review - Cycling News | off-road.cc
BTR Fabrications is a brand that gained a cult following for its radical enduro and downhill hardtails, but more recently, it has produced a sub-brand – Rat Bikes. Its first bike, the Dad Rat, does…
road.cc
February 5, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Red Bull Hardline has already begun race preparations. Here's what to expect from one of the gnarliest DH races on the planet.

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Hardlines and dodgy lines: All you need to know about Red Bull Hardline Tasmania 2026 - Cycling News | off-road.cc
Those Tasmanian devils of dirt are at it again, hand-carving out one of the most extreme and fastest downhill courses in the world, ready for the third edition of the Red Bull Hardline Tasmania, the…
road.cc
February 5, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Rimpact has brought revisions to its Tuned Mass Damper to make it simpler to install, and better at damping front-end vibrations.

Here's everything you need to know - road.cc/tech_news/ri...
Rimpact's TMD V2 adds 250g to the front of your bike, but to damp vibrations - Cycling News | Bike Reviews | road.cc
Better known for its range of tyre inserts, Rimpact has been branching out into more niche products with its Chain Damper and Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) becoming a must-have for anyone looking to eke…
road.cc
February 5, 2026 at 11:27 AM
Coming with a huge 70K breathability rating, Leatt's MTB HydraDri 6.0 waterproof jacket is perhaps the most breathable and comfortable jacket Liam's ever ridden in. However, it can still get a little boil-in-the-bag at slow speeds, and it's missing some creature comforts.

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Leatt MTB HydraDri 6.0 waterproof jacket - Cycling News | off-road.cc
Windproof weight but waterproof protection? That’s what Leatt says about its MTB HydraDri 6.0 jacket, and the brand’s claims are pretty darn close. Thanks to its lightweight and stretchy fabric, it’s…
road.cc
February 5, 2026 at 10:36 AM
After his two major crashes in 2025, we catch up with Mondraker Factory Racing rider and one of downhill's most exciting prospects, Rónán Dunne, to chat about his incredible return to form.

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off.road.cc
February 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Providing quick and easy charging, Leyne's Hecto Drive 500XL is ideal for shorter commutes, but if you're looking for something for bigger rides, it may not be ideal.

Here's the review - off.road.cc/content/revi...
Lezyne Hecto Drive 500XL light review
The Lezyne Hecto Drive 500XL light is a tough little unit with a 500 Lumen output aimed at commuters and leisure riding. I’ve found it a cracking little light for commuting, as it provides more than...
off.road.cc
February 3, 2026 at 12:11 PM
2026 is shaping up to be a big year for e-MTB tech, now with Pivot stepping up to the plate with its latest Shuttle LT. The brand's enduro e-MTB gets interesting Slacky McSteepTube seat tube angle adjustment, and a floating battery.

Find more details here - off.road.cc/content/news...
The ‘world’s first’ adjustable seat tube: Pivot's new Shuttle LT electric mountain bike pushes the boundaries with built-in seat tube adjustment and floating battery
Since 2017, the Pivot Shuttle LT has always been a bike that pushes technical boundaries, and that theme remains exactly the same for its latest iteration. However, this time, with a floating battery…
off.road.cc
February 3, 2026 at 9:07 AM
Vittoria's Mostro tyre excels as an intermediate conditions tyre, but its weight and drag may put some off.

Here's the review - off.road.cc/content/revi...
Vittoria Mostro Enduro Race tyre review
The Mostro is one of the more recent additions to Vittoria’s mountain bike tyre lineup, which is designed to provide traction in intermediate conditions. And it does exactly that, as it bites into all...
off.road.cc
February 2, 2026 at 1:13 PM
Orange has revitalised its P7 hardtail platform with 29in, mixed, and 650b wheel options, while bringing geometry updates into the mix.

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Orange serves up a triple tango delight with updated steel hardtails
In recent years, Orange Bikes is perhaps better known for its simple, single-pivot full-suspension bikes with a marmite love-or-loathe design aesthetic (I sit firmly in the love camp), but…
off.road.cc
February 2, 2026 at 9:18 AM
It's time for Five Cool Things! This week, we check out Megamo's Flame AL, Cinelli's Speciale Gravel, Topeak's Tubicartidge T16, ENVE's M8 wheelset, and AMS's Rise grips.

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off.road.cc
January 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM
The new Orbea Rallon RS is a bit of a technological marvel. It's just a shame that innovation costs so much. Here's Mick with his thoughts.

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off.road.cc
January 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM
The man behind Wyn TV, Wyn Masters, has signed with UK brand Pembree for 2026.

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Wyn Masters signs with Pembree for 2026
2026 is a big year for the UK brand, Pembree. Not only has it got a completely refreshed range of componentry headed to the market, but it's back signing some big names to its rider roster. This…
off.road.cc
January 30, 2026 at 10:20 AM
Lazer's latest helmet, the Impala KinetiCore comes loaded with interesting technologies that result in a breezy and reasonably comfortable lid. However, the asking price is something of a tall order.

Here's the review - off.road.cc/content/revi...
Lazer Impala KinetiCore helmet review
Lazer’s latest revision to its Impala KinetiCore helmet delivers great looks, solid comfort, and decent breathability. However, it’s certainly not without its foibles as it doesn’t play ball with...
off.road.cc
January 30, 2026 at 10:15 AM
The line between MTB and gravel is one that's seriously blurring. However, there are lines in componentry, design, and geometry that define the two. Here's Liam with some points.

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off.road.cc
January 29, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Protective, comfortable, but long. Ion's Arcon LT knee pads have been thoroughly (crash) tested by our Sally, who praises their coverage, but has niggles with their heat.

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off.road.cc
January 29, 2026 at 12:13 PM
It's definitely wet out there, but there's no better time to brush up on your riding skills. Here's how.

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Mountain biking in the rain: How to ride in wet and muddy conditions
Wet trails are mountain biking's greatest leveller. Slick conditions where traction is non-existent pose some of the most difficult riding of the year, and this is where solid riding techniques come…
off.road.cc
January 29, 2026 at 9:12 AM
Things looked a little uncertain for Alpkit there... But it's all for a good reason.

off.road.cc/content/news...
Fresh investment secures Alpkit's future days after retailer behind popular Sonder bike brand entered administration
If you've kept your eyes on the cycling-related news this week, you'll surely have caught wind that Alpkit has entered administration. The brand is best known for its climbing and adventure…
off.road.cc
January 28, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Maxxis has overhauled its Dissector tyre, bringing notable improvements to grip, predictability, and general versatility. That's all while retaining its fast rolling. However, it's only available for 29in wheels.

Here's the review - off.road.cc/content/revi...
Maxxis Dissector G2 MaxxGrip EXO+ mountain bike tyre review
With the past couple of releases, Maxxis has, in a nutshell, taken cues from its more aggressively treaded tyres, and has tweaked them to suit slightly different riding styles, take for example, the Shorty-like...
off.road.cc
January 28, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Orbea has taken its race-winning Rallon and has slung on a TQ HPR40 motor. But that's not what's interesting here because connectivity between the motor, dropper, and shock means a whole load of integration.

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Orbea's new 40Nm Rallon RS may well be the future of e-mountain
Orbea's race-winning, and vastly overhauled Rallon is a bike that turned heads upon its release. Built to accommodate extra weights bolted above its bottom bracket, and available in enduro and downhill...
off.road.cc
January 27, 2026 at 4:22 PM
Imagine racing a mountain bike downhill on snow at 141mph? Steve dives deep into the thrilling yet terrifying 1990s battle that was Bike Speed.

off.road.cc/content/feat...
off.road.cc
January 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM
The CTRL is Wolf Tooth's take on the SPD pedal, and despite its looks, it provides impressive support for trail and gravel riding. Though pins wouldn't go amiss, and some may still be left wanting for even more support.

Here's the review - off.road.cc/content/revi...
off.road.cc
January 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM