Calibre has just sent us details of its new Bossnut — one of the most impressive budget mountain bikes available. The new version of the bike gets up to date geometry and an impressive spec list, and it’s still a good price too at £1,100 with the Go Outdoors Discount Card (which costs a fiver). Best mountain bike 2019, how to choose the right one for you Specialized release sub-8KG Epic hardtail XC bike The Bossnut is, without doubt, one of the most impressive bikes you can buy for around £1,000, and joins the £2,000 Sentry enduro bike which was released earlier this year. Ever since its introduction, the bike has been the one to beat when it comes to pocket-friendly trail-orientated, 130mm travel, full-suspension mountain bikes. Not only was the parts package a lesson in picking decent kit for not much money, but the Bossnut was also a genuinely great bike to ride. There’s an alternative Women’s colour too, which we think looks rather good! Calibre Calibre’s designer, Mike Sanderson, always felt that cheaper bikes shouldn’t be compromised by their geometry or suspension, and so the frame itself was excellent, especially for the money. Calibre has built on this with the new Bossnut, and the bike’s geometry is now longer, lower and slacker — something we talk about all the time. Plus, the introduction of SRAM’s SX Eagle drivetrain makes a ‘proper’ 12-speed, 1x specific drivetrain possible at this price point. The hydroformed aluminium frame gets internal cable routing for a stealth dropper post too. SRAM’s SX Eagle drivetrain provides an 11-50t range. Calibre Almost more impressive is the addition of a bolt-thru rear end. There are distinct performance benefits to having a bolt thru-axle on a full-suspension bike, such as improving stiffness at both ends, and it also makes it a much more attractive prospect to upgrade later when budgets allow, because higher performance wheelsets rarely have a QR option these days. RockShox’s Monarch shock sits inside the frame. Calibre Calibre Bossnut 2020 geometry Calibre branded finishing kit is used, including a 780mm bar. Calibre While far from radical, the Bossnut has a shape that sits right up there with the big players. Reach figures have grown, head angles have slackened and seat tubes are steeper. Here are the key figures for a large Bossnut; Reach: 460mm Seat tube: 480mm Head angle: 66 degrees Seat tube angle: 74.5 degrees Chainstays: 436mm Bottom bracket drop: 24mm Calibre Bossnut spec A RockShox Recon RL fork controls the front of the bike. Calibre The spec is impressive for a £1,100 bike: a 130mm air-spring fork from RockShox is paired with a RockShox shock, while there’s SRAM brakes and a 12-speed drivetrain. Fork: RockShox Recon RL 130mm (non-Boost) Shock: RockShox Monarch R Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle, 11-50 12-speed cassette Brakes: SRAM Level T 180mm/160mm rotors Wheelset: Formula hubs, WTB ST i29 rims Tyres: WTB Vigilante High Grip Comp 27.5 x 2.3in front, WTB Trail Boss Comp 27.5 x 2.25in rear Finishing kit: Calibre branded, including 45mm stem and 780mm bars SRAM Level T brakes bring the bike to a halt. Calibre Calibre Bossnut pricing and availability The Go Outdoors Discount Card is a £5 membership card that gets you a range of discounts across the store. With the card, the Bossnut costs £1,100. The previous Bossnut was available for £1,000 with the card and £1,300 without it, so we imagine the vast majority of potential customers will see the value in purchasing the card! WTB Vigilante tyres have a chunky tread for front-end grip. Calibre The Bossnut is available now from your local Go Outdoors and online.

La Course is one of the most significant races in the Women’s WorldTour calendar. Produced by the organisers of the Tour de France, this event has taken several forms since it was launched in 2014. This year, the event takes place on Friday 19 July in Pau, and the stage is a one-day 121km race. How to watch the 2019 Tour de France live Best women’s road bikes for 2019 Chloe Hosking sprints to victory to take the win at La Course 2016 Wiggle History of La Course La Course was launched by Tour de France organisers the ASO in 2014 after a campaign, by a rider-led group called Le Tour Entier, for a women’s version of the Tour de France. While the campaign for a full-length multistage tour for female riders continues, La Course has become one of the most high-profile events on the Women’s WorldTour calendar. The first three editions of the race, in 2014, 2015 and 2016, took the form of a crit race around the Champs-Élysées route, just ahead of the arrival of the men’s Tour de France finish. In 2017, the format changed to a two-day stage race with the first stage finishing on the Col d’Izoard. The top 20 finishers from the first day, or those within five minutes of the stage winner, were then able to take part in stage two, a 22.5km pursuit in Marseille. The 2018 the format changed again to a one-day race covering the same 118km as stage ten of Tour de France from Duingt to Le Grand Bornand, and was run ahead of the men’s race. 2019 La Course There are 20 teams taking part in La Course 2019 ASO The sixth edition of La Course will see a different format again, with the riders of the pro-women’s peloton tackling five loops of a circular time-trial course based out of Pau, near the Pyrenees in south-west France. The Tour de France will also be in Pau that day for Stage 13, an individual time-trial with one loop of the 27km circular route. It’s not yet clear whether La Course will be run before or after Le Tour. With the schedule for Stage 13 of the Tour de France listing a start time of 13.00 and an estimated finishing time of 16.54 this could mean either a very early start or a late finish for the women. Twenty teams will take part in La Course for 2019: Alé Cipollini Bigla Boels Dolmans Cycling Team BTC City Ljubjana Canyon//SRAM racing CCC-Liv Cogeas Mettler Look Pro Cycling Team Doltcini-Van Eyck Sport FDJ Nouvelle-Aquitane Futuroscope Lotto Soudal Ladies Mitchelton Scott Movistar Team Women Parkhotel Valkenburg Rally UHC Cycling Team Sunweb Team Tibco-Silicon Valley Bank Team Virtu Cycling Trek-Segafredo Valcar Cyclance Cycling WNT Rotor Pro Cycling Team Annemiek van Vleuten of Mitchelton Scott has won the last two editions of the race, but is planning on fighting for victory at the Giro Rosa, which takes place just before La Course from the 5–14 July. Could that impact her chances of success in France? 2019 La Course route Pau near the French Pyrenees is the location for the 2019 edition of La Course ASO The 2019 edition of La Course will see the riders complete five laps of a 27km course in and around Pau. The course is undulating and will favour the puncheurs in the peloton: riders who specialise in rolling terrain with short, steep climbs. The ASO states this is to balance out previous editions of the race, with the criterium race in the Champs Élysées favouring sprinters and the mountainous events in 2017 and 2018 favouring climbers. The profile of the 2019 La Course showing the rolling terrain and two main climbs. ASO There are two inclines that are particularly noteworthy: the Cote de Gelos and the Cote d’Esquillot. The Cote de Gelos is a 1.1km climb with a 7.8 percent gradient and the Cote d’Esquillot, which may be the more decisive hill of the two, consists of a short, sharp climb with the pinnacle at 16km in, near the mid-way mark of the race. From there it’s mostly downhill back to the centre of Pau and the start of the next lap. The last kilometre of the race held a lot of action in 2018, will the same be true this year? ASO How can I watch La Course live? Race fans around the world can expect good coverage for 2019 according to the La Course website, which lists 18 broadcasters who will be streaming the event. Sadly there are scant details currently regarding how much will be shown or programme times. The following broadcasters in each country streaming the race are: France TV Sport – France TV2 – Denmark Rai Sport – Italy Eurosport EU – Europe Supersport – Sub-Saharan Africa SBS – Australia RTBF – Belgium TV2 Norway – Norway NOS – Netherlands Universal HD – United States ESPN – Latin America and the Caribbean VRT – Belgium TV4 Sport – Sweden Eurosport Asia – South East Asia NBC Sports – United States Sky Sport – New Zealand Sportsnet – Canada ITV 4 – UK CCTV – China Senal Colombia – Colombia How can I follow La Course if I can’t watch live coverage? Follow La Course by Le Tour on Twitter for updates before and action during the race ASO Follow La Course by Le Tour de France Twitter account for live updates from the race and information on team selection in the run up to race day. La Course schedule The schedule for the 2019 La Course event is yet to be confirmed. Keep checking back for more information as it becomes available.

A long-travel 29er for the ladies. The post First Ride: Juliana Maverick appeared first on BIKE Magazine.

This week’s Fort William World Cup will see the world’s best downhill racers, ahem, descend on Scotland for the biggest event in the UK mountain bike calendar. Fort William’s famous fans The 6 best dogs of Fort William World Cup But there’s more to a Fort William World Cup than some ladies and gents blasting down the side of Ben Nevis at ludicrous speeds. Over the years this race has become known for its festival atmosphere and it attracts hordes of spectators not only for the amazing downhill race but the whole experience. Tens of thousands of fans visit every year (Fort William has been on the UCI Downhill World Cup and Championships schedule since 2002) to meet their heroes, check out the latest tech from teams and exhibitors, and witness the various side-show events. Not to mention bathing in the endless Highlands sunshine. For 2019 there will be just as much excitement as ever around the Fort William pits, so we’ve selected five unmissable things you should look out for over the weekend. Racing mullets There is an outbreak of mullets on the downhill World Cup circuit, and we don’t mean questionable hairstyles Dan Hearn Downhill has always had an element of counter-culture about it, but we’re not talking about whacky hairstyles this time. Mullet bikes — bikes with a 29-inch front wheel and 27.5-inch rear wheel — have spread through the downhill ranks in 2019, with the likes of Loic Bruni and Danny Hart racing to the top of results’ sheets at the opening World Cup race in Slovenia on the perfectly imperfect setups. Who will win in the battle of the wheel sizes this time? Legends of the Fort Fort William World Cup has recorded some of mountain biking’s unforgettable moments — it’s a place the sport’s greatest heroes have all made their mark. Tracy Moseley’s five emphatic wins were all greeted with deafening roars from the rowdiest crowd on the circuit. And who could forget Steve Peat’s 2005 victory — his only win here — and the image of the tall northerner with his Orange (his bike sponsor at the time) aloft? Peaty and T-Mo — legends of the sport BikeRadar Back to the future, and this weekend you’ll be able to hunt down the likes of Moseley and Peat as they work with the athletes of today on the Trek and Santa Cruz teams. Approach them for a photo or to ask them what it’s like to win in Fort William. Rogue babysitters Darling, where are the kids? Saturday and Sunday see trials shows from Danny MacAskill’s Drop and Roll Tour Dave Mackison If you haven’t watched Danny MacAskill’s latest edit, stop what you are doing, check it out, and you’ll see what we’re on about (apparently the passenger doesn’t suffer from travel sickness). There will be shows from Danny Mac’s touring trials show, the Drop and Roll Tour, on Saturday and Sunday at the Fort. Witness live gravity-defying tricks and stunts. And while you’re at it, please mind the children. 4X Pro Tour Will we see a stacked field on Satruday night’s 4X race? Steve Behr When four-cross (4X) was a World Cup discipline, all the top downhillers would bundle onto Fort William’s impressive course to race elbow-to-elbow over its massive jumps and around its enormous berms. Nowadays, the 4X Pro Tour puts on the big show on Saturday evening, with the specialists laying down blistering pace on the ageless track. If you’re in town for the whole weekend, don’t miss qualifying on the Friday evening. Next-level Athertons Gee (pictured) and Rachel Atherton and their team will be vying for top positions on their new bikes Moonhead Media Gee and Rachel Atherton got their first Fort William World Cup wins in 2010 and 2013 respectively, but will they be back at the top in 2019? Both won their categories in the recent British Downhill Series race among stacked international fields. However, while downhill’s fastest siblings are clearly on top form, their new bikes could well steal all the attention. The family team’s own-brand 3D-printed bikes are worth getting a look at up-close. Next-level technology for next-level performances. Atherton Racing to ride custom-built Atherton Bikes Bonus: The midges The famous Scottish midges are to be avoided at all costs! Steve Behr Actually, nothing to see here. Move along now. (Don’t forget the insect repellent.) Get your Fort William World Cup tickets and information here.

The Ergon SR saddle was developed with the input of the Canyon//SRAM professional women’s cycling team The Bontrager Ajna is designed to suit a more aggressive on-bike position The saddle features flexible wings which allow them to move with the motion of the rider Immediate Media Co PRO says the Griffon saddle has a flatter profile with a narrower tail section with a deeper side wall for less flexible riders who tend to move around more Courtesy There’s a good reason everyone loves the Specialized Power Expert saddle Specialized The ISM PN 3.1 saddle is certainly distinctive Comfort, performance, enjoyment: if you spend time on a road bike you’ll know first hand the importance of finding a saddle that fits you, complements your riding style and works with your body. Finding the best saddle for riding can be a trial and error process, so we’ve tried and tested some of the most popular saddles on the market. We’ve looked at weight, size options, a variety of price points and construction materials when testing, and commented on how our tester felt after long hours in the saddle on a variety of terrain. A buyer’s guide to women’s bike saddles Best women’s road bikes for 2019 The best women’s mountain bike saddles However, saddle choice is a very personal thing. Everyone’s body is different and unique, and this also applies to the nether regions, so a saddle that may suit one rider — or our tester — may not be right for another. Good news then that more manufacturers and shops are offering fitting services, demo saddles, trial periods and money-back or exchange programmes if you don’t get on with your new perch. It’s always worth talking to your bike shop to check out what they can offer. Getting the right saddle is crucial for a comfortable ride Phil Hall / Immediate Media Co 5 simple steps to cycling saddle comfort Women‘s specific road saddles are designed to support the main pressure points of the sit bones, dissipating the pressure over a wide area, but alleviating the pressure on the soft tissue of the external genitalia. On road bikes, the pelvis of the rider is tilted further forward than on mountain bikes and some hybrid or commuter bikes, which means more of that soft tissue is directly underneath the rider. A central groove or channel, or a cut-out, is often used in women’s saddles to alleviate this pressure. Brands are spending more time and money researching and developing saddles to suit female riders so that women don’t end up suffering discomfort or, worse, injury through riding. Specialized Power Expert saddle 5.0 out of 5 star rating A unisex saddle that’s proved very popular with many female and male road riders Aoife Glass / Immediate Media Co £100 / €129.90 / $150 / AU$170 Buy now from Evans Cycles Weight: 215g Sizes: 143mm, 155mm, 168mm Although this is not a women’s specific saddle, it’s proved very popular with many female riders, including me. Interestingly, it shares a number of features with the Fizik Luce saddle (below), such as a wide rear platform and a central cut out. However, the nose on the Power saddle is significantly shorter, which may help relieve pressure on the front of the sit area when riding forwards in the drops. The shell is carbon-reinforced with minimalist but effective polyurethane padding and a water-resistant cover. There is also a range of colours available. For those who like to ride as unencumbered as possible, the Power saddle is compatible with Specialized’s SWAT (Storage, Water, Air, Tools) system, which means you can clip on several elements, such as a tube and CO2 inflator, to the saddle and save your pocket space for snacks. Read the full review of the S-Works Power saddle Fizik Luce Carbon women’s saddle 4.5 out of 5 star rating The Fizik Luce has a distinctive winged shape Aoife Glass / Immediate Media Co £164.99 / €179 / $200 Buy now from ProBikeKit Weight: 191g Sizes available: regular, large The Luce Carbon from Fizik is a light, minimalist, race-focussed saddle with a distinctly different outline to the majority of other women’s specific saddles. It features a more angled cut to the wings, and a more rectangular platform towards the back of the saddle with a narrow central cut-out. Fizik invested a significant amount of time conducting research with the aim of making a high-performance women’s race saddle, and as a result, developed an interesting three-part construction with a central carbon-reinforced spine, with the wings of the rear section made from a more flexible thermoplastic elastomer. The rail is a one-piece carbon construction, designed to have greater flex — though no less strength — than the usual two-piece rail construction. Fizik calls this a Mobius rail construction, because it’s a continuous loop. In practice, I found the saddle very comfortable. The long nose with central cut-out provided great support when in an aggressive position down on the drops, and the more angled wing shape meant that they were out of the way from the upper legs when in this position, so there was minimal rubbing. In a more upright position that wide rear area provided good, comfortable support. Although the saddle is minimalist, the padding has more give than on some of the other saddles tested, and combined with the flex of the carbon rail system helped make this one of the most comfortable saddles on test. This is definitely a saddle for riders who prefer a more aggressive, race-focused body position. Also, the outer point of the wings may be a point of friction for some riders, though I didn’t experience this myself. Fizik.com Fizik Luce S-Alloy women’s saddle 4.5 out of 5 star rating The saddle features flexible wings which allow them to move with the motion of the rider Immediate Media Co £89.99 / €99 / $99 / AU$TBC Buy now from Merlin Cycles Widths available: Regular, large Colours: Black Rails: Alloy Weight: 263g (L) The Fizik Luce S-Alloy offers a non-traditional design with some innovative features created to solve some of the issues many women suffer from when riding. This includes flexible construction of the saddle wings, which allows them to flex and move with the rider’s leg movement while still providing firm support for the sit bones. Fizik put significant research and investment into the development of this saddle, and other elements include a wide rear platform for support as well as a sharply angled transition between the nose and platform, designed to avoid rubbing at the top of the thigh. Read the full review of the Fizik Luce S-Alloy Specialized Oura Pro women’s saddle 4.5 out of 5 star rating The Specialized Oura features a long central channel with a cut-out Immediate Media Co £150 / €179.90 / $200 / AU$250 Buy now from Evans Cycles Weight (size 155): 193g Sizes available: 143mm, 155mm, 168mm The Oura Pro is Specialized’s top-of-the-line women’s specific endurance saddle and consists of a size-specific saddle with light padding and a long central groove and large cut-out to alleviate pressure on soft tissue when in a road cycling position. It has a curved profile with an upwards curving rear and downwards curving nose, which provides support that works with you as you move between different positions — from drops to the hoods. Padding is a medium-density — firm but supportive foam — which provides enough cushioning to feel comfortable on long rides. The carbon rails are oversized, which is great for strength and vibration-damping, but awkward in that it won’t fit every seatpost — it’s not compatible with 7mm side clamps, for example, so check before you buy. The shell is carbon and reinforced with what Specialized calls ‘women’s tuning’. In action, it provides a good combination of stiffness and flex, supporting body weight on the sit bones without discomfort to the soft tissue, even when putting the power down in an aggressive riding position. The saddle is available in three sizes — 143mm, 155mm and 168mm — and Specialized retailers will be able to measure each customer to determine which size is required. The saddle is also compatible with products from the Specialized SWAT range, such as saddle bags and spare inner tube holders, which can be clipped on rather than strapped on. If you’re after the fit of the Oura saddle, but don’t want to spend quite so much, or want something that will fit most seat clamps, then the lower-priced Specialized Oura Expert Gel saddle is worth a look. It provides the same shape and fit but features hollow titanium rails and thicker gel inserts for greater cushioning. Specialized Oura Expert Gel review Visit Specialized direct Bontrager Ajna Pro Carbon women’s saddle 4.0 out of 5 star rating The Bontrager Ajna is designed to suit a more aggressive on-bike position £149.99 / €199.99 / $219.99 / AU$249 Buy now from Nevis Cycles Widths available: 144mm, 154mm, 164mm Colours: Black Rails: Oversized carbon Weight: 178g (154mm) The Ajna is a long, slim performance saddle designed for road cyclists and mountain bikers which comes in three different width fittings. The Pro Carbon version is constructed from carbon rails and a carbon reinforced shell, though the range also extends to lower priced models with a similar shape. A long, slender nose and long central cutout minimise pressure on the soft tissue in a range of on-bike positions, while the rear platform provides firm support. Read the full Bontrager Ajna Pro Carbon review Ergon SR Sport Gel women’s saddle 4.0 out of 5 star rating The Ergon SR saddle was developed with the input of the Canyon//SRAM pro women’s cycling team £79.99 / €89.95 / $89.95 Buy now from Tredz Widths available: S/M, M/L Colours: Black, Red Rails: CroMo Weight: 289g (M/L) This entry-level model has the same overall form of the pro-level model developed with the Canyon//SRAM pro women’s cycling team, but with more compliant cushioning and heavier materials, it is also excellent value for money. In terms of shape, it has a slightly truncated nose with a flared rear platform that provides good support in a range of on-bike positions. Read the full Ergon SR Sport Gel review PRO Griffon Lady saddle 4.0 out of 5 star rating This women’s saddle from PRO features a central channel rather than a cut out Aoife Glass / Immediate Media Co £89.99 / $TBC / AU$TBC Buy now from ProBikeKit Weight: 221g (142mm) Sizes available: 142mm, 152mm The Griffon, according to PRO, is designed for riders who tend to shift position in the saddle when riding, and this women’s version has a different shape and increased padding to the men’s version. It features a carbon-reinforced base, which is good to see at this price point, and hollow rails to reduce weight. Padding is certainly softer and thicker than on either the Specialized Oura or Bontrager Ajna, so this sits at a good intermediate position between these saddles, and the Fizik Vesta (see below) in terms of shape, design and padding. The central cut-out is shorter and narrower than the other saddles on test, with a very slightly curved profile and a flat rear portion with a steep curve to the wing section at either side. It also has the widest nose section. If you like to move your position on the saddle when on the bike, the Griffon certainly allows for this, and the level of cushioning feels plush and comfortable on long distances — though is less useful for those who want a fixed position for more aggressive riding. I had mixed feelings about the central stripe of shiny smooth material because it formed a slight ridge towards the nose of the saddle and created some discomfort. The PRO Griffon is available in two widths, 142mm and 152mm, and in black or white. PRO also suggests this saddle is suitable for mountain biking as well as road cycling. PRO offers a 30-day money back guarantee, so you can take the saddle for a good ride to see if it works for you, and if it doesn’t, you can return it and you won’t be out of pocket. Pro-bikegear.com ISM PN3.1 women’s saddle 4.0 out of 5 star rating The ISM PN 3.1 saddle is certainly distinctive £140.00 / $200 Available now from Amazon Widths available: One size (other models available) Colours: Black, white Rails: Chromoly Weight: 296g ISM’s distinctive saddles with their noseless designs are made for riders who prefer an aggressive on-bike position. The lack of nose and the long cutaway central channel mean that the saddle supports the sitbones without putting any pressure on the soft tissue of the genitalia. ISM produces a range of saddles with different purposes and widths, and the PN3.1 part of the name here refers to the fact that this is its Performance Narrow saddle. There are others available across the ISM range. The look of the saddle may not be to everyone’s taste, but many riders who’ve struggled to find something comfortable rave about it. Read the full ISM PN3.1 saddle review Also consider Fizik Vesta women’s saddle with manganese rails 3.5 out of 5 star rating This budget saddle won’t be for everyone, but many women get on great with it Aoife Glass / Immediate Media Co £59 / $80 / AU$106 Buy the Vesta now from eBay Buy the K:IUM version now from Amazon Weight: 299g Size options: One size only: 270mm x 150mm The Vesta from Fizik is a popular saddle and the entry-level model here features manganese rails with a carbon-reinforced nylon shell. Spend a bit more and you’ll get the lighter version with K:IUM rails. In case you’re wondering what K:IUM stands for, Fizik describes it as a combination of the titanium alloy it uses plus a proprietary tube design and finishing process that results, it says, in an 8 percent weight reduction and better corrosion resistance. The Vesta features Fizik’s Integrated Clip System (ICS), which allows its lights and saddle bags to snap securely into place without the need for straps and clips. With the usual disclaimer that saddle choice is a personal matter, I found the slightly more domed nose of the Vesta, combined with the shallowing of the central channel towards the nose of the saddle, caused uncomfortable rubbing and pressure on the soft tissue of the undercarriage area. The wings also sit longer and lower than the other options tested here, so if you know you are susceptible to catching your leg on this part of the saddle, this is something to be aware of. However, we also know plenty of women who swear by this saddle, so as with the others, test if you can. The version tested here is one that comes supplied with a bike, identical to the retail version in all but colour. The Vesta is available to buy in matt black with a slightly textured look and sleek cover on the wings, designed to allow friction-free movement of the legs against the saddle. This saddle is also thicker in terms of the overall structure than many of the others on test, with thick but firm padding. This is something to be aware of when thinking about your bike fit, and you may want to drop your seatpost by a few millimetres to compensate if you’ve been fitted to your bike with a thinner saddle. The saddle can be used for road and off-road riding, and BikeRadar has previously tested the K:IUM version of it for mountain biking. Fizik.com Liv Contact SL Forward saddle The Liv Contact Forward saddle features a central pressure-relief channel Liv Cycling £69.99 / €82 / $110 / AU$129.95 Buy the Liv Contact SL Forward saddle from Tredz Women’s cycling brand Liv makes a selection of road saddles that are available in two forms: Forward and Upright. The Forward saddles are designed for a more aggressive road riding position where the pelvis is tilted forward, while the Upright version is designed to support the undercarriage when riding in a more upright position. This version features a carbon composite shell and alloy rails. Livcycling.com Fabric Scoop Sport Shallow saddle The Fabric Scoop is unisex saddle that’s popular with many female riders Fabric £34.99 / €39.90 / $39.99 Buy the Fabric Scoop Sport Shallow saddle from Fabric While not technically a women’s specific saddle, the Fabric Scoop Sport Shallow saddle is popular with many riders, not least for its accessible price point. The Scoop Sport Shallow consists of steel rails, foam padding and a microfibre cover. It’s only available in one size, 282mmx142mm, and is designed for a moderately inclined ride position, aimed towards endurance road riding rather than a full-on aggressive race position. There are other versions of the Scoop available with different profiles, padding levels and widths to accommodate a range of riding styles from road racing to leisure cycling. fabric.cc Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow saddle The Lady Flow saddle is a very popular model, and comes specc’d on a number of bikes Selle Italia £89.99 / €99.90 / $139.99 Buy the Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow saddle now from Amazon Available in one size only (262mmx160mm) the Lady Gel Flow from Selle Italia features a long and wide central cut out, plus rounded seat profile. This version has manganese rails, a leather cover, and extra padding, and shock-absorption properties over some of the other models and men’s saddles from the Italian saddle maker. selleitalia.com How to get your bike size right

Are you taking the leap this year and riding your first enduro race? Maybe you’re not fit enough to ride like a pro, but you can certainly ride like a Bro. Ladies and Gentleman, this feature will guide you to maximum racing fun! googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); Are you taking the plunge this year and having a go at your first enduro race? While you may not be fit enough to enduro like a pro, we show you how to enduro like a bro (there’s no sexism here, girls can be bros too)! Far from the high-stakes, high-pressure carnival of the Enduro World Series, the grass-roots enduro scene is stronger and more fun than ever. With a host of great races, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer weekend with your mates. Not only will you get to ride the best trails in the area, but you’ll also get to see if you’re faster than your buddies while having a lot of laughs and making a bunch of new friends too. You may be expecting this ‘how to’ article to be all about tactics, nutrition and seeking out those hidden milliseconds. It’s not. Let’s leave that for the wannabe pros. We’ve put together an alternative guide to ‘enduroing’ for those who don’t want to pretend they’re a pro racer. This is all about having fun, making buddies and being a bro. You’re in……now what? So, you’ve succumbed to peer pressure and have signed up for your first enduro race. Are you nervous? Are you consumed with trepidation and anxiety? “Am I fit enough?” “Will I be able to make it round the course?” “Will anyone talk to me?”, “WHAT AM I DOING?” Don’t panic. The minute you arrive you’ll discover that the grass-roots enduro racing scene is a super friendly one. It draws in riders of all abilities, with some battling for the top spots and some simply enjoying the buzz of riding between the tapes and trying not to crash. If it’s your first race, often it’s best to pick an event near your home trails so you know what to expect. Bro tip: If it’s your first race, don’t sign up for an Enduro World Series round. Instead look for one of the new festival events, combining fun racing with the magical ingredients of beer, food and music. If the trails are too hard, at least you can celebrate with your mates in the evening. Peer pressure is everything Speaking of mates, racing is a lot more fun when surrounded by friends. Fact. Not only will they keep you motivated on the climbs but they will also be there to mock you mercilessly when you ride into a bush. To best enjoy your first race, round up a posse and head down as a crew for some good times and banter. Bro tip: WIf your friends can’t be persuaded, simply ‘borrow’ their credit cards and sign them up anyway. Sometimes it’s easier to beg for forgiveness than get permission. What bike do I need? If you’re reading ENDURO magazine, well done, you’re already well informed about the latest bikes on the market and no-doubt you already have a ‘race-ready’ bike in the shed. While it may not be an ENVE’ed up #superbike, for grassroots enduro’s all you need is the bike you normally ride with your mates. Whether it be a 140 mm trail bike, hardcore gnar-tail, or cutting edge 160 mm enduro beast, they’ll all work (though not a DH bike, that would be hellish!). There are now categories for eMTB’s too if you like to ride with a bit of assistance. As your experience grows you will start to learn more about what works for you and what doesn’t, but in the beginning, just bring the bike you love. If your bike is really sub-optimal, there’s a lot you can do to polish the turd and make your bike faster without spending any money. Spend some time setting up your suspension (we explain further back in the issue how this works) and make sure your tire pressures are optimal. Regardless of what you’re riding, make sure you give your bike a proper once over to make sure it’s race ready before strapping on the number board. Bro tip: If you want a special treat, stick some fresh tires on, for that ‘fresh sneaker’ feeling. Fresh rubber will make a world of difference to your confidence and grip and we love pairing the MAXXIS Minion DHR II and DHF tyres – a combination you can’t go wrong with. Do I need to be fit? These days, to win an elite race you need the skills of a bike ninja combined with the body composition of a fillet steak. Watching ‘Deathgrip’ a million times on the sofa will not make you any fitter, so be sure to get out on your bike as much as possible leading up to the event. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it, and indeed your whole summer. However, don’t burn yourself out during practice and be sure to save some energy for throwing shapes on the dancefloor during the Saturday night party – oh yes, and lest we forget race day. Bro tip: You don’t need to spend the next month turning yourself inside out on the turbo trainer to get fit. One great tip is to try and ride your normal trails and descents without stopping for a natter at the tops and bottoms of the trails, keep the momentum up to build some fitness. What should I carry, and where do I put the kitchen sink? STOP! To enduro like a bro you need to follow the golden rule: carry as much as necessary and as little as possible. Don’t be that fool with the 20 kg pack which thrashes around like an angry chimp on their back as they wobble down the track. Likewise, don’t be the guy shouting “Hey, can I borrow a 5 mm” at every rider passing down the stage – nobody likes that guy. If the race is a short loop, all you really need is the tools to fix a puncture, a multitool, some trail snacks and water. If you are going higher or the weather is looking questionable, you’ll need a small bag with your phone and a jacket inside too. You can get creative with the duct tape and lash tubes and tools to your bike, but there are also some great ways of attaching all you need safely to the bike. Bro tip: For maximum bro points, lash an emergency ‘enduro banana’ to your top tube with tape. Writing “death or glory” or “if found upside down please turn over” on the banana will add more kudos. It’s not a race to the first corner Imagine, you’re lining up at the start line, watching rider after rider take off. Nerves are building. Then it’s your turn, knuckles white you roll to the line. “3, 2, 1, Go!”. You pedal like a maniac, faster than ever before, you’re a racehorse exploding down the track, you’re a pedalling beast, then woooah, you hit the first corner way too fast and ride straight off the track in front of everyone – stylish! We’ve all done it! It’s easy to have the red mist descend while racing but take it easy, it’s not a race to the first corner. Bro tip: If it’s your first race, chill out, relax and enjoy it. Ride smooth and in control and don’t blow through all your reserves on the first stage, leaving you with the lungs of a hamster for the rest of the day. Be a bro, have fun and ride smooth. Chill out and ditch the race pyjamas Fact, having hundreds of logos on your jersey will not make you any faster! We’ve all seen the horrors of what Team Sky kit can do to middle-aged men on road bikes, and we are starting to see it at enduro races too. You don’t need to look like a pro racer to race enduros and you definitely don’t need to have your name on the back of your shirt. Bro tip: Think neutral colours or even merino for maximum cooling and bonus style points. Leave the neon racing pyjamas to those who are fast enough to not have to pay for their bikes. Goggles and a half lid are cool When it comes to helmets, it’s all about personal choice. Wear what you feel comfortable in. Most elite racers at the EWS choose to rock full-face helmets for the added protection and many events even require you to wear one, so make sure to check the rules before you set off. However, at most grassroots events riders wear a normal trail helmet. Check with the organisers to see what they recommend. We love goggles, so If you do decide to rock the trail lid, make sure that it works well with them. The last thing you want when you are riding against the clock is to have to stop to fish mud out of your eyes. Crucially, you’ll also feel ‘full-bro’ with the goggles wrapped around your arm on the climbs. Bro tip: Pick either a well vented ‘trail’ full face or a trail helmet that is compatible with goggles. Key is something that is compatible with both sunnies and goggles so you can look stylish on the day! Don’t be a dummy, protect yourself They say that chicks dig scars, and it’s good for the soul to shrug off the odd graze and cut with an “Ah, it’s nothing”. However, leaving a knee cap behind on the trail or having to pick gravel out of your legs in the shower is less fun. Crashing is (hopefully) a small part of racing, but we all go down sometimes. Make sure you protect yourself with the best protection you can afford. Gloves and knee pads are a must, and if your current kneepads are knackered and old, you should check out the latest options in our group test. Knee pads are more comfortable than ever before. Bro tip: If you want to protect yourself there are now some great lightweight knee, back and elbow protection options that offer great comfort and protection. Check our knee pad group test to find the best options available. Be someone’s hero We’ve all heard the stories of the legends in our sport like Cecile Ravanel and Martin Maes helping other riders in distress. If you see someone struggling, giving them a hand is worth more to your bro karma than rushing past to your next stage. Enduro is like a family and one day the rider in need will be you. Always take the opportunity to save someone’s day. Bro tip: There’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone fix a tricky puncture, or encouraging them up that final big hill. Not only will you make someone’s day, but you will also have a friend for life. Be a bro, and help people out. Look and listen When out practising, keep your eyes and ears open. You can learn a lot by watching how the pros and faster riders scout the tracks, set up their bikes and what they carry. You can learn more in 10 minutes talking to good riders than in weeks of forum ‘research’. Make full use of practice runs and session sections that you are not sure about. It can be intimidating when everyone is gathered around a technical feature, but everyone is on your side. Bro tip: Pro racers love bikes just as much as you and will always be happy to chat about how they prepare and dial in their rides. Race on flats Sam Hill is back at the top of his game, blowing the old “you need clips to ride fast” mantra out of the water. Of course, ride what you are most comfortable with, but for maximum bro points, ditch the disco slippers and clipless pedals and get yourself some flats. Not only will you be able to stick out the old ‘safety foot’ if things get a little wild in the corners, but riding on flats will make you a better rider, and teach you how to stay in control. More importantly, it will also mark you out as a proper bro. Bro tip: If you struggle to ride with flats, book yourself in for some coaching. It’s highly likely you are pulling when you should be pushing. Get a proper lesson and prepare to have your world rocked. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); Don’t be a douche when overtaking You will probably find that whilst you are slower than some riders, amazingly, you may be faster than others. There will be rare occasions where you need to overtake or be overtaken by another rider on a timed stage. There are two ways of doing this: barging in and riding over people like a ‘douche’ or being cool like a ‘bro’ (don’t be a douche!) Etiquette states that should you need to overtake, giving a clear call of “rider” should alert the rider ahead that you are closing in and they should start looking for a safe place to pull over and let you past, the same goes if you hear someone shout behind you. Bro tip: f you catch a rider give them a shout in plenty of time and let them find a safe place to let you past. Don’t forget to shout thanks too! If you have a faster rider behind you, when you hear the call look for a safe place to let them past – don’t be a rolling roadblock. Get the best race photos This is your first race, so let’s face it, you’re unlikely to win. Be a bro and get the best race shots. Most races will have photographers on site. Look out as you bomb down the stages for the photographers lurking in the bushes and pop your best manual or ‘race-face’ at them. Be the king when the social media circus begins during the Monday morning coffee break. Bro tip: Work the crowd – kids love a good whip, or a crisp high-five if your trick bag is weak! You may lose a few seconds but you could make a kid’s day. Don’t forget the beer afterwards Scientists have proven that a post-race beer, tastes on average 36 times better than any other! Well, that may not be true, but grassroots enduros are all about fun and participation, so don’t get stressed if the number on your timing printout at the end is slower than you had hoped – after all, we all have to start somewhere. Don’t jump in your car, crank up Rage Against the Machine, and blaze off in annoyance. Bro tip: For maximum bro points be sure to grab a beer with your buddies and hang around until the podiums. Don’t forget to high-five the winners – they probably finished the race in half the time you did. There’s nothing like a good post-race atmosphere to round off a great day. So that’s it, we hope you have an awesome time at your first enduro. Have fun, make friends and be a bro! This article is from ENDURO issue #038ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine is published in a digital app format in both English and German. Download the app for iOS or Android to read all articles on your tablet or smartphone. 100% free!

Finally, the wait is over! After a somewhat longer winter break, the new ENDURO issue is now available – and the wait was worth it! We’ll tell you which is the best trail bike for around € 3,000, how to custom tune your suspension and which trips have to be on our bucket list. Highlights € 3,000 group test: 11 Trail bikes go head to head Safety first: 14 helmets tested Duel: YT JEFFSY vs. CAPRA Tune up! A suspension setup guide Travel: Exploring Saalbach Hinterglemm The new issue is available as of now in our free magazine app. If you haven’t installed our app yet, now’s your chance to grab it for free in the App Store (iPhone / iPad) or in the Play Store (Android smartphones & tablets). The free, digital magazine is the centrepiece of our work and definitely the most fun way to experience our content. It comes with interactive features, great photo- and videography packed into a unique design. We’re pretty sure: If you like our website, you’ll love our magazine app. By the way: With the app, you can access all issues we’ve published so far – hours upon hours of great reading content! What is there to discover in this issue? “Big days ahead” is the title of this issue! And to be prepared for the big days you need the right bike. That’s why we compared the 11 most exciting trail bikes for around € 3,000. We put the YT JEFFSY in a duel with his big brother CAPRA and took a closer look at the TREK Full Stache. We also answer the following questions: What is the best trail and enduro helmet? Is the SCOTT Genius Contessa the perfect bike for women? How do you make your bike fit for the new season and how do you master an enduro race? That’s not all, we’ll show you how to tune your suspension optimally, what makes the Forbidden Druid so special and why you should travel to Saalbach Hinterglemm. Group test: 11 trail-bikes around € 3,000How much does a good trail bike cost? This group test proves that € 3,000 is enough! But there are a few things to consider if you want to make sure your savings don’t come at the cost of fun and durability in the long run. We’ve gained many exciting insights from this group test – and found a clear winner in our test! Safety First: 14 helmets in comparisonAn epic morning on the trails, just you, your mates and your mountain bike. You’re riding hard and suddenly the adrenaline rush is replaced by a loud ringing in your head. You’ve overcooked a corner and crashed. As the dust settles, you realise that your helmet prevented the worst from happening, but how do you find your perfect MTB-helmet in the first place? Duel: YT JEFFSY vs. CAPRAWith category blurring potential, the new 150 mm travel YT Jeffsy CF PRO RACE 29 is ready to battle way beyond its pay grade, but how does it compare against its big brother the YT Capra CF PRO RACE 29? We tested them both against the clock and on the trails to find out Bike test: Forbidden DruidHigh-pivot bikes are a red hot topic on the downhill scene, but do they work on trail bikes too? We check out the Forbidden Druid, a new high-pivot trail rocket, to see if the suspension design really can perform on the trail? Suspension setup – that’s what really mattersIs your spring rate leaving you deflated? Do you feel like you cannot rebound fast enough? It’s time to take an hour or two to set up your bike’s suspension with our essential suspension setup guide. The ultimate race guideAre you taking the leap this year and riding your first Enduro race? Maybe you’re not fit enough to ride like a pro, but you can certainly ride like a Bro. Ladies and Gentleman, this feature will guide you to maximum racing fun! All Bikes in this issue Canyon Spectral CF 7.0 | FOCUS JAM 6.8 NINE | Giant Trance 29 2 | MERIDA ONE FORTY 800 | Propain Tyee AM Performance | RADON SLIDE TRAIL 8.0 | ROSE PIKES PEAK AM 1 | SCOTT Genius 950 | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Alloy 29 | TREK Remedy 8 | YT JEFFSY 27 AL Base | YT JEFFSY CF Pro Race | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race | Forbidden Druid | SCOTT Genius 710 Contessa | Trek Full Stache 8 Excited? These (and many more) stories are just a few clicks away. If you have already installed our free app, you can download the latest issue directly there. If not, first install it from the App Store (iPhone / iPad) or the Play Store (Android smartphones & tablets) and then load the latest issue within the app. Then you can sit back and enjoy the new issue (ideal with a cold beer or delicious coffee)! Enjoy reading! CheersChristoph So funktioniert die ENDURO-App .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } The post OUT NOW! The latest ENDURO Issue #038 – BIG DAYS AHEAD appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

Finally, the wait is over! After a somewhat longer winter break, the new ENDURO issue is now available – and the wait was worth it! We’ll tell you which is the best trail bike for around €3,000 , how to custom tune your suspension and which trips have to be on our bucket list. Highlights € 3,000 group test: 11 Trail bikes go head to head Safety first: 14 helmets tested Duel: YT JEFFSY vs. CAPRA Tune up! A suspension setup guide Travel: Exploring Saalbach Hinterglemm This article is from ENDURO issue #038ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine is published in a digital app format in both English and German. Download the app for iOS or Android to read all articles on your tablet or smartphone. 100% free! The new issue is available as of now in our free magazine app. If you haven’t installed our app yet, now’s your chance to grab it for free in the App Store (iPhone / iPad) or in the Play Store (Android smartphones & tablets). The free, digital magazine is the centrepiece of our work and definitely the most fun way to experience our content. It comes with interactive features, great photo- and videography packed into a unique design. We’re pretty sure: If you like our website, you’ll love our magazine app. By the way: With the app, you can access all issues we’ve published so far – hours upon hours of great reading content! What is there to discover in this issue? “Big days ahead” is the title of this issue! And to be prepared for the big days you need the right bike. That’s why we compared the 11 most exciting trail bikes for around € 3,000. We put the YT JEFFSY in a duel with his big brother CAPRA and took a closer look at the TREK Full Stache. We also answer the following questions: What is the best trail and enduro helmet? Is the SCOTT Genius Contessa the perfect bike for women? How do you make your bike fit for the new season and how do you master an enduro race? That’s not all, we’ll show you how to tune your suspension optimally, what makes the Forbidden Druid so special and why you should travel to Saalbach Hinterglemm. Group test: 11 trail-bikes around € 3,000How much does a good trail bike cost? This group test proves that € 3,000 is enough! But there are a few things to consider if you want to make sure your savings don’t come at the cost of fun and durability in the long run. We’ve gained many exciting insights from this group test – and found a clear winner in our test! Safety First: 14 helmets in comparisonAn epic morning on the trails, just you, your mates and your mountain bike. You’re riding hard and suddenly the adrenaline rush is replaced by a loud ringing in your head. You’ve overcooked a corner and crashed. As the dust settles, you realise that your helmet prevented the worst from happening, but how do you find your perfect MTB-helmet in the first place? Duel: YT JEFFSY vs. CAPRAWith category blurring potential, the new 150 mm travel YT Jeffsy CF PRO RACE 29 is ready to battle way beyond its pay grade, but how does it compare against its big brother the YT Capra CF PRO RACE 29? We tested them both against the clock and on the trails to find out Bike test: Forbidden DruidHigh-pivot bikes are a red hot topic on the downhill scene, but do they work on trail bikes too? We check out the Forbidden Druid, a new high-pivot trail rocket, to see if the suspension design really can perform on the trail? Suspension setup – that’s what really mattersIs your spring rate leaving you deflated? Do you feel like you cannot rebound fast enough? It’s time to take an hour or two to set up your bike’s suspension with our essential suspension setup guide. The ultimate race guideAre you taking the leap this year and riding your first Enduro race? Maybe you’re not fit enough to ride like a pro, but you can certainly ride like a Bro. Ladies and Gentleman, this feature will guide you to maximum racing fun! All Bikes in this issue Canyon Spectral CF 7.0 | FOCUS JAM 6.8 NINE | Giant Trance 29 2 | MERIDA ONE FORTY 800 | Propain Tyee AM Performance | RADON SLIDE TRAIL 8.0 | ROSE PIKES PEAK AM 1 | SCOTT Genius 950 | Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Alloy 29 | TREK Remedy 8 | YT JEFFSY 27 AL Base | YT JEFFSY CF Pro Race | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race | Forbidden Druid | SCOTT Genius 710 Contessa | Trek Full Stache 8 Excited? These (and many more) stories are just a few clicks away. If you have already installed our free app, you can download the latest issue directly there. If not, first install it from the App Store (iPhone / iPad) or the Play Store (Android smartphones & tablets)“>Play Store (Android Smartphones & Tablets) and then load the latest issue within the app. Then you can sit back and enjoy the new issue (ideal with a cold beer or delicious coffee)! Viel Spaß beim Lesen! CheersChristoph The post OUT NOW! The latest ENDURO Issue #038 – BIG DAYS AHEAD appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.