Marin has just launched a new carbon Rift Zone and seeing as we were big fans of the alloy version, we were dead keen to get some more information. The carbon version sports identical geometry and comes in pricier spec configurations than other alloy options. 

These energy bars from new brand Outdoor Provisions tick a whole host of boxes: they're vegan, the ingredients are all natural, the wrappers a compostable, they're pleasant to eat and they work well. If you want a tasty trail snack that won't trouble your conscience, we recommend you give these a whirl.  

It's week two of Saturday Social, the place where we round up all the stuff we've been giving our 'likes' to this week. This week we've got steezy riders, new concealed tools, bikepacking in Kyrgyzstan plus retro gravel bike, dig in...

This week, inspired by road.cc blog, we've put together article full of all the news from social media that we've just not been able to cover on the site (and some that we have), plus some Instagram posts that got one of our 'likes' this week. There's a new visitors centre at Bike Park Wales new bikes, new videos and new collaborations producing some cool gear plus lots more!

Crankbrothers Synthesis E 11 is a carbon wheelset of impressive quality, with top-class Industry Nine hubs, position-specific rims and unique builds for each end. It’s hard to fault these impressively robust hoops for concept and quality, although the difference in compliance between front and rear is hard to feel – and the price is top dollar. 

GT Bicycles recently released a modern version of the iconic 1979 26” BMX Cruiser frameset to celebrate the brand’s new partnership with original GT Bicycles founder Gary Turner and his son Craig. There will only be 100 of the limited edition bikes on sale, here are all the details:

The Cube Edge Trail 16L hydration pack is large, sturdy and incorporates a useful back protector. It's a good partner for long, all-day adventures, yet stays stable when the going gets tough thanks to large and comfortable waist straps. On the downside it's heavy, the storage doesn't have the best layout and there's no bladder included.

The makers of the Naughty Northumbrian mountain bike enduro have just announced that they are launching a new gravel enduro, its called the Naughty Frontier and looking at the statistics, we suspect that it won't be for the faint hearted! 

Expanding to four countries in 2019 wasn't enough for the Ginduro organisers, 2020 sees them take the race to six different corners of the world with Australia and Switzerland andCanada new to the series. We've also learned that  Wales might be on the cards with only the  Californian race returning from last year, but in a new location.