‘Tis the season when pre-holiday sales, end-of-season sales, and (at least this year) administration/bankruptcy sales are flooding the market with more affordable bike kit. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying shiny new accessories for our bikes and fresh, clean bibs for our bums. We’re not about the shame anyone for getting lost in consumerism or losing track of the reasons for the various seasons or asking you to consider environmental or economic impact of such sales, and so forth. Instead, we’re just super curious on what you're planning to track down for yourself. We’re definitely planning on stocking up on some fresh tires for next season. We might also nab some socks.

wheels we’re following

kit we’re eyeing

where we’re riding

café-stop reading

Bicycles. Gravel roads. Alpine climbs. Chic kits. Cuddly dogs. If we had to make a checklist of must-haves for a photo essay that would inspire us to leave the house on a cold morning, “La Pilgrimage - De Saint Roch: A Gravel Journey into the Alps” by Café du Cycliste’s La Gazette would meet all our expectations. Add engaging prose and beautiful photos to the list and we are in heaven. Whether you’re planning your own trip to the Alps or not, this essay is a must read.

off the back of the newsletter

Michael Vanthourenhout is the European Cyclocross champion for a second year in a row. Fem van Empel also continues her reign as European Cyclocross champ. We have no opinions on this this saddle, but we’re ready for the memes. Chris Froome has strong opinions about his equipment and bike fit. We love that Cavendish’s road to 35 TDF stage wins is being called “Project 35”—also Project 35 is getting more help. For more content about sprinters, listen to Watts Occurring interview Jasper Philipsen. The future of the Tour of Britain may be in trouble. Get this shirt if you haven’t switched to tubeless tires.

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