Despite Trump’s surprise 90-day pause on a great deal of his April 2-announced tariffs, it seems inevitable that we’re going to be shelling out more at the checkouts for our favorite outdoor items.

The threat of trade war alone has created huge uncertainty for businesses around the world, destabilizing prices, and the 10% universal duty remains in place, which they are already having to absorb.

Much of the manufacturing of clothes and equipment from our favourite brands takes place in Asia in countries such as China, which is facing a 125% tariff, and in Cambodia and Vietnam, both originally threatened with 49% tariffs.

The US Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) has said that these tariffs will hurt American businesses, workers and consumers. The number of Americans taking part in outdoor activity is at an all-time high, it revealed, with 175.8 million participating last year.

“These tariffs will raise costs for American manufacturers, retailers and families,” says Kent Ebersole, president of OIA.

“That’s going to slow growth, put pressure on small and mid-sized outdoor companies and could force some to close their doors. These tariffs also make it more difficult for global outdoor brands to operate in the US and maintain their American workforce.”

For brands such as Black Diamond and Columbia Sportswear, whose share prices have dropped as a result of these tariff increases, the situation is challenging. The higher tariffs raise their cost base, which makes it harder to maintain profit margins.

Logistics expert Will Kogan explains: “As publicly traded companies, any price hikes or shrinking profit margins directly affect their stock market performance. This has led to investor concerns, reflected in the decline in share prices. The challenge for these companies now is finding a balance between raising prices and maintaining their customer base.

"For US consumers, the effects of these price hikes are becoming increasingly apparent. For high-end brands like Yeti, this could impact demand, as consumers might start to opt for more affordable alternatives, especially in a time of economic uncertainty."

When will the price of gear rise?

Savvy brands have been trying to stay one step ahead of the looming tariffs, importing as much product as they could before April. Imports have been high since summer 2024, the US National Retail Federation has revealed.

“Retailers have been bringing merchandise into the country for months in attempts to mitigate against rising tariffs, but that opportunity has come to an end with the imposition of the ‘reciprocal’ tariffs,” US National Retail Federation spokesperson Jonathan Gold said.

Damon Street from Twist Distribution, EU distributor of Exell Outdoors, which owns brands such as Sierra Designs and Kelty, agrees that businesses have been preparing for these tariffs long before April 2.

"They have probably already been through two waves of pricing," he says.

However, he describes Trump’s latest 90-day pause as a “lifeline”. It will give companies a chance to manufacture and deliver on orders already placed and time to plan for the future.

How will brands absorb these costs?

Street explains that at this time of year, as brands get ready to present next year's spring/summer product at trade shows, they usually have pricing cemented. However, with the economic uncertainty, they are still working it out.

He predicts that they are likely to protect key products while pushing costs onto "accessories".

“Brands are having to look at what are the key products they need, the things that define their brands, and maintain performance there.

For Exell it's their sleeping bags, backpacks and tents. For Kelty, our best-seller is the Tru.Comfort Doublewide two-person sleeping bag. We will make sure this is hitting the right price point going forwards. Perhaps we will have to remove focus from other accessories, the things that are 'nice' to have," he explains.

Businesses are also considering manufacturing long-term. At Excell they have built a factory in Alabama where they can manufacture sleeping bags. However, it's not going to be a quick solution.

"We can switch on manufacturing there," Street says. "But where the products are currently being made, the quality is A1. To replicate the volumes and the quality is going to be a big ask."

Will gear cost less in Europe than the US?

One interesting development is that we may see global pricing disparity, Street predicts.

“At Exell, we have always maintained a global pricing policy. A £100 product in the UK might sell at €115 in the EU and $125 in the US. The brand price is roughly aligned, similar to Nike or Adidas products. The brand price is roughly the same whether you buy it in London, Munich or New York. This may be affected as realistically each territory will have to look at what they need for their own markets and find the right price point."

The end of store discounts?

Further down the supply chain, Street believes retailers will have to reconsider pricing too, which the consumer will probably notice over the coming months.

"As new deliveries arrive with higher-priced product, retailers can blend the price, and get a blended margin that won’t be too bad. However, as they run out of older stock that was bought in at the right price, the margin will be hard to hold without significant price increases.

He believes initially retailers will have to stop discounting products to keep their profit margins and sell at the RRP.

Ultimately, he says the consumer will have to make a choice to spend more or buy from cheaper brands.

Extend the life of your gear

With prices set to hike, it’s more beneficial than ever to takes steps to make your gear last longer.

• Invest in quality – paying more for well-made and durable gear is more financially sound that investing in budget-friendly options, which can be false economy. If you don’t have funds to lay out for brand new gear, consider buying used gear. There’s advice in our article How to shop for second hand outdoor gear.
• Look after your clothes – keep them clean and wash with Nikwax, or unscented detergent, after every few uses. Always store gear clean and dry. Repair tears, and if you can't yourself, employ someone who can.
• Reproof outer layers – when water starts to breach jackets and trousers, use a DWR product to make them waterproof again. There’s helpful advice in How to waterproof a jacket.
• Repair gear – there are amazing gear-repair companies out there who will bring your tired clothes and equipment back to life, especially if the item has a lifetime warranty. Whether it’s replacing a broken backpack zip or washing a filthy sleeping bag, there may be someone out there who can do it at a fair price.

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Stand aside e-bikes. There’s more than one way to bring some power-assisted, fat-wheeled action to the trails. And you don’t even need two wheels.

Nope, the e-unicycle hasn’t arrived. We’re talking electric boards, which are basically one-wheel skateboards. 

And while they’re nothing new, leading electric board brand Future Motion has just released a new model in its Onewheel line that specially designed for the kind of rugged terrain beloved of MTB and e-MTB riders.

Welcome to the Onewheel GT S-Series Rally Edition.

The brand is calling the Rally Edition its most advanced yet, and it certainly has some power behind it. Developed in collaboration with the Onewheel Factory Pro Team, the Rally Edition is designed to tackle mountain bike and single-track trails.

It boasts an innovation that the brand is calling Recurve Rails. These are asymmetrical, curved rails aim to improve control and leverage, with additional clearance for rugged terrain and steep gradients, the brand say. 

Other specs include a factory-upgraded six-inch motor hub for vibration dampening and tougher tires than previous models in the range. Future Motion calls the Rally Edition the “ultimate off-road setup”.

The Onewheel GT S-Series Rally Edition is available to buy now from the brand’s website for $3,500. A head’s up: when you click on that link it takes you through to the general page for the range, and you need to click on button for the Rally Edition –if you look carefully at the image, it does change very slightly.

• The best bikepacking bags 2024: clever kit-carrying solutions for your pedal-powered adventures

Coros, best known for its range of GPS watches, has launched a new bike computer that offers super-long battery life for multi-day adventures. The Coros Dura provides 120 hours of continuous battery life on a single charge, with solar charging to provide an extra two hours of power for each hour spent on the bike. For comparison, the entry-level Garmin Edge Explore bike computer lasts 12 hours on a single charge, while the high-end Edge 1040 lasts 45 hours.

The device is operated using a 2.7in memory-in-pixel touchscreen display, which features an adaptive backlight that automatically adjusts in brightness depending on the ambient lighting conditions. If your fingers are wet, cold, or gloved, you can also scroll through menus and select options using a chunky scroll wheel and button on the side.

The Dura offers dual-frequency GPS, which should more accurately pinpoint your location than a device that only operates on one frequency, particularly in tricky locations like densely built cities where tall buildings can lead to GPS drift. 

You can create routes to follow using the Coros app, which received a huge overhaul last year that added the ability to create courses with turn-by-turn navigation. Alternatively, you can transfer a route made using a third-party tool like Strava or Komoot. If you wander off course, or have to follow a diversion, the Dura will re-route you using live data from Google Maps that takes into account road conditions and seasonal closures.

The Dura can connect to your GPS watch, and accessories like cadence sensors and power meters, and includes a set of useful training tools for use outdoors or with indoor an indoor bike trainer. It works together with the Coros app on your phone and the Coros Training Hub on desktop, letting you create and follow training plans, monitor training load, and even get feedback from your coach.

The Coros Dura is available to order now direct from Coros for $249/£149, with shipping expected to start on July 15, and its specs are impressive for the price.

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Adventure e-bikes – tough but comfortable rides made for off-road fun and bikepacking expeditions – are becoming more and more popular. However, many of them carry price tags north of $5,000, making them a very expensive way to explore the trails at the weekend.

That's where the new MOD Black from Texan bike builder MOD Bikes comes in. Despite having full suspension, hydraulic brakes, powerful motor, and torque sensor for smooth acceleration, it has a relatively modest price tag of $2,999, or £2,402 for riders in the UK. While certainly not pocket change, that's a lot more reasonable than most similar adventure-ready ebikes.

The standard spec MOD Black has a maximum range of 50 miles (depending on how and where you ride), which can be increased to 100 miles with the addition of a factory-installed second battery pack.

Front and rear lights are provided as standard, and can be operated via a color touchscreen control unit mounted on the handlebars. This also allows you to tweak the bike's power settings, and even lock it with a PIN.

There are five power modes to choose from:

• Fit (limited power assistance to give you a workout)
• Eco (to balance assistance with power-saving for long rides)
• Cargo (for carrying heavy loads and bikepacking)
• Sport (for fun cruising at higher speeds)
• Turbo (for maximum acceleration)

There's also a throttle so you can ride without pedaling, but remember that laws on ebikes vary between countries, cities and states, and models that can be powered using a throttle may be classed as motorcycles or mopeds rather than bicycles. Make sure any ebike you're considering complies with local rules before opening your wallet.

It's all rounded off with ergonomic handlebars, a wide saddle for comfort, and a generous scattering of braze-ons for attaching water bottles and bikepacking bags (our roundup of the best bikepacking bags includes lots of good options).

The MOD Black is available to pre-order now direct from MOD Bikes.

• Can you ride an ebike in US National Parks? Everything you need to know

Meet the reviewer

Fjällräven/Specialized frame bag: first impressions

The Specialized/Fjällräven frame bag is one of the principle products from the brilliant bikepacking storage range that emerged from a creative collaboration between Sweden’s backpack and outdoor apparel specialists Fjällräven and Californian bike brand Specialized. It’s available in three sizes, so you can match it to the frame of your gravel or touring bike, though depending on the design of your frame, and whether your bike is a hardtail or a full-sus rig, people with mountain bikes might struggle a little bit more.

All three sizes offer a generous amount of storage space, positioned centrally on the frame in a place that won’t dangerously affect your center of gravity. This makes the Fjällräven/Specialized frame bag the ideal place to store the heaviest gear you’re planning on taking on your bikepacking escapade. 

Fjällräven/Specialized frame bag: style and design

While some of the kit in the Fjällräven/Specialized collection (such as the large bike-basket-like handlebar bag, and the little snack pack) will divide opinion, I’m confident that this frame bag will be met with near-universal approval from the bikepacking community – we certainly reckon it’s one of the best bikepacking bags on the market. So long as you get the correct size bag for your bike, there is nothing to dislike about it (except, perhaps the price, but these are premium brands and you’re paying a bit for the logos, whether or not you like or admit it). 

Although it can’t be adjusted, the fact that the Specialized/Fjällräven frame bag comes in three sizes should enable you to choose the right one for your bike and attach it very firmly to the front triangle of your frame. You mount it beneath the top tube, with multiple hoops and Velcro straps offering numerous ways to secure the bag to the bike in three separate directions: to the front (beneath the bars), to the rear (beneath the saddle) and directly above, along the top tube itself. 

At least partly made from recycled fabrics, this bag’s outer material is robust, and the zip is excellent quality. While it can swallow a lot of gear the profile of the pack is slim, so it won’t rub against your legs while you pedal. 

Fjällräven/Specialized frame bag: on the trails

I’ve been out and about on the tracks and trails, testing the Specialized/Fjällräven frame bag (along with the rest of the Fjällräven/Specialized bikepacking bag range), during a full season of pedal-powered adventures on Dartmoor, the Peak District and in the Yorkshire Dales. Once all the attachment points are secured on the frame, this bag is a rock solid and barely moves at all, even when you’re negotiating technical trails. 

Access is easy while you’re riding, thanks to the double-action zipper with pull-tabs (ideal when you have gloves on), so you can use it to stash items that you might need to reach while cycling, such as a waterproof jacket, sunglasses or warmer gloves. However, as mentioned above, the central positioning of this pack and the generous volume it boasts (the largest version has an impressive 5L capacity) make it really ideal for carrying heavier kit. Personally, during testing, I found it was the perfect place to store weighty stuff such as tent pegs and poles, multitools, my trusty camping stove (plus fuel canisters and food supplies) and my sleeping mat. 

The downside of this frame pack’s positioning is that it gets lots of muck and oil thrown at it from the drivechain while you’re riding, but fortunately the material it’s constructed from is both hardwearing and weatherproof, so you can simply wipe it down with a wet cloth immediately after your ride (if you let filth accumulate and dry, however, it will be much harder to clean – you have been warned).

As a lefty, my only real beef with this bag is that it favors right-handed people, because the zip is only on the right side.

• How Advnture tests products

Right now, you can pick up the Garmin Tacx Boost Trainer for just £138.42 at Amazon. That's a huge saving of 40% off the list price and by far the cheapest this excellent indoor bike trainer has ever been, wiping the floor with last year's Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday deals.

Spring has finally arrived, but if you're in the UK you'll know that doesn't mean the weather will always fit with your training plan. That's where the Tacx Boost comes in, letting you take your ride indoors when conditions are grim outside.

If you're not in the UK, scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Garmin Tacx deals where you are.

My partner and I have one of these trainers at home, and we love it. It has a super small footprint, letting us easily use it in the kitchen, and it's easy to store. It's quick to set up too, and feels nice and stable despite its diminutive size. You don't need to plug it in, either (resistance is provide by a magnetic brake that you can adjust manually) and it's surprisingly quiet.

My colleagues on Cycling Weekly gave it four stars out of five, with their main criticism being the price, but with this deal that's no longer an issue.

If you're not in the UK, here are today's best Garmin Tacx deals where you are.

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Meet the reviewer

Fjällräven/Specialized Top Tube Bag: first impressions

Available in a range of attractive, earthy colors, the compact Fjällräven/Specialized Top Tube Bag is part of the range of bikepacking bags produced by Swedish pack and outdoor apparel specialists Fjällräven in collaboration with Californian bike brand Specialized, which includes an amazingly spacious handlebar bag.

This bag is capacity-challenged compared to some of the more capacious members of its family, but what the Fjällräven/Specialized top tube bag lacks in size it makes up for in versatility and ease of access.

And when used in combination with the larger packs in the range – such as the frame bag which extends along the full length of the top tube, but is positioned underneath, enabling you use both bags simultaneously – it can be a really useful piece of kit.

To find out just how functional it is, and how it compares to the best bikepacking bags on the market, I’ve been testing this top tube pack out on the trails during a plethora of pedal-powered trail outings and multi-day rides.

Fjällräven/Specialized Top Tube Bag: style and design

With an excellent-quality two-way zip, and an aerodynamic design, this little pack can be positioned at either end of a gravel or mountain-bike’s top tube, either snug up against the stem of your handlebars or placed under the seat post. Two Velcro strips loop around the top tube and a rear Velcro strip goes around the bar stem or seat post (depending on your preference) to hold the pack in place. Once these three points of contact are secured, the bag is very firmly held in place.

This is a semi-rigid bag, with an outer made from hardwearing, weather-resistant Vinylon F material (waterproof in all but the most torrential rain), backed by a stiff casing and a 100% recycled polyamide lining.

I’ve been testing an early model of this pack, but the latest iteration has a weatherproof portal that allows you to run a cable out of the bag to and from a digital device – very handy if you have a phone, GPS navigating unit or bike computer mounted on your bars, for example.

Both of the zips boast color-coordinated cord pull loops, which make them easy to use even if you’re wearing gloves. The interior of the pack features mesh pockets on either side of the main compartment, which are excellent for organization, providing the perfect place for storing small items you might want to quickly lay your hands on, including your phone, credit cards and cash.

Fjällräven/Specialized Top Tube Bag: on the trails

I’ve been using the Fjällräven/Specialized range of bikepacking bags during a range of pedal-powered escapades over the last 12 months, including a great gravel-bike gallivant through the Yorkshire Dales to England’s highest pub, (where you can semi wild camp on the moor nearby), and during multi-day trips though the Peak District and across Dartmoor. 

I love the fact that you can mount this tidy top tube bag at the front or the rear of the frame. With a sleek, narrow profile, it doesn’t rub on your legs while you’re pedalling if you do locate it beneath the saddle, but personally I prefer to positions it at the front, by my bars, where I reach in and easily grab snacks or check my phone.

The build quality is superb – the tough outer material is hardwearing and very easy to wipe down if (OK, when) it gets mucky. The zips are fantastic – very robust, they’re effectively weatherproof and the fact there are two zips offers you easy access with either hand, and allows you to keep most of the bag shut while you reach in and get what you need.

• How Advnture tests products

Meet the reviewer

Fjällräven/Specialized handlebar bag: first impressions

The huge Fjällräven/Specialized handlebar bag, mounted on its own bespoke rack (required, but sold separately) is one of the hero products of the bikepacking storage range that resulted from the recent and ongoing collaboration between Swedish pack and outdoor apparel makers Fjällräven and Californian bike gurus Specialized. Both brands are renowned for producing top quality gear, so my expectations were high.

The design decisions definitely came from the folks at Fjällräven, with the prevailing style being much more European than North American. This handlebar bag in particular has quite a retro look and feel, not dissimilar to Fjällräven’s signature Kånken Classic Backpack, one of the world’s most famous and instantly recognizable daypacks. 

Not everyone will love this look, to be honest – it does give off a certain bike basket vibe that some people might struggle with, especially in the brighter colors. Personally, however, I love its capacious storage space, the protective semi-rigid construction, the extra mesh pockets and the fact that it’s so easy to access the main compartment. 

On the downside, you do need to invest in – and spend time setting up – the housing rack before you can get packing and set off riding the trails. This rack is essential in order to use the pack on the bike, so it’s a shame that bag and mount aren’t sold together as a combined package. The bag does come with a shoulder strap so you can carry it when you’ve parked your steed and you’re walking around, which is a nice option to have, but the primary purpose of this pack is definitely for cycle touring, bikepacking, commuting and other pedal-powered missions.

The combined rig isn’t cheap, but it’s well designed, robust and well put together, for years of adventures in the saddle, whether you’re riding a mountain bike, a gravel bike or a commuter bike. But how does it compare to some of the other best bikepacking packs on the market? I’ve been trail-testing the Fjällräven/Specialized handlebar bag for the last year to find out.

Fjällräven/Specialized handlebar bag: design and functionality

As mentioned, the Fjällräven/Specialized handlebar bag can be carried as a shoulder bag while you’re walking, and a removable strap is supplied for this purpose. But although this might be useful for those times when you’re parked up and you want to take the entire bag with you for a stroll (or to a café or bar), as opposed to leaving it on the bike, this product is primarily designed as a gear-carrying container for bikepacking. 

Before you can use it for this purpose you first need to buy and install the metal rack, which is (annoyingly) sold separately. Setting the aluminum rack up on your bike is pretty quick and easy to do, however, with a couple of clasps attaching to the handlebars, one on either side of the bar stem. A cord then loops over the center of the bars to keep the pack from drooping when you add weight, or when riding across rougher ground (this latter element is a bit fiddly, and doesn’t feel particularly effective or robust).

Mounting the pack on the rack is also easy to do – you simply feed two straps beneath the metal rungs, buckle them shut, pull the straps tight and make sure any excess material is kept securely out of the way with Velcro tabs.

When it comes to the bag itself, comparisons with Fjällräven’s other storage solutions don’t stop with style and appearances: like most of the brand’s bags and backpacks, this handlebar bag is made with hardwearing, weather-resistant Vinylon F material, backed by a semi-rigid casing and a lining made with 100% recycled nylon.

With a rounded top, the overall shape of the bag is a bit like a treasure chest, and since it boasts almost 10L of interior storage space, you can fill it with all sorts of valuable kit for bikepacking escapades. In addition to this, there are mesh pockets on both sides of the bag, and also on the top.

The opening side of the pack faces towards the rider, to make it easy to access while cycling. When you’re carrying the bag over your shoulder, the top of the main compartment shuts with a popper mounted on a piece of leather on a looped elastic cord; but when the bag’s mounted on the bike, the only way to keep the pack shut is by looping the elasticated cord around a purpose-built hook on the metal rack. While this doesn’t provide a waterproof (or very firm) seal, it does make opening the bag with one hand quick and easy while riding.

Fjällräven/Specialized handlebar bag: on the trails

I’ve been testing the Fjällräven and Specialized bikebacking bags out over the course of a full year, using them for numerous bikepacking adventures, both on my mountain bike and my gravel bike. These outings have included various escapades across Dartmoor in spring and fall, to a spectacular solo bikepacking mission to cycle to England’s highest pub in the Yorkshire Dales – following the Swale Trail along the eponymous river from the brilliant Dales Bike Centre before pedalling over Black Moor (along a rare rideable section of the Pennine Way) and Stonesdale Moor to the 528m-high Tan Hill Inn, where you can camp on the moor, near the pub. 

I was also lucky enough to join a two-day trip around the Peak District with a bike-guiding company called Pannier while using this pack, accompanied by representatives from Fjällräven and Specialized, starting from Sheffield city center, riding over Hallam Moor and the High Peak, past the iconic climbing crag of Stanage Edge, to camp in Edale, beneath Kinder Scout.  

I love this handlebar bag for its generous load capacity and ease of access while on the move. It provided the perfect place for me to carry my large DSLR camera while riding, enabling me to grab the camera in seconds when I wanted to stop and shoot something, and there was ample space to wrap the camera in a down jacket that came in useful later in camp. If you’re cycling in uncertain weather, it’s the perfect place to have a waterproof jacket or some warm gloves. 

The lid can be opened with one hand while you’re on the move, so you can fill the pack with pieces of kit that you might want to access whilst riding, including GPS devices, but you can also use the large space to carry bulkier items like camping stoves, fuel and food.

The exterior side mesh pockets are ideal for stashing snacks, or perhaps a Buff-style scarf or sunglasses, while the mesh pouch on the top is an excellent place to keep a sheet map and compass, if you still use such things to navigate or at least confirm your position (as I do).

While impressive for its carry capacity, however, I did discover a few niggles with this pack. The material it’s constructed from is weatherproof, but the way it shuts when mounted on the rack (with an elastic cord looping around a hook) doesn’t create a waterproof or particularly secure-looking seal.

The lid actually bounces around (and even peeps slightly open) when you’re riding over rough terrain, making an annoying noise and prompting you to question the safety of the contents. You can purchase a fully waterproof cover separately, but along with the bag itself, and the rack, that all adds up to a pretty hefty invesetment.

The cord intended to stop the pack tilting forward is fiddly and flimsy, and if you don’t use it the bag will definitely droop as soon as you put anything heavy in it (carrying too much weight on the bars is best avoided anyway, because it can affect the way your bike handles on tricky trails).

• How Advnture tests products

Why take a phone with you on a bikepacking trip when your bike can do it all? Yes, even film your ride and livestream it.

That's just one feature packed into what tech company Orbic is calling 'the world’s first 5G-enabled e-bike'. Unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2024, it's a fat-tire bike designed to be at home on mountain trails and urban streets, that has a few tricks in its frame, including AI collision detection, its own inbuilt screen on the handlebars, and cameras front and back.

It is, basically, the nearest thing to a smartphone on two wheels yet. We’re sure one day all bikes will be built to be fully connected to the internet of things, but the Orbic 5G is first to the market, so let’s see what it’s promising.

The Orbic 5G is capable of reaching up to 45km/h and incorporates an advanced AI avoidance detection system which alerts riders to potential hazards, such as oncoming vehicles.

It’s also equipped with a front-facing 64MP camera tailor-made for capturing and livestreaming rides and a 2MP rear camera for enhanced rider safety, collision avoidance and object detection.

Furthermore, its 7-inch, handlebar-mounted “bright all weather touchscreen“ has its own 8MP camera that will let you share rides, and even video-chat with other Orbic 5G riders.

The bike's touchscreen display also displays the rider's battery status, speed, distance, maps, tracking, and various other functionalities so users can safely remain focused on the path ahead. The Orbic 5G e-bike also acts as a hotspot to extend connectivity anywhere; at a picnic, on the trail, and even at home at a backyard barbeque.

“Introducing Orbic’s 5G e-bike at MWC Barcelona is part of our innovation pipeline that implements advanced technology to expand connectivity and enhance user experiences," says Mike Narula, president and CEO of Orbic.

“By integrating 5G connectivity and AI technology, we aim to redefine the riding experience, making it safer, more connected and environmentally responsible whether on city streets, in suburban neighborhoods or the challenging terrain of mountain trails. The 5G e-bike represents a significant leap forward in electronic mobility, and we are excited about bringing this new technology to cities across the globe.”

It will be fascinating to see if other e-bike manufacturers take up the interconnectivity challenge and we look forward to seeing what riders and reviewers really think of the Orbic e-bike – is it more than just a gimmick, and how does it really handle on trails? After all, Orbic is a tech specialist, not a bike specialist. The proof is in the pedalling.

For more information about the Orbic 5G e-bike visit www.orbic.us.

• The best hiking backpacks 2024: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers

Bikepacking and batteries are a natural fit, letting you explore further and carry more than would otherwise be possible, and there's a growing category of 'adventure' e-bikes designed for exactly that, with fat tires for tackling trails and extra-long battery life. The latest addition to the set is the Orox, from Taiwanese bike builder Tern, which combines e-MTB design with the carrying capacity of a city cargo bike.

As Electrek explains, the Orox is powered by a Bosch Performance Line CX motor and can be fitted with dual 800Wh batteries for a maximum range of 200 miles. Naturally the real world range will depend on the terrain, your riding style, gradient, and how heavily you load it up with your camping gear, but that's an impressive figure nonetheless.

When it comes to carrying capacity, Tern says that the Orox can handle loads of up to 400lb off-road, or 460lb on-road (including you), so you can afford to take all your creature comforts on your bikepacking adventure.

The Bosch drive system means you get access to the eBike Flow app, which offers features like route-planning, over-the-air firmware updates, remote locking, and an anti-theft alarm. If your bike is moved significantly while you're away, you'll get a notification complete with GPS tracking, and the app will generate a report containing all the appropriate information about the bike so you can share it with the police,

You can switch the forks out to fit different tire sizes, all the way up to a beefy 5in. There's a rigid fork, which might seem like an unusual choice, but Tern has chosen to trade front suspension for extra storage space on the frame, which is covered with 14 braze-ons for your bags and bottles.

Of course, this doesn't come cheap, and the Orox is definitely at the premium end of the adventure bike market. Prices start at $6,499 / £5,900.

• Can you ride e-bikes in National Parks? 

E-bikes are a breeze to ride with the battery engaged, effectively smoothing out hills and letting you cruise along at speed without breaking a sweat. However, unless you're on a downhill, riding under your own steam is seriously hard work. Their high capacity batteries are seriously weighty, and a mid-range e-bike can easily be twice the weight of a typical unpowered bicycle. If you occasionally want to ride under your own steam, you really need two bikes – and that's where Spanish bike builder Crow Bikes comes in.

Many (though not all) e-bikes have a battery that can be removed for charging, but Crow's bikes allow you to detach the motor as well, drastically cutting the weight and effectively turning them into ordinary unpowered bicycles for occasions when you want to work your own muscles.

The Fazua Ride 50 Trail 350-W motor and 252-Wh battery system weighs 7.05lb all together, and delivers a range of up to 54 miles in optimum riding conditions. When you want to ride unaided, just unplug the drive pack and replace it with the frame cover included with the bike.

As New Atlas reports, Crow's latest models are a pair of gravel e-bikes made for tackling roads and trails, with power or without, making them handy for both weekday commutes and weekend adventures. Both have SRAM wireless shifting, 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle AXS derailleur, and Fulcrum Rapid Red 500 wheels fitted with 700x45c Schwalbe G-One Bite Evo TRL tires.

The Crow Gravital UL 2 AXS has a carbon frame, while its sibling, the Gravital SL 1 AXS, is crafted from aluminum. Both can be fitted with a rigid carbon or suspension fork, with a choice of stem length and handlebar width.

However, opting for a two-in-one bike won't necessarily work out cheaper. The UL 2 AXS start at €5,599 (about $6,000), while the SL 1 AXS has a base price of €4,799 (about $5,200).

• Can you ride an e-bike in US National Parks? Everything you need to know

Ever been out riding on your bike, and the terrain has suddenly changed drastically, and you’ve thought, 'What I really need is an AI system that could automatically and intuitively adjust my suspension and seat post'?

Probably not, but Shimano may be hoping they‘re developing a solution to a problem you never knew you had, and that in a few years time all cyclists will be wondering how people ever coped before AI suspension. After all, if AI can help you to run and hike, why shouldn’t it help you ride?

It may be a way off yet, but a recently published US patent application from Shimano (seen by pinkbike.com) reveals details of learning software for mountain bike suspension systems that’s designed to take control of compression, rebound, damping and seat post height on the fly, depending on where and how riders are riding. 

According to the patent, Shimano's proposed system will make use of an array of sensors to detect speed, torque, acceleration, cadence, incline and pneumatic pressure to inform the neural network, so it can make adjustments.

The patent also seems to suggest that the software can ‘learn’ courses for automatic adjustment.

It’s not clear quite who this software would be aimed at, initially. As any benefits appear to be incremental, you’d assume only riders involved in racing would find much use for it – but would they trust it? 

On the other hand, software designed for specialist use often finds more widespread use in the long run, as sometimes unexpected benefits materialize. 

But as pinkbike.com points out, Shimano doesn’t actually make suspension systems, so it’s a bit curious why it's registered this patent, and it seems unlikely that we’ll be seeing it on the market (or even being adopted by race teams) soon, if ever. 

For the moment, then, it seems that AI bike suspension is the stuff of sci-fi not because it can’t be done, but because there’s not really a sense that it needs to be done.

• The best fleece jackets 2024: warm mid layers for your wild adventures

The Fiido Kidz e-bike for children is a solution to a very 21st century problem that could save you from panic attacks.

Because teaching your little ’un how to ride a bike is scary enough – especially when the training  wheels come off – but the whole nail-biting experience goes to a whole new level in the age of the e-bike. A power-assisted five-year-old with their hand on the throttle? It’s the stuff of nightmares.

Fiido is here to help, with the world’s first e-bike for kids that features parental controls, accessible through a dedicated smartphone app. Using it, parents can restrict their child’s access to the bike’s throttle, to stop them whizzing off into the sunset (or onto a busy road).

Parents can also remotely set the bike’s top speed, from 5km/h (3.1mph) up to 12km/h (7.4mph). The Kidz is also equipped with 'power cut-off' drum brakes.

The bike may also help learn to ride without the use of training wheels, thank to its 'Pulse Mode', a unique form of pedal assist, which can again be controlled by a parent through the app. This feature activates for a few seconds at a time, offering an extra push to get your child more used to how to keep balance on a bike.

The bicycle’s battery life is estimated at four hours per charge, reducing to one to two hours when carrying the maximum load of 80kg / 12st (you really need to take them to see a doctor if you have a child that heavy! Or maybe they like wearing a LOT of protective gear).

The Kidz e-bike weighs just 7.2 kg / 15.9lb despite its sturdy aluminum construction and comes in a stylish two-tone finish.

Its list price is $599 / £545, but you can currently take advantage of a promotional launch offer which reduces the price tag to $399 / £363.

And remember, the sooner you train ’em up, the sooner you can get them bikepacking with you, sharing the load…

• E-bikepacking tips: your guide to battery-assisted adventures

One of the biggest pains about e-biking is recharging and replacing the batteries. But could Enyring, a new battery-swapping initiative from Japanese motor company Yamaha, be the first step towards making that a thing of the past? 

Enyring, which is initially being rolled out in Europe, will be based in Berlin. It will launch in Germany first, and hopefully expand to the Netherlands soon after.

It will work on a subscription basis, and aims to eliminate the need to charge batteries and replace them when they’re worn out. Instead, subscribers to the service will have access to battery stations dotted around various cities, where they will able to swap batteries, a process that should take a few minutes, rather than having to wait around for a full recharge.

Enyring will target compact urban vehicles in the 'low-speed range', which Yamaha says will mean mainly e-bikes.

Enyring will then recharge depleted batteries en masse, which is more environmentally friendly than all riders recharging their batteries individually, on an economy of scale basis, while batteries at the end of their usable life cycle (down to 70-80% of their original capacity) will be “reused as storage batteries, disassembled into cells, recycled and reused as new batteries”.

Battery-swapping systems already exist for light electric vehicles, such as Gachaco in Japan (a joint venture by Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha) and Gogoro in India for electric scooters. But Enyring appears to be first similar service for e-bikes, and you’d hope it is the start of a new world-wide trend, because the ease of swapping batteries would do a lot to eliminate range anxiety (see also: How to make your e-bike go further on a single charge), especially if the service moves beyond just cities.

However, a lot of questions remain about Enyring. It’s not clear which – if any – e-bike brands will be able to use Yamaha’s batteries or whether the company is planning to create a new standard that e-bike companies will have to adopt.

So the idea of e-biking across the US checking in at battery-swapping stations in the middle of the Mojave Desert or the heart of the boondocks might be a pipe dream right now, but this could be the start of the next evolution in e-biking.

• E-bikepacking tips: your guide to battery-assisted adventures

Berlin-based bike builder Dolas has rolled out one of the strangest off-roaders we've seen to date, with three wheels, three motors, two seats, and a maximum load capacity of 550lb.

The Dolas Defender 250 is technically a trike, but its three fat tires are arranged in a linear formation, which the company claims will help to absorb bumps while riding on rugged tracks and trails. Each wheel is fitted with its own 250W brushless hub motor, and the three are powered by a huge li-ion battery with a capacity of 2,544Wh for a maximum range of 112 miles.

Naturally real-world performance will depend on the type of terrain you're tackling, your riding style, and how much gear you load onto the frame. It's all controlled via a centrally mounted color cockpit display unit. The bike also has a smart suspension system that monitors road conditions and riding style in real time, and adapts to improve stability and comfort on the fly.

As eBikeTips explains, the Defender 250 is fitted with a second seat as standard, and has a maximum load capacity of 550lb including riders and cargo, making it perfect for two-person bikepacking expeditions. If you'd rather travel solo, you can remove the back seat and replace it with a collection of specially designed baskets.

None of this comes cheap, and the bike is available to order now direct from Dolas for €4,650 (about $5,000) plus shipping. At the time of writing Dolas will only deliver to addresses in Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK

• Bikepacking essentials: what you need for your first expedition

Folding e-bikes aren't just for city commuting – fat-tire versions are perfect for weekend riders who want a bike they can throw into their car for off-road adventures. The new Folld-1 from Fuell (the e-bike company founded by famed motorcycle designer Erik Buell) is one such machine, and has a very impressive maximum range of 70 miles to keep you rolling all day.

In addition to 4in tires for comfort and traction on loose surfaces, the Folld-1 has full suspension to soak up shocks

Strength is always a concern with folding e-bikes, and even more so when you're going to be heading off-road. The central hinge is going to take a lot of force, and you need to be confident that it's up to the challenge. The Folld-1 has a one-piece magnesium alloy frame that's designed to minimize weight, without sacrificing durability.

It's powered by a 720Wh Samsung battery and 750-watt Bafang motor. Real-world performance will depend on the terrain, load, how you ride, and even the weather (cold conditions make lithium batteries less efficient), but even in full-power mode the Folld-1 can deliver a maximum range of 30 miles.

The Folld-1 is available to order now from Fuell for an early bird price of $1,995 (down from a regular price of $2,495), and stock is now limited.

• Can you ride an e-bike in National Parks? Everything you need to know

We've seen a lot of all-terrain cargo e-bikes this year, but the new Rattan Quercus is definitely one of the beefiest. This fat-tire bike is a long-range e-bike capable of holding two batteries for a maximum range of 150 miles on a single charge, and with a load capacity of 450lb including the rider. That's a whole lot of bikepacking gear for weekend adventures.

Rattan is a California-based company, and describes the Quercus as the "Swiss Army Knife of e-bikes". It comes with one Samsung battery as standard, but can be bundled with a second and both can be mounted on the frame at once for maximum range.

As always with an e-bike, the real-world performance will depend how you ride the Quercus. loading it up with a couple hundred pounds of camping gear will naturally mean reduced mileage, as will tackling hills or making use of the throttle rather than pedalling (the bike has a top speed of 30mph in throttle mode).

The bike is equipped with high-intensity headlights, and an LCD handlebar control unit that allows you to charge your phone while using it to navigate. Hydraulic disc brakes provide the stopping power you need when carrying heavy loads, and Kenda 20*4 fat tires provide traction and control on loose surfaces like gravel and sand.

The Quercus also has a torque sensor, which detects the moment you start to turn the pedals, avoiding the sudden lurch that can happen with some e-bikes when the motor kicks in late.

Perhaps most surprising of all is the price. The Quercus is on sale now for the early bird price of $1,749 with a single battery and frame pack (a discount of $349), or $2,399 with two batteries. That's certainly not cheap, but is still very respectable considering the specs.

• Can you ride an e-bike in US National Parks? Everything you need to know

Garmin has launched a new bike trainer that promises to make indoor winter rides a lot more interesting. The Garmin Tacx Neo 3M is a direct-drive trainer with integrated motion plates to make riding indoors more comfortable and realistic.

The plates complement the natural side-to-side movement as the trainer as you ride, adding front-to-black movement that lets you ride in a more natural position. You can toggle the plates on and off.

The Tacx Neo 3M also has a virtual flywheel that recreates the feeling of riding on different surfaces like cobblestones and gravel. You can also train on simulated inclines up to a 25% gradient, and experience simulated descents.

You can complete workouts synced from your Garmin Connect calendar (created within Connect or from a third-party app like TrainingPeaks), take part in virtual GroupRides, and join immersive virtual training rides with WorldTour pros. The Tacx Neo 3M also integrates with all the most popular training and virtual ride platforms, including TrainerRoad and Zwift.

There's an ERG mode that automatically selects the resistance to keep you at the right power target, and the trainer provides performance metrics including power, speed and cadence, accurate to within 1%. 

The Tacx Neo 3M is available to buy now direct from Garmin for $1,999.99/£1,749.99.

The holy grail of e-bikes is an e-bike that that doesn’t look like an e-bike. They’ve come a long, long way in the last decade, evolving from things that looked like a hybrid of a dirt bike and a Singer Sewing machine into far more aesthetically pleasing forms. Batteries the size of Belgium and clunky, chunky motors are a thing of the past, and you no longer need to work out at the gym just to lift them up the curb.

And some e-bikes now do look pretty much indistinguishable from some less sleek human-powered bikes. But they still don’t look like classy, high-end racing bikes, do they?

But they’re getting ever nearer, and the newly launched Cervélo Rouvida is about as close as they come yet.

Cervélo has entered the power-assist market with a road bike and a gravel bike that reflect the sleek aesthetics of the quality road bikes it’s famous for.

Both of these Rouvida models accelerate to 28mph (limited to 20mph in the UK and Europe), thanks to a Fazua Ride60 motor and 432Wh battery, with all the electric components placed inside the respective frames.

“While the design brief didn’t actually say, ‘Don’t make it look like an e-bike,’ it was definitely at the forefront of our thoughts throughout the process,” say Cervélo. “Our bikes are refined, design-forward performance machines. The addition of a motor and battery couldn’t change that. From the reorientation of the battery to the relocation of the speed sensor, we made every effort to ensure that Rouvida meant Cervélo just as much as S5 or Áspero do.”

The gravel setup, which will be or more interest to our bikepacking Advnturers, features a 0.7° slacker head tube angle, while the road version retains steeper, more conventional angles. The gravel setup has a 7mm taller stack and a 5mm shorter reach, while tire clearance is 43.5mm for the gravel model and 34mm for the road model.

The Rouvida comes in two models for road – the Red for $13,000 (US) / £11,000 (UK), and the Rival for $7,500 (US) / £7,200 – and two models for gravel – the Force for $9,800 (US) / £9,500 (UK) and the GRX for $6,200 (US) / (oddly there’s no price listed on the UK site). Both gravel bikes come in gray with yellow accents.

For more details visit the Cervélo website.

• Why are reservoirs so dangerous for swimming?

Spanish mountain biking manufacturer Mondaker has decided that kids deserve the bikes as good as their parents / guardians / scoutmasters / other responsible grown-ups with bikes who’re willing to accompany them on the trails.

With this in mind, it's launched a massive range of new kids mountain bikes and e-MTBs that bring some quality specs to junior biking, “so that no one in the family should go without the experience of riding a proper Mondraker.”

So while they may not have the Easy Rider cool of a Chopper, they’re a lot loess likely to fall apart while shredding.

There are 11 new bikes in all: six traditional mountain bikes and five e-MTBs, so that youngsters can keep up with the grown up on long bikepacking  jaunts. And here’s the cute promo vid they’ve shot to launch the range (which, in these enlightened times, seems oddly male dominated, but we’re pretty certain girls are allowed to ride these bikes too).

“At Mondraker we take our kids bikes very seriously,” says the company. “So seriously that we wanted to create an all-new KIDS range that was so much fun, so capable, so high-tech that it would be hard to tell apart from our adult bikes when out on the trails with your family. That’s what we were going for, and that’s what we’ve done. Hardtails, full suspension, ebike and non-ebike… even balance bikes so that no one in the family should go without the experience of riding a proper Mondraker.”

The lineup includes two full-suspension platforms and hardtails in four wheelsizes, from starter bikes with 16in wheels all the way up to 26in full-suspension trail bikes you’d be hard-pressed to pick-out from their modern adult mountain bikes.

In addition to that, Mondraker offers two Play-series hardtail or full-suspension lightweight e-bikes. Take a look…

Check out the Mondaker KIDS website for specs and prices, which range from $750/€600 to $4,000/€3,500.

• The best base layers 2023: the foundation of your hiking garb

Eternum Technology, an ambitious Italian start-up company based in South Tyrol, has revealed its first e-MTB, the MAG Bike ET.1, boasting a lightweight, magnesium single-piece frame.

At 22kg (~48.5lbs), the ET.1 frame is around 30% lighter than an equivalent aluminum frame. This monolithic frame design should also absorb vibrations and make for a smoother ride, reckons Eternum.

“With MAG Bike we have launched a new brand that presents itself stylishly to the bicycle industry,” says the company on its website, before going on to describe the MAG Bike ET.1 as “a high-performance bike that challenges market standards.” 

Eternum claims the lightweight 12-speed, full-suspension e-bike also boasts a long-range 725Wh battery, a 90Nm Brose motor and a dual suspension system from Cane Creek, all bolted together with high-quality titanium screws.

“After thorough consideration and testing, magnesium (AZ91) was chosen as the material for the frame,” says Eternum. “Not only is this material 30% lighter than aluminum, it also absorbs hits and vibrations many times better. The result is superior stability and elasticity and, as a result, excellent driving properties.”

“We have developed our own proven casting process that allows the frame to be manufactured in a single piece without any welds. A no less important role was played in the development of the concept of sustainability. Magnesium is more environmentally friendly in the production than the materials commonly used today and is not harmful to humans or the environment. It is also 100% recyclable.”

A word of warning, though. Magnesium is softer and less stable than aluminum and also prone to corrosion. In 2022, Hong Kong-based manufacturer Fiido issued a recall on its X e-bike, which was made with a foldable magnesium alloy frame, when riders reported fatigue marks around the folding area, and some of the bikes even broke in half.

Now, the MAG Bike is a different beast, so maybe the single, moulded frame will have addressed this durability issue. The proof will be in the riding, but the ET.1 certainly looks like a very stylish addition to the e-bike market. And Italian design… well, it always has a certain cachet, doesn’t it?

When it goes on sale, the bicycle will be available with a blue or black frame. You can sign up for the company’s newsletter on its website to be notified of the model’s release.

• How to make your e-bike go further on a single charge

German e-bike pioneer Rotwild has launched its first gravel bike with e-assist, the Rotwild R.R275 X, and a funky, futuristic-looking beast it looks too. They’re a brand renowned for innovation and stylish, striking designs and the two R.R275 X variants, the Pro and the Ultra, certainly don’t disappoint in that respect.

But having concentrated on e-MTBs for the past few years, the company claims to be taking a step into the futures by returning to its own pre-electric, racing bike origins with this latest launch. The R in the name, you see, stands for 'race'.

“With its racing bike spirit and geometry, [the R.R275 X] is primarily at home on asphalt,” says ROTWILD managing director Peter Schlitt. “But it doesn’t shy away from turning onto the forest path, into the gravel or onto the trail. So we see it as a flexible all-road bike.”

Both models come in four frame sizes and cost €8,999 and €11,999 respectively. (Rotwild currently doesn’t have any official dealers outside of Europe, so prepare to use some Google-fu if you’re in the rest of the world.)

Both bikes have built-in lights and a top tube that merges with the line of the handlebar stem.

The lightweight but punchy TQ HPR50 motor used by the Rotwild R.R275 is claimed to have 50Nm torque and a battery with 250 watt hours. But the really innovative thing about the R.R275 X’s e-assist is the boost function

Smart motor control ensures a good balance between the rider's cadence, the necessary motor support and economy. Customers will also find the boost button in the R.R275 X, which offers up to 300 watts of extra power for shorts bursts of up to 30 seconds. It is fitted into the left side of the handlebar and can be operated very intuitively. 

The Ultra variant only boasts eyecatching Xentis five-spoke carbon wheels.

“Lightweight construction and gentle support ensure a natural driving experience,” emphasizes Rotwild. “Even beyond the assistance limit of 25 km/h, the system is very easy to pedal freely. The fade-out of the motor is not noticeable.” 

For anyone who would like to extend their range again, there is the option of using a range extender with an additional 160 Wh. The size of a half-liter drinking bottle, it can be easily and quickly placed on the down tube using the Fidlock adapter.

• What is bikepacking? Find out more about the fast-growing cycling trend

Earlier this week, we saw a battery-free e-bike that uses a supercapacitor and regenerative braking, and never needs charging. Now, at the other end of the scale, we have the latest offering from Hong Kong-based bike builder Fiido, which can hold up to three batteries for a maximum range of almost 250 miles.

The Fiido Titan is described as a "robust cargo electric bike", and the company suggests it would be well suited to fishing and hunting. It would also be perfect for bikepacking, able to carry all your camping gear on long off-grid adventures while taking the sweat out of exploring.

The Titan comes with a single battery as standard, but can be fitted with another two, which are fitted on a rear rack. It has a maximum payload capacity of 440lb/200kg (including the two additional batteries if you choose to add them).

Carry everything

As New Atlas explains, it has a 750W rear hub motor, plus a torque sensor to detect when you're turning the pedals and initiate the motor straight away, eliminating the lurching sensation you experience with some e-bikes and making it easier to get away quickly at junctions.

All that weight calls for some serious stopping power, so Fiido has equipped the Titan with four- piston hydraulic brakes. It also has 4in fat tires and hydraulic front forks to soak up bumps off-road.

Everything is controlled via a center-mounted cockpit computer with full color display, and you can lock and unlock the bike remotely using the Fiido mobile app.

The base spec Titan is available to order now for $1,699, while the long-range package is $2,397.

• My bikepacking essentials: the gear I rely on

A French entrepreneur has developed an e-bike that doesn't use a lithium-ion battery, and never needs charging. Instead of a standard battery pack, the Pi-Pop bike uses a supercapacitor to store energy, and is charged while you ride.

E-bikes open up the world of cycling and bikepacking to people who'd otherwise count themselves out, but while they're much less environmentally damaging than a car, they still require cobalt and lithium. Modern batteries use less of these rare metals, but demand is soaring and shortages are looming. There's also an ethical problem: most of the world's cobalt is mined in the DRC, often by workers who are underpaid and poorly treated. 

As Euronews Next explains, entrepreneur Adrien Lelièvre set out to find an alternative, and has designed and patented the Pi-Pop city bike as a more sustainable alternative. It uses no lithium or cobalt, and unlike plug-in e-bikes, it's charged by regenerative braking, where the kinetic energy from braking is converted into electrical power. It also charges while you ride downhill, when the wheels are moving but the motor isn't engaged.

Battery-free

The Pi-Pop is a class-one e-bike, meaning it can provide assistance at speeds up to 15.5mph, and the motor will only engage while you're pedalling. The supercapacitor has a lifespan of 10-15 years. For comparison, the typical lithium e-bike battery will need replacing after 3-5 years.

It has a unisex step-through frame for city riding, with front suspension to smooth out bumps and potholes. It's equipped with a lightweight Aikema Electric Drive Systems motor, Shimano Tourney RD-TY300D seven-speed derailleur, and Tektro MD-M280 disc brakes.

Best of all, the Pi-Pop isn't just a concept – it's actually available to order for €2,450 including tax (about $2,600).

• Can you ride an e-bike in US National Parks?

2023 has been a bumper year for adventure e-bikes – versatile all-terrain machines that can handle a bit of everything, from asphalt to trails. With fatter tires than a typical hybrid and often sporting a step-through frame, they can be your daily commuter Monday to Friday, and handle off-road fun on the weekends.

The latest addition to the pack comes from budget e-bike builder Lectric, best known for the enormously popular XP 3.0, what starts at under $1,000. The new Lectric XPeak is a little pricier, but not much, and packs some impressive components onto its rugged frame.

As Electrek explains, orders for the XPeak will open on November 1 for an early bird price of $1,299 (regular price $1,399), and the bike is due to start shipping in January 2024.

It has 4in fat tires and a RST Renegade front suspension fork to soak up bumps on the trails, plus front and rear hydraulic brakes. It's powered by 750W rear hub motor and 48V, 14Ah battery, which is integrated into the downtube but can be removed for charging. It can be ridden in pedal-assist mode, or using an ergonomically designed thumb-throttle where local laws allow.

A front headlamp and rear brake light are included as standard, and the preorder model also comes with front and rear racks, fenders, and a bike lock.

• Can you ride an e-bike in National Parks? Everything you need to know

Yamaha, maker of the world's first e-bike, is experimenting with just how far it can push the concept off-road. To that end, the company has unveiled two new concept bikes, including one with two-wheel drive and power steering for really carving up trails.

The Y-00Z MTB and Y-01W AWD concepts are designed to give visitors to this year's Japan Mobility Show a peek into the future of battery-enhanced mountain biking. 

The Y-01W AWD, as the name suggests, is equipped with all-wheel drive for speed, power and control. Yamaha has experimented with two-wheel drive before, with its 2-Trac system using a hydraulic pump to power the front wheel of a motorcycle, but the new e-bike takes a different tack. It employs a pair of motors for the task: a mid-drive for the rear wheel, and a hub motor for the front, each with its own power pack. The two motors and batteries are coordinated to work in sync and give extra mileage.

Yamaha says the front-suspension concept bike would have a maximum pedal-assisted top speed of 28mph, which would qualify it as a speed pedelec in the EU.

The Y-00Z MTB looks a little more like an ordinary full-suspension e-MTB, but look closely and you'll see that Yamaha has moved the mid-drive motor away from the pedal cranks. Frankly, it looks a bit weird, but the strangest part is the inclusion of a power steering unit in the headset, which Yamaha claims will deliver excellent handling and stability off-road.

We're not yet sure exactly how this will work, but it certainly sounds like a lot of fun, and we look forward to seeing some of these new technologies incorporated into production e-bikes in the future.

• Can you ride e-bikes in National Parks? Everything you need to know

E-bikes are a great way to make off-road riding more accessible, taking the strain out of climbs so you can enjoy the downhills. Folding designs are even more practical. Sure, you won't be able to heave your e-MTB onto a bus (they often weigh over 30kg), but it'll compress down small enough to stash in your trunk so you can drive to your next adventure.

We've seen some interesting designs this year, like the all-terrain Cube Fold Hybrid, and now budget bike builder Heybike has revealed a fat tire model with a top pedal-assisted speed of 28mph that packs down in just 15 seconds.

The Heybike Mars 2.0 is equipped with a 1,200W brushless geared hub motor, which the company says will deliver a maximum speed of 28mph with pedal assistance. It has a quoted maximum range of 45 miles, though real world performance will depend on your riding style and the terrain. If you're having fun off-road then you can expect that to be diminished significantly, but it should still give you plenty of time to enjoy the trails.

As design site New Atlas explains, the Mars 2.0 also has a thumb throttle for riding entirely on the battery. Laws around this type of bike vary, so make sure you check the rules on e-bike classes where you live to find out whether it qualifies as a bicycle or a motorcycle, and where it's legal to ride.

Chunky, but fun

A handlebar-mounted HUD shows vital stats such as speed and battery power remaining, and there's also a mobile app for Android and iPhone that lets you tweak settings and immobilize the bike when you're away. You can even charge your phone from the power pack thanks to a handy USB connector.

At this price point, you can expect a few compromises. The Mars 2.0 isn't the sleekest e-bike around, with its 600Wh battery sitting rather conspicuously on the back, but that does make it easy to remove for charging, and the bike still looks like a lot of fun to ride. 

It's available to buy now for $1,199 in Heybike's Halloween sale – a saving of $300 off the list price. While certainly not cheap, that's very reasonable for a folding e-MTB, which needs to be carefully designed with a hinge that can handle the stress of off-roading,

• Can you ride an e-bike in National Parks? Everything you need to know

Californian company Addmotor has launched a new cargo ebike with a maximum range of up to 210 miles, and a surprisingly modest price tag. The Addmotor Graoopro (no, I'm not sure how it's pronounced either) is available now starting at an early bird price of $1,999, which is very reasonable for a solidly built bike of this sort, let alone one with ultra long range.

That is achieved with the use of an optional extra battery pack, plus an efficient motor that can hit a top speed of 20mph with pedal assistance. It's not the longest range in the world, but it's not to be sniffed at. (The FUELL Flluid-2 from Erik Buell has a quoted range of up to 225 miles on a single battery, and the EUNORAU Flash is a less elegant machine that achievers a similar range with three power packs.)

But is it actually necessary? Well yes, but not because anyone is actually likely to be riding a cargo bike that far non-stop. Addmotor's 210-mile figure is for an unladen bike ridden in optimum conditions, but the Graoopro has a payload capacity of 450lb, and the closer you get to that limit, the shorter that range becomes.The idea of manually pedalling a bike that might weigh well over 20kg by itself isn't very appealing, and that's before you factor in all the camping gear, groceries, small children, or whatever else it's loaded with. With an ultra long range model like the Graoopro, that's much less likely to be a danger.

No lurching

As Electrek reports, this is a class two ebike, meaning it can be used like a motorbike and controlled using a throttle without any pedal input, but doing so cuts the range dramatically. In pedal-assist mode, the motor kicks in the moment you turn the pedals 20 degrees, avoiding the unsettling lurching sensation of some ebikes with a more significant lag.

The Graoopro isn't advertised as an all-terrain ebike, and we wouldn't be inclined to take it on off-road adventures, but it does have front suspension to soak up impact from potholes. It's fitted with fenders and lights as standard, and extras like child seats and luggage bags are available separately.

• Can you ride an e-bike in National Parks? Everything you need to know

German bike-builder Cube has launched a new folding e-bike that's compact enough to stash in your tent, giving you a new way to explore the great outdoors on camping trips. No worrying about finding a secure place to lock up a bike, or struggling to attach a roof rack to your car.

The Cube Fold Hybrid has a central hinge, and a seat post and handlebar stem that are easily lowered to suit your height (from 5'2" to 6'2"). Its fat tires are made to handle rough terrain, and it comes with fenders to keep the mud off, a rear rack for carrying everything on your hiking essentials checklist, and a sturdy kickstand.

In addition to the standard spec bike, there's also a Sport model. As eBikeTips explains, both are powered by the same Bosch Performance Line mid-drive motor and 500Wh PowerPack battery. The difference is the gearing, with the standard spec model using a belt drive and Shimano Nexus five-speed hub, and the Sport edition featuring a 10-speed Shimano Tiagra groupset.

In between adventures, the Fold Hybrid also makes a solid commuter bike. At 22.4kg it's certainly not the lightest e-bike around, but it's small enough to take on public transport, and slide under your desk when you get to the office. It also has a robust carry handle to make your life easier (I've tried using a similarly weighted folding e-bike without one, and wouldn't recommend it).

The Cube Fold Hybrid has a list price of €3,449 (about $3,600 / £3,000, and the Cube Fold Sport Hybrid is €3,049 (about $3,200 / £2,600).

• Can you ride an e-bike in US National Parks? Everything you need to know

Right now, you can get up to 70% off reflective running and cycling gear from Proviz, including jackets, hats, base layers and bags. Almost everything is on offer, so you can make sure you're fully equipped for dark mornings and evenings as the days get shorter, whether you're commuting or training.

If you've not seen a Proviz product in person, I can tell you they're impressive. They are made using millions of tiny beads that reflect a huge amount of light, making you positively glow. You'll be easily visible to drivers, and much safer as a result. You'll also ruin any team flash photos, but never mind.

I've picked out a few of my favorite deals below, but I also recommend browsing the whole sale yourself. 

Here at Advnture, we'll be rounding up all the best Black Friday deals on gear from Patagonia, The North Face, Yeti, Hoka and Garmin, so stick with us to make sure you get the best prices from your favorite outdoor brands.

• The best running jackets: comfortable, lightweight layers tested and rated

Right now, you can pick up the Garmin Edge 130 Plus bike computer and HRM-Dual heart rate monitor together for just $199.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 20% off the list price, and if the cheapest the pair have ever been.

The Edge 130 Plus is a great little cycle computer that provides great GPS navigation with turn-by-turn directions, workout planning and performance tracking that'll suit all but the most serious of riders. Despite its tiny size (it's the smallest bike computer Garmin currently sells) it doesn't skimp on features and my colleagues at Cycling Weekly were very impressed by its accuracy, stability, and breadth of training tools. In fact, it earned a full five stars and an editor's choice award.

If you're not in the US, scroll down for the best deals on the Garmin Edge 130 Plus near you. You might also be interested in our guide to the best cheap GPS watches, which includes lots of affordable options for cyclists, runners, and swimmers.

The bundle also includes Garmin's HRM-Dual heart rate monitor, which straps around your chest to give more accurate and responsive reading than a sensor on your wrist. You don't need a Garmin watch to use either of these devices. Just install the Garmin Connect app on your phone, and you're ready to go.

If you've been thinking of picking up a bike computer for the first time, this is a superb option, particularly with 20% off.

If you're not in the US, here are the best deals on the Garmin Edge 130 Plus near you:

• The best GPS watches: the latest models from Garmin, Apple and more tested

Pearl Izumi has knocked 30% off cycling shorts (including bib shorts) and footwear for a limited time. Whether road, mountain, or gravel biking is your thing, there are deep discounts to be had.

We've rounded up a selection of the best deals for gravel riders below, or you can check out the full sale yourself. Offers run until August 8.

• Bikepacking for beginners: how to handle a loaded bike

Ortlieb, German maker of super tough waterproof cycling luggage, has launched a new set of limited edition bikepacking bags for adventures in all weathers, putting surplus fabric remnants to good use.

The range includes a nine-liter handlebar pack that's suitable for both drop and straight handlebars, a three-liter frame pack, and a 16.5-liter seat pack.

That gives you plenty of space on your handlebars and seat for your tent, sleeping bag and clothes (check out our guide to what to wear for bikepacking for some essential advice on that front), with room on your frame for smaller essentials. The frame bag is rugged and versatile enough for gravel riders and mountain bikers too.

The whole set is made from surplus fabric and finished in a muted yellow hue, which is good for ensuring you're visible to other road and trail users on your adventures. According to BikeBiz, Ortlieb has suggested that the shade is inspired by the 2023 Pantone color of the year, but that seems to be a case of crossed wires because this year's shade is actually a Barbie-inspired pink called Viva Magenta.

The frame pack is priced at £100 (about $130), the handlebar bag is £120 (about $150), and the seat pack is £159 (about $200).

• Bikepacking repair kit: emergency essentials that you need to carry

Italian manufacturer Basso Bikes has launched a new e-bike specifically designed for bikepacking, with extra long battery life to keep you rolling for days off-grid. 

E-bikes make a lot of sense for bikepacking, allowing you to travel further than you could under your own steam, and taking some of the strain of carrying your camping gear – particularly uphill. The main drawback is range. E-bike batteries are seriously heavy, and you don't want to be left trying to pedal a fully loaded one without any power assistance if you're unable to charge it up at camp.

The Basso Bikes Volta is a gravel e-bike that aims to solve that particular problem with an integrated 500Wh battery with a range of up to 130 miles.

Of course the real-world performance will depend on a wide range of factors including load, terrain, riding style and power assistance mode (this is a pedelec, so there's no option to run it from the throttle alone), but that's an impressive figure. If you need to go further, there's also an optional range extender available.

Lighter riding

It's also surprisingly light, thanks to a carbon fiber frame (complete with braze-ons for bikepacking bags and bottle cages) that tips the scale at just 33.5lb including the integrated battery.

Ride stats are shown on a head unit with a 2.5in color display, with adaptive backlighting to save power. There's also a mobile app that allows you to customize the bike's power assistance settings.

Of course, all of this comes at a price. The base-spec Volta with 11-speed SRAM Apex gearset starts at about $6,680, while the higher-spec model with a SRAM Rival 2x12 ETAP AXS groupset is around $7,350. Both come in stone gray or military green, in a choice of four frame sizes direct from Basso Bikes.

• Can you ride an e-bike in National Parks?

Bikepacking is a great way to explore your own country – or new countries – on two wheels. With some basic kit, including different bikepacking bags, and a bit of knowhow, you can enjoy anything from an overnight trip to many weeks or even months on the road. Just make sure you are carrying the right bikepacking repair kit first. No one wants to become stranded because of a puncture or a mechanical issue, especially when riding a remote route miles from a bike shop.

First, it’s important to point out that cyclists should be able to carry out basic repairs at the roadside. Before setting off for a long-distance cycling adventure, it’s a good idea to learn how to fix a puncture, mend a broken chain, and tackle issues such as sticky gears, a loose pedal, a broken spoke, or a seat post that moves.

Most of these mechanical problems can be repaired temporarily until you reach a bike shop. There are plenty of guidebooks to bike repairs, as well as online tutorials. Some bike shops also offer courses and sessions so cyclists can learn the basics of bike mechanics. Now onto your repair kit...

Bikepacking repair kit 

At the most basic level, you should have repair items for a puncture. The items you carry will depend on whether you have tubeless or tubed tyres. 

For tubeless tyres, make sure you have a 'slug' kit. Slugs are plugs that are applied to a hole in a tyre with a special tool. This provides a tyre repair so that you can pump up the tyre again. There are different types of slug repair kits and these can be bought from most bike shops.

For traditional tires, make sure you carry a small puncture repair kit, including a patch, so you can repair a punctured inner tube on the spot. You should also carry at least two spare inner tubes so you don't wind up stranded if you have to use one, then suffer a second puncture (which can easily happen if you haven't spotted something like a thorn stuck in your tire).

You’ll need tire levers so the you can remove the tire from the wheel, and a bike pump is essential so the you can re-inflate a tire that has suffered a puncture.

More useful bike repair kit 

There are a few more useful items just in case you suffer a bicycle mechanical issue.

Chain tool and a spare link. If your chain snaps on a bikepacking ride, it will be the end of your adventure unless you can fix it. A chain tool and spare link will allow you to do a repair job.

Bike multi-tool. Cycling multi-tools come in a range of sizes. Basically, they are lightweight tool kits and should include a number of Allen wrenches. They might include a chain tool, screwdriver and pliers as well. 

Brake pads. It’s a good idea to check your bike pads before you set off for a bikepacking expedition. If they are looking worn, replace them before a trip. Long-distance bikepackers, for example a trip of many months, will require spare bike pads if you are not gong to have easy access to a bike shop.

Gear cable. Again, a gear cable could mean the difference between the end of a trip, or cycling onwards. A snapped cable is easy to repair if you know how and carrying a spare cable won't take up much room or add weight to your bags.

Chain lube. For longer bike packing trips, a good tip is to keep your chain oiled so that it doesn’t grind and wear.

Hanger. The hanger is what the chain runs through on your bike, and it can break mid-ride. It’s easy enough to pop a spare one in one of your bikepacking bags just in case this happens.

A few spare bolts. You never know when a bolt might break, such as on your seat, seat post, handlebars etc. If you carry a small selection of spare bolts, you won’t be caught out on a long bikepacking adventure. 

Other useful bits and pieces for bikepacking trips

There are a couple of useful items that might be the difference between cycling and a long walk to the nearest bike shop. 

Duct tape and zip ties can be used to fix all sorts of mechanical issues. You just need to use your imagination when you are faced with a problem with your bike.

Duct tape and zip ties could also be a great assistance if something goes wrong with your bike packing bags and they tear or you can fix them to your bike as they normally should.

You also need a useful bikepacking bag in which to pack your bike repair kit.

This article is part of Advnture's Bikepacking Week 2023 (running from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 May), our ultimate guide to adventuring on two wheels including essential advice, gear, and features to help you plan the perfect expedition.

I enjoy bikepacking adventures, especially in Scotland, and over the years I’ve learned to make sure I pack all the essentials, as well as a couple of luxuries. The bike packing essentials list does depend on the type of cycling tour I have planned. If I am going off-grid, the pack will include more essential items, compared to adventures where I stay in hostels and B&Bs.

My bikepacking essentials for all trips

Padded cycling shorts: For comfort in the saddle, I always wear padded cycling shorts. I choose female-specific for the best fit and to avoid saddle sores and rubs.

Hoo Ha Ride Glide: I take a small tube or tub of butt rub. The one I choose, Hoo Ha Ride Glide, is formulated for women's nether regions. 

Waterproof jacket: You never know what the weather will throw at you and a lightweight waterproof jacket is vital for keeping out the rain and wind. 

Waterproof socks: I wear waterproof socks if I think it might be wet or boggy when bikepacking.

Cycling gloves: Cycling specific gloves are designed for comfort when holding the handlebars for many hours at a time.

Lightweight insulated jacket: An extra layer, such as a puffer jacket, that will keep you warm when you stop while bikepacking is essential. This is useful for food stops, times when you might need to stop to sort punctures or mechanicals and at overnight camps or evenings at a hostel/B&B.

Spare clothes: Cycling can make you sweaty and damp clothes will leave you chilly. I usually pack a spare baselayer, or two, depending on the time of year, and an extra pair of cycling shorts and socks. 

Puncture repair kit: You need to be prepared for the possibility of a puncture, so make sure you have all the kit with you that you need to fix a tyre puncture. It is useful to take a few other essentials such as a chain link fixer and Allan key set.

Sun cream and sunglasses: If it is going to be warm and sunny, you will need to be protected from the sun’s rays.

Helmet: Most cyclists now wear a bike helmet for protection should they fall off their bike. 

Bike lights: If you plan to be cycling after dark or on early mornings, a set of bike lights are a good idea.

Power bank: A small and fully charge power bank is useful for charging a phone, sports watch and bike lights. 

Ear-plugs: If you will be sharing a dorm room at a hostel, a pair of er plugs could be the difference between a good night’s sleep and no sleep at all.

My bikepacking essentials for camping trips

As well as the above list, when camping on a bikepacking trip, you’ll also need to add essential kit. These items include a lightweight tent or bivvy bag, sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, cooking system, gas canister, lighter, plate, cup, cutlery, food, coffee or tea and water.

Snacks: Pack a range of easy to eat snacks so that you can maintain energy as you ride your bike. 

Midge net: If you are bikepacking in northern England and Scotland in the summer months, you’ll need some kind of protection from biting midges. A midge net and/ or midge repellent are vital.

Tick remover: The number of ticks is fast growing and many people are reporting an increase in tick bites. Make sure you have a small tick remover with you. 

Head torch: If you have bike lights with you, a front light will provide light after dark. If not, take a small head torch or head lamp.

Small toiletries set: Take the basics, including a toothbrush and toothpaste, antibacterial hand wash or gel, moisturiser etc. You won’t need anything fancy if you are camping.

Evening wear: Think about what you will wear when you are not cycling. It might be you wear your cycling clothes and shoes, or you may decide to take a clean pair of shorts or lightweight trousers, a t-shirt and a lightweight jacket for walking about and going out for a meal. 

Navigating gadgets: If you are following a new route, it’s a good idea to have some way of navigating as you cycle. Take maps and you can also upload routes to GPS gadgets that fit on to the bike, or use your sports watch. I also load the route on to a map app, such as OS map.

First aid kit: I carry some basic first aid items, including pain killers, surgical wipes, plasters and blister plasters. 

Wet wipes: A small plastic bag of wet wipes will always come in handy. Remember to take home used wipes

Emergency foil blanket or bag: You never know when an accident might happen, so you should always carry some kind of emergency blanket or bag. This will keep an injured rider warm while help arrives. 

Night wear: You might choose to sleep in your cycle kit, but many people prefer to wear a clean top and leg wear. I usually take running tights and dry socks for overnights when bike packing and camping.

Plastic bags: If you change your wet socks but are still wearing wet or damp cycling shoes, a great tip is to put your socked feet inside plastic bags - supermarket bags work well –  before then putting on your shoes. This means you will keep your dry socks dry while at your camp spot.

Camping trowel and dog poo bags: Toileting in the wild requires forethought. Take a trowel and bury your poo properly. Take home used toilet paper double wrapped in two dog poo bags.

SOS device: If I am going off the beaten track, I always carry an satellite communicator gadget, such as Garmin inReach. This means that if the worst happens and I need emergency support, I will be able to communicate with SOS services even when my mobile phone has no reception. 

And a few bikepacking luxuries

Warm socks and gloves: I suffer with cold feet and hands due to Raynaud's syndrome, so I like to take a spare pair of warm gloves and socks for overnights.

Small hot water bottle: Another ida for extra warmth is to carry a small hot water bottle to pop inside your sleeping bag at night. 

A wee dram: I enjoy a couple of drams of whisky, or a camping cup of wine, so I usually pack some alcohol in a whisky flask or a plastic bottle, 

Headphones: If you like drift off listening to music, an audio book or watching a downloaded film, it’s worth packing small headphones so that you don’t disturb the peace, or other people around you.  

A piece of sleeping mat: Sitting on damp ground can leave you wet and cold. I take a small corner of an old sleeping mat with me to sit on. It slots neatly into the side of my bikepacking bags.

These essential pieces of kits – as well as a couple of more luxurious items – for bikepacking should mean you have an enjoyable adventure.

This article is part of Advnture's Bikepacking Week 2023 (running from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 May), our ultimate guide to adventuring on two wheels including essential advice, gear, and features to help you plan the perfect expedition.

Need some new cycling gear for your next bikepacking adventure? Pearl Izumi's Memorial Day sale is on now, with 25% off shorts, jerseys, bags, and much more. Trust me, if you've not tried padded shorts for long rides, you're missing a trick.

You can also get 25% off bikepacking bags from Looptworks, a company that makes great-looking gear using waste textiles that would otherwise go into landfill. Each bag looks super smart, and you'd never guess it was made from upcycled material.

I've picked a selection of the best deals for bikepackers below, or you can use the quick links to go straight to specific categories. Chapeau!

Quick links

Men's clothing and gear: savings on jerseys, shorts, and more
Women's clothing and gear: 25% off apparel for the female form
Bikepacking bags: save big on seat and handlebar bags
Build your kit: get 25% off your own set of essential cycling gear

Bikepacking deals

This article is part of Advnture's Bikepacking Week 2023 (running from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 May), our ultimate guide to adventuring on two wheels including essential advice, gear, and features to help you plan the perfect expedition.

Ride1Up has launched a new budget-friendly all-terrain e-bike that can carry loads up to 150lb on its rear rack, making it perfect for bikepacking expeditions if you can't bear to leave your creature comforts at home. After all, who really wants to go adventuring without their camping coffee maker and camping pillow?

The new Ride1Up Rift is an adventure bike equipped with big all-terrain tires, a 120mm suspension fork, and four-piston hydraulic disc brakes to provide the stopping power you need when carrying heavy loads. Adventure bikes are a fairly new class of bicycle, and are similar to a gravel bike, but with extra braze-ons or racks for attaching a collection of bikepacking bags.

As news site BikeRumor explains, the Rift has an integrated aluminum rear rack for the heaviest loads, plus an optional front rack for essentials you want to access quickly. If you're feeling particularly generous, you can even replace the rear rack with a passenger seat and foot pegs to give a friend a lift.

The Rift is class two/three capable, with a top speed of 28pmh in pedal-assist mode, and 20mph when run solely from the throttle. Rules on e-bikes vary, so make sure you check out whether it would be legally classed as a bicycle where you live.

It has a range of 40-65 miles depending on the load, terrain, and your riding style. As always with e-bikes, more cargo, hills, and rough terrain will all mean you need to charge more frequently, or be extra frugal with the motor.

The Ride1Up Rift is available to order now for $1,895. That's certainly not pocket change, but very reasonable for a pack mule of an e-bike. It's available with a choice of step-over or step-through frames, and comes in forest green, Arctic white, and graphite gray.

This article is part of Advnture's Bikepacking Week 2023 (running from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 May), our ultimate guide to adventuring on two wheels including essential advice, gear, and features to help you plan the perfect expedition.

Bikepacking gives you the freedom to explore further than you could by backpacking, and camp in new places, but how are you going to carry all that gear? The answer is bikepacking bags, which are specially designed to fit around the frame of the bike. They are different to more traditional panniers, which fix to racks on the bike. There is a range of different bike packing bags and this guide takes a look at each to suggest what to pack and why. 

Before we get started, bear in mind that not all bikepacking bags are made equal, and some withstand the weather better than others. Look for waterproof bikepacking bags, or pack your belongings into a lightweight dry bag so you don't wind up with soggy camping gear.

Handlebar bags

As you might expect, handlebar bags attach to your bike's handlebars. They fit in front of the bars and above the front wheel. These bags are best for carrying lightweight yet bulky items, such as a sleeping bag, sleeping pad or air mattress, the fabric part of your tent, or a down jacket.

The best way to pack a handlebar bag, especially if it’s a roll-top design, is to stuff in loose items to fill the bag space. 

If the handlebar bag has more of a solid and square construction, this might be the place for carrying lightweight items that are essential while you pedal, such as snacks, map and a phone. A hard-sided or sturdier handlebar bag will offer protection to items such as tablets and small laptops, too.

Saddle bags or seatpost packs

Saddlebags or seatpost packs fix to the seat stem, under the rear of the saddle. They stick out at the back of the bike, and are usually the largest pack you will carry as a bikepacker. These bags come in a variety of volume sizes to suit different lengths and types of bikepacking trips.

This is where you will carry spare clothes and other important items, such as a camping stove, fuel, food and parts of the tent if you have not stashed it all in the handlebar bag and frame bag.

The saddlebag can hold a lot of weight because it's strapped firmly in place close to the bike's center of gravity. Look for bikepacking setups that have a harness system that makes them easier to attach and detach, as well as support bars for stability.

Pack the items that you won't need to access regularly at the base of the saddlebag and other items closer to the top that you are likely to want to get to throughout the day. This saves you from fully unpacking the saddlebag every time you need something.

Frame bags for bike packing

Frame bags usually sit under the top tube, and you'll find that they come in various sizes to suit different types of frame.

By necessity, the bags are long and thin so that you don’t catch your legs or knees when cycling. This means you should stash items that are smaller, long or thin. This is the ideal bag for tent pegs and poles if you are carrying a tent. Many people also place puncture repair items and a pump in a frame bag. The weight of the items doesn’t matter too much because this bag's low position means it's unlikely to affect the balance of the bike.

Cockpit bags

These are smaller packs that sit on top of the top tube and close to the handlebar. This is the ideal place for a phone, snacks and small items, such as spare batteries or a small bike light. This bag is the handiest for bits and pieces of kit.

Front fork packs

Depending on your bike and the clearance between front fork and the wheel, you may be able to use a front fork pack. Again, this is useful for lighter items, such as a sleeping bag or insulated jacket. You do not want this bag to be too heavy because it will upset the bike's balance if it is.

Backpacks for bikepacking

Some bikepackers will also carry a small backpack or hydration pack. If you don’t have back pockets on a cycling jersey or jacket, or you prefer to carry a pack on your back, this is the place for a hydration bladder and items that you need quick access to, such as a map, waterproof jacket and spare clothing. Try not to load up this pack because you will end up with sore shoulders over days of carrying it on your back. 

These tips should guide you to buying the right packs for a bikepacking trip. You will not need all of them, but you should select enough to allow you to distribute the weight of your kit and clothing across your bike.

This article is part of Advnture's Bikepacking Week 2023 (running from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 May), our ultimate guide to adventuring on two wheels including essential advice, gear, and features to help you plan the perfect expedition.

The backpacking experts at Fjällräven have teamed up with cycling pros at Specialized to design a new range of bikepacking gear, including apparel to keep you cool and comfortable, and bike bags for toting all your camping essentials.

Fjällräven and Specialized first joined forces last summer to make a selection of equipment for expeditions on two wheels. The idea is that adventures don't have to happen in far-flung locales or involve weeks of planning, When you feel like taking a break, you can just throw some bags onto your bike and hit the trails.

Some of the highlights of the spring 2023 collection include a new lightweight roll-top handlebar bag, not unlike the High Coast Foldsack you might use as a summer daypack. The S/F Handlebar Rolltop is waterproof, with compression straps to keep everything locked down, and can be worn as a shoulder bag when your bike is locked up.

When you're bikepacking, space and weight are at a premium, so anything that can perform more than one job is a winner. The S/F Sleep Poncho is designed to do double duty as a camping blanket and snug insulated jacket to keep you snug in the evening when temperatures drop. If you're adventuring with a friend or partner, you can even zip two Sleep Ponchos together for extra warmth.

For shorter trips and occasions when you don't want a heavy load on your back, the S/F Expandable Hip Pack lets you carry two water bottles and 4.5L of gear, then expands into a 11.5L backpack when you need the extra carrying capacity.

You can find the full range of bikepacking gear online, including shirts, hats, vests, bib shorts, and even field suits made to take you from the bike to your tent, and back again.

• Can you ride an e-bike in National Parks?

Right now, you can pick up the Garmin Varia RTL515 at Amazon for $149.99. That's a saving of 25% off the list price, and the cheapest we've ever seen this great rear-view radar and light.

The Varia RTL515 is a great tool to help make you safer riding on the roads. The radar detects traffic approaching from behind, and gives visible and audible alerts when cars are up to 140 meters away. It can connect to your Garmin Edge bike computer, GPS watch, or your smartphone via the Varia mobile app. You can even pair it with multiple devices at once.

If you're not in the US, scroll down to the bottom of this article for the best deal son the Garmin Varia RTL515 near you.

The built-in tail light makes you visible to drivers up to a mile away in daylight, and there's a special peloton mode so you don't dazzle your friends when riding in a group.

If you have an e-bike, you should check out the Garmin Varia eRTL615, which launched earlier this week and runs directly from your bike's battery so there's no need to take it off for charging.

If you're not in the US, here are the best deals on the Garmin Varia RTL515 where you are:

• Best Garmin watches: all the latest models tested and rated

California-based bike builder Ride1Up has launched a new fat tire e-bike for cruising the streets or hitting the trails, with enough carrying capacity to make bikepacking and touring a breeze. The Ride1Up Rift is an all-terrain machine that's built to handle all the dirt you can throw at it, without breaking the bank.

Ride1Up is known for making high quality, affordable e-bikes, including the excellent mid-drive Ride1Up Prodigy and ergonomically built Ride1Up Core. The new Rift has a list price of $1,895, which certainly isn't pocket change, but is very reasonable considering its specifications. 

The Rift is equipped with a 48V 750W proprietary geared hub motor, powered by a 48v 20ah Samsung Battery. It can hit speeds up to 28mph with pedal assistance, or 20mph with the throttle alone, and has a maximum range of 40-60 miles depending on factors including rider weight, terrain, and level of power assistance.

It's fitted with fat 26x4in Kenda Tires, front suspension to soak up bumps, integrated fenders, lights, and a rear rack to handle loads up to 150lb. You can also easily attach other accessories, racks and baskets using the Connect+ system.

Like most Ride1Up bikes, the Rift is available in both step-over and step-through frame variants so you can ride comfortably, and comes in three colors: forest green, Arctic white, and graphite gray.

• Can you ride an e-bike in National Parks?

Garmin has released a new rear-view radar system designed specifically for e-bikes. The Garmin Varia eRTL615 is designed to help you stay safe on the roads, warning you about vehicles approaching from behind with visual and audible alerts when paired with a compatible Garmin watch or Edge bike computer, or the Varia app on your phone.

There are no batteries to charge or change. Instead, the eRTL615 plugs into and runs from your bike's power source.

It can warn you of approaching vehicles from up to 150 yards (137 meters) away, and will alert drivers to your presence on the road as soon as possible with a bright tail light visible from up to a mile away in daylight.

There are four tail light modes to choose from: solid, peloton (which is less bright to avoid dazzling cyclists riding behind you), night flash, and day flash. The light pattern changes when an approaching vehicle is detected to make you even more visible, and let the driver know that you are aware of them.

The Garmin Varia eRTL615 has a sleek, compact design, and gives you various different mounting options, including a universal seat rail mount, and a rack/pannier mount.

It's available to buy now direct from Garmin with a list price of $299.99 / £259.99.

• How to make your e-bike got further on a single charge

Having young children doesn’t mean parents have to put their involvement in outdoor pursuits on hold, at least not anymore. With the CUBE Kids Trailer CMPT, the whole family can enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities together. It’s completely transformative – in more ways than one.

Offering secure seating for two children, the CUBE Kids Trailer CMPT is a super-versatile infant buggy that quickly transforms from a sophisticated all-purpose, practical pushchair into a highly featured and protective bike chariot or running/hiking rig, which lets little ones relax in safety and comfort, while parents pedal or push their way through any kind of landscape they feel like exploring.

From a highly maneuverable street-smart pusher, the CUBE Kids Trailer CMPT can be converted into a cycling trailer in a matter of seconds, by simply swapping the buggy wheel for the included tow bar. The easy-to-use attachment has been designed to work with a wide range of steeds, from road and commuter bicycles to mountain bikes.

There are several reflective features around the trailer, plus a flag and mounted rear light for safety during road rides, but with adjustable suspension, pneumatic tyres and safety belts, adventurous families are far from limited to urban outings. 

You can tackle almost any sort of terrain with the CUBE Kids Trailer CMPT, no matter how rugged and bumpy, without your pint-sized passengers having to endure a rough ride. The trailer has a full-coverage insect net, so young ones can enjoy the liberating feel of the breeze rushing through their hair without the risk of getting whacked in the face or stung by flying insects.

And for trekkers and joggers, the buggy can also be transformed into a technical hiking and all-terrain running rig in just a few seconds with the CUBE Jogger Kit (sold separately). Featuring a larger front wheel with adjustable tracking and a 16-inch Schwalbe tyre, this sleek set-up enables you run or hike on pavements, unsealed tracks and technical trails.

Whether you’re using the buggy as a standard street pusher or as a running rig, the height of the ergonomic handlebar is fully adjustable, and a rear window and access opening allows you to see and interact with your children while you’re on the move.

On clear and bright bluebird days, the sun shade will shield children’s sensitive skin and eyes from harmful UV rays. But it’s also great to teach kids from a young age that inclement and wilder weather shouldn’t be an impediment to enjoying the outdoors, and the comprehensive splash screen that comes with this trailer means you can still get out and about when conditions are damp and windy without the kids getting wet and cold.

The spacious travel compartment has two padded seats, with adjustable back support, safety belts and a helmet pocket, so your children will stay comfortable and protected for the duration of your hiking or biking adventure. With the generous suspension creating a gentle rocking sensation, youngsters will often enjoy a snug snooze en route to or from your destination.

The CUBE Kids Trailer CMPT is ideal for fun-filled days out with the little ones in tow, but it’s also perfect for turning those everyday outings that need to be done, to the shops or the school gate, into enjoyable experiences. It allows fitness-focussed parents to get some more valuable steps in, or to incorporate an extra little outing on the bike, and makes small trips in the car completely avoidable – which is good for the planet as well your health.

And during family vacations, the CUBE Kids Trailer CMPT really comes into its own: as a buggy it enables you to stroll around the urban lanes, alleyways and market places of your chosen destination, while converted to a running rig or bike trailer, it means you can explore further afield, venturing to wilder places and escaping the crowds to discover quieter corners and secret scenic spots.

The CUBE Kids Trailer CMPT retails for £699.95 / €699.95 and is available now. Find a CUBE dealer near you, and start planning your next family adventure.

American company Watt Wagons has launched a new e-bike with a range of up to 200 miles, and which is compatible with electric car chargers.

E-bikes take a lot of the strain out of bikepacking and touring, but range can be a concern – particularly when heavy cargo and rough terrain are involved. If you'd rather not plan your route around the limitations of a battery, the Watt Wagons Hound might be the bike for you.

As Electrek explains, the mighty Hound comes in two versions: standard and 'supercharged'. The base spec model is equipped with a very respectable 52V 17Ah battery, with a range of up to 30 miles when ridden using only the throttle, or 80 miles with pedal assistance.

Those are impressive numbers, but the supercharged Hound blows them out of the water with a colossal 52V 60Ah battery that delivers up to 100 miles with the throttle alone, or 200 miles when you add some pedal power.

There's also a huge difference when it comes to motors. The standard Hound comes with a 1,000W Bafang Ultra motor, which is nothing to be sniffed at. However, thanks to a controller upgrade, its supercharged sibling boasts a power output of 3kW nominal and 3.5 kW peak.

No dogs allowed?

Of course, specs like those mean that the Hound isn't a bicycle in the eyes of the law, so you won't be able to motor along hundreds of miles of regular cycle trails. However, it should be fine for off-roading in many locations. Just make sure you check out local laws first.

The base spec Hound is currently on sale for $5,499 (a saving of $500), while the supercharged edition is $7,999 ($1,000 off the list price). Replacing the cassette and chain drive with a single speed belt reduces that to $5,499.

• How to make your e-bike go further on a single charge

Italian bikemaker Pinarello has launched a new range of ultralight e-bikes with three new models, including a lightweight electric gravel bike for effortless trail adventures.

The three models are the Nytro Road E and Nytro Gravel E (both of which are available with two different frame options and three different builds), and the Nytro All Road E (with just one frame and build).

The star of the new series is the Nytro Road E9, which the company says is the lightest pedal-assisted mid-drive e-bike on the market. It tips the scale at a mere 2.5lb for the raw carbon fiber frame. It has Pinarello's signature asymmetric design, which is structured to compensate for the greater force exerted by the drive on the right side. 

All bikes in the Nytro series are equipped with the new 300W TQ-HPR50 motor, which is designed to be small, light, and much quieter than standard. That should eliminate the tell-tale whirr that reveals you're getting a little assistance as you ride, though the wide downtube containing the integrated cables and control unit will give the game away.

There are three power assistance settings, with are customizable via a smartphone app. The result, according to Pinarello, "feels just like cycling always has, but on the fittest day of your life. It’s you, but with 300W more power in your legs."

Naturally, that kind of design and performance comes at a price. The Nytro Gravel starts at £6,900 (about $8,400), the Nytro Road E at £7,500 (about $9,000). At the time of writing, no UK price has been announced for the Nytro All Road E.

• Can you ride e-bikes in National Parks? Everything you need to know

Arizona-based Lectric has launched a new off-road ready cargo e-bike that can handle loads of up to 450lb, making it a great alternative to a car for camping expeditions. Most impressively of all, it starts at under $1,500, making it one of the most affordable ways to get into battery-assisted bikepacking.

The Lectric XPedition is available in single and dual-battery versions, so you can pick one that gives the right balance of range and price for your adventures. The single-battery variant costs $1,399 and can keep rolling for up to 75 miles on a single charge, while the dual-battery option offers double the range for $1,699.

The rear rack handles most of the cargo-carrying responsibilities, and is able to manage up to 300lb. The rest of the load can be spread across the frame, and extras such as a child seat, panniers, and baskets can be bought separately.

The bike is equipped with a 750W rear hub motor, and either one or two 48V batteries. Front and rear hydraulic brakes provide plenty of stopping power, which is particularly important when carrying large amounts of camping gear.

Load up and head out

The XPedition offers five levels of pedal-assist, and has a half-twist throttle, allowing it to function as a class one, two, or three e-bike depending on local laws.

However, it's worth noting that unlike some other trail-ready cargo bikes released in recent months, the Lectric XPedition has no suspension, so although it can tackle hills with ease, you won't want to ride on any seriously rutted routes.

You should also bear in mind that the bike itself tips the scale at 68lb, so you'll want to plan your rides to ensure you don't run out of power before the final hill. To find out how, check out our guide how to make your e-bike go further on a single charge.

• Can you ride e-bikes in National Parks? Everything you need to know

Audi has launched a new luxury e-MTB as a two-wheeled counterpart to the all-electric RS Q e-tron E2 car, which won four stages of last year's Dakar Rally.

Most luxury carmakers have dipped a toe in the world of road e-bikes (including Mercedes-Benz and Lexus to name just a couple) and several are now veering into the mud as well. In 2018 Lamborghini revealed the all-terrain front suspension Crosser, and last year Porsche debuted the similarly named eBike Cross (a collaboration with Fox).

Audi's new e-bike features wide, knobbly tires for handling thick mud, and a light aluminum frame (available in three sizes). This is fitted with an integrated 65V battery pack connected to a 200w motor that offers three power assist options.

As BikeRadar explains, the Eco mode is designed to balance efficiency and range, Sport is intended for sport cycling (rather than cruising), Tour gives a 'notable', and Boost gives a brief surge of power to help summit hills.

The bike (snappily known as the Audi Electric Mountain Bike Powered by Fantic) comes in three frame sizes is available through Audi's Genuine Accessories division for the princely sum of £8,499 (roughly $10,000). That's about the same price as the Porsche eBike Cross, and half that of the Lamborghini Crosser.

• Can you ride e-bikes in National Parks? Everything you need to know

Specialized has just launched a new e-bike that's perfect for bikepacking, letting you roam further and set up camp more easily. The new Specialized Turbo Tero X is a full-suspension e-MTB that can carry all your camping gear with room to spare. No more worrying about investing in ultra-light gear, or leaving your favorite camping creature comforts at home.

As Advnture's sister site Cycling Weekly reports, the new bike is capable of carrying up to 30kg (66lb) of cargo spread in baskets and panniers across the frame. That isn't as much as the mighty Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus, which also launched this week, but the Turbo Tero X will be able to heft it comfortably over much rougher terrain.

Its full suspension chassis offers 130mm front travel and 120mm rear travel, and is complemented by knobbly tires from Ground Control for grip on loose surfaces and mud.

Full coverage fenders ensure you don't get dirt sprayed up your best hiking pants, and integrated lights make sure you can see (and are seen) in dark, wet, and foggy conditions.

Smart power management

The Turbo Tero X is equipped with Specialized's MasterMind bike computer and mission control unit, which lets you see tweak pedal assist settings and see remaining battery charge, but can also handle the power management for you, monitoring the bike every 10 seconds so you'll be left with enough charge to get you back to basecamp.

There are three models available, depending on your needs and budget. The Tero X 6.0 has a top assisted speed of 28mph courtesy of a Specialized 2.2 motor, and will set you back $6,500/ £6,000. The Tero X 5.0 has slightly more modest specs with a Specialized 2.0 motor, is around 2kg heavier, and costs $5,500/ £5,000. Finally, the Tero X 4.0 has a maximum assisted speed of 20mph from a Full Power 2.0E motor, and is priced at $4,500/ £4,000.

That's certainly not cheap, but if you've been considering investing in an off-roader for camping and backpacking, then it might just change your mind.

• Can you ride an e-bike in National Parks? Everything you need to know

Rad Power Bikes, which specializes in practical multi-terrain e-bikes, has just launched a tough new tourer that'll take the strain out of bikepacking.

If you're used to car camping, bikepacking presents a whole new challenge. How can you keep your gear as light as possible? How many creature comforts can you leave behind, and do you need to invest in a lot of new ultra-light gear?

The new RadRunner 3 Plus e-bike helps bridge the gap, letting you take more of your regular camping gear without slowing you down. It's a rugged class two e-bike (meaning it offers both pedal-assisted power and a throttle) that can handle roads and trails, and is capable of carrying a payload of 350lb including rider and cargo. That's up from 300lb for the original RadRunner 3.

It packs a 750W motor, and has a maximum range of 45 miles on a single charge, though the exact distance will vary depending on the load, the terrain, and how you manage the power throughout your ride.

The RadRunner 3 Plus has a low step-through frame, making it easier to mount and dismount while you're wearing a backpack and hiking pants, plus hydraulic brakes for the extra stopping power you need when carrying heavy loads.

It also features integrated reflective details, plus LED headlamps and tail lamps as standard to make sure you're seen after dark and in inclement weather. You also get fenders as standard to keep spray at bay. Extras including racks, baskets, bags and bungees can be bundled with the bike too.

The RadRunner 3 Plus is available now direct from Rad Power Bikes for $2,499, which certainly isn't pocket change, but is good value for a well-specced cargo e-bike. If you're not sure whether it's the right introduction to bikepacking for you, there's also a free 14-day trial period so you can take it for a good spin before investing.

• Can you ride e-bikes in National Parks? Everything you need to know