The UCI and the World E-Bike Series management (WES) have joined forces to stage the inaugural UCI E-Mountain Bike Cross-Country World Cup. Beginning in March and consisting of five stages across Europe, the competition expands on the UCI's growing number of e-bike events but we wondered what kind of bikes will be used? 

Boyd Cycling, a US based wheel manufacturer, has just announced their latest gravel wheelset, the CCC which weighs in at a claimed 1,515g for a 700c set. The brand promises a light weight and durable alloy wheel at a reasonable price of $700 (UK price to be confirmed)

The Marin Rift Zone 2 is a 125mm full suspension trail bike that will please riders and wallets. While it’s heavy for a short-travel mountain bike, and the tyres don't suit its all-rounder intentions, the Rift Zone is a great proposition that's just begging for some choice upgrades.

This week's news has a racing vibe ahead of the incoming season! There's an epic gravel race going on as we speak, a new E-bike World Cup announced, plus Grinduro Wales tickets are now on sale. In other news, there's a new UK base bike brand toting a £1,200 full susser and a reminder to get your tickets for Bespoked, Bristol amongst other stuff. 

This week has been a varied news week, there has been a new edit from Brendan Fairclough, a helmet cam run of the longest urban DH race, new carbon bikes from Poland and lots more besides. Dig in and catch up here....

The Fizik Terra Clima X2 is a sturdy mountain bike and gravel SPD shoe that's waterproof, extremely comfortable both on and off the bike, and stiff enough for decent pedalling. They aren’t warm though, and the shoe's waterproofing is easily foiled by the water-loving knitted cuff.

The Castelli Perfetto RoS wants to be both a jacket and a jersey, and is surprisingly good at being both. It's windproof and rain resistant whilst being super breathable, works well either on gravel or the road, and is perfect for chilly but not really cold weather. It won't keep out sustained downpours and it's expensive, though.

Lidl will be selling a range of three bike packing bags in stores from 8th March 2020. The waterproof frame bag, saddle pack and handlebar bag will cost just £9.99 each and will be sold throughout the UK.