This week in the world of off-road cycling, there has been a host of new bike launches including a new gravel bike from Ritchey to celebrate its 50th anniversary. We also take a look at the Transition Smuggler and share our top picks from Cube’s 2023 range.

​​​Ritchey’s anniversary gravel bike

2023 ritchey outback 50th hero.jpeg
2023 ritchey outback 50th hero (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
2023 ritchey outback 50th hero.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

To mark the brand’s special birthday, Ritchey has given its well-known gravel bike, the Outback, a fresh lick of paint to celebrate its monumental milestone. The limited-edition colourway is called ‘Half Blue Moon’ and is accompanied by a selection of special Ritchey logos that reference the brand’s history. The Outback had fairly recently been ungraded, featuring more tyre clearance and a Carbon Adventure Fork that has a rack and mounting points for mudguards. The unique bike can be yours for £1,500.

A round-up of Cube 2023 bikes

CUBE Reaction Pro.jpg
CUBE Reaction Pro (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
CUBE Reaction Pro.jpg, by Matt Lamy

Cube has a reputation for its value propositions and the broad spread of bike choices. Whether you’re looking for a new hardtail mountain bike, full-suspension trail shredder, a fast road bike, leisurely commuter bike, hybrid, e-bike or anything beyond or in-between, there is a Cube option for you. Our top picks include the Reaction Pro, Stereo and Cube Elite 240, but have a look at all the offerings in the full feature. 

Introducing Transition Bikes’ all-new Smuggler

2023 Transition Smuggler kinematics
2023 Transition Smuggler kinematics (Image Credit: Transition)
2023 Transition Smuggler kinematics, by Transition

Sitting perfectly between the brand’s other trail bikes, the Spur and the Sentinel, Transition Bike’s Smuggler offers 130mm suspension on the rear and 140mm on the front, along with 29-inch wheels. The much-awaited addition to the brand’s lineup has geometry to inspire confidence and more progressive kinematics. It comes with four different SRAM drivetrain spec options and is available in alloy and carbon, plus a choice of two colours. Sizes range from Small to XXL, and prices start from £4,500.

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