2025 has been prime for pedal releases, and they just keep on rolling in. This week, we’re going to check out Outlier’s mental-looking Void pedals. We’ve also got fresh rotors from Galfer, Trek’s latest e-mountain bike, and Canyon’s new Grizl gravel bike. But of course, let’s reminisce over the week’s happenings.
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Starting off with news, there are three key highlights, the most exciting of which is the release of an updated Fuel from Trek. Essentially, the brand has released six bikes: the Fuel EX, MX, and LX, all of which feature different suspension setups, and there’s a new TQ-equipped e-MTB, the Fuel+, with the same three configurations. Speaking of e-MTBs, the UCI has announced a new EPAC approval process for e-MTB racing, all in a bid to level the playing field. Finally, Canyon brought disco vibes with its limited-edition Bottas Grail, celebrating its athlete and F1 legend, Valtteri Bottas, in a 70s style.
Moving onto features, we caught up with Tracy Moseley at Ard Rock 2025 to check out her ABS-equipped Trek Rail+. Then, with Leadville taking place as we speak, our Steve explains everything you need to know about mountain biking’s biggest marathon event.
As for reviews, we check out Hunt’s carbon-spoked, Proven Carbon XC UD wheelset, Canyon’s alloy-framed Spectral AL 6, and Tailfin’s Rear Top Tube bag.
Outlier Void flat pedals
$300 CAD
Promising to ‘take concavity to the next level’, Outlier’s Void pedals do things rather differently in the fact that there’s hardly a platform at all. As there’s no axle that runs through the pedal’s body, the ‘void’ that’s left allows the shoe to flex into the pedal freely. The result, Outlier reckons, is serious grip.
The Void pedals are made using 7075 aluminium, with each pedal employing a pair of oil-filled 7902 bearings. The platforms then measure in at 115 x 155mm, so they’re large and we’re told that they’re designed to work best with EU40 (7 UK) foot sizes and larger. As for the pin count, there are nine per side, and Outlier claims that the pair of pedals tip the scale at 458g.
Lastly, they’re available in either Raw (pictured) or Black colours.
Canyon Grizl CF7
£2,500
Unveiled just last month with a headline-shattering Full Mounty handlebar that splits the Grizl platform into ‘OG’ and ‘ESC’ models, this is the tamer Grizl CF 7 from Canyon. As before, it sets itself apart from the racier Grail by being better equipped to take on big-distance rides in comfort. Aiding the cause is a whole host of mounting points, and Canyon’s unique-looking S15 VCLS 2.0 CF seatpost.
As for the spec on the carbon-framed bike, we’ve got Shimano’s GRX 1x groupset, DT Swiss’s Gravel LN wheelset, which is wrapped with Schwalbe’s G-One RX Performance tyres in a sizey 45mm width. That said, the Grizl provides space for up to 54mm wide rubber.
Galfer Shark Disc rotors
£80 – £100
If you know your exotic braking components, you’ll know doubt have heard of Galfer, another brand with roots in motorsports. Now distributed by Silverfish, we’ve got our hands on the mega spendy Shark rotors that employ a fancy finned design, which is shaped to help dissipate heat. The rotor also gets an increased mass, which is said to further help with thermal stability while boosting braking power.
Built from high-carbon stainless steel, the Shark rotor promises heat resistance up to 800 degrees centigrade, and they’re available in six-bolt and Centerlock mounting options. As for sizes, it can be picked up in 180mm, 203mm and 223mm.
Trek Fuel+ EX 8
£5,000
Earlier this week, Trek updated its Fuel and Fuel EXe platforms and the latter has been gifted a new name, the Fuel+. This is that very bike in its EX8 guise. It’s not just the name that news as the bike uses TQ’s HPR60 drive system with its largest 580Wh battery.
But what’s special here is that Trek says that this is three bikes in one, albeit with a bunch of componentry changes. In its EX form, the bike we’ve got here gets 145mm of rear suspension, at 150mm up front. But with the change of a rocker link, lower shock mount, air spring and rear wheel, you’ll then get the mullet-wheeled, MX, bike with 150mm of rear suspension, and 160mm at the front. Go one step further, swap the links and mounts again, choose a 170mm fork and a longer shock stroke, and you’ve got the LX, a 160mm rear-travelled enduro bike.
It’s all a bit complicated and the costs surely will ramp up, but it’s cool that it’s possible, all while retaining the correct geometry, while the linkage changes bring more progression as the rear travel rises.
As for the rest of the bike, we’ll leave that up to the Trek Fuel EX 8 first ride review to explain.
Madison Freewheel Gel Pad Trail gloves
£20
Known for offering high-performance clothing at accessible prices, Madison’s Freewheel gloves look to do exactly that. With gel pads on the palms, they’re designed to dampen vibrations, with the single palm lining around the rest of the glove is said not to compromise on bar feel.
Of course, there’s silicone printing on the fingers for brake lever grip, and there’s an infinitely adjustable Velcro cuff.
