As the year tilts toward winter, cycling enters a season of contrasts. The long, sunlit sportives of summer are behind us, yet the roads and trails still hum with possibility. November is a month of transition, a time when the rhythm of riding shifts from high-speed road races to the grit and grace of cyclocross, gravel adventures, and endurance challenges. For some, it’s about layering up and embracing the chill; for others, it’s the perfect excuse to explore new disciplines or dream up next year’s big rides.
This issue celebrates that spirit of reinvention. We begin with a landmark moment in cycling tech: Campagnolo’s bold leap into gravel with the Super Record X wireless 1×13 group set. It’s more than a drivetrain, it’s a statement that performance and adventure can coexist without compromise. Paired with the Bora X wheel set and digital integration via MyCampy, this launch signals a future where precision engineering meets the unpredictable beauty of off-road terrain.
From innovation to inspiration, we take you deep into the Welsh wilderness for “Currents of Freedom”, a feature that redefines what e-bikes can mean for adventure. Skepticism gives way to exhilaration as electric assist transforms daunting climbs into invitations, opening landscapes, and possibilities, that once felt out of reach. It’s a story about technology not replacing effort, but amplifying joy.
For those who crave the raw poetry of cycling’s heritage, “The Soul of Flanders” delivers a visceral journey across cobbles and climbs that have tested legends for over a century. Standing at the foot of the Koppenberg, you understand why this region is more than a racecourse, it’s a living testament to cycling’s essence: struggle, resilience, and triumph.
And because November is also the season of giving, our Gift Guide 2025 is packed with ideas for riders who value both performance and style. From Vallon’s retro-modern eyewear to Garmin’s feature-rich Edge 850 and the elegant utility of the STASDOCK Gold wall mount, we’ve curated gear that elevates every ride, and every rider.
Finally, we spotlight the inaugural Nedbank Gravel Burn, a seven-day odyssey across South Africa’s Karoo that delivered everything gravel promises: camaraderie, chaos, and courage. It’s a race that feels less like a contest and more like a pilgrimage, a reminder that cycling, at its heart, is about stories written in dust and determination.
So whether you’re braving the mud, plotting a winter escape, or simply savouring the quiet miles before the year turns, this issue is your companion. Adventure doesn’t hibernate, it evolves. Let’s ride.
Nick Branxton
Editor, BIKE Magazine
