Today’s brief is packed with deep-dive reviews of key components and critical updates from the world’s most extreme freeride competition. From drivetrain shootouts and one-sided pedals to a concerning tally of injuries at Red Bull Rampage, the cycling industry continues to push both innovation and the limits of rider safety.
In competition highlights, Red Bull Rampage 2025 proved one of the most injury-filled in its history, with eight riders—five women and three men—sidelined by crashes during practice or finals. Notable incidents included Casey Brown’s broken tibial plateau, Vaea Verbeeck’s collapsed lung and broken collarbone, and men’s finalist Adolf Silva’s under-rotated double backflip that left him hospitalized with a lower-back injury. Despite the carnage, New Zealand’s Robin Goomes and rookie Hayden Zablotny claimed the women’s and men’s titles respectively. Source
Meanwhile in product news, Wolf Tooth’s new ALT & DEL pedals offer a user-serviceable, single-sided SPD option for gravel riders seeking a blend of clip-in security and platform usability. The DEL model’s 15°-tilted mechanism, adjustable tension and replaceable pins make it a ‘guilty pleasure’ for mixed-terrain rides. Source
Also under review, MTB-News compared the wireless Shimano XTR M9200 Di2 against SRAM’s XX Eagle Transmission, finding the Eagle’s smooth under-load shifts and superior chain management edged out XTR’s faster shift speed and lower price. The head-to-head test covered weight, ergonomics, battery life and adjustability to determine that SRAM just nudges ahead overall. Source
Funn’s hybrid Ripper2 pedal—flat on one side, SPD clip-in on the other—underwent a thorough field evaluation on trails and during commuter runs. Testers noted the flip-side versatility and sturdy cartridge bearings, though the 26 mm platform thickness and learning curve for fast clipping were called out as drawbacks. Source
From the road world, the 3T Racemax² Italia aero bike made its debut in a first-ride test, impressing reviewers with Lamborghini-inspired styling, aggressive wind-tunnel shaping and an integrated cockpit that balances speed with stability. Despite its unorthodox appearance, the Italia’s handling on open roads and rolling terrain proved both fast and confidence-inspiring. Source
On the suspension side, MRP’s updated Lift Damper received long-term trail validation for its aftermarket rebuild kit, which delivers a smoother feel over repeated big hits. Riders reported improved control in rough terrain and consistent damping performance over hundreds of kilometers. Source
Turning to the people powering the peloton, an Outside Online feature applied a fan-centric index—beyond mere UCI points—to rank Tadej Pogačar’s seasons by drama, unpredictability and sheer ‘jeopardy.’ This fresh perspective on the two-time Tour de France champion’s career seasons highlights the moments of grit and controversy that racing statistics alone can’t capture. Source