Flaanimals, Bikepacking The Life Time Grand Prix, and More

PeopleForBikes announces the Trump administration is no longer including bikes in its heavy tariffs

The US cycling industry seems poised to finally leave the chaos of the past year and a half of tariff-based socks behind. PeopleForBikes, a US-based cycling advocacy group, has announced that bicycles, e-bikes, and frames have been dropped from the list of products that are susceptible to the 50% Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs.

The policy win for the industry was months in the making, as PeopleForBikes led the fight. The organization helped coordinate a broad coalition between bike manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and riders to push back against persistent efforts from the Trump administration to add a hefty tariff on bikes and bike products. The ground swell of support generated 1,300 public comments in opposition to the proposed tariffs.

“This is a clear example of what happens when our industry shows up together,” said Jenn Dice, President and CEO of PeopleForBikes. “We’re incredibly grateful to the manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and riders who stepped up and made their voices heard.

“This win belongs to the entire industry.”

Rodeo Adventure Labs releases the Flaanimal 6.0 steel

Rodeo Adventure Labs, the brand who rode Walmart cruiser bikes at Unbound, has updated its much-loved Flaanimal steel frame.

The Colorado-based company has specialized in drop-bar gravel and off-road bikes since the mid 2010s, with the Flaanimal and Trail Donkey platforms offering a mix of steel, carbon, and titanium frame options. The Flaanimal 6.0 Steel follows a year after its titanium counterpart was updated, yet it does have some key differences. While the titanium Flaanimal was updated to be more closely linked in performance and feel to the brand’s carbon bike, the Traildonkey, the steel option is taller, slacker, and more geared towards bike packing and adventure riding.

Beyond the changes to geometry, the bike has pulled out a bit more clearance, now accepting up to 700x60mm tires, and has a rear slider system to change the bike’s chainstay length, which dictates clearance and handling. Additionally, as a bike that has had success in events like the Tour Divide, there are plenty of mounting points throughout the frame to load up with bags, fenders, and racks.

Rodeo Labs is a custom direct-to-consumer brand, and most bikes will be configured in Colorado. Framsets start at $1,650 with custom paint and add-ons available.

A new film is out on the athlete who rode to race every stop of the Life Time Grand Prix 

One year ago, Alexis Cartier was preparing for one race, but in reality, he was preparing for much more. Cartier was getting set to race the Sea Otter Life Time Grand Prix gravel race before he would go on a self-supported bike packing mission connecting the dots between the remaining Life Time Grand Prix races over the six-month series.

It was one of the great undertold stories of the Life Time Grand Prix last year, and now Cartier has released a film on the project. ‘The Spirit of Gravel – Bikepacking 15,000 km between races’ documented the journey for a key stretch of 21 days, including time riding through Death Valley National Park, passing through Colorado, and exploring fat bike trails in Québec, Canada, where Cartier calls home.

The 2026 Life Time Grand Prix begins next week at Sea Otter. Follow along on our Instagram as well as the site for more coverage from Monterey.

MAAP has expanded its Pro Aero range with a few new jerseys, gloves, and shoe covers 

MAAP is back with more aero gear to add to their Pro Aero range of products, a line that was developed in conjunction with MAAP’s partners in the WorldTour, Jayco AlUla and Liv AlUla Jayco.

In total, there are six new additions to the lineup, including the new Beta Pro Aero Speedsuit, the Beta Pro Aero long sleeve and short sleeve jerseys, the pro aero socks, pro aero overshoes, and pro aero mitts. The whole collection uses MAAP’s WorldTour input as the genesis for the collection of aero gear, including using AARTERO Flyte technology for the first time in a commercially available skinsuit.

Additionally, all of the jerseys have the same stretchy aerodynamic weaves, low-profile collars, and fashion-forward colors. For more information on colors, sizing, and prices, visit MAAP’s Pro Aero page.