MRP Stage Fork and Raze 2CR Shock - Eurobike 2013
A New Long Travel Option
The list of desirable long-travel single crown forks, those offering between 150 and 170mm of travel, is relatively short these days, with only a few options from the major players. MRP, yes the MRP of chain guide fame, is looking to throw their hat into that ring with their new Stage fork, shown here at Eurobike for the first time. While there is most certainly some White Brothers DNA involved, the Stage will carry MRP branding, and will be available in both 26''/650B and 29'' compatible options. The former can be had with either 150, 160, or 170mm of travel, and can also be lowered to 140mm by way of some internal tinkering, an option that would likely create a potent mid-travel fork for a trail bike. The 29'' compatible Stage will come in 130, 140, or 160mm flavours, as well as the internal option of lowering it to 120mm.
MRP Stage Details
• Intended use: all-mountain/enduro
• 26''/650B travel: 150, 160, or 170mm
• 29'' travel: 130, 140, or 160mm
• 34mm stanchion tubes
• Air sprung
• Compression, rebound, and ramp-up adjustments
• Tapered steerer
• 15mm 'QtapeR' thru-axle
• Weight: 1950g (26''/650B), 1995g (29'')
The air sprung Stage can be filled via a schrader valve located at the bottom of the left leg, and MRP has incorporated a nifty bleed button at the center of the left side top cap that allows for micro-adjustments without risking the chance that lubrication oil might contaminate the disk by letting air out at the bottom of the leg. We gave the small button a push to release a few PSI and it works as advertised, much in the same way that a bleed button on a
shock pump functions. Damper adjustments include a magnetically controlled threshold valve similar to what is used on their Loop forks, but it requires less force to activate the fork to allow for a more active feel, and rebound can be adjusted via a knob at the bottom of the right leg. A dial atop the same leg allows riders to tweak the fork's progressivity as well.The list of desirable long-travel single crown forks, those offering between 150 and 170mm of travel, is relatively short these days, with only a few options from the major players. MRP, yes the MRP of chain guide fame, is looking to throw their hat into that ring with their new Stage fork, shown here at Eurobike for the first time. While there is most certainly some White Brothers DNA involved, the Stage will carry MRP branding, and will be available in both 26''/650B and 29'' compatible options. The former can be had with either 150, 160, or 170mm of travel, and can also be lowered to 140mm by way of some internal tinkering, an option that would likely create a potent mid-travel fork for a trail bike. The 29'' compatible Stage will come in 130, 140, or 160mm flavours, as well as the internal option of lowering it to 120mm.
MRP Stage Details
• Intended use: all-mountain/enduro
• 26''/650B travel: 150, 160, or 170mm
• 29'' travel: 130, 140, or 160mm
• 34mm stanchion tubes
• Air sprung
• Compression, rebound, and ramp-up adjustments
• Tapered steerer
• 15mm 'QtapeR' thru-axle
• Weight: 1950g (26''/650B), 1995g (29'')
The air sprung Stage can be filled via a schrader valve located at the bottom of the left leg, and MRP has incorporated a nifty bleed button at the center of the left side top cap that allows for micro-adjustments without risking the chance that lubrication oil might contaminate the disk by letting air out at the bottom of the leg. We gave the small button a push to release a few PSI and it works as advertised, much in the same way that a bleed button on a
The Raze 2CR Shock
You're not going crazy, the shock pictured to the right looks familiar for a good reason: MRP recently purchased the rights, technology, and remaining units and supplies of Elka's Stage 5, thereby giving MRP a full fledged shock right out of the gate. At this point the Raze features all of the same adjustments as on the Stage 5, with low-speed rebound, and both high and low-speed compression tuneable externally. Riders who already own the shock will likely be happy to hear that MRP has spare parts in-house, and they also plan to assemble and service every Raze shock in their Colorado facility, a decision that should make for more of a one-on-one relationship with the customer given that MRP isn't nearly the size of the major suspension brands.
You're not going crazy, the shock pictured to the right looks familiar for a good reason: MRP recently purchased the rights, technology, and remaining units and supplies of Elka's Stage 5, thereby giving MRP a full fledged shock right out of the gate. At this point the Raze features all of the same adjustments as on the Stage 5, with low-speed rebound, and both high and low-speed compression tuneable externally. Riders who already own the shock will likely be happy to hear that MRP has spare parts in-house, and they also plan to assemble and service every Raze shock in their Colorado facility, a decision that should make for more of a one-on-one relationship with the customer given that MRP isn't nearly the size of the major suspension brands.
Prototype Air Shock
This yet to be named prototype was also on display in MRP's Eurobike booth, although it is still in the very early stages of its development and has yet to see action on the trail. And while its appearance might be somewhat retro, it sounds like there is some internal trickery hidden within its unassuming body. According to MRP ''it compresses air against a seal on the housing rather than on the piston - resulting in reduced friction,'' and it also makes use of MRP's magnetic compression valving that is designed to keep the shock from being affected by pedalling or body motion but still allows it to function when needed. Much like the Stage fork, the shock also utilizes MRP's 'Ramp Control' system that lets riders to adjust its ending stroke feel.
This yet to be named prototype was also on display in MRP's Eurobike booth, although it is still in the very early stages of its development and has yet to see action on the trail. And while its appearance might be somewhat retro, it sounds like there is some internal trickery hidden within its unassuming body. According to MRP ''it compresses air against a seal on the housing rather than on the piston - resulting in reduced friction,'' and it also makes use of MRP's magnetic compression valving that is designed to keep the shock from being affected by pedalling or body motion but still allows it to function when needed. Much like the Stage fork, the shock also utilizes MRP's 'Ramp Control' system that lets riders to adjust its ending stroke feel.
When Wide is Really Wide
MRP's brand new Hb1 handlebar measures in at a staggering 830mm width, although it can obviously be cut down to suit a rider who prefers a more commonly accepted bar size. Manufactured from unidirectional carbon fiber, it features a 35mm diameter clamping zone (MRP also offers a matching aluminum stem), and 25mm of rise. MRP also went with a proven and comfortable 9° backsweek and a 5° upsweep.
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You read my mind @scandiumrider
Bigger air volume = less heat generated? (haven't thought that one all the way through yet)
Bigger diameter = less flex (discounting overlap)
Bigger diameter = stronger with less weight (same reason aluminium tubes on bikes are fat)
If it looks stupid and it works, it's not stupid. I've always dreamed of a Risse Terminator.
The only downside I can think of is greater seal area and therefore stiction, but at 180psi with a 2:1 leverage ratio, who is going to have trouble getting this puppy moving? Just run thinner oil and service your shock more.
You put forward a good case. And to think people think Pinkbike is just a site full of immature kids...
That's why they make taper forks for newer "tapered frames" not old ones.
isn't a part of evolution?
superstar.tibolts.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=532
just 400g!!!!
Saying that, 830 is still way to wide for some riders or type of riding/bike.
I'm 6 ft tall and when I bought 780mm Thomson handlebar, first thing I did was cut it to 700 mm. Moreover I ride in a forest and in one part of the trail I have to pass through a gap between two trees which are about 80 cm from each other so with 780mm or wider handlebar I'd probably hit one of them.
1000mm bars^
"This has got to be the best idea I ever had. I mean think about it, dope goes for way more awesomer prices in jail, supply and command."
On another note, I really hope the sticker on the Raze will say 'designed in Canada'. I worked hard on that thing.
You would think there should be some type of transitional period at least? Where Elka would still do servicing of the shocks while MRP was up and running.