Thursday Randoms - Eurobike 2012
Maxxis goes 27.5
The excuse many people keep citing about there being a not enough 27.5" tires to choose from is quickly losing credit. Maxxis is the latest tire giant to join the 27.5" club, with their well-liked Highroller II and Ardent models bridging the gap between 26'' and 29'' sizes. Aggressive riders will be stoked to see that the Highroller II comes in a high volume 2.4" width, complete with Maxxis' ST (Super Tacky) rubber compound. The faster rolling Ardent will be available in a slightly smaller 27.5'' x 2.25'' size, but uses Maxxis' EXO Protection sidewall to greatly limit the chance of cutting the tire's casing on sharp edges.
So does Suntour
More proof that 27.5'' is coming can be found in the Suntour camp, with an entire range of forks planned for the 'tweener wheel size. The 27.5'' compatible, high-end Axon Werx RL RC, with its carbon/magnesium lowers and Q-Loc 15mm thru-axle, sits on the far right in the photo above, but the two SLA mockups to its left hint at whats to come. Who noticed the hidden thru-axle portion of the fork on the far left? Expect a 160mm travel, 27.5" specific Durolux fork from Suntour in the near future, with it employing the same aluminum damping cartridge that can be easily serviced or swapped out by any home mechanic. In a time when many fork manufacturers seem to be forgetting that consumers are looking for more than just the fork with the most complicated internals, Suntour is pumping out suspension that works well while still being able to be serviced by nearly anyone.
Carbon DH bike
Astro had this interesting looking, 8.3'' travel downhill bike hanging up on a wall of their booth, complete with both a carbon fiber front and rear triangle. The dual-link design uses a floating shock that is attached to the upper and lower links as opposed to being rigidly mounted to the front triangle - far from a new approach, but it does look well executed on the clean looking carbon frame. The lower link pivots concentrically around the bottom bracket shell, and the shock is nearly completely hidden within the frame. It looks great, but we'd love to spend a few days aboard one and report back.
VP pedals
There are plenty of interesting pedals to see at this year's show, including these new Pilot pedals from VP. While not exactly heavy at 400 grams, VP has clearly put an emphasis on strength, ground clearance, and traction instead of battling for gram counter honours. The forged and CNC'd pedal body spins on sealed bearings, including a massive inboard bearing up against the crank arm, and sports seventeen sturdy pins per side.
Bell Full-9 full face
Bell's new Full-9 downhill helmet has the DNA of their popular moto lid, the Moto-9, but in a lighter and slimmed down package that won't have riders looking like a bobble head doll as the come down the trail. While Eurobike is the first official showing of the new helmet, Aaron Gwin has actually been wearing it during recent World Cup rounds, as well as an early prototype dubbed the 'Proto-9' internally, providing feedback as to what he wanted in a helmet. The result is a 1050 gram, carbon shelled full face with a number of interesting features. Retail price is set at $400 USD, and there are six sizes available that are built around three different shell sizes.
Bell's new Full-9 downhill helmet has the DNA of their popular moto lid, the Moto-9, but in a lighter and slimmed down package that won't have riders looking like a bobble head doll as the come down the trail. While Eurobike is the first official showing of the new helmet, Aaron Gwin has actually been wearing it during recent World Cup rounds, as well as an early prototype dubbed the 'Proto-9' internally, providing feedback as to what he wanted in a helmet. The result is a 1050 gram, carbon shelled full face with a number of interesting features. Retail price is set at $400 USD, and there are six sizes available that are built around three different shell sizes.
You'll count ten proper vents on the helmet's shell, as well as an overbrow system with three channels (opened up compared to the Moto-9) that sits just above the rider's goggles, but the real trickery is hidden inside. The helmet's cheek pads are held in place via three strong magnets per pad, allowing them to be easily pulled out for washing or to let the sweat dry out before the next run, but not fall out when pulling the helmet off. The removable cheek pads also let first responders slip the pads down and out, making it easy for them to remove the helmet without causing more damage if the worst does happen. With that in mind, Bell has also built-in a shallow depression into the inside of the shell that is designed to be fitted with the Eject Helmet Removal System (sold separately) that allows medics to pump air into a small bladder, lifting the helmet off of the rider's head without risking more damage to the neck or spine.
The Full-9 is CPSC, CE, and ASTM Downhill certified, but it also incorporates some neat features that have nothing to do with safety. Bell has included an integrated helmet camera mount that clicks into the lid's top vent, putting it in just the right spot for a proper perspective; no more Velcro straps or zip-ties required. We tinkered with it at the show and it is a clever unit, being both quickly removable when you don't want to film, as well as employing a breakaway element that will limit the chance of smashing your expensive camera when you do the scorpion into the ground. The Full-9 ships with removable mounts for both GoPro and Contour cameras. Inside you'll find built-in speaker pockets for headphones - perfect for those days when you'd rather listen to tunes than your buddies. A cable routing channel keeps everything tidy.
Bell Segment
Skate-style helmets are usually a simple affair that use a thick plastic shell around a foam interior; there isn't a ton going on with most. But Bell's new Segment is quite different from the status quo. The helmet takes its name from the segmented EPS foam construction, with multiple sections being allowed to move independently from one another as opposed to the usual one-piece construction. The segmented foam interior is combined with a slightly thinner than usual shell that flexes enough to allow the helmet to actually conform to the rider's head. Holding the Segment in your hands and squeezing the sides together reveals quite a bit of flex, especially when we did the same test back-to-back with their traditional Faction model.
Skate-style helmets are usually a simple affair that use a thick plastic shell around a foam interior; there isn't a ton going on with most. But Bell's new Segment is quite different from the status quo. The helmet takes its name from the segmented EPS foam construction, with multiple sections being allowed to move independently from one another as opposed to the usual one-piece construction. The segmented foam interior is combined with a slightly thinner than usual shell that flexes enough to allow the helmet to actually conform to the rider's head. Holding the Segment in your hands and squeezing the sides together reveals quite a bit of flex, especially when we did the same test back-to-back with their traditional Faction model.
We gave the Segment a quick test fit and have to admit that, at least on our head, it has a great fit. Pressure feels more even around the head when compared to a standard helmet, proving to us that the design certainly has something going for it. Bell's goal is to greatly improve the fit and comfort over the standard offerings while still keeping the traditional skate-style appearance on the outside, as well as meet the required safety standards (the Segment carries an ASTM F2031 BMX enhanced rating). Expect the 410 gram Segment to be available this coming February, with a retail price between $55 and 65$ depending on the model.
Bell Super
The third new helmet in Bell's 2013 lineup is the Super, a model aimed squarely at the enduro/super-d crowd, or any rider who is looking for a bit more protection than what a pure cross-country helmet offers. This isn't just a beefed-up XC lid, though, with it sporting a number of novel features that set it apart from the crowd. The most interesting of these is the clever goggle compatibility that uses an extension on the visor to keep the goggle's strap in check. The helmet's visor also pushes up on-the-go to allow the goggles to be placed on the front of the helmet when they aren't needed, on a long climb for example, to keep them from fogging up. Don't want to use the visor? No problem. Clips are included that attach at the visor mounting points, keeping the strap in place even if you aren't rocking a visor. The Super also employs a helmet camera mount (it isn't quite as dialled as the one used on the Full-9, though), as well as a vented overbrow section that compliments the helmet's twenty five other openings. The Super will be available in May for $125 USD.
Mid-travel Da Bomb
Da Bomb's EMP Attack employs a rocker link with two shock mounting positions for its X-Fusion damper, allowing the rider to pick from 4.7" or 5.4" of rear wheel travel. The rear end uses a conventional four-bar layout and a low main pivot, as well as a 12 x 142mm thru-axle dropout. The requisite tapered head tube and ISCG-05 chain guide tabs are also present, and the claimed weight for the frame is 3535 grams/7.8lbs - don't expect to be building up a sub-30lb bike based around the EMP Attack, but it should offer a solid ride. Da Bomb also offers a similar platform with 29" wheels, although it uses a non-adjustable shock mount that gives it 4.2" of travel, and standard, 135mm QR dropouts.
Slope style
With a drastically sloping top tube, short rear end, and burly-looking construction, the 100mm/4" Travel Revolution has been designed with slope style and dirt jump use in mind, although it still sports a direct mount front derailleur attachment point that would allow a rider to build it up as a solid trail bike. Da Bomb includes a clever shifter mount (that is also available separately) that bolts to the frame using bottle cage mounts, eliminating the shift cable from the equation when doing bar spins or tail whips.
HT Super Light Pedals
HT offers a massive range of pedals, with everything from nylon bodied jobs, to proper, DH-worthy models, and even some ridiculously light options. Weighing in at just 205 grams for the set, the pedals shown above certainly fit into that last category - 205 grams is less than half of what many other options on the market weigh. Will they last? Are they safe? We have no idea; these are only prototypes at this point, but given HT's lineup of seriously lightweight pedals, we wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if they not only make production, but also function just fine on the trail.
The prototype pedals, which have been given the typically HT-esque name 'ME-02T', feature a magnesium body that has been pared down to the minimum, including hollow sections milled through the leading and trailing edges of the body. Not surprisingly, a titanium axle has been utilized, along with HT's arrangement of a bushing at the inboard end and a small sealed bearing sitting outboard of the body at the opposite end.
Ultra-thin and still light
The 308 gram AE03T pedals shown above may not be quite as light as the ME-02T prototypes, but they still weigh less than nearly anything else on the market. There's more to them than just their low weight, though, with a body height of only 11mm. Internally, HT uses dual bushings combined with a small external sealed bearing at the end of the titanium axle. There is also a chromoly axle option that puts the AE03T pedals at a still svelte 352 grams for the set.
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It's rubbish, it doesn't bring anything new, it's supposed to be better than both the 26 and 29" wheels according to the manufacturers, yet why didn't anybody thought of it 10 years back when they announced the 26" would reign over mountain biking?
I'm fed up with this and tired of seeing magazines and website doing all that promotion ...
No offence PB, you're doing your job, but I just had it. And the "slightly" I used might actually be understated. Why can't we go back to good old 26", 3x9 drivetrains that worked brilliantly and that still do? My bikes are not going to see any of that in the near future ...
/rant off I guess ...
We didn't have clip in pedals. Straps are good enough.
We didn't have suspension. Big tires aregood enough.
We had quick release axles on DH bikes. Obviously good enough.
I assume you have tried the new wheels size? I assume that your opinion comes from experience and not just a stupid closed minded comment.
How many of you on pinkbike still run Rigid fixed gear bikes with 1 inch steerers and non oversize bars and seatposts with QR axles both ends with skinny 1.8 inch tyres on either end.
The answers is very few; new standards are there to improve cycling and most (if not all) of the pink bike members will use them and be grateful for them.
If you do however use all of the above on all your bikes, then I apologise for taking up your time reading this.
Now I know wheel size takes that debate to the next level but, if it makes my bike better I am all for it.
While I do not like 29inch bikes I am open to the 27.5 inch concept and would like to give one a go.
Also, 10 years ago, 29inch wheels would be so flexy it would be a useless concept in the same way 200mm travel would have been stupid 15 years ago.
I have sampled a 27.5 and a 29" bike, shortly yes, but long enough for me to say I don't need them nor want them. Didn't like how the 29" one felt (down to personnal taste I guess), and didn't see any difference between my 26s and the 27.5... The latter was presented to me like THE new thing of the century. Yeah right.
I can see why people prefer 29ers over 26ers even though I don't like it, but why the middle size? Difference is so narrow that most of us/you will never see the difference! People will get lost, shops will NEVER have enough stocks to have parts for 26, 27.5 and 29" wheels/tires/frames/components.
The only argument I see at the moment is that they had to find something new, so people would buy them "coz it's fancy". Yes like your grandpa saying all the time "t'was better before, son", yet that's how I understand it.
And you must admit, the press has been pretty much repeating what the brands' advertising brochures say...
Anyway that's kind of a pointless argument. You won't ever convince me to believe 27.5 is usefull and has any future (according to me, still), and I probably won't be able to convince you it's a stupid and useless wheel size.
As for the post, I NEVER said I wanted internal routing (too few frames would take it ... starting with mines
As for the XFusion fork, their Vengeance is like a RS Domain, just much lighter (good point!). Which is a veeeeery basic fork, without any compression tune, and it is really lacking. And that is what I said, the Vengeance R is rubbish on its own, but get the HLR version and you have something "more than decent" to quote myself ...
Anything else? And you're right, the companies behind the 650B business will not have me as a customer.
Last thing: "manufacturers cater their products to meet demand among a MAJORITY of riders" errrrrmmm no, I don't think so. I am definitely NOT the majority (lucky you! hehe), but the vaste majority of riders ride wallmart-category bikes and definitely do not need 27.5" wheels. And I believe the road market is coming next in number of bikes sold. XC should be coming after, yes.
it?! There was the Niner company, fkn Gary Fisher ugly sht, completely available, somehow majority did no give a sht about 29ers until someone decided, lets shovel it down their asses and throats.
This DH650B bike in the link below is going to change how people approach World Cup racing, and events like the Red Bull Rampage. Logan Binggeli will be competing at the Rampage on this bike. STAY TUNED!!
WE LOVE THE 650B wheel-size - IT IS COMPARABLY THE BEST!!!
www.pinkbike.com/photo/8577720
check this out, this is the future just add kashima and your set!
toasttowanderlust.tumblr.com/post/13472676705
And there damn well was a demand in the past few years... its high time the delusional folks on here woke up to reality that DH bikes may have in the past driven suspension technology, but lighter bikes built with alternative materials, tubeless tires, index shifting, better wheels, better tire compounds, and more... that's all because of cross country trail riding. And the same goes with 29ers and 650Bs. 29ers alone already account for more total worldwide sales than all gravity-oriented forms of mountain bikes combined. All the stuff the children on here think is the be-all / end-all of the bicycle world. Chump change to the people who actually run bike stores and to the actual majority of riders who buy bikes. You want to continue living in the past. Terrific. Stay out of the way of those of us who want to embrace the future.
Walk into most shops in this country and the bike that is most likely missing is a DH bike. Of the 12 shops here in Eagle county Colorado maybe 2 have DH bikes for sale and that's when they sell their rentals.
What many of you don't understand is the greatest thing about 650b is that you dont notice much difference while riding it compaired to your 26" bike. The reality sets in Once you ride all the wheel sizes side by side then the winner is obvious.
Us Trail Riders control the market we make up Over 80% of all Mountain bikes sold over $1000.00 dollars.
650b Will Out Sell All Other Wheel Sizes in less than 5 years.
You Will see many manufactures eliminate 26 or 29" wheeled bikes from their line up. Some already are.
I also believe DH will switch to 650b and someday you will all wonder why somebody didn't do it sooner.
The mentality of more is better, exclusively more choice is better, is the mentality of "Greed is good" And heh I look into the future, I realize that all I am buying as used now is most probably gonna fit my bike but there's less and less of such stuff. It gets hard already to buy a used fork that fits my frame. I welcome you to a visualization of max 5 years forward when you will want to buy something use to save money and nothing will fkng fit!
Future for f*cks sake - maybe you will loose your job? - are you sure about your real life, offline offbike F U T U R E when everyone loans money - your money from your account! - to buy stupid shit they don't need but they are teased by companies to buy it. You might want a cheap used Reba RLC, 15mm axle, tapered steerer, to replace one you just broke - sorry only 1.25 straight with 20mm axle on ebay!!!
If innovation were truly driving the changes in wheel size, then we wouldn't see the industry try to sell EVERYONE on 29er, (when 27.5 WAS an option) and then after converting everyone to 29er, come out and say 27.5 is the latest greatest. 27.5 isn't new this year. If innovation were driving the changes in wheel size, we'd be seeing real innovation, like companies who stand up and say, for example, that it doesn't make sense for people of different sizes to ride the exact same bikes but with a longer or shorter frame. If they were really trying to serve us, they'd admit that it really only makes sense that many of the parts on the bike would vary in size, not just the frame. The stem, the handlebars, the crank arms, the seatpost, the pedals, and the wheels.
True innovation would mean that I, at 6' 3", could buy a Trek Session that in all aspects fits me in direct proportion to how Aaron Gwin's bike fits him perfectly. Wheels and all, with no loss of strength or anything. Now THAT would be something.
Breaking the bike is also good - you will spend money for a new part. More broken bikes, more alive is the industry. Breaking the hand on trail is good as well, the worse the better - it gives job for the rescue team, hospital personel gets job, hospital gets money to run itself, maybe if enough people would break themselves in Whistler some homeless guy could get a job as a ganitor. Then pharmaceutical company gets money for painkillers and ti screws, plates and other stuff. More people getting cancer is good as well as it moves the research faster, so maybe when I get it I will have a higher chance to live
Be else, join us
Just like any other industry: Innovate or Die
I am on my way to buy a 29er, i have dropper post, 1x10, 15mm Fox, but enough is enough 27.5 fk... just like Giant and their 1.25 steerer. Please someone who rides 10speed that it is so much better than 9sp. But it's not enough, the 11 speed dick is on the way to our mouths and asses, they even managed to fk up that, you don't want to buy our front mechs and shifters? then swallow that instead, take it deep - give me a 11-38 9sp cassette and then after 2 years comparison of sales numbers on 9, 10 and 11 speed drivetrains.
It's way bigger than the bike industry. Most developed nations are driven by consumption: The idea that having more/better will make us happy. It's not true. The more you feed the beast, the bigger the belly gets.
That said, I still enjoy reading about the newest stuff on Pinkbike. I've just learning not to let a desire for it eat up all my time and money. I may spend more on bikes than the average person, but that's a faulty comparison. They spend more than me on whatever their hobby is. I drive old cars, have no cable, make my own lunch every day, etc. And in the last five years I haven't bought a single significant bike part at less than a 35% discount usually more like 40% or 50%. I absolutely could not afford to do it any other way. And there are a lot of riders who ride older, cheaper bikes than me, and they have just as much fun and most of them ride better than I do!
Welcome to reality: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_obsolescence
Why do you think they always push the "this is the best ever" marketing on everything, even very minor upgrades? I'm not denying that some innovations really changed the biking world for the best... but a lot of the stuff coming out today isn't worth our time/money as far as im concerned.
I'm guilty as well! That shit got to me as well! I really wish I could want less, they say if you can imagine it, you can do it, but how to imagine less...
Its no different than steel being replaced with aluminum, then carbon. The weight went down, strength went up, and people thought they needed what the pros use. It is possible to make a steel bike as light and strong as a carbon one, but it would cost more than the carbon one.
Ploutre: you clearly haven't ridden a 27.5/650B bike have you... They are vastly better then 29" bikes in all but the roughest terrain (but they can have more travel so...) and they're still greatly manuverable like a 26" bike. The rims seem to hold up better then the current crop of 29" rims and they don't feel nearly as slugish as 29" wheels when you try to get them up to speed. Personaly when the Norco Range 650B comes out I'll be giving it a very strong look. If people were as short-sighted as you were we'd all still be riding 40-50lb. rigid, steel bikes with index shifters... There have been some stupid attempts at "innovation" over the years, 650B isn't one of them...
@deeeight, I'm not saying 650b was an option to the consumer, but it was an option for the industry to push it, just like they did 29. Just seems like a pretty quick turnaround for something so significant as wheel size.
Would anyone really put a front mech on a SS frame? even if you were using it for trials, 9 speed rear would do the job without that nasty attachment sticking out like that.
Gwin helmet? It don't look anything like the red bull helmets he's rockin right now!
I saw a guy at Whistler last year who had hand painted his helmet to get the Gwin/Semenuck etc Red Bull look. Didn't know whether to laugh at, or cry for the guy.
But the Kraken came out 3 years ago.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po4peq_PkAk
...or is it the other way around?
www.astroeng.com.tw/products.asp