Prototypes, New Parts, and More - Eurobike 2013
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Transition had a prototype version of their TR450 on display that featured several changes and refinements over the current version. A new hydroformed tubeset and forged links are being used on the revised bike, which gives it a more modern, swoopy look, and should shed around 400 grams off the overall frame weight. The new bike gains adjustable travel, allowing it to be set at either 180 or 200mm. The chainstay length can also be adjusted, and there is a flip chip at the top of the rear swing arm that can be used for even more geometry changes. Tentative geometry figures put the head angle at 63.5 or 63 degrees, and the chainstay length at 435 or 442mm. This level of adjustability lets the new TR450 be set up as everything from a mini-DH or park bike (a roll formerly held by the TR250, a bike Transition will not be producing for 2014), all the way to a full-on DH race bike. Plus, the new bike should be able to run 27.5" wheels for riders who want to give the mid-sized wheels a try. Other frame changes include the addition of integrated bump stops along with internal cable routing. Colors: grey, green, orange.
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 The refined linkage has two mounting positions for the rear shock to change the amount of travel, and the suspension curve has been changed to make for a more consistent feeling throughout the entire shock stroke. The tapered headtube has a spot for internal cable routing, and integrated bump stops help protect the frame and fork from damage. |
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| There were a number of Anvl components hanging off of the prototype Transition TR450, including a direct mount stem, flat pedals, and a complete wheelset. The ARC Direct Mount stem fits bars with a 35mm center diameter, and is claimed to weigh in at 110 grams with hardware. The 6061 aluminum ANVL tilt pedal is 14mm thick and is designed so that the foot sits evenly without being tilted up by the bearing bump that extremely thin pedals often have near the crankarm. |
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| The Covert 27.5's head angle is 66 degrees, almost a degree slacker than the 26" version of the all-mountain machine. (The 26" version will still be available). Chainstay length remains unchanged at 430mm, but the seat tube height has been lowered to better accommodate dropper posts. Plus, for the vertically gifted riders out there, an XL size has been added to the lineup. |
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| And then there was this. Eurobike is full of the latest and greatest cycling gear, but there's also every kind of oddball contraption imaginable. Shocks? Check. Pegs? Check. Jet pack? Well, no, but that battery pack sure looks like one. |
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Morewood had a prototype bike of their own, displaying a 650B version of their Makulu downhill race bike. The 650B prototype had Fox's 40 Air RC2 up front, and a DHX RC4 in the back. One of the original limiting factors to creating a raceable 650B downhill bikes was the lack of suitable tires, but that's beginning to change, and Morewood had the prototype shod in Schwalbe's Magic Mary tire, a tire that's certainly capable of handling DH racing. The tires were mounted up to Spank's newly released 650 Spike Race28 wheels. Price (frame w/ BOS Void): €2,999.
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| It may look complicated, but at its heart the Makulu is still a single pivot, using what Morewood calls their Low Leverage Advantage, which is a pull link that activates the rear shock. Using this link allows Morewood to tune the suspension curve to their liking without altering the wheel path. |
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| Spank's Spike Race stem is available in 35mm or 50mm lengths with zero rise, and in a new polished color. For 2014, the classic Spike 777 handlebar gets a new graphic and additional length, taking it up to 800mm. Guide lines are printed on the bar so riders can trim the bar to suit their needs. |
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| ONeal's 2014 graphics are a throwback to the company's moto heritage, featuring 1970's style graphics combined with a modern fit and fabric. The Ultra Lite LE70 jersey (center) retails for 49.90 Euros. |
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| Dartmoor had a limited edition version of their Cody dirt jump frame on display. The 'petrol coating' finish made it look like the frame had just been pulled from a pool of oil. Made from 4130 Cro-Mo, the Cody has a Spanish BB, integrated seat post clamp and a Campy style integrated headset. |
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| Garmin is best known for their GPS tracking devices, but the company is entering the helmet camera market with the VIRB. The VIRB is waterproof, has digital image stabilization and can record in 1080p at 30fps, but what makes it stand out from other cameras is the integration of an altimeter, accelerometer and GPS in the VIRB Elite. In addition, the camera can be paired with other Garmin products to record heart rate, temperature and cadence. With the Red Bull Rampage approaching, it'd be pretty interesting to watch an athlete's footage while viewing their speed and heart rate as they're backflipping over a huge canyon gap. MSRP: VIRB $299.99 USD, VIRB Elite $399.99 USD. |
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| Dirty is part of Selle San Marco, a company with a long history in the world of bike saddles. Dirty's focus is on the downhill, all-mountain, and enduro race markets. The Native Pro (left) measures 277x131mm and with carbon rails weighs in at only 159 grams. The company has been working with Cedric Gracia since 2007, and his own signature seat, the Zero Cedric Gracia, is a 165 gram, carbon railed seat that's slightly wider and shorter than the Native. Both seats retail for 139.90 Euros. Dirty also has a slopestyle/dirt jump seat called the Tricky with steel rails for extra durability, and an MSRP of 44.90 Euros. |
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| Last season, Bell introduced the Full 9 and the Super, their high-end full face and all-mountain helmets. For 2014, the technology found in those two helmets trickles down to a lower price point in the form of the Transfer 9 full face helmet and the Stoker all-mountain lid. The Transfer 9 has a fiberglass shell and Bell's Overbrow ventilation system. It doesn't have an integrated camera mount like its big brother, but it does come with breakaway camera mounts that can be stuck onto it. MSRP: $200 USD. The Stoker offers extended coverage at the back of the head, and weighs in at only 320 grams. Claimed weight: 1200g. MSRP: $65 USD. |
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| Lake jumping is guaranteed to draw a crowd, and with riders showing this kind of technique, who wouldn't want to watch? |
Stay tuned for more coverage from Eurobike 2013.
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http://www.leafcycles.eu/uploads/pics/leafcycles_psycedelic_haze_750_2_01.jpg
It was ugly when ford used it and it s ugly now......
Very good tool. Shows u where to push/rest.
Used by special ops/military as well.
What.