First Look: DVO, Fizik, Funn - Taipei Show 2014
DVO Suspension
![photo]()
Already available in a 26" version, the Emerald inverted DH fork will also be available for 27.5" inch wheels.
2014 seems to be the year of the 27.5" downhill bike, and prototypes from nearly every major manufacturer have been spotted as the first race of the World Cup season in Pietermaritzbug, South Africa, draws closer. Keeping up with the growing market, DVO had the 27.5" version of their Emerald fork on display, fresh off the assembly line. As would be expected, the internals are the same as what is found on the 26" Emerald, and the fork uses an air sprung, inverted design with adjustable rebound, high and low speed compression, and an external negative spring preload adjustment. To make the fork fit the larger wheel size, the Carbon Torsion Arch (CTA) and the lower crown have been altered to provide more clearance. The fork's offset has also been changed to maintain the same ride feel as the 26" version.
![DVO Diamond lowers]()
DVO also had a few sets of magnesium lowers for their Diamond single crown fork, a fork we first spotted a prototype of at last year's Eurobike tradeshow. The exact internal configuration of the fork hasn't been finalized, but it will be air-sprung with up to 160mm of travel and many of the same features as the Emerald (except the inverted design), and be available for both 26" and 27.5" wheels. The fork is expected to enter full production in the next few months.
www.dvosuspension.com
Funn Components
![Funn 35mm direct mount 2014]()
The number of 35mm diameter handlebar offerings and their corresponding stems are gradually increasing, and Funn is the latest component manufacturer to get behind the new "standard." Of course, nothing in the mountain bike industry is ever standard - just look at the number of headset, bottom bracket, and rear hub options, but there does seem to be a growing demand for this larger handlebar size. Funn's Fatboy handlebar will be their first 35mm offering, along with a direct mount stem, the RSX 35. A non-direct mount stem will also be available as well. Final pricing and spec are still to be determined, but the handlebar that was on display measured in at 785mm wide.
![Funn Mamba clipless pedal 2014]()
First unveiled at Eurobike, Funn's new Mamba SPD-style clipless pedal is aimed towards DH and all-mountain riders looking for a pedal with a wider platform. A DU bushing, needle bearing, and a sealed cartridge bearing are found inside the pedal's 6061 aluminum body, and up to 4 traction pins can be screwed into each side of the pedal. The Mamba's claimed weight is 590 grams per pair for the double sided version, and 530 grams per pair for the single sided version. Colors: black, grey, red, blue, orange. Pricing is still TBD.
www.funnmtb.com
Fizik
![fi zi k 2014 M3 shoe Thar saddle]()
Fizik's M3 is the Italian company's new high-end clipless pedal shoe designed with light weight and stiffness in mind. The M3 has a carbon outsole with a replaceable heal, and an aluminum ratcheting buckle plus two hook-and-loop straps for retention. The outer portion of the toe is made from a scratch resistant leather, and a nylon mesh is used elsewhere to further save weight. MSRP: $250 EUR.
The placard next to the Thar saddle is what first caught our eye, boldly proclaiming 'Designed for 29."' A 29er specific saddle? Really? As it turns out, once explained, Fizik's statement does make some sense. The saddle has been designed with longer rails than usual, giving riders 2.5cm more adjustment, and the shape has also been modified to make it easier for riders to get further forward on the saddle. The reasoning is that the geometry of 29ers can shift riders' weight too far back on their bikes, and the Thar saddle is designed to help counteract this. Wheels size claims aside, we could see this saddle being useful now that bikes with longer top tubes are becoming more popular. By being able to shift the seat further forward, riders can maintain a comfortable climbing position, yet still take advantage of the stability that a longer toptube can bring on the descents. Weight: 195g, MSRP: $139 EUR.
www.fizik.com
Stay tuned for more from the 2014 Taipei Cycle Show
2014 seems to be the year of the 27.5" downhill bike, and prototypes from nearly every major manufacturer have been spotted as the first race of the World Cup season in Pietermaritzbug, South Africa, draws closer. Keeping up with the growing market, DVO had the 27.5" version of their Emerald fork on display, fresh off the assembly line. As would be expected, the internals are the same as what is found on the 26" Emerald, and the fork uses an air sprung, inverted design with adjustable rebound, high and low speed compression, and an external negative spring preload adjustment. To make the fork fit the larger wheel size, the Carbon Torsion Arch (CTA) and the lower crown have been altered to provide more clearance. The fork's offset has also been changed to maintain the same ride feel as the 26" version.
DVO had the lowers for their upcoming Diamond all-mountain / enduro fork on display.
DVO also had a few sets of magnesium lowers for their Diamond single crown fork, a fork we first spotted a prototype of at last year's Eurobike tradeshow. The exact internal configuration of the fork hasn't been finalized, but it will be air-sprung with up to 160mm of travel and many of the same features as the Emerald (except the inverted design), and be available for both 26" and 27.5" wheels. The fork is expected to enter full production in the next few months.
www.dvosuspension.com
Funn Components
Funn is expanding their 35mm lineup, with a direct mount stem and versions of their Fatboy handlebar in the works.
The number of 35mm diameter handlebar offerings and their corresponding stems are gradually increasing, and Funn is the latest component manufacturer to get behind the new "standard." Of course, nothing in the mountain bike industry is ever standard - just look at the number of headset, bottom bracket, and rear hub options, but there does seem to be a growing demand for this larger handlebar size. Funn's Fatboy handlebar will be their first 35mm offering, along with a direct mount stem, the RSX 35. A non-direct mount stem will also be available as well. Final pricing and spec are still to be determined, but the handlebar that was on display measured in at 785mm wide.
Funn's Mamba clipless pedal.
First unveiled at Eurobike, Funn's new Mamba SPD-style clipless pedal is aimed towards DH and all-mountain riders looking for a pedal with a wider platform. A DU bushing, needle bearing, and a sealed cartridge bearing are found inside the pedal's 6061 aluminum body, and up to 4 traction pins can be screwed into each side of the pedal. The Mamba's claimed weight is 590 grams per pair for the double sided version, and 530 grams per pair for the single sided version. Colors: black, grey, red, blue, orange. Pricing is still TBD.
www.funnmtb.com
Fizik
Fizik's M3 shoe and Thar saddle.
Fizik's M3 is the Italian company's new high-end clipless pedal shoe designed with light weight and stiffness in mind. The M3 has a carbon outsole with a replaceable heal, and an aluminum ratcheting buckle plus two hook-and-loop straps for retention. The outer portion of the toe is made from a scratch resistant leather, and a nylon mesh is used elsewhere to further save weight. MSRP: $250 EUR.
The placard next to the Thar saddle is what first caught our eye, boldly proclaiming 'Designed for 29."' A 29er specific saddle? Really? As it turns out, once explained, Fizik's statement does make some sense. The saddle has been designed with longer rails than usual, giving riders 2.5cm more adjustment, and the shape has also been modified to make it easier for riders to get further forward on the saddle. The reasoning is that the geometry of 29ers can shift riders' weight too far back on their bikes, and the Thar saddle is designed to help counteract this. Wheels size claims aside, we could see this saddle being useful now that bikes with longer top tubes are becoming more popular. By being able to shift the seat further forward, riders can maintain a comfortable climbing position, yet still take advantage of the stability that a longer toptube can bring on the descents. Weight: 195g, MSRP: $139 EUR.
www.fizik.com
Stay tuned for more from the 2014 Taipei Cycle Show
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the logo before was beveled, embossed and drop shadowed
It does limit some figment, but of you're spending that coin on a fork, you should have lots for a new frme.
Now go ride your bike!
I've been involved in suspension designs since day one so if it's happened I've seen it. Truthfully since I design suspension I'd rather see the head tube get ripped off. As we've done for years, we've chased the break. Tapered steer tube, not my break to chase. Cheers!
I think between 140-160 would be the most widely accepted for riders that would be looking at a fork of this caliber. If it was available in this full range, and easily adjustable via a spacer or other method that would not diminish peroformance in any way, then that would be most ideal. If thats too much range to be feasable, then 140-150. If one travel option only, then I'm kind of torn between 140 or 150, but think 150 would be the safer option from your perspective. If two models with different travel, probably a 120, and a 150 would play well with the largest number of bikes that would benefit from such a fork.
Sooo to answer your question...lol
Minimum: 100/120
Maximum: 150
One option only: Either 140 or 150
I think most bike brands were designing around a 140mm fork as a base because that was the best and the most of what was available for a long travel 29er fork. Isnt the new 29er Pike up to 150mm? I think there is a new Niner that runs a150mm.
The Santa Cruz Tallboy LT/LTC (my bike) was designed to utilize either a 140or 150, but comes stock with 140.
A Range of 120-140 would probably cover the most number of bikes available right now, but that range would limit the useable adjustability of the bikes it went onto, and stopping at 140 might limit what bikes it can go on in the future. Especially considering the intended terrain and style of who might be into such a fork. Cedric would probably love the ability to go up to 160mm huh? ;-) If I remember correctly he used the Tallboy LTC last year in one of the enduro races. Hope he is healing up fast so he can continue working with you guys on product development!
I would go with the first model being 130-150 for being more conservative, or 140-160 for being more future proof
If a shorter travel model was being looked at later on then 100-120 would be perfect.