Randoms - iceBike* Show 2018

Feb 20, 2018
by Ross Bell  
Madison's Clothing Range

Coming into 2018 the changes to Madison's clothing range are largely updated colourways and designs. The Flux range has seen a bib liner short with storage capacity added, while the Alpine series sees the biggest overhaul thanks to Danny Hart joining the Madison Saracen fold, this has seen new lighter weight fabrics chosen. The shorts have added stretch ribs while still retaining the same fastenings, the jersey gets a new collar design which is flatter with Hart's neck brace in mind.

icebike 2018
New colourways and graphics across the board.

icebike 2018
Fairly neutral and muted in tone, there isn't anything too flashy here.

icebike 2018
The new Flux Bib Liners offer room for a bottle, and storage for things such as snacks, all accessible on the fly.
icebike 2018
The new flat mesh collar keeps Danny's neck brace sitting comfortably.


Lazer Helmets

Lazer had their full range of cycling helmets on display, including an update to the screws on their Revolution full face enduro helmet with its removable chin guard. These are now a lot more user friendly.

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The Lazer Phoenix is a good value entry level model, retailing for 69.99 GBP.
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The high end carbon MX7 is what the Saracen Team will race on the World Cups in 2018.

icebike 2018
The new and more user friendly screws, the previous versions needed tools.


Pearl Izumi's Apparel

Pearl Izumi had their recently released X-Alp Launch shoe on show which is their first flat pedal shoe, it features a Vibram sole and is also available for clips. Their MTB clothing range has seen plenty of new colours and styles added across both the men's and women's ranges, a new lightweight mesh 'Launch' jersey is a newcomer to the lineup as well as their lightweight and waterproof WXP short, which according to Pearl Izumi features a 'textured 2 and a half layer fabric' which will keep the material off your skin and prevent you from overheating.

icebike 2018
The X-Alp is the Pearl Izumi's first flat pedal shoe.
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Traction is provided by a Vibram rubber sole.

icebike 2018
The Versa Quilted Hoodie is 'designed for on the bike use with off the bike styling. It retails for just under 200 GBP.
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The textured fabric designed to lift the material off your skin and keep you from overheating.

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Plenty of fresh designs added to the portfolio.
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Saracen's Offerings

Saracen has had a busy off-season that included signing one of the biggest names in downhill, Danny Hart, and they have also recently added a new bike to their portfolio. The Traverse is a small travel 29er, featuring 100mm rear and 120mm travel on the front. It has an alloy front triangle and carbon rear end which features 'Flex Stay' Technology to reduce weight, it is available in one spec and retails just shy of £3k.

icebike 2018
The all-new Saracen Traverse shares the same looks as it's bigger brothers, the Kili Flyer, Ariel, and Myst.

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It sports 100mm of rear travel from a FOX Float DPS Shock.
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The carbon layup on the rear triangle has allowed them to keep it brace and strut free and therefore lighter

icebike 2018
Inspiring the next generation with the 'Capsule Collection', balance bikes available in the team colourways.
icebike 2018
Saracen also brought their new Ariel e bike to the party.

icebike 2018
The Saracen Ariel LT.

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The Saracen Myst.


Genesis' Hardtails

Another UK brand fielding their bikes at the show was locally-based Genesis. They had their Mantle and Tarn on display, the first their 'out of the box race bike' and the latter their trail hardtail available in steel and in a titanium frame only version. Both looked like well thought out frames with good features and wide compatibility for a broad range of riders and uses.

icebike 2018
The full build with XT is just shy of 10kg. They are boost front and rear so can be run a 27.5+ trail bike with a 120mm fork.

icebike 2018
It can be bought as a frame only option too.
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Their Titanium Tarn certainly drew our eye in the Shimano booth decked out with XTR.


Shimano & PRO

Shimano wasn't fielding anything new but it did give us a chance to get another look and sniff around the GR7, the GR9, and the fresh pedal offerings they brought to the table over the past year. Although there were a few rumours swirling about a new / updated group set in the pipeline...

icebike 2018
The GR7 and GR9 are available to buy already and come in both flat and SPD versions.
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Shimano worked with Michelin on the rubber compound on the sole.

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The Saint flats with the oh so stubby pins...
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... and the newish Saint SPDs.

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PRO's Koryak seatpost is still only available in a 120mm drop version although it sounds like some bigger drops are on the way.
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The new FRS bars have been given updated graphics.


Drool Over Park Tool

As ever at the Park Tool stand all you can do is stare in envy. We all dream of having our garage walls covered in their blue. As well as plenty of tweaks to their existing products, Park Tool have also come up with some fresh offerings like their new THS-1 Trailhead Workstation.

icebike 2018
The Trailhead Workstation gives the user a solid platform to work on and can be mounted to walls or a post can be supplied if necessary.
icebike 2018
Turning your local trailhead to 11, the stand is also weather-resistant.

icebike 2018
A tool for every occasion.
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Numbers on various tools have been updated to be more hard-wearing.


DT Swiss Widening Rims & Hub Cutaway

DT Swiss have widened their rims across the board, growing to a 30mm internal width on both their enduro and carbon XMC wheelsets. This was an important step for them with demand in their enduro products booming. Their XCR1200 wheels also grew and are now a 25mm internal width.

icebike 2018
Ever wondered what the inside of a DT Swiss hub looked like? Now you know.
icebike 2018
The rims got wider across the board.


Continental Freshen Mountain King, Other Compounds and Carcass Get Updated

Conti had their new Mountain King tread design on the stand which was developed with the Focus Team in Germany. They have updated carcass designs as well as a new Black Chili compound and the rubber across the range now fits better on wider rims.

icebike 2018
The new Mountain King, apparently subtle changes to lug angles and spacing throughout the development have transformed the tire.
icebike 2018
The wider range has also seen updates to the carcass and compounds.



Bliss Protection

The loud banging noise that could be heard throughout the hall was actually the Bliss guys trying to hit their hand with a hammer while wrapped in their protective material, showing how it hardens on impact. They had their new enduro knee pad on display. It's longer, lighter, and more breathable, and it has already taken an EWS win in the hands of Greg Callaghan.

icebike 2018
The soft and easily mould-able material hardens instantly on impact.
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The longer and lighter enduro pad has already had racing success in the EWS.


Dragon Alliance Goggles

The Madison Saracen Team have been running the NFX2 goggles for a good few seasons now. These goggles have an injected polycarbonate lenses and a quick 'Swiftlock' system which makes swapping lenses super efficient. Dragon have also just launched a new MXV range to suit a variety of price points, these share the same accessories such as lenses and tear-offs, a roll off system is available. The goggles range in price from £34.99 (MXV) up to £134.99 (NFX2).

icebike 2018
  The new MXV range is available in 3 models and price points and in a variety of colourways.

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A roll off system is available for those wet and muddy days.
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The lenses on the NFX2 goggles are super easy to swap out.

MENTIONS: @rossbellphoto


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101 Comments
  • 123 11
 Stop showing us Saracens! We can't get them in the US and it's frustrating!
  • 31 3
 Missing out x
  • 21 1
 I bet you could figure out a way to get one if you really tried. Or maybe it’s time for a European vacation.
  • 4 1
 You can, I think there is a place in Nevada if I remember. They advertise in the buy and sell.
  • 5 1
 For sure you can! thebikebondsman.com/product/2017-saracen-myst-x-frame
  • 4 2
 We should probably veil those Saracens so that we dont covet what we cannot have.
  • 1 2
 So pretty!
  • 1 2
 Ride yer Hyper bikes.
  • 25 0
 @slumgullion: Get friendly with someone in the UK, get them to buy your Saracen bike then ship it to you. Give them £20 for the hassle or your sisters mobile number. Jobs a good un.
  • 2 1
 @seraph I think there are a few UK retailers who ship overseas. AFAIK Tweeks Cycles ship bikes to the US, not sure if they'll do Saracen but worth dropping them an email to see if they can sort you out!
  • 1 2
 @lawman91: the problem is the customs charges with shipping to the states.
  • 5 5
 Unior tools piss all over Park Tool for quality.
  • 2 0
 @seraph Drop us a line our email sales@thebikebondsman.com this way we can better understand your needs.
  • 4 0
 @doe222: We take care of the customs charges also
  • 1 0
 @lawman91 @redbaronmulisha

You would really have to want a Saracen to do this though, need a warranty and you are stuffed / sending back to the UK and then there is the import taxes and customs.

The new Saracen range looks nice but there are a lot of nice bikes out there, most of which you dont need to import from the other side of the world.
  • 2 1
 @Racer951:

I agree with the warranty stuff but those are things I would check before I bought something. I ordered 3 mondraker's from Europe without issues. Everything was covered and when I broke a rear end it took 4 days to get one from Europe. Much better than most brands that are established here, like Trek.
  • 1 0
 We ship to the US buddy! And let me tell you ... I’ve owned the old Ariel and two Kili’s and they’re awesome . Just finished building my own Custom Kili X Frameset ! ???????? Velocity bike store in Galway . Look us up or message us on Facebook ????????
  • 1 0
 We ship to the US buddy! And let me tell you ... I’ve owned the old Ariel and two Kili’s and they’re awesome . Just finished building my own Custom Kili X Frameset ! ???????? Velocity bike store in Galway . Look us up or message us on Facebook ???????? @PHeller:
  • 27 0
 Come on Shimano! That’s not the Saint SPD pedal we want, and you know it. Dig around in the basement, find the drawings for the 646 and make us a fresh batch
  • 37 0
 The flat pedal is also kinda disappointing. It's almost as thick as the old Easton Flatboys from 15 years ago.
  • 10 0
 @seraph: seriously. that thing is huge, I wonder if we will soon see an advertisement about how thicker is actually better.
  • 5 0
 You can still buy them brand new - because that's what I am using! Just they are sold by Keywin not Shimano (www.keywin.com/shop.php?ln=MTB-Downhill-Pedals_link00200003828151113104700067400000000)
  • 9 0
 @rwb500: Thats what she said. Leaving.
  • 1 0
 When I was a kid, many, many years ago, I remember Shamano came out with the DX BMX flat pedal. Revolutionary at the time. This seems like the same pedal with shorter pins. Shimano can do better than this. @rwb500:
  • 20 1
 Another year another picture of the pizza tool
  • 2 0
 Wonder how it rides? Smile
  • 13 1
 Not the same. Look closely, it has Boost and 28.99.... Cutting edge Tech for sho.
  • 20 2
 I wish that I wasn't too poor to buy new bike stuff
  • 4 0
 Right there with you Frown
  • 1 4
 get a loan.... that's probably what i will do...
  • 14 0
 I wish Park would bring back there BBQ set. I love mine and would love to have them in the shop! Come on Park, give the people what they want!! The best spatula ever!!
  • 7 0
 The drunkest I've ever been was from Park's original blender and their special Margarita mix. Remember that?
  • 4 0
 No but I wish I did!!!
  • 2 0
 @Ryanrobinson1984: If you remember it, then obviously you weren't that drunk.
  • 12 0
 So......new tread and new compound eh Conti? But will your tires still tear at the mere sight of coarse granite?
  • 8 0
 I managed to not tear my Mountain King, however before I could wear the tread out the sidewall threads frayed so badly that the tire couldn't hold its shape any more and in some spots the tire leaned to the side enough to rub on my fork
  • 2 0
 @showmethemountains: Agreed. I have had good success with Conti Trail Kings until the sidewalls would fail, well before tread wear was an issue. Went through 5 or 6 tires before I gave up on them. Hoping the new casings resolve this issue. I guess time will tell.
  • 1 0
 I never got the positive reviews of those 2.4 Rubber Queen/Mountain Kind Ballon tires. Too much volume for too little tread and as you write often torn sidewalls... I've been on a Minion DFH+Agressor combo for a year now and the difference is simply spectacular...recently rode then my wife's bike with Conti's and I swear I've never felt so uncertain of tire grip as in those 2 hours...
  • 1 0
 "subtle" changes... I can't see any resemblance, a new dynasty?
i keep coming back to Conti, particularly the MKIIs. not sure why. sidewalls flog out before tread even suggests its ageing. X-kings are the opposite, they are generally on the smaller side for values stated accept maybe the Trail King (rubber queen) and Race King but my last TK UST had significant wobble from the box and i found the RK too light to handle by brutish tendancies
hope they're upped their game
  • 1 0
 Had a pair of black chili trail kings that I’d put on my old 26” XC HT bike that I use mostly for commuting. (Its currently in my spray booth getting refinished and with ghost flames because everyone needs ghost flames on their commuter!) anyway my commute involves mixed bike path and single track. Those Contis let go every single time they hit a wet root. Jumping up onto a wooden bridge creek crossing when wet my heart always in my mouth with those tires. Good for an added adrenaline rush on your way to work I guess but actual trail grip??? Nope. One thing they do grab really well is dry rocks. That’s about it. Not my favorite tire. Never understood the hype.
  • 1 1
 Have you ever pinch flatted a tubeless tire? It's supposed to be "nearly impossible" but I did it twice. Happened on a DH bike of all things with plush suspension. I had set the tires up tubeless (ghetto at that, so there was an extra layer of protection between rim and tire) about a week before taking the bike to my local bike park. First lap of the day, on a section of single track with a few small rocks I hit one and heard the dreaded "pssssss." Looking down at my tire, the sidewall had torn off the bead. Whatever. Walk down, throw on an old tire and tube and head back up. Second lap. EXACT SAME ROCK. Rear tire does the EXACT SAME THING! Don't have a spare tire left, day is over. Both tires had held air well for a week and lasted down a few mellow test laps. I think I was running about 30 psi in both, so plenty of air for the set up.

Tires I was using? Conti Mountain Kings. Never bought Conti again.
  • 4 0
 @MortifiedPenguin: those aren't DH tires...what were you expecting?
  • 2 0
 @ReformedRoadie: My local bike park has 1 good trail, which can be ridden on a hardtail easily. I guess I should have clarified that. In fact, I have ridden it multiple times on a hardtail and even hit the same rock section without issue.
  • 1 0
 @MortifiedPenguin: maybe it was the trail telling you to get off a dh bike if you can ride the trail on a ht Smile
  • 1 0
 @MortifiedPenguin: Whats your rim setup? BTW blown out side walls before any thread wear is Conti thing, it's cause of black chili that stuff is a die hard. But carcasses had issues, I wanna try new tires this year and see for how long they will stay straight.
  • 1 0
 @b-wicked: can't remember. Wideish dh rims.
  • 1 0
 @MortifiedPenguin: My friend had punctured Trail king protection tire with stans rim. But their rims have sharp thin walls so it was easy.
  • 2 0
 @b-wicked: these were old non tubeless rims with a inner tube over the bead. No way they caused the flat.
  • 5 0
 There are a few theories that concussions are often caused rapid rotating of the head (hence mips)... those finger screw things on that Lazer helmet look like prime places to hook on the ground and give your head a good twist
  • 1 0
 I had the same thought. Ideally a helmet's exterior should be round and smooth.
  • 10 5
 I just cannot get my head round saracen bikes. they simply don't do it for me and usually come with some weird specs. I cannot get away from the Halfords era of saracen and I think that even though they are miles improved over the years, that saracen name just makes me think of those jump bikes and nasty Y frames.
  • 3 0
 what about before the halfords era when they were making some of the best bikes on the market, ie the rush
  • 3 0
 I thought the same until I bought a Carbon Myst frame. I promise you Saracen have got their shit together and the specs on the complete bikes is spot on for the money.

A mate of mine rode a Sender then rode my Myst not long after and couldn't believe how good it is (for a single pivot Saracen) and he does not hang about when he rides.

Maybe look forward instead of back eh?

Wink
  • 2 1
 lol they're like the skoda of bikes
  • 2 0
 @Madmanspencer: ...hardly, but you know best eh Wink
  • 7 1
 Those lazer helmets look cheap and tacky... esp with the screws sticking out. Looks like they made the shimano flat pedals suck ass even more than they already do, just get some dmr vaults.
  • 8 0
 That The Saracen Ariel LT looks really, and I mean really tasty!
  • 5 0
 amen. that's a sexy bike.
  • 1 0
 Veru nice, but a bit heavy I read somehere.
  • 2 0
 @MTB-Colada: Girlfriend just bought one. I can confirm that it is light as F for what it can do!!!!
So no, not true what you’ve heard.
  • 1 0
 @MTB-Colada: also you need to have a few extra sets of bearings on hand, lost count of the many ariels ive seen eating through those crappy igus bearings in no time at all.
  • 2 0
 Looks even better in the flesh
  • 2 0
 @doe222: they run 100% on big cartridge bearings for the new bikes.
  • 2 0
 I really like the Bliss Protection shirts. Have one for Enduro riding where the Leatt Protection is a touch too much and it's very nice to wear and the protection part also works..
But: They really have to work on their fabric. All people I know wearing Bliss stuff say the same; the fabric will get stinky quite quickly. And yes, the shirts get washed on a regular basis!
  • 1 0
 You might wanna add a drop of bleech, or just wash hotter... to kill germs... what you can also do is put it in the fridge.. kills them too... not having the bliss protection, but is old trick with smelly clothes..
  • 2 0
 @Trailstunter: Doesn’t the bleach ruin your clothes? Everything I have stinks.
  • 2 0
 Thanks for the hint, but after a round in the washing machine everything ist fine. It happens mid-ride with these vests, that a certain smell appears. And I am not the heaviest sweater around.
  • 4 1
 I kinda wanna try a different company of MTB shoes (flat pedals) I was thinking of those Pearls, all I do is get five ten any recommendations?
  • 3 0
 i have a set of those launches. using them with cb stamp pedals its almost like being clipped in, very good grip and comfortable.
  • 2 0
 I'm in the same boat. It'll be great to have some decent options for flat pedals. Super curious how these Pearl Izumis do. They look like they have a lot of potential.
  • 4 1
 I wish us Americans said “whilst.” Wound’t sound right without the British (I presume) accent though.
  • 3 1
 Just use it as you would 'while' if it precedes a word that starts with a vowel sound.
  • 5 1
 I say old chap, you're not wrong. Now I'm just nipping out for a cheeky Nandos. Toodle pip what what.
  • 5 0
 For full effect, blow as you pronounce the 'W' like Stewie Griffin saying 'cool whip'.
  • 1 0
 Be seeing you@bigtim:
  • 1 0
 @Madmanspencer:

The Prisoner was a great show! RIP Patrick McGoohan #6
  • 2 1
 You sure can get the Saracen Traverse in the US or Canada. Just buy the Kona Precept. It is almost exactly the same.
www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Bikes,3/Kona/Precept-150,19013
  • 1 0
 The 120mm version of the Precept is much more similar in travel and geometry... the 150 Precept appears to be a bit more capable than the Traverse. I do get your point though, there are plenty of similar bikes you can already get in North America.

2017.konaworld.com/precept_120.cfm

2017.konaworld.com/precept_150.cfm

www.saracen.co.uk/bikes/mountain/all-mountain/traverse
  • 1 0
 Please test this Saracen and Saracen please bring a 29er version of it! Bliss knee guards look superb too! Even better than their 'old' Minimalist, which already won some EWS stages and races too!
  • 3 0
 Why do shimano insist on making their saint pedals so shit?
  • 1 0
 Are those pins reversible at least?
  • 2 0
 Probably because they want a good bearing system in there.
  • 3 3
 how is pearl izumi an italian footwear company? the company that was founded in japan and currently based in the USA?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_Izumi
  • 3 2
 I think the caption reads that Vibram is an Italian company, right?
  • 2 1
 @bicycle019: definitely edited
  • 1 1
 If that's the same vibram as on the own Fr 01 they propably don't last long
  • 4 2
 Saracen Ariel LT needs a gearbox
  • 2 0
 Hopefully that bliss knee pad comes in all black.
  • 2 1
 Top marks genesis for putting on some decent parts on there bikes instead of the same old sram/rs fest
  • 2 0
 Seeing how Madison are the Shimano distributor for the UK and Icebike is a madison only show it would be very strange if they fitted Sram parts to any bike at the show.
  • 2 0
 @Patrick9-32: quite a few SRAM equipped bikes on show from Genesis.
  • 1 1
 Minion DHF Skin wall tyres look cool, but i hope they have some decent side walls on them or else they are all show and blow...
  • 1 0
 If a Saracen bike asked to marry me I'd say yes so I could bring them to Canada.
  • 1 0
 That Traverse has the exact same color scheme as my 2012 giant reign like exact.
  • 1 0
 I hope Conti has figured out how to make their tires seat a bit easier tubeless.
  • 2 0
 Wait there was a PZT-1?
  • 1 0
 Any hardtail without a SS option is not well thought out.
  • 1 0
 Shimano - hurry up and release the new Saint already!
  • 1 0
 Did you guys see it? Finally a water bottle cage .... on your back!
  • 1 0
 Trailhead goes to 11
  • 1 0
 Turner sultan is coming!







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