Tech Briefing: Limited Edition Bikes, A Derailleur Guard, Action Cameras & More - October 2022

Oct 12, 2022
by Sarah Moore  



Tech Briefing is a feature for new stuff that we spot every month, but haven't gotten our hands on yet. An eclectic serving of tech, from revolutionary products to traditional novel gear, with some wacky stuff thrown in for good measure.





Evolve Origin LT
Frames from $2900 / Completes from $6000


Evolve are bringing their manufacturing home to Canada. (Learn more.)
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Geo Announces Derailleur Guard
$25 USD


A unique way to protect your derailleur... (Learn more.)
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Insta360 X3 with 5.7K 360 Capture
$449.99 USD


The X3 has a new 1/2" 48MP sensor and 2.29” touchscreen. (Learn more.)
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Dharco Val di Sole Replica Kit


Look as fast as the riders from the Commencal Muc Off Team. (Learn more.)
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Look Flat Pedals
$55- 170 USD


Both new TRAIL pedals feature replaceable pins, are available in a variety of colours, and have been designed, manufactured, and assembled in France. (Learn more.)
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Spawn Cycles 22", Adjustable 20/22" & 26/27.5” Kids Bikes


So many wheel sizes. (Learn more.)
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Yakima Increases StageTwo Weight Rating To 70 lbs Per Bike


Bring your eMTB, and your friends' as well! (Learn more.)
Photos by Conor Barry Photography





Manitou Limited Edition Mastodon Pro LE


The Mastodon Pro LE fatbike fork will be produced in a one time, 300-unit production run. (Learn more.)
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NOBL Wheels Collaboration with Intense Cycles


NOBL and Intense have announced a partnership to create a carbon wheelset program. (Learn more.)
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Commencal Meta TR Staff Edition


The Meta TR Staff Edition is a unique build that features the staff in Andorra's favourite frame and components. (Learn more.)
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GoPro Hero 11 Black & Mini
$300 - $500 USD


GoPro has launched the eleventh iteration of its Hero action camera and a new smaller Mini offering. (Learn more.)
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Melon Optics Collab with Pump for Peace
£20/€20 from every set sold going directly to the charity


Melon has teamed up with Pump for Peace to create a limited edition colour way of the Alleycat riding glasses with £20/€20 from every set sold going directly to the Pump for Peace charity. (Learn more.)
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Jb Liautard's 'Climax' - An Art Photography Book
€43


The 70 most beautiful photos from the French photographer are to be found in the art book. (Learn more.)
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PNW Components Pebble Tool
$37 USD


This tiny tool has a smooth, rounded shape and contains the basic bits needed for quick repairs. (Learn more.)
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The 'TQ-HPR50' Motor that Drives Trek's Fuel EXe


By redesigning and reengineering the patented Harmonic Pin-Ring technology, HQ has created an extremely light drive unit. (Learn more.)
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Banshee Enigma
$1099 USD / $1499CAN / €1049 / £949


The bike is built to use either dual 27.5" or mixed wheel sizes. (Learn more.)
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Intend 'Green Age' Fork Updates
20.17 €


New seals, shim stacks, crowns, and fenders are on the way from Intend. (Learn more.)
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Ibis Ripmo & Ripley UDH Update & New Colors


The Ibis Ripmo and Ripley now feature a UDH rear derailleur. (Learn more.)
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REEB Cycles Steel Short Travel Trail Bike


The SST has 120mm of rear travel and a flex stay suspension layout. (Learn more.)
Imagery of Michael Eldridge Emily Harris riding the REEB SST at Monarch Crest. Imagery to be used in marketing efforts of the REEB SST.





Abus Full Face Helmet - The 'Airdrop'


Abus now has an option for gravity riders. (Learn more.)
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BikeStow Stance Bike Stand
£79 GBP


The BikeStow Stance is made for storing bikes in your shed, garage, living room or bedroom. (Learn more.)
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Allied Cycle Works Limited Edition BC40
$14,000 USD


This model is an exact replica of Payson McElveen's race bike. (Learn more.)
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Commencal Supreme DH XS


Commencal made this 27.5" downhill bike for youth riders and short adults. (Learn more.)
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Author Info:
sarahmoore avatar

Member since Mar 30, 2011
1,321 articles

100 Comments
  • 300 2
 I would rather take my chances with my derailleur than be seen in public with that monstrosity
  • 24 0
 The derailleur protectors from Walmart or Woolco or Target looks more appealing. I can't believe they want to charge someone $25USD to put that garbage on the bike!
  • 39 1
 I think PB also hid that article from the public, this is the first time I'm seeing it (unless my ebike filter is working overtime)
  • 5 0
 Also the Ing. behing that item seems rather sketchy to say the least
  • 19 1
 If only a derailleur could be both protected and a non-monstrosity.
  • 48 0
 Does it come with a paper bag for the rider?
  • 4 0
 Functional for sure but fugly as all hell.
  • 7 0
 yea. Find a milk carton and an X-acto knife. should do it.
  • 25 6
 It eliminates the shame of getting caught riding SRAM from your Shimano riding buddies!
  • 38 0
 What is it protecting it from? The wind?
  • 1 0
 I could've used a commit guard when I looked at it
  • 14 0
 @noplacelikeloam: it's protecting you from style.
  • 1 0
 @cedric-eveleigh: if only all bikes could be high pivot Razz
  • 2 0
 looks like a mud trap
  • 3 3
 If it reduces the chances of Shimano plastc A knuckles shattering into atoms for no particular reason it might be something to consider though.
  • 6 0
 It’s almost like the derailleur should be, like, somewhere else? and like, protected from everything! and whoa…maybe in the centre of the bike…? Could be onto something…
  • 7 0
 More plastic sh*t to kinda/sorta fix a not-very-often problem
  • 2 0
 @noplacelikeloam: it might be a good mudguard if you're riding in some seriously sloppy conditions, but I wouldn't expect it to protect the derailleur from any kind of impact.
  • 5 0
 I would rather zip-tie cardboard to my frame than pay $25 for that half-ass, no-protection design. I swear, these "innovation" things keep getting lazier and more expensive.

Pretty soon we're going to see a chainstay protector that's a literal bike-tube marketed for $35, zip-ties not includes.
  • 2 0
 Do they make a matching dork-disk so I can have that stuff behind my cassette too? That way I can double my odds of broken plastic in the drivetrain - delicious.
  • 3 2
 I’m gonna disagree with popular opinion, I would rather look like a dork than have my derailleur ripped off.

No need to hang with the cool kids …
  • 2 0
 @kingbike2: I'd agree with you for the dork disc, but this one is totally ridiculous.
  • 2 0
 @CSharp: I have a diy fender for my fork so will try a diy version of this derailleur guard.

I have no shame…
  • 3 0
 @Rexuis-Twin: maybe we're looking at this wrong, maybe it's to protect nature from being harmed by our derailleurs Wink
  • 45 0
 Pump for peace is what my wife and I do after a fight.
  • 2 2
 Comment Gold right there!
  • 29 0
 I have a feeling the ceramic speed guys and gals are going to be quaking in their tiny boots after seeing this value for money aerogain for the rear mech.
  • 9 0
 UCI will ban it soon for that very reason...
  • 8 0
 @Snowytrail: I'm pretty sure this would be classified as a fairing which is already banned by the UCI

ARTICLE 1.3.024
"Protective screens, fuselages, fairings or any other device that is added or blended into the structure, and that is destined or have the effect of reducing resistance to air penetration, are prohibited. Aerodynamic assemblies and protuberances on the head tube or elsewhere are prohibited"
  • 1 0
 @matt-15: Are AVS handguards prohibited too?
  • 23 1
 Why on earth would you spend $14k on a bike when you could get a solid used car AND a solid $4000 bike instead?
  • 25 0
 Because you want a bike to color/pattern match your custom wrapped Bugatti.
  • 14 0
 Lol. I just sold my '22 Impreza and am selling 3 bikes.

Just bought a $4500 dollar bike, and a $1500 2000 Outback. I'm so much happier. No car payment, nicer bike than car. Less bikes to maintain and keep running.

Sometimes simplifying life feels f*cking amazing
  • 1 0
 How many cars get made vs bikes?
  • 2 0
 @kokofosho: based on my potentially too fast (read: potentially incorrect) Google: 78mil automobiles per year, 100mil bicycles.
  • 15 0
 I think it's misleading on Look to show one pedal as the weight of the pair. Most companies show the weight as a set (in pairs).
  • 3 1
 Also just look at how high the centre of the pedal is along the axle path! It's massively convex and will not grip your shoes.
  • 6 0
 I’m going to open a gas station and list the price by the quart - lowest prices in town!
  • 2 0
 @IMeasureStuff: Look claims these are concave pedals... Not sure how they measure stuff
  • 3 1
 @AndrewHornor: they are concave.. i have a set, fantastic pedals
  • 1 0
 @blcpdx: In most of the rest of the world, it's by the liter, which is foreign speak for "quart" Funny thing is, they pay almost as much per-liter as we do per gallon.
  • 1 0
 @GZMS: ok that's really good to hear! They don't look that way in pictures, especially since I wasn't able to find a side profile view.
  • 14 0
 14K usd for a bike. That’s outrageous now Eek
  • 14 1
 Agree. I don't know how we have normalized such high prices for bicycles. Having owned street motorcycles, the last one being a 2021 Ducati Monster at $12K, I am no stranger to throwing money into my hobbies. In terms of bragging rights, fun, thrills, heck even practicality, there is no way that a $12k pedal bike even compares.

What bothers me is that the lower end of "useable" performance has gone up quite a bit. IMO, that would start around $3.5k for a full suspension trail bike. Thinking back to when I bought my first motorcycle in 2004, that would be roughly the same as spending $2200--you can be on the exclusive end of any bicycle catalog for that kind of money.
  • 1 0
 Do not think small. You should invest. Buy several at that low price to sell them at 18000 tomorrow.
  • 12 0
 That derailleur guard looks like something out of Mountain Bike Action magazine from '94. Did someone have some cheap plastic, time and a desire to make useless crap?
  • 1 0
 I am trying to find the photos of the homemade one Mick Hannah was rolling in 2004. They cost $1 in scrap crap.
  • 14 0
 Is that your Insta360 or are you just happy to see me?
  • 4 0
 Finally I can look as lame while filming as I do in the films themselves!
  • 17 5
 No disrespect to Sarah, but I hope Alicia is able to write these again soon.
  • 20 15
 OOoooooo....Someone has a crush on Alicia!
  • 5 0
 You and me both!
  • 39 1
 Here's the most recent update from her go fund me:
10/11/22
Alicia was very talkative today! She showed some of her strong will and conciencias nature. Staying awake for a few hours throughout the day she was able to have some good conversations. We are always happy to see these improvements!

www.gofundme.com/f/alicia-and-her-family-with-medical-costs
  • 2 0
 @deaf-shredder: thx for posting. super cool of her friend to update this so regularly!
  • 4 0
 @BigMulaCeazy: Sarah and Alicia are super cool, but that Hannah Anna Pethrington is something else!
  • 2 0
 @deaf-shredder: thanks for posting.
  • 1 0
 @deaf-shredder: thanks for the reminder to donate!
  • 6 7
 @deaf-shredder: surely working for outside they have medical insurance as part of their contract? If not, why not? It’s not like you can’t be a rider and get a journalist role at Pinkbike. Are outside just too tight fisted to support their staff? They haven’t run an article, but that would look bad, like they were asking us to pay. So they haven’t even done that but thankfully her friend has…
  • 5 1
 @Eland: Read the fundraiser - it's all in there.
  • 2 0
 @BigMulaCeazy: don't we all?
  • 2 11
flag nickfranko (Oct 13, 2022 at 8:13) (Below Threshold)
 @thingswelike: She has health insurance, so this is just free money for them. Must be nice to have the entire deductible paid off and get $35k+ to pocket! That'll buy you two Santa Cruz bikes. lol
  • 1 0
 @nickfranko: Initial investment: TBI. Yea, not a great return when you think about it for a hot second.
  • 6 0
 @nickfranko: Insurance runs out eventually and it’s nice when someone has had a positive impact on folks and they get together to help out when it’s going to be needed. Also, Santa Cruz is/was one of the biggest donors and I’m pretty sure healing up is Alicia’s prime concern. Can’t ride a new Santa Cruz that well if your noggin is not on track. My guess is she’d trade back to a used bike and no TBI if she could.

Thanks for trying to take a dump on the parade.
  • 6 0
 @nickfranko: If you think that a TBI is a good investment please give yourself one rather than giving my eyes cancer from reading this idiotic comment.
  • 12 0
 It's really nice to see companies like Dharco following Toyota's lead and employing blind designers.
  • 3 0
 They've hired the paint department from Intense. (I say this sadly as someone who owns three Intense bikes and wonder WTF they are thinking when coming up with colour schemes and paint patterns.)
  • 8 0
 Great! Now I can smash my derailleur AND an ugly piece of plastic all at the same time.

Who says that things aren't improving all the time?
  • 8 0
 It is not a camera. It is a camera on a steek!
  • 5 0
 Just fyi- melon optics have the worst hydrophobic qualities of any lens I’ve ever tried.. if you get any sweat on the lens you might as well chuck them in the woods.
  • 2 0
 I use Melon Optics for everything and the hydrophobic properties of my Zeiss lens is brilliant. They only fog up if it’s really cold and I stop for a couple of minutes
  • 4 0
 Camera prong, e bike compatible rack, and 22” wheels.

“If it’s too loud you’re too old”

Put me out to pasture. None of this makes sense.
  • 1 0
 What is wrong with 22in wheels?
  • 1 0
 @93EXCivic: Nothing I guess, as my brood has passed over to 24" already, so other than a sign of the impending apocalypse, they are fine.
  • 3 0
 Insta360 mount - Great idea to put a stick on the front of a bike to be able to kebab my mates on when I inevitably crash into them
  • 1 0
 Anyone who is genuinely interested in protecting their derailleur should watch the short video. It is laser cut from expensive plastic (polyethylene) and protects the derailleur without interfering with the function. It is strong, lightweight and super-easy to install.

It is a great product that really works - that is why we decided to manufacture and patent it.

"GEO"
  • 5 0
 Jeez, wood really has skyrocketed to be asking £80 for that stand.
  • 6 0
 Look, flat pedals!
  • 4 0
 I have the derailuer gaurder and its sick. I have it dialed in perfecto.
  • 4 0
 Love the look of the Meta TR staff edition.
  • 2 0
 The spec for the cost is pretty damn great also. For modern bike prices of course.
  • 3 4
 Just changed over to an Inta360 x3. Worlds better than the GoPro for capturing riding footage. Software is great for making sweet edits very easily. After using it, dicking around with GoPros to capture the right angle seems totally archaic. No more disappointment of thinking you nailed the GoPro angle, only to view the footage and see your chest mount angle was too low when you're off the back of the bike and you only captured gratuitous headset and handlebar porn on the run you were stoked to show your buddies...
  • 4 1
 InstaDork alert
  • 3 2
 over 2decades of downhill, never once have I felt the need for a Derailleur Guard
  • 4 0
 12s drivetrains are the fragile problem, I doubt you've been running those for 20 years on a dh rig.
  • 2 0
 Climax… again. The stamina of this author sticking around is impressive
  • 1 0
 I bought 2 derailleur protectors and use them as shoulder pads. Hell, it's cheaper than anything else....
  • 2 1
 Sup wit it
  • 1 1
 That Evolve frame is kinky!
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