Tech Round Up: The Malverns Classic 2022

With a large expo area The Malverns Classic was the perfect place to check out the latest tech from the brands in attendance and even pick up a bargain or 2.

Kellys

Kellys had their new Theos e-bike. The Theos F series frame is made of a 3D printed Thermoplastic Hybrid Steel-Carbon Composite a.k.a. FEATHER® by Rein4ced assembled by advanced robotic manufacturing. The Theos uses a Think Link suspension system with 170mm rear travel and an integrated removable KELLYS Re-Charge K1 Li-ion internal battery up to 725Wh which is co-developed by Kellys-BMZ.



This pair of Theos E-bikes are custom builds, but there is a full range of bikes on the Kellys website.



SQLab

If you're outside of Germany you will be excused for not knowing who SQlab are. However, this German brand produces some of the finest ergonomic tech for bikes you can find anywhere in the world from handlebars to saddles and even pedals thrown in for good measure. SQLab have it all covered and all designed with your body and riding longevity in mind.


Although not mountain bike specific SQlab had their 502 active pedal on display. It's a knee-friendly active-pedal. Freedom starts at the foot: Previous studies have been able to prove that releasing the axial rotation by 10° on clipless pedals can reduce the potential of overuse injuries in the knees. Based on this concept, the 502 active-System pedals had been developed: the first active pedal on the market for a knee-friendly, ergonomic foot position. The slightly concave pedal surface enables an ergonomic stance on the pedal and at the same time generates enormous grip.

Four different axle lengths ensure a physiologically natural foot position on the pedal. This prevents one-sided loading - especially in the case of fibula head syndrome.

+ The first active pedal on the market
+ Knee-friendly
+ includes reflectors (meets the German road traffic regulations)
+ 4 axle lengths and a natural foot position

It's an interesting concept and one I'm interested to see develop more.




The very first "Made in Germany" saddle: 6OX Infinergy® Ergowave® active

The 6OX ERGOWAVE® active saddle has already been existing for 2 years, but not in this version: Made in Germany. The special thing about the new 6OX Infinergy® ERGOWAVE® active „Made in Germany“ is the foam of the saddle, which is no longer made of classic PU foam, but of the BASF Infinergy® material known from running shoes. This material is very robust and brings comfort to a whole new level, especially in off-road conditions, due to its quicker recovery. The cover is not pulled over the entire surface of the saddle as in classic saddles. There are only „tapes“ in the important places. These are automatically attached to the Infinergy® foam without any glue. The production technology was developed very successfully by well-known automotive supplier Oechsler in Ansbach/ Germany, for a large sports goods manufacturer a few years ago. SQlab and Oechsler then jointly optimized this process for saddles.


Alongside the saddles and the pedals, SQlab also had their collection of handlebars and grips on show all designed to make your ride that little bit comfier.


Head on over to SQlabs website to find out more.

Spada


Spada may not have been a name you have heard in the mountain bike world before, but they have a history of making quality motorbike protection and clothing at affordable prices. They have started their mountain bike range with all the essentials: a trail helmet with MIPS, a jacket, shorts, pants, short sleeve jersey, long sleeve jersey, gloves and, of course, socks. We first saw this UK brand at Ardrock but at the Malverns we took a bit of a deeper dive into their new kit.


Spada's riding shorts and trousers focus on flexibility, which is achieved using a mechanical stretch fabric. An additional stretch knit below the waist and lycra panel in the crotch increase comfort and manoeuvrability.The curved waistband includes adjustment for a tailored fit. All options feature laser cut ventilation at the crotch, and silicone print on the internal waistband, which is designed to reduce movement. Additional reinforced structured fabric is provided in the seat and knee area, and both the short and trouser are knee protection compatible. The main body is made from a shower proof Nylon Taslan fabric, which is durable and breathable.



The Enduro jacket has been engineered to perform at the highest level. The outer shell is lightweight and manufactured from Nylon and Spandex materials.

Silicone detailing on the shoulders has been designed to grip your hydro bag straps, even when riding the toughest trails. The outer is both waterproof and breathable, ensuring you remain comfortable in both wet and warm conditions.



On warmer days the jacket features two large under arm ventilation zips that can be opened to increase air flow within the jacket when on the move. To prevent unwelcome moisture or wind entering the body, all the seams are taped, and the main zip features a protective storm flap.
Additional features include a helmet - compatible hood, which can be rolled away when not in use, a soft jersey cuff insert with thumb holes, and adjustable ergonomics for a comfortable tailored fit.


Spada's Enduro jacket achieves a WP rating of 10,000mm H20+, and a breathability rating of 10,000g/m2/24hr outperforming many of the existing MTB jackets on the market.


Spada's collection of Mountain Bike Jerseys are available in a range of minimalist and bold designs, in a combination of colours – including both long and short sleeve options.

The shirts are manufactured in a durable soft feel material which is comfortable and lightweight. They feature a rib fabric at the collar, curved long line back hem for increased comfort and coverage, and coverstitched seams to reduce bulk.

Using wicking materials have a special cross-section and a large surface area, which absorbs moisture and carries it away from your body, spreading it out, to evaporate easily on the outside of the fabric.

So you stay cool and dry!


If you want to see more of the Spada range head to their website

Viris

The UK eyewear brand Viris have been busy updating their goggle range with their new Viris ONYX™ Goggle. The same great quality from Viris Brand at the same competitive prices.

The ONYX™ Features:
* 4KLIK™ lens interchangeable system. Change lenses in less than 10 seconds.
* Patent Pending TAC anti fog anti scratch coating on all lenses as standard.
* Aggressive air vents to aid in cooling and promote good air flow while riding
* Interchangeable straps to customise your goggle and for ease of cleaning.
* Removable outriggers and nose pieces
* Triple layer foam with a super soft breathable final layer that is soft against the face and wicks away moisture.

Available in 6 colour-ways.


The ONYX™ has a roll Off System featuring an Anti Scratch pre curved, injection molded lens.
* Anti-Scratch
* TAC Anti Fog 
* 4KLIK Lens Change system
* Pre-curved
* Injection Molded
* Anti-stick system for increase performance and function
* Translucent canister to check film supply with easy to grab smooth pulling knob
* Self-cleaning canister with integrated wipe system reduces mud build up
* Films are 50mm wide
* System Comes with Lens, Canisters, Mud-Flap and Film all assembled,
* Uses Standard Roll-Off film that is available WORLDWIDE


DMR


There wasn't too much new on the DMR stand although their paint splatter colour-way on their stems and bars and pedals are a nice new addition to their line up and they have plenty of jump bikes in stock too!



Mondraker

There were some interesting tech fitted to Mondrakers Raze R. This Raze was fitted with Mondrakers latest Mountain Bike innovation: the MIND device. Much more than just a suspension set-up tool it will transform the way we ride our bikes from now on. In 2021 Mondraker premiered a GPS enabled telemetry system fully integrated with the bike’s suspension and which connects to a new smartphone app offering multiple functions and a wealth of data never before seen on a production mountain bike. MIND collects data from our rides and sends it, together with suspension activity data, to the myMondraker app for analysis. Likewise, the app lets us connect directly with the “Mondraker Universe” making each ride absolutely unbeatable. Mind is available with the Foxy Carbon, Raze and Crafty Carbon bikes throughout Europe.



Marin


Nothing super new at Marin but they did have a retro inspired Alpine Trail Carbon which was painted to match their Pine F.S.R which is pretty cool to see. But just to top it off it had a beer can mount fitted instead of a bottle mount - what's not to love about that!?



Free Flow Technologies

Free Flow are a UK brand who believe E-bike motors should integrate into a bikes design with the smallest adjustments to the frame. The motor should be small in size making it ideal for every type of bike and maintains a conventional looking bike design. The FreeFlow transmission is exactly that and combined with its “free-flowing” harmonic gearbox design the ride is comparable to a normal bike either with assistance on or turned off. The FreeFlow module system has a compact battery solution allowing frame designers to have battery options either in a removable or in frame solution.



Their patented transmission system involves two one directional bearings. This means that if a rider abruptly stops pedalling, or back pedals, there is no risk of damaging the motor. For this reason, a high-speed motor can be used that is small enough to be housed in the bicycle frame, allowing the system to be powerful yet lightweight and compact, fully concealed within the frame, and is hidden by as small as a 34 tooth chainring.


In this case Free Flow have fitted one of their motors to a Starling Murmur. This is not a production bike but with Free Flows minimum order quantity being only 2 the prospect of having your own steel custom build E-bike is a real reality.

Nukeproof


Nukeproof had their new limited addition Sprung collection on show once again. This time the complete line up was in attendance with the missing Fast option that we didn't see at Ardrock.

FAST Suspension- Giga and Mega 297:
French tuning specialist FAST have been at the forefront of the scene since 2007, winning world titles and races with their athletes. Nukeproof and FAST have tuned their awesome Fenix Evo Enduro Shock specifically for the Mega & Giga platforms as well as custom etching the Shock specially for Nukeproof. You can read all about the FAST Fenix Evo Enduro Shock here.

FENIX EVO ENDURO SHOCK:

Custom tuned for Mega/Giga
100% CNC
Integrated Climb Switch
Alloy 7075 T6 made and anodized with a PTFE impregnation to reduce friction.
Monobloc Shaft + eyelet = stiffer and stronger.
A membrane is used to reduce friction and heat.
Viton Shaft seals for better heat resistance.
VDP piston = better traction control.
3 independent compression circuits LS – MS – HS = perfect ground flattening.
Shock Weight without spring is 500g (230x65mm)


Along side the Custom Gigas and Megas there was also Nukeproofs new Solum. Whilst the original Solum was steel, the new Solum takes advantage in custom hydroformed 6061 triple butted tubes. This minimises the frame weight, whilst maximising strength and directional stiffness (where required) to allow for efficient power transfer when pumping the bike. The Solum has some awesome details like a fully forged yoke allows for the maximum strength to weight ratio. The custom yoke maximises chain ring and tyre clearance (up to 2.3 tyres). Nukeproof recommend starting with a gearing is 30t-13t, but you can run up to a 32t chainring. The wavey seat stays and brace maximise strength in multi direction for riders throwing tricks. It’s a frame that’s built tough yet comes in at a respectable 2.26Kg/ 4.76lb (regular).


The Solum comes in two length of bike - regular and long, both optimised around a 100mm travel fork. The two sizes are designed to cater not only rider’s heights, but also the intended use. A regular frame may be better suited for riders focusing on the pump track, making manuals easier and allow for a faster change of direction. Longer frames may be more suited to the Dirt Jump trails for optimum stability. All frames feature dialled rear dropouts so you can perfect chain tension and adjust also the wheelbase (slam it for street/ pumping and lengthen it for the trails).

The new Solum is ready for the playground.


GT


It's GT's 50th birthday and they really brought the party to The Malverns Classic. They had a mix of old and new on their stand and centre stage was their new Force AMP+ with shimanos new Steps EP8 motor fitted to it.



Wyn Masters EWS Force was also on the stand with a interesting new link fitted to it. The GT guys were very tight lipped about this linkage and would neither confirm nor deny that this linkage was built to allow mullet set ups.


GT even had their UK Junior team Viris GT's custom Fury on the stand too. Who doesn't love a custom painted race bike?!


Bike Stow


One of the many UK brands at The Malverns Classic was Bike Stow with their various different bike stand and storage systems on display. Bike Stow have a system for you if your looking for a storage system for your van, your garage or even your shop - they have the thing you need.


This is their new Stance which is a dramatic low-profile stand for displaying bikes in homes, shops, or events.

The Stance strikingly compliments the stowed bike and has an infinitely adjustable tyre slot width to perfectly fit your exact bike. The Stance can fit 20″ – 29″ wheels up to 5″ wide. So not matter what bike: Kids, Road, MTB, Electric, and Fat bikes, the Stance can handle them all. It has a strong grip and no frame contact. It's easily flat-packable as well as being lovingly family made in Stourbridge, UK.


Trutune


TruTune components are a new technology in development by Carbon Air. They increase air volume in a mountain bike air suspension without making any changes to external dimensions. Increased volume can provide many benefits to riders in the form of better linearity, increased comfort and end-of-stroke absorption. It also provides added flexibility for suspension designers, particularly when working with size constraints. How is this all possible? The secret ingredient is activated carbon.

Activated carbon is commonly used in filtration. It can be produced from a wide variety of raw materials such as coal, coconut and wood by subjecting them to water vapour and other chemicals at extremely high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. This opens up the carbon making it extremely porous with a surface area that often exceeds 1000sqm per gram.

As any molecules hit the surface, some are trapped by the action of Van der Waals forces - a process called adsorption. The trapped molecules occupy less space than others that are roaming free. Importantly for us, though, they are not permanently bonded to the carbon, and can be released in the right circumstances.

When air pressure is increased in a sealed air chamber containing activated carbon, extra air molecules are trapped on the carbon which are then released when pressure is dropped. This results in a pressure curve that is quite different to that of an empty air spring: it is more linear, with lower peak pressure and higher minimum pressure, despite the air chamber having exactly the same size. In short, it behaves as if it has more volume.


Rocky Mountain


Rock Mountain's new Element is purpose-built to hit the precise sweet spot between lightweight cross country climbing prowess and technical precision, the Element is the best of both worlds and more. New-levels of climbing efficiency guarantees that oh-so-sweet feeling of riding someone off your wheel. Added levels of stability on fast descents and a pseudo-aggressive seat tube angle provides surprising levels of confidence on tight single track and hairy descents. Light. Stiff. Fast. Smooth. Precise. You’re now in your Element—always.


Gtechniq


Gtechniq's bike ceramic has been formulated to minimise adhesion of foreign objects such as brake dust, road grime and mud. It offers up to 24 months of protection and can be applied to all types of finishes including paint protection films and vinyl.

Bike Ceramic forms a durable, ultra-slick chemically bonding layer of optically clear ceramic. This ceramic protection prevents dirt and grime from bonding to the surface, making cleaning a breeze.

The coating has been scientifically formulated to chemically bond to the surface of the bike frame. This chemical bond makes the Bike Ceramic the active surface of your frame, shielding it from dirt, mud and road grime.

The ceramic coating forms a dense layer that is resistant from pH2 -pH12. This means that mud, grime and dirt are far easier to remove, making ongoing maintenance quick and easy.



Muc-Off

Along with Muc-Off's normal range of cleaners and lubricants they also had their new frame protection kits which come in a variety of designs and sizes to suit every bike.



Unite


All of Unites products now come coated in house with Cerakote's environmentally friendly ceramic coating!


Cerakote is a ceramic based finish that can be applied to metals, plastics, polymers and wood. The unique formulation used for Cerakote ceramic coating enhances a number of physical performance properties including abrasion/wear resistance, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, impact strength, and hardness. Each of these properties is rigorously tested to guarantee that Cerakote products remain at the forefront of the ceramic coatings market. Cerakote ceramic coatings utilize state-of-the-art technology to out-perform any competitive coating in both laboratory settings and real-world applications.


Cerakote allows Unite to coat their components in a wide verity of colours and designs whilst maintaining a hard wearing finish.