Category
Tech
New cycling gear and review articles.
Review: Lapierre XR 729
The Lapierre XR 729 is the French manufacturer’s cross country race offering. There is a option to have an electronically controlled shock, which is rather intriguing, but a story for another day as we tested the mechanical shock model. Checking out the stock component specification for the bike online, I expected a traditional lean and […]
Bike Check: The Bikes of Pure Darkness 3
You have seen Pure Darkness 3. Now check out the machines Matt MacDuff, Sam Reynolds, Andreu Lacondeguy, and Danny Pace used to launch themselves off the massive Garden Route Trail Park jumps. Photos by Eric Palmer. In the previous Pure Darkness videos, the riders used hardtail dirt jump bikes. They could have continued with these […]
All-new FOX Transfer seatpost
The all-new Transfer seatpost features an infinitely adjustable design with the choice of internal or external cable routing, three drop options, and two lever designs. Low lever force and great modulation make it easy to regulate return speed and small height adjustments. Low lever force provides consistent actuation pressure even with saddle weighted or unweighted […]
SRAM announce GX DH drivetrain
Incorporating the same Championship-winning SRAM 1x technologies as our German-engineered, industry-leading X01 DH drivetrain, GX DH delivers dedicated, gravity focused 1x performance that doesn’t break the bank. GX DH is a no-brainer for any rider ready to attack the next DH run. With its main objectives being durability and dependability, GX DH is the clear […]
Review: Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo FSR 6Fattie
In 2015 Specialized announced the Turbo Levo, a range of electric pedal-assist trail bikes, and have since rolled out several variations. These include a women’s specific, a fat bike, a hardtail, a full suspension 29er, and a full-suspension 27.5-plus model which we spent last Friday afternoon riding at the spectacular Jonkershoek trails. UPDATE 18 September […]
First Look Friday: Silverback Sphere 1; Verve Infocrank; SRAM NX
First Look Friday is an introduction to the products that we are currently testing for review. This week we’re previewing the Silverback Sphere 1 plus bike, Verve Infocrank, and a SRAM NX upgrade. Silverback Sphere 1 The Sphere 1 is Silverback’s reimagination of the hardtail with plus sized wheels. It features 3.0″ tyres to add […]
Trek announce Fuel EX with 27.5 Plus
Trek has expanded one of the world’s most popular trail bike lines with the introduction of the Fuel EX 27.5 Plus. The popularity of mid-fat tires has shown riders how a little extra tire volume can yield a lot more traction and a lot more fun. Now the benefits of wider tires are being combined […]
Merida introduce new hardtails: the Big.Nine / Big.Seven and Big.Trail
Following last year’s presentation of the NINETY.SIX full suspension XC bike at the sidelines of the UCI World Cup in Albstadt, this year’s event was all about three exciting new hardtails – two focusing on modern XC racing and one on hardtail trail riding. BIG.NINE / BIG.SEVEN Development Focus A combination of low weight, attractive […]
First Look Friday: SwiftCarbon Ultravox RS-1; Giant Rail; Specialized Fast Trak
First Look Friday is an introduction to the products that we are currently testing for review. This week we’re previewing the SwiftCarbon Ultravox RS-1, Giant Rail helmet, and Specialized Fast Trak Control 2Bliss Ready tyres. SwiftCarbon Ultravox RS-1 The Swift Ultravox RS-1 is a full carbon race machine which, on paper, provides unbeatable value. The […]
Review: Knolly Warden
Knolly is a small, rider-owned company from British Columbia. With Vancouver’s North Shore trails, the legendary Whistler Bike Park and several other world class riding areas on their doorstep, there can be little doubt that their bikes are built to withstand fun on burly terrain. The Frame The Warden is Knolly’s 150 mm all-mountain bike […]
SRAM introduce E-MTB specific drivetrain and brakeset
In the early days of mountain biking, riders were forced to settle for products that had been designed for use on road bikes. Modifications were made, but the roots of the design were not completely purpose built, not mountain biking specific. Suspension got better and frame design improved. We began to question the conventional wisdom—challenge […]
Wolf Tooth GC Cassette Extenders Go Big and 11
Introducing the Wolf Tooth GC45 for Shimano 11 speed cassette: Optimized for 11-40 Shimano 11-speed cassettes and also compatible with 11-42 Shimano 11-speed cassettes. Now that 11-speed Shimano is hitting the masses with XT and later this year SLX, Wolf Tooth is offering a solution for those looking to increase the range of their cassette. […]