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Tech

New cycling gear and review articles.

Tech

Review: Onza Canis 29 x 2.25 Tyres

Though a little before my mountain biking time, Onza (or OnZa) was one of the big brands in mountain bike tyres and other components in the late nineties. While the brand faded away in the early 2000’s more recently a swiss-based company relaunched the Onza brand and range of tyres. Meet the Onza Canis which […]

Tech

Review: Backtracker

Cyclist safety is a serious concern, especially when on the road. Many road cyclists and commuters have at least one story about their dance with death. Ikubu, based in Stellenbosch, have developed a device that they hope will better prepare you to avoid these close encounters. The Backtracker is touted as a device that monitors […]

Tech

Project BLACK: Part 3 – The Light Enduro Build

South Africa’s the leader in MTB stage races, but it is also adopting enduro racing with fervour. Fast catching on around South Africa, this discipline attracts a new breed of rider: from XCO and DH. Does that mean you need another bike in your garage? We’d say yes (as you can never have too many), […]

Tech

Preview: SRAM XX1 Quarq Power Meter

SRAM have introduced Quarq power meter cranks to its XX1 range. South African availability and pricing has yet to be confirmed. For now, catch up on all the technical details in the press release below. SRAM XX1 Power Meter Carbon arms – 170 and 175mm 156 and 168mm Q-factors 104 BCD – 32, 34, 36, […]

Tech

Project BLACK: Part 2 – The Racer

Radical bike builds are not dissimilar from concept cars at motor shows. Last week’s Project BLACK build was a dream ‘weight weenie’ creation from the Momsen Bikes geeks, showing off the potential of the Momsen Bikes VIPA frame. This week’s bike is one for the out-and-out racers: if you’re aiming to be on the start […]

Tech

Project BLACK: Part 1 – The Weight Weenie

South Africa’s “first superbike” has created conversations around the world. The forum pages of The Hub erupted in equal parts with praise and criticism since its launch, but the bike geeks at Momsen Bikes have continued to graft away in their offices on perfecting this proudly South African full suspension race weapon. Racing on the […]

Tech

Sneak peek: Le Mans 661 EVO AM helmet

You might recall the black 661 EVO AM that we featured in our trail/ AM helmet shootout, that helmet came out on top of the bunch. But if the sleek dullness of the black and blue detailed helmet didn’t satisfy your desire to stand out on the trail, then the “Le Mans” edition may be […]

Tech

Review: 661 Rage knee pads

Any gravity rider worth their weight in Stan’s will tell you that a solid pair of knee pads is essential to feel confident about bombing trails at 100%. With side protection and a big, solid front pad, the 661 Rage knee pads look the business, and are aimed at pure performance. The 661 Rage knee […]

Tech

User Review: Bianchi Methanol 29 FS

I was recently given the opportunity to ride a Bianchi Methanol FS 29 for a few weeks and after months of riding my 29er Hardtail in multiple stage races I was very well dialed into my bike, and so thought it would a great time to compare rides. Components: Model: Methanol 29.2 FS Shimano XTR/XT […]

Tech

Coming Soon: 2015 Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt MSL

The latest iteration of Rocky Mountain’s Thunderbolt has been announced for 2015. Notable features include carbon frames throughout the range, 650b wheels, 120mm travel, Shimano Di2 compatible, shorter chainstays, lower standover, RIDE-9 adjustability, and new pivot technologies. We can also confirm that the 2015 Thunderbolt MSL will be available locally later in the year. Named […]

Tech

User Review: SRAM Guide RSC brakes and Centerline Rotor

SRAM recently released the Guide family of brakes that supercedes the Avid range of brakes. SRAM claims its been designed from the ground up to essentially address all the long standing problems that plagued Avid brakes. I recently received the RSC model to find out if SRAM has succeeded. Inadvertently, I’ve become a dedicated SRAM […]

Tech

Review: Bontrager Rhythm Elite gloves

Bontrager may not be the first name in gloves or cycling apparel, but they are certainly making their mark. Offering an array gloves to suit most people’s needs, we have had their Rhythm Elite pair on hand for a little while now. How have they stood up to the abuse, and can they compare to […]