The Trek Slash seems to be a permanent fixture in our group tests and we look forward to testing it every time. For 2019, Trek has specced the bike with very high-end componentry. Will that be enough to catapult the now somewhat dated frame back to the top? For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy Trek Slash 9.9 | 160/150 mm (f/r) | 13.26 kg | € 7,499 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); The Trek Slash was one of the first proper 29″ enduro bikes and it’s got a huge fan base. Although the frame itself has not changed since its launch in 2016, Trek updated the bike last year with their Thru-Shaft shock, developed in cooperation with Penske Racing. For the new season, the Slash now comes with lots of top-notch componentry. The € 7,499 top-end model features a sensitive FOX Factory GRIP2 fork and sturdy Shimano XT four-piston brakes. Shifting is taken care of by a SRAM GX/X01 Eagle drivetrain, and a set of lightweight Bontrager Line Carbon 30 wheels directly translate the rider’s power into forward propulsion. The Bontrager Line dropper seat post has been redesigned and now offers 150 mm travel. The Slash is also available in two colour options for 2019 – a svelte matte-black like our test bike or the colourful Miami paint job. The Trek Slash 9.9 in detail Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Factory 160 mm Shock RockShox Deluxe RT3 Thru Shaft 150 mm Brakes Shimano Deore XT Vierkolben Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle Seatpost Bontrager Line 150 mm Stem Bontrager Line Pro 50 mm Handlebar Bontrager Line Pro OCLV Carbon 780 mm Wheels Bontrager Line Carbon 30 29″ Tires Bontrager SE4 Team Issue 2.4″ Weight 13.26 kg Price € 7,499 Lots of tractionWith Trek’s Thru Shaft shock, the piston rod moves downward through the shock during compression. As a result, no oil is displaced and it doesn’t need a reservoir. Fewer pressure seals also significantly reduce the amount of friction in the system. Top classThe matte-black frame with its clean lines still looks amazing. AnnoyingThe Knock Block prevents the fork from damaging the down tube but it also makes it difficult to load the bike into the back of your vehicle. It’s more of an annoyance than a feature to us. A lot of powerThe Shimano XT four-piston brake convinces with lots of power and reliability. However, you must bleed them meticulously, otherwise, the bite point becomes inconsistent. THe geometry of the Trek Slash 9.9 Size 15.5″ 17.5″ 19.5″ 21.5″ Top tube 590 mm 605 mm 635 mm 661 mm Head tube 100 mm 100 mm 110 mm 125 mm Head angle 65.6/65.1° 65.6/65.1° 65.6/65.1° 65.6/65.1° Seat angle 74.1/ 73.6° 74.1/ 73.6° 74.1/ 73.6° 74.1/ 73.6° Chainstays 433/434 mm 433/434 mm 433/434 mm 433/434 mm BB hight 352/345 mm 352/345 mm 352/345 mm 352/345 mm Wheelbase 1171/1172 mm 1186/1187 mm 1219/1219 mm 1247/1248 mm Reach 416/410 mm 431/430 mm 459/445 mm 481/475 mm Stack 608/612 mm 608/612 mm 618/628 mm 631/635 mm Helmet Giro Switchblade | Goggle ETHEN ZEROQUATTRO | Shirt POC Raceday Jersey | Shorts POC Resistance DH Shorts | Shoes Specialized 2FO Cliplite The Trek Slash 9.9 on the trail In times when bikes are getting longer and longer, the 445 mm reach of the Slash seems somewhat outdated. But within the first few meters, it convinced our testers with one thing in particular, its balance. The balance of the bike is spot on despite the short reach and the weight distribution between the wheels is excellent. Riding input gets converted with immediate precision by the stiff bike. On tight trails, the Slash manoeuvres around corners with ease. However, when things get fast and bumpy, it takes a strong rider to keep the bike on track. The suspension works fine, but it is tuned rather firmly. If you ride actively and pump the bike, it will let you quickly build up a lot of speed. However, for those who are less fit, the bike will quickly tire you out. Through its firm and direct setup, the Slash rewards active riders with plenty of speed. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); The Slash accelerates very quickly out of corners and when you get on the pedals. In steep terrain, it remains unphased and due to the short front triangle, you can easily get your weight over the rear wheel. Despite the low weight of 13.26 kg, climbing with the Slash isn’t much fun because of the extremely slack seat tube angle. Despite shifting the saddle as far forward as it will go, the rider’s position is far over the rear wheel and you have to drop your upper body on steep climbs to shift your centre of gravity more to the front. Tuning tip: Push the saddle all the way to the front Conclusion The Trek Slash is still a very good Enduro bike, scoring points for the excellent suspension and balanced handling. In the meantime, however, it’s noticeable that the geometry has become dated. The top-end version is specced with lots of carbon components which results in a rather harsh and demanding ride on fast descents. TopsDirect, lively handlingSuper stylish lookCan be ridden activelyFlopsDemands a lot of energy from the driverUncomfortable climbing position UphillDownhillStabilityAgilityValue for money For more info head to: trekbikes.com For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy All bikes in test: Bold Unplugged | Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team | Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE | Giant Reign Advanced 0 | Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | Nukeproof Mega 275c RS | Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 | Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 | Pole Machine EN | Santa Cruz Nomad CC | Scott Ransom 900 Tuned | Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race The post Trek Slash 9.9 review appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

How a bike rides depends heavily on the preferences of its designers and often has a lot to do with where a company is based and where it does its testing. Case in point: the COMMENCAL META AM 29 – it’s perfect for the steep, demanding trails of Andorra. For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE | 170/160 mm (f/r) | 15.48 kg | € 4,399 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); The COMMENCAL META AM 29 is as stylish as actors dressed up for the Oscars. Not only are the components perfectly colour matched, but the technical features make a hell of a lot of sense too. The linkage driven single-pivot suspension is controlled by a FOX DHX 2 shock and provides 160mm of travel. In front, you’ve got a FOX 36 FLOAT Factory GRIP2 fork offering up 170 mm of travel. The Shimano XT four-piston brakes paired with 200 mm rotors front and rear provide more than enough braking power, no matter how steep the terrain – but be sure to bleed them properly or you might end up with inconsistent bite points. The SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain is not high-end, but it performs its task reliably and at a price of € 4,399 we wouldn’t have expected more. The cockpit is from COMMENCAL’s in-house brand, RIDE ALPHA. Whilst it doesn’t look as premium as some offerings the 780 mm bar width and 40 mm stem provide an excellent fit. Unlike the bikes that COMMENCAL sends to its customers, our test bike came fitted with an old Schwalbe Hans Dampf tire with the thin Snake Skin casing. As standard, however, the bike is specced with the latest Schwalbe Hans Dampf with the Super-Gravity casing. And that’s a good thing, as we quickly found out on the trail. The COMMENCAL META AM 29 in detail Fork FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 170 mm Shock RockShox Super Deluxe RCT3 160 mm Brakes Shimano XT Vierkolben Drivetrain SRAM GX Eagle Seatpost Kindshox LEV Integra 150 mm Stem RIDE Alpha 40 mm Handlebar RIDE Alpha 780 mm Wheels E13 TRS 29″ Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary/Hans Dampf 2.35″ Weight 15.48 kg Price € 4,399 € Lots of tractionBy mounting the brake on the chainstay, the rear triangle remains fully active even when braking, generating even more traction – nice! Well silencedThe thick chainstay protector provides a lot of cushioning and effectively quietens chain slap. AnnoyingThe rubber covers came loose on every ride, which then meant the cables rattled around. Commencal need to come up with a better and more effective solution here. Seriously?Pressfit on an aluminium frame? Here we would have preferred a much more service friendly threaded BSA BB. The geometry of the COMMENCAL META AM 29 Size S M L XL Top tube 563 mm 586 mm 619 mm 634 mm Seat tube 105 mm 110 mm 115 mm 120 mm Head angle 65.5° 65.5° 65.5° 65.5° Sesat angle 76.5° 76.5° 76.5° 76.5° Chainstays 432 mm 432 mm 432 mm 432 mm BB Drop 25 mm 25 mm 25 mm 25 mm Wheelbase 1173 mm 1197 mm 1222 mm 1283 mm Reach 413 mm 435 mm 460 mm 480 mm Stack 604 mm 603 mm 603 mm 603 mm Helmet Troy Lee D3 | Goggle Oakley Crowbar | Jersey ION Scrub_AMP | Short ION Scrub_AMP | Shoes ION Rascal The COMMENCAL META AM 29 on the trail The META 29 is a bike that likes to play hard. The rear triangle is extremely sensitive and effectively filters out even the finest trail chatter. It continues that performance while braking, providing enormous amounts of traction, which you’ll quickly notice with regards to the bike’s stability. In combination with the somewhat short reach (460 mm) and the plush rear end, you tend to ride the META AM from the back. This riding position instils the rider with confidence in steep terrain while making for agile handling in tight sections. Over jumps and ledges, however, the META isn’t easy to get airborne. The rear end absorbs a lot of the rider’s input, offering too little support through high-speed berms. From Andorra for Andorra! The META AM 29 is built for steep, fast trails. This behaviour is more pronounced with the FOX DHX2 than with the Super Deluxe Coil that we’ve tested on the bike in the past. If you prefer a more direct feel, it’s best to use an air shock. It would save some weight too. At 15.48 kg, the META AM is anything but a lightweight and prefers a leisurely climbing pace, but with the help of the climb switch on the shock and the central sitting position, you’ll get there comfortably. For particularly steep climbs, we recommend exchanging the 34T chainring for a 32T. Tuning tip: air shock for more pop and less weight googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); Conclusion The COMMENCAL META AM 29 is the perfect bike for anyone looking to spend their summers in bike parks, regularly getting a shuttle and letting it rip on the descents. Due to its super plush suspension, it sticks to the ground and the steeper and faster things get, the bigger the grin on your the face. With the standard FOX DHX 2 shock, the bike isn’t poppy enough for our liking and offers too little support in berms and jumps. Getting to the top of the trail-head with the COMMENCAL under your own steam is really only a means to an end. TopsRear suspension generates a lot of tractionFun and balanced handlingConfidence inspiring in steep sectionsFlopsRear suspension tends to wallowSluggish climberThe quality of the finish UphillDownhillStabilityAgilityValue for money For more info head to: commencal-store.com For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy All bikes in test: Bold Unplugged | Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team | Giant Reign Advanced 0 | Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | Nukeproof Mega 275c RS | Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 | Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 | Pole Machine EN | Santa Cruz Nomad CC | Scott Ransom 900 Tuned | Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 | Trek Slash 9.9 | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race The post COMMENCAL META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE review appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

Orbea gives the rider a lot of options with the Rallon M-LTD. The custom configurator gives you your choice of colour and componentry. We received a bike with a beautiful custom ENDURO paint job and a top-end spec for this group test, but sometimes less might actually be more! For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy Orbea Rallon M-LTD I9 | 160/150 mm (f/r)| 14.18 kg | € 8,899 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); Those who have a hard time making decisions shouldn’t even look at the Orbea Rallon. You can configure the paint job in whatever combination you can think of using Orbea’s online configurator, giving you several million options, for free! But even with Orbea’s preconfigured colours, the Rallon looks really good. The asymmetric frame with its defined lines is a feast for the eyes. The top-end version of the bike we tested costs a whopping € 8,988 but leaves almost nothing to be desired. It comes with high-end ENVE M730 wheels, FOX Factory suspension consisting of a 36 FLOAT GRIP2 fork and a FLOAT X2 shock, and a SRAM XX1 gold drivetrain. Component porn wherever you look! The only negative is the Crankbrothers Highline dropper post, which was very hard to operate from the get go. Due to the relatively short seat tube, riders should be able to size up or down depending on personal preference. We received the bike in size XL for our test (our riders are all about 180 cm tall), but we’ve ridden a size L in the past. The Orbea Rallon M-LTD 19 in detail Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Factory GRIP2 160 mm Shock FOX X2 Factory 150 mm Brakes SRAM Code RSC Drivetrain SRAM XX1 Eagle Seatpost Crank Brothers Highline 150 mm Stem Race Face Turbine R 50 mm Handlebar Race Face Next R 800 mm Hubs/Rims DT Swiss 240/ENVE M730 Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF/Aggressor 2.5″ Weight 14.18 kg Price € 8,899 Better than coilIn the past, we tested the Rallon with a DHX2 coil shock. With the coil shock, the rear suspension didn’t recover quick enough from quick successive hits. With the air shock, we never had this problem, though it isn’t as plush as the coil version. Too shortThe chainstay protector is too short. Although the frame is protected at the front, we would have preferred a slightly longer version for added protection. AnnoyingUnfortunately, the internally routed cables aren’t wrapped in foam like they usually are, which resulted in noisy rattling. PracticalOrbea’s storage bag is big enough for a spare tube. It fixes securely to the frame and is a much neater alternative to tape or a strap. Get low!Riding an XL frame, we felt better on the bike with the flip-chip in the X-Low setting. Due to the lower bottom bracket, you’ll feel more integrated with the bike and you won’t be pulled to the front as much in steep downhill terrain. The geometry of the Orbea Rallon M-LTD 19 Size SM LG XL Seat tube 406 mm 444 mm 483 mm Top tube 583 mm 611 mm 644 mm Head tube 100 mm 110 mm 125 mm Head angle 65°/65.5° 65°/65.5° 65°/65.5° Seat angle 76° 76° 76° Chainstays 435 mm 435 mm 435 mm BB hight 343/336 mm 343/336 mm 343/336 mm Wheelbase 1187 mm 1217 mm 1253 mm Reach 430 mm 455 mm 485 mm Stack 615 mm 624 mm 637 mm Helmet Giro Switchblade | Goggle ETHEN ZEROQUATTRO | Jersey ION Scrub_AMP | Short ION Scrub_AMP | Shoes Specialized 2FO Cliplite The Orbea Rallon M-LTD 19 on the trail The riding position on the bike is absolutely perfect. At 180 cm tall, our tester sits very centrally on the Rallon, slightly stretched but comfortable. Climbing, the bike is extremely efficient and thanks to the light, stiff wheels feels lively when accelerating. For the first test rides on the Rallon we had the flip-chip in the low setting, but after a few runs, we changed it to x-low. The frame being as long as it is (485 mm reach) we felt better integrated with the bike with the bottom bracket lowered. The overall balance of the bike is very good and the Rallon is intuitive to manoeuvre. Even in open corners, the front wheel had lots of grip. When the terrain becomes steeper and the obstacles bigger, the geometry instils a lot of confidence in the rider. Unfortunately, the bike can be quite harsh with an incredibly direct ride on rough terrain. The Orbea Rallon is a good all-rounder, but it quickly reaches its limits in really demanding terrain. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); This is partly due to the stiffness of the cockpit and the wheels, but also due to the short 150 mm travel at the rear. Although the bike uses the available travel efficiently, the rear suspension isn’t as plush or as sensitive as the competition. If you want to ride this bike really hard, you’ll have to do a few extra sessions in the gym beforehand. Quick direction changes require slightly more input with the size XL Rallon; If you like it playful, you’d be better reach for the smaller size. Tuning tip: save your money on the ENVE rims and upgrade the dropper seat post instead Conclusion The Orbea Rallon M-LTD 19 scores points for its direct, balanced handling and the glamorous look. It climbs excellently and provides good feedback from the trail with its firm suspension. If you’re choosing between two frame sizes, you should think about whether you want a playful bike (smaller size) or a composed bike (larger frame). Spare yourself the € 2,000 ENVE upgrade; you’ll be getting better value for money and a more comfortable ride to boot. TopsSuper comfortable climberPredictable and good-natured on the descentsTons of configuration optionsFlopsToo stiff and direct with carbon rimsRattling cables in the frame UphillDownhillStabilityAgilityValue for money For more info head to: orbea.com For an overview of the test fleet head to: The best enduro bike you can buy All bikes in test: Bold Unplugged | Canyon Strive CFR 9.0 Team | Commencal META AM 29 SIGNATURE ORANGE | Giant Reign Advanced 0 | Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | Nukeproof Mega 275c RS | Pivot Firebird 29 Team XX1 | Pole Machine EN | Santa Cruz Nomad CC | Scott Ransom 900 Tuned | Specialized S-Works Enduro 29 | Trek Slash 9.9 | YT Capra 29 CF PRO Race The post Orbea Rallon M-LTD 19 review appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

There’s another new mid-drive motor on the market. Haibike has developed their own motor based on the TQ motor, and ! It’s called the Flyon, and it has some insane specs. It has a whopping 120 N/m of torque (Bosch, Yamaha and Shimano boast 70–90 N/m). The round shape of the motor virtually hides it behind the front chainring, and with the 630-Wh battery integrated into the downtube, it looks like just another mountain bike, possibly save for the integrated lighting and a grill in the head tube for air intake to keep the battery cool. Motor Haibike HPR 120S: Conquer steep ascents, “fly” over trails, explore new frontiers and extend them: An extra strong power package — Made in Germany — ensures the necessary power when you need it, with perfect modulation possible through the five custom assist modes. Together with the technology supplier TQ we developed a dynamic motor that is the most powerful mid motor on the market at the moment providing up to 120 Nm torque. Thanks to it’s patented transmission the motor offers extreme power and efficiency in a compact package. LightHaibike Skybeamer: Why only master difficult trails and demanding routes by day? The Skybeamer is available in three versions with 150, 300 or 5.000 lumen meaning you can now safely stay out riding after dark! Parking your bike for the short and dark days during the winter months will now be a thing of the past thanks to the powerful headlight. With the Skybeamer 5000 we developed an independent system with daylight, which provides a classic low beam as well as a high beam light with over 5.000 lumen. The light can be operated manually via remote or fully automatically via a brightness sensor in the display. Integration Speed sensor disc: A newly developed speed sensor disc sends 18 signals per rotation of the wheel to the system and measures the speed 18 times more accurately than any other system available on the market. In this way, the system is able to react significantly faster and more dynamically to changing requirements and recognises acceleration even at slow speeds, e. g. hill starts. The sensor itself is safely positioned out of the way of harm and integrated in the left frame dropout. Cockpit Haibike Remote: For the central interface between rider and system we developed a remote that can be operated intuitively, which follows the compact FLYON design language and provides perfect ergonomics: The mode switch is positioned below the handlebar and can be reached via thumb even during the ride. Not only the mode display serves as feedback, but also a clearly visible LED strap on the remote which changes the colour depending on the level of assistance. An all-new display offers information, like speed and mode in differing colors to let you know what mode you’re in using peripheral vision, and speed gets bigger as you go faster to make it easier to see at a glance. The display is built into the stem, as is a Skybeamer light that puts out 150, 300 or 5000 lumens for night riding. There’s rear lighting built into the seatstays. An optional 10-amp charger can charge the high-capacity battery to 80 percent in one hour. It will be featured on their higher-end bikes, all in the Xduro range. www.haibikeusa.com THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO GET ELECTRIC BIKE ACTION In print, from the Apple newsstand, or on your Android device, from Google. Available from the Apple Newsstand for reading on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. Subscribe Here For more subscription information contact (800) 767-0345 Got something on your mind? Let us know at hi-torque.com The post New Product Discovery: Haibike Flyon Motor appeared first on Electric Bike Action.

Electronic drivetrains aren’t new to mountain biking, but they’re yet to have made a meaningful impact on the market. That could change with the SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS. Unlike other currently available models, the wireless drivetrain offers riders real added value, as we quickly found out on our first test ride. The new SRAM Eagle AXS drivetrain has more to offer than just wireless shifting googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); It was only a matter of time before SRAM released the XX1 Eagle AXS. The American brand has long been offering the eTAP wireless electronic drivetrain for road bikes so the witchcraft of wireless operation is nothing new to their global design teams. After unchallenged domination in the road sector now they’re pursuing the mountain bike sector with the XX1 Eagle AXS and the X01 Eagle AXS. As before, the XX1 range is aimed at weight-conscious XC and marathon racers. The X01 range is heavier, albeit more robust and therefore designed for Trail riding. Functionally, there are no noticeable differences, which is why our review refers to both models. Wow, what a clean looking cockpit! Fewer cables also means less rattling. The SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS is the top of the range in terms of weight and price, designed primarily for XC and light Trail use The SRAM Eagle AXS in detail The new wireless SRAM Eagle AXS is based on their well-known and proven Eagle technology, slotting in right at the top of the American brand’s product range. The electronic drivetrain is compatible with existing Eagle components such as the chain, cassette and crankset. At the heart of the new groupset is the AXS data transmission standard via which the individual components communicate with each other, specially developed by SRAM. The communication is quick and very energy efficient. The derailleur also has a Bluetooth and ANT + module, allowing it to communicate with other external devices. Using the AXS app, you can customise the drivetrain to your preferences, perform a firmware update or set yourself a service reminder. However, you don’t need the app to use the drivetrain. Battery Rear derailleur: SRAM battery | Controller: CR2032 Gear Range 500% 10-50 Configuration SRAM App Price XX1 € 2,100 | XO1 € 2,000 Availability End of March 2019 You won’t find a cable on the wireless SRAM Eagle AXS drivetrain With SRAM’s AXS app, the controls can be adapted to suit your personal preferences – but this is not a must! These holes used to serve as ports for the shifter and Reverb cables. In future, they’ll no longer be needed. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } Yes, in the future you’ll have to charge the batteries of your bike’s drivetrain, but … … SRAM has given it a lot of thought. For example, the shifter itself uses virtually no power, which is why the small 2032 button cell battery is claimed to last for at least two years. The battery on the rear derailleur should last about 20 hours – depending on how often you shift. It uses the same battery as the new Reverb AXS and it can be fully charged in just 1 hour. If you’ve got both components on your bike, you can swap the battery from the dropper post with the one on the derailleur to get back home in case you run out. But since you can check the battery level on the rear derailleur with an LED, this shouldn’t ever be necessary. If you want to be on the safe side, you can carry a spare battery in your pocket – thanks to its small size, this is no hassle at all. The AXS components are waterproof too, allowing you to carry on mistreating your bike with a high-pressure cleaner. The battery simply gets clipped onto the back of the derailleur. Should you ever run out of juice, you can also use the Reverb’s battery. The battery lasts for 20 hours and can be fully charged in 1 hour. It’s compact enough for you to easily carry a spare in your pocket. The facts about the SRAM Eagle AXS: price, weight and colours So far we haven’t had the opportunity to weigh the individual components of the SRAM Eagle AXS. SRAM hasn’t released exact weights either, other than stating that the XX1 Eagle AXS is about 5g lighter than the mechanical XX1. However, the mechanical version of the X01 is about 15 g lighter than the X01 Eagle AXS. The AXS groupset will initially only be available as a complete package with the cassette, bottom bracket, crank, shifter, chain and rear derailleur for € 2,100 (XX1) or € 2,000 (X01). he components will also be available individually later in 2019. The new XX1 cassette and chain come in a colourful rainbow colour, which is supposed to be as tough and hard wearing as the gold XX1. The X01 is available in timeless black/silver. Of course, all components can be mixed and matched with each other. SRAM also emphasises that the Eagle AXS is not meant to replace their mechanical drivetrains, but merely add to their portfolio. The rainbow-coloured cassette and chain are claimed to have the same hardness as the gold XX1 cassette and can be easily combined with all other Eagle drivetrains The new silver chainring on the X01 is very sexy too The derailleur of the SRAM Eagle AXS in detail At the heart of the new SRAM Eagle AXS groupset is the derailleur. It is the master device with which all other components communicate, featuring additional Bluetooth and ANT + connectivity. Compared to mechanical Eagle models, the derailleur has been lifted about 10 mm further from the ground, and the upper jockey wheel is positioned further forward, which wraps the chain further around the cassette. To avoid damage, a second integrated clutch ensures that the rear derailleur can disengage and move out of the way in case of contacting an obstacle on the trail. If it’s knocked out of alignment, it automatically and immediately returns to the previously selected gear. Checking the battery level can be done via an LED on the derailleur. SRAM started development of an electronic rear derailleur before starting on their Eagle technology. The first prototypes five years ago were designed for 11-speed drivetrains. SRAM has invested a lot of time and effort into the development of the internal transmission, which adjusts the speed of the motor. On top of that, the derailleur has an overload clutch to allow it to shift inwards when it comes into contact with obstacles. SRAM hasn’t just screwed an electric motor to an existing rear derailleur but developed and optimised it from the ground up An LED on the rear derailleur makes it easy to check the battery level before heading out on a ride. To pair the components for the first time, you’ll have to push a little button. Afterwards, you simply switch on the drivetrain by pressing the shifter paddle. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } The shifter of the new SRAM Eagle AXS The word “lever” isn’t quite correct when referring to the new AXS shifter, since it has only two buttons and no levers. You can configure the assigned function of the two buttons freely with the app. Shift up and down or control the Reverb AXS dropper post? The choice is yours. The paddle is designed in such a way that you can press the rear button with your thumb or pull it with your index finger – ideal for sprints. The controller is fed by a 2032 button cell battery, which should last for about 2 years. If you don’t use the controller, it goes into a sleep mode, from which you can wake it with a single click. SRAM has produced innumerable prototypes of the new shifter: from classic buttons to a solution that is reminiscent of grip-shift After sorting out the mechanical aspects, the focus switched to perfecting the ergonomics. We can imagine that in future you’ll be able to customise your shifter with third-party hardware. With SRAM’s new Eagle AXS shifter, your thumb rests on the large paddle. You can also shift from behind with your index finger. The AXS paddles can be configured however you like. If you prefer controlling the Reverb with your right hand, now you can Installing the SRAM Eagle AXS No drivetrain has been easier to install than the new Eagle AXS. Mount the rear derailleur and shifter unit, pair them, fit the chain, align the rear derailleur and off you go! The derailleur knows the exact gear jumps on the cassette, so you don’t even have to adjust the stop screws. We recommend doing it anyway, for added peace of mind. If the stop screws are set incorrectly for a full shift, the intelligent derailleur will protect the motors. Even without the app, you’ll be ready to go immediately. If you want, you also have the option of customising the assigned function of the shifter paddles. No cables means no hassle trying to route them through internal channels or cutting them to length. Just bolt it on, pair, done! googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); The SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS on the Trail For years, we’ve been riding with mechanical drivetrains and, ignoring Grip-Shift, the shifting process has almost always been identical. At first glance, the new shifter looks very unusual. But surprisingly, it doesn’t take any getting used to. Click, click, click; shifting gears is intuitive and effortless, right from the start. Even in technical terrain where you’re occupied with line choice, we never shifted in the wrong direction. On the contrary, we had the impression that we could concentrate even more on the Trail, as the shifts were always carried out reliably and quickly with a snappy click. After riding only a few meters, shifting gears is already super intuitive Even under full load on a climb, the chain glides over the cassette very smoothly and shifts with lightning speed A click on the shifter paddle causes the derailleur to shift up or down with crisp precision, almost instantly. The chain literally glides between the cassette sprockets. Shifting happens with a speed and precision that we’ve yet to experience with any other drivetrain. Even while putting all the power you’ve got through the pedals, the derailleur will stoically shift gears. Only very fast double shifts under heavy load were able to elicit a slight creak from the drivetrain. Shifting up is almost completely silent, whereas when shifting down, you can hear the quiet whirr of the electric motor. The drivetrain doesn’t give an audible or haptic signal when it reaches the end of the cassette, and we occasionally carried on clicking even though we had no more gears left. The clutch works similarly to that of SRAM’s mechanical derailleurs and we never lost a chain on our test rides. However, the two-day test period was too short to say anything about the durability of the complete system – we’re looking forward to some long-term testing!  Think less, have more fun! The Eagle AXS makes it easier to focus on the Trail. Helmet Specialized Ambush | Jersey iXS VIBE 8.1 | Shorts iXS ASPER SHORTS | Shoes ION Rascal Conclusion of the new SRAM Eagle AXS The SRAM Eagle AXS sets new standards! Not only in terms of shifting performance but also in terms of simplicity, connectivity and user-friendliness. The setup is a piece of cake and the performance is outstanding, we can’t even imagine the future potential. The drivetrain marks the spearhead of SRAM’s product line-up, which is clearly reflected in the price. For more information head to sram.com After testing the new SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS and the Reverb AXS we found 13 good reasons why we can’t wait to stick these gems of wireless innovation onto our own bikes. You find them in a separate article. We are confident: the future is rainbow coloured! Wireless components will take mountain-biking to a new level. The post First Ride Review: Electronic SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS – the best drivetrain on the market? appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

Attending CORE bike show has become a bit of a tradition for the British bike industry. 2019 was the biggest year yet for the trade only event, with over 900 guys in plaid shirts attending on the busiest day. Designed to showcase brands and ranges for UK retailers – rather than to release new products on the World – there was still some super fresh gear to play with. HOPE HB.130 Hope finally unveiled to the world, the long-awaited HB.130, their trail allrounder. 100% built at Hope HQ, the 29er features a carbon front and machined rear end with cool details like the 3-D printed cable guides, ability to run a metric shock and blatant disregard for any industry ‘standards’. Geometry is still ‘work in progress’ with, but final versions should hit the shelves in time for summer. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); 100% Surpass Level 2 pads 100% have entered the limb protection game with a full range of pads for both knees and elbows. The Surpass Level 2 pads are designed for enduro and DH use and feature, you’ve guessed it, level 2 protection. Pre-curved, vented and flexible for your pedalling pleasure, the full coverage design ticks all the boxes. Renthal Limited Edition Fatbar Stealth If you’ve ever lusted after Renthal’s popular Fatbar but just couldn’t live with their trademark gold graphics, then your prayers have been answered! The Fatbar and Fatbar 35 are now available, albeit in (apparently) limited quantities, in a high gloss stealthy black colour. Using an ultra-violent printing process that makes them nearly impossible to photograph, they do look pretty awesome. MRP Hazzard Coil Shock and Progressive Spring The Hazzard is MRP’s new enduro focused shock for riders wanting the feel and reliability of coil. Featuring adjustable rebound, preload and high and low-speed compression, it also has a handy low-speed compression switch to firm things up for winching up climbs or on long transfers. MRP’s progressive spring option has a spring rate that increases in the last third of its travel, giving more mid-stroke support and bottom out resistance to those who need it. If you’re desperate to fit a coil shock to your progressive, air-shock only frame, you should definitely check out the Hazzard. Tioga Glide G3 and Edge 22 Tires Tioga have been responsible for some of the most influential rubber in mountain biking; the Farmer John in the 80’s, the Psycho in the 90’s and the Factory DH took us into the ‘00’s. Since then, things have been quiet but with the Spring release of the Glide G3 and Edge 22, Tioga hope to get back in the game. The Glide G3 is pretty familiar and looks to have many features associated with some of our favourite tires but the front specific, Edge 22 tread pattern really stands out. The Edge 22 is designed to corner; the two active edges are designed to offer consistent grip as the bike transitions into corners, especially on flat corners with little support. Both tires suit hardpacked to loose conditions and will be available in 27.5 and 29 tubeless ready options. Cannondale Habit Aggressive geometry and shorter travel mean that the new Cannondale Habit can handle rowdy riding without sacrificing speed and has become the weapon of choice for the Cannondale Sessions crew. With 130 mm of rear travel rear, 29er wheels and a 66° head angle the Habit certainly has the numbers to be a great allrounder. This one was dialled for Max Nerurkar with Burgtec finishing kit, Santa Cruz wheels and the Fabric 50-01 ‘money can’t buy’ saddle. Ragley Blue Pig The Ragley Pig is ten years old and the latest version, the Blue Pig, has been force-fed steroids and has taken up racing enduro. The Blue Pig is the 27.5 version of the Big Wig 29er and has all the ingredients you’d expect for a hardcore hardtail: long and low with a 64° head angle and ovalised seat stays to give the frame some extra verticle compliance, this piggy is guaranteed to go wheeee, wheeee, wheeee, all the way home. Tubolito Innertubes Carrying tools and tubes is a necessary evil we all endure, so If you’ve been searching for the smallest and lightest tube possible, then Tubolito will change your life. The material is tougher than the butyl or latex used in normal tubes so the weight saving doesn’t mean that the Tubolito is flimsy. The standard 27.5 or 29er tube weighs 80 g, 120 g lighter than the tube we took out our riding pack and is about a third of the size. The minuscule S-Lite is 29er only and weighs a mere 45 g! googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); Cane Creek eeWings Titanium Cranks It’s hard to justify spending a grand on a set of cranks but, for the Cane Creek eeWings crankset, we’d be willing to give it a try. Made entirely of titanium (with the exception of the preload ring), Absolute Black has now teamed up with Cane Creek to made a ti-anodised chainring to match, so these drool cabinet beauties will easily give you the steez you need to impress members of either sex, if not your bank manager. The post Cool stuff at the CORE Bike Show appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

Winter sucks, fact! To best enjoy the wet season, you have to keep it outside of your jacket. We test 13 of the best waterproof jackets to see which ones can keep you dry. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); We’ve all heard the saying, “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. Well anyone who says that has never experienced their face being blasted by rain while clinging to the side of a mountain by their fingertips – sometimes the weather is just shit. In these situations a good jacket can be the difference between a humorous failure and a dangerous situation, especially in the colder months. What makes a jacket waterproof Generally there are two types of weather protection. Water Resistant jackets are treated with a Durable Water Repellency (DWR) coating that causes water to bead and run off. Water resistant jackets are more affordable, and many use a softshell fabric that can be very breathable. However, over time the DWR coating will wear off and need to be recoated. More expensive membrane based jackets have a membrane sandwiched between the layers – commonly three – which contains tiny pores. The membrane has microscopic pores that are big enough to let vapor (sweat) out from inside, but too small to let in big water drops. In fact the pores are around 20,000 times smaller than a water drop. It’s important to never wash expensive membrane jackets in fabric softener as it can block the pores. Popular membranes like GORE-TEX are breathable and offer great protection against the rain, but the cost is higher. How waterproof is waterproof? When looking at jackets you will see a host of confusing numbers, for example imagine a jacket that’s waterproof to 10,000 mm and breathable to 12,000 g/m2, what the hell does that mean? It means you could put a square 1×1 inch tube over the fabric and fill it to 10,000 mm (10 meters) before water will be forced through. The higher the number, the more waterproof the jacket. When it comes to breathability, the 12,000 g/m2 means it can shift 12,000 g of water from the inside to the outside per square meter of fabric over 24 hours. Again, the higher the number the more breathable, and probably expensive, the jacket. However, while a high rating is a good thing in the laboratory, on the trail we often find that the cut, design and venting are far more influential on the jacket’s performance. Taped seams, critical or full? It’s important to buy a jacket with taped seams. This means that all the tiny holes made by the sewing machine are taped, preventing water leaking through at these critical points. The best jackets will be ‘fully taped’ where all the seams are protected, which cheaper jackets will be ‘critically taped’ with only the shoulder and back seams protected. Fit and form, beauty is in the eye of the beholder Jackets for mountain biking benefit from a different fit from other sports. Most jackets now have an anatomical fit, where the sleeves and back are a little longer to provide coverage in the normal riding position. While we don’t need a drop-tailed jacket like a stretched-out roadie, a well fitting trail jacket should have an athletic cut, with enough flex or material around the shoulders for dynamic riding, without being so loose that it flaps in the wind. Some jackets now feature high stretch fabric for added comfort. Up with the hood No matter how waterproof your jacket, if you ride in heavy rain without a hood, your jacket will fill up like a water balloon. Most of the jackets in this group test have hoods, some fit under the helmet and some fit over. For trail riding we prefer highly adjustable hoods that are cut more generously to fit over a helmet for the quickest and most effective protection. Don’t boil in the bag, it’s all about the vents It’s not always cold when it’s raining, and no matter how breathable your jacket, a decent hill can have you sweating more than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Cycling is hard work, and vents can provide far more ventilation than a membrane. The best jackets have vents that can be unzipped to allow air to flow freely around the jacket, under the arms and on the chest. The faster the air is changed inside the jacket, the less moisture builds up and the dryer you stay. Be suspicious of vents on the back though, as these are normally ineffective when wearing a rucksack. What about the onesie? If you really love getting out in filthy conditions we would make two suggestions. First, you really should check out the latest onesies from Endura and Dirtlej – both take all-weather protection to the next level. Without a vulnerable gap between the trousers and jacket, protection from the elements is absolute, but they are far less versatile than the separate parts they replace and double the risk of expensive damage in the case of a crash. And secondly, if you love filthy conditions so much, you should quite possibly be seeking psychological help. What’s in your pockets If you plan to carry a phone and map in your jacket, be sure to choose one with big pockets. We especially like jackets with a zipped compartment so you don’t end up dropping your phone in the mud every time you fish around for an emergency jelly baby. However, we prefer jackets with minimal pockets as overloading the jacket with heavy gear makes it very uncomfortable when riding. Colour, more than just black and white We all love tech black, living out our ‘special forces’ fantasies. If your jacket is for shredding home trails and smashing down pints after the ride, then any colour goes. But if you plan to head out into the big mountains a bright colour will go a long way to keeping you visible and safe! The test group So what makes a perfect waterproof jacket? It’s all about balance. Realistically, the jacket will live predominantly in your backpack, ready to be deployed if the weather turns nasty, so a low weight and being able to compress the jacket to a minimal packsize is very important. A good jacket is a serious investment so it should be versatile, protective enough to survive a winter storm, but airy enough to be functional in the warmer months. We reached out to all the key brands and asked them to send their best all-rounder, where high-performance meets functionality. Model Price Weight Waterproof rating (mm) Breathability rating (g/m²) Endura MT500 II € 229.99 500 g 18,000 64,000 Endura Singletrack II € 129.99 420 g 10,000 20,000 FOX Attack Pro Water Jacket € 229.95 380 g 15,000 25,000 GORE C5 Active Trail/td> € 269.95 270 g 28,000 18,000 ION SCRUB AMP € 249.99 410 g 20,000 20,000 ION TRAZE SELECT € 199.95 480 g 20,000 20,000 Leatt DBX 5.0 € 199.99 680 g 30,000 23,000 Madison DTE Storm Jacket € 185.00 620 g 20,000 20,000 Maloja AndriM € 269.90 240 g 25,000 / POC Resistance Pro Enduro € 350.00 530 g / / SCOTT Trail MTN Dryo 20 € 239.00 490 g 15,000 15,000 Specialized Deflect H20 € 199.00 330 g / / Sweet Protection Hunter DryZeal € 199.00 210 g 10,000 10,000 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); How we tested them Each of the jackets was heavily used and abused, not only on filthy Scottish days, but also on unseasonably hot days to test the venting and breathability. Each jacket racked up some serious trail miles, was left wet in kit bags and sent through the washing machine multiple times to test the quality of the stitching and materials. Tops and Flops Tops Only what you needThe small pack size and high levels of protection made the GORE C5 Active Trail a jacket in high demand amongst the test team. After many big rides it’s still looking great Tough materialWe loved the rugged construction of the Leatt DBX 5.0. When you buy a premium jacket you want it to last. The Leatt DBX 5.0 took some big hits without complaint Great protectionThe Vectran coating on the POC Resistance Pro Jacket sleeves is proving phenomenally tough. Despite our best efforts to kill the fabric, it is still unscathed Magnetic attractionWe loved the self-adjusting hood on the ION TRAZE SELECT, instantly conforming to our heads, no matter if we had a helmet on or not Flops Asymmetric zipWe know that it’s supposed to help unzip the jacket with one hand, but the asymmetric zip on the FOX Attack Pro Water Jacket just looks odd to us, and you will spend a lot of your ride talking about it Zip shields are a jamNothing is worse at the end of a big ride than being stuck in your jacket, especially when your hands no longer work. Sometimes the panel designs make a zip more likely to jam with the inner shield. We frequently got stuck inside the Endura Singletrack II jacket. Elastic hazardThe pull toggles on the Leatt DBX 5.0 are slightly elastic. This makes the fit more comfortable, but due to their positioning, if you pull them and let them go by accident they comically hit you in the eye Big heads bewareWe loved the GORE C5 Active Trail jacket, the perfect blend of minimalist design and high-performance. Only the small hood let it down, sadly too small to throw over a helmet So what’s the verdict? So which jacket is best? It’s a tough one as it really depends on what you want from your jacket. If you’re more of a stuff-a-jacket-in-case of rain you will prioritise a jacket that is highly packable, with enough protection to enjoy the rest of the ride. Our favourite was the GORE C5 Active Trail. Only the lack of a helmet compatible hood stopped it dominating in our test, but it’s our top recommendation for a ‘stash-and-go jacket’. As a rough-and-ready, ‘screw the weather’ jacket, we loved the no-frills functionality and great design of the Endura Singletrack II jacket, which took our Best Value tip. If you want a ‘proper’ mountain jacket for big winter missions into the hills, where you may face constant rain, you will need a higher specification jacket. For truly horrible weather, we all wanted to be in the protective cocoons of either the Endura MT500 II or the Leatt DBX 5.0. The rugged Leatt DBX 5.0 is the perfect armour for those who value durability, but the lighter and more packable Endura MT500 II is more than a match for any winter. In this test though, the jacket needed to be a versatile year round option. We loved the easy packability of the SCOTT Trail MTN Dryo 20 but it was the increased protection of the ION SCRUB AMP that stole the top honours. With a great hood, robust weather protection and relaxed styling the ION SCRUB AMP was the most popular jacket with our team. ION takes the Best in Test. This article is from ENDURO issue #036ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine is published in a digital app format in both English and German. Download the app for iOS or Android to read all articles on your tablet or smartphone. 100% free! The post The best waterproof MTB jacket you can buy appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

Let’s be honest for a moment. What are most of us looking for when buying a bike? Uncompromising geometry? Top specs? Or is it actually the colour scheme? If that’s what really matters you won’t get past the brand new LIV Intrigue E+ 1 Pro that easily. But we found out that LIV’s new women-specific eMTB has a lot more to offer than just flashy looks! LIV Intrigue E+ 1 Pro | 150/140 mm (f/r) | 23.68 kg | € 4,399 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); Ever heard of LIV? No? Well, that’s no surprise! Until now the brand has kept relatively quiet in the eMTB-segment. Apart from one hardtail, LIV’s eMTB range was pretty limited. But now LIV is changing this by introducing two new models to its line-up — the Embolden E+ and the Intrigue E+. The Intrigue E+ Pro we tested costs € 4,399 and is the top of the range option. It’s no coincidence that LIV models look a lot like Giant bikes – because LIV is Giant’s women’s specific brand. Unlike other manufacturers, LIV doesn’t just splash pink paint on its unisex bikes to sell them as women-specific models, but actually develops the bikes from scratch, adapting them to the demands of women. But what exactly are the needs of female bikers? LIV considers the anatomical proportions of women to determine the average rider proportions for each frame size. The LIV team tweaks the geometry of its bikes to offer an optimal riding position combined with top riding fun. The head tube of our size small bike is 5 mm longer, the seat angle is 0.5° steeper and the freedom of movement is greater than on a comparable Giant model. This also makes for a more compact and upright riding position. And there is some even more exciting news: The LIV Intrigue E+ is also available in XS for very short riders. The LIV Intrigue E+ 1 Pro in detail Fork FOX Rhythm 36 Float 150 mm Shock FOX Float DPS 140 mm Brakes Shimano MT520 203/203 Drivetrain Shimano SLX/XT Battery Giant Energypak 500 Wh Motor Giant SyncDrive-Pro Seatpost Giant Switch Remote 100 mm Handlebar Giant Contact TR Risebar 760 mm Stem Giant Contact SL 40 mm Wheels Giant AM Disc Tires Maxxis Minion DHF 2.6″ / Maxxis Rekon 2.6″ Weight 23.68 kg Price € 4,399 LIV also adapts the spec of its bikes to the specific requirements of female riders. The handlebar width varies depending on frame size and is matched to the narrower shoulders of smaller riders and of course, there is also a women’s specific saddle. All the other components are carefully picked to harmonise with the overall concept. Shimano’s four-piston Deore brakes are powerful and efficient whilst the mixed SLX/XT groupset shifts reliably and with great precision. Alongside the women’s specific geometry, LIV also adapts the suspension to the needs of lighter riders. The Intrigue features a 150 mm FOX 36 Rhythm fork and a 140 mm FOX FLOAT DPS performance rear-shock. The bike is powered by a powerful SyncDrive Pro motor which draws its power from a fully integrated 500 Wh battery. Giant recently launched its own app which allows you to adjust and customise the motor support levels, as well as program your routes – although all functions are currently still very rudimentary. Instead of a display on the handlebars, small LEDs on the remote indicate the current motor assistance level and battery status. Nice!Depending on the sunlight, the paint of the LIV Intrigue E+ Pro 1 shimmers in different colours. This gives the bike a very individual look – we love it! MinimalisticThe small remote controls the Intrigue’s motor – and there is also a walk-assist button. In addition small LEDs indicate the current support level and battery status. Crazy amounts of powerIn the highest support mode the motor of the LIV pushes powerfully and directly. We recommend riding the bike in the lower levels most of the time – especially at the beginning. Very sensitiveThe suspension works very sensitively even with light, female riders and inspires tons of confidence In a strangleholdOnly a small bottle fits into the bottle holder of a size S frame. On top of that, the bottle cage holds the bottle so tightly that you’ll struggle to get it out while riding. Before you put your weight on the pedals of the Intrigue E+ for the first time, you should be very careful. The motor reacts very sensitively and pushes on powerfully even at the slightest pressure on the pedal. If you’re an inexperienced rider we recommend starting with a low level of support. However, you’ll quickly develop a feeling for the bike and learn to appreciate the great amounts of power the motor churns out — especially when climbing steep hills. The geometry of the LIV Intrigue E+ 1 Pro Size XS S M L Seat tube 380mm 406 mm 445 mm 482 mm Top tube 565 mm 580 mm 595 mm 620 mm Head tube 95 mm 100 mm 105 mm 125 mm Head angle 66.5° 66.5° 66.5° 66.5° Seat angle 74.5° 74.5° 74.5° 74.5° Chainstays 470 mm 470 mm 470 mm 470 mm Wheelbase 1169 mm 1185 mm 1201 mm 1229 mm Reach 404 mm 418 mm 431 mm 451 mm Stack 579 mm 584 mm 588 mm 607 mm Helmet MET Roam | Glasses Oakley Jawbreaker | Shirt Mons Royal Phoenix Shirt | Shorts ION Bikeshort Scrub_Amp WMS | Shoes Five Ten Freerider Pro Women googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); The LIV Intrigue E+ 1 Pro on the trail With a body height of 1.60 cm the riding position on a size S LIV Intrigue E+ feels rather compact but at the same time very comfortable — the ideal position for long rides. The suspension works so sensitively that sometimes you feel like you’re missing a few PSI’s even with the correct sag. Like a flying carpet the LIV glides over obstacles – it’s just superb! If you, like many other women, are struggling with suspension-setups that are way too hard for your body weight, the LIV Intrigue will spoil you with huge amounts of comfort and the 2.6″ MAXXIS are partly responsible for this. However, in our opinion a tire with a more aggressive profile on the rear would have been a better choice – unfortunately the Rekon+ lacks traction on climbs and grip on descents. It’s especially in the higher support levels, that the Maxxis Rekon+ is out of its depth and loses grip. Apart from that the LIV deals with technical climbs incredibly well and always stays composed. We recommend using a lower support level for technical sections and once the climb gets really steep you have to work actively to keep the front wheel on the ground. Big Smile – the Intrigue E+ makes for lots of riding fun! Despite its weight of 23.68 kg the LIV Intrigue E+ is easy to handle, it feels pleasantly agile and masters tight corners with ease. Simply superb! It literally flies through flatter trails and always feels playful and nimble. When the descent gets steep and technical the LIV inspires tons of confidence. Are you still worried about the plush suspension sinking away on bigger drops and catapulting you over the handlebars? Don’t worry the LIV won’t let you down on this one either. One point of criticism is the limited height adjustment range of the seat post. As the position of the seat tube bend is rather high, you won’t be able to use a dropper with long travel. It’s a shame because this would increase the riding safety significantly and inspire more confidence as a result. Conclusion The LIV Intrigue E+ Pro 1 is a great bike specifically designed for women. It impressed us with its good-natured, easy handling as well as its comfortable suspension. All of this makes it a great option for long relaxed days in the saddle as well as demanding off-road sessions. However, we’d recommend replacing the rear tire with one that offers more grip. Strengths Good natured, easy handling Comfortable and confidence inspiring Elegant look Weaknesses Motor characteristics need some getting used to Rear tire offers poor grip Limited dropper-post travel For more info head to: liv-cycling.com This article is from E-MOUNTAINBIKE issue #015E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine is published in a digital app format in both English and German. Download the app for iOS or Android to read all articles on your tablet or smartphone. 100% free! Der Beitrag LIV Intrigue E+ 1 Pro Review – a new star in the eMTB firmament erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.