Wow, so where has the start of this year gone? We’ve been successfully propelled into the quasi-Summer time after spending way too long stuck in the doldrums of winter. So, to keep your spirits lifted and the wind in your sails, we’ve been busy bringing you some top-notch reviews and buying advice for all of the latest bits of kit on the market. Giant Trance 1 review How much suspension travel do I need on my mountain bike? Specialized’s new Roubaix returns to its racing roots YT has launched an electric bike, the Decoy, we’ve seen Orange release two new single pivots, the Five and Alpine 6 and our road and MTB Bike of the Year awards are now all done and dusted. To top it off, the cobbled classics are now finished, with Philippe Gilbert winning the Paris-Roubaix on the brand new Specialized Roubaix that our Warren checked out just before the race. So what have we got to look forward to in the coming months? Well, the racing scene, both mountain bike and road, in the Northern Hemisphere is starting to get into full swing, so keep tuned for your dose of tech coverage right here on BikeRadar. We’ve also got a summer of shredding ahead of us — what are your goals for the coming months? Whatever they are, maybe some of this kit will help you achieve them. Mission Workshop The Sans jacket Mission Workshop’s The Sans is beautifully made Alex Evans It’s a pricy bit of kit, The Sans, but please don’t let that put you off. Designed and manufactured to last, the Toray-built jacket uses an Entrant microporous membrane that’s claimed to be exceptionally waterproof while still being breathable and stretchy. The 3L jacket is made by Toray in Japan Alex Evans The jacket’s got an adjustable hood, a breast pocket with zip, taped seams and weighs an insanely light 167g. Despite its light weight, it doesn’t feel like a plastic bag and the jacket exudes levels of quality that are virtually unparalleled. At 167g, it’s mega light but doesn’t feel like a wafer-thin shell Alex Evans The three-layer construction helps reinforce that feeling of quality, but it does almost seem a shame to drag the jacket through hell and back on the mountain bike considering its price and presence. The cuffs are fairly large and should fit over gloves Alex Evans We’ll have a full review soon. £390 / $475 / AU$790 / €455 Buy The Sans jacket direct from Mission Workshop 100% Surpass knee guards The Surpass is 100%’s toughest most gravity orientated knee guard Alex Evans 100% has now branched out into the protection range and the Surpass knee guard is its top tier protector that’s been impact tested and has the maximum level two protection accolade. It features a fully-vented plastic cup over the knee, is pre-curved into the riding position for maximum comfort and the pad fabric’s elastic helps to keep them secure on your knees. Top that off with two straps and silicone webbing and it’s unlikely the pads will slip when you’re sending it. £115.99 / $139 Crankbrothers Synthesis XCT wheels Crankbrothers’ new Synthesis wheels are individually tuned as front or rear wheels Alex Evans In a move away from a lot of other brand’s offerings, Crankbrothers’ Synthesis wheels are front and rear specific. Each wheel has been tuned to be either stiffer or more compliant depending whether it’s for the front or rear. The rear wheel has more, heavier spokes that are under higher tensions and are laced on a tougher rim with a narrower internal width, which Crankbrothers says will make the tyre’s profile more rounded. Crankbrothers claims this improves the tyre’s grip and reduces rolling resistance. The hubs have Project 321 hubs with magnetically activated pawls in the rear’s freehub Alex Evans Up front there are fewer spokes which are lighter and run with lower spoke tensions. The rim is lighter and its internal width is larger. This, Crankbrothers claims, rounds the tyre’s profile and increases its contact patch, improving turning. They look very well made Alex Evans The jury’s out on whether the claims translate to on-trail performance, but we’ve got a set in to review so stay tuned. £1,500 / $1,699 / €1,699 Buy the Crankbrothers Synthesis XCT wheels direct from Crankbrothers Muc-Off High Performance Waterless Wash bike wash Muc-Off’s latest product is a waterless wash. Simply squirt it on and wipe away with a microfibre cloth for gleaming results Alex Evans Designed to remove smaller amounts of dirt, don’t expect the waterless wash to do a thorough all-bike clean. Muc-Off claims it cleans and polishes the bike to keep it sparkling clean in seconds. Simply spray it on and then rub off the dirt with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. If you want the ultimate shine, buff the now clean surfaces with another cloth. £11.99 Buy Muc-Off High Performance Waterless Wash direct from Muc-Off Bedrock Bikepacking Bags Moab handlebar bag The Moab bag is designed to work with shorter, 80mm or less stems Alex Evans If the adventurer in you fancies getting a bit gnarlier, then you’ve probably been plagued by ill-fitting frame and bar bags that don’t work with bikes that have more extreme intentions. Well, Bedrock has an answer for the handlebar bag, at least. Traditionally-shaped bar bags had a tendency to interfere with brake levers, especially if you’ve got a short stem fitted, but the Moab is shaped so that it avoids the levers’ action. It does still butt up against and interfere with the bike’s brake cables but it shouldn’t affect how they perform. $160 Buy the Moab hanglebar bag direct from Bedrock Bikepacking Bags Ghost Hybride Slamr X S4.7+ AL U Ghost’s Germanically-named Hybride Slamr X S4.7+ AL U is massive and purposeful Looking beyond the very Germanic nomenclature and what we’ve got here is a rather hardcore and exceptionally large bike, in extra-large at least. The battery sits on the top of the down tube Alex Evans With a 1,299mm wheelbase, a 65.7-degree head angle and hard-hitting components, the Slamr looks like a veritable beast to ride. Our Seb is going to be putting this XL bike through its paces soon. Wearwell cycling clothing Beautifully modelled by Jack, the Wearwell kit certainly looks smart Alex Evans Wearwell Revival Jersey – Second Edition jersey The logo is certainly bold looking Alex Evans The Revival jersey has some neat features beyond its rather bold styling. It’s got a waterproof pocket for your most treasured items with headphone cable routing, silicone grippers on the bottom of the jersey to help keep it in place and has small perforations on the sleeve cuffs, which also feature silicone grippers. The Wearwell Revival Jersey has some nice features Alex Evans The pockets, they claim, are designed to not sag whilst still having plenty of cargo space. £98 Buy the Wearwell Revival Jersey – Second Edition jersey direct from Wearwell Wearwell Bib Shorts – Revival Collection bib shorts The bib shorts have a mesh back and a sewn-on logo Alex Evans Contrasted against the matching jersey, the bib short’s styling is particularly subtle. The bibs are designed to help you last for longer in the saddle, offering high levels of comfort. There’s a small ‘radio’ pocket on the rear of the shorts, but we think you’d be brave to store anything of value in there. The chamois pad is made from dense foam and the mesh backing should help to wick away sweat. £118 Buy the Wearwell Bib Shorts – Revival Collection bib shorts direct from Wearwell Wearwell Revival Mitt fingerless gloves Fingerless gloves aren’t to everyone’s taste, but arguably have their place Alex Evans With padded palm sections made from a hard-wearing blend of nylon and polyurethane, these gloves should shake off the abuse any fanatical rider can throw at them. The backs of the gloves are lightweight and breathable and the fingerless design is best suited to warmer climes. £29 Buy the Wearwell Revival Mitt fingerless gloves direct from Wearwell 7Mesh MK3 Bib Shorts These are the third iteration of 7Mesh’s fantastic bib shorts Alex Evans Even though these aren’t the cheapest of cycling shorts out there, after the first couple of rides I can confirm that they’re the comfiest bib shorts I’ve ever worn. And that’s just as well, because 7Mesh set out to make an ultra-comfy long-distance set of road riding shorts. Featuring an Elastic Interface chamois that’s got high-density foam and fantastic breathability, every detail has been considered. The material is soft and the over the shoulder braces are stretchy Alex Evans The inside of the shorts, where they contact your skin in sensitive areas, is entirely smooth with the seams moved away from these places. Not only that, the fabric is fairly compressive but highly stretchy. 7Mesh has decided not to fit aggressive hem grippers to the legs that means they fit smoothly around your legs. I can’t wait to spend more time in these bibs and you can expect a full review soon. £130 / CA$250 / €175 Buy the 7Mesh MK3 Bib Shorts direct from 7Mesh Oakley Sutro glasses Oakley’s Sutro glasses are inspired by the urban cyclist and certainly look dramatic Alex Evans The Sutro is a modern-looking wraparound pair of riding glasses that should help to protect your eyes against debris and the elements when you’re out racking up the miles. They’re assembled in the USA Alex Evans Fitted with Oakley’s Prizm lens technology, the lens promises to turn up the colour, making everything look more vibrant and lively. £130 / $163 / AU$214.95 / €152 Castelli Linea Pelle combi pack This little combi pack from Castelli will keep your derriere and private bits feeling sweet after long days in the saddle Alex Evans Give your skin the love it deserves with this kit of three different types of cream. There are two pre-ride balms to apply; one to heat your muscles up and one to protect it from the elements. It features three types of cream for your skin Alex Evans There’s also a chamois cream to keep your private bits well lubricated out on the bike. £29 Buy the Linea Pelle combi pack from Sigma Sports Specialized S-Works Venge The Specialized Venge S-Works looks amazing Alex Evans This has to be one of the sleekest and smartest looking road bikes out there. Designed for pure speed with an aero shape that’s the manifestation of plenty of hours of research, there’s no denying how quick this bike has the potential to be. But for the price tag, it had better be. With this level of components, it’s a safe bet to make that the rider is going to be the weakest link. Read Warren’s review of the slightly cheaper Venge Pro here. £9750 / $12,520 / AU$14,500 / €11,299 Buy the S-Works Venge direct from Specialized

Wow, so where has the start of this year gone? We’ve been successfully propelled into the quasi-Summer time after spending way too long stuck in the doldrums of winter. So, to keep your spirits lifted and the wind in your sails, we’ve been busy bringing you some top-notch reviews and buying advice for all of the latest bits of kit on the market. Giant Trance 1 review How much suspension travel do I need on my mountain bike? Specialized’s new Roubaix returns to its racing roots YT has launched an electric bike, the Decoy, we’ve seen Orange release two new single pivots, the Five and Alpine 6 and our road and MTB Bike of the Year awards are now all done and dusted. To top it off, the cobbled classics are now finished, with Philippe Gilbert winning the Paris-Roubaix on the brand new Specialized Roubaix that our Warren checked out just before the race. So what have we got to look forward to in the coming months? Well, the racing scene, both mountain bike and road, in the Northern Hemisphere is starting to get into full swing, so keep tuned for your dose of tech coverage right here on BikeRadar. We’ve also got a summer of shredding ahead of us — what are your goals for the coming months? Whatever they are, maybe some of this kit will help you achieve them. Mission Workshop The Sans jacket Mission Workshop’s The Sans is beautifully made Alex Evans It’s a pricy bit of kit, The Sans, but please don’t let that put you off. Designed and manufactured to last, the Toray-built jacket uses an Entrant microporous membrane that’s claimed to be exceptionally waterproof while still being breathable and stretchy. The 3L jacket is made by Toray in Japan Alex Evans The jacket’s got an adjustable hood, a breast pocket with zip, taped seams and weighs an insanely light 167g. Despite its light weight, it doesn’t feel like a plastic bag and the jacket exudes levels of quality that are virtually unparalleled. At 167g, it’s mega light but doesn’t feel like a wafer-thin shell Alex Evans The three-layer construction helps reinforce that feeling of quality, but it does almost seem a shame to drag the jacket through hell and back on the mountain bike considering its price and presence. The cuffs are fairly large and should fit over gloves Alex Evans We’ll have a full review soon. £390 / $475 / AU$790 / €455 Buy The Sans jacket direct from Mission Workshop 100% Surpass knee guards The Surpass is 100%’s toughest most gravity orientated knee guard Alex Evans 100% has now branched out into the protection range and the Surpass knee guard is its top tier protector that’s been impact tested and has the maximum level two protection accolade. It features a fully-vented plastic cup over the knee, is pre-curved into the riding position for maximum comfort and the pad fabric’s elastic helps to keep them secure on your knees. Top that off with two straps and silicone webbing and it’s unlikely the pads will slip when you’re sending it. £115.99 / $139 Crankbrothers Synthesis XCT wheels Crankbrothers’ new Synthesis wheels are individually tuned as front or rear wheels Alex Evans In a move away from a lot of other brand’s offerings, Crankbrothers’ Synthesis wheels are front and rear specific. Each wheel has been tuned to be either stiffer or more compliant depending whether it’s for the front or rear. The rear wheel has more, heavier spokes that are under higher tensions and are laced on a tougher rim with a narrower internal width, which Crankbrothers says will make the tyre’s profile more rounded. Crankbrothers claims this improves the tyre’s grip and reduces rolling resistance. The hubs have Project 321 hubs with magnetically activated pawls in the rear’s freehub Alex Evans Up front there are fewer spokes which are lighter and run with lower spoke tensions. The rim is lighter and its internal width is larger. This, Crankbrothers claims, rounds the tyre’s profile and increases its contact patch, improving turning. They look very well made Alex Evans The jury’s out on whether the claims translate to on-trail performance, but we’ve got a set in to review so stay tuned. £1,500 / $1,699 / €1,699 Buy the Crankbrothers Synthesis XCT wheels direct from Crankbrothers Muc-Off High Performance Waterless Wash bike wash Muc-Off’s latest product is a waterless wash. Simply squirt it on and wipe away with a microfibre cloth for gleaming results Alex Evans Designed to remove smaller amounts of dirt, don’t expect the waterless wash to do a thorough all-bike clean. Muc-Off claims it cleans and polishes the bike to keep it sparkling clean in seconds. Simply spray it on and then rub off the dirt with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. If you want the ultimate shine, buff the now clean surfaces with another cloth. £11.99 Buy Muc-Off High Performance Waterless Wash direct from Muc-Off Bedrock Bikepacking Bags Moab handlebar bag The Moab bag is designed to work with shorter, 80mm or less stems Alex Evans If the adventurer in you fancies getting a bit gnarlier, then you’ve probably been plagued by ill-fitting frame and bar bags that don’t work with bikes that have more extreme intentions. Well, Bedrock has an answer for the handlebar bag, at least. Traditionally-shaped bar bags had a tendency to interfere with brake levers, especially if you’ve got a short stem fitted, but the Moab is shaped so that it avoids the levers’ action. It does still butt up against and interfere with the bike’s brake cables but it shouldn’t affect how they perform. $160 Buy the Moab hanglebar bag direct from Bedrock Bikepacking Bags Ghost Hybride Slamr X S4.7+ AL U Ghost’s Germanically-named Hybride Slamr X S4.7+ AL U is massive and purposeful Looking beyond the very Germanic nomenclature and what we’ve got here is a rather hardcore and exceptionally large bike, in extra-large at least. The battery sits on the top of the down tube Alex Evans With a 1,299mm wheelbase, a 65.7-degree head angle and hard-hitting components, the Slamr looks like a veritable beast to ride. Our Seb is going to be putting this XL bike through its paces soon. Wearwell cycling clothing Beautifully modelled by Jack, the Wearwell kit certainly looks smart Alex Evans Wearwell Revival Jersey – Second Edition jersey The logo is certainly bold looking Alex Evans The Revival jersey has some neat features beyond its rather bold styling. It’s got a waterproof pocket for your most treasured items with headphone cable routing, silicone grippers on the bottom of the jersey to help keep it in place and has small perforations on the sleeve cuffs, which also feature silicone grippers. The Wearwell Revival Jersey has some nice features Alex Evans The pockets, they claim, are designed to not sag whilst still having plenty of cargo space. £98 Buy the Wearwell Revival Jersey – Second Edition jersey direct from Wearwell Wearwell Bib Shorts – Revival Collection bib shorts The bib shorts have a mesh back and a sewn-on logo Alex Evans Contrasted against the matching jersey, the bib short’s styling is particularly subtle. The bibs are designed to help you last for longer in the saddle, offering high levels of comfort. There’s a small ‘radio’ pocket on the rear of the shorts, but we think you’d be brave to store anything of value in there. The chamois pad is made from dense foam and the mesh backing should help to wick away sweat. £118 Buy the Wearwell Bib Shorts – Revival Collection bib shorts direct from Wearwell Wearwell Revival Mitt fingerless gloves Fingerless gloves aren’t to everyone’s taste, but arguably have their place Alex Evans With padded palm sections made from a hard-wearing blend of nylon and polyurethane, these gloves should shake off the abuse any fanatical rider can throw at them. The backs of the gloves are lightweight and breathable and the fingerless design is best suited to warmer climes. £29 Buy the Wearwell Revival Mitt fingerless gloves direct from Wearwell 7Mesh MK3 Bib Shorts These are the third iteration of 7Mesh’s fantastic bib shorts Alex Evans Even though these aren’t the cheapest of cycling shorts out there, after the first couple of rides I can confirm that they’re the comfiest bib shorts I’ve ever worn. And that’s just as well, because 7Mesh set out to make an ultra-comfy long-distance set of road riding shorts. Featuring an Elastic Interface chamois that’s got high-density foam and fantastic breathability, every detail has been considered. The material is soft and the over the shoulder braces are stretchy Alex Evans The inside of the shorts, where they contact your skin in sensitive areas, is entirely smooth with the seams moved away from these places. Not only that, the fabric is fairly compressive but highly stretchy. 7Mesh has decided not to fit aggressive hem grippers to the legs that means they fit smoothly around your legs. I can’t wait to spend more time in these bibs and you can expect a full review soon. £130 / CA$250 / €175 Buy the 7Mesh MK3 Bib Shorts direct from 7Mesh Oakley Sutro glasses Oakley’s Sutro glasses are inspired by the urban cyclist and certainly look dramatic Alex Evans The Sutro is a modern-looking wraparound pair of riding glasses that should help to protect your eyes against debris and the elements when you’re out racking up the miles. They’re assembled in the USA Alex Evans Fitted with Oakley’s Prizm lens technology, the lens promises to turn up the colour, making everything look more vibrant and lively. £130 / $163 / AU$214.95 / €152 Castelli Linea Pelle combi pack This little combi pack from Castelli will keep your derriere and private bits feeling sweet after long days in the saddle Alex Evans Give your skin the love it deserves with this kit of three different types of cream. There are two pre-ride balms to apply; one to heat your muscles up and one to protect it from the elements. It features three types of cream for your skin Alex Evans There’s also a chamois cream to keep your private bits well lubricated out on the bike. £29 Buy the Linea Pelle combi pack from Sigma Sports Specialized S-Works Venge The Specialized Venge S-Works looks amazing Alex Evans This has to be one of the sleekest and smartest looking road bikes out there. Designed for pure speed with an aero shape that’s the manifestation of plenty of hours of research, there’s no denying how quick this bike has the potential to be. But for the price tag, it had better be. With this level of components, it’s a safe bet to make that the rider is going to be the weakest link. Read Warren’s review of the slightly cheaper Venge Pro here. £9750 / $12,520 / AU$14,500 / €11,299 Buy the S-Works Venge direct from Specialized

The 765 RS Gravel is Look‘s first dedicated gravel bike SRAM’s 1×11 Force groupset is used, but it’s a relatively tight cassette at the back Curvy, asymmetric chainstays offer tyre and chainring clearance Betting on the future — UCI approval for the gravel frame Look designs the entire front of its bike as a single system to ensure the feeling through the bars is what it desires Neat, rattle-free cable routing Decent clearance for the low-profile 37mm WTB riddler tyres Thin bar tape adds to the racy feel SRAM provides the braking via a Force caliper The e-765 RS Gravel takes inspiration from the 765 RS Gravel and the e-765 Optimum The narrow range 11-speed cassette There’s definitely clearance, just! Fazua’s bar controller is simple, if not svelte Look is speccing WTB tyres across the gravel range The 3D Wave chainstays are there to improve compliance and grip Look leaves the base of the Fazua motor naked to reduce the chance of water pooling and to keep the motor cool One side is enclosed, the other open for swift wheel changes The Fazua’s motor and bottom bracket key together with a simple mechanism This version of the 765 RS Gravel comes with a 2×11 Shimano 105 group The SRAM Force version of the 765 RS Gravel comes with a matt green paintjob Shimano Ultegra adorns this 765 RS Gravel The Drivepack contains both motor and battery SRAM Force appears on this top-level e-765 Gravel SRAM Rival provides the stop and go here Look has hit the dirt road running with a brace of gravel bikes: one man-powered, the other motor assisted. The two bikes share their DNA, with the 765 Gravel RS being a very race-focussed gravel bike, while the e-765 Gravel is a touch more relaxed but should still be quick up the hills thanks to its electric assistance. This gravel bike has a dropper and suspension Good news, now even bar tape is gravel specific Look 765 Gravel RS Neat, rattle-free cable routing Tom Marvin / Immediate Media The 765 Gravel RS plays on what Look refers to as ‘the new playground’ — gravel roads that are becoming increasingly popular to ride, especially in the US. The RS in the name stands for Racing Sport, hinting at the general demeanour of the bike. This means that there’s an increased proportion of high modulus carbon fibres in the frame’s layup, for a lighter, snappier ride. Betting on the future — UCI approval for the gravel frame Tom Marvin / Immediate Media There’s also a UCI Legal sticker just ahead of the seatpost, which could hint to the bike’s intentions. While there are no UCI sanctioned gravel races, Look believes that there could be soon in the future and therefore want a bike ready to go. Look also says the 765 Gravel RS is suitable for cyclocross. The frames weigh a reported 1.2kg with a 350g fork. Look 765 Gravel RS frame design Look has gone where a number of other gravel frames have gone before, with a dropped chainstay design. This gives Look the ability to put wider tyres in its frame and maintain the use of road cranks (and their narrower Q-factor) and up to a 50t chainring. SRAM’s 1×11 Force groupset is used, but it’s a relatively tight cassette at the back Tom Marvin / Immediate Media Tyre size is a hot topic in gravel, and Look says that the bike can run regular road-sized wheels and tyres for more road-orientated riders and easily up to 40c tyres on slightly wider 700c rims for those who want a fair mix of road and dirt. For those who want to purely hit the dirt, 650×2.1in tyres and wheels can also be fitted. These have a far larger volume for better traction and comfort but maintain a very similar outer diameter. The chainstays get the 3D Wave treatment, which we saw recently on the E765 Optimum E-Road bike that Look launched. This profile, which has two distinct curves in the tube profile, is said to offer 15 percent more compliance than a straight tube. This is handy on a gravel bike, not just for comfort over rougher terrain, but also to improve the tyre’s ability to track undulations in the road surface, thus improving traction. The 3D Wave chainstays are there to improve compliance and grip Tom Marvin / Immediate Media To make sure that the bikes are ready to get out into the wilderness there are four bottle cage mounts on the bike: three inside the main triangle and one below it. One of them is super low in the frame to improve weight distribution, which I suspect will be limited to 500ml bidons if you wish to use all four. There’s also a pair of bolts on top of the top tube for a bento box, ready for long stints in the saddle, and there are fender mounts to keep you dry too. The Look 765 RS Gravel range Three models make up the 765 RS Gravel range: The SRAM Force version of the 765 RS Gravel comes with a matt green paintjob Look Up top is the SRAM Force 1×11 bike, featuring a Force carbon crank with 42t ring and an 11-36t cassette. It comes with Force brakes, Mavic All Road Disc CL tubeless wheels with WTB Riddler 37mm tyres, Look’s finishing kit (including a 12-degree flare gravel specific bar) and Fizik Antares R7 saddle. Look will be selling this bike for €4,299. Shimano Ultegra adorns this 765 RS Gravel Look Next is a Shimano Ultegra build. This comes with a 50-34 double chainset and 11-34t cassette, and Shimano’s Ultegra hydraulic brakes. The bike rolls on Shimano RS 370 wheels and the same WTB Riddler tyres. Finishing kit is again Look and Fizik. This model comes in at €3,999. This version of the 765 RS Gravel comes with a 2×11 Shimano 105 group Look Finally, there’s a Shimano 105 group bike in very much the same format, though it’s Shimano RS 170 wheels this time, and has a price of €3,599. For our initial ride impressions of the Force level bike, scroll down! The Look e-765 Gravel The e-765 RS Gravel takes inspiration from the 765 RS Gravel and the e-765 Optimum Tom Marvin / Immediate Media Look has taken the 765 RS Gravel and the e-765 Optimum (check out the details of that here) and merged them together to create the e-765 Gravel — an electrically assisted gravel bike. Many of the features from the 765 RS Gravel can be found on the electric bike version: the 3D Wave seatstays, dropped chainstays and colour too. However, these are joined by the Fauza motor, which has impressed in the past. As with the e-765 Optimum, Look chose this motor because of its low weight and unobtrusive feel through the cranks. Look leaves the base of the Fazua motor naked to reduce the chance of water pooling and to keep the motor cool Tom Marvin / Immediate Media The motor, battery and bottom bracket system weigh around 4kg, so there’s not a massive weight penalty, and if the feeling on the bike is similar to its tarmac sibling, it shouldn’t make too much of a difference to how the bike rides. The motor has 250 watts continuous power, peaking at 400 watts, while there’s 60Nm of torque and a 250Wh battery. Four power modes are offered, though one of those is a non-assist mode. Look has had a play with the software to give a power profile that’s better suited to gravel riding, it says. There’s an associated app with the bike too. This gives you all the data you need on the battery and motor, including temperature, battery level and range. It also has mapping capabilities, including a rather smart map that will show you the range at which you’ll be able to get to and back from on one battery charge. How accurate that is in reality obviously depends on a number of factors, though. The battery and motor ‘Drivepack’ can be dropped easily out of the bike, leaving just the 1kg bottom bracket assembly behind, should you really want to go ‘au natural’! The Drivepack contains both motor and battery Tom Marvin / Immediate Media Look e-765 Gravel range There are two e-765 Gravel bikes on offer from Look. SRAM Force appears on this top-level e-765 Gravel Look There’s a SRAM Force 1×11 build, with a FSA crank featuring a 42t ring and SRAM 11-36t cassette. This bike comes with Force CX1 brakes and Mavic All Road Disc wheels with WTB Riddler 37mm tyres. Look provides the finishing kit and Fizik the Antares R7 saddle. This version costs €6,499. SRAM Rival provides the stop and go here Look There’s also a SRAM Rival 1×11 bike, following much the same pattern, though it comes with a Shimano RS 170 wheelset and a San Marco Monza saddle. This bike is priced at €5,799. Look 765 RS Gravel first ride impressions I took a quick 10km ride on the 765 RS Gravel through the vineyards of the Loire Valley to get a flavour of the bike. The first thing I noticed is that this is clearly a race-inspired design. The position on the bike feels fairly low and aggressive, and this is compounded as soon as you hit the dirt. The front of the bike — fork, head tube, stem and bars — are fairly stiff and uncompromising, which is further accentuated by the thin bar tape I had on my test bike. Thin bar tape adds to the racy feel Tom Marvin / Immediate Media This combined to give a fairly harsh initial ride. However, if I had further time to play around I’d ensure I ran the tyres tubeless, to drop pressure, and would investigate running slightly wider tyres than the 700x37c WTB Riddlers on there as stock. The tyres themselves are the Fast Rolling, Light version. Despite a relatively skinny profile and low-stack tread, I didn’t have any traction issues up loose climbs — perhaps those 3D Wave seatstays really are contributing. Decent clearance for the low-profile 37mm WTB Riddler tyres Tom Marvin / Immediate Media The drivetrain, yet again, clearly shows road inspiration, with a tight 11-36 range. With no ‘easy’ gear on there, it encourages you to attack climbs because it’s rather tricky to sit and spin. Dropping a 10-42 cassette on there shouldn’t be an issue if your chain is long enough. As I’ve often found, the faster you go over gravel the comfier it gets, and this was no different on the Look machine. It’s not the most sofa-like ride, and certainly has that aggressive edge, but it’s perfectly able to cross choppier ground and dodge potholes with its snappy, engaging handling.

NICOLAI introduces the new trail-bike NICOLAI SATURN 14. Like all NICOLAI-bikes, it is “Made in Germany”. With short travel and super aggressive geometry, it is supposed to be the perfect all-around fun-bike. You can find all info in the official press release: Our customers demanded, we designed, and now it is here! The new SATURN 14 is a modern 140mm trail bike with either 27.5” or 29” wheels; the choice is yours. NICOLAI have effortlessly blended the downhill speed of the ‘G13 Geolution’ chassis with the light and agile feel of the SATURN 11 to create an addictively fun bike – perfect for after work rides and all-day epics in the mountains. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); GEOLUTION TRAIL geometry 27.5“ und 29“ compatible 130/138mm rear travel Sizes S-XXL Tailormade geometry available Complete colour and component customisation 5-year warranty, 10-year spare parts availability Made in Germany Frameset – € 2,499 Bike builts – from € 6,499 A great bike is the sum of its features combined with its manufacturing processes, which is why so much time was spent on every shape and angle of this bike. From the topology optimised linkage carved out of one hunk of aluminium, fantastic climbing and descending geometry, and we have even made space for a big water bottle cage inside the triangle. The NICOLAI SATURN 14 in detail Seat- and head angle are customizable in 0.3° increments. 27.5”, 29”, both? Thanks to the Mutator chips located on the seat stay and lower headset cups to change the stack height, one SATURN 14 frame can be configured anyway you choose. The SATURN 14 is finalised with space for a full-size bottle cage. As the Saturn is designed as a lightweight machine, we also use titanium bolts at the Horst Link connection, and for shock mounts, this saves a few more grams and looks cool as a side-effect. The tension bar resists the forces on bottom-out and keeps the maximum forces in check, meaning that lighter tubing and machined parts can be used in this area to reduce overall weight. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); Geometry of the NICOLAI SATURN 14 GEOLUTION is the geometry concept on which all current Nicolai models are based. Over the past three years, NICOLAI has been working with Chris Porter on GEOLUTION. To summarise this for people who have not already heard about the future of bike geometry, we can focus on four main points: Longer reach (frame length) means that even the tallest rider can take advantage of modern short stems and wide handlebars without being cramped Slacker head angle reduces the risk of ‘over the bars’ crashes, improves front wheel grip and high-speed stability Longer wheelbase centralises the rider in the bike to give a more stable ride when climbing and descending Steeper seat tube angle makes climbing easier, especially on steep sections by reducing front wheel wander The GEOLUTION TRAIL concept is less ‘extreme’ than the geometry found on the G1 enduro bike, but still years ahead of the average cross country racer. Fun, agile, fast, stable; characteristics that will leave you itching to get out for the next ride. Size S M L XL XXL Seat tube 405 mm 440 mm 455 mm 475 mm 520 mm Top tube 595 mm 626 mm 648 mm 668 mm 693 mm Head tube 110 mm 120 mm 130 mm 140 mm 150 mm Head angle 65.2° 65.5° 65.5° 65.5° 65.5° Seat angle 74.9° 75.2° 75.2° 75.2° 75.2° Chainstay 446 mm 446 mm 446 mm 446 mm 446 mm BB Drop 27 mm 30 mm 30 mm 30 mm 30 mm Wheelbase 1206 mm 1241 mm 1264 mm 1291 mm 1313 mm Reach 450 mm 480 mm 500 mm 520 mm 540 mm Stack 570 mm 610 mm 618 mm 627 mm 637 mm Prices and availability At NICOLAI the customer is king. The frameset (€ 2,499) and the full build NICOLAI SATURN 14 are customizable in the NICOLAI-configuration-tool. Besides, frame- and decal-colours there is a huge variety of components to stick on the SATURN 14. NICOLAI offers a unique test-ride programme. Where they visit you to ride the SATURN 14 on your home trails with you. More info at: nicolai-bicycles.com The post NICOLAI introduces the new SATURN 14 appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

RockShox have not only reworked the model names of the new PIKE Ultimate, Lyric Ultimate, BoXXer Ultimate and SID Ultimate but also improved their performance. At the heart of it are an updated damping unit and further reduced friction. We’ve summarised the most important details. With the new PIKE and Lyrik Ultimate, RockShox has further improved its performance thanks to reduced friction and a new damping unit googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); Following the release of the new Charger 2 cartridge and the enlarged DebonAir air chamber last year, RockShox have updated their suspension forks once more. The central focus: improved damping and a reduction in friction for an even more sensitive and defined ride. RockShox Charger 2.1 – adapted damping, better rebound and new oil The RockShox Charger 2.1 cartridge isn’t completely new, but it has undergone some major changes compared to the Charger 2. RockShox have changed the compression setup: the high-speed compression is tuned a little softer overall for more comfort, while the low-speed compression has been made slightly firmer so that the fork remains higher in its travel. Both settings can be adjusted externally, of course – but the adjustment range has shifted. The new Charger 2.1 cartridge features reworked low and high-speed compression and improved rebound damping. On top of that, the friction has been further reduced. Old left, new right – the revised rebound valve is supposed to provide more consistent damping. The so-called Wearband gets shrunk on, optimising the oil flow. The rebound piston has been optimised to improve oil flow and guarantee even more consistent performance. On top of that, RockShox have developed a new damping oil in cooperation with Maxima and they’ve developed new seals together with SKF for reduced stiction. By further reducing the stiction, the new forks should stick to the ground even better, and it should also result in less hand fatigue. RockShox have developed the new Plush damping oil in cooperation with Maxima …as well as friction-optimised seals Ultimate, Select+ and Select – the new models in the RockShox Signature Series In addition to the new Charger 2.1 damping unit, the new Maxima Plush Suspension Fluid and the new SKF seals, RockShox have also presented a new structure to their product range. The so-called Signature Series includes the PIKE, Lyrik, BoXXer and SID models. These four high-end forks now each have a new model structure. They come in three different levels: Ultimate, Select+ and Select. The Ultimates are the flagship models. If you are looking for the top-end model, this is it. The Select+ models are only available to manufacturers. The Select models are the entry-level Lyrik and PIKE models. You can optionally upgrade them to the Ultimate standard. Sexy – the new silver PIKE looks fantastic Ultimate – the new flagship range The PIKE and Lyrik Ultimate both feature the new Charger 2.1 damping unit, Maxima Plus oil and new SKF low friction seals. You still have a choice between the RC2 or RCT3 damping variant. The PIKE Ultimate gets a stunning new silver or black colour scheme, whereas the Lyrik Ultimate continues with the familiar red or black options. The new PIKE and Lyrik Ultimate are available in two colour options Charger 2.1 RC2 or RCT3 damping new low friction SKF seals new Maxima Plush damping oil silver (PIKE) or red (Lyrik) new graphics DebonAir air chamber price: € 1,030 (PIKE) | € 1,110 (Lyrik) Select+ – more variety for manufacturers Coming in beneath the Ultimate is RockShox’s Select+ range. However, they are only available to manufacturers, leaving aftermarket customers with a choice between the Ultimate or the Select. The Select+ range also features the new Charger 2.1 damping, but without external high-speed compression adjustment. The Select+ forks are only available in black. The Select+ range also features the new Charger 2.1 damping cartridge, but without externally adjustable high-speed compression Charger 2.1 RC damping new low friction SKF seals new Maxima Plush damping oil new graphics DebonAir air chamber price: available only to manufacturers googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); Select – the entry-level PIKE and Lyrik The Select range features the DebonAir air chamber presented last year and a closed Charger damping unit – but not the new Charger 2.1. They come with the new Maxima Plush oil, but you’ll have to do without the new SKF seals. The Select version also has a closed Charger damping unit, but not the brand new Charger 2.1 version Charger RC damping new Maxima Plush damping oil new graphics DebonAir air chamber price: € 775 PIKE or Lyrik We’ve already had the opportunity to test the new PIKE Ultimate at the launch of the new SRAM AXS drivetrain. But our time on it was too short for an initial assessment – we were completely focused on the drivetrain anyway. Our opinion on the new RockShox Signature Series The improvements make perfect sense on paper. We were already convinced of the performance of the old Lyrik and PIKE, but we’re obviously happy to welcome any little improvement. And the fact that all the updates are backwards compatible is a big plus. We’ll have to wait and see how much better the new Lyrik Ultimate performs compared to the predecessor – fortunately, there’s one already on its way to us. More information at sram.com The post 2020 RockShox PIKE and Lyrik Ultimate – small updates for big improvements appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

The Orange Five has always been the iconic British made trail bike. Its simplicity and reliability attract many, and over the years it has gathered a cult-like following. However, the new Orange Five takes a step away from the trail geometry of its previous incarnations and has undergone a number of evolutionary changes. How does it ride? We flew to Punta Ala to find out. Orange Five Factory Price £5700 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); What’s new with the Orange Five? The new Orange 5 can be described as the same, but different. Orange have kept their classic silhouette and from a distance, the new Five looks very similar to previous iterations. However, like the new Alpine 6, the new Orange Five has undergone some evolutionary changes in order to bring it up to date with its competition. The Orange Five has always been a classic British trail bike. However, for 2019 its geometry takes a step away from its trail heritage On the surface, not all that much has changed. The new Orange Five will be available in a variety of frame colours and you can pick and choose the decal colour to match. Like the new Alpine 6, the decals of the Orange Five will be covered by a layer of lacquer that adds protection from scrapes and scratches as well as looking amazing. The frame itself has also undergone some evolutionary revisions, such as the change to a metric shock and an increase in rear wheel travel Under the surface, a lot has changed. The new Orange Five now features a metric sized shock and a 5mm increase in rear wheel travel, taking it to 145mm. This increase in travel is made possible by a revised shock mount and pivot location. The pivot itself has been widened by 5 mm on each side, which Orange claim adds stiffness to the swingarm and increases tire clearance. The swingarm has also undergone some changes to lighten it up. The new Orange Five also features bottle bosses on the underside of the downtube. Although this is not the ideal location for a water bottle, it is good to see Orange finally giving riders the option to carry hydration or tools on their bike. The pivot has been widened, which Orange claim increases stiffness and tire clearance The swingarm has also been lightened up on the new Orange Five It is good to see that the new Orange Five gives riders the option to carry a bottle or tools on their bike. But the location is less than ideal Geometry of the new Orange Five With their new Five, Orange have followed the popular longer, lower and slacker trend. The head angle has been slackened by a degree to 65°, and the reach has been increased by nearly 10 mm to 467 mm in a size Large, while the wheelbase grows by over 18 mm to 1217 mm in size Large. However, just like the new Alpine 6, the only thing that has not changed is the slack 74° seat angle. The sizing of the new Orange Five has been completely revised. The XS size is no longer available, and an XXL size has been introduced. Both the Small and XL sizes have lost 25mm from the seat tube height, meaning riders who were previously on an XS Orange Five can ride a size Small, and taller riders who rode a size Large can now size up for reach without worrying about the seat tube getting in the way. Size S M L XL XXL Seat tube 381 mm 432 mm 457 mm 483 mm 508 mm Top tube 575 mm 595 mm 614 mm 650 mm 653 mm Head tube 100 mm 110 mm 110 mm 125 mm 130 mm Head angle 65° 65° 65° 65° 65° Seat angle 74° 74° 74° 74° 74° Chainstay 433 mm 433 mm 433 mm 433 mm 433 mm BB Height 329 mm 329 mm 329 mm 329 mm 329 mm Wheelbase 1176 mm 1197 mm 1217 mm 1240 mm 1261 mm Reach 429 mm 447 mm 467 mm 483 mm 502 mm Stack 599 mm 608 mm 608 mm 621 mm 626 mm googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); The seat tube on size Small and XL Orange Five have been shortened by 25 mm The head angle of the new Orange Five has been slackened by a degree to 65° The sizing and geometry of the new Orange Five show it’s aggressive trail riding intentions The post First Ride Review: Orange Five 2019 – the evolution of a trail icon appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

Race Face has launched a new Next SL crankset. Handracfted in Vancouver BC they’ve updated their proven crank arm. Proudly handcrafted in Vancouver, BC with US sourced carbon. Proven crank arm shape manufactured for off the chart levels of strength Improved lightweight carbon lay-up for precise power transfer. Custom pedal protection for built in durability Cinch System for maximum versatility in drivetrain options Numerous spindle length options and is Cinch Power Meter compatible. Run the Next SL crankset on your 12 speed Shimano drivetrain with our 12 Speed Shimano Cinch DM ring Weight: 428G (32T RING, NO BB) Covered by a 3 year warranty $429.99 USD (Arms only) Details at https://www.raceface.com/products/details/next-sl-crankset We were raised in these mountains. We still live, work, and dream in this space. Race Face is within spinning distance of B.C.’s best single-track, and we build every Race Face carbon crankset by hand , right here. Where we were born. Introducing the new Race Face Next SL – proudly handcrafted in Vancouver, B.C. Our trusted and performance-driven Next SL crankset has been refined with improvements in its carbon layup and manufacturing process that delivers an increase in crankarm stiffness for precise power transfer. The strength of the new Next SL crank arms is off the charts while achieving a modest reduction in weight over the previous version. Plus, you can run the new Next SL (and all RF Cinch System cranks) with the Shimano 12 speed drivetrain when using our new Cinch Direct Mount Shimano 12 Speed Compatible 1x ring. The Next SL crankset continues forward as the benchmark for XC + Trail crank performance, a testament to the history of Race Face following its own path, creating industry leading product focused on the rider. COLOUR: Black BUILT FOR: XC/TRAIL SIZE: 170, 175MM BB OPTIONS: BB92, 68/73 BSA, PF30 (across various spindle lengths) SPINDLE DIAMETER: 30MM SPINDLE SIZE: 134, 136, 149, 170, 174, 190mm CHAINLINE: 52mm (136mm Boost spindle / DM Ring) RING CONFIGURATIONS: Cinch Direct Mount, 64/104mm Cinch Spider

Hardly any other topic in the eMTB world is as hotly debated as the motor. But does it always come down to raw power? Or are the multitude of smaller details just as vital? We put nine of the most important motors through their paces and identified one clear winner. Watt’s that? An introduction to key data We often describe eMTB motors with abstract performance specifications, but out on the trails these figures won’t necessarily reveal the true character or behaviour of the bike. Instead you should take these numbers as a rough guideline of what to expect from a motor. The power of eMTB motors is measured in watts. The average power – also known as nominal power – may not exceed an average of 250 W over a period of 30 minutes – that’s the law! All the motors in this group test meet this standard, but easily can double or even triple their peak values. The torque is given in Newton meters and tells us how strong the motor is. With up to 120 Nm torque, TQ’s motor is by far the most grunt in our group test. The motor is powered by either an internal or external battery, where the first type is usually integrated in the downtube and the second one is attached on top of it. How long the battery will last depends on a combination of its capacity and the “consumption” of the motor. We use Watt-hours (Wh) to describe the capacity of a battery. A fully charged 500 Wh battery will therefore last for 2 hours if the motor draws a constant power of 250 W during this period. All the motors in this group test meet this standard, but easily can double or even triple their peak values. Support levels Every eMTB motor offers several support levels. Manufacturers use a percent-scale to define the support level. If a motor like the Bosch provides a support of 300 % in the most powerful stage, it means that it triple the power the rider puts in at the pedals. Depending on the motor, the support level can range from 50 % up to over 400 % (or even 500 % in some cases). The more support levels a motor has, the more accurately it can be adapted to a specific riding scenario. This way you can increase the range by changing into the ECO mode or conquer a steep hill riding in the most powerful support level. Most motors feature a progressive mode that adapts its assistance level to your input. Using a number of built-in sensors, it detects the effort put in at the pedals and adjusts the support level accordingly – the harder you push, the more the motor will help you. This ensures a natural and intuitive riding experience, especially on trails. Such smart support levels make the shifting between individual modes almost superfluous as the motor adapts to most terrain you will encounter. Both the support percentages and manufacturers’ performance specifications must be taken with a pinch of salt. There aren’t any standardised testing procedures, meaning that it’s not alway possible to directly compare the ratings of different motors. Design/Weight The best motor can only be as good as the bike it is attached to. At the same time the motor has a significant influence on the performance of the bike. Compact designs give designers more freedom in the design of the rear-end of the bike. Not only the weight, but also the position of the motor are crucial to the handling of a bike. Displays and remotes We use displays and remotes to switch between support levels. There is a vast choice of solutions on the market, from minimalist designs to high-tech colour displays with a multitude of navigation- and app-features. Bosch and Shimano systems require manufacturers to use one of the brands’ in-house solutions, while brands such as TQ and Brose have opened up their systems, allowing bike manufacturers to add on their own displays and control units. Despite the excellent diversity of systems, eMTBers are still faced with three major issues. First off, the remote is often hard to reach or so bulky that the dropper-remote can no longer be activated. Second: the display or remote are often too exposed to impacts and can easily get damaged. And last but not least: strong sunlight affects the readability of the display. In this respect Specialized (Brose) and Shimano offer the best concepts. Why? Because they give you the choice of either going down the minimalistic route and keeping your cockpit tidy, or alternative get the full bells and whistles, information overload package. Smartphones have become (almost) irreplaceable Smartphones have long established themselves as a central tuning, individualization and information tool for electric mountain bike motors. Pretty much all motor-manufacturers are currently offering dedicated apps which allow you to adjust the motor’s characteristics, navigate according to the battery-status and track your activities. But what if you just want to switch on and ride? What if you’re not into techy gimmicks? All motors are programmed with a basic configuration out of the factory and deliver the authentic eMTB experience without having to be tuned. Downsizing Downsizing isn’t just a trend in the car industry. Sometimes less power translates into more riding fun and larger riding range. The extremely-compact Fazua motor and the smaller Shimano STEPS E7000 provide “only” 60 Nm of torque, yet they’ll still get you to your destination very naturally, relaxed, but perhaps just a little bit slower. As with cars, the range depends on your riding style. If you’re not using one of the weaker motors in the highest support level to shuttle to the trailhead all day long, you’ll squeeze a lot more out of your battery. Give it some, boy! Pedalling cadence has a huge impact on the way the motor behaves and the support it provides. Each motor has a specific cadence at which it develops a great deal of power with maximum efficiency. Depending on the design and internal gear ratio, motors operate at their optimal range either at lower or higher cadences. A good motor can cope with cadence fluctuations and provide even support over a wide range, all without running out of power at either very high or very low cadences. A fitting example: Brose’s Drive S Mag provides maximum torque over a wide cadence range and still delivers sufficient power outside its optimal range. The Bosch Performance Line CX also copes remarkably well with cadence fluctuations and pushes forward powerfully. Decibel killer or resonance mayhem This might sound a little strange, but the noise level of a motor can hugely influence the riding experience. Quiet motors are the most pleasant to ride with and enhance the natural riding experience. But it’s not just the motor that is responsible for the noise. The frame can act as a resonator, amplifying the noise of the motor and gearbox. Only a well thought-out frame design will keep the noise level within acceptable limits, which is why the exact same motor could be very quiet on some frames and rumble like a tractor on others. There’s sand in the gearbox! Battery dead, motor down — and what now? If you exceed the 25 km/h threshold or ride without the motor you’re going to feel some motor resistance. Depending on the design, motors use different gearbox-ratios to adapt the high revs of the electric motor to the chainring. Efficient systems such as FAZUA’s Evation motor, TQ’s Pin Ring gearbox and Brose’s belt-drive keep the pedal resistance to a bare minimum – special freewheel-systems isolate the gearbox from the cranks when the motor is disengaged. On the other hand, Yamaha and Shimano motors create noticeable pedalling resistance as soon as you’re riding without support. Lastly, Bosch motors produce a strong pedalling resistance. One motor, two ride-feelings The ride-feeling of each motor is determined by both its hardware and firmware tuning. Bosch’s closed system gives manufacturers no room to play with the motor-characteristics, meaning all bikes with this motor will behave roughly the same way. Brose, Yamaha and TQ on the other hand give bike manufacturers plenty of freedom to define motor-characteristics to have the riding-feel and behaviour they want. It’s not just about the battery. Don’t forget the range. Of course big batteries with high capacities provide lots of power and help increase range. But range also depends on the energy-consumption of the motor – it’s not just the size of your fuel tank that matters. The mighty TQ drive with its 120 Nm torque draws a lot more energy than the substantially-smaller Fazua drive — which is pretty much half the power. But just as with cars, your riding style also affects how long the battery will last. In addition there are countless other factors that affect the range: tire pressure, temperature, support level, driver’s weight and terrain are only a few of them. That’s why it’s impossible to set a general rule about range and vertical reach. See: the truth about lab tests! What’s that “natural ride-behaviour” we keep talking about? Power is nothing without control. Powerful motors can be hard to control as they can build up power too abruptly or sometimes even inadvertently. Motors should engage and deliver their power as quickly as possible, but should do so smoothly and without being jerky. Three key factors are essential in e-biking: the motor’s hardware, the human hardware with all its irregularities and cadence fluctuations and finally, the firmware. The firmware must work as the interface between the motor and the human-factor, interpreting commands from the latter and controlling the former and in turn allowing these to harmonize. Exactly this harmony is what we call “natural ride-behaviour”. The same idea applies to smooth transitions at the 25 km/h threshold. Which motor is the best? If it came down just to the sales figures, the popular Bosch Performance Line CX would be top dog. While a few years back it was still considered the benchmark, in a direct comparison with current top models it can no longer hide its age. The Bosch CX might still be going strong but the competition is gradually catching up and outperforming it in all its parameters. It’s time for a new generation, Bosch! According to rumours a new motor is on its way and will be launched in summer 2019! Both Shimano motors convinced us with intuitive operation, compact design and great trail performance. The big surprise: Despite providing less power, the “weaker” STEPS E7000 is more fun on the trail than its bigger brother and also provides a more natural ride feel. Only when low cadences, steep climbs and heavy riders come into the picture, does the more powerful STEPS E8000 stands clearly ahead. If we’re talking about all-out power, the TQ HPR 120S is in a different league and literally smokes the competition. But just like the Yamaha PW-X it struggles to deliver the natural riding experience we’re so fond of. On the trail both motors take some time to get used to, but in return they’re easy to control once you do. A top motor should be strong as an ox, yet integrate seamlessly into the riding experience. FAZUA and Panasonic are unequivocally the underdogs in the test field. The super compact FAZUA Evation can be entirely removed from the frame and lets you ride your bike like a conventional mountain bike. Not only is this idea ingenious, but it’s also very well implemented. Unfortunately a substantial lack of power gets in the way of the true eMTB experience. The Panasonic GX 0 features the clever automatic-mode which accentuates the natural ride-feeling of the lightweight motor. However, when it comes to sheer power, the Fazua has to give way to the top motors in our test. Just like Shimano, Brose sent two motors into the race. Both the Drive S Alu and its magnesium counterpart offer a superbly-natural ride experience. The stronger Brose Drive S Mag is more compact, lighter and more powerful than the slightly older Drive S Alu. In terms of power, it’s only second to TQ’s drive. Thanks to a perfect balance of natural ride-feeling and full-fledged power delivery, it fully deserves our coveted “Best in Test” badge. Conclusion The motor is often considered the central pillar of every eMTB — and the one that defines its character — you can read all about this in the conclusions of our high-end eMTB group test. Yet geometry, suspension and spec of a bike are just as crucial to the bike’s fun-factor. That’s why a motor is only as good as the overall concept of the bike it sits in! Der Beitrag The best eMTB motor you can buy erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.

While new dropper posts are popping up like mushrooms (no pun intended), only a few models stand out from the crowd. With its latest NIVO model, German manufacturer Vecnum stirs up the market with a glorious 212 mm of travel and a number of exciting new features. We’ve already tested the new dropper and can tell you what it’s capable of. When talking about dropper posts, the first question that arises is usually, how much travel they offer. In this respect, the Vecnum NIVO is already providing a pleasant surprise. The NIVO is available in 4 different lengths, with 122 mm, 152 mm, 182 mm and a whopping 212 mm of travel respectively. As well as the length, customers can choose between infinite travel and four-position indexed travel. Between full extension and maximum drop, the NIVO INDEXED offers two further presets, where the first one sits at 40 mm and the second one at 90 mm (122/152) or 100 mm (182/212). The NIVO TRAVELFIT features infinite travel adjustment and offers one more interesting feature: the maximum travel can be reduced by up to 32 mm. The new Vecnum NIVO offers up to 212 mm of travel. Our test model has an adjustment range of 182 mm. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); What may sound a little confusing at first, offers huge advantages in real life. While many riders could use a dropper with more travel, the next size up is often too long. The new TRAVELFIT however, allows you to use the full insertion depth of your frame and set the maximum extension to your needs. This means, even smaller riders will be able to enjoy the perks of a wide adjustment range. In addition, the very short 42 mm stack height increases the clearance even further. The Vecnum NIVO is only available in an outer diameter of 30.9 mm, but can easily be adapted to 31.6 mm and 34.9 mm seat tube diameters with one of Vecnum’s special shims. With only 42 mm of stack height the NIVO is the ideal choice for smaller riders. VECNUM produces the NIVO in-house in Germany, following elaborate manufacturing techniques and using high-quality materials to ensure a long service life. But sophisticated technologies aren’t cheap: prices for the NIVO start at € 429 and the version with shifter-style trigLOC lever costs € 449. As the shutLOC locking system is fully-mechanical, the dropper can be disassembled and serviced in a few simple steps. Lateral play is minimal, the workmanship impeccable. With the TRAVELFIT version you can adjust the maximum travel of the NIVO with a 5 mm Allen key. The dropper is controlled via a remote-lever operated by a standard shift-cable. Speaking of remotes, the Germans offer theirs in two versions: The universal remote can be installed on either side of the bars and allows for maximum flexibility with 2 x setups and eMTBs. The second, more ergonomic shifter-style version, is called the trigLOC-remote and hides under the left grip. The trigLOC-remote only weighs 19g and features a clever angle adjustment, it’s also compatible with SRAM’s Matchmaker clamps. The trigLOC Trigger is ultra-light and built to the highest standards. And yet, we could do with a slightly longer paddle. Our test-dropper has 182 mm of travel and features both a TRAVELFIT adjustment and trigLOC remote. The complete system, including the cable, weighs in at an incredible 562g – around 140g less than RockShox´s popular 170 mm Reverb with a 1x remote! The installation is straight forward, but the filigree trigLOC remote requires a sensitive hand. Whilst the seat-clamp with titanium bolts rounds off the high-quality impression, the saddle adjustment relies on a classic two-bolt system. The NIVO allows for a generous saddle adjustment and has a light setback of 7 mm. If you ride with the saddle pushed all the way forward, you can turn the lower rail around to get more support. The NIVO relies on a traditional, bombproof clamping-head and two titanium bolts. Whilst the return speed is pleasantly fast and the end of the stroke very well-damped, you can feel a light resistance whenever the mechanical locking system engages. Compared to a RockShox Reverb or FOX Transfer, this feels rather choppy — and the same applies to the bottom of the stroke. But once you hit the trails, you won’t even notice it — the NIVO glides through its generous travel effortlessly and discreetly. If a silky-smooth operation is an absolute priority though, you’re better off looking for another option. Vecnum delivers the NIVO with a set of coloured O-rings to match the colour scheme of your bike. In our opinion the white rings look best. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); Compared to other dropper-posts, the infinite adjustment of the NIVO makes it a little harder to find a comfortable mid-position. And it’s for this reason, that we can’t decide which of the two versions we prefer. For smaller riders on the other hand, the maximised drop of the infinite TRAVELFIT-version is a true godsent and reason enough to ignore this relatively small drawback. If this, however, isn’t your case and if you can find a suitable length, the NIVO INDEXED with predefined locking positions might be a better option. VECNUM NIVO: workmanship at the highest level. Much like with the travel of suspension forks, there is a sweet spot in the adjustment range of a dropper-post: Whilst lots of travel is generally a good thing, this can sometimes be too much. Before making your final purchase decision, insert your current seatpost further down into your frame and simulate the longer travel of the NIVO – this way you’ll find out, how much drop you feel comfortable with. Fazit With its maximum travel of 212 mm and clever TRAVELFIT adjustment, the Vecnum NIVO offers some truly-unique selling points. Smaller riders especially can finally take advantage of the full adjustment range of their frame. The mechanical locking takes some time to get used to but works flawlessly. The extremely low weight and high-quality workmanship round off the excellent overall package. More information at vecnum.com The post First Ride Review: Vecnum NIVO dropper post with up to 212 mm adjustable travel appeared first on ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine.

The New York Times, Germany’s ZEIT magazine, the BBC, the Wall Street Journal – it seems like everyone’s talking about the Beyond Burger: the meat that’s not meat, the revolution on your plate. But while most global news channels are obsessing over the flavours and consistency of the plant-based, fake-meat burger, they skim over the tragic reality of this scenario. Funnily enough, the fake meat debate covers much of the same rhetoric as eMTBing. It’s all about the ingredients: pea protein base, cellulose from bamboo, potato starch, gum arabic, ascorbic acid, rapeseed oil, beetroot juice for colour and as a blood substitute – hadn’t you heard that veggie burgers also have to bleed when they’re on the barbeque? However, no one talks about the sense behind this, or lack thereof. There are so many great tasting vegetables so why can’t we appreciate all the flavours they can offer? Does an eMTB really have to ride like a mountain bike? What defines the idea that it must ride like a mountain bike? According to brands and magazines, the bike should be as light as possible, go as far as possible, with as much agility and efficiency as possible. But what if I’m looking for a safer bike for a variety of applications from trail riding and family excursions to daily offroad-commuting? What if the potential of ebikes has been so broadened by having a motor that a whole new genre has emerged? What if it is no longer the bike that defines the purpose, but the individual? Why do we struggle to accept that an eMTB will never be a mountain bike? Is it not crazy to stick to the same old standards for a brand new product? It’s a phenomenon we recognise from business. Every billion-dollar company has sought out so-called maverick thinkers and visionaries over the past few years, wanting them to ‘think differently’ and ‘break the rules’ because they’re ‘ready for the future.’ Bullshit – no one is ready. After all, the underlying message is usually: ‘Be creative, but don’t upset the established order.’ When it comes to it, lateral problem solving quickly becomes conventional. Change, yes please, but don’t upset the hierarchy or the system. Welcome to the world of part-time lateral thinkers. The idea of eMTB development often follows the same pattern. Almost everyone is guided by the conventions and values of conventional mountain bikes and therefore creates advertising campaigns (and ultimately bikes) that respond to the questions of yesteryear instead of addressing the needs of the new eMTB generation. The most current example is the discussion about eMTB racing, that some players in the industry feel an urge to establish, although no one has found a reasonable format yet. The inevitable excitement about how the sport should be run has led many to forget that racing will bring its own unique problems that could damage the growth of the industry. Of course, there is interest from professional riders facing the financial void of retirement, but the vast majority of eMTBers, as demonstrated by our recent reader survey with more than 10,000 participants, are simply not inclined to compete. Just because mountain biking has a variety of racing disciplines, it does not mean that eMTB riders need a racing discipline too. This notion hits the nail on the head of bike development as well. Take a look at the history of eMTBs and you’ll find that from the earliest iteration of clunky mountain bikes with a motor bolted on, to the emergence of more refined eMTB designs, so far they have all tried to emulate a traditional mountain bike. That might be changing though. The market is starting to differentiate. On the one hand, you’ve got lightweight mountain bike-esque concepts like the Lapierre eZesty, and on the other, you’ve got radical motorised bikes like the Haibike FLYON series with the powerful TQ motor, which are being dubbed ‘the first true eMTBs’ by some in the industry. Is it a no-go if a bike weighs close to 30 kg? Who knows, but the market will tell you the answer soon enough. The fact is, while mountain bikers continue to throw shade and judgement, eMTBers aren’t afraid to try new technologies. We’ve seen in the last year already that SUV style eMTBs are becoming a huge trend. [Spoiler alert: we’ve tried that 30 kg bike and can tell you we’re damn excited! Read the full review in our Group Test where we define ‘The Best eMTB of 2019’.] googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); It’s a crying shame when eMTBs are only used for the same old thing you did with your mountain bike before. It’s like only using your iPhone for calls because that’s what you did with your Nokia 3310. Oh, and perhaps the odd SMS. The problem is clear: Change, or the lack of it. No one is willing to change. That comfort zone is just too comfortable. But those who want to help shape the future (or at least understand it) have to be able to let go – not just of the past, but also of the outdated and misconceived convictions born out of the past. The potential of eMTBs can only be realised and appreciated with an open mind. The root of all the issues we’ve mentioned: Fear. You have to leave the safety net with a willingness to throw yourself into the chaos of the unknown and a market that still doesn’t know its head from its tail. In the same way that we talk of tofu sausages, seitan steaks and veggie schnitzels, it’s evident that we are unwilling to miss out on something, unwilling to step outside the confines of standard meat-feast barbequeing. Those fake meat products get meaty names to soothe our spirits with a substitute, but keep us chained to what we already know. Yet the solution is glaringly obvious. We don’t need a crystal ball to tell us. We have everything we need: thousands of eMTBers that already use their bikes in many new ways. You, our wonderful readers, each one of you has your own story and dreams. If the industry could stop chasing a phantom ideal that’s been born out of an overload of mountain bike riding in its blood and instead turned its attention to what you guys truly want, then we could shape the greatest future. A joint future that addresses the real problems and issues, without technical gimmicks, but true solutions. Over the past years, we’ve realized that hardly anyone in our industry does extensive market studies or analysis. Bike development is largely driven by the engineers – they ask themselves ‘can we do it?‘, but hardly anyone questions ‘should we do it?‘ Marketing departments need a new role, where they aren’t just relegated to marketing the products that the engineers have created, but are helping to identify what the market needs now and in the future, and driving forward strategies that address those needs. We can’t mistake technology for solutions. So how did the Beyond Burger taste? Well, a hell of a lot like a real meat patty, but more like one of those burgers that have sat on the delivery shelf for too long than a primo cut of quality meat. Being able to imitate something well doesn’t make something great. I don’t want to cause offence to the fake meat burger – on the contrary, if it can make people happy then that’s brilliant. But please stop seeing something new as a substitute for something old. This stops us from truly scoping out the full potential of eMTBs. Forget the substitutes. Let’s make an original. eMTBing isn’t just a sport – it’s an attitude. This article is from E-MOUNTAINBIKE issue #016E-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! Words: Robin Schmitt Illustration: Julian Lemme Der Beitrag Opinion: eMTB = MTB substitute? erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.