A good mountain bike flat pedal will help you feel confident by providing great traction, predictable mobility, and a supportive platform to ride on. A poor pedal choice can cause your feet to slip around, adding risk to every ride. While most pedals share the same basic design, there are many subtle differences that impact the feel. Small changes in the size, shape, and profile of the platform, or the type of pins and how they are patterned, can have large impacts on how well the pedals work for you and how safe you feel on the bike. Due to the wide range of aesthetics, colors, and platform types available, pedals are also a relatively low-cost way to customize your bike and add some personal flair.

We spent months testing a wide variety of the top pedals available across all price points and analyzing them based on the platform (size, shape, pin layout, aesthetics, and finish), traction/grip, mobility (repositioning the feet), serviceability, and weight. The right set of pedals for you depends on your foot size, the shoes you ride in, the terrain you ride on, and your riding style, but we’ve chosen our favorites overall and those that excel in specific ways like traction, mobility, innovation, and value based on these categories.

Our top recommendations are listed below, followed by the best of the rest which are all still worthy choices. To compare the models we tested at a glance, check out our comparison chart. If you need help deciding what to buy, take a look at our buying advice or our FAQ section for answers to common questions.

The Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedals of 2023

• Best Overall Mountain Bike Flat Pedals: Wolf Tooth WaveForm
• Best Budget Mountain Bike Flat Pedals: OneUp Components Composite
• Runner-Up Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedals: Race Face Atlas
• Best Convex Mountain Bike Flat Pedals: OneUp Components Aluminum
• Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedals for Traction: Chromag Dagga
• Runner-Up Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedals for Traction: Nukeproof Horizon Pro Sam Hill Enduro
• Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedals for Foot Mobility: PNW Loam Alloy
• Most Innovative Design: Pedaling Innovations Catalyst

The Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedals of 2023

Best Overall Mountain Bike Flat Pedals

Wolf Tooth WaveForm

Specs

• MSRP $200
• Usable Platform Size (L x W, measured) Small (tested): 105.5 x 97.3mm. Large: 115 x 105mm.
• Thickness (Min/Max) 12.5/14mm
• Pins Per Side 11
• Profile Dual Concave
• Measured Weight 377 grams

Pros

• Dual concave platform + central pins = above average grip and reliable traction
• Rare balance of great mobility and above average grip
• Beautiful machining and attention to detail
• Easy service and readily available replacement parts
• Low weight

Cons

• Very expensive
• Q-factor is on the narrower side

Jeremy Benson

Wolf Tooth Components has been making bike parts and components for some time, and the WaveForm pedals are one of their latest offerings in their growing product range. These beautifully machined pedals are offered in two size options, a variety of colors, and they managed to secure the top spot in our flat pedals test with consistently high performance across our performance metrics. They are also the most expensive pedals we tested, but we feel that price is justified given their exceptional balance of traction/foot mobility, thin profile, low weight, and easy serviceability.

The small version of the WaveForm we tested has a well-sized platform measured at 105.5 x 97.3mm (the large version is a claimed 115 x 105mm) that works great for those with smaller feet, along with a thin, maximum thickness of 14mm, platform. While not the top performer in terms of all-out grip, we found them to have above-average traction thanks to the dual concave profile and 11 pins per side, including two on the axle. Grip proved to be impressively predictable and consistent in all terrain while still allowing for easy foot mobility when needed. While secure enough at all times, they allow easier repositioning of the feet than grippier models. This balance of grip and mobility is what truly made the WaveForm stand out, and makes them a great option for those who value both attributes in a pedal.  

The WaveForm pedals are part of Wolf Tooth’s “Right to Repair” program and they boast a 5-year warranty, replacement parts are readily available, and they are easily serviceable. They provide detailed service instructions and videos, and servicing our test pair only required a set of allen keys and about 10 minutes. Inside, three cartridge bearings help distribute the load, and the easy at-home service should help you keep them running smoothly for years to help ensure you get your money’s worth.

With solid traction and mobility, along with two platform sizes to get the right fit for your foot, the Waveform is a solid option that should work great for most riders. The $200 price tag is lofty, but the on-trail performance blending outright grip and mobility for a spectacular, balanced feel, combined with easy serviceability and readily available replacement parts, make the Wolf Tooth Waveform a great option for riders who have committed to flat pedals and are looking for a high performing long term solution to move from bike to bike.

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Best Budget Mountain Bike Flat Pedals

OneUp Components Composite

Specs

• MSRP $60
• Usable Platform Size (L x W, measured) 112 x 105mm
• Thickness (Min/Max) 13.2/18.6mm
• Pins Per Side 10
• Profile Convex
• Measured Weight 368 grams

Pros

• Great value
• Solid mobility and consistent grip in most foot positions
• Composite platform hides scarring
• Easy service
• Lightweight

Cons

• Average Traction
• No extra pins included
• Buyers remorse for more expensive past pedal purchases
• On the thicker side

Jeremy Benson

OneUp Components describes themselves as “a passionate team of riders dedicated to bringing genuine value to mountain bikers around the world”, and their simply named Composite pedal is the perfect example of this mission. The average traction, above-average mobility, and easy serviceability make the OneUp Composite a great choice for any rider, and the $60 price tag makes them the best value among the models we tested.

The OneUp Composite pedals provide large 112 x 105 mm (measured) hexagonal platforms, the same as their Aluminum option and the same footprint size of the PNW Loam pedal. The platform features 10 rear-loading pins per side, with 9 around the perimeter and one towards the outside rear center of the axle. The platform is also grooved in the areas where pins are not present. The convex platform measured 18.6mm at the axle and a thin 13.2mm at the leading edge. The grip provided by the OneUp Composite pedals was average in the range of convex profiled pedals in our test, and while it does offer easy mobility, a concave profile provides more outright traction on faster, rougher terrain. The OneUp Composite pedals follow this idea – the convex profile makes it easy to unweight the edges of your foot to pivot on the central pin, and the lack of dead space between pins ensures grip in any position you land on.

Servicing the OneUp Composite is a breeze, with the only potential hang-up being the need for a longer 9mm socket head (or 8mm, depending on the age/version of your pedals) to reach the axle nut. Like with all their components, OneUp provides detailed service instructions and kits including all the parts on their website. Like most composite platforms, the pins use nuts to mount in the pedal rather than the tapped holes in metal platforms.

The nylon composite material feels solid, and while it is easier to scratch these pedals than their aluminum counterparts, because the material is the same color throughout rather than an anodized surface, they hide it well.

At $60 retail, the OneUp Composite pedals balance average grip, above-average mobility, easy serviceability, light weight (368g for the pair), and represent one of the best values in flat pedals available by exhibiting many of the same traits as their more expensive Aluminum counterpart. If you are a clipless rider who wants a pair of flats for occasional use, are not sure about switching to flats, have budget constraints, or just prefer a composite pedal body or affordable, quality components, the OneUp Composite should be your first choice.

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Runner-Up Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedals

Race Face Atlas Pedals

Specs

• MSRP $180
• Usable Platform Size (L x W, measured) 111.3 x 106.3mm
• Thickness (Min/Max) 11.8/12.5mm
• Pins Per Side 10
• Profile Concave
• Measured Weight 381 grams

Pros

• Great grip and locked in feel through concave profile and tall pins
• Thin, light, well designed platform
• Lifetime warranty, crashes included
• Easy light service (clean and regrease) process

Cons

• Average foot mobility – the Atlas is for riders who prioritize traction
• Relatively high price point

Jeremy Benson

Redesigned in 2022, the Race Face Atlas is an improvement over the previous version and outperformed most other models we tested. With an impressively thin, concave profile, a well-shaped platform, and solid grip in all conditions, the Altas is a great choice for most riders and styles of riding.

With one of the thinnest profiles (at max thickness) of just 12.5mm along with the chamfered leading edges and tapered outside edges, the Atlas reduces the chances of pedal strikes compared to thicker and squarer options. The shape of the pedal matches the soles of shoes very well and helps provide full perimeter contact with all the pedal pins for maximum grip. Bearing in mind that a size 7 US men’s shoe was used for testing, the average size platform could potentially be a bit on the small side for those with larger feet. The tall pins, 6.5mm on the leading and trailing edges and 5mm toward the axle, combine with the slightly concave profile to provide a very high level of grip at all times. The grip provided is right up there with the grippiest options we tested both while climbing and descending fast, rough terrain.

With tall pins and a concave profile, the grip provided by the Race Face Atlas doesn’t allow for the easiest foot mobility and repositioning requires deliberate lifts. While this is common on pedals with this much grip, it can result in your feet being locked into awkward positions at times. If you find the grip to be too much, Race Face includes pin washers that can be installed to decrease their height and increase foot mobility. Another consideration is the inboard bearing bulge. Many riders don’t get along with this feature on flat pedals, but it does provide a nice bumper for the edge of the foot while also helping to reduce the likelihood of crank rub.

Servicing the Atlas pedals is quite easy and requires only a 30mm socket to remove the endcap for inspection and greasing. Replacing bearings and bushings requires additional tools and a bearing kit, but the 6802 sealed cartridge bearing and IGUS bushing showed no signs of wear during our testing and are easy to clean and grease regularly to keep things running smoothly. Should you have any issues with your pedals, Race Face supports the Atlas with a lifetime warranty for added peace of mind.

With a smartly tapered, thin, and light platform providing high levels of traction, the Atlas pedal excels in the priorities for most riders. With average mobility and an easy process for light service, the Race Face Atlas has no weak points to speak of and is a great performance choice, even at the high $180 price point. The lifetime warranty should help ease the price and the outstanding performance on trail make the Atlas a great option for all riders, particularly those looking for a thin concave option with very high traction.

Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry

Best Convex Mountain Bike Flat Pedals

OneUp Components Aluminum

Specs

• MSRP $145
• Usable Platform Size (L x W, measured) 114.6 x 102.3mm
• Thickness (Min/Max) 8.3/12mm
• Pins Per Side 10
• Profile Convex
• Measured Weight 389 grams

Pros

• Solid, dependable grip
• Forgiving to foot positioning
• Thin, beveled platform with average size footprint
• Versatile convex platform
• Consistent performance across all categories at a moderate price point

Cons

• Concave pedal fanatics may balk at the convex profile, but it’s comparably grippy and worth a try.

Jeremy Benson

The OneUp Components Aluminum pedals are a well-designed, practical option for riders looking for high traction on a versatile and durable convex profile. While they do require deliberate lifts to reposition the feet, the forgiving platform gives consistent, predictable grip performance in any position. With the high grip, easy-to-ride feel, and straightforward service, the OneUp Aluminum is a strong contender for anyone seeking a thin, lightweight aluminum pedal with a convex profile.

The usable platform size of the OneUp Aluminum measured 114.6 x 102.3mm, which is around the average for the pedals in our test and should accommodate most riders. With the large inboard bearing bulge, crank boot users should take note that the OneUp Aluminum may cause some fit issues, and may not be compatible. In terms of traction on the trail, the level of grip felt similar to the controlled float aboard the Wolf Tooth Waveform, our best overall pick, rather than the traction-focused feel of the Race Face Atlas. The convex profile and 10 tall, sharp pins provide enough grip, especially on rough terrain and during climbs, but not the pure “locked in” feel of the Atlas, possibly due to the convex profile allowing great grip in every position, rather than a concave “pocket” more sensitive to foot positioning while remaining slightly more forgiving from a foot mobility standpoint.

The thin profile of the OneUp pedals helps reduce the risk of pedal strikes, and the beveled edges on the outside edge further assist in deflecting impacts. In addition to the new pair for this review, a personal pair that’s been put through the wringer for the past 2.5 years shows marks from rock strikes limited to the outside edge of the platforms, where the extreme bevel has helped deflect impact, and the axle/bearing/bushings are still spinning very smoothly with literally no service. Speaking of, the Aluminum pedals are super easy to service and can be taken apart with a cassette tool to access the internals for cleaning and greasing. Bearing rebuild and pin replacement kits are inexpensive and available through OneUp.

With its forgiving nature, the OneUp Aluminum is a great choice for riders who don’t want to have to think much about foot placement, prefer a convex profile, or just want an overall great pedal that is easy to ride and maintain. The thin profile, average size, and strong, versatile performance of the OneUp Aluminum should work well for most riders, and, at its moderate price, the OneUp Aluminum is relatively affordable too.

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Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedals for Traction

Chromag Dagga

Specs

• MSRP $172
• Usable Platform Size (L x W, measured) 115.4 x 109.7mm (approximately, factoring out extension to axle as non-usable width)
• Thickness (Min/Max) 14.2/16mm
• Pins Per Side 12
• Profile Concave
• Measured Weight 496 grams

Pros

• Incredible, best in class grip
• Smart pin placement
• Large platform with reliable grip in all positions
• Easy Service.

Cons

• On the heavier side
• Relatively expensive
• Low mobility for foot repositioning

Jeremy Benson

The Chromag Dagga stands out from the rest of the field as the grippiest model we tested. If traction, a locked-in feel, and a large platform are high on your list of priorities, the Dagga delivers in spades while still performing admirably across the board. Developed in collaboration with the legendary Chris Kovarik, these big, bad pedals are made for riding at fast speeds in hard-hitting terrain.

With a large footprint of 115 x 120mm and a measured usable platform of 115.4 x 110, the Dagga is one of the largest we tested (second only to the uniquely massive Pedaling Innovations Catalyst), the widest overall, and has the widest q-factor. The dual concave design tapers from 16mm at the leading/trailing edges to 14.2mm at the center of the axle and 15.4mm at the widest parts of the axle. Even with the larger dimensions, we found rock strikes to be less of a problem than expected, due likely to the reasonable maximum thickness of just 16mm. And, the platforms didn’t overlap the smaller size 7 men’s shoes excessively and the pin placement resulted in good contact with the soles.

The dual concave design and 12 well-placed 4mm tall pins on each side provide outstanding grip. Whether picking the way up a slow, technical climb, hurtling down rough terrain at speed, or slamming into compression, the grip is confidence-inspiring with a locked-in feel. Your feet won’t move unless you want them to. Surprisingly, repositioning the feet on the Dagga requires only an average amount of effort when compared to the other grip-focused models we tested. It still requires a deliberate effort, but is less challenging than the Deity TMAC or the HT Supreme, for example. Chromag also sells shorter pins should you wish to dial back the grip a bit.

A slight squeaking noise presented itself after the first few rides, but thankfully, servicing the Dagga is quick and easy with a set of allen keys and an 8mm socket. Plus, Chromag includes detailed instructions and a tutorial video to guide users through the process. A quick cleaning and greasing and the issue was quickly resolved.

If you’re seeking unflinching grip and a large platform for demanding DH, enduro, or super aggressive trail riding, the Chromag Dagga stands out as our favorite model in the test. There are undoubtedly less expensive, lighter weight, and sleeker options on the market, but its exceptional grip and surprisingly well-rounded performance make the Dagga our top choice when grip is the priority.

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Runner-Up Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedals for Traction

Nukeproof Horizon Pro Sam Hill Enduro

Specs

• MSRP $136
• Usable Platform Size (L x W, measured) 100.5 x 99.3mm
• Thickness (Min/Max) 16/17.4mm
• Pins Per Side 10
• Profile Concave
• Measured Weight 424 grams

Pros

• High amount of traction and precise feel
• Clean design – they look great
• Standard pins that you can find at a hardware store
• Easy Service
• Moderate price point

Cons

• Smaller platform size will not be for everyone

Jeremy Benson

When it comes to gravity racing, few names are as recognizable as Sam Hill. Unlike most of the other World Cup downhill and EWS enduro racers, Sam Hill has been winning on flat pedals for his entire career. So, it comes as little surprise that one of the grippiest pedals in this test is the Nukeproof Horizon Pro Sam Hill Enduro.

These mid-sized octagonal pedals have a claimed footprint of 111 x 99mm and a measured usable platform of 100.5 x 99.3mm with a slightly concave design that dips about 0.7mm on each side between the leading and trailing edges. The moderate size of the Horizon Pro Enduro pedals worked very well with the smaller, men’s size 7 US, shoes used during testing, and the foot and pedal just always seemed to be in the right position. The maximum width of 17.4mm is slightly above average, but given the slightly narrower width and beveled leading and side edges, pedal strikes were no more of a problem than with most other models tested.

With 10 tall, thick pins evenly distributed around the perimeter of the Horizon Pro Enduro’s platform and a concave design, these pedals provided some of the most tenacious grip of all the models tested. While they are a touch less grippy than the class-leading Chromag Dagga, they seemed comparable to other high-grip options like the Race Face Atlas, Deity TMAC, and HT Supreme. The pin pattern and slight concavity seem to guide the foot into position, and once weighted, they have a locked-in feel that provides confidence in rough downhill sections or sprinting over bumpy terrain. Repositioning the feet takes a little effort, but certainly no more than other models with comparable levels of grip.

The service procedure is quite easy, and removing all the components, with the exception of the bushing, for basic service can be done with allen keys and an 8mm socket. They use a mix of backloading M4 x 10mm hex cap screw pins on the leading and trailing edges and top-loading M4 x 8mm socket head screw pins closer to the axle. The pins on the leading/trailing edges can be heightened to 6mm pin height by removing the 1mm washers that come installed on the pedal, but we never felt the need given the already impressive out-of-the-box grip.

If you are a trail or downhill rider who often finds themselves on fast and rough terrain and values outright traction and a precise feel, the Nukeproof Horizon Pro Sam Hill Enduro pedals are for you. The mid-sized platform, concave profile, and perimeter layout of tall pins provide outstanding grip and the classic, simple design and easy service procedure ensure you’ll be able to keep these pedals spinning long into the future.

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Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedals for Foot Mobility

PNW Loam Alloy Pedals

Specs

• MSRP $99
• Usable Platform Size (L x W, measured) 115.6 x 104.4mm
• Thickness (Min/Max) 10.3/16mm
• Pins Per Side 11
• Profile Convex
• Measured Weight 443 grams

Pros

• Great mobility and very forgiving with regard to foot positioning
• Easy to service with hex keys
• Reliable traction

Cons

• On the heavier end of the spectrum
• Feels large (maybe personal)
• Not a locked-in feel

Jeremy Benson

At the opposite end of the spectrum of the grippy models like the Chromag Dagga and Nukeproof Horizon Pro Sam Hill Enduro listed above, the PNW Loam Alloy is an attractive option for riders who value easy foot repositioning while still maintaining solid traction in any position. At just $99 retail, they are also super affordable compared to most other alloy models.

The Loam pedals use a 6061 Aluminum body providing a 115.6 x 104.4mm convex platform, which tapers toward the outer edge and is relatively thin at 16mm thickness at the central axle and 10.3mm at the front and rear edges. The Loams aren’t the biggest or thickest pedal in the test, but for whatever reason, pedal strikes seemed a bit more common and they felt larger than the numbers suggest. The traction provided by the convex platform had a consistent feel, but was far from the “locked-in” character of the high-grip competition. Instead, they allow for easy foot mobility and foot “float” while providing trustworthy grip for most riding irrespective of foot positioning.

In PNW’s marketing materials, they state that the Loam pedal is built to provide “just enough grip to feel planted in sketchy terrain, but not so much that you can’t reposition your feet.” Based on our experience, it seems they accomplished this goal. They are grippy enough to provide confidence, yet subtle foot adjustments can be made predictably and with minimal effort. Both the convex profile and the ability to pivot off the forward central pin, located directly under the balls of the feet, seem to be at play here, yet the grip felt consistent wherever the foot ended up on the pedal. This combination of easy mobility and consistent grip made the Loam intuitive and quick to adapt to.

Basic service is a straightforward process that requires only a set of allen keys. The rear loading pins, however, could prove to be difficult to remove through the small access holes should they get bent. Still, with its extremely mobile feel and consistent, average traction in any position, the PNW Loam Alloy do what they were designed to do and are our recommendation for those seeking a pedal that allows for easy foot repositioning. If you are coming from clipless pedals and missing rotational float, or just want a big, reliable, forgiving platform, the $99 PNW Loam provides solid overall performance and excellent mobility at a low price.

Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry

Most Innovative Design

Pedaling Innovations Catalyst One

Specs

• MSRP $150
• Usable Platform Size (L x W, measured) 128.2 x 95.2mm
• Thickness (Min/Max) 16mm
• Pins Per Side 18
• Profile Flat
• Measured Weight 524 grams

Pros

• Stable, supportive, and comfortable, as advertised
• Increased confidence at speed and efficient weight transfer when cornering
• Innovative and unique approach in a relatively stagnant space
• Best choice if you have big feet or experience foot pain after riding.

Cons

• Adjustment period required
• “Clumsy” feel in very active, slower speed technical terrain

Jeremy Benson

In a market where most products share similar designs at the most basic level, the Pedaling Innovations Catalyst brings a fresh perspective and unique approach. Created by James Wilson of MTB Strength Training Systems, the Catalyst’s design is intended to provide added stability, support, comfort, and efficiency with a massive platform that requires a different foot position than more traditionally shaped pedals. Pedaling Innovations provides lots of information to back up the science behind their claims as well as follow-up emails with helpful tips to make sure you’re getting along with the pedals after you purchase them.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Catalyst pedals is their massive rectangular platforms. At 143mm in length, and with 128.2mm of usable length, they are approximately 1.5cm longer than other models we tested. At 95mm wide and 16mm thick, they have otherwise fairly normal dimensions. The idea is to position the feet with the axle beneath the arch, with the goal of “recruiting” the hips which is said to increase power, efficiency, stability, and comfort compared to other designs. For most riders accustomed to placing the ball of the foot closer to the pedal’s axle, this position can take some getting used to, but that’s how the Catalyst are designed to be used and they can feel awkward and clumsy if you don’t.

Adapting to the foot position takes a few rides to become comfortable, but once you do, the advantages of the Catalyst become more apparent. While they don’t exactly feel as agile or precise for certain quick movements, they do provide loads of support and a confident, planted feel at speed through rough terrain or when weighting the bike through corners. After weeks of testing, the reduction of stress on the feet over extended descents is noticeable, and it would be easy to choose these pedals for a long day at the bike park or a high-mileage endurance ride.

With a whopping 18 pins per side, it came as a little bit of a surprise that their grip was only moderate on the first few rides. Thankfully, Pedaling Innovations supplies longer pins, and after swapping out eight on each side for longer ones, the desired level of grip was achieved. Adapting to the centered foot position also helped to improve grip over time. Still, repositioning the feet when needed never took too much effort, though the centered foot position does again take some getting used to with regards to mobility.

Manufactured by VP Components, the Catalyst pedals have a relatively standard design with an inboard bushing and two sealed cartridge bearings that are easy to remove and replace. Rebuild kits and replacement axles are only $10 each. A full bag of long pins is also included to fine-tune grip or use as replacements. The large platform does result in the Catalyst being the heaviest model we tested, though the performance gains claimed may outweigh the slight increase in weight.

The Pedaling Innovations Catalyst is an interesting model with a unique design backed by research and science. While they take some getting used to, the comfort, stability, and control at speed and over rough terrain are noticeable. While the $150 price tag doesn’t necessarily encourage experimentation, the 30-day money-back guarantee makes them a much less risky proposition.

Check Price at Pedaling Innovations

Best of the Rest

HT Supreme ANS10

Specs

• MSRP $120
• Usable Platform Size (L x W, measured) 100.5 x 101mm
• Thickness (Min/Max) 14.5/17.2mm
• Pins Per Side 10
• Profile Concave
• Measured Weight 375 grams

Pros

• Great, best in class traction – when you are in the right position
• Relatively reasonable $120 price tag

Cons

• Inconsistent grip depending on foot position and difficulty finding the sweet spot
• Not for riders seeking rotational float and easy repositioning
• Not the easiest to service

Jeremy Benson

The HT Supreme is one of the grippiest pedals we tested, aided by the small platform, central pin, and concave profile. The solid, locked-in feel and the high level of traction provides confidence and precision when firmly weighing the pedals, but unpredictable foot mobility in dynamic, slower-speed technical terrain was less impressive. With relatively low weight, a reasonably sized 100 x 100mm platform, great traction, and a $120 price tag, they are a good option for riders seeking the locked-in grip of a concave platform, provided they can find the sweet spot.

Outright traction on the Supreme was in line with some of the grippiest models we tested, but also more sensitive to foot positioning, and the traction felt compromised when not in the right spot. This may be due to the lack of pins on the inside edge of the platform, and when the feet weren’t perfectly centered the feel was quite different. This positional sensitivity wasn’t as apparent on other models in this test, so it is worth considering if your feet don’t always end up in the right spot.

Servicing the relatively lightweight, 375-gram, Supreme is a standard procedure, but HT does not provide service manuals on their website. The process requires a thin-walled 8mm socket to remove the axle nut, and thankfully, HT includes this tool with the pedals. The design also requires you to remove the bushing to remove the bearings, which makes it more difficult to ensure the pedal innards are clean and appropriately greased during quick services not requiring a bushing replacement. The bushing is a tight press fit and will require a tap or bolt to remove, meaning it will need to be replaced when doing so.

While the HT Supreme stood out in terms of overall traction, it didn’t rise to the top in a crowded field of quality pedal options. If you are precise with foot placement and/or like smaller platforms, the grippy HT Supreme should be considered at the reasonable price of $120.

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Deity TMAC

Specs

• MSRP $180
• Usable Platform Size (L x W, measured) 110.2 x 105.2mm
• Thickness (Min/Max) 14.5/18.8mm
• Pins Per Side 14
• Profile Concave
• Measured Weight 448 grams

Pros

• Average sized platform
• Above average grip
• High concavity
• Flawless high polish finish

Cons

• Sensitive to foot position
• Low mobility – easy to get “stuck” on
• Top Loading Pins

Jeremy Benson

The Deity TMAC is a high traction pedal with a highly concave profile that has a devout following of flat pedal riders. Designed in collaboration with and named after legendary freeride mountain biker, Tyler McCaul, the TMAC pedals are made to handle big jumps, high speeds, and rough terrain.

The TMAC’s highly polished symmetrical platform measured 110.2 x 105.2mm and had the most concavity of any pedal in our test, at 2.15mm of drop per side from the leading/trailing edges to the axle. Most other concave options were about ½ of this level of concavity and you can certainly feel it on the TMAC. Fans of concave pedals should feel right at home. The concave profile and 14 thick, top-loading grub screw pins provide ample traction, one of the grippiest in the test, providing tons of confidence and a strong, locked-in feel. That said, the pronounced concavity of the TMAC’s profile made them feel more sensitive to fore-aft foot positioning than expected, and given the grip of the 14 pins, they aren’t the most forgiving in terms of foot repositioning. When positioned perfectly, however, the grip proved to be unwavering.

Weighing 448 grams for the pair, the TMAC is among the heaviest pedals in our test. This likely won’t matter much to the target audience, but worth noting if you concern yourself with pedal weight. Servicing the Deity TMAC is a fairly easy process, but it is worth noting that a standard 8mm socket was too thick to reach the axle nut, so a thin-walled socket, like the one included with the HT Supreme, is needed to remove it. The pins are top-loading and, though ours didn’t get damaged during the test period, will likely require some time with the vise grips to remove if the heads get smashed or bent. 

The Deity TMAC is a beautifully finished, highly concave option with standout traction that downhill riders, freeriders, and anyone who prioritizes outright grip and prefers a concave profile will love. While the Chromag Dagga may have taken home the grip crown in this round of testing, the Deity TMAC is another high-grip model that is very worthy of consideration.

Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry

Crankbrothers Stamp 7

Specs

• MSRP $180 (silver edition we tested: $190)
• Usable Platform Size (L x W, measured) Small (tested): 95.3 x 101.8mm, Large: 114 x 11mm
• Thickness (Min/Max) 11.0/13.4mm
• Pins Per Side 10
• Profile Concave
• Measured Weight 353 grams

Pros

• Lightest pedal in our test
• 2 sizes of platform available
• Average performance across platform and on trail categories

Cons

• Unique Service Process – you’ll love it or hate it
• Average on trail performance (traction and mobility) at a high price point

Jeremy Benson

The Crankbrothers Stamp 7 is available in two sizes, large (114 x 111mm footprint) and small (100 x 100mm). Crankbrothers recommends the small size for shoe sizes 5-10 (US) / 37-43 (EU) while the large is intended for shoes size 10 (US) / 43 (EU) and up. While they have been making pedals for some time, Crankbrothers designed their Stamp flat pedal shoes with a sole tread intended to Match the pedal shape and pin layout of the Stamp pedals to work as a “system”. Though we didn’t test the pedals and shoes together, we will report back with more info when we do.

The usable Stamp 7 small platform measured 95.3 x 101.8mm and features a concave profile with an 11mm thickness at the center of the axle and 13.4mm at the leading/trailing edges. The axle thickness ramps down to its low point slightly outside of the center of the pedal, where the inner diagonal bracing begins, and uses shorter pins by the axle, thereby increasing the concave feel. The slight bulge of the inboard bushing was occasionally noticeable, but otherwise, the shape, size, and feel of the platform was agreeable, especially for the men’s size 7 US shoes used during testing.

The traction provided by the Stamp 7 pedals seems pretty average. As such, they don’t inspire the most confidence when compared to similarly sized but much grippier models like the Wolf Tooth WaveForm or HT Supreme. When heavily weighted, the grip level seems quite acceptable, but they don’t provide a particularly sticky feel and it’s easy to accidentally pull a foot off during a technical climb, comparatively speaking. At the same time, finding the sweet spot and deliberately repositioning the feet seems to require a similar level of effort as pedals with more grip. The Stamp 7 pedals use two lengths of top-loading pins and they come with a full set of replacement full-length pins (bonus points). The shorter pins around the axle can be swapped out for the longer ones, which we found improved traction marginally during testing. Like all top-loading pins, they may be more difficult to remove if/when they are damaged.

Crankbrothers included a small grease port on the Stamp 7 pedals which should theoretically make it very easy to keep them spinning smoothly. A full service of the Stamp 7 only requires a 2.5mm allen key and a paper clip and it is easy to pull the axle assembly and two bushings from the body (no bearings here). Removing the bushings and inner seals for inspection gets a bit tedious with the split bushing on the inboard side with a very small surrounding seal and pushing the outside seal through the pedal axle with a paperclip. While service is quite accessible, we found that we preferred working on more traditional assemblies of other pedals we tested.

The Crankbrothers Stamp 7 is a lightweight, 353g size small, and reasonably well-performing pedal that comes in two size options. Yet, at the fairly high price point, the average on-trail performance didn’t stand out compared to other similar or lower-priced options in this test. Again, we will update this review with info after testing them with the Stamp flat pedal shoes.

Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at EVO

Deity DefTrap

Specs

• MSRP $55
• Usable Platform Size (L x W, measured) 112.7 x 103.3mm
• Thickness (Min/Max) 18/20.4mm
• Pins Per Side 10 (8 metal, 2 fixed composite studs)
• Profile Concave
• Measured Weight 400 grams

Pros

• Larger platform
• Average performance across all categories
• Very affordable

Cons

• Very basic design and aesthetics
• No outstanding features or performance differentiators
• Some composite pins that cannot be replaced

Jeremy Benson

At $55, the Deity DefTrap is the most affordable option we tested, coming in at $5 less than its composite competitor from OneUp. The Deftrap is a basic and accessible option with average performance on and off the trail, but its moderate weight, 4 non-replaceable pins, and average mobility traits kept it from taking our best-value award.

The Deftrap uses a fairly large, flat, and symmetrical 112.7 x 103.3mm platform with a relatively standard 10 pins per side in a perimeter pattern, two of which are molded composite that cannot be removed (the inside center pins closest to the axle). While the platform looks very basic and was the thickest in the test, it was easy to find and provided good support. Pedal strikes did not occur more than usual on the thicker platform, but if you find yourself scraping obstacles frequently, you may appreciate the composite material’s tendency to slide over obstacles rather than hang up.

Traction and mobility were average on the Deftraps large, flat platform, and on-trail performance felt similar to the Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Small, a significantly smaller and more expensive option at $190. While weighted, the traction was good – but the composite pins provide less grip than their metal neighbors elsewhere on the pedal, which can lead to some uncontrolled floating on the roughest, fastest tracks or when the pedals were not weighted very heavily, particularly when climbing seated technical switchbacks. The level of grip felt fairly consistent regardless of foot position and, while the mobility was not as controlled as the convex OneUp Composite, repositioning was fairly easy.

Performing a basic service on the Deftrap is a standard affair and requires only a 6mm Allen key and a 9mm standard socket. Two sealed cartridge bearings at the end of the axle should help distribute loading and increase durability. The pins that are replaceable are rear loading, a nice touch, and use a nut to mount to the pedal in the same way as other composite pedals. Again, the two composite pins, inboard by the axle, are not replaceable. Replacement spindles, bearing/bushing kits, and pins, however, are readily available from Deity and are super affordable too.

Does the on-trail performance of the Deity Deftrap justify the $55 price tag? Absolutely. While the Deftrap was not the highest performer in our test including expensive, high-end options, its performance was consistent, reliable, and satisfactory. It’s a basic design and didn’t have the mobility traits of the OneUp Composite or fully replaceable pins, but most riders looking for an affordable flat pedal will likely be pleased with the average performance and low cost of the Deftrap. 

Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry

DMR Vault Midi

Specs

• MSRP $130
• Usable Platform Size (L x W, measured) 94.6 x 104mm
• Thickness (Min/Max) 14.4/17mm
• Pins Per Side 11
• Profile Dual Concave
• Measured Weight 425 grams

Pros

• Easy to reposition feet
• Smooth, controlled rotation around the axle
• Sized down, dual concave platform for smaller feet

Cons

• Lower grip
• Average overall performance

Jeremy Benson

The DMR Vault Midi is a downsized version of the popular DMR Vault with a smaller 95 x 104mm platform, intended to provide a proportional fit for folks with smaller feet, or those who appreciate the smaller platform. Compared to the Vault, the Vault MIDI is 10mm shorter in length and only 1mm smaller in width and has the smallest footprint of all the models we tested. While the 105mm width is in line with most of the pedals in our test, the 95mm length is at least a ½ centimeter shorter than most, excluding the Crankbrothers Stamp 7 Small. The asymmetric octagonal platform tapers more dramatically towards the trailing edge, setting the stance slightly forward of the axle.

Eleven pins per side around the perimeter and 4mm pin height at the leading/trailing edges are fairly standard, but these pedals provided the least grip of all the models we tested. While you can flip the pins to fine-tune the grip of the pedal, the central pins cannot be extended (as there isn’t the necessary tool clearance) and the outer pins came installed in the longest position. We found the traction provided by the DMR Vault MIDI to be acceptable at slower speeds, on smoother terrain, and while climbing, but they did not provide a competitive level of grip when speeds got higher on more technical terrain. At higher speeds, the search for grip wasn’t particularly confidence inspiring, particularly over washboard root sections or in braking bumps. Shifting foot position, however, is quite easy as a result, and small adjustments are no problem.

Servicing the DMRs is a standard procedure but it is worth noting that they were the only pedal on which we lost any pins while testing. The DMR Vault MIDIs come with two replacement pins (in the long length) and losing a pin isn’t a big deal as it was easy to replace. That said, all of the top-rated pedals we tested came with Loctite applied to the pins to avoid this issue, while the DMR Vault MIDI did not.

With the lower grip, easy mobility, and a basic design, the Vault MIDI didn’t stand out in a crowded field of quality flat pedal competitors. Still, the DMR Vault MIDI may be suitable for riders who lean towards easy mobility and those with smaller feet may appreciate the short platform. The moderate price of $130 is attractive for an aluminum model, though we feel there are better values out there.

Check Price at DMR

Comparison Chart

Why Should You Trust Bikerumor?

At Bikerumor, we’ve been reporting on the latest cycling news, technology, and products for over a decade. Our team is made up of passionate riders that span all disciplines of cycling and have their fingers on the pulse of the industry. For our buyer’s guides, we’ve sought out qualified individuals to test and review products side by side to form the basis for our comparisons and recommendations.

Our mountain bike flat pedal review author, Paul Clauss, is a talented mountain biker who has been riding almost his entire life. Hailing from Essex Junction, VT, Paul has great access to quality, technical trail riding with ample roots and rocks that make for great flat pedal testing conditions. He is a mechanical engineer with experience working with 3D printing and CNC manufacturing processes on a variety of products including bike frames and components. This background gives him unique insight into bike components and technologies and an excellent ability to tease out the subtle performance differences between the products he tests. In this role, Paul gets to combine his discerning tastes and love for writing into detailed reviews that will hopefully help you find the best products for your needs.

After scouring the market for the best mountain bike flat pedals available in 2023, we rounded up a diverse selection of 13 models for side-by-side testing and comparison. Each model was tested in conditions ranging from wet to dry with equal parts climbing and descending. Often, models were swapped out mid-ride for back-to-back comparison. A pair of well-broken-in Five Ten Freerider Pro shoes was used with all of the pedals tested for consistency on Paul’s Santa Cruz Bronson and Chromag Wideangle hardtail mountain bikes. Each model was judged on a number of performance characteristics including platform, traction/grip, foot mobility, serviceability, and weight to determine our favorites.

Buying Advice: How to Choose Mountain Bike Flat Pedals

When it comes to choosing a pair of mountain bike flat pedals, there are a lot of options. Individual preferences and needs vary, of course, but thankfully so do the pedals we tested. As one of your key contact points on the bike, there are a few variables to consider to help select the best flat pedals for you.

Platform Size

Your shoe size and natural tendency towards in/out-toeing will contact various sizes and shapes of platforms differently. If you have very large feet, you will likely benefit from the support provided by a larger platform, while a smaller platform may work better for smaller-footed folks. If you like to hang your feet off the outside of the platform, pentagonal or rectangular shapes may give better support for the outside of your foot than a hexagonal shape. If your feet are sore after riding, consider how your foot engages the pedal when you are in your pedaling position on the bike and look for a size and shape that optimizes support throughout your foot.

Pedal Sizes

It stands to reason that people with smaller feet may not need the same size platform as those with larger feet, so some flat pedals are offered in different sizes with the goal of providing options for different foot sizes. Several brands, like Crankbrothers and Wolf Tooth, offer their pedals in both small and large sizes. For example, Crankbrothers recommends the small version of their Stamp 7 pedal for riders with shoe sizes between 5 and 10 US, and the large version for riders with shoes between 10 and 15 US. Wolf Tooth has a to-scale printable size comparison on their website, which riders can use to determine the best fit of the WaveForm pedals for their shoe’s soles. Other brands make numerous models that often have different size platforms for the same reason. Like anything else, it comes down to personal preference.

Q-factor

You may also want to consider the q-factor. Q-factor refers to the width of your stance on the bike – technically it is the distance between the pedals at the outside of the cranks. Depending on how close the inner edge of the pedal platform sits in relation to the outside of the crankarm can change the effective q-factor in your normal riding position. If you have wide hips or tend to take a very wide stance, a wider q-factor may be more comfortable. If you ride bulky shoes or a frame with large chain stays or seat stays, a wider q-factor can help you reduce rubbing your foot on the cranks and frame. 

Profile: Concave vs Convex

You’ll also want to consider the platform profile – flat pedals may be concave, convex, or flat. Like anything else, preferences vary, but most riders prefer one or the other. Concave pedals are thicker at the leading and trailing edges and thinner along the axle. This creates a depression in the middle of the pedal for the sole of the shoe to sink into. Examples of concave pedals include the Deity TMAC, Chromag Dagga, Race Face Atlas, and Nukeproof Horizon Pro Enduro, which also happen to be some of the grippiest models we tested.

Convex pedals are slightly thicker at the axle and thinner at the leading and trailing edges. This has the opposite effect of concavity, as it promotes the shoe’s sole flexing slightly over the pedal to achieve maximum grip. In general, we’ve found that the convex design allows for somewhat easier foot mobility, as the pins are easier to release from the sole of the shoe when repositioning.

Perfectly flat profiles are somewhat rare, but the unique Pedaling Innovations Catalyst is an example.

Traction and Grip

The traction provided by a pedal depends on the platform size/shape/profile, the pin layout, and the type of pins. Pin height and placement vary across pedals – some rely on pins placed around the perimeter, some include central pins. Some pedals allow you to adjust the pin height by adding or removing washers while others do not. The combination of these different platforms and layouts changes how much effort you need to spend keeping your feet on the pedals while riding rough terrain. The rubber compound and tread design of the soles of your shoes is also a factor when it comes to grip.

The amount of traction you want from a pedal depends on your riding style and preferences. While a super grippy pedal might be great for riding fast downhill trails, it might be very sensitive to foot position and grip so well that it is difficult to reposition your foot – there are pedals that provide too much grip. The right amount of grip is individual to the terrain you ride and your riding style – if you find yourself struggling to reposition or rotate your feet regularly to feel like you are in the right spot on the pedals, you might want to try a pedal with a bit less overall grip but with a pin pattern, profile, and shape that allows for better mobility and is less sensitive to foot position. Riders coming from clipless pedals will want to pay special attention to rotational float if they are interested in a flat pedal that feels similar to clipping in.

Serviceability

Any time you ride your bike, your pedals put in some serious work. Not only do they support much of your weight at virtually all times, but any time they are spinning, the internal components like bearings and bushings are doing their job. Given their location at the end of the crank arms, under your feet, and close to the ground, they may also be subjected to impacts with trailside obstacles. Hard impacts can damage pedal pins, scratch the pedal body, or even bend the spindles. Despite being a sealed system, water and dust from the trail can make their way into the internals. Of course, how often you ride, how you ride, the terrain where you ride, and the weather conditions in which you ride will play a role in how quickly wear and tear occurs on your pedals.

Fortunately, most quality flat pedals are designed to be serviced fairly easily to keep them running smoothly. Basic service procedures generally only involve a few simple tools to pull the spindle from the pedal body for simple cleaning and regreasing. Most brands sell bearing and bushing replacement kits and spindles so you can rebuild your pedals should something bend or wear out. Spare pins are often, but not always, included with new pedals so you can replace damaged ones or those that have fallen out, and replacement pin kits are inexpensive and typically easy to find. Typically, you can find an instructional video to guide you through the process. That said, if you are unsure of your mechanic skills or don’t have the tools to do it yourself, most good bike shops can service your pedals for you.

Value

Compared to many other things in mountain biking, pedals are a relatively inexpensive component. And that’s a good thing since you can’t ride a bike without them. Still, the models we tested vary in price pretty dramatically from $55 up to $200. It will depend on how much you ride and how much abuse you put them through, but it’s fair to expect that a pair of pedals should last a couple seasons or longer if taken care of properly. Not surprisingly, the more expensive models are typically made from higher-quality materials and they generally offer higher overall performance than the least expensive options. If you ride every day and have specific performance expectations of your pedals, then it’s probably best to spring for a more expensive pair to meet your needs. If you ride less frequently, less aggressively, or simply can’t justify shelling out the big bucks for the high-end models, the less expensive composite options still perform admirably at a fraction of the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The post The Best Mountain Bike Flat Pedals of 2023 appeared first on Bikerumor.

In 2018, Jenny Graham set the women’s speed record for riding 18,000 miles around the world in 124 days and 11 hours.

And she did it unsupported, without, well…we’ll get to that, because the extent of her minimalism is pretty remarkable and I want you to hear it in her words.

Her story is captured in a new book called Coffee First, Then The World, and we talk about her experience documenting the ride, how she planned for it, the equipment and challenges of keeping a bike going day in and day out, overcoming the physical challenges of such an undertaking, the opportunities it’s created for her, and so much more.

This episode sponsored by:

Spring is the perfect time to upgrade your ride. From top brands to niche names, TPC has a curated selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes for every discipline. Each Certified Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced by expert mechanics, and every bike includes risk-free 30 day returns. Visit theproscloset.com/bikerumor and enter code BRPODCAST to save $40 on every order over $200.

Want More?

Find the BikeRumor Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean, and through RSS, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Hit like, hit subscribe, and hit play! Can’t find it? Let us know which players you use so we can get them up to speed! And let us know who you want us to interview, just use this form to send us your suggestions!

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The post Podcast #084 – How Jenny Graham set an Around-the-World Record appeared first on Bikerumor.

In this prototype, only one pawl is truly engaged at any time, but we are told by Spank that there is enough flex in the system such that the torque transmitted through the drivetrain by the rider is enough to allow the other five pawls to also engage in a more “supporting” role.

Spank are happy with the mechanism’s strength and durability for regular bikes, but are still testing its suitability for eBikes where higher torque levels can be sustained over longer periods.

How does it compare? Well, the Spank prototype is a lot faster than the 3.5° engagement offered by the current Spank Hex hub that offers just 102 POEs. And, it’s much faster than any star-ratchet based mechanism. But, it isn’t quite as fast as the 0.52° offered by Industry Nine’s Hydra Hub, or indeed the instant engagement delivered by Onyx.

Spank Industries plan to bring the new new pawl arrangement to the next generation Hex hubs, with availability covering all common freehub drivers. This one is due in early 2024, and should come in at a price similar to the current Hex hubs. For reference, back in 2020, Spank was selling its front and rear Hex hubs for $99 USD and $199 USD, respectively.

spank-ind.com

The post Spank’s 612 POE Prototype Hub Engages Every 0.59° appeared first on Bikerumor.

It was hard to avoid the Seiren’s call walking past, but it wasn’t the 3D-printed aspect that caught my eye. It was the relatively-unique seat mast. But looking closer, it was suddenly clear that this was no average titanium bike. Not even a slick titanium bike with 3D-printed lugs. This bike is 100% 3D-printed from powdered titanium.

Now, it’s not printed all in one piece. Instead, it’s printed in three parts and then bonded together with a specially developed “metal glue for titanium.” We were told that the total printing time was just 8 hours on (what we assume is a very large) SLM (Selective Laser Melting) printer. That number is kind of staggering considering many 3D printers take just as long if not longer, just to create small parts out of plastic. Even if that number is 8 hours for each of the three frame parts, that’s still very quick to create a completely custom titanium bike.

Not only is this a fast way to create a custom bike, but there is very little waste from production since the excess titanium powder can be reused. Pilot also claims the frames are 100% recyclable.

On display at the show was one of the first prototypes, which is already being improved upon. The version on display is claimed to be about 1,150g for a 57cm frame, while the next version they’re working on is expected to be around 1050g for the same size.

When asked about the seat mast design, the answer was surprising – the configuration was chosen to aid in frame alignment more than rider comfort.

The frame uses a standard threaded bottom bracket with printed threads. Pilot notes that all of the threaded holes do have to be chased after printing. The frame itself was shown as a raw sandblasted titanium, though they’re looking into methods of polishing the titanium as well. Behind the door on the bottom bracket is another 3D-printed part inside to hold a Shimano Di2 battery.

The Seiren will first be completed as a stock design, but the goal is to offer complete customization from frame geometry to frame details. We’re hoping to get details on potential pricing and availability soon.

pilotcycles.com

The post Pilot Seiren is a 100% 3D Printed Titanium Road Bike appeared first on Bikerumor.

Deviate Downcountry Mountain Bike Prototype

Deviate Cycles’ downcountry prototype is part of a development series, the aim of which is to investigate the feasibility of bringing manufacture to the UK. Currently, the Claymore and Highlander bikes are constructed from an epoxy resin carbon fiber, and are manufactured in Asia – where exactly in Asia, we don’t know. But, Ben and Chris foresee a future in which their mountain bike frames are manufactured in Scotland out of 3D printed titanium lugs and recyclable nylon-based thermoplastic tubing… at a price competitive with the cost of manufacturing a full carbon frame in Asia.

How do they propose to do this?

With the use of a more affordable method of 3D printing titanium. Indeed, cold metal fusion of titanium, as implemented by Huhn Cycles, is cheaper than the laser-sintering method employed by the million pound Renishaw machine you’d see at Atherton Bikes HQ. Apparently, the equipment necessary for cold metal fusion of the lightweight material is vastly more affordable.

The result is a 3D printed lug that does have quite a different finish to that of the Atherton Bikes lugs. And, their production is said to require a lot less post-processing. Less post-processing means less manual labour, and thus, a reduced cost. Deviate hope to adopt this method of production while offering frames at a similar price to what they offer now. That is, around $3,200 USD for a Claymore frame and shock.

The pair admit they haven’t yet hit that point with the cost of manufacture, but they are pressing on with development because the plan is attractive for many other reasons, too; namely, the supply chain will be shortened to the point where they can make to order, and there’s the improved sustainability of it all with reduced shipping, and the end-of-life recycle-ability of most, if not all, of the frame components. Also, we are told the titanium powder used to form the lugs is carbon-neutral, too.

What about the linkage?

Deviate is continuing its use of a high single-pivot suspension platform that delivers a 100% rearward rear axle path, but here on the downcountry prototype it is packaged a little differently to the linkages we’ve seen from the Scottish brand previously.

Where the longer-travel Claymore and Highlander II bikes have a lower linkage positioned concentrically to the bottom bracket, this downcountry prototype keeps everything north of the BB. As the rear wheel is displaced, the lower linkage extends as the solid rear triangle moves back and upwards as it pivots about the main pivot positioned around half way up the seat tube. In this scenario, the shock is simultaneously driven from both ends as it is sandwiched by the lower rocker and the swingarm.

And, this being a high-pivot mountain bike, there is an idler pulley positioned near the main pivot to reduce the negative effects of chain growth.

We are told it could be many, many years before Deviate fully adopt this manufacturing method, and a lot will depend upon whether they can automate it to a point where the frames can be priced competitively against Asia-made carbon frames. It is currently undecided whether the Deviate downcountry bike will first materialize in titanium or complete carbon. We’ll do our best to stay tuned on this one!

deviatecycles.com

The post Deviate Downcountry Prototype Paves Way for Future UK-Made Ti-Carbon Frames appeared first on Bikerumor.

PRESS RELEASE: The colorful life and tragic death of Marco Pantani remains one of the most compelling stories in sports history.

Hosted by comedian and cycling fan Hugh Dennis, this new BBC Radio 5 Live podcast will attempt to uncover what really happened to the man known as ‘The Pirate’. Widely regarded as the best climbing specialist in the history of cycling, Pantani was unbeatable. A rock star of cycling, the Italian national hero was rarely out of the press for his achievements, alongside allegations of doping, race-fixing, and corruption.

But when Italy’s greatest cyclist was mysteriously found dead, sensational allegations of mafia involvement saw the world of cycling collide headfirst with the murky underworld of organized crime.

With cycling-obsessed host Hugh Dennis, Pantani: Death of a Pirate will take listeners from the mountains of rural Italy, to the shady commercial underbelly of a sport on the rise, as we hear from mafia experts, journalists, historians, the police, and big names in the world of cycling, including MattRendell and Phil Liggett. Together, with an iconic era of cycling providing the backdrop, they will all consider one of the most dramatic and tantalizing questions in sports history… would the mafia really kill a cyclist?

Hugh Dennis says: “‘Would the mafia really kill a cyclist?’ has to be one of the strangest questions ever asked in cycling… and yet, ten episodes later, here we are. Saddle in – sorry – for one of the craziest stories you’ll ever hear, about the mysterious death of one of the most incredible climbers the sport has ever seen.”

The podcast will be released in full as a boxset on Thursday, June 22. Stream every episode here, and listen to the series trailer here.

The post BBC’s “Sport’s Strangest Crimes” Digs into the Death of Marco Pantani appeared first on Bikerumor.

The GLACIER 3-in-1 electric cooler can simultaneously act as a refrigerator, freezer, and icemaker. To achieve this, it has three dedicated, separate compartments.

The WAVE 2 is a wireless, portable air conditioner and heater in a small package. The brand claims it’s powerful enough to quickly raise or lower the temperature inside vans, boats, cabins, and tents. This dual-function unit has an 8-hour runtime potential.

Read on for more details on the GLACIER and WAVE 2 — and how to get a deal on the portable AC.

GLACIER 3-in-1 Electric Cooler

‘Impressively Quick’ Icemaking

The EcoFlow GLACIER’s icemaking speed sets it apart from its competition. Equipped with a 120W compressor, the GLACIER’s icemaker produces 18 solid ice cubes in 12 minutes. We found this to be much faster — “impressively” so — than other electric coolers with icemaking capabilities.

The icemaker is separate from the fridge/freezer space, so you can enjoy fresh ice cubes while your food and beverages remain chilled or frozen. Additionally, the compressor allows for cooling the interior storage space from 86 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit in roughly 15 minutes.

At outdoor temps of 77 degrees F, the GLACIER’s plug-in battery can run up to 40 hours of refrigeration or 19 hours of freezing, according to the brand.

Dual-Zone Cold Storage

Inside, the two storage compartments can hold different temperatures independent of one another. One side can cool while the other freezes, so you can keep meats or instant meals frozen while fresh fruit and veggies refrigerate in the same unit.

The GLACIER’s design uses a divider to create two compartments of different sizes that work independently from one another. If you need more freezer space than fridge space, or vice versa, you can set the temperatures separately so each can refrigerate or freeze from 50 to -13 degrees F.

If you want to use the storage space solely as a refrigerator or as a freezer, remove the internal divider (which doubles as a cutting board) and store it inside the lid. For reference, it holds 60 cans inside.

The GLACIER comes with two handles for moving it around. And you can buy add-on add wheels and a telescoping handle for pulling it like luggage, as shown above.

A digital display shows your temperature settings and the battery life. Similarly, the EcoFlow app lets you see and adjust those settings remotely. According to the brand, you could even tell it to make ice as you’re leaving the trailhead, and it will be waiting for you after a long day in the heat.

It takes a little over 2 hours to charge the GLACIER via solar (up to 240 W), AC, and DC. A car charger is another option.

WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner: The Sequel

EcoFlow says the WAVE 2 is 20% smaller than its predecessor and has 27% more power. It measures 21.3 x 11.9 x 16.4 inches with an add-on battery attached.

A 1,159Wh add-on battery should enable the WAVE 2 to cool for up to 8 hours. It can also be powered by EcoFlow’s portable power stations for a claimed maximum runtime of 18 hours.

The unit pushes 5,100 BTUs for fast cooling. The brand says within 5 minutes the AC can drop the temperature by 18 degrees F inside a 50-square–foot room. Conversely, the unit can heat the same space just as quickly, raising the temperature by 18 degrees F with 6,1000-BTU heating.

The EcoFlow app lets you monitor and control the portable AC unit. That means you can start cooling down an RV, truck camper, or tent as you’re wrapping up your afternoon fun. It requires no drainage.

The WAVE 2 runs in fast mode, eco mode, or sleeping mode. In sleeping mode, the unit’s noise is 44 dB. That’s roughly the same ambient level of a library or chirping birds.

Lastly, a spare battery lets you continue to power the unit while the other battery charges via AC, solar, a car, or power stations. 

This article is sponsored by EcoFlow. Check out the portable GLACIER 3-in-1 refrigerator and WAVE 2 air conditioner.

The post EcoFlow Adds Icemaker to Its Electric Coolers, Updates Portable AC/Heater appeared first on Bikerumor.

The previous model, GameChanger 1.0, has proven itself in countless kilometers at races like the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. The new GameChanger 2.0 is expected to follow and has been developed in close cooperation with the pro-riders of the Movistar Team.

The ABUS GameChanger 1.0 raised the bar of aero helmets to a new level, being trimmed for maximum aerodynamics and optimal ventilation. Based on the success and performance of the 1.0, ABUS has developed a completely new aero helmet, in the 2.0.

The GameChanger 2.0 has been improved at the crucial points of aerodynamics, ventilation, comfort, and safety.

Aerodynamics

Meeting the most modern requirements for high-speed aerodynamics, the GameChanger 2.0 has a wider Kamm-Tail. For those that don’t know (I sure didn’t), this means that the virtual aero profile created by the helmet is 11% longer.

With wind tunnel and track testing sessions being done in the range of today’s racing speeds (between 46 and 52km/h), the GameChanger 2.0 showed “a decisive aero advantage due to its adapted aero shape”.

With the 8 degrees lower Kamm-Tail, the GameChanger 2.0’s angle optimizes the rider’s position while in the “race-position with the head down and directed downward” in the drops.

The central AEROBLADE in the upper area of the GameChanger 2.0, leads air efficiently away from the head using the internal ventilation channels through the helmet. While at the same time optimizing aerodynamics.

Ventilation

GameChanger 2.0 has improved aerodynamics over the 1.0. The Airboost front inlet along with the Eyebrow Vents direct 32% more air into the helmet as well provide a perfect storage option for eyewear.

The Acti Cage struts direct air into the helmet at higher speeds, and with a shape like a shark fin, takes the remaining airflow and redirects it up and over the helmet to aid in aerodynamics.

Along with the Eyewear Ports in the front of the helmet, the Airport vents in the rear are also compatible with regular curved sports eyewear, giving the rider two convenient eyewear storage solutions.

Keep in mind, as more air goes into a helmet, more has to come out. With the Airflow Star Design, 20% higher air outlet is achieved with the revised, wider rear diffuser that has enlarged air outlets. These larger air outlets use the revised air channels to optimize the airflow out of the helmet.

ABUS has succeeded in optimizing the ventilation channels of the new GameChanger 2.0, serving both aerodynamics and rider comfort through proper airflow through the helmet.

Comfort

When the rider is comfortable they go faster. What’s the point of sophisticated airflow control and aerodynamics if the helmet simply doesn’t fit? The GameChanger 2.0 rear strap system, Flow Straps Pro, has 12mm wide straps and a wider V-shape, helping to keep the 2.0 in the optimal position on your noggin.

The central Zoom Pro retention system with the new slider system, guides both straps and the adjustment system into an individually optimal position at all times.

Safety

The GameChanger 2.0 uses the MIPS Air Node system. In addition, the MIPS version of the 2.0 comes equipped with the Fidlock buckle system, a system that is synonymous with fast, intuitive, easy-to-use helmet closures.

Also, all GameChanger 2.0 helmets are QUIN-ready, meaning that they are prepared for the use of QUIN Crash Detection Technology. The 2.0 provide another safety contribution, especially on those solo rides. The QUIN port for charging the sensor is accessible – in the form of a micro USB port inside the helmet.

GameChanger 2.0 Colors

The ABUS GameChanger 2.0 comes in three sizes, (S, M, and L). It is offered in two versions MIPS and non-MIPS, with a total of 11 different colors.

Weight: S- 260g, M- 265g, and L- 275g

ABUS.com

The post Beating the Wind with the New ABUS GameChanger 2.0 appeared first on Bikerumor.

The design takes inspiration from systems found inside hybrid cars – like the Toyota Prius, for example. Therein, planetary gears are utilized to mesh the input of the combustion engine with the input of an electric motor, to deliver power to the vehicle.

Driven are taking that concept and, instead of using flat, planetary gearing, their Orbit Drive relies upon a rotating ball-like mechanism that delivers a variable speed ‘bevel differential’. Though the layout is certainly not novel, its application in eBike technology, is.

We are told by Driven, “This is a game changer for the e-bike segment, bringing the highest level of efficiency (more battery range), a more pleasant riding experience, almost zero-maintenance, and a bolt-on solution for e-bike manufacturers”.

Here, Driven’s Head of Engineering, Ryan Norris, takes the time to explain the mechanism using a neat 3D printed model of the concept. And, he does so in terms that don’t require a PhD in mechanical engineering in order to comprehend.

Driven Orbit Drive All-in-one Gearbox eBike Motor

The Driven Orbit Drive is a little further along in its development process than the above 3D printed model might suggest. The company has a working prototype they say is significantly more efficient in its energy usage than any production eBike motor on the market today – upward of 85%, is the claim.

Not only that, but maintenance intervals are set to once every 10,000 miles, with only an oil change required at that point. Clearly, such a design boasts some serious advantages over commonly available eBikes that rely upon a motor and an entirely separate derailleur-operated drivetrain – the pitfalls of which many of us know all too well.

Driven tell us their system also offers a smoother ride experience, with an automatic mode offering step-less shifting with gearing automatically adjusting speed, with the assist motor complementing the rider’s input. Manual mode is also possible, allowing riders to shift through gears as they would on what Driven are calling a “legacy bike”, i.e. a regular bike.

In addition to the claimed higher efficiency over comparable systems, we are told the Orbit Drive also has a regenerative braking feature to compound that.

Driven plans to offer three variations on the Orbit Drive to its OEM customers:

1. Direct Drive – this configuration uses a shaft drive to deliver power from the Orbit Drive to the back wheel. This is the brand’s most efficient unit and it is fully enclosed
2. Chain Drive – the Orbit Drive with a chain, partially enclosed
3. Belt Drive – the Orbit Drive with a belt, partially enclosed

We asked Brian Baker, CEO of Driven, why has no one done this yet. His answer…

“One of our marketing pitches is – why hasn’t anyone done this? I’ve been the CEO for one year, and I do not have an answer for that. Everyone took what they are doing at Toyota, on the Prius, and at Stellantis for example – those are all flat planets and sun gears. All we did was take the planet and do that [make it that 3D orbit shape]. Now, it fits right in the middle of a q-factor, and we can get a 1:1 ratio out of the motor. We don’t have to downshift the motor, so we can use smaller motors, and so this whole thing works quite a bit better than a flat, planetary system”.

Driven has more technology packed into there, too. Unlike most eBike motors on the market today, this one lacks a torque sensor, at least in the traditional sense. Driven hold a key patent for a sensor-less torque sensor.

CEO, Brian Baker, explains…

“There’s an algorithm we’ve developed based on how much torque you’re putting into the system – and thus how much torque the motor sees – from that you can calculate the speed, so you don’t even need sensors at all“.

Ryan Norris continues…

“We’re using the electronics of each motor, and how they talk to each other. So, when they sense you pressing down on the pedal – they know it within about 40 ms, and we’re gonna get that down to about 20 ms, so that’s as fast as a regular torque sensor is. So, we don’t need the torque sensor. And torque sensors are actually pretty expensive, so we’re actually pretty excited that this algorithm works. It’s nothing new. It is used in industrial mechanical design all the time but no one has ever used this in the bike industry before”.

How much will the Driven Orbit Drive actually cost eBike manufacturers?

We are told that, in terms of the Ride Share market, the Orbit Drive will come in at a middling price point – more than the $800 USD that the cheapest offerings go for, but less than the $1,500 USD that higher-end options go for.

Brian goes on to tell us he is confident that gearbox eBike motors of this design, and similar, will become the most common design in the market over the next 10 years.

Indeed, with the launch of Pinion’s Mission ON:E eDrive earlier this week, the industry certainly seems to be pressing on with integrated solutions to shifting and assistance. Likely, we will see many more such offerings on display in the vast halls of Messe Frankfurt this week.

madebydriven.com

The post The Driven Orbit Drive is a Planetary Bevel Gearbox eBike Motor appeared first on Bikerumor.

It’s been roughly a decade since the Silverado and Volt were introduced, and they’ve stayed virtually unchanged since then. When WTB made the decision to update them, they wanted to make sure that the new versions of these popular saddles lived up to the reputation of their predecessors.

After countless trail-tested hours, WTB thinks that the newly updated versions of the Silverado and Volt are “simply better in every way”.

Silverado…More Comfier

WTB took the OG Silverado and used pressure mapping technology to determine where pinpoint pressures existed, and how to better distribute those pressures to the sit bones. The result is a slightly flatter profile that WTB says reduces perineal pressure.

The reworked Silverado features a shorter length of 265mm that helps in providing “seamless on-off transitions” while still allowing room to slide forward for steep climbs.

The Silverado is also available in a traditional wrapped and stapled version in 142mm width (medium), with either steel or Chromoly rails for similar comfort at a more affordable price tag.

Volt…New Look, Same Soul

WTB says that “over a million riders have depended on the comfort of the Volt”. And that it’s for this reason that their goal was to refresh the look of the Volt while leaving the heart of the saddle untouched. Again, using pressure mapping tech, they ensured that the comfort and shape of the Volt stayed the same while giving it a more modern look.

The heart of the Volt is what WTB says makes it “one of the most trusted saddles in cycling history”. The updated Volt is the same Volt you know but with a new look made possible by Fusion Form.

Refined with Fusion Form

Fusion Form technology allows WTB to “fine-tune the amount of fiber that is infused into the nylon of each specific model to create a flex profile that balances comfort, support, and durability to match the intended use of each individual saddle“.

WTB also says that similar to the recently released Gravelier, the Silverado optimizes efficiency in a forward-leaning pedaling position by using similar fiber percentages.

The updated base of the Volt uses less fiber to increase flex and improve comfort for the more upright pedaling mountain bikers. Allowing the padding to recess into the base, Fusion Form provides a sleek aesthetic without reducing overall padding thickness.

All of this results in the same comfy saddles you’ve all come to know, that use the traditional wrap and stapled construction, but with a whole new cleaner look.

Four New Ones with More to Come

Joining the party that includes the new Gravelier and Devo saddles, the new updated Silverado and Volt form a collection of Fusion Form saddles. And WTB says that “this is just the beginning, as they have various saddles in the works to further reinforce a new era of WTB saddles”.

Retail and Availability

These saddles are available now. And the updated Fusion Form version of the Silverado comes in narrow (133mm) or medium (142mm) widths. The new Volt is available in medium (142mm) width.

All WTB saddles are priced solely based on the rail material, rather than by product family. Available rail options vary depending on the saddle, see below for the rail material and the associated retail price.

• Steel: $48
• Chromoly: $96
• Stainless steel: $120
• Titanium: $143
• Carbon: $250

WTB.com

The post WTB Silverado &Volt Saddles Updated with Fusion Form appeared first on Bikerumor.

Introduced on the first day of Eurobike 2023, the Bexey joins a substantial revamp of the Chariot child trailer, a new Paramount backpack pannier bag, and the new Epos rack which we saw a bit earlier in the year. All of these products still have substantial time until they hit the market, but we got some first looks at early samples from the show.

Part of a complete new category for dogs, the Bexey will be joined by dog crates (September 23) and harnesses to make it easier than ever to bring your pup out on your next adventure.

To create the Bexey trailer, Thule enlisted the help of dog experts to create a product that was not only easy for humans to use, but something canines would quickly become used to as well. That includes a 3D molded floor that can be made completely flat for training your dog to get comfortable with the idea of riding in a trailer. The Bexey will be available to consumers somewhere around this time next year.

New Thule Chariot

Over on the human child side of things, the Thule Chariot trailer has gotten a massive redesign with some very interesting features. The new design is said to be around 95% new, and is intended to make it easier to use, more comfortable for the child, and more visible (safe) for everyone involved.

Starting with the attachment of the trailer to the bike, the new quick release mount makes it easier than ever. The mounting plate stays on the bike, and the tower basically just snaps into place when you line the two up. To remove it, just press the grey button and slide upwards. There’s still a lock core so you can secure the trailer to the bike, and a new shock cord safety tether.

At the other end, the tow bar easily clicks into the trailer frame and there’s another lock core to again prevent theft of the trailer when parked. One of the big improvements to the design is how the stroller wheels are stowed – you no longer have to remove them to flip them over. Now simply open the quick release lever, spin them 180º, and fasten the QR. The design will make it a snap to go from stroller to trailer mode, and you are never without the stroller wheels.

Another huge improvement is the option to run just one or two seats in the same trailer. Previously, if you were only using the trailer for one child, the empty seat couldn’t be removed, so you ended up with a child sitting to one side making a bit cramped and unbalanced ride. Now, you can simply remove the second seat, and position the remaining seat in the center giving better weight distribution, and more elbow room for the child.

Finally, in the age of the distracted driver, every bit of increased visibility matters. The new design features an elegant integrated LED light that stretches across the entire back of the trailer.

Like the Bexey, you’ll have to wait for the new Chariot to arrive with Canada seeing them around March 2024, and the US getting them later in 2025.

Thule Paramount Pannier Backpack

On the bag side, the popular Thule Paramount backpack is getting a pannier upgrade. We’ve seen a few different pannier/backpack combinations, but the trick is always how to make it comfortable as a backpack, and yet still functional as a pannier. The Thule Paramount does that with a brilliantly designed removable backplate with backpack straps on one side, and a locking pannier mechanism on the other.

To swap back and forth, there is a single zipper that unzips the top half of the back plate, while the bottom slots into a socket on the bag. When it’s flipped to pannier mode, there is an additional buckle strap to anchor the bottom of the bag against the rack. The Paramount uses the same pannier hardware as the Thule Shield which includes a clamp that actually grips the bar on the rack to prevent any rattling, and is compatible with 8-16mm diameter bars.

The Paramount Pannier also includes a full size rain cover that is reflective to keep the contents dry, and yourself visible. Expect to see these in stores around August this year.

It’s already been a big year for Thule, and there’s more in the pipeline. Stay tuned.

thule.com

The post Bring Your Dog with New Thule Bexey Trailer + New Chariot Kids Trailer, Paramount Pannier appeared first on Bikerumor.

Plus, BikeYoke’s Stefan Sack always has a lot of cool ideas bouncing around inside of his head, so he showed me some prototype mountain bike pedals and a new handlebar, too!

BikeYoke Revive Wireless electronic MTB dropper seatpost

The secret to BikeYoke’s new Revive Wireless dropper is that the only parts that are completely new are the electronic dropper actuator, the wireless remote, and each own’s rechargeable batteries. The technical hydraulic internals are the same proven Revive mechanical dropper technologies, down to the fact that the wireless post shares the same service parts as the regular Revives.

That’s kind of a huge deal, because this is going to be an expensive dropper, but you can be sure that the post will continue to go up and down smoothly for a long time, and any bounce you get from air sneaking past its internal seals is easily corrected with the little Revive reset lever.

Tech details

The Revive Wireless dropper communicates with its wireless remote via Bluetooth LE. That also means there is an opportunity for a bit of adjustability in the speed of return via a companion mobile app, but you won’t need an app to use or even set up the dropper. Both remote & dropper have 2 tiny LEDs (red & green) that will show the battery status of each other at a simple glance.

Both wireless dropper and remote have their own self-contained li-ion internal battery that is said to work for ‘several’ months of regular use, rechargeable with a standard USB-C port on each. That means removing the post from your bike to charge, which Stefan says is kind of a bonus feature to make sure mountain bike riders don’t leave their post in forever until it seizes in their frame.

BikeYoke says the new wireless dropper is actually even a bit lighter than the original versions. The electric actuator that opens and closes the valve to operate the post does add a bit of weight, but that is offset by the fact that the small self-contained wireless remote is considerably lighter than a mechanical remote with a long segment of continuous housing and wire cable inside.

The addition of the actuator does add about 13mm more overall post insertion length at the bottom of the dropper, but BikeYoke has also trimmed roughly 5mm of stack off the post’s head – resulting in the wireless dropper being about 10mm longer than a mechanical Revive.

First Drops

The standard remote is super tiny and made to take up minimal space on the bar – it will be an injection molded plastic part in final production, likely with a removable alloy clamp. It requires very little force to actuate, and felt as fast as any mechanical dropper I’ve used. There’s not a ton of tactile feedback pushing a tiny button in about 2-3mm to drop the post (compared to the long throw of a mechanical dropper remote). But it only took me about 3 pushes of the button to get a sense for the fast press-then-drop motion, and it was of course, a lot easier than any mechanical remote.

BikeYoke also showed us an even smaller remote that uses a small wired-in separate battery that can be mounted inside of a handlebar for bars with internal shift wire routing.

That will likely be an OEM-only option at least at first, but it reiterates the possibilities of how easily you can operate a wireless dropper with all sorts of remote. BikeYoke also makes their own lock-on multi-density Grippy grips, and has considered the possibility they could even integrate the remote button into one of their grips in the future.

Interesting possibilities, indeed.

BikeYoke Revive Wireless Dropper – Pricing, options & availability

Officially the new BikeYoke Revive Wireless is a MY24 (model year 2024) product meaning you will have to wait until the start of next year to get one – ideally they should be ready for consumers by the spring riding season. That’s still quite a ways off, and as BikeYoke finalize some of the production details in their remote, they still don’t have an official price yet. But on-the-record/off-the-record, they suggested that BikeYoke are targeting a retail price that’s a good bit cheaper than the SRAM AXS dropper or maybe half again more expensive than mechanical Revive posts – including the wireless remote.

As for sizes, it will essentially be offered in all the same options as the mechanically-actuated Revives since they share a lot of functional internals – so that means at least 30.9 & 31.6mm diameters, and travel options from 125mm up to 213mm. It might come in this silver anodized version if there is good response prior to production, otherwise they can always fall back on black.

Prototype modular platform pedal project

Another prototype project are these modular platform mountain bike pedals. The idea was to develop a solid, reliable alloy pedal body with a serviceable axle and rotating parts, then bolt on a replaceable composite body with the traction pins.

That modular design will allow BikeYoke to offer at least a couple of platform sizes, and also let them tweak materials and pin placement. These prototype pedals are machined from slippery Delrin engineered plastic with 7 long replaceable traction pins per side, and 4 bolts that hold the alloy & plastic bits together.

Now that BikeYoke have ironed out the materials and connection points, the next step will be optimizing the lower leading edge of the pedals’ outer platform to slide over trailside obstacles. We’ll keep tabs on the next stages of BikeYoke flat pedal development.

Prototype 35mm comfort mountain bike handlebars, too!

The new BikeYoke wireless dropper also happened to be mounted on top of some in-development carbon mountain bike bars that weren’t entirely round. With a flattened profile in the rise of the bars, BikeYoke is able to balance some real vertical comfort with the torsional stiffness of modern 35mm diameter bars. The bars also feature titanium mesh reinforcement in the brake/shifter/remote clamping area for extra security.

BikeYoke says the new carbon bars don’t have a set release date yet, as they are still working to optimize layup to get the best rider comfort, while still passing the most stringent strength, stress & impact-resistance testing on the market.

Don’t worry, I personally find just about every modern 35mm bar too stiff, so I’m be keeping a close eye on this project and will share more news whenever I know more.

And for sure, we’ve put our name on a short list to test the BikeYoke Revive Wireless dropper as soon as one is ready to review!

Bikeyoke.com

The post BikeYoke First Looks: Revive Wireless Dropper Post, plus New Pedals & Handlebar Prototypes appeared first on Bikerumor.

The Truing Stand as Abbey puts it, is more than just a device to hold the wheel while you turn the nipples. Built from the ground up to allow for obsessively precise wheel building, the design is perfectly mirrored from side to side so you can build a wheel with perfect dish regardless of hub or rim width.

Built with a substantial machined aluminum base plate, Abbey founder Jason Quade tells us that from the beginning, they wanted the foundation of the tool to be included – not some DIY option that was added after the fact. The 6061 aluminum base is an inch thick, and includes four adjustable feet that can be used to perfectly level the truing stand.

The arms are machined from aluminum as well and will accept thru axle hubs without the need for adapters. The truing stand will still accept standard QR hubs and bolt-on hubs with axles up to 14mm, but thru axle hubs can use the integrated cones eliminating the step of placing an adapter in the hub end caps. The cones will work with thru-axles up to 25mm as well, so even your old Maverick hubs will fit. It will also fit hubs from 70mm to 220mm in width, so even those who build fat bike wheels will be set.

And in the case that you have some crazy hub that doesn’t work with the existing stainless steel plates, Abbey can custom machine additional plates based on the need.

The dropout plate also features an insert for truing disc brake rotors from 140-220mm in diameter. Since the truing arms are mirrored from side to side, you could also swap the arms around if you wanted the brake truing indicator on the other side, and on the back of the arm.

At first, the indicator arms may look similar to the typical truing stand, but that ends when you view it from the back. Not only do the indicator arms ride on sealed bearings, but they are a push-pull design which makes it ridiculously fast to move through the adjustment range. The knob is so smooth and balanced, that you can give it a spin, and it will spin for another few rotations. Coupled with the fact that you can move the main arm that the indicator is mounted to without any sort of knob or dial, The Abbey Truing Stand should save professional wheel builders a good amount of time over the long run.

The vertical arms use a linear rail system for incredibly smooth movement, which is helped by an Igus Drive bushing for the main lead screw. Abbey found that a different solution worked better for the pillow blocks, but the whole system is designed to run dry – no need for any lube or oil that will collect dust in the shop.

When it comes to using the indicators themselves, they will fit rims 15-65mm wide, and tires somewhere in the 2.6-2.8″ range (the production indicator arms aren’t finished). The green 3D printed arms will be metal for production, and are not capable of being used individually, but if you want to use just one indicator, or need to work on rims wider than 65mm, you can use the single dial indicators on the red multi-adjustment arms to measure just one side of the rim. That same indicator can also be used to measure vertical runout – either below, or even on top of the rim in the casse that the tire is still mounted.

The truing stand will be sold in different configurations, one with a single ‘feeler guage’ type radial indcator, with either mechanical or digital Mitutoyo indicators, or with the Islandix digital system.

Abbey decided to work with Islandix to offer the system as an option after demoing the system themselves. Essentially a real-time digital output of vertical and horizontal runout, the system connects digital sensors to your computer or connected device so you can see a visual representation of the wheel build. There’s also a spoke tension component that can be added aftermarket, making it an impressive way to build insanely precise wheels. It also will run $2,350 for the full setup.

The kit also includes a foot pedal to work the system while you’re truing so you don’t have to take your hands off the spokes.

Abbey plans to sell the truing stand in batches, and is taking pre-orders for the first batch now. They expect to have only single digits of exess stock from each batch, so if you really want one, you should get in on the pre-order. Pricing starts at $1,450, and all models include a customized name plate – whether that’s your name, or a character from your favorite movie…

Pre-orders placed now should ship in September, with Abbey planning on deciding the size of the first run around July 9.

abbeybiketools.com

The post Abbey Bike Tools Introduces THE Truing Stand w/ Optional Islandix Computer Readout System appeared first on Bikerumor.

Paired with the latest ENVE IN-route fork, stem & bar combo and Chris King’s AeroSet 3 headset and T47i bottom bracket, the FI (Fully Integrated) bike hides every wire and hose inside the frame.

This keeps everything out of the wind for better looks and aerodynamics, all on an 1145g frame (size medium). They claim that’s 200g lighter than any other titanium disc brake road bike on the market today.

The bike’s name and do-it-all personality come from La Spezia, a coastal Italian town that’s a frequent stop on the Giro d’Italia. With a mix of flat coastal roads, punchy climbs, and long descents, it’s got something for everyone.

The Spezia frame is mostly 3/2.5 tubing but with Litespeed’s proprietary sheet-formed 6/4 top tube, which adds more front end stiffness for better handling. All tubes are size specific, and the downtube gets tri-ovalized for a wider shape at the bottom bracket that creates more weld surface for a stiffer junction.

The seatstays are ovalized to reduce drag, and the rear brake mount is a single CNC’d part that (they say) is lighter and stiffer than traditional construction or even 3D-printed parts while offering perfect alignment.

It’s designed for wireless (and semi-wireless, like Di2) groups only, there’s no accommodation for standard shift cables through the frame. Designed as an all around performer, it fits up to 700×35 tires for comfort on the longest, roughest days.

Complete bikes start at $8,299 (introductory price) with Ultegra Di2, with options for wheel, tire and cockpit upgrades as you build it out on their website.

Litespeed.com

The post Litespeed Spezia FI is their lightest disc brake road bike ever appeared first on Bikerumor.

The fluted design allows for progressive support in corners…push harder and they’ll work harder to keep the sidewalls supported, giving you the extra traction from lower tire pressures without squirming or bottoming out.

They say the foam material also reduces vibration so you’ll feel less trail chatter at the bar, and finish each lap fresher. Which is good, because with the e-bike’s assist, you’re probably doing more laps anyway.

Flow channels keep the sealant moving around so it can reach holes in the open space, and their air valve notch keeps it sitting flat on the rim’s bed. Specs are:

• Wheel Sizes: 27.5” and 29”
• Tire Sizes: 2.3” – 2.8”
• Inner Rim Widths: 22mm – 35mm
• Weight: 27.5” = 281g / 29” = 299g
• Price: $80 each / $160 set
• Available: August 2023

Joining the new eMTB insert are four new colors shown top right – silver, titanium, purple, and oil slick. That makes 10 colors total for their insert-compatible valve stems, which retail for $25/set ($30 for oil slick) and come in 44mm and 55mm lengths.

CushCore.com

The post CushCore E-MTB Tire Inserts Debut, plus New Valve Stem Colors appeared first on Bikerumor.

Hutchinson Wyrm downcountry mountain bike tire

Call it anything from aggressive XC to lightweight enduro, Hutchinson hopes their completely new Wyrm trail bike tread will be a versatile tire across the MTB disciplines that most mountain bikers ride – closing the gap between their XC & Enduro MTB tire families. Run the new 2.4″ wide aggressive 29er Wyrm front & rear for mixed trail conditions – or pair it with a faster-rolling Kraken rear for dry hardpack riding, or the more meaty Griffus for looser trail riding.

What’s new?

The Wyrm is an all-new MTB tread design from Hutchinson, the second in their newest downcountry line-up since the XC Kraken recently got a bigger 2.4″ option. But now the Wyrm takes grip to another level with bigger shoulder lugs and a more burly but still fast-rolling center tread design. They call it a happy medium between the Kraken and the Griffus, but it doesn’t really share any lug shaping with either tire.

Instead, it’s an all-new design. Taller chevrons linked in groups of four lugs form the quick-rolling center tread with enough space in between each group to prevent too much mud build-up. Then two box rows of tall shoulder lugs offer plenty of grip for soft cornering, with inline sipes for a bit more deformation over hard objects in the corners.

Construction-wise, the new Hutchinson Wyrm shares the same tubeless-ready 66tpi casing and bead-to-bead Hardskin protection as the same size 2.4″ Kraken, paired with 3-compound XC Race Riposte rubber.

First Impressions

It’s still a relatively low-height tire compared to more aggressive all-mountain tires, and has a round profile for a smooth transition from straight-line rolling into those grippy corners. Having just arrived for us to test at a real 920g & 929g (together with some 845g 2.4″ Krakens), the new Wyrm seems like a tire best suited to dry trail conditions, but with enough shoulder grip for soft & loamy corners.

Generally, I tend to opt for a more aggressive tire for trail riding, but with dry summer weather taking over – and drought conditions prevailing in central Europe – I’m actually looking forward to how riding a faster downcountry tire will feel on my technical home trails. And paired with a Kraken out back, to see the mix of speed and grip.

Hutchinson Wyrm – Pricing, options & availability

The top Racing Lab version of the new Hutchinson Wyrm downcountry tire – made-in-France – is available now in both tanwall and all-black editions for 76€, at a claimed weight of 950g. Just 50g heavier, the Asian-made standard level Wyrm tire comes in black only for 46€ at a claimed 1kg weight. The downcountry Wyrm is 29er only, and comes in just a single 2.4″ width. Get it now through all regular Hutchinson MTB tire distribution channels.

Cycling.Hutchinson.com

The post Hutchinson Wyrm Downcountry Mountain Bike Tire Hits the Trail with More Grip appeared first on Bikerumor.

The task set out by Pierron and his team mates, Thibaut Daprela and Myriam Nicole, was actually a little more nuanced than that. They asked for a tire that was faster-rolling, with a more precise ride feel than the Magic Mary, without giving up braking performance along the way.

Schwalbe Tacky Chan

In the development of the Tacky Chan, Schwalbe took advantage of the large tread blocks of the Big Betty. No fewer than twelve cuts of its tread pattern were tested back-to-back by the team, in the hunt for a tire that exhibited that increased precision the riders were after.

The initial cut taken forward from the twelve options was similar, but not identical, to the tread pattern launched today. Ramps were added to the center-tread lugs to reduce rolling resistance, and the shoulder lugs were made 20% more stable than those seen on the Magic Mary to result in increased lateral support. Braking edges were increased marginally, and the distance between center lugs was increased by 10% in order to allow each to “nibble into the ground better” – as Jack Reading puts it.

An early prototype of the Tacky Chan was raced by Thibaut Daprela at the 2021 World Championships in Val di Sole. Despite riding well in his qualification run, Thibaut crashed twice in his finals run. Though it can be hard to say exactly what caused any crash, Schwalbe took a long hard look in the mirror and asked themselves if the tire was at fault.

The feedback from Thibaut himself was that the tire had potential, but it hadn’t reached the finish line in his eyes. Further refinements were needed – specifically, the large edge lugs were too stiff, too unyielding, and more cornering control was required.

From there, Schwalbe made the following key changes:

• Shoulder lugs were reduced in volume, but with the braking edge increasing by 1mm
• Extra siping was added to give more lateral flex to the shoulder knobs

Schwalbe Tacky Chan: First Impressions

At the launch event in Leogang, we were handed a Commencal Meta POWER TR. The 140mm eMTB delivers its rear wheel travel through the four-bar Contact System, and is damped by a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate Coil. Its 29″ wheels were home to a set of the 2.4″ Schwalbe Tacky Chan tires in the Super Downhill casing with the Addix Ultra Soft compound making up the tread cap.

To get a feel for the tire, we were treated to a mixture of fast, ultra-flattering bike park descents and more natural, narrow sections of singletrack littered with roots. Trail conditions were very dry; most surfaces were hard-packed, with a small dose of loose-over-hard thrown in for good measure.

To be clear; this is not a review. To comment on how the Tacky Chan compares to any other tires of this genre would be disingenuous. I don’t often ride such flattering bike park conditions, nor do I often ride coil-sprung eBikes. A set of Tacky Chan tires are making their way home with me, for the purposes of back-to-back testing in the Tweed Valley.

With that in mind, here are my initial thoughts.

With 17 PSI in the front tire and 20 PSI in the rear, I set off down the Steinberg Line by Fox, a mellow track with smooth, fast berms and the occasional opportunity to double some rollers. I had a great time, and was super impressed with how easily manageable, and even playful, the Commencal Meta Power TR was. But, you’re not here to hear about eBikes.

The Schwalbe Tacky Chan wasn’t developed with eBikes in mind – though it is E50 approved – but my initial thought is that it is certainly not a bad option. It didn’t take too many corners to get up to a good speed, and the tires felt consistent throughout a long descent of the bike park.

Splatters of tire sealant on the sidewalls suggest the front and rear tires were burping a little air in turns, but I can’t say I actually felt those moments while riding the track. It’s possible the tires may have benefited from a little more air. Precision of the tire felt good when pushing for grip to initiate cornering, though I wasn’t yet in a place where I wanted to trust the setup with riskier maneuvers on the loose-over-hard patches of track.

More trust in the bike and tires came on the second day of riding the same tracks, and I did on a handful of occasions end up at higher lean angles that induced a considerable amount of excitement and concern in equal measure. Nevertheless, the Schwalbe Tacky Chan held the line without drama, suggesting I was still a way off finding the edge of its grip.

On the more natural trails that featured more loose, less well-supported corners, I did feel a little vagueness on the front tire in situations where I was perhaps not weighting the front wheel quite as much as I should have been. The front wheel never washed entirely, but warning shots were fired, reminding me to load up the front tire more to ensure it could demand grip from the terrain.

Jack Reading, a World Cup Downhill athlete supported by Schwalbe, did say that the Schwalbe Tacky Chan performs at its best when it is ridden hard, and my experience is certainly consistent with that.

In terms of wear, the rear tire had begun to lose its braking edges after less than a day’s worth of riding in the bike park – the above photo is of the rear tire ridden by a fellow journalist who is somewhat more aggressive and, he wont mind me saying, heavier than I am.

To be fair, you’re in for a very expensive season at the bike park if you’re wanting to run Addix Ultra Soft on the rear for the duration. In the interest of durability, you’d probably want to go with the faster-rolling Addix Soft compound option – but that is only available in 27.5″ x 2.4″ in the Super Gravity casing. Indeed, the Tacky Chan launches with just six options, details on which can be found in the table below.

Back-to-back testing of the Magic Mary versus the Tacky Chan is booked in for next month. A more thorough, insightful review will be provided thereafter.

Pricing & Availability

schwalbe.com

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Pair it with their 50/34 chainrings and it’s just 729g, or mix and match from any of their round and oval direct-mount 1x and 2x chainrings (or 104BCD spider) to get the exact gearing you want.

Rotor’s crank arms are machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, then drilled out from the ends to remove excess material inside the arms. For these, they machined a little extra from the edges, too, and the arms are slightly shallower than the non-SL version.

Compared to their non-power meter cranksets with a fully modular system with swappable spindles, these have the spindle permanently attached to the driveside since it houses the battery.

It gets a new self-extracting mounting bolt to make installation and removal easier, with a more secure bolt on the backside to attach the chainring or spider.

Hiding under a dust cap is a rechargeable battery good for 250 hours and fully recharges in 3 hours, using a magnetic cable attachment. All electronics are sealed inside with an IP67 dust/waterproof rating and operating range from -20ºC to 50ºC (-4ºF to 122ºF).

They boast +/-1.5% accuracy with round or oval chainrings, and their app shows advanced pedal stroke and torque data beyond what your GPS cycling computer can display. The app is also used for OTA firmware updates.

The antenna sits off the back of the driveside arm to maintain their slim profile, communicating via Bluetooth and ANT+ to any modern head unit. The cap on the non-drive side simply keeps debris from accumulating in the three holes drilled down the length of the arm.

Rotor’s lightweight one-piece 2x chainrings come in a ton of compatible chainring combos, including new 12-speed tooth profiles to fit both Shimano and SRAM Flattop chains. with plenty of 1x options for gravel, too. They have a narrow 147.5mm Q-factor and come in 165/170/172.5/175mm arm lengths.

RotorBike.com

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Both come in 32mm and 47mm deep rim profiles, all having a 21mm internal width that fits 25-32mm wide tires. And both get their latest ratchet rear hub, which uses 36-tooth ratchet rings for 10º engagement, approximately 17% faster than the prior hub.

Both wheels also use a 3K carbon laid over their rigid foam core, which acts as a structural element to improve compaction during molding and add lateral stiffness.

The MCC EVO is their top model, coming in at a bank-busting $4,200 (3690€ / 3590£) for the set, but Corima claims they have a 15% better stiffness to weight ratio than competitor’s wheels. They claim the improved torsional stiffness sends more of your power into forward motion, so you’re faster and waste less energy.

They use full carbon spokes with a carbon hub shell and rim, all bonded and molded together to create a one-piece wheel. Claimed weights are:

• Tubeless hookless wheelset weight: 1445gr (32mm) / 1480gr (47mm)
• Tubular wheelset weight: 1280gr (32mm) / 1330gr (47mm)

The WS EVO is very similar, but with their S EVO Ratchet hub (same internals) and 20 spokes per wheel. The spokes are carbon here, too, they just look and lace more traditionally. Wheelset prices are $2,300 (1990€ / 1890£). Claimed weights are:

• Tubeless hookless wheelset weight: 1505gr (32mm) / 1540gr (47mm)
• Tubular wheelset weight: 1390gr (32mm) / 1490gr (47mm)

Available now online and through dealers.

Corima.com

The post Corima MCC EVO & WS EVO road wheels updated with hookless, tubeless rims appeared first on Bikerumor.

Buckle up, there’s a lot of new bike tech on the horizon…

Eurobike 2023 tech teasers from Frankfurt

The cycling industry still feels like it’s in a transition out of a few years of unpredictability, so we’re not sure exactly what to expect. And again, the show is in a slightly different time of year – pushed a few weeks earlier this time, maybe better aligned with bike companies’ purchasing schedules for next year?

What we do know is that a lot of gear has been in the development pipeline for a while, and it’s itching to hit the market. But rumor has it that many bike companies have a lot of extra products still waiting to be sold, so there’ll likely be a number of products we had seen hints of before that are actually finally available to buy now.

We’ve received a bunch of embargoed news in the past week or so that is scheduled to go live on Wednesday. And there’s already been plenty of early pre-Eurobike launches – like Bosch’s new lightweight SX ebike motor, Pinion’s potentially revolutionary ON.E ebike motor and gearbox combined into one, last week’s debut of SRAM affordable 12-speed Apex XPLR/Eagle/AXS.

So what’s new? What’s coming soon?

Frantically pulling bike boxes out of moving vans, UPS & DHL deliveries coming down to the wire, furiously building bikes and expo stands… most brands aren’t quite ready. But we spotted some goodies…

Like this new ultra-aerodynamic carbon track bike from Aero Design Swiss. We’ve been following this small company since they debuted a wildly adjustable aero cockpit setup six years ago. And it looks like their track bike concept has become real, now that UCI frame and fork regulations have relaxed in recent years.

Will this be ready for the Paris Olympics? We’ll find out this week.

More and more braking systems have evolved in recent years to improve rider safety. This latest one for cargo bikes is Magura’s new CBS combined braking system, where both brake levers activate both front & rear brakes in an optimized ratio designed for maximum stopping power and maximum safety.

OK, I’m a sucker for a no photos sign – it is after all why journalists are allowed to enter the tradeshow. But even better than the no pictures please pictogram under this Moustache bikes integrated mid-drive gravel ebike prototype… the handwritten sign asking the event cleaning crew to please DO NOT CLEAN their dusty display bike.

Here’s a sneaky sneak peek. Notice anything special about this new 3T Exploro Ultra gravel bikepacking and adventure bike? 3 important bits:

1. It is actually labeled as an Exploro Extrema Italia, which means a new model name AND that it is made-in-Italy with 3T’s unique automated fiber winding construction.
2. It has no visible cables. So far, only the 3T Strada road bike has gotten a fully-internal routing option thanks to wireless-only drivetrains needing just to route the brake lines inside.
3. That’s also a new 3T stem that cleanly routes those brake lines into the frame. The smooth shaping suggests it might be carbon, and a tiny Italian tricolore flag on top suggests it is also made in-house by 3T.

What does Re-cycling mean for Igus, makers of a lot of the bushings that go into your bikes?

Igus has been working with other cycling industry producers to create more bike components that are made of recyclable and recycled plastics in an effort to lower the carbon footprint of the bikes we all ride. We’re curious to see how they are getting along.

A premium Riese & Müller commuter ebike or cargo bike is expensive. So the German brand is introducing a subscription service – where for around 100€ a month you essentially lease the ebike you need including a service program – all without having to buy what are often 6-10,000€ setups. Then, you can always swap out to a new version when your needs change.

I’m also a sucker for new tools. Unior has more than a dozen bits labeled as ‘NEW’ on the wall of their workshop. It looks like 2 out of 4 of these are for opening beers while working on bikes. I don’t disagree with that as a worthwhile function.

But I’ll check out what other functional bike tools are new too, since I’m pretty sure I can already open a beer with either those pliers, zip-tie nips, or even that BB wrench.

What do two of the most successful recent road racers to retire do when they hang up their cleats?

For Marcel Kittel & Tony Martin, it’s developing bikes to make sure their kids and yours stay safer when they ride. Their new li:on brand of kids’ bikes feature integrated high-visibility lighting, retroreflective paint, and tech meant to communicate with active collision avoidance systems in modern cars. Plus, the bike is made of recycled AND recyclable carbon composites, and they are built tough to survive the abuse that kids put their bikes through.

OK, we all need an ebike to pull our Airstream trailer, right? If so, Benno bikes has got you covered. Remember, aluminum Airstreams are light.

How about some new mountain bike drivetrain tech?

We first covered the complete TRP EVO 7-speed & 12-speed MTB groupsets back in March. Now it looks like they are finding a bit more traction, and we’ll see what bikes spec the all-new shiny gold drivetrain for the coming year.

Gas Gas may be a moto brand for many, but as part of the Pierer group that also includes Husqvarna, KTM motorcycles (but not bikes or ebikes), and also Felt… they’ve now got some well-developed eMTBs too.

OK, let’s leave it at that. There are still plenty of empty spots to get filled out in the next few hours. The show officially kicks off Wednesday.

There will be a lot of new tech to delve deeper into in the coming days and weeks ahead.

Stay tuned. Maybe even follow our Eurobike tag for the latest hits as they drop.

Eurobike.com

The post Eurobike 2023 Sneak Peek: Get Ready for a Flood of New Bike & eBike Prototype Tech! appeared first on Bikerumor.

3T Exploro Italia gravel bikes get fully internal cable routing

OK, here’s the detail we’ve all been waiting for!

The new generation of 3T Exploro gravel bikes ditch the old cable routing port that sat just behind the headset, resulting in an unfortunate cable loop that made it tough to have a tidy toptube bag setup, and was frankly ugly. It has been one of the few truly annoying nits that I have picked while riding every generation of 3T gravel bike since the beginning. It had reasoning behind it – keeping the headtube narrow, cable bends smoothly for mechanical shifting, and ensuring easy servicing of your bike. But oh wow, how glad I am to see it go.

I got this sneak peek earlier today while creeping around the halls of Eurobike as brands unpacked their boxes, built up bikes, and put the finishing touches on their stands. 3T has an interesting booth that highlights the cool fiber-wound tech that they use to automate some of their in-house carbon bike manufacturing in northern Italy. And while they were winding carbon around the booth, I was serendipitously taking photos of their newest bikes leaning here and there.

It’s also interesting to see the new Italia edition bikes fitted with a new 3T stem cleanly routing both front & rear brake lines into the frame & fork. The smooth shaping and finish suggest it is carbon, backed up by the Italian tricolore flag on top indicating that it is also made-in-Italy by 3T.

This new gray Exploro Ultra caught my eye for its lack of external cables. A closer look revealed a new name – Exploro Extrema, which may suggest a rebranding of the more comfortable adventure bikepacking version of 3T’s gravel bike family. But it’s the Italia naming that confirms that the fully internal routing will come to those top-tier carbon gravel bikes that 3T manufactures in-house in Italy.

The new bike is leaned up against a standard 3T Exploro RaceMax gravel bike, all but confirming that the imported carbon frames will stick with the same cable routing port behind the stem. That ensures these more affordable frames will still be compatible with lower-cost mechanical shift groupsets, while the Italia bikes will be wireless electronic shift only.

Of note, all levels of the latest Strada road bikes since last December went fully-internal with their routing, so Stradas are now wireless shifting-only.

Not only the pedal-powered gravel bikes get the upgrade. The top-tier Exploro RaceMax Boost Italia gravel ebike with an internal battery in the downtube and a motor in the rear hub, also gets fully internal routing. The Boost edition still gets its ebike control button in the toptube, so direct mount bags still have to slide pretty far back.

But at least you don’t have to deal with a cable loop, as well.

Lastly, the standard Exploro RaceMax Italia gravel bike also gets the internal routing treatment. Here is the latest bare version of the made-in-Italy bike that 3T calls Raw Carbon Weave to reveal their intricate wound fibers.

We’ll have to wait for official information to confirm pricing and availability. But expect it to cost the same as their other top-tier Italia edition bikes, and we’d imagine it will be a rolling production update that should be available to customers by the time their Italia pre-orders ship out early in the fall at the latest.

3T.bike

The post 3T Exploro Italia Gravel Bikes Upgraded to Internal Routing, a Made-in-Italy Sneak Peek appeared first on Bikerumor.

That model is spec’d for minimum weight and runs 130mm rear travel with a 140mm fork, but three additional builds bump that to 140mm rear/150mm front and get a full carbon frame at the top, and two carbon/alloy blends at lower price points.

Full specs and details are as slim as the frame for now, it doesn’t launch until Spring 2024, but here’s what we do know…

It uses their Ride Aligned size-specific geometry, with rear center and seat tube angles changing along with the frame size to keep the rider sitting in the most balanced position.

It also uses Nroco’s popular and effective take on a Horst Link suspension, built around a 27.5″ rear wheel and 29er front. It’s a dedicated mixed wheel design, there’s no room to fit a 29er in the back.

Inside the downtube is Bosch’s slim line 400Wh battery, and it’ll accept the 200Wh range extender for longer rides. 55Nm of assist helps you get up the longest climbs without taking all the “fun” of climbing away.

Their custom Norco x Bosch Flow app lets you tweak the system’s output to maximize power or range, track your rides, see maintenance schedules, and more.

Claimed complete bike weights range from 38lbs to 44lbs, pricing and specs TBA.

Norco.com

The post Norco Fluid VLT eMTB goes minimalist w/ multiple travel options appeared first on Bikerumor.

Racers are competing and riding alongside the local wildlife as the race runs through Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Preserve over four days and across four challenging stages.

The folks at Brooks England want you to take part in the celebration with this special C17 Limited Edition saddle. The warm rust-colored organic cotton fabric is inspired by Kenya’s clay roads. The natural-rubber undercarriage is a deep green, a hue drawn “directly from the Maasai Mara’s verdant, rich vegetation”.

Brooks’ latest Cambium saddle doesn’t just look adventurous, it holds the same performance, comfort, and support that cyclists have come to expect from the line.

What sets Brooks apart from other saddles is the signature “hammock-like” saddle suspension. It naturally absorbs the bumps and ruts of rough roads and/or trails. It doesn’t have to be in East Africa, it can be on a local trail across the street from your house.

You can obtain your own C17 Special Migration Gravel Race saddle exclusively through the Brooks England website. Keep in mind, quantities are limited to 150 pieces.

Retail is $200 and comes with its own coordinating musette in a matching palette.

Saddle Specs:
Length: 283 x Width: 164 x Height: 52 mm
Weight: 464g

See all of the products from Brooks England by hitting below.

BrooksEngland.com

The post Brooks Limited C17 Saddle Celebrates Migration Gravel Race appeared first on Bikerumor.

Pinion Mission ON.E combined ebike motor & gearbox

Pinion’s ON.E drive is truly the first mainstream self-contained ebike powertrain – electric pedal-assist motor & electronically shifing transmission in one. Pinion calls it a MGU solution: motor + gearbox unit. A development project 12 years in the making, now all ebike drive components – motor, shifting system, sensors, and control tech – have been developed from the ground up as a single system, designed to work seamlessly together.

Connected as one, the MGU of the Pinion ON.E eDrive system always knows what gear the rider is in, what cadence & pedal-power the rider is inputting, and can adjust the speed & motor power support accordingly for perfect internal shifts & smooth power output to the rear wheel. The ON.E means an ebike that “knows when to shift, shifts precisely, reliably, instantaneously and – depending on the setting – can even shift for you“. Pinion says the result is an ebike with “unmatched reliability and performance in a package of similar size and weight as other current mid-motor e-bike drive systems with external shifting components“.

This is what the e‑bike world has been waiting for for years! Drive and gearbox in one housing. The benefits are so obvious that it was clear that sooner or later this product had to come. The fact that Pinion, a German medium-sized company, is outsmarting the global corporations and being the first to come onto the market with a motor-gear unit is not just a nice underdog story, but also proof of its innovative strength.

– Arne Bischoff, Pressedienst-Fahrrad

Tech details

The new made-in Germany Pinion ON.E integrated both a ‘wear-free’ brushless motor and transmission into a single lightweight die-cast magnesium housing that protects both sealed systems from outside weather and trail contamination.

At just around 4kg complete, it also is one of the lightest ebike systems available, factoring in both motor and gearing combined in one.

Pinion rates their new powertrain as outputting a max virtual 85Nm of torque to compare it to other systems (based on a 1:1 gearing ratio.) Since their system actually combines motor and gearbox in one, its real torque varies by what gear you are in – it tops out at a real 160Nm at the rear wheel. But that also means that you don’t lose nearly as much energy/torque/power in the drivetrain itself. It’s also the same reason why comparing ebike hub motor and mid-drive motor torque is difficult, so we’ll assume Pinion’s 85Nm figure is comparable to standard mid-drive motors.

And of course, one of the most important features of even a standard Pinion gearbox is its combined low maintenance and longevity. For the new Pinion ON.E eDrive system, all you have to do is change the oil inside every 10,000km.

Pinion offers the new ON.E system in their typical 9-speed (568% gearing range) or 12-speed (600% overall gear range) options to suit wide applications from city ebikes to aggressive eMTB, too. Each model is also available in both the standard 25km/h speed-limited version with 600W peak power output, and the higher speed S-series with 800W short-term maximum power for S-Pedelecs. The ON.E system is rated not only for high-speed, but also pretty heavy ebikes – with max allowable system weight up to 180kg/400lb!

Pinion ON.E eDrive availability

Of course, either a motor or a gearbox needs an ebike/bike to make it work, so you can’t just go out and buy a new Pinion ON.E eDrive system on its own.

It doesn’t just bolt into the same holes as other mid-drive ebike motors – and uses a new larger bracket relative to existing pedal-power-only Pinion-ready bikes.

As of today, several new ebikes from city commuters to mixed-surface trekking & touring ebikes to high-performance trail eMTBs can be found from well-known ebike producers including Bulls, Flyer, Pegasus, Rotwild, Simplon, Tout Terrain, and several others.

Pricing is generally expected to be at the mid- to high-end of ebikes, just as you would see with Pinion gearbox box bikes. We’ll dig into a few new Pinion ON.E eDrive powered ebikes in the coming days and weeks for more detail.

To me the combined ON.E powertrain seems like one of the first genuinely innovative solutions in the ebike sphere in a long time, and I’m curious to ride it, and see how the ebike market adapts to more integrated drive solutions.

Pinion.eu

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In a state-of-the-art pyrolysis process that takes place in Germany, Schwalbe is taking discarded tires – be they bicycle or automotive – and breaking them down into their constituent components ready to be reformed into new Green Marathon tires.

The recovered materials are then shipped to Vietnam and Indonesia where they are used to produce the Green Marathon. Even with this extra step of shipping, the overall carbon footprint is reduced as compared to that of the outgoing Marathon.

The Green Marathon is currently the only Schwalbe tire produced in this way. However, it being the brand’s best-selling tire of all time, it seems a great place to start in reducing impact on the environment.

And, they’re not stopping at the Marathon; Schwalbe plans to roll out this more socially and environmentally responsible approach to tire production to more of its bicycle tires in future. For now, let’s take a closer look at the Green Marathon, and the steps required to produce this first-of-its-kind recycled tire.

Schwalbe Green Marathon

Schwalbe Marathon fans will note that the switch to this greener manufacturing process comes with a significant tread pattern update. While the outgoing Marathon saw a slick center tread cap, the Green Marathon is more textured in this region, offering up more edges to bite into softer terrain. Despite this, we are told the Green Marathon is in fact slightly faster rolling than its predecessor.

The Schwalbe Green Marathon is intended for a wide variety of bicycles, from touring bikes to urban commuters and eBikes. With its launch, new sizes are added to the line-up, including higher volume options that are better suited to eBikes.

So, what is it made of?

Seventy-percent (by weight) of the Schwalbe Green Marathon is produced from recycled and renewable materials. But, what does that really mean?

Let’s break it down.

We first got wind of Schwalbe’s intention to produce a recycled tire back in March, when they announced receipt of a supply of recycled carbon black (rCB) from their recycling partner, Pyrum Innovations AG. Carbon black is used as a pigment and reinforcing phase in tire manufacturing, but its manufacture is environmentally damaging – it comes from the incomplete combustion of coal and coal tar. So, isolating this essential component from old tires is preferable, from an environmental standpoint, to continuing its production from fossil fuels.

The Green Marathon’s new Addix ECO rubber compound is the first production tire from Schwalbe to contain the rCB from Pyrum Innovations AG – 100% of its carbon black is rCB.

The rubber itself consists of a combination of natural virgin rubber, as well as recycled rubber, while the silica – an important filler necessary for grip in wet conditions – comes from rice husk ash. That latter aspect does not compete with food production. We are told the rubber is 98% pollutant-free – what that 2% is, we are yet to learn.

One third of the Green Marathon’s puncture protection belt, GreenGuard, is made from recycled latex products, while the the other two thirds are Fair Rubber. Finally, the bead core wire is made of recycled steel.

Despite use of such a large proportion of non-virgin rubber, the Schwalbe Green Marathon is said to be equal in performance and durability to the not-so-green Marathon that it replaces.

“The Green Marathon combines innovation and environmental friendliness on a new level. It is the result of years of research work that we have carried out together with our production partner Hung-A. We at Schwalbe are immensely proud to be able to present a model on the 40th anniversary of the popular Marathon that represents a milestone in terms of ecological responsibility. And most importantly, the Green Marathon doesn’t compromise on performance in any way and continues to lead the way in puncture protection and mileage”.

Frank Bohle, CEO of Ralf Bohle GmbH, the company behind Schwalbe

What about the remaining 30%?

The remaining 30% of the Schwalbe Green Marathon tire is virgin material, i.e. new rubber that does not come from a recycled source. To source this in a socially responsible manner, Schwalbe work with fairrubber.org, an organization that ensures the South East Asian communities working to harvest the raw material – latex – from the rubber trees, get more money for their work.

Money that comes from Schwalbe – an extra 0.50 € per kilo of natural rubber – is paid to the farming communities responsible for harvesting the raw material from rubber trees at the very beginning of the supply chain. The money doesn’t go directly into the pockets of individuals – rather, it goes to community cooperatives that appropriate the funds as they see fit – the building of new schools, for example.

“Taking responsibility is a natural part of our business. We are a family-owned company. We are operating within the cycling industry and, as most of us know, the bicycle promotes an efficient, healthy and emission-free mobility. So, we think it is our job, our duty, to make the bicycle as socially and environmentally responsible as possible. Some of these initiatives include the well-being of our employees and their families, the higher fair working standards in our supply chain. And of course, part of the reason why we are here today; products that are circular and as eco-friendly as possible”.

Felix, head of the Corporate Social Responsibility Team at Schwalbe

Clearly, there is a huge amount of information to be unpacked here, particularly around the details of the recycling process and the logistics of production. Overall, this appears to be a good step in the right direction toward more sustainable tire production, and we hope other tire brands and manufacturers will take note.

As we head into EuroBike week, time is short. We hope to bring you a more detailed explanation of the process, with a background to Schwalbe’s decision-making around this new eco-friendly approach, in due course. For now, we leave you with a quick Q&A session that was held following the press conference.

Bikerumor: Can the Schwalbe Green Marathon be recycled at the end of its life?

Schwalbe: Yes.

Bikerumor: What is the limit in terms of the quality of the rubber that you can produce from the recycling process, in terms of performance?

Schwalbe: Honestly speaking, the limit right now is unknown. We are in the middle of research and development, and what we are presenting today is a tire that lasts just as long as the old Marathon, which is known to last for thousands and thousands of kilometers. In the background we are also testing tires for other segments as well. Hopefully we will be able to show you more in the future.

Bikerumor: How are you controlling the consistency of the final product, when there must be such a large variation in the batches of recycled tires that you receive to begin the process?

Schwalbe: That is the great challenge when you use recycled materials. With virgin materials, you have one input and one consistent output. With recycled materials, we have many different varying inputs, which can lead to different outputs. So, we have quality controls on our side. We have to say, our recycling partner, Pyrum Innovations, have done a lot of investment and development in showing that we have one continuous constant output, so that we don’t have any changes in quality in our output.

Bikerumor: Is there much waste along the way? Do you have to discard a certain proportion of the tires you are given to recycle because they don’t meet a certain quality, or does everything go in?

Schwalbe: Some tires – like some spike tires, we currently can’t recycle. But this is also something that we are working on right now so that all tires can be recycled.

Bikerumor: Is the final rubber compound slightly different in its properties to the compound on the outgoing Schwalbe Marathon?

Schwalbe: It is nearly the same. There is a slight difference in rolling resistance, but it is only slightly better. The durability is the same. So we tested – this is quite interesting – more than any other product we have launched yet. We tested it in practice of course, we tested it in our laboratory too.

We also made so-called segment tires, where we had the tread pattern of the Green Marathon tire, with the compound of the old Marathon on one half and the compound of the Green Marathon on the other half. Then we tested it on daily commuters for 40,000-50,000 kilometers – then we analysed the tire. So we can say performance wise, and the durability of the tires, is quite the same as the old one.

Pricing & Availability

Price of the Green Marathon tire is equivalent to that of the outgoing model; there is no financial penatly associated with the switch to a more environmentally conscious manufacturing method – at least not one that is passed onto the consumer.

• EUR: 30,90 €
• UK: £30.99 GBP
• US: $32.00 USD

schwalbe.com

The post Schwalbe Green Marathon is a Recycled Tire Made from Old Bicycle Tires appeared first on Bikerumor.

As compared to the Bosch Performance Line CX and Performance Line CX Race motors that deliver a maximum torque of 85 Nm, the Bosch SX motor offers a less aggressive 55 Nm. That’s not to say it wont in future find a home on more aggressive eMTBs; only that it has a more conservative approach to power consumption, complementing the efforts of the rider in a more gentle rider effort:assist ratio.

Bosch Performance Line SX eBike Motor

Indeed, Bosch says the Performance Line SX motor delivers “a more natural riding sensation” than its more powerful 85 Nm sibling. That said, it has a massive peak power output of 600 Watts. Meanwhile, the TQ-HPR50 – of Trek Fuel EXe fame – boasts a peak power of just 300 Watts. However, the two are equivalent in terms of their rated continuous power output, which comes in at 250 Watts.

The Bosch Performance Line SX system has a claimed weight of 4 kg. The motor itself weighs around 2 kg, and is thus ~750g lighter than the full power Performance Line CX Race offering. The 400 Wh CompactTube battery weighs 2 kg, bringing the system weight up to a claimed 4 kg – that includes the Mini Remote and the System Controller. Despite its lightweight magnesium casing, the motor itself is not quite as light as the TQ-HPR50 which comes in at 1.85 kg.

A new PowerMore 250 Wh battery brings range extension in a package the size of a water bottle. This weighs a claimed 1.6 kg, bringing the weight of the Bosch Performance Line SX system at its maximum 650 Wh capacity to around 5.6 kg.

Of course, as is the law here in Europe, the Bosch Performance Line SX motor stops providing assistance at speeds over 25 km/h. However, key to the claim of its ability to provide a natural riding sensation, this motor offers around 50% less pedaling resistance (or drag) as compared to the Performance Line CX motors.

Likely adding to the more natural ride feel is a narrower Q-Factor. While the full-power Performance Line CX motor offers a wider stance of 175mm, the “new sealing concept” and narrow cranks bring the Q-Factor of the Performance Line SX motor down to 160mm.

While this lighter SX motor was designed with a range of eBikes in mind, from Gravel eBikes, to lightweight eMTBs, as well as Urban eBikes, Bosch has placed a lot of emphasis on what the new system can offer to the drop-bar contingent.

For example, they have designed a new Mini Remote Dropbar Controller with a 31.8mm clamp diameter meant to be operated from the tops only.

Also notable for Gravel eBikes is the addition of a “Sprint” mode, in addition to the tuneable Tour+ and eMTB modes that riders of any Bosch-powered eMTB will be familiar with. This is said to “help eGravel bikers to quickly reach and maintain a high speed. On high-cadence sections the new riding mode supports them disproportionately to their own power: the faster the eBiker pedals, the higher the level of support”.

“Now that most types of bicycle have been electrified, the individual categories are becoming even more diverse. With the new Performance Line SX, we are primarily targeting sporty riders, for whom a low total weight is important for riding fast and experiencing a natural flow. Our goal was to maintain the typical Bosch quality, riding performance and reliability and transfer these to light, agile bikes. With the Performance Line SX, state-of-the-art eBike designs and maximum riding fun can be optimally combined.”

Claus Fleischer, CEO of Bosch eBike Systems.

The first models with the Performance Line SX are expected to be available on the market from Autumn 2023.

bosch-ebike.com

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The new Python pedals offer a healthy amount of grip in stock form, and FUNN sells optional longer pins for those who want more. To sum it up, I’d say the Python pedals are (in the best way) everything they need to be and nothing more.

FUNN Python Pedals – Construction:

The new Python pedals feature a 6061-T6 aluminum body which is forged, then trimmed down on a CNC machine. At 100x110x10.5mm, FUNN has provided a good-sized platform that should feel plenty supportive to anyone without huge feet, while keeping things pretty trim and lightweight.

The Pythons’ thin bodies help minimize pedal strikes, and FUNN has even machined down the outer ends of the pedals to a slimmer profile than the rest of the body.

FUNN says the Python pedals’ optimized profile maximizes pedal-to-shoe contact and pedaling efficiency. At first glance, they seem pretty flat, but there is a very slight concave to the Python pedal bodies. The front and rear ends are a tad thicker than the midsection of the pedal, so the middle pins sit slightly lower. Also, there is a tiny hump over the spindle (which looks bigger in the above photo than it really is) but I never felt it at all while riding. Those who enjoy a more concave pedal can always use the longer pins to achieve this… as I did. More on that below…

Funn specs the Pythons with a full set of short pins, but they offer an optional set of longer pins that are compatible with FUNN’s Python, Funndamental, Mamba, Mamba S, and Ripper pedals. The long pins are longer and thinner, and they definitely add more grip to the pedal vs. the short pins. Instead of a full-length spindle, the Python pedals utilize a stubby cartridge axle system for easy maintenance.

I was impressed to see the Pythons weighed in at 373g for the pair, just beating FUNN’s claim of 375g.

Ride Impressions:

As soon as I started riding the Pythons, I was impressed with how supportive the pedal bodies felt. These pedals don’t look huge, yet no matter where I put weight on my foot it always felt like there was plenty of pedal underneath. I think FUNN hit on a great shape that reaches out to all corners while still looking sleek.

The Pythons’ bodies are almost flat, and with the shorter set of stock pins, the pedals have a fairly flat feel. The grip is already pretty good with the short pins, offering a secure hold on your foot that still allows for easy re-positioning. I should note I rode the Pythons with my grippiest pair of shoes (FiveTen Freeriders).

FUNN set me up with a set of the longer pins, so I did what I think a lot of riders would – I put them in the front and rear parts of the pedal and left the shorter pins in the middle. Immediately I preferred this setup; the longer pins offered noticeably more grip, and the pedals felt more concave (which I like). At this point adjusting a foot took a bit of intention, so I was happy with the level of grip and never installed the full set of longer pins. If you did you’d have one very grippy pedal, just with a less concave feel.

To be honest with our readers, I didn’t really get to beat the crap out of the Python pedals as most of my time spent with them were ‘rehab rides’ after an injury this spring. I’ve put some decent distance on them, but they haven’t been subjected to much on-trail abuse. My Pythons aren’t showing any concerning signs of wear, play, or damage, but they have had it pretty easy. If any serious issues occur this season, I will update this article accordingly!

FUNN’s new Python pedals retail for $115, and they will be available by the end of June. Color options are Black, Grey, Orange, Green, Red, and Blue.

funnmtb.com

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The new MT500 Burner Lite kit includes pants (for men and women) and a long sleeve jersey, offering full body coverage while keeping things light and breathable for summer shredding.

Endura MT500 Burner Lite Pant:

The new MT500 Burner Lite pant was designed to be just as comfortable and durable as the Burner pant, but offer a much lighter and more ventilated construction. These pants are an ideal choice for summer bike park laps or trail riding, and they’re available in men’s and women’s models (all construction features are the same, but with different tailoring for guys and gals).

The pants main fabric offers four-way stretch, and the legs feature laser cut ventilation on the inside and outside areas just below the knees. Behind the knees are flexible and breathable mesh panels. The MT500 Burner Lites are treated with a durable, PFC-free water repelling finish.   

The Burner Lite pants offer a slim overall profile, but the legs are cut to allow ample room for kneepads. For storage you get a pair of zippered hand pockets with zipper pulls for easy operation with gloves.

At the waist Endura provides a zip fly with a single button closure, and they’ve included a fabric hood to keep the zipper from touching your belly. Velcro waist adjuster straps provide simple size adjustments, and Endura’s Clickfast buttons allow for a solid connection with the brand’s compatible liner shorts or bibs.

The Burner Lite pants sell for $149.99. Men’s color options are black, olive green or Atlantic (blue) and sizes range from S-XXL.  Women’s color choices are black or Blueberry, and sizing goes from XS-XXL.

MT500 Burner Lite LS Jersey:

Like the pants, the new MT500 Burner Lite long sleeve jersey is a lighter, airier version of Endura’s MT500 Burner jersey. This new jersey is only available in a men’s model.

The MT500 Burner Lite jersey’s main body is constructed with breathable, moisture-wicking mesh fabrics, with durable stretch woven fabrics across the sleeve panels to ensure durability where needed. At least 50% of the fabric used in these jerseys is recycled material.  

The Burner Lite jersey features laser cut ventilation on the forearms, and a silicone shoulder print to provide some grip for backpack straps. It offers a simple rounded collar, and a lean, flap-free cut that can still accommodate slimmer body protection underneath.

MSRP for the MT500 Burner Lite jersey is $79.99. Men’s sizes S-XXL are available, and color options are black, Tangerine or Blueberry.

endurasport.com

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Since its first appearance, back in 2019, the Tern HSD has helped families and businesses around the world replace their car trips with bike trips. The new HSD keeps its small stature and many convenient features but is now both stronger and smarter.

“The HSD is for the people who want the hauling capacity of a cargo bike, in a package that is much easier to ride and easier to handle“, stated Josh Hon, Tern Team Captain. “This new generation HSD adds improvements based on feedback we’ve collected from riders and our own team over the last 4 years. Plus, the new Bosch Smart System is a fantastic upgrade in pure power and also electronic smarts“.

The HSD is Just Right

Most traditional cargo-specific bikes are large, heavy and for some, tough to navigate. Whereas a typical “city” eBike is smaller, lighter, and easier to handle with the trade-off being that they don’t offer much in cargo capacity.

HSD comes in and saves the day for the riders that want all of the benefits of a cargo bike in an easy-to-ride, compact package. Shorter than a regular city eBike, and capable of carrying a max gross weight of 397lbs (180kg), the HSD is just right.

Brains and Brawn

Tern says that HSD’s new aluminum frame is 15% stiffer at the head tube and 39% stiffer at the bottom bracket. An upgraded rear rack has also been upgraded, and now can carry up to 176 lbs (80kg). That means you could carry an adult passenger, and that the HSD will ride smoother and handle better when hauling a heavy load.

With Bosch’s latest Performance Line motor, the new HSD delivers up to 50% more torque than the previous generation of HSD. That translates to easier climbing up hills, even when fully loaded.

Your Phone is Command Central

The Bosch’s new Smart System your smartphone becomes the hub to control all aspects of the HSD, from electronic locking and unlocking, to tuning the motor’s performance. You can also track your location, and update using over-the-air firmware updates.

Then there’s the Flow app’s ability to track fitness data like calories, heart rate, and watts. You can also map your cycling routes while integrated with other apps like Strave or Komoot.

HSD S-Class models include the Bosch ConnectModule that provides enhanced security features, like motion sensors, a high decibel alarm, push notifications, and GPS location tracking.

Fitting your Needs

In addition to the new upgrades, your HSD still has all of the features that Tern cargo bikes are known for…

• Verticle parking: The HSD can stand upright, making it easier to go into elevators and small spaces like apartments.

• FlatFold: Expanding your travel range, the HSD’s seat post lowers and handlebars fold to fit into an SUV or train compartment

• Adjustable cockpit: You can resize your HSD in seconds without tools, making adjusting to fit riders 4’11” to 6’5″ a breeze.

• Accessory Ecosystem: You can outfit your HSD with one or many of the wide range of modular accessories to match your specific needs.
• Ready for business: The HSD is built to last and to carry heavy loads, making it a great alternative for businesses, whether as a delivery vehicle, part of a larger commercial fleet, or as a lil’ side hustle.

Safety First

Tern wants to ensure a reliable ride, day after day. So, the HSD is made to withstand the already demanding German standard for cargo bikes (DIN 79010:2020-02). All of the structural components as well as the frame and fork have been tested for durability and strength at EFBE Prüftchnik – one of Europe’s leading bicycle testing labs. Here, that uses a custom testing protocol that builds upon this standard but adds even stricter requirements.

The Bosch Motor System has also been tested and certified to the UL 2849 safety standard for protection against potential fire hazards.

“Safety is so critically important with cargo bikes, especially if you are using them to carry your kids,” stated Hon. “Yet there are no mandatory cargo bike test standards—and we see lots of brands claiming really high loading weights. The best thing out there right now is the German Cargo Bike standard, and that’s why we’ve worked with EFBE to create custom tests for our bikes that are based on that new standard“.

Features, Models, and Colors

• RearStop Brake light: This light activates when you press on the brakes to slow to a stop. It remains on always, day or night.

• Ignis Headlight: A 700-lumen light that casts a strong and wide beam providing extra visibility when riding after dark or in inclement weather. Also has a one-touch high/low beam, putting more light at your fingertips.

• Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Superior braking is required when riding a bike with heavy loads, and the power of a good hydraulic brake system is a must.

Models and Specs

Colors

The New HSD Retail and Availability

The new HSD models start at $4299. Tern says prices may vary according to the region.

Production has already started with bikes arriving in Europe this Summer and in North America in the Fall, with other markets following.

TernBicycles.com

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Always one for an adventure, bottles were filled, pedals installed, and we were off for a mostly pavement loop in the hills inland from Monterey, California.

Quick background: Alchemy’s first gravel bike, the Ronin, is more of a race bike, with geometry closer to a road bike and a short headtube that allows aggressive body positioning. The Lycos is their sophomore effort, aimed at riders who like to mix mountain bike trails into their rides, with slacker geometry and much larger tire clearance (which we were maxing out with 700×50 Maxxis Ramblers).

Both bikes feature top tube bag mounts and three bottle mounts, one being under the downtube near the BB shell. The key difference is the geometry and layups.

Once we rolled out, any concerns about the Lycos’ road manners quickly dissipated. Starting in a paceline full of strong riders, it held a line and behaved well riding two abreast once we reached low-traffic country roads.

The real fun began once we hit dirt, with a long, gradual climb through the hills before a ripping fast descent that had its share of stutter bumps, loose pebbly ground cover, and winding curves.

Handling was stable and predictable, allowing me to look around and enjoy the scenery a bit.

The Lycos’ fork has three mounts for extra storage, plus fender mounts for foul-weather riding. It’s not pitched as an “adventure” or bikepacking bike and lacks the extra frame mounts to support racks or fixed bags, but there’s no reason you couldn’t strap a variety of frame bags to it and head out for multi-day excursions.

The thin seatstays are set low, and the bottom half of the seat tube thins and flattens, adding compliance and comfort over rough roads. I’ve found that the Ronin is surprisingly comfortable for having a racy attitude, with seatstays that go straight to the top, but the Lycos improves upon this while maintaining spirited performance when you need to beat your buddies to the county line.

Alchemy offers stock colorways with your choice of stealth or standard logos, plus custom paint from their in-house studio.

I rode the GRX Di2 build ($6,499), which even with a 1x drivetrain was fine on the road sections and gravel…which is good, because the frame has no accommodation for front derailleurs. Just change the front chainring size to suit your needs, or swap to a MTB cassette and derailleur for more range.

Complete bikes start at just $4,999, and other than the GRX build all others are SRAM with your choice of XPLR gravel or Eagle MTB cassettes and derailleurs out back. All frames use a UDH rear derailleur.

It’s something I could see riding long miles, on road or off. If you’re looking for a single drop-bar bike to pull double duty, it’s worth a look. I certainly wouldn’t mind one of these in my own stable.

AlchemyBikes.com

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