Giant: "Goodbye 26 inch Wheel"

Slow but sure, the Taiwan's manufacturer, Giant change the trends of the 26 inch wheel in their bikes, and slowly turn into 27,5 inch for most their high level bike products, exclude the Giant Reign X and Giant Glory which still use 26 inch wheel. This alteration will be started on the next session on racing bikes, and will be applied for their most bikes in full suspension all mountain and cross country bike. This is such a big courage for Giant, because the 26 inch wheel has its own market, and maybe their fans will turn into their competitors to get something can be an alternative. But, Giant must be considered the possibilities, and what happen next is the most interesting part.

On press release, Giant tells their reasons with the 27,5 inch wheel, and their believe about the transformation. First, they said that they have been analyzing various track, and they have an opinion that 27,5 will be better than other wheels size option. They also said that the 27,5 is similar with 26 inch in the weight, but similar with 29er in performance. On the other words, the 27,5 is the combination between 26 inch wheel and 29er. Giant tells the three reasons why 27,5 has been chosen; the first is that 27,5 is light, the total weight (exclude tires), is only 5% more than 26 inch (while 29er is 11% more than 26 inch). This wheel size also has better performance. And the last which is maybe become their biggest consideration, is that this wheel has good control.

The alteration of the wheel straightly will reach in the frame, which is should be modification to make it fit with the new wheels. The headtube and the bottom bracket will be get the touch to make it fit with the new installation size. It seems that Giant is ready to make mass production of 27,5 inch, because when the wheels are getting bigger, the frame geometry will be more difficult to be optimized. But, this is a leading manufacturer in cycling technology and seems that they will not get any difficulties. And for the next racing session, Giant has been preparing the 27,5 lineups in full suspension all mountain and cross country bike.

The new bikes that apply the 27,5 inch wheels are:

Giant XTC Advanced 27,5

Giant XTC 27,5 

Giant Anthem Advanced 27,5

Giant Anthem 27,5

Giant Trance Advanced 27,5

Giant Trance 27,5

Giant Talon 27,5

The difference between advanced series and non-advanced is the material for the frame, that advanced series uses advanced grade compsite, while the non-advanced uses ALUXX SL Aluminum material. Interesting how their fans respond this big alteration for the most popular Giant bike.

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Ride Test Giant Anthem X 29er 4

Giant releases the new Giant Anthem 29er since its first appearance about two years ago, and this bike will be Giant's lineups for 2013; but better for you to know about the impression of this new bike, and this is about ride test the Giant Anthem X 29er 4. Regarded as full suspension cross country bike, this bike has been one of the favorite of the full suspension cross country bike from Giant. And if you are the rider that prefer to the trail and cross country track, this bike is already for you; and another important information, this bike has been priced about $1925, such an affordable price for high quality bike.

ALUXX-SL still be used for the material in the frame in Giant Anthem X 29er 4, and it has Maestro Suspension, a suspension from Giant; and this bike have one for the rear suspension. The addition of number "4" is not a model, but this is like a name for this bike because this is the entry level of the Anthem family. Entry level? Yep, but you don't have to worry because this bike has been equipped with high specification to support to release its best performance. Such as the usage of Shimano Deore 3x10 as the drivetrain, and for the maximum grip in any surface, this bike use Schwalbe Racing Ralph 2.25.

As the cross country bike, the Giant Anthem X 29er 4 has good power to climb, and thank for the Rockshox Recon Silver TK. The rear suspension, Maestro Suspension from the same manufacturer also offers the good impression in the uphill. But better be careful when you want to try technical riding or extreme riding; this may the impact of the fork and wheelset quality. And also be careful in the down way, because this bike is just in average as cross country bike, but the Maestro saves all; this suspension done well in this bike. Overall, this is good bike with good price, but if you want to do some upgrades, maybe wheelset and front fork need to be considered, if you want more technical riding. Just for advice, put the upgrading step by step, and improve your riding skills first before you upgrades, if so, this Giant Anthem X 29er 4 will be great machine for you.

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New Trail Bike Intense Carbine 29

The fans of trail bike or enduro or all mountain bike, maybe will be more confuse when choosing what bike they want to use, because Intense bike has released the New Trail Bike Intense Carbine 29, which is a bike for trail, enduro, or all mountain purpose. Even this model has three variants, the Intense Carbine, Intense Carbine SL, and Intense Carbine 275, which is available is three sizes, SM, MD, LG. This bike is similar with Intense Tracer 29 (5,5" travel), but this bike claims more powerful, which come from the carbon material for the frame.

Based on the official info, this bike is powerful; the New Trail Bike Intense Carbine 29 is better in performance with the 29 inch wheels, have better look, technology, and performance. This bike is using 140mm rear travel and 160mm front fork travel, as another all mountain bike, but this bike offers more aggressive geometry, patented VPP suspension and carbon fiber frame. This bike also apply the internal cable routing, reverb stealth seat post; and for people that want to express their style, this bike will be offered in full bike or frame only. For now, it only orange black color, but maybe it has more color scheme in the further.

In the complete bike, this bike will be equipped with Fox Float Kashima CTD rear suspension, internal cable routing, Rock Shox reverb stealth, H20 bottle fitment, tapered head tube, Rock Shox Pike 160mm dork travel, SRAM XX1, direct mount front derailleur, and quick release seat post clamp. But the price still not confirmed yet, but maybe the  price will be announced at the time when this bike is distributed to the stores, and there's no confirmation for the distribution to the market. More information about this bike, the technology, features, the video and another upcoming news about this bike, visit Intense Carbine 29. 

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Specialized Demo Aaron Gwin's Prototype for Andorra World Cup

Aaron Gwin has prepared his new monster that want to be used in next world cup in Andorra, and Specialized Demo Aaron Gwin's Prototype for Andorra World Cup will be ready for him. This bike is basically the Demo, a great bike for downhill race from Specialized which is famous as main bike for many riders. But with this custom made, thought it still prototype, this bike will have improvisation from standard Demo. This bike has sweet appearance with combination black and blue, and this will be black beauty. For this competition, he's now comeback with the medium frame size, after trying the large frame size. But, thought it uses medium size, the length of the rear end will be longer with the additional 19 mm.

Don't worry about the components, because this is great bike and it means that this bike will use the best components to release its best performance. Despite in prototype bike, sometimes there any substitution for the parts or the components being used, but it doesn't influence at all. Like the Specialized Demo Aaron Gwin's Prototype for Andorra World Cup, it seems that this bike will get any improvement before the competition be held and it is normal condition. Like the usage of 215mm travel, which is unusual for the DH, but this may the experiment so when there something error, the setting can be adjusted to get better performance and control.

Overall appearance, Specialized Demo Aaron Gwin's Prototype for Andorra World Cup is ready for race, but of course this bike should be checked first to prevent the errors and damages. The bike check is important, because this will very helpful to get best setting and finds the errors in the bike. So, what we can see about this bike is, can Aaron Gwin get the podium in the next world cup with Specialized Demo Aaron Gwin's Prototype which build for Andorra World Cup? Let's see together.

image: pinkbike.com - more information visit specialized.com

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Cycling Tips #5 Warming Up

Cycling is fun outdoor activity, and sometime people choose this activity as an alternative outdoor sport because this is simple, and you can enjoy the scenery at the same time. But, like other sports, this activity needs warming up, too. Warming up can prevent the injury, and you don't need to do some hard warming up, just prepare and make your body relax. Oh wait, you will need some tools like supporting blocks, or another supporting tool for warming up. Then, what happen next? There are some ways for you to warm up your body before you ride, and this will help you to warm your body up with simple practice and several minutes later, you are ready to ride wherever you want.

Warming up can be started several minutes before you ride, and it will be better with simple practice. You don't want to get injury before you ride, right? So, pay attention of your practice. Little stretching maybe can be chosen to increase the strength. You can also learn some warming up methods for video or magazines, but once again remember the portion. As consideration, maybe you can practice these stretching ways before you riding. Downward-facing Dog, Thunderbolt Pose, Crescent Lunge, Half Pigeon, Bridge, or maybe Recline Hands-to-toes, are the methods you can learn and practice for your warming up section before cycling activity.

But one important, if you get a warming up with Bridge methods, you have to be careful with you head. It is better for you to make your head still in its place, don't try to move you head or rotate the neck. If you have to, do it carefully. Rotate your neck in this position, will be able for you to get back injury and neck injury, and if you get that, you will pass the cycling activity and your friends will tell about amazing places they passed. In other words, warming up is important in any kind of sports, include cycling activity. Usually someone who don't have a warming up often got a cramp, and this is dangerous if you dot a cramp when you ride in extreme track, like downhill or freeride. So warming up is important, and it is necessary.

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Cycling Tips #4 Choose Rotor Size Properly

Maybe this illustration can help to give the problem that I want to share about the rotor in mountain bike. Some people put big rotor in their bike, but other just use standard rotor for their bike, it means that basically there are unwritten rules about installing the rotor for mountain bike. Check this; someone want to change his 26 inch bike with 29er, and he has a problem about choosing the rotor. He heard that big rotor is better than small rotor for his bike. So, finally he installed the big rotor for his bike.

To respond the case above, we have to know first that the many manufacturers offer several rotor size, like SRAM with 140mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm, and 200mm. Similar with Shimano with several size option of the rotor. In fact, rider confuses first to choose the rotor, especially for beginners that want to be stylish with their bike, without thinking the performance. It similar with when you put a 180mm fork in you cross country bike. It looks strong, it is, but the fork will lose its function as "hardcore" fork, because 180mm fork usually used in downhill riding, and cross country uses fork in the range 100-120mm.

First to know about big rotor, that big rotor will give effect for the adaptor which is become heavier and have bigger possibility to rubbing, or the condition when the component inside the caliper get a friction and make such sound, thought it does not effect to the performance. So, based on the case above, a 180mm rotor can be placed in the 29er bike. But, there are some considerations for the rider how to choose the rotor for the bike:

What is the Bike?

It may become the basic consideration for every rider want to install rotor in the bike. When you have cross country bike, a 160mm is recommended; in different case you can put 180mm rotor for your XC bike, like you have more weight. A 180mm front and 160mm rear, can be option for your light suspension bike. For more extreme riding like downhill you can add the 200mm rotor for both front and rear. Look also the frames, some frames are designed for big rotor, but others just for small rotor. 

How Much Your Weight?

This is simple, if you are heavyweight rider, just like 90kg or more you can consider to install bigger rotor size. Small rider will be comfortable with small rotor.

Consider the Track

Consider the track you want to go with your bike. If there are long down way, you can put bigger rotor to get better performance, and also bigger rotor can release the heat in the rotor. But if you ride on road, like in the park or smooth surface without something make your bike "sweat", just use small rotor.

What Kind of Rider You Are?

For uphill fans and want to enjoy the down way, like the Enduro AM, bigger rotor can be your choice. The last thing I'm sure that every rider has understand. But the most important, check all your bike parts to ensure that your bike is ready to rock. Small error can make another damage in other components, and you don't want that happen. Don't forget to wear helmet also, by the way.

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Da Bomb Syuriken Pedal

Da Bomb is a brand which not only producing the frames, but all bike parts also available in this brand. And it may be something different if you have a bike with all parts of your bike is from the same brand only - maybe just the drivetrain if you use multiple speed. Even they have their own tires, the Da Bomb Da Skull tire. To make their parts more complete, they just reveal the new pedals, thin pedals with the name Da Bomb Syuriken, which only 14 mm thickness and laser logo for the finishing.

Based on their statement on this pedals, they said that the idea for this pedals are the Ninja's weapon, a small, thin, and deadly called Shuriken. This pedal has three internal bearings and one DU, which is make this pedal waterproof and dust-proof. The pedal that designed for downhill and cross country bike has only 367 gr, still light for pedal. Da Bomb Syuriken has nice design, especially on the finishing, clear and sweet with many choices of color which is can be adapted with the bike color to get good combination of color for your bike.

Da Bomb Syuriken is quite similar with pedal from Spank, and maybe that these pedals will be crush in the market. Like its competitor, this pedal has many colors such as red, green, and black. The complete specification and feature on this pedal is anti-slip replaceable pin design pedals, Alloy #6061-T6 CNC, 14 mm thickness, three bearings plus one DU. Overall, this wide and thin pedal is suitable for downhill and cross country, but for you with freeride or another bike can also try this pedal and feel its the sensation. Try the Ninja's weapon through this pedal, that will help you to maximize your riding technique and skills.

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Ride Test Specialized Epic S-Works World Cup 2014

Specialized releases their newest cross country, the Specialized Epic S-Works World Cup 2014 edition, as one of their 2014 edition bikes lineups, and later the Epic World Cup is special for racing usage. The improvement on this bike such as less fork travel, more aggressive angle, and better handling. This bike will be able to make rider all-out in a racing, different with previous Epic, which can be best partner for people. This machine will be used for intense usage and more aggressive riding, because this bike has better handling. 

The improvement adopt in Specialized Epic S-Works World Cup 2014 edition such as the usage of 95 mm suspension, both front and rear. The subtraction of fork travel from 100 mm into 95 mm travel makes this bike has more aggressive in a race, and with this angle, this bike is more efficient. And thaoseparts are combined with the lighter frame weight than before, about 50 gr lighter, but this frame is stiffer than before. As new bike, this bike has been equipped with new parts in each department, like the drivetrain, brakeset; and these parts will be great supporting element to make this bike get its better performance in the race, or even just daily usage. 

The SRAM drivetrain is used in Specialized Epic S-Works World Cup 2014 edition, the SRAM XX1, and combine with so-so Magura brakes. Overall riding of this bike, this machine is good in dry and dusty track and still comfortable in long riding. This cannot be separated from the usage of 29 inch wheels, and the light carbon fiber rims for aggressive riding but still strong. The Epic S-Works World Cup 2014 is one of the 2014 lineups bike from Specialized, and other bike in this lineups are Stumpjumper, Specialized CruX, Specialized Allez Race, and other.

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New Scott Genius LT

Scott releases their new all mountain bike, New Scott Genius LT with innovation technology design by combining the several aspects in different class of bikes, such as freeride travel, trail geometry, light construction and newest technology. Basically, this is the variation of previous Scott Genius model, with the usage of long travel, which be added as its name, Scott Genius LT - long travel. And their homeland is chosen as its first appearance to the public. As new bike, this bike is equipped with new parts from popular brand, like the SRAM X01 for the drivetrain and rear and front suspension from FOX. 

Made from carbon material for the frame, it will make the frame stronger and you will be save to ride in an extreme track. For frame constructing and building, Scott uses several concept to produce high quality frame for the New Scott Genius LT, such as the usage of double molds for each frame, the designer and mechanics also try to make the design perfect, to get the mission that the technology have to be mass production. Those are the concept while making and building the new Genius LT. 

Another unique collaboration between Scott and FOX finally results the suspension with Nude technology, and it called Nude shocks, or the "heart of the suspension", that sweet. But what is Nude shocks; what can be explained about Nude shock is that this suspension is similar with Fox's CTD shocks, especially in the design, but it has difference in the head. 

Another difference is the usage of simultaneous action, the bar mounted twin-lock, which can be used for the shock and fork. For the front suspension, it has custom Fox Float 34 CTD 170 mm travel. This bike will use the 27,5 inch wheels, bigger than its previous edition with 26 inch wheel.

More information about New Scott Genius LT, check Scott official page, at Scott Sport. All photo taken from Pinkbike.

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Trek Slash 9 & Remedy 650B Edition

The new bikes from Trek, Trek Slash 9 and Trek Remedy will be offered in 650B choice to fulfill the 650B fans segment with improvement to get better performance. The new Slash 9 is equipped with the brand new SRAM X01 and FOX, despite these bikes are using aluminum material for the frame. With the appearance of these bikes, the competition in high-end bikes will stiffer, and now is depending to the people, which bikes they want to ride to spend their weekend, or like its name, slashing the forest or running down to the hill?

Trek Slash 9 comes with newest drivetrain SRAM X01 with 160 fork from FOX, and this bike is for the enduro usage, but it is no matter if you are beginner you can ride this monster into the school. This bike has been redesigned such as with lower bottom bracket and slacker head tube, but this bike is lighter than its previous edition about 350 gr. Overall design of the Trek Slash 9 is better, with combination orange and black, mysterious but sweet at the same time.

While the new Trek Remedy offers the 29er model in this edition, and surprisingly, Trek builds the six different variants of the new Remedy. This 650B model is using 140 mm fork and different with Slash, the 650B Remedy is built from carbon material and Alpha Platinum Aluminum for the frame. For the finishing design, the Remedy has simple in coloring the frame, but it makes this bike stronger and more solid. This bike also uses SRAM for the drivetrain and FOX for the rear and front suspension. These bikes are available on market this autumn.

Now there are two choices of bike more on the market, and it depends on you as rider. They are good, but some of them has unbelievable cost. But, hobby is expensive, right? For more information, see trekbikes.com

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