Look Closer: Specialized 2FO Flat Shoes

Few times ago Specialized launched their shoes product lines, both in flat and also clipless shoes; Specialized gives the shoes 2FO as the abbreviation of the "Foot Out, Flat Out." From outside appearance, the 2FO is a stylish mountain biking shoes, and that's the same approach with another famous brand has been taken, Five Ten.

The sole is also similar between them, but the famous "Stealth" rubber from Five Ten is a bit better. But they have similar pattern on the sole, even so close. For the 2FO flat pedal shoes, Specialized is offering the shoes in three different colors, and the price is about $130, and available in 38-49 size.

But, as this is a stylish shoes, the 2FO flat pedal shoes is very comfortable to be wore in various situation, even without bike. Not only Teva The Links, which is not so comfortable to be used in daily activity, though the Links is also comfortable in mountain biking. With the technology, the Specialized 2FO has good material for the shoes, so it still light enough and faster to be dry in wet condition.

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Cane Creek Recalls DBinline Shocks

A shocking news comes from Cane Creek which is said that the brand recalls one of their product, the DBinline shocks. And the cause is related to the high-speed rebound (HSR). The shocks that have been recalled are the products with serial number AA00002 - AA7304 and SA0007 - SA03926.

This product have been install and support many bikes out there, and many brands are having partnership to get this shock. For further information, for riders who have this product on the bikes, please check the repair guide here (pdf version) and go to the page 18.

And also riders can contact the Cane Creek (hsrlabel@canecreek.com) for further information and what have to do with the shock. Just prepared the serial number of the product before contacting them.

Source.

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Look Closer: Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt 770

Rocky Mountain has been ready for 2015 with their range but this Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt 770 is quite different than all 2015 Thunderbolt range, and let's check the Thunderbolt 770, which is a cross country/trail bike with 120mm front travel.

Rocky Mountain 770 is great climber with 27.5 inch wheels bike by full support from Stan's ZTR Crest combined with Shimano XT hubset. It has shorter chainstays to make this bike strong enough to get abuse on the roots or pump track.

And about the ability of the Thunderbolt 770 on descent way, the support from Fox suspension in both front and rear is good enough. It has proper head angle to make it comfortable on climbing and downhill. Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt 770 will available in market with $4,999 CAD. Photo: Kaz Yamamura.

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New Product: Easton Haven Carbon Bar and Stem

Easton have finished their newest carbon 35 mm carbon bar and stem which is the aluminum version of the same bar have been released this early of the year. The carbon version of Easton Haven bar comes with thicker and lighter - of course, this is carbon, dude! - and the weight of the carbon Haven is about 188 gram.

But this is only different on the material used, while the specification and details of the Haven bar is same between the carbon and aluminum; 750 mm width with the option 20 mm and 40 mm rise. For the fans of wider bar, Easton also build the Easton Havoc with 800 mm width.

While the stem has 50 mm lenght for the Haven 35, and more option in Havoc 35 range with 40mm, 50mm, 70mm, and 90mm. And those stems are light enough. For the appearance and finishing, Easton makes it matching between the bars and stems; carbon look and simple decalc, but for riders with different taste, Easton also offer various colors; red, blue, and lime.

The carbon Haven bar is offered at $160 while the stem is about $100, good price for carbon stuffs. Photo: Kaz Yamamura.

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New Bike: Fezzari Nebo Peak 2015

The 2015 bike from Fezzari finally be released and the Fezzari Nebo Peak 2015 edition is such a fun bike with great price and value.Based on Fezzari, the Nebo Peak 2015 edition will be available this year in December.

The new Nebo Peak from Fezzari is applying the current trends of mountain biking scene, such as the 27.5 inch wheels and internal cable routing for drivetrain, braking and dropper post (optional). The SRAM supports some departments on this bike such as front suspension system and the drivetrain. 

With 150 mm rear travel suspension which is supported by Fox Float CTD, the Nebo Peak is ready for trail or enduro riding. Available in four size options, start from S to XL, this bike will be priced at $3,199.

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Look Closer: GT Sensor X Pro

GT have been finished their update for their popular bike, the Sensor with some upgrades on the parts and also frame geometry and this new version of Sensor is really like brand new bike from GT, but this is the GT Sensor X Pro. This Sensor X Pro is equipped with high end parts to support its performance in the trail and another various track.

The most different thing from another new bikes from another brands is the Sensor X Pro isn't using the internal cable routing, while so many brands apply this approach, both on derailleur cable and the dropper post. But the combination of Shimano XT, RaceFace crank and arm crank, and also e*thirteen chainguard is the main component for the drivetrain.

The GT Sensor X Pro also apply the GT Path Link suspension system, their independent suspension system that have been developed by GT. It also be called as A.O.S Suspension system, which is a system that makes the rear wheel move backwards from the impacts.

For the information about the price of the GT Sensor X Pro, it said that this bike will be priced at $4340 which is good price for this fun bike. Things to be improved is maybe the tires, but it depends on the riders taste, right?

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New Bike: Jamis Dakar AMT Pro

Dakar is one of the most popular bike from Jamis, and now they have been re-touched the Dakar into 27.5 inch wheeled bike and some improvements in some departments and become Jamis Dakar AMT Pro 27.5. Though basically the 27.5 Dakar version have been released few times ago but due to the good attention from the fans, Jamis then build several version of Dakar 27.5 wheeled inch.

The Dakar AMT Pro 27.5 has 150 mm with MP4 suspension system, a suspension system that they have been developed. This bike completed with 1.5-1 1/8 tappered head tube, asymmetric chainstay, 12x142 TA and internal cable routing.

The part installed on this bike is high part such as Rockshox Pike RCT3 combined with Monarch Plus RC3, SRAM X1 drivetrain and Guide brakes, and so on. Comes in four sizes, the Dakar AMT Pro 27.5 will be priced at $4,799. Jamis Dakar 27.5 will also available in different types, the AMT Expert and AMT Comp, and they will be priced at $3,599 and $2,599. Photo: mtbr.com.

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Look Closer: SRAM Guide Brakeset

SRAM is a big player in mountain biking sport scene with their various products spread from suspension product with their Rockshox to brakeset product with their Avid lines. For the brakeset, SRAM is releasing new brakeset but now without the "Avid" name but under the SRAM brand, the SRAM Guide Brake.

The SRAM Guide brake will be released as the successor of the Avid brake, both XO and also the Avid Elixir range four trail brakeset. The Guide Brakeset also offers the new Swing Link Technology, a new technology that they use for the Guide Brake.

The Guide Brake has different lever design, and it looks more impressive than previous their brakeset Avid range. But it also said that with this new SRAM Guide Brake, the Avid range will not be continued and the brake from SRAM will under the brand itself. Photo: Kaz Yamamura.

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Look Closer: Polygon's FS2 Suspension System (Part 1)

As the fast development on mountain biking sport scene, many bike brands develops their technology to enter the competition to attract the fans, and that's what be done by Polygon, an Indonesian brand that start to get attention from the mountain biking fans due to their bikes. After being the bike ambassador for famous riders from Hutchinson UR Downhill team, they are now confident to get more attention, and they also develop their own suspension system that be called FS2 Suspension System (Floating Suspension System).

This system have been installed on their latest full suspension bike, such as the Polygon Collosus series and as a brand that only being the supplier for another brand, this is such big step from Polygon. What basically the most thing that influence the Polygon to develop the FS2 suspension, beside to make their own characteristic?

Based on the fact that someone who rides a bike need 90-100 RPM/minute, and this will give big influence to the lungs and muscle. Polygon claims that the FS2 suspension system be able to facilitate the comfortableness for riders on their riding activity. When someone is riding the bike with FS2 system by correct pedaling, it gives more efficiency on the bike.

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Look Closer: Cannondale Jekyll 27.5 Lefty Carbon Team

Lefty fork is one of the characteristic from Cannondale, like their Cannondale Jekyll 27.5 Lefty Carbon Team which is also adopt the lefty fork. Though Jekyll is kind of gravity and agressive bike, they placed the lefty fork for this bike, which is basically the balance is not as good as normal fork.

Cannondale Jekyll 27.5 Lefty Carbon Team Highlights:

Frame: Impact-resistant ballistic-type carbon construction, 160/90mm travel, single-pivot swingarm suspension, X-12 through-axle system, external cable routing, ISCG 03 tabs.

• Wheel diameter: 27.5-inch

• Fork: Lefty SuperMax, 160mm stroke, Carbon upper and aluminum lower, external rebound and lockout 

• Shock: Dyad-2, Air-sprung, two chamber, remote-controlled pull-shock, 160mm or 95mm travel options with separate low-speed rebound controls. “Enduro” high-speed compression tune.

• Bottom bracket: Cannondale BB30 press-in type

• Drivetrain: SRAM XX1 eleven-speed with Cannondale Hollowgram BB 30 aluminum crankset, 30-tooth XX1 chainring.

• Brakes: Magura MT6 with 180mm rotors (MT7 four-piston brakes are the current spec)

• Wheels: WTB i23 Team rims, DT Swiss 305 hubs, and DT Swiss Competition spokes.

• Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post, 100mm stroke.

• Weight: (Medium size tested) 26.86 pounds (12.21kg)

• Sizes: Small, medium, large. X-large.

• MSRP: $7580 USD

Photo: Eric Eilers on Pinkbike

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Will the Trend of MTB Fork is Changing?

With some new products from famous brands for their front suspension products, by applying the inverted design fork, will the trend of mountain biking fork is changing? As we know before, that the existence of the 26 inch wheels slowly started to be changed by larger wheels size, the 27.5 inch and 29 inch, though the classic 26 inch wheels still be produced.

Recently, DVO have been releasing an inverted fork, as the development of their current downhill fork, the DVO Emerald Downhill fork with the carbon arch. And before another famous brand Rockshox also released the RS-1, their newest inverted fork, and so with the Manitou with their Dorado, and some prototypes for another brands.

The tendency of creating some new technology - though the inverted technology is not really new - in mountain biking sport is highly related with the competition of the brand parts, beside the bike itself; and also the competition to give something new and different. The development of mountain biking technology is really fast and inevitably the part suppliers must have new and different thing attract the bike brand to get partnership with them - then attracts the fans.

There are three big suspension brands that release the inverted fork in their product line up so far, while another brands still concern to develop the technology for their standard fork. But when those another brands start to produce the inverted fork also, again, will the trend of mountain biking fork is changing? Except the more expensive price, basically inverted fork is same with usual fork, but they have inverted stanchion - that's why they call it inverted, right?

But, it's interesting to see what's happen next for the inverted fork technology in the future.

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New Product: DVO Emerald Inverted Downhill Fork

Though DVO is not the first that use the inverted technology for the fork in mountain biking sport scene, but they develop the inverted fork in their downhill fork, the DVO Emerald. It seems that DVO wants to come on into the stiff competition between the fork product, as people know that the competition of the fork is about two big brands. And one of their efforts to make their difference is how they built different appearance by their green color as their identity.

DVO comes with the inverted downhill fork by improve their current downhill fork, the DVO Emerald, which will be available in two wheels size, the classic 26 inch and 27.5 inch wheels. It comes also with carbon arch, and overall weight of the Inverted Emerald including the carbon arch is 3490 gr, and will be priced at $2,239 for their 26 inch and both will come in classic DVO green color and black version.

The DVO Emerald Downhill inverted version has twin tube which means that this fork has second port tube to make the fork travel up and down. They also build the technology OTT (Off The Top), the same technology that they use in another fork, the DVO Diamond. The Inverted Emerald version offers the 20mm thru-axle, and though the inverted technology is not really new technology but is this technology can change the current trend of fork?

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New Bike: Lapierre X-Control Carbon Bike

Lapierre finally releases the carbon version of their popular bike, Lapierre X-Control, with 27.5 inch wheels and will be introduced in the summer. The carbon version of X-Control offers new FPS+ suspension system, an independent suspension platform from Lapierre. The X-Control will have two bikes with carbon fiber materials, and three with aluminum materials.

Lapierre X-Control carbon bike is basically regarded as cross country/trail bikes, due to the geometry and suspension travel used; 100 mm rear and 120 mm for the front suspension. It has 68 degress head angle and 73.5 seat angle.

The FPS+ suspension system that be adopted in Lapierre X-Control carbon version offers the more efficient pedaling and also able to eliminate the bobbing. It has internal cable routing also, which became more popular on new bike nowadays. Another new improvement, the frame of the X-Control will be compatible with the newest Shimano XTR Di2 electronic shifting.

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Look Closer: Turner Flux 650b

Turner Flux 650b is made in USA and regarded as trail bike due to the 120 mm travel suspension design and for this version of Flux, some improvements have been taken for this bike to be better. One of the most seen of the improvement of the bike is the usage of 27.5 inch wheels size, and then to be used as the name of the bike, Turner Flux 650b.

The 120 mm travel is both front and rear, then combined with the 142mm x 12mm rear axle to get the stiffness, and also the tapered headtube. The Turner Flux 650b is using the TriLobular butting design which is make this bike looks more classic. Flux 650b offers the DW-Link Suspension with the pivots that can be service.

Turner Flux 650b will be available in two version of colors; black and blue, but Turner will approve the custom colors, just make a call for them and they will ready. This bike is also be equipped with good parts to support its performance such as Fox suspension for both rear and front, ENVE wheelset and full Shimano XT groupset. Photo: Bike198.

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Look Closer: Ghost AMR Riot Lector 7 Carbon Bike

The newest Ghost AMR Riot Lector 7 offers many new things; carbon fiber frame, 27.5 inch wheels, the independent suspension system called RIOT-Link and 130 mm rear suspension travel. With only 26lbs, the Riot Lector 7 also equipped with high parts; Shimano XT, Easton Vice Wheelset, full support from the Fox suspension both rear and front.

Ghost AMR Riot Lector 7 Carbon Bike Highlights

Wheel size: 27.5"

Travel: 130mm 

Carbon fiber frame

68 degree head angle

435mm chain stay length

12 x 142mm thru-axle

BB92 bottom bracket

Internal cable routing 

MSRP: $5,200 CAD

The frame design basically is not really change with previous version of the Riot, but with some development the new Riot looks and feels better; the carbon fiber is really useful. But the interesting design of the new Riot is seen on the rear brake mount, and Ghost says that this brake mount can't delivers better forces.

What's actually the RIOT-Link Suspension system? Most of brands have developed their own suspension system on their products, and this can be their character to recognize them easily. The Ghost AMR Riot Lector - the name derives from the suspension system, RIOT-Link - is adapting the suspension system which can be seen on the under of the bike. It looks complicated but it said that this suspension system is hard for the bike to get hard bottoming.

The Ghost AMR Riot Lector 7 Carbon is good climber also, though it has pretty high suspension travel. The bike also good on the down way; the 720 mm wide bars is useful, and the parts are doing well. Full Shimano XT groupset gets good performance with the bike. Photo: Amy McDermid on Pinkbike.

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Cycling Tips: Which is Better to be Used More, Front or Rear Brake?

Braking technique actually is one of the basic skill on mountain biking sport, but most of beginners just pull the lever and the bike stops; that's all. As important parts, riders have to aware and understand about their brakeset, timing to pull it, and also the correct technique. So, how is the technique and which is better to be used more? Front or rear?

The answer is they all are important both front and rear, though in some cases such as the descent because the front brake will be more often to be used than the rear; but they have to be used together. Why front brake is more important than the rear in the down way? Because the weight will be turn to the front area.

But be careful when pulling the brake because when the brake is pulled full the bike will be full stop and the rider can be thrown from the bike. So, when combining the front and rear brake with proper power, the bike will be slowing down on the descent. Basic technique of braking is important, and riders have to understand about which better between front and rear brake.

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New Bike: 9.9 Kg Bikes from KTM

After make a partnership with Danny MacAskill by making him as their official ambassador on their motorcycle product, KTM releases some new bikes recently, spread in various styles of riding. Those bike have 125 mm to 160 mm travel, make it perfect for the enduro riding, and those bikes are KTM Lycan, KTM Lycan LT, and KTM Scarp 650b and 29er.

KTM Lycan and Lycan LT are the trail and enduro bikes with the suspension travel start from 125 mm to 160 mm, and will be run in 27.5 inch wheels. While the KTM Scarp 650b will be only 6.6 kg weight, but in 29er version, this bike will be equipped with Shimano XTR Di2 electronic shifting and Rockshox RS1 Inverted fork.

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Cycling Tips: How to Choose Good Lubricants for the Bike

Riding on mountain biking each week is always fun, but the more we go ride with our bike, the more time needed to maintain our bike to keep the bike on its best performance. The small maintenance is always better than never, and one of the small maintenance, and the easiest maintenance because it can be done daily.

The chain maintenance heard so easy to be done, but most of us forget to do this simple maintenance, and this is really simple because to maintain the chain we just add the lubricants on the chain. But, we know that there are so many lubricants products out there on the market, so how to choose good lubricants for our bike?

To find the best for our chain, we have to try first and also read the review about those products because there are so many lubricants products. The best way to know about the quality of the product is when the lubricants can make the chain become clean after we wipe the chain. But if it should mention a brand, the brand can be recommendation is Finish Line Cross Country; this product can protect the chain longer than other brands.

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New Bike: Felt Bike Prepares 2015 Line Up

Felt bike finally make a preparation for the 2015 with some new bikes, and these bikes will be available in various riding style, spread from enduro/all mountain to road bike; one of them will be run with classic wheel size 26 inch.

Even they have a cruiser with fatbike's look tire on it, and a fatbike with carbon fork on their 2015 line up.

For their 2015 line up they have 29er cross country bike, the Felt Edict, a 100 mm travel suspension and this series will be available in several models, with some differences on the parts used. The Felt Edict 3, like seen on photo, will be priced at 2,199 Euro.

Felt also makes some updates for the 2015 line up with their popular enduro bike, the Compulsion, with 27.5 inch wheels size and equipped with Rockshox Pike. The Felt Compulsion 2015 also have several models with the price range between 2,199 to 3,499 Euro.

Another their cross country bike, the Felt Nine FRD also gets some updates for the 2015 preparation such as on the suspension department due to the full support from Rockshox RS-1 Inverted fork and 1x11 drivetrain with RaceFace Next SL crankset. More information and photos Bike-Advisor.

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New Bike: All New Cross Country SwiftCarbon Evil Twin

The Evil Twin is the first full suspension bike from the brand SwiftCarbon, and this will be the cross country/marathon, and this bike will be officially launched in Cape Epic Race in South Africa. This bike will be available in two different wheel size, based on the frame size; the extra small (XS) will get the 27.5 inch wheels, and the others will have 29 inch.

As cross country bike, this SwiftCarbon Evil Twin equipped with 90 mm rear travel suspension with the support from Rockshox Monarch XX. The external cable routing is covered by carbon material; this is their way to ease for the service and maintenance. 

It has two bottle cage, ready to bring to the long journey. With tappered head tube, 142x12 maxle rear thru axle and bottom bracket PressFit30, this bike is strong and stiff. For the price, the estimated price for frame only of this bike is $3,500.

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