Report: Seriously? Aaron Gwin Leaves Specialized?

This year, Atherton's leaves GT after a while and make a partnership with Trek. We also remember that Jared Graves also leaves Yeti and he goes to Specialized. But, it seems to be the most surprisingly; It is official, and Specialized have been announced it to public. Aaron Gwin will not race with Specialized again.

For mountain bike fans, the name Aaron Gwin is identic with Specialized for long time. They have awesome relationship, and with Spez, Gwin gets amazing races. We still remember the time when he rides tireless. On different race, he runs his bike without a chain, and he still win. But sadly, this year, just few days to go to the 2016, Aaron Gwin and Specialized will not race together again. And yes, it's official.

So, what about the next season? 

It is interesting to see which factory. There are many speculations about where Gwin will take a part. Gwin says that he have good relationship with Spez and there are no conflicts among them. This is pure professional, and Gwin later says that it is normal for any riders to change the teams. And that's happen with many riders. (photo: pinkbike.com)

Just keep watching on this.

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New Bike: Kona Precept 150

Kona finally starts to introduce one of their new line up for 2016, which is enduro specific mountain bike; the Precept 150. This bike will be suitable for anyone who want to rides enduro but stuck on the budget; as we all know that enduro mountain bike now goes fast on technology which is make the bike higher. So, the Kona Precept 150 means enduro on a budget. Let's check this bike.

On first sight, the appearance of this Precept 150 2016 is fresh; black in most parts and combined with blue and orange, which seems to be popular color for bike. The bike comes in aluminum frame, and some good quality parts from well known manufacturers such as RockShox.

Kona Precept 150 2016 Edition

Fork: RockShox Sektor Solo Air 150 mm

Rear Shock: RockShox Monarch RT

Drivetrain: SRAM X7

Brakes: Shimano

Seatpost: KS Eten R

Tyres: Maxxis High Roller II 2.40

Wheelsize: 27.5″

Hubs: Shimano Deore

Rims: WTB SX25

Price: € 2,299

Mostly, this bike is really good for anyone who want to start enduro riding, but for real enduro, some parts should be changed. There are good of course, but to get better peformance, the parts should be upgraded. But for everyday riding, this bike is more than enough. So, what would you do next for this bike? (enduro-mtb.com)

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New Bike: Airdrop Edit Enduro Bike

The enduro mountain biking scene develops so fast, and get big attention among the mountain biking fans. There are many options for the fans to choose which bikes are best; specs, prices, and for some, the brand to get people's attention. Without a doubt, people would give their attention when someone is riding a bike from Specialized, or Santa Cruz, or Trek, or another. But, for the riders that don't care too much about brand, there is another alternative to be chose.

Airdrop Bikes is a really brand new bike brand that trying to enter to the stiff competition in enduro mountain biking scene. And as the first step, they are just releasing their very first bike, an enduro bike the Airdrop Edit Enduro, which has 150mm of travel. The Sheffield brand gives a different style, but this is very simple bike, but in a same time, effective.

Airdrop Edit Enduro Bike Highlights

6061-T6 Heat Treated Alloy Tubing

150mm Plush Rear Wheel Travel

27.5″ (650b) Wheels

Built For 1x Drivetrains

Tapered Headtube

142x12mm Rear Axle

Threaded BB With ISCQO5 Tabs

Replaceable Dropouts

Replaceable Hanger & Brake Mount

Designed In Sheffield

Frame & Shock from € 1,314

Frame Bundles from € 2,006

Bikes from € 3,460

As really brand new bike, Airdrop Bikes offers many interesting programs for the fans. The frame bundle here means that the fans can choose what suspension will be used, both rear and front, plus the seatpost and saddle. For frame only option, the fans can choose what shock installed on the frame, and also custom decals. Yes, Airdrop Bikes receives the custom decals request.

As really fresh bike, the information about the bike is still limited, mostly on the performance and riding impression. More information about the bike, just visit Airdrop Bikes.

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New Bike: Intense Tracer Shaun Palmer Special Edition

Shaun Palmer will receive their own version of popular enduro bike from Intense; awesome custom color and support from Fox suspension and DT Swiss, the Intense Tracer Palmer Edition is really stunning. The good news is, the brand will make this Palmer Edition Tracer into public, but in limited numbers. So, if you want to get this awesome bike sleeps in your garage, prepare yourself and keep watching about the mass production. The features of the Palmer Edition Tracer such as carbon monocoque chassis, custom DT Swiss wheelset, custom paint - great paint job, awesome - ISCG 05 compatible, water bottle, and 5 year frame warranty. And this Tracer Palmer Edition will be priced $7,499.

Intense Tracer Palmer Edition Spec

Frame: 27.5” Tracer Full Mountain Carbon Front and Rear Triangle, JS Tuned Suspension, Internal Derailleur, Brake & Dropper Post Routing, ISCG05 Mount, Downtube Flak Guard Armor, 140 -160 mm travel

Fork: FOX FACTORY 36 FLOAT, 3 Pos Lever w/ Open Mode Adj, 27.5” 15QR Thru Axle, 160 mm Travel

Shock: FOX FACTORY FLOAT X, 3 Pos Lever w/ Open Mode Adj, LV EVOL, 200 x 57 mm

Wheels: DT Swss E1501

Hubs: 28 Hole DT Swiss 240 15 mm Front Hub; 142 x 12 Rear Hub w/ XD Driver, 6 Bolt

Rims: DT Swiss E 1501 Spline One 27.5", Tubeless Ready

Spokes: DT Competition 2.0/1.8/2.0

Tires: Maxxis High Roller II, 27.5 x 2.3“, EXO TR

Shifters: SRAM X1, 11-speed

Rear Derailleur: SRAM X01, 11-speed

Crank: E13 TRSr Carbon

Cassette: SRAM XG-1180 10-42, 11-speed

Chain: SRAM X1, 11-speed

Chain Guide: AU ONLY, E13 XCX

Bottom Bracket: PF92

Saddle: Fabric Scoop Radius Pro

Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6 mm x 420 mm, zero offset, 125 mm of travel

Handlebar: RENTHAL FatBar Carbon 20 mm - 760 mm

Stem: Renthal Duo Stem 50 mm

Headset: Cane Creek, 40, alloy cartridge, 25 mm of spacers

Brakeset: Magura MT8 Disc Brake, 180 mm rotor front and rear

Grips: Intense Dual Density Lock-On

As custom bike, Intense builds the bike nicely. Most covered in white with some black on the frame. The suspension both are from Fox. The combination of white, black and gold from Fox's Kashima makes the bike looks luxurious. But still, despite the bike is looking beautiful, this is still a monster. The emblem "P" for Palmer is shown in several parts, such as the head tube and the hubset.

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New Product: SR Suntour Durolux R2C2 27.5 2016

SR Suntour probably not a huge brand in suspension industry, but the brand is 'huge' by its own way, and now slowly they can run aside between another big players in mountain bike suspension industry. Several times ago, SR Suntour redesigns their Durolux fork, and release it together with the new Rux, Auron and Aion forks. With their QLoc axle, SR Suntour continues their show.

Those forks slowly become the alternative suspension forks for the riders that want to get good performance at a slower price than the competitors. SR Suntour also completes their products with Quick Service Product, that really help the riders to maintenance their forks by themselves. Now, SR Suntour again makes some updates for the Durolux as one of their high-end forks in the market.

SR Suntour Durolux R2C2 Highlights

160, 170, or 180mm travel (internally adjustable)

27.5-inch only

Air sprung with new air volume adjustment system and two step coil negative spring

Fully sealed R2C2 cartridge damper with new Piston Compensator System (PCS)

External high and low-speed rebound, high and low-speed compression adjustments

Additional RC2 (high and low-speed compression, low-speed rebound) damper option

Air bleed/lubrication holes

Quick Service Product (QSP)

Black 36mm 7000 series alloy stanchions

Hollow forged crown

20mm Q-LOC2 axle

180mm post brake mount

Tapered 7000 series alloy steerer

Integrated/removable mud fender, carbon optional

Black and white colors

Weight: 2,337 grams (5.2-pounds)

MSRP: $800 for R2C2 model, $700 for RC2 model

The new Durolux fork first comes in 35 mm black stanchion, but now on 2016 model the stanchion is bigger. It now about 36 mm of 7000 alloy stanchion. But the greatest news about the 2016 Durolux is the price. The manufacturer keeps the price of this fork to be lower than the competitors. Internal adjustable makes the new Durolux as all-rounder forks; trail - enduro - freeride riders can enjoy various terrain in a single fork.

Sounds promising, huh?

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New Bike: YT Industries Releases Capra Aluminum Version

YT Capra gets huge attention on it first appearance several times ago, and suddenly becomes the weapon of many riders. At the same time, the bike brought the "Bike of the Year." But the story of Capra still rolling. To face the 2016 season, the brand releases aluminum version of their most popular enduro mountain bike the Capra AL 2016 models. The most interesting, there are several models and be offered at good price. Let's check them.

First model of aluminum Capra is the Comp 1 which is the highest model on the range. Supported mostly by Rockshox Suspension, the brand new Lyrik is one of the interesting part on this bike. Pretty much similar with the carbon version, the Capra AL is also like mountain goat; great climber as well as downhiller. This would be the new weapon of choice by many enduro riders out there. To bring the YT Capra AL Comp 1 home, just prepare € 2,799.

The YT Capra AL Comp 2 is the second model. Mostly the Comp 1 and Comp 2 are same, but there are differences in total weight and suspension used. The Comp 1 is lighter than Comp 2. Rockshox Pike will be the fork of choice for the YT Capra AL Comp 2. It has 2x11 drivetrain, which is giving additional weight for the bike. For the price, the Comp 2 is same as the Comp 1, € 2,799.

While the entry model of the Capra aluminum there is YT Capra AL. Comes with Rockshox Yari, and some different parts on it. But overall, the bike is actually same. For the entry model of Capra aluminum, the price is € 2,299. All models will come in four sizes, from Small to Extra Large. For more information about the aluminum model of Capra, just visit yt-industries.com. (pic: enduro-mtb.com)

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New Bike: Nukeproof Mega 2016

Just some days more to go to the new year. For some, new year means new bike. And knowing that fact, Nukeproof finally releases their newest bikes for 2016. This is just a bike actually but, Nukeproof builds this populer model Mega in two options, the popular 27.5 inch wheeled and the bigger 29er. The 2016 Nukeproof Mega is also be the sign that there will be no more Mega AM and Mega TR models.

Nukeproof Mega 2016 27.5/29er Details

2016 Nukeproof Mega 27.5/29 Pro Highlights

Frame Material: 6061 Aluminium

27.5" Front/Rear Travel: 160/160mm

29" Front/Rear Travel: 150/150mm

Fork: RockShox Pike RCT3, (27.5" 160mm / 29" 150mm), SA, Black

Shock: RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 Debonair, (27.5" 216X63mm LL tune / 29" 200X56mm, LL tune)

Derailleur - F: N/A

Derailleur - R: SRAM X-1, Black, 11 speed

Shifter - F: N/A

Shifter - R: SRAM X-1, Black, 11 Speed

Crankset: SRAM X1 1200, 170mm, 32T

Cassette: SRAM XG-1175, 10-42T

Chainguide: N/A

Chain: SRAM PC-X1

Wheels: SRAM Roam 40, 27.5"/29", Black/Silver,

Tyres - F: Schwalbe Magic Mary, Snake Skin, Trail Star, 27.5"/29"

Tyres - R: Schwalbe Nobby Nic, Snake Skin, Pace Star, 27.5"/29"

Seatpost: Rockshox Reverb Stealth, 150mm

Handlebars: Nukeproof Warhead 20mm Rise, 760mm, Black/Grey

Stem: Nukeproof Zero, 50mm, Black/Grey

Saddle: Nukeproof Trail Saddle, Black/Black

Brakes: SRAM Guide RS

Rotors: SRAM Centreline 180mm

Headset: Top ZS44-28.6-T2

Headset: Bottom ZS56-40-B8

Sizes: SM/MD/LG/XL

Weight:28.6lb (27.5),28.9lb (29), size Medium

Availability: limited quantities in December 2015, February 2016 GA

2016 NUKEPROOF MEGA 27.5

Since its first appearance on the trail, the Nukeproof Mega turns to be one of the most popular enduro/all mountain bikes out there. Based on its success, the 2016 Mega will adopt new design with longer front centers and wheelbases. The new 2016 Nukeproof Mega also have slacker head angles and shorter chainstays. The suspension is still same as previous with 160mm on both rear and front. But, the new Mega 2016 is using Horst Style Suspension System instead of the Single Pivot.

The new Mega 2016 27.5 will be completed by Nukeproof components and Rockshox parts; both suspension with the Monarch Debonair RC3 and Pike 160mm. The new 2016 Nukeproof Mega will run with the SRAM X01 drivetrain.

2016 NUKEPROOF MEGA 29

This is the really new Nukeproof Mega because it adopts 29er, a bigger wheel than 650b. Nukeproof says that they want to create the Mega in the faster and better in the performance. But, the New Mega 29er is a bit different with its brother, mostly on the travel. The New Mega 29er runs in 150mm of travel, on both front and rear.

More than that, this bike is very similar with the 27.5 model; Nukeproof components combined with SRAM parts. For fans who want to get more information about the bike, please visit the Nukeproof website at nukeproof.com.  (pic; pinkbike.com)

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New Bike: LAST Bikes Releases the New Coal

The enduro mountain biking scene is growing rapidly, and the there will be more options for the fans to choose their weapon for enduro riding activity. And if the fans think that most brands are too mainstream, the LAST bikes offers brand new bike to comply the need of enduro riding. The LAST Coal, a brand new 160 mm travel, and adopt the 650b wheels. Actually, the Coal is the successor of the previous Herb, their previous all mountain/enduro bike. The brand claims that the new Coal is faster, stronger and lighter at the same time.

Stack up with its previous Herb, the Coal actually similar. For some parts even those bikes are same. But the Coal gets bigger shock, which is using the Rockshox Vivid Air. Overall, the shock and rear triangle looks strong and stiff. As a new bike, the Coal is lighter about 750gr than Herb. For fans who want to get the bike, the brand will launch the pre-order started from 1 November 2015.

Please visit LAST Bikes for more informations such as the sizes, available colors, and also the price. 

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New Bike: Ragley Hardtail 2016 Models

For some riders, the best way to be faster on the track is riding hardtail. With its simplicity, hardtail mountain bikes are having its own way to attract the fans. Hardtail MTB is able to run both on road and also off road, uphill and also aggressive descent. Each models, hardtail and full suspension bikes actually have their own privilege, and riders are free to choose and decide where the best bike for them. But, besides that, Ragley, the famous UK Brand finally releases their newest hardtail range which is be prepared for 2016 season. For hardtail lovers, they are sweet bikes but also real machine to enjoy the trail out there. Check them out!

RAGLEY BLUEPIG

Ragley Bluepig is the first on the list. The bike is specially designed for Enduro/All Mountain. Adopting the 27.5 wheels, the Bluepig can run faster and faster. Made of triple butted 4130 chromoly steel rather than aluminum or carbon, Ragley Bluepig offers the classic and strenght at the same time. As Enduro/All Mountain, Ragley Bluepig will be able with the fork up to 150mm.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Custom triple butted 4130 Chromo steel 

• Optimised for a 150mm fork 

• 44mm Headtube

• Head Angle: 64˚Static (66˚ Sagged at 25%)

• 27.5” wheels

• Stealth dropper cable routing

• 142x12mm Through Axle

• ISCG 05 Tabs 

• 5 Year Warranty and lifetime crash replacement 

RAGLEY PIGLET

Ragley Piglet is the next bike on the list. It is quite similar with the Bluepig, but Ragley Piglet is designed to be more friendly on the trail. So, for the riders who want to ride smoother on the trail, the Piglet is the best friend to explore the trail. For riders who like to get long distance riding, the Piglet will be the best partner.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Custom triple butted 4130 Chromo steel 

• Optimised for a 130mm fork 

• 44mm Headtube

• Head Angle: 65.5˚Static (67˚ Sagged at 25%)

• 27.5” wheels

• Stealth dropper cable routing

• 135mm QR 

• ISCG 05 Tabs 

• 5 Year Warranty and lifetime crash replacement 

RAGLEY MMMBOP

This is another new All Mountain/Enduro hardtail from Ragley with the unique name, Ragley Mmmbop. Made from aluminum, the Mmmbop will be real monster of hardtail all mountain/enduro machine. In the other words, the Ragley Mmmbop is the aluminum version of the Bluepig. But, since its first appearance in the 2008, the newest version of Mmmbop looks more modern, lighter and stronger.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Custom butted 6061-T6 Heat treated aluminium tubing

• Optimised for a 150mm fork 

• 44/56mm Tapered Headtube

• Head Angle: 64˚Static (66˚ Sagged at 25%)

• 27.5” wheels

• Stealth dropper cable routing

• 142x12mm Through Axle

• ISCG 05 Tabs 

• 5 Year Warranty and lifetime crash replacement 

RAGLEY MARLEY

The word Marley and red, green, and yellow color remind of the famous reggae singer, Bob Marley. And this bike, after gets some updates and developments finally the new Ragley Marley is coming. If the Mmmbop is the aluminum version of the Bluepig, the Marley is the aluminum version of the Piglet. Awesome bike with the cheaper price.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Custom butted 6061-T6 Heat treated aluminium tubing

• Optimised for a 130mm fork 

• 44/56mm Tapered Headtube

• Head Angle: 65.5˚Static (67˚ Sagged at 25%)

• 27.5” wheels

• 135mm QR 

• ISCG 05 Tabs 

• 5 Year Warranty and lifetime crash replacement 

(pinkbike.com)

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New Bike: Canfield Brothers Epo Hardtail

Hardtail mountain bike is still on the stage. Despite the full suspension aggression is very massive, the hardtail MTB still have its fanatic fans. So, it seems that Canfield Brothers sees the space, and they are building a new hardtail machine, a big wheeled carbon hardtail which is called Canfield Brothers EPO. The EPO is 29er with 140mm of travel, which is making the EPO as great cross country machine and uphill monster, rather than a downhill. But, with that travel, the EPO can also be brought to the all mountain track.

Canfield EPO Hardtail Highlights

• Wheel size: 29"

• 66.8° with a 140mm fork

• 414mm chainstay length

• Front derailleur compatible

• ISCG 05 tabs 

• Sizes: medium, large

• Matte black frame with white, blue, or red graphics

• MSRP: $1500 USD (frame only)

The Canfield Brothers EPO is available as frame only, which will give the fans the more freedom to build their own version. As stated above, the Canfield Brothers EPO is available in a single color but three variation of stripes; white, blue and red. The size will only medium and large. The one interesting is that there's no internal cable routing, while almost all modern frame have it. This makes the EPO is more traditional and classic. More information about the availability, check Canfield Brothers. (pic: pinkbike.com)

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New Bike: Felt Decree

After several times, finally Felt released their newest trail bike/all mountain the Felt Decree. The Decree is originally a bike that will be placed between the Virtue and Compulsion. As trail bike, Felt Decree is placing 140mm travel. It also adopts the 27,5 inch wheels. The brand says that they are ready with the traditional design and they put some new technologies for the Felt Decree. Felt Decree will be available is four different fullbike model, and two frameset options. The frameset option will accomodate the fans who want to build their own version.

Felt Decree Short Details

• Intended use: trail / all-around

• Travel: 140mm

• 27.5" wheels

• FAST Suspension Technology

• 67° head angle

• 431mm chainstays

• 12 x 142mm rear spacing

• Threaded bottom bracket

• Sizes 16", 18", 20", 22"

• Price: $3499 - $9999 USD

As it comes in four fullbike option, the cheapest version of Decree will be built from alloy in the front and carbon in the rear. The carbon material also different in each models. The highest model will be Felt Decree FRD (Felt Racing Development), which will be equipped with high end spareparts in each sector, such as combination Rockshox Pike and Monarch Deboair Damping for the suspension. Easton carbon cockpit, DT Swiss wheelset, and SRAM XX1 and Avid Guide Ultimate for the drivetrain and brakeset. The Felt Decree FRD will come in $9999. (pic: pinkbike.com)

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New Product: Northwave Enduro Mid Shoes

There are more brands now enter to the enduro mountain biking scene, and after for such long time producing the shoes for cross country, Northwave now enters the competition on enduro mountain biking with their new enduro shoes, called Northwave Enduro Mid Shoes. And for the first step, they makes a big step by sponsoring the popular enduro racer Cedric Garcia for the shoes. The Enduro Mid Shoes is a clipless shoes, and at first sight, the shoes look strong.

Northwave is long known as a maker for cross country race shoes, but despite this is their very first enduro shoes, they still concern about producing the shoes. Enduro mountain biking race is a tough race, hard, and there will be many things on the way; rocks, roots, muds, and many more. Northwave builds the Enduro Mid Shoes as strong shoes to give more protection for the users.

Northwave Enduro Mid Shoes is using the sole from Michelin, with the dual compound rubber with the patterns like the tires. But on the clip area, there is more flat to give better grip to the pedals. The flat sole provides the shoes still on the pedals though the clip is not placed perfectly. 

For fans who want to get the Northwave Enduro Shoes, just be patience until the March next year. As the time come, prepare about $160 to bring the shoes home. The cheaper version also available for the Enduro Shoes, without ankle protection, the price will be about $149. More information about the shoes, please visit Northwave. (pic: pinkbike.com)

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New Product: SRAM XX1 Black Edition Drivetrain

In the past 2013, SRAM brings new trend to the mountain biking scene by releasing the 11 speeds drivetrain with SRAM XX1 drivetrain system. After that, SRAM's main competitor on mountain biking drivetrain Shimano, released their 11 speed with Shimano XTR 11 speeds. Then, after that time, the competition between 11 speeds drivetrain goes on. Shimano develops their XTR 11 speeds with Di2 electric shifting. What about SRAM?

Recent, SRAM makes new look for their 11 speeds drivetrain with SRAM XX1 Black Edition. In the other words, this drivetrain is same as their previous version of XX1 but only the stealth style. The biggest different between two 11 speeds drivetrain XX1 is the red graphic on previous version now tunrs into black stealth style.

Then? What's the newest features?

It can be said that the new SRAM XX1 Black Edition is same as its previous version. So, this drivetrain seems only be produced for fans who want to get their bike got totally stealth. But for some riders, this may funny to choose drivetrain based on the color, but that's nothing wrong with that.

And remember, SRAM XX1 is one of the premium drivetrain on the market today, so buying this drivetrain will be awesome for a bike. But, for fans who want to bring the SRAM XX1 Black Edition, please prepare $914, and here are the package; SRAM XX1 Black Edition Crankset 32T X-Sync direct mount chainring (without BB), SRAM XX1 Black Edition rear derailleur, and SRAM XX1 Black Edition trigger. (enduro-mtb.com)

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New Bike: Jamis Defcon Enduro Bike

Enduro mountain biking scene grows into massive and bigger. And the result, most of bike brands release the enduro specific bikes special for the enduro scene. And it seems that enduro mountain bikes are the most be in demand due to the function. Enduro bike means all rounder, everyday ride, and of course the pleasure.

Not only famous brands, the infamous brands now also start to produce the enduro bikes in their line up. Infamous does not mean bad product. Jamis, is the brand that also start to produce the enduro bike with their new Jamis Defcon Enduro Bike.

At first sight, Jamis Defcon is same with another enduro bike; 160 mm front travel to handle various track, adopting the popular 650b wheels, short chainstays, and made from aluminum. But, there are something interesting on this bike beside the common things that will be found in enduro bike.

Jamis Defcon Endurobike is adopting the MP4 rear end, an assymetrical chainstays model. As enduro bike, Jamis puts the MAX bearings, a special bearings that designed for the enduro race. This bearings to be claimed can increase lateral dan torsional rigidity. The MP4 chainstays also be claimed can increase the pedalling efficiency, which is very important on the enduro racing.

As enduro bike, Jamis Defcon 1 will be equipped with many great parts such as Fox suspension both rear and front, Shimano XT 11 speed drivetrain and Shimano Saint brakeset to stop the bike. Another parts will be supported by Loaded; wheelset and cockpit, except the KS Lev DX dropper post. Overall, Jamis Defcon 1 Endurobike is simple bike but surely the bike can beats the various track in the real enduro race.

To get the bike, just prepare $4,900 for the highest spec mentioned above. For the lower spec, the fans can brings the bike home with $3,800. For this price, the bike will be equipped with Rockshox suspension both front and rear, and SRAM drivetrain. While the lowest model will be priced at $2,799 with X-Fusion suspension on front and rear. More information about the bike, or the availability, check Jamis Bike. (enduro-mtb.com)

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