New Bike: BTR Fabrications Ranger 650b

The progression of full suspension bikes is very massive. Most of bike brands offer many new technologies to be installed on their bikes. It seems that they a bit forget about their hardtail bikes, and the development of the hardtail bikes is limited only on the material used. For now, titanium is the most exclusive material on a hardtail bikes. But, on the other side, the hardtail bikes are never die. Many infamous brands offer great hardtail bikes.

BTR Fabrications is one the bike brands that not many people know about it. But, BTR Fabrications concerns to build great bikes, and one of the newest is the BTR Fabrications Ranger 650b. At first sight, BTR Fabrications is not only have different approach than another big bike brands out there, but also they also different with another infamous brands, and they dare to explore something different for their bikes. Let's see the BTR Fabrications Ranger 650b.

BTR Fabrications builds the Ranger 650b in this 2015 as new hardtail bike. Another thing is BTR build this bike as a fullbike. This handmade bike is completed with great parts each sectors, such as Marzocchi 350 CR fork with 120 mm travel, custom wheelset from August Wheelworks, and many more.

Complete build specs:

• BTR Ranger 650B frame, large, with integrated seat clamp

• Marzocchi 350 CR forks @ 120mm

• August Wheelworks custom wheels; Ryde Trace Enduro rims/Sapim Race spokes/August hubs

• Renthal Fatbar Lite, Kevlar push-on grips and 40mm Duo stem

• Shimano Deore brakes with 160mm discs

• Sram GX 1×11 drivetrain, 32t chainring

• Maxxis High Roller II 27.5 x 2.3″ EXO TR and Ardent 27.5 x 2.25″ EXO TR tyres

• Rockshox Reverb 125mm dropper post

• Fabric Scoop Race saddle

• Nukeproof Warhead headset

• Shimano Saint flat pedals, or Deore SPD pedals

Overall design, the Ranger 650b is adopting such extreme geometry and design. It is very different bike even if be compared with any hardtail bikes out there. The tubes are slim, but it can be seen that this bike is strong. But, that's the character of BTR; creating out of the box bike, but still comfortable in any terrains. The brand said about the availability of the bike on the market, but not mention detailed about when it will be. "We’re super excited to get the bike out there, and to get more people on a BTR. Hopefully the demo Ranger will be near you soon!” – BTR Fabrications.

The manufacturer also offers frame only option for the fans who want to get custom bike. And for the new BTR Fabrications Ranger 650b frame there will be £1000.00. Keep your eyes for the news, or visit the brand in BTR Fabrications.

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New Bike: Focus 2016 Line Up

Focus Bikes is young bike brand. Founded in 1992, the manufacturer grows rapidly fast and now they just become popular bike brand. In this 2015, they already prepare the line up for 2016, with some new bikes, with the updates in some parts to give better performance. In this 2016 range, beside the update version of their popular bike, the Sam, they bring also a bike that specially made for women. So, let's check them.

FOCUS SPINE

Though Focus is not-so-popular-brand-out there, they are able to build high quality bikes. This is the proof; the brand new Focus Spine, which is a really new comer in the Focus line. Focus builds this bike seriously, and the brand new Spline is claimed by the brand have only 10,2 kg. Fullbike. The Focus Spine is a 120 mm travel bike. The highest model of Spine, the Focus Spine C will be priced about $9,999. 

The Spline C, as the highest model on Spine range, is supported by high end parts such as Rockshox RS1, DT Swiss wheels, and SRAM groupset. The Focus Spine will be available in three different models with carbon frame, two models with aluminum frame, and one Spine Evo Donna, the women version of Spine.

FOCUS SPINE EVO DONNA

At first sight, the Evo Donna will be like Santa Cruz Nomad because of the color, but this is the women version of Spine range. The Evo Donna will come in $3,799 and be built with the combination of Rockshox suspension both rear and front. SRAM drivetrain also support the bike.

FOCUS SPINE LINES WITH PRICE

Spine C 0.0 – $9999

Spine C Factory – $6999

Spine C SL – $4999

Spine EVO $3799

Spine EVO Donna – $3799

Spine Elite – $2899

FOCUS RAVEN

Focus Raven is their popular hardtail bike, and for the 2016, Focus prepares this hardtail as better bike. The highest Raven model will come in carbon frame and the weight just 885 grams. The Raven Max, is the highest model and regarded as Focus' lightest bike ever. The Raven Max also supported by Rockshox RS1, and come as 29er. The Raven Max Team 29 will be priced about $7,999.

The new Focus Raven will come in six models, all come in 29 wheels, except the Raven Elite Donna, that will come in 27.5 wheels. The Raven Elite Donna is also specially designed for women. 

FOCUS RAVEN LINES WITH PRICE

Raven Max Team 29 – $7999

Raven Max Factory 29 – $4999

Raven Max Pro 29 – $4499

Raven EVO 29 – $3499

Raven Elite 29 – $2899

Raven Elite 27 Donna – $2899

FOCUS SAM

Focus Sam is the most popular bike from Focus. The previous version of Sam comes in aluminum frame but for 2016, the brand builds the Sam in carbon frame. But not only the carbon frame, Focus brings some updates in this bike such as shorter chainstays, lower bottom bracket, and also the wheelbase sector.

The new Focus Sam will come in four different models, with the lowest version is the aluminum bike. The highest model of Sam is the Focus Sam C Team. The price range about $3,999 to $8,999.

FOCUS SAM LINES WITH PRICE

SAM C Team – $8999

SAM C SL – $6999

SAM C Pro – $5499

SAM Factory – $3999

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New Product: Specialized 2FO Cliplite and Flat Shoes

Specialized extends their existence on mountain biking industry by releasing new shoes. In fact, these shoes are the improvement from their previous model, the 2FO shoes, both clip and flat shoes. (Read also: Look Closer - Specialized 2FO Flat Shoes). To be honest, the mountain biking shoes today is the style, and manufacturers try to make not only nice design but also comfortable and durable. But, what about the new Specialized 2FO Cliplite and Flat shoes? Let's check.

SPECIALIZED 2FO CLIPLITE

Clip shoes today is changing. Not only used by road bikers, but also mountain bikers. That's a fact, and there will be different design, despite they are clipless shoes. For mountain bike riders, with the more aggressive and wild riding styles, there are some things to be concerned for designing the shoes. Specialized 2FO cliplite is on the highest enduro or another aggressive style riding. For that, Specialized builds the 2FO cliplite with some interesting features.

Overall design, the 2FO cliplite shoes is different than previous shoes, though it uses the same name. the new Specialized 2FO cliplite shoes is using two independent Boa S2 Snap for the adjustment. It applies asymetrical toe box provides more protection from rock or something like that. The new Specialized 2FO Cliplite will come about €219.00, which is quite high price for the shoes. It is interesting to see about the durability of the shoes with that price.

SPECIALIZED 2FO FLAT

There are many flat pedals shoes on the market, but it is difficult to mention the best one. But, Specialized tries to revise their previous version of flat pedal shoes, the 2FO with the newest Specialized 2FO Flat. Some things to consider about buying the flat pedal shoes are, the shoes must be comfortable both on the bike or daily activity. The durability also. So, it is difficult to get the best flat pedal shoes.

Specialized 2FO Flat pedal offers more stylish design than before. With the €139.00, which is a reasonable price for the flat pedal, the 2FO Flat has nice design. It also adopting the new SlipNot rubber on the sole to keep staying on the pedal. The SlipNot rubber and Shark-skin sole create solid combination for better grips. The 2FO flat also offers an additional moulded toe box for protection from the rocks and something like that. But, sure, wait for the performance on the track and the durability. (enduro-mtb.com)

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Interbike 2015: Alchemy Arktos Trail Bike

In middle age era, alchemy is someone who able to change something into gold. This is even like a myth. But in this modern era, Alchemy turns into a brand, a mountain bike brand. Alchemy Bicycles basically a manufacturer based in Colorado. And at Interbike 2015 event, Alchemy opens a booth on the event and there is one interesting bike from them. For fans who want to ride non-mainstream bikes, this bike can be considered because of several features inside the bike. The Alchemy Arktos is the bike. A 150 mm travel bike, and supposed to be all mountain bike. Curious about the bike? Check this.

Sine Suspension System. Have heard about this suspension system before? This is original suspension system that be developed by Alchemy. David Earle is the man behind this suspension system. Familiar with that name? Sure, because this man is the same person who designed the popular and famous Yeti's Switch Suspension System. Yes, David Earle is one of the person who design the Yeti's suspension system.

Beside the different suspension system, another interesting thing about this bike is the fans can choose the color they like. The manufacturer offers various custom color option. The bike will be available as frame only with priced about $3,750 USD. Can not waiting of this bike, Alchemy Arktos will be available in spring next year. (pic: vitalmtb.com)

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Interbike 2015: Intense Uzzi 275

Intense Uzzi is back. The Uzzi is reborn, of course with some improvements to once again comes in the track. Adopting 27.5 inch wheels, which is like a-must for new bike, Intense Uzzi comes with higher travel, 190 mm on the rear and like other freeride bikes in common, 180 mm of travel in the front. With those travels, anyone can bring the Uzzi into the toughest terrain wherever they want, and Uzzi is ready to beat them. But Intense picks different approach than others when build the Uzzi in hydroformed aluminum. And this bike describes as "superenduro" machine.

Intense Uzzi 275 Details

• Intended use: superenduro / bike park

• Travel: 190mm

• 27.5" wheels

• Aluminum frame

• 65° or 64° head angle

• 425 or 429mm chainstays

• 12 x 148mm rear spacing

• Sizes S, M, L, XL

• Colors: purple, fluorescent yellow

• Price: complete bikes start at $3999 USD

One interesting feature on the new Uzzi 275 is the adjusment on the shock mount. Intense gives option for 65° head angle and 425mm chainstay length, or a 64° head angle and 429mm chainstay length. The suspension links constructed from CNC aluminum and adoptin the VPP Suspension System, but be developed from JS Tuned Suspension System. 

Intense offers two models of the new Uzzi 275, the Uzzi Pro and Uzzi Foundation. The Uzzi Foundation is coming as the starter model, that be equipped with RockShox Yari fork, SRAM Guide R brakes, and a 1x10 GX drivetrain. The Pro model, it can be seen from the name that this will be higher than Foundation model. The Intense Uzzi 275 will come in two colors, purple and fluorescent yellow. (pic: pinkbike.com)

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Interbike 2015: New Liv Bikes

Eurobike 2015 just ended but the tons of new bike will be come again on another event, Interbike 2015. For the first article about Interbike 2015 event, let's start this with women edition's bike, where there are some new bikes from Liv. Liv Bikes is a brand that specially made the bikes for women, so if you are women who want to get out with full of sweat, ground, mud, or something, these bikes are made for you. For Interbike 2015 event, Liv Bikes brings several new bikes. 

On the Eurobike 2015 event, Liv Bikes adopts the Maestro Suspension System from Giant, and some parts also be brought from Giant. The new bikes are Liv Intrigue SX, Intrigue 1, and the Liv Lust 1. The Intrigue SX is the bike with highest spec and comes with Rockshox Pike and comes with slacker head angle. The Liv Intrigue SX is now higher with plus 20mm travel. Full specs of the new Liv Intrigue SX will be equipped with Rockshox both rear and front, with Monarch Debonair and Pike. Full SRAM X1 groupset, and Giant AM wheelset with Schwalbe Hans Dampf and Rock Razor, both 2.35. The Liv Intrigue SX will be priced about $4475USD.

The second bike is Liv Intrigue 1, which comes with lower spec than the Intrigue SX. Fox suspension installed on both and rear, with Fox Float Performance DPS rear shock and Fox 34 Float fork 140 mm of travel. Combination of Shimano Deore and SLX is installed on Intrigue 1. Another parts are stocked by Giant. The Liv Intrigue 1 model will be priced at $3200USD.

The last from Liv, the Lust 1 is claimed to be the most affordable model from the Lust series. The Lust 1 is built from Giant Carbon Composite on the front triangle and aluminum ALUXX SL on rear triangle, which makes this bike is more affordable. The Lust 1 is using most parts from SRAM; Rockshox both rear and front, Monarch R and SID 120 mm travel, and SRAM GX drivetrain and Guide R brakes, and also completed by Giant AM wheelset. The Liv Lust 1 will be priced at $3900USD.

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New Product: X-Fusion Revel Downhill Fork

The newest upside-down downhill fork from X-Fusion finally released. This model is the manufacturer's most popular fork and for the 2016, the Revel receives some improvements to give better performance. For fans who want to be different, this fork can be considered as the choices, together with another inverted downhill forks on the market such as DVO and Manitou (and also RST, but it seems that their inverted fork is still a prototype and no information about the final production).

Unfortunately, the inverted X-Fusion Revel fork will be produced limited, just around 250 for the world. 200 forks will get the sleek black finish, and the other 50 will get the gold fork legs. And the manufacturer said that the fork will be available next year. Some updates of this fork such as the HLR damping for better adjustment rebound, and better axle with 20 mm axle for better performance.

The top crown will also get re-touch and will be different than previous version of Revel. The top crown will have larger offset, and some re-touch on the legs. These new touch will make the new Revel looks better. And like other products made, X-Fusion moves to produce their fork from United States to Taiwan. 

But there is no clear information about the price yet. But, for the newest edition of inverted Revel fork, it will adopt both 27,5 and 29 inch wheels. If you want to get more information about this product, keep the eyes of the news. Or you can simply visit their website at xfusionshox.com. (pic: enduro-mtb.com).

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New Product: VAUDE Moab Flat Shoes

Just like the pedals, shoes also available in two versions; the clip and the flat. Despite that, the road shoes is different with mountain bike shoes. Special for mountain bike shoes, the Five Ten is the most famous and most-used shoes both clip and flat. There are also another shoes manufacturers but it seems that Five Ten is the most popular. But, for the people who want to get out from the mainstream, there are several options of shoes and one of them is VAUDE that releases new products of flat pedal shoes. Together with those shoes, VAUDE also releases the jacket. Then, what VAUDE offers to the fans through their products?

VAUDE releases several models of shoes and all of them are flat shoes, though they are stand behing the same name, the Moab. Those Moab shoes will be Moab AM, Moab Low AM, and Moab Mid STX. Each models will have two color options, but the fans have to wait because those shoes are ready in February 2016. 

VAUDE MOAB AM

The Moab AM is the first line of the newest products from VAUDE. This shoes is the most affordable model but this shoes is not adopting the Green Shape features. Green Shape is the feature offered by VAUDE for their newest shoes products which gives guarantee that both materials and the method for the production is be focused on the performance and sustainability.

The Moab AM is adopting the Vibram sole, which is combining two different rubber types. The Moab AM will be priced at 120 €.

VAUDE MOAB LOW AM

The second from the recent products from VAUDE, the Moab Low AM is said by the manufacturer to be a bit more expensive than the first, the Moab AM. VAUDE Moab Low AM is adopting the Green Shape to guarantee the sustainability of the shoes.

The VAUDE Moab Low AM is perfect for anyone who want to be stylish while riding, because this shoes is produced nicely and also good looking. The Moab Low AM with Green Shape will be priced at 140 €.

VAUDE MOAB MID STX

The last product of newest VAUDE shoes, and regarded as the highest line of the new VAUDE Moab shoes. The Moab Mid STX, based on the manufacturer it will be the first waterproof mountain bike shoes (Teva, with the Links shoes also offers waterproof, but this shoes seems not to be popular). (pic: enduro-mtb.com)

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New Bike: New Santa Cruz Bronson and 5010

Santa Cruz needs only short time to give updates for their Bronson, which is getting good attention and the performance of the Bronson can attract Danny MacAskill, one of the best trail rider on earth. As the result, Danny and his Bronson is giving great video with "The Ridge." When the previous version of Bronson (and 5010) reaches many achievements, why the manufacturer seems like in a hurry to give updates for both bikes? We will see these updates are necessary or not. But, when we see the bikes, it seems that the bikes are legit and powerful.

SANTA CRUZ BRONSON 2.0

What are the updates? Santa Cruz builds the new Bronson with slacker head angle, about 66 degree, larger front centers, and steeper seat tubes. The frame design is a quite different with previous Bronson, but similar to the Nomad, especially on front triangle. There's no more curve top tube, just straight - but not too straight - top tube. The upper link also attached in the top tube just like Nomad. Still adopting the VPP Suspension System, but for this new Bronson, the suspension system is the third generation.

Santa Cruz Bronson Version 2.0 Details

• Intended use: trail / all-around

• Travel: 150mm

• 27.5" wheels

• Carbon frame

• 66° head angle

• 433mm chainstays

• 12 x 148mm rear spacing

• Threaded bottom bracket

• Sizes S, M, L, XL

• Colors: Kalimotxo, black/grey

• Price: $3599 - $8099 USD (ENVE wheel upgrade available)

The new Bronson frame will be available in two versions, the Bronson C and Bronson CC - again, just like the Nomad. As predicted, the CC version will be more expensive than the C version though the stiffness of those two models are similar - if can't be said as same. The new Bronson also have two color scheme, the Kalimotxo (Spanish drink) and Classic Black. Once again, the Classic Black will remind of the Nomad.

SANTA CRUZ 5010

If you think that the new Bronson is pretty similar with Nomad, see the new 5010. The new 5010 even more similar with the Nomad. The thing to be marked off about the new 5010 is the carbon frame used is very clean, which is awesome. The new 5010 also gets some updates such as slacker head angle, steeper seat angle, and longer. With 130 mm travel, the new 5010 is a perfect bike for the cross country rider who want to get new adventures on new trail. 

Santa Cruz 5010 Details

• Intended use: XC / Trail

• Travel: 130mm

• 27.5" wheels

• Carbon frame

• 67° head angle

• 425mm chainstays

• 12 x 148mm rear spacing

• Threaded bottom bracket

• Sizes S, M, L, XL

• Colors: black, blue

• Price: $3599 - $8099 USD (ENVE wheel upgrade available)

It's not like the new Bronson, the new 5010 is only available in one model. The option is only when the fans want to upgrade the parts into ENVE wheels and Shimano XTR parts. The standard version of the new Santa Cruz 5010 is about $3599 and can be easily turns higher with those components mentioned above. The color available in Black and Blue. (pic: pinkbike.com)

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