New Bike: Boardman Pro FS

Is there any good bike which be equipped with the popular Rockshox Pike and SRAM GX 1x11 drivetrain for £1,500? It may be difficult. The possibility is another parts maybe just a usual or under average parts to give more power on those parts. But, that's not as difficult as you think. Boardman, an UK brand give us a good bike with the price, and of course with those parts; the Pike and GX 1x11 drivetrain for their newest full suspension bike.

The Boardman Pro FS, their new full suspension mountain bike will come with Rockshox Pike and SRAM GX 1x11 drivetrain in a good price. The brand is another popular brand in UK and has important role on mountain biking activity there. On their new full suspension bike, the Pro FS, Boardman build a good bike with 650b wheels size, 130/140 mm of travel and overall, the bike looks good.

Overall, the full bike Boardman Pro FS will come with Rockshox suspension both rear and front with Rockshox Monarch RL and Rockshox Pike, SRAM GX 1x11 drivetrain together with the powerful SRAM Guide brakeset. This new frame looks similar with previous version, but there are some updates to make it better and powerful. Mavic XM319 wheels with Continental Trail King 2.2, and FSA Crankset complete the bike to be better.

The brand also prepares the lower version of the bike, and the bike will be priced at £999, the Boardman Team FS. This is also a full suspension bike, with the Rockshox Sektor fork combined with Rockshox Monarch R. It also uses the SRAM GX drivetrain, and this bike will stop when it goind round with SRAM Avid brakeset.

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New Bike: Bergamont Trailster 2016

The Germany Bergamont just released their update version of a Trailster, one of their popular trail bike on market, which is now available in four different models. The models are the Trailster 6.0 which is the cheapest model, Trailster 7.0, Trailster 8.0, and the highest model Trailster 9.0. So, are these bikes any good? Lets check them.

Basically all the models of the Bergamont Trailster are same, they are using X-Link Suspension System, 140 mm of travel. The only different is on the parts used. The Bergamont Trailster 6.0, as the lowest version of those models are using basic parts, but it ready to be brought to the trail. The Shimano Deore/Deore XT combination are strong enough.

Bergamont Trailster 6.0 Details

Specification: Bergamont Trailster 6.0

Fork: RockShox Sektor Gold 150 mm

Shock: Manitou Mcleod Dual Air (140 mm on the rear)

Drivetrain: Shimano Deore

Brakes: Shimano BR-M447

Seatpost: BGM Pro 400 mm

Stem: Answer AME 45 mm

Handlebar: BGM Pro 720 mm

Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic EVO

Wheelsize: 27.5″

Wheelset: BGM Pro, Sun Ringle Helix

Weight: 13.88 kg

Price: € 2,299

But, special for the starter edition, the fans maybe will consider about to change the seatpost as the first model come without a dropper post, something a-must for trail/all-mountain/enduro mountain biking. Based on several reviews out there, the starter edition also often gets chain falls, the brakes are not so good, and also a bit expensive with those parts. 

Bergamont Trailster 7.0 Details

Specification: Bergamont Trailster 7.0

Fork: Manitou Mattoc Pro 27.5 150 mm of travel

Shock: Manitou Mcleod Dual Air (140 mm on the rear)

Drivetrain: SRAM GX10 Type 2.1 Long Cage

Brakes: Magura MT44 with Storm Rotor R/F 180mm

Seatpost: Kind Shock Eteni

Stem: Answer AME 45 mm

Handlebar: Answer Pro Taper 750 mm AM

Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic EVO

Wheelsize: 27.5″

Wheelset: Sun Ringle Helix with Sun Ringle Flea Hubs

Weight: 13.70 kg

Price: € 2,899

Bergamont Trailster 8.0 Details

Specification: Bergamont Trailster 8.0

Fork: DT Swiss OPM 150 mm of travel

Shock: Fox Float DPS

Drivetrain: Shimano DEore XT Shadow Plus

Brakes: Shimano Deore XT with 180/180 mm Rotors

Seatpost: Kind Shock Lev Integra

Stem: Answer AME 45 mm

Handlebar: Answer Pro Taper 750 mm AM

Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic EVO

Wheelsize: 27.5″

Wheelset: DT Swiss Spline

Weight: 13.00kg

Price: € 3,599

Bergamont Trailster 9.0 Details

Specification: Bergamont Trailster 9.0

Fork: Rockshox Pike 27.5 150 mm

Shock: Rockshox Monarch Plus RC3

Drivetrain: SRAM X01

Brakes: SRAM Guide Brakes, 180/160 Rotors

Seatpost: Kind Shock Eteni

Stem: Answer AME 45 mm

Handlebar: Answer Pro Taper 750 mm AM

Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic EVO

Wheelsize: 27.5″

Wheelset: Sun Ringle Helix with Sun Ringle Flea Hubs

Weight: 13.20 kg

Price: € 4,199

All models will come in four different size started from Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large. To check the availability or want to know more information about the new Bergamont Trailster 2016 version, just visit the Bergamont website at Bergamont Bikes.

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New Bike: Vitus Dominer DH 2016

Let's forget the expensive downhill bike for a while, and take a look closer for the new downhill machine from Vitus, which is new in this 2016, the Vitus Dominer DH 2016. Despite the good price, another good thing is that Vitus also now offers the direct sales model to keep it in a low price. But, is this bike good enough to be brought to the mountain? Check the details below;

Frame Spec Details

• Wheel size – 27.5”

• Travel – 200mm, Horst link suspension with horizontal floating shock mount.

• Recommended fork travel – 200mm

• Construction – 6061 T6 triple butted

• Large 15mm main axle with Collet lock security

• Shimano 150×12 Trough axle system

• Sizes – S, M, L

• ISCG 05-mounts for chainguide compatibility

Full Build Spec Details

Frame – Hydroformed 6061-T6 Aluminium

Forks – RockShox BoXXer Team

Shock – RockShox Vivid R2C

Chainset – Shimano Zee FC-M645

Chain Guide – E.Thirteen LG1+

Cassette Shimano 105 CS-5700

Rims – WTB Frequency Team i25 TCS

Front Hub – Novatec DH61 Disc

Rear Hub – Novatec DH82 Disc

Tyres – Maxxis High Roller II

Brakes – Shimano Zee BR-M640

Finishing Kit – Nukeproof 

Headset Cane Creek

Saddle Vitus

Weight 16.86kg/37.17lbs (size M)

Price £2250

Come with stealthy look, Vitus Dominer DH 2016 is worth to bring home as new downhill bike. Based on the specs above, the new Vitus Dominer 2016 will be supported by Rockshox suspension both rear and front; Vivid and Boxxer, most of popular riders also use this combination. Shimano Zee drivetrain, though it's not the best from Shimano in gravity scene, this groupset is tough and also powerful. The Zee brakeset also able to stop the machine when it's roll down from the mountain.

For this new Dominer DH 2016, Vitus build it to be more aggressive, with 200 mm of travel. Overall, the new Vitus Dominer DH 2016 bike is really serious bike but come with fair price. This is very suitable for anyone of you who want to shred the woods in a simpler way. About the availability of the bike, check the Vitus to see more details about the bike.

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New Bike: Yeti Beti SB5C Women Specific

Yeti just finished the new machine that specially built for women riders, and this bike is based on their popular bike the SB5C. Without many differences with its brother, the Yeti Beti SB5C is composed from high end carbon material to support the 140 mm front travel and 127 mm rear travel. The Yeti Beti SB5C is also adopting the Switch Infinity Suspension System. And the other, this bike is very beautiful..

With pink finishing, the Yeti Beti SB5C is so girly. But, despite this is women specific bike, Yeti creates this based on their unisex bike the SB5, but Yeti makes this to be proper and fit with women which is smaller. Another things, almost same with its brother; internal cable routing, high end carbon materia, switch infinity suspension system, front derailleur mount, and etc.

Still supported by Fox suspension for both rear and front, the Yeti Beti SB5C is using shorter suspension travel than the original version. The Fox Float DPS on the rear and Fox suspension with 140 mm travel is the main weapon to jump. Another supporting parts such as; Easton bars 720 mm and Easton Haven stem, and very special custom saddle from WTB, the WTB Deva Custom. 

The Yeti Beti SB5C also be supported with Thomson Elite dropper post, XO1 drivetrain combined with Raceface cranks, and also Shimano XT brakes. This beautiful girl, ups, beautiful bike will run on the DT Swiss wheelset with Maxxis Ardent on the front and Maxxis Ikon in the rear. This bike will be priced about $6,899 and will be on a competition with Specialized Rhyme and Juliana Furtado.

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New Bike: Bird Bikes 2016 Hardtail Range

There is always a place in each riders heart for the hardtail bikes. That's why some companies still produce the hardtail mountain bikes, despite the full suspension mountain bikes. Bird Cycleworks is maybe not so popular than anothers, but slow but sure this company start to be known among the mountain bike fans since they build good bikes. And again, they have released their newest bikes which specially be prepared for 2016. These are the Bird hardtail range for 2016.

BIRD ZERO AM

The newest version from previous model with the same name. The Bird Zero AM is a hardcore hardtail, that accept the fork up to 150mm. Some parts have been updated such as the geometry and sizing which is slacker, longer, and lower than previous version. The new Zero AM be claimed can handle big jump on the roughest trail. The best part of the bike is the price, starts from £1225 to £1375 and available in Stealth Black and Acid Yellow color.

BIRD ZERO TR

The Zero TR is a hardtail bike which can fit properly in a trail. The Zero TR will be work with 130 mm fork, and the new Zero TR is lighter than previous version about 200 gr. The Zero TR is basically same with the AM model, but with shorter travel. The Bird Zero TR is available in two colors; Matt Tungsten (What color is this?) and Gloss Candy Blue. The Zero TR is priced start from £999 to £1275 and available for the option 1x10 speed, 2x10 speed, or 1x11 speed.

 

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New Bike: YT 2016 Range and Intense Prototype Bike

YT continues the success of their Capra and Tues, after they finally finished those bikes, with some improvements in many parts. On first appearance, YT Capra has been on of the most popular enduro bikes on the market, and seems that YT wants that predicate still go along with the Capra. Let's check the Capra line up, which is available in three version, the YT Capra CF Pro Race, YT Capra CF Pro, and YT Capra CF Comp. 

These bikes are the follow up of their previous aluminum Capra version that has been released last year and get huge attention also. And for the 2016, YT continues by releasing the carbon version with three models; the first two models, the Pro models will get better parts than the Comp, such as FOX suspension on both rear and front; FOX Factory Float 36 Fork and FOX Float X2. The bikes also get higher travel, 170 mm to 180 mm.

Another parts are high parts from Renthal bars, DT Swiss carbon wheelset and Mavic Crossmark XL Pro, SRAM Guide Brake, Raceface and E*13 cranks that paired with SRAM X01drivetrain. The Comp version will come in Rockshox Lyrik and Monarch Plus, Raceface cranks combined with SRAM X1 drivetrain, and also E*13 Wheelset. The Capra CF Pro Race will be priced at $5999, Capra CF Pro $5499, and the Comp $4699.

YT Tues also gets the attention, and for this year the manufacturer has been released the Tues, which is also available in three different models, same as the Capra; YT Tues CF Pro, YT Tues CF Comp, and YT Tues AL. The first two models will come in carbon frame and have better parts than the AL version; FOX 40 Factory combined with FOX Factory Float X2 for CF Pro. The CF Comp comes in Rockshox Boxxer Team and Rockshox Vivid R2C.

YT Tues AL seems is specially build for those who want to start downhill activity with a good bike. So, with lower price than the CF Pro and CF Comp, young riders still get attention with awesome YT Tues, which means race proven. The AL version comes in Rockshox Boxxer, combined with Rockshox Kage shock.

INTENSE BIKES PROTOTYPE

Different with YT which has released their new bikes, another big brand Intense chooses to show their prototype first than release the final version. The bike has been caught up ridden by Shaun Palmer. The bike simply very Intense look, and it can be said that this Intense Prototype is the combination between Intense Uzzi and M16.

It nice to see what the bike is, but it can be the new Intense Socom. For a while, Intense Socom was a popular bike among the riders, and it will be awesome to see the Socom on the trail again, with some uptades and improvements to make the bike better. (Intense pic: pinkbike.com)

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New Product: Hope Technology Pro 4 Hubs

We all know that Hope Pro 2 Evo hubs are very popular among the riders. It can be said that the hubs are legend, durable, powerful and noisy. The Hope Pro 2 Evo also good at price. That's why this hubs are popular and maybe become the most used hubs in the world. With all the positive value, Hope Tech renew their hubs to face the new season. So, please welcome the Hope Pro 4 Hubs. With this newest hubs, Hope Tech stops the mass production of Hope Pro 2 Evo hubs.

Hope Pro 4 Details

Machined from forged 2014 T6 aluminum billet

Sealed Stainless Steel cartridge bearings

Standard 6 bolt disc fitting

Larger spoke flange to enable stiffer wheel builds

24, 28, 32 and 36 hole drillings

Rear hub: 4-pawl ratchet with 44 tooth engagement (8.2 degrees)

Rear hub available in 135mm & 142mm widths, as well as 148mm Boost, DH-specific (narrow cassette), and 150/157 options

Rear hub conversions available for QR, 10mm bolt in, 10mm, 12mm and 142x12mm thru axles

Supplied with freehubs to suit 10/11spd Shimano or SRAM XD cassette, aluminum or steel freehub body options

Front hub available in standard 100mm width, conversions available for QR, 9mm, 12mm, 15mm, 20mm and Boost

110mm Boost-specific front hub available

Trials and Fatbike specific hubs are also part of the Pro 4 family

Colors: Black, Silver, Red, Blue, Purple and Orange

Weight (rear 142mm): QR - 311g, 142mm - 300g, XD

Weight (front 100mm): QR - 187g, 9mm - 184g, 15mm - 181g, 20mm - 173g

MSRP: £67/€94/$110 (front) // £160/€225/$270 (135/142 rear)

So, what's the difference with the older hubs? Hope Pro 2 Evo is known as friendly hubs, easy to maintenance and that's why this hubs become so popular. But, as the evolution of the Pro 2 Evo, the new Pro 4 Hubset has larger flanges which is to get stiffer and stronger wheels. But surely, one of the most interesting part of the new Hope Pro 4 Hubs is the sound. How it will be?

The Hope Pro 4 Hubs will come in various colors; Black, Orange, Blue, Red, Silver, and Purple. These colors will give the riders to make their bike a custom. The hubs already available today, and for more information about the hubs, please visit hopetech.com. (pic: vitalmtb.com)

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