New Bike: Meet the New Santa Cruz Nomad

Santa Cruz is one of the most popular brands, with fans from whole world. With their large range of bikes, the company is success to gain the popularity, and also has the best riders in the world in various mountain biking scenes. But as the mountain bike scene rapidly grows, with the enduro and downhill scene, Santa Cruz reccently releases the bigger V10 downhill with 29 inch wheels. But that's not all, because Santa Cruz finally releases the big boss on enduro race, the Nomad.

New Santa Cruz Nomad Details

Wheel size: 27.5" 

• Rear wheel travel: 170mm

• 64.6º or 65º head angle

• Carbon frame, C or CC options

• Metric shock sizing

• Boost hub spacing

• MSRP: $4,499 - $9,399 USD

• Weight: 30lb / 13.6kg (size large)

• Available: June 15

As the main machine for the enduro (or maybe new scene, who knows?) Santa Cruz is working the best for this. With 170mm rear travel, the new Nomad is now higher, slacker, and the company says that the new Nomad is best for "shredding the gnar." The suspension system is said adopted from the beast V10, and it looks very different with the previous version of Nomad.

But still adopting the VPP suspension system, the new Nomad looks different with the longer link on the top tube. The rear shock is hiding above bottom bracker mount. The hole is large enough for both coil and air shock, so the fans can freely choose the rear shock they want for the bike.

But is that all? Surely not. Together with the new Nomad to be launched, the company also releases their really brand new Reverse Wheelset. Yes, Santa Cruz is now have their own wheelset (previously they have bar and stem), and maybe they would build another parts. The Reserve rims will have 27 and 30 mm width for the 27,5 inch and the 29er will have more option with 25, 27, and 30 mm width. 

For the full wheelset, the Reserve will be priced at $1,899 with Industry Nine hubs and $1,599 with DT Swiss 350 hubs. But the fans should add the $1,200 if they buy the fullbike with the Reverse wheels. And it has lifetime warranty, just like their bearings and frames.

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New Bike: Pivot Mach 5.5 Carbon

Pivot has various bikes, and almost all their bikes are popular - Phoenix, Firebird, Mach, and their new idol, Switchblade. Special for Mach, Pivot has releasing new version of the Mach, with the Mach 5.5 with carbon fibre material to support its performance. As trail bike, the Mach 5.5 Carbon is a 130-140 mm travel bike, but not limited to a trail bike, this bike is ready for various track.

Pivot Mach 5.5 Details

• Intended use: Trail, all-mountain

• Rear wheel travel: 140mm

• Fork travel: 160mm 

• Wheel size: 27.5''

• 66.5º head angle w/ 160mm fork

• 12x148mm rear axle

• Di2 integration

• Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL

• 5.2-pound frame (claimed for a medium)

• Integrated low durometer frame protection

• MSRP: $4,899–$10,199 USD (complete) w/ nine model options.

• MSRP: $3,099 USD (frame).

Keeping the popular suspension system DW-Link, the new Mach 5.5 Carbon has nine model option and five sizes and for noted, the XL version is very long, about 485 mm reach. Despite it uses the same suspension system as their previous bikes, Pivot claims that the new Mach 5.5 Carbon has more traction on the trail, as the upgrade on the shock mount.

For the fans who want the bike, the company is preparing three level complete bikes, the Team, Pro, and Race, but there is nine model options and frame only option. For the fullbike price, the range is about $4,899–$10,199 USD and the frame only is about $3,099 USD. (pic. AJ Barlas on pinkbike)

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Look Closer: Canyon Gravity Concept Bike The Orbiter

When the mountain bike technology grows so fast, the company should always be creative to create something new to attract people. When few days ago Polygon and Marin release very similar bikes as the result of their partnership with NAILD R3ACT, the fans are arguing about the bikes. Some love, some said that they are ugly bikes based on the out-of-the-box geometry. So, what now?

READ MORE: Polygon Square One EX9 

About the modern and new geometry, the big brand Canyon is also creating a very interesting concept and they call the bike as The Orbiter. When Polygon and Marin create the bikes with modern and different geometry just as other bikes, Canyon is more radical. Designed by Daniel Frintz, The Orbiter is very clean and simple but still look modern and innovative.

The Orbiter does not have most parts on today's mountain bike such as drivetrain and as the replacement, it uses mechanical system. But as the result, The Orbiter can be said as an E-Bike, with mechanical drivetrain and uses the power transmission on both front and rear wheel, carbon frame material and also magnetic suspension.

This bike, The Orbiter is such the future bike. It really innovative, modern, and even looks like a star-wars vehicle. But as a concept bike, let's wait when Canyon officially announced the bike. Or maybe the bike is only the concept and still a concept without any further improvement. Let's wait for this. (Source)

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Sea Otter 2017: Spot Releases Big Wheeled Carbon Bike - the Mayhem

Sea Otter 2018 is there! Big event for the bike people is ready and as usual there are tons of new bikes, apparels, and also parts and sure also the news for everyone. And let's start with this company, with the Spot, a colorado based company bike. Where are the popular brands then? Be patient, not popular does not mean that the company is not good. Check this, the big wheeled carbon bike from Spot, the Spot Mayhem, a 29er carbon bike from Spot.

Spot Mayhem Details

• Wheel size: 29" / 27.5+

• Full carbon frame

• 130mm travel

• 66.7° head angle

• Living Link suspension design

• Colors: Matte Hot Tomato, Matte Black

• Sizes: S, M, L, XL

• MSRP: $3199 USD (frame only), $6000 - $8700 complete

Despite this bike is introduced to the public as 29er, the bike is also ready for 27.5 wheels. The Mayhem is following their last year trail/all mountain bike, the Spot Rollik. The Mayhem is adopting the Living Link Suspension Design, their own independent suspension system. The bike offers complete features as modern geometry bike: water bottlle cage mount, ISCG 05 for chainguide, internal cable route, and low standover height.

About the Living Link Suspension System, Spot offers stiff and strong carbon plate to combine the rear triangle and the seatpost. This carbon fiber plate provides extra mid-support which makes the bike is able to ride with open shock all time, even at climbing. The plate is also said to be very durable, and Spot claims that the plate is able for 12 years of riding and three million cycles. 

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New Bike: Transition Releases Two Brand New Bikes

Hardtail is fun! With just so many new full suspension bikes, with various models, types, and also technology, Transition seems want to attract the hardtail lovers by releasing two brand new bikes, and both of them are hardtail! But, Transition makes them have modern look and appearance as they are made of carbon materials. Please welcome them, the Transition Throttle and Transition Vanquish.

The main idea of these bikes are confidence climbing and descending, with the light material. The Transition Throttle is a 27.5 wheeled hardtail bike, built with some dirtjumper spirit, super-low standover, and also slacker front end. 

Transition Throttle Carbon Hardtail Details

• Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large

• Colors: Race Raw, Hot Mustard

• 12 x 148 Boost Dropout Spacing

• Standard Threaded Bottom Bracket

• Fits tires up to 2.6"

• Universal Transition Derailleur Hanger

• Internal Shift and Seatpost Cable Routing

• Available as Frameset or Complete Bike

• Frame Weight: 1400g

• Price: $1699 Frameset / $3699 Complete GX Equipped Bike

Not only that, Transition also releases the bigger model, the Vanquish, which is a 29er wheels but still a carbon. With this setup, the Transition Vanquish looks more as cross country bike in Transition line up. But that's just a name, anyone can use the bike for cross country, trail, or even all mountain, or just daily bike, but no doubt that the bike will be great for the woods or local singletrack.

Transition Vanquish 29er Carbon Hardtail Details

• Sizes: Medium, Large, X-Large

• Colors: Race Raw, Habanero Orange

• 12 x 148 Boost Dropout Spacing

• Standard Threaded Bottom Bracket

• Fits tires up to 2.4"

• Universal Transition Derailleur Hanger

• Internal Shift and Seatpost Cable Routing

• Available as Frameset or Complete Bike

• Frame Weight: 1400g

• Price: $1699 Frameset / $3699 Complete GX Equipped Bike

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New Products: Updates for Rockshox PIKE, Lyrik, Yari, and Revelation for 2018

Rockshox still the one of the most popular and consistent suspension product in the market, with their various products on both fork and shock for various scenes of mountain biking sport and now, for the upcoming 2018 Rockshox updates their high fork range, including the legendary PIKE, the Luxury Lyrik, new baby beast Yari and the revolutionary Revelation. Let's go to meet them..

The Legendary PIKE

Since the rebirth of the PIKE, this fork straight to get mass attention and getting very popular, both for fans and the pro-riders. And not stop here, Rockhox again gives the updates for this legendary PIKE, which claims now is lighter, smoother, and more stable. To be more trail-fork weapon, the new legendary PIKE 2018 is available on both 27.5 and 29er, and both of them are ready for the tire up to 2,8. As stated above that the new PIKE is lighter, it has now 1,841 g for the weight.

The updates including the re-developed the two damper for the wider rebound and compression. The bigger negative chamber makes the PIKE has better fork responsiveness. The legendary PIKE 2018 is also available two versions, the RCT3 and RC. Both are compatible with OneLoc Remote. Beside that, the new PIKE is also available in large range travel, from 100 mm, 110 mm, 120 mm, 130 mm, 140 mm, 150 mm, and 160 mm, with 15 mm axle.

The Luxurious Lyrik

Rockshox Lyrik has long known as one of the hardcore fork from Rockshox, and last year this fork is completely new. So, what about the Lyrik for the next 2018? The Luxurious Lyrik still be the one of the enduro weapon from Rockshox. It's still the flagship. But what Rockshox offers from the new Lyrik 2018 maybe is really amusing everyone. 

Charger 2 Damper unit, OneLoc Remote compatible, update Air-Pressure-Guide on the lower leg, and even with some guidances the Lyrik is also ready for E-MTB. The new Luxurious Lyrik is available in two models the RC (2,034 g) and RCT3 (2,040 g) with travel started from 150 mm, 160 mm, 170 mm, to 180 mm. Also available on both 27.5 and 29er, the price is about € 1,145–1,310.

The Baby Beast Yari

From those two forks above, the Yari is completely new fork from Rockshox but as it is new, the baby beast Yari is still a good fork and popular since its appearance and that's why the company continues the life of this baby beast Yari with some new improvements to give better performance. It has same chasis with its older brothers above, and Yari also shares the similar DebonAir or Dual Position Air.

The Yari offers some features such as rebound, slow speed compression, and also available for the EMTB. Compared to its older brothers, the Yari is a bit heavier. The weight is about 2,123 g but cheaper than those two, just about € 780–865. But the fans can choose the Yari as free as they can because it has large range travel, start from 100 mm to 180 mm. It also available in three wheels models, the 27.5, 29er and 29er +, but it only RC model.

The Revolutionary Revelation

Rockshox Revelation is also one of their great fork, used by many riders. But for 2018, the Revelation turns into bigger fork as the company puts a bigger 35 mm stanchion. Wow! Known as PIKE's sibling, the Revelation 2018 shares same chasis with its brother, and the same DebonAir. Available on both 27.5 and 29er (and 29+), the Revolutionary Revelation will accept tires up to 2,8 inch.

What next? The new Revelation will accomodate anyone who rides the bike from 120 mm travel to 160 mm travel, but lighter than the new baby beast Yari. The new Revelation offers about 1,951 g, and priced about € 720–800. For more information about those forks, please visit sram.com and find out which fork is suitable for you! All come in completely new decal and it looks sick!

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New Bike: Polygon Square One EX9 - How Its Perform?

All eyes now are seeing Polygon's new bike, the Square One EX9: most people said that this bike is a bit weird, or maybe different or out of the box. But, since its geometry is shocking most people, how about the bike's performance? Short explanation about the Polygon Square One EX9; the bike is adopting modern geomtry and using new suspension system called Naild R3act Suspension System. With 180 mm of travel, the bike is ready for both climbing and also descent.

Yes, this is not a prototype, but a bike that ready for daily riding and also racing. With radical geometry, the Square One EX9 looks very different than other bikes. This radical geometry looks complicated, mostly on the suspension system used, the Naild R3act Suspension. The one makes the bike different is the rear triangle. 

Talk about Polygon Square One EX9's geometry, sure it is really interesting as the bike adopts different approach on the tubing. The tubing is really unusual than others, the bottom bracket also unusual and different, but it said that this bottom bracket offers better impression. The company even claims that the rear shock is effective when the bike is riding the steep uphill section.

This performance can not be separated from the suspension system, the Naild R3act Suspension. This suspension system is the result of partnership with the Naild, and that's one of their strategy to expand their market. Polygon said that the Naild offers very interesting and out of the box suspension system, which is they called genius. 

Prototype Polygon Square One EX9

But for now, this Polygon Square One EX9 offers different and out of the box geometry, and this make people thought that this is an ugly bike, or weird. But it is not fair to judge a bike just from the appearance without testing the bike and its performance. So, let's wait for the review, and then decide about the bike. (pic; pinkbike.com - bikerumor.com)

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Look Closer: Calibre Bossnut - A Budget Trail Bike

When we're new to mountain biking and find that good bike has crazy price (most of them), a good hardtail can be good first decision before upgrading along with skills. But among the mainstream and popular brands, there are some good brands that build good bikes, and if someone wants to be anti-mainstream, underrated companies can be the option. Calibre Bossnut, really a budget trail bike anyone can buy.

A budget bike does not always the bike performs not good or equipped with second-class parts (for some, second-class parts is meaningless). So, what about the Calibre Bossnut's performance? First, let's check the appearance, in general. The Calibre Bossnut frame layout offers nice geometry for trail riding and have been tested in UK.

This is a trail bike, so the company puts a 130 mm travel for 27.5 wheelset, which is really nice combination as trail bike. Made of aluminum material, the frame has 67 degree of head angle, slack enough and that's reasonable reach to get best positioning when riding the bike. The bike also has large space to accomodate big tires.

What about the parts then? 

This a budget trail bike is using good parts from good companies. For the suspension system, the Calibre Bossnut is using Rockshox suspension, the combination of Sektor fork and Monarch shock. For some, these suspension maybe second-class parts, but they both are good suspension and perform well. For the drivetrain, when most bikes are using 1x11 or 2x11 speed, the Calibre Bossnut still using the Shimano Deore 2x10 speed, combined with Shimano Deore brakes. Is this cons? It depends on the users.

On the wheels, the bike is using the combo WTB rims 27.5 inch with Shimano Deore hubset, and laced with WTB Vigilante 2,30 tires. Ritchey will complete the steering parts, starts from handlebar and stem. The manual seatpost also stock from Ritchey, with WTB saddle. 

With little modification and upgrades, this budget trail bike the Calibre Bossnut will ready to blast most of trail riding, all mountain or even the enduro. Just add dropper post and put a shorter stem, the Calibre Bossnut is reall budget trail bike monster.

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Taipei Cycle Show 2017: New DVO Suspension and Production Privee

Taipei Cycle Show 2017 is on the way and tons of new product spread from parts and new bikes are there. While some new forks are currently released by several companies, another brand also showing up their new forks on the event. DVO brings two new forks to the event with Onyx and Beryl. While the popular steel bike maker, Production Privee releases their limited steel full suspension frame, the Shan Nº5. Check them out.

DVO Onyx and Beryl

DVO is one of the popular suspension maker, with its famous characteritics, the green color and use the name of precious stones, such as topaz, diamond, etc. And again, they are using another stones for their newest forks, the DVO Onyx and Beryl.

The first one, DVO Onyx is a downhill fork, with 203 mm of travel and the brand says that the Onyx is the bigger version of Diamond, their enduro/all mountain fork. But that's reasonable because the Onyx uses the same compression bladder. The Onyx has high-low speed compression damping, rebound damping, air volume adjust and their Off the Top adjuster. The OTT allows the riders to increase or decrease the suppleness of the fork. Sounds awesome, but the Onyx DC is priced about $1,700 which is pretty good if compared with Rockshox or Fox suspension. 

And what about the second one? The DVO Beryl (the original is Beryllium) is an enduro/all mountain fork, available for both 27,5 and 29 wheels, with 170 mm of travel. The Beryl is basically the Diamond, but with lesser feature; minus external adjuster. It has 35 mm black stanchion, which seems now getting popular, and 15 mm Axle. The Beryl is using the simpler damper which called the D2. On the market, the Beryl will be priced at $750, way cheaper than the Diamond, and will face to face with Fox Float 34 Grip and Rockshox Yari.

Production Privee Shan Nº5

Most people known the company as the steel hardtail maker, with their popular Shan, Shan GT, and another. But, the company just makes a big surprise few times ago when they build a full suspension bike prototype. And the show continues, they really build a full suspension bike and showing it in Taipei Cycle Show 2017, with the Production Privee Shan Nº5.

With the carbon trend on mountain biking industry, the steel bikes still there with their fans. It may heavier than the carbon, but surely the steel bike will be last longer than the carbon. For the Production Privee, this Shan Nº5 is really inspired by their hardtail Shan with more development in various parts. And the result, a 138 mm of travel suspension bike, all around bike, more fun, simple, and reliable. 

The Shan Nº5 is adopting the single pivot with Fox Shock DPS on the rear shock. The main pivot has the same size with the BB shell, pretty big and different than others. As all around bike, the Shan Nº5 accepts the fork from 140 mm to 160 mm of travel. The Shan Nº5 also compatible with 27.5 or 27.5+.  For the fans, the bike is available in frame only option to allow fans to build as they want, but it comes with Fox DPS Shock, about 1,899 Euro. For now, it only fifty frames to be produced for the first production, and it all come in Bahama Yellow paint job.

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New Forks: New 2017 Forks - Rockshox and MRP

The companies are busy, and some of them are building new parts and yes, it finally done. When the Taipei Cycle Show is happening now, some products also need to be seen. Rockshox, as one of the pioneer on mountain bike suspension once again give a life for their old product, the Rockshox Judy. But, not only that, another company responds the new competitor fork with their new product, MRP Ribbon. So, let's check them out.

Rockshox Judy

Yes, Rockshox gives a life once again for the Judy, one of their old product. Surely with many developments and updates, the Judy is now available in both 27.5 and 29 wheels. The brand says that the new Judy is stiffer and lighter, available in Boost which means ready for plus tires up to 2.8.

Rockshox builds the new Judy in two versions, the Gold RL and Silver TK. Both models are available in 27.5 and 29 wheels with Boost. The new Rockshox Judy Gold RL features such as: Motion Control

Oneloc

Solo Air

Boost

Maxle Lite/Stealth

Torque Caps

Judy Gold RL Details

• Intended Use: XC/Trail

• 80-120mm travel

• Fast Black aluminum upper tubes

• Performance-based Motion Control RL damper

• Compatible with OneLoc remote

• Solo Air spring

• 2.8” maximum tire compatibility for both 27.5” and 29” models (27.5”x3.0” tires fit in the 29” model) 

• All new Boost-specific chassis: light yet stiff 

• New low profile integrated remote spool

• New air pressure guide maximizes performance for E-MTB applications

• Availability: OEM only, select aftermarket options to be announced - price $380 - $450

Judy Silver TK Details

• Intended Use: XC/Trail

• 80-120mm travel

• Proven TurnKey damping

• PopLoc remote compatible

• Lightweight Solo Air spring

• 2.8” maximum tire compatibility for both 27.5” and 29” models (27.5”x3.0” tires fit in the 29” model)

• Steel upper tubes with Satin Nickel finish

• All new Boost-specific chassis: light yet stiff

• New air pressure guide maximizes performance for E-MTB applications 

with Poploc, Turnkey, Solo Air, Boost, Maxle Lite/Stealth, and Torque Caps.

MRP Ribbon Fork

Released at Eurobike last year, the MRP Ribbon is now available for the fans. Some things must be highlighted about this fork: high performance all mountain forks, most adjutability and features in class, and deliver jaw-dropping weight. The company tested this fork in Colorado.

MRP Ribbon Fork Details

• 27.5" Travel: 140, 150, 160, or 170mm

• 27.5+ / 29" Travel: 120, 130, 140, 150, or 160mm 

• Weight: 4.15 lbs. for 27.5", 4.2 lbs. for 27.5+ / 29"

• External Adjustments: Positive air-spring pressure, negative air-spring pressure, 8-position low-speed compression, 16-position Ramp Control, and rebound.

• Internal adjustments: Travel (in 5mm increments)

• Colors: All black chassis with 9 decal color options.

• Wheel size options: 27.5" or 27.5+ / 29”

• Boost spacing - 15x110mm

• MSRP: $989 USD

MRP puts some best features for this enduro-all mountain forks, such as the air spring, which offers negative and positive air chambers. This gives the riders more control. One of the technology for this air spring is Ramp Control, a part to adjust the forks based on the trail. While the damper, the Ribbon is using the EssenTTial damper, a twin tube damper that gives more advantages in performance, ride control, efficiency and durability.

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