BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
KTM Ultra Pinion
Fli Distribution
0161 304 8555
Having just scooped a Eurobike Award for its Life Lontano pinion driven touring bike, KTM has scooped early praise for building the system into its bikes.
For the uninitiated, the components in the Pinion system are made by the same firm making those for Mercedes AMG, so you can be sure the level of shifting precision within is spot on.
Suited for slightly heavier off-road, the Ultra Pinion utilises 18 internally adjusted gears, neglecting a derailleur. At 13.6 kilos, it’s not at all overweight for a 29er and will certainly require less ongoing maintenance than many others at its €3,199 price point.
For those looking to make this their ‘do it all’ bike, there’s fittings for luggage carriers, kickstands and fenders. The frame’s paintjob also bears subtle unique reflective decals.
Hope direct mount stems
direct to retail
01282 851200
Thanks to an Instagram leak, BikeBiz was able to convince Hope to break cover on their new direct mount stems.
Shown to us at the Cycle Show, the firm will be producing 10, 30, 40, 50 and 60mm versions, with a possibility that should the customer fancy a change, or have a growth spurt, that they could simply swap out the base plate and hang on to the uppers.
Though the final price is to be confirmed, Hope expect the price to be around £100 and for the usual colour palate to be available.
Weldtite disc rotor wipes
Various distributors
“No one else seemed to be doing disc rotor wipes, so it seemed a logical addition to the catalogue,” said Weldtite while unveiling its new countertop box full of cleaners. Despite having enjoyed a relatively muck free summer, we couldn’t agree more – a simply box of disc freshening wipes will be a backpack essential during winter.
The cloth product has a rapid air drying formula, which leaves no residue. There’s six wipes per packet and a countertop display holds 12 of individual units. A nice little add on sale item this winter.
Merida Cyclo Cross 500
Direct to retail
01159817788
Bang on budget for those using the cycle to work scheme, Merida’s new Cyclo Cross 500 packs a punch for the price.
Made up of Shimano 105 components adorned to both a triple-butted hydroformed 6066 aluminium frame and full carbon tapered fork, it’s disc-clad, offering stoppers in the form of Tektro’s Spyre.
For those customers on a bit more of a budget, the Cyclo Cross 300 at £799.99 is also worth a shout. This build is Tiagra specced and drops the carbon fork, but does still include Continental Race 35 tyres and Tektro Mira disc brakes.
