BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Orange
July saw Orange Mountain Bikes release updates to its ever-popular trail bike combo; the Five and Crush. Both models see a number of modifications for 2014 with the move to a 27.5inch wheel size being the biggest change, along with the adoption of 1.5inch headtubes and E-mount front mech mounts.
The best-selling 140mm travel Five will be offered in the usual S, Pro and SE specifications along with a new RS version which comes equipped with SRAM’s 11 speed X01 groupset, RockShox suspension and routing for a Reverb Stealth dropper post. Initially limited to just 50 bikes, the RS sells for £4,199.99 and is expected to be a very much in demand version of a very in demand model.
Prices start at £2,499.99 for the S through to £4,499.99 for the SE with plenty of upgrade options in between.
The Crush offers all the thrills of the Five just without the rear suspension. Built to take a beating yet scale the climbs with ease, the Crush packs a lot of lightweight grunt between its 140mm RockShox Sektor Gold fork and its 10 speed SLX rear mech. The Crush retails for £1,299.99.
Both models are available to order now from Orange. For more details go to www.orangebikes.co.uk
01422 311113
Met
Met’s Bluegrass Grizzly Lite back protector hits the £119.99 price point and amounts to a lightweight d3o core inside a stretch vest that keeps it in place. The Grizzly Lite is pitched as ideal for enduro riders and anyone who gives high priority to freedom of movement. The lightweight d30 insert has parallel grooves that increase its capacity to follow the body’s movement. There’s additional lower back protection courtesy of a high density EVA form insert and it all has a minimalist design, allowing for a hydration pack to be worn comfortably.
All enquiries should be directed to met.uk@met-helmets.com
Moore Large
The Forme MTB range has expanded to 14 models for the 2014 season. The 2013 Winscar 29 series has performed well in practise, being part of Mountain Bike National Series victories from Kenda sponsored athletes. The three 2014 Winscar models range from £1,600 topping out at £3,500 with the flagship Winscar 29C model featuring a Shimano XTR groupset, Rock Shox Sid World Cup Fork and Mavic Crossmax SLR wheel set. Forme will also be revealing seven brand new 650B sized models for 2014. The full range can be viewed across the UK at the Forme Product Launch Roadshow taking place in September and October.
Kenda has new tread patterns in ‘Honey Badger’ and ‘Tri Bite’, great for braking performance and optimised grip. This all-rounder tyre is designed to be pushed hard and push back harder and is available in 29”, 27.5” and 26”. The ‘24 Seven’ is a new lightweight low profile tyre. Nearly all of Kenda’s tyres are available in sealant compatible versions. As well as having a full range of 29er tyres, Kenda have this year introduced a huge range of 650b tyres.
For more information on the ranges contact your area manager or email sales@moorelarge.co.uk.
Zyro
Abus’ Hill Bill (£89.99) is aggressively designed with an additional rear spoiler, coming with a double shell in-mould construction for durable fusion of two pieces outer shell and shock absorbing EPS. Fitting comes with the new ZoomPro 2 slider adjustment system, while increased stability is provided through Abus Safety Tech (AST) structure strengthening. Excellent ventilation is achieved through 12 air inlets and seven outlets while removable and washable padding provide maximum comfort.
Abus’ S-Force Peak (£59.99) is pitched at the trail, inspired in styling by the Canadian MTB mecca of Whistler. This in-moulded, 24 vent offering has a reflective trim and ZoomPro precision adjustment system.
Bell’s Super helmet (£99.99) straddles the difference between DH and XC for an all-mountain offering. Incorporating eyewear and goggle management, camera integration, lower rear coverage and advanced ventilation, the Super is purpose-built for the enduro racer, aggressive trail rider and epic rides.
Tifosi Optics has had another bumper year with Zyro, we’re told, thanks to an expanded range and new point of sale units both being snapped up by retailers throughout the UK and Ireland. To capitalize on the summer season, Zyro have launched Tifosi’s new Clarion collection now. Four interchangeable models, including the all-new Podium XC, are now available and all include a Clarion lens.
Find out more about those directly from Zyro on 01845 521742
Cube
The new Stereo line has a number of 650b-sized rides arriving. Agile and fast due to newly designed geometry and kinematics, suspension stays neutral whether climbing or pedalling on the flats and even the paint has been specially selected to be super light. Without rear shock, the 650b frame is close to 1,800g, the frame being 700g light than last year. Of course there’s 29ers too, like the HPC 140 SLT, with 140mm of travel.
Cube also has offerings for protective clothing, namely knee and elbow pads which make use of Armourgel material. Unfamiliar with Armourgel? This material is new on the market and is becoming more popular among bikers because the material stiffens upon impact to provide protection, but flex with the musculature of the body when protection is not required, making the pads safe and comfortable. Clever, eh?
0031 103 403 500
Fli
O’Neal’s STV compression jerseys come in two options: short or long sleeve. Both feature chest and rib biofoam protectors with SaS-Tec foam protectors on the back, shoulder and elbows (no elbows on the short sleeve obviously).
Super lightweight, the jerseys are comfortable and breathable – ideal for enduro racers or anyone looking for a lightweight body armour alternative.
Also via Fli in the MTB protection sector comes the Orbiter AM helmets. They feature the Fid-lock magnetic chin strap closure, operated by a single hand and a crown lock with tightening dial. It look aggressive and we’re assured it’s a comfortable fit with good airflow. Find out more from Fli.
01457 873 923
Sealskinz
Mountain bikers might not need these so much while the heatwave persists, but SealSkinz’ lightweight waterproof overshoes will surely be a tempting option once things get back to normal in the UK. In-store from August, the overshoes are light, soft and easy to roll up and carry. Obviously they are made of waterproof material. They’re also fleece lined and open under foot with strong and long adjustable Velcro straps under arch. A silicone leg gripper ensures they are close fitting and keep water out, while a storm flap inside the zip aids water protection. The kevlar toe offers all-important abrasion resistance. There’s reflectivity too, via the YKK brand reflective zipper.
www.sealskinz.com
Coyote
There are 19 models in the 2013 Coyote range retailing from £199.99 up to £529.99. Hitting that top price point is the 27-speed 29er Turnpike. Featuring lightweight alloy tubing with a hydroformed down tube, the Turnpike is kitted out with a Suntour XCT V3 29er fork with disc mount, mechanical lock out and 100mm travel. It comes in three frame sizes (16, 18 and 20-inch).
There are four other alloy gents 29ers available and a hi ten 29er too. The rest of the range includes hi ten dirt jump bikes, as well as steel and alloy 26-inch for men and women. For more details or to become a stockist call 0161 727 8508
Paligap
The Montari 29 (£600) is an all-rounder, catering for all types of MTB riding from a full day of single track to a relaxed cruise on local paths. On the Montari riders benefit from a bunch of design cues borrowed from the Aggressor range, but can still enjoy a bike built for all skill levels.
The Montari 29.2 comes with 29-inch wheels, hydraulic disc brakes and a 27-speed Shimano component group.
For a more substantial slice of cash, Avanti’s Coppermine (priced at £2,500) is designed to take on more than most 29ers. Sporting upgraded Fox suspension and fast rolling 29-inch Mavic wheels, the bike smooths out everything it encounters. Named after one of New Zealand’s most iconic trails, the Coppermine enjoys 120mm of plush rear travel from the Tru4 suspension system. It’s also strong and durable with custom formed tubes, a tapered 1.5 inch head tube and a rear triangle firmly bound with a Syntace X12 axle system.
01454 313116
Madison
The Genesis High Latitude 2×10 uses the 2013 Shimano SLX drivetrain including the Shadow Plus rear mech. This 29er has been specced with dedicated trail riders in mind, with durability and reliability high on the agenda. The fork is a Rockshox Recon Gold TK Solo Air 80mm and the RRP is £1,499.
Saracen’s Kili Expert (17-inch) retails at £1,199.99 and is trail focused too. Using Saracen’s more conventional race frame and geometry, with 100mm travel in the Rockshox Recon Silver TK Solo Air, the lowered front end has a taped headtube and added 10mm to the reach.
Protection is covered by Forcefield, offering the Zeus Elbow protector for £69.99 (large). Perfect for MTB, it is ergonomically designed for top comfort, reacting to the body’s natural movement while still protecting from impact. It’s fitted with the all new CE level 2 approved Forcefield NeT Armour which is removable, light, flexible and breathable. It’s held in place with compression and adjustable elasticated straps, backed with non-slip rubberised gripper tape. The brand also provides the Zeus Knee Protector, at £74.99 (large).
Hotlines
Ghost’s AMR Lector 2978 is a 29er with a completely redesigned frame. The geometry has been adapted to the larger wheels through a shorter head tube and a low bottom bracket. Short 440mm chainstays maintain an agile riding performance and thanks to the 29 inch wheelset, Ghost was able to reduce the travel to 100 mm at the rear and 110 mm up front. This makes the AMR even more responsive without compromising on comfort. The AMR 29 range is available in either an aluminium or carbon (Lector) frame in sizes 40-56 cm. In addition, the carbon models will also feature electronically controlled E:I shock suspension.
For protection, iXS’ has answered the call of the all-mountain and enduro riders with this new ultra-light Flow Knee and Elbow Pad range. The Flow pads take minimal protection to a whole new level weighing in at about 300g per pair (knee) but still with enough padding for serious abuse. Meanwhile the Carve is ideally suited to Gravity-orientated riders, offering greater protection with a larger coverage X-Matter impact material over knees and elbows. 0131 319 1444
2pure
Ibis’ new Ripley 29 retails at £2,629 RRP for frame and shock, coming in blue or black and green. Hot on the heels of the Ripley, Ibis has just released the Mojo HDR, the successor to the popular and highly regarded Mojo HD, taking its technology and versatility a few steps further. The HDR and the HD feature identical travel (160mm), the same suspension (the dw-link), and the same proven geometry.
The HDR adds more diversity to its menu – you can set it up with 160mm or 180mm front forks. The Mojo HD is the longer travel bigger brother to the Mojo and Mojo SL. The HD has 160mm of rear wheel travel, up 20mm from the other Mojos. The Mojo Carbon, introduced in 2005, pioneered efficient, lightweight long travel suspension, blurring the lines between those previously separate categories. The Mojo HD takes this concept a step further still, giving riders another level of skill and confidence. 0844 811 2001
Tiger Cycles
Tiger Cycles’ new range of alloy and steel framed mountain bikes are tailored for the rider on a budget but still looking for the quality components. Every bike is fitted with sealed cartridge B/B and fully Shimano equipped throughout. Sizes now available are from 15-inch all the way up to 22-inch frames.
For details please call 01683 220837 or email info@tigercycles.com
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