We have an interesting mix this week, from practical and affordable city and cargo e-bikes to a very premium, custom layup gravel bike. Plus interesting new MTB steering tech, 3D route planning, a killer 4×4 that supports cycling, and more! Here’s what’s new this week:
- Argonaut GR3 gravel bike
- Syntace x Canyon’s steering stabilizer
- BodyRocket drag sensor
- Surly Skid Loader cargo bike
- Komoot’s 3D route planner
- Wolf Tooth’s new flat pedals
- Ineos’ bad ass Grenadier 4×4
- I9 “None More Black” wheels
- Sweet new Wahoo X features
- Kona’s more affordable e-bikes
Argonaut GR3 gravel bike offers custom carbon layups
Rather than custom geometry, the new Argonaut GR3 gravel bike offers custom carbon layups to tune each bike to your body, riding style, and preferences. Each frame is handmade in the USA with their proprietary high-pressure silicone mandrels and housemade molds.
A slack 68.5º head angle and tight 415mm chainstays provide the right balance between high speed, downhill stability and tight handling with instant power transfer. Big 700×50 tire clearance lets you run any gravel tires you want, and three 3-bolt mounting points on the front triangle (plus top tube bag mounts) give you plenty of storage options. Pricing starts at $6,500 for a frameset.
Syntace & Canyon debut K.I.S. (Keep It Straight) steering stabilizer
Developed by Syntace and coming first from Canyon, the K.I.S. steering stabilizer uses springs and straps inside the top tube with a cam around the fork steerer to make your front wheel return to center on its own. (Video here)
It supports your efforts to keep the bike heading where you want it to, minimizing the impact that side glances and uneven terrain have on your handling and preventing wheel drift on climbs.
It’s fully integrated into the frame, with an external top-tube slider to adjust the amount of assistance it provides. The entire system adds just 110g. It will first ship on a new Canyon Spectral CF 8 K.I.S. mountain bike in summer 2023. Check out their landing page for animations showing how it works.
Body Rocket on-bike drag sensor separates body from bike
Other on-bike drag sensors have measured wind speed and air pressure (and paired with 3rd party power meters) to determine overall bike+rider system drag. Body Rocket adds three on-bike strain gauges at the seatpost, stem, and pedals to separate your body’s drag from the bike’s.
They say the benefit is that they can measure weight distribution and better isolate body position to help you achieve the most aerodynamic position. They’re seeking funding now, but have been working on it for years. Estimated release date is mid/late 2023, priced between $1,500 and $2,000.
Surly Skid Loader e-cargo bike
The Surly Skid Loader is a compact electric cargo bike with big capability. The included rear rack can handle up to 100lbs, and front rack mounts let you add more capacity. Internal cable and wire routing keep it clean, and an ED-coated chromoly steel frame keeps it strong and durable.
A Bosch Performance Cargo Line (600w, 85Nm) motor assists with a 500Wh Power Pack battery, and you can add a second battery for more range. Big 27.5×2.5″ tires (with room for up to 2.8″ tires!), a dropper post, and hydraulic disc brakes round things out for $4,799.
Ineos Grenadier 4×4… because they support cycling
I never knew that the sponsor behind the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team was an upstart automotive brand, but their first vehicle is now rolling off the assembly line. The Ineos Grenadier 4×4 is a completely customizable, seriously capable SUV with some trick features.
A “Utility Belt” of mounts encircle the exterior, letting you mount accessories almost anywhere. Inside, the premium cockpit gets an old-school, fighter-jet style switches. The idea? Keep it simple, functional, and easy to upgrade and repair. The best part? It starts at just $50,000. Build your own if you wanna kill an hour.
• Like this? Share it with a friend! •
Kona launches affordable hub-driven city e-bikes
Built on the powerful SR Suntour HESC rear hub motor, Kona’s new Coco, Dew & Rove e-bikes (pictured above, left to right) come in at just $1,999 to $2,099. They get a large, cleanly integrated 418Wh battery for plenty of around-town cruising and commuting.
All of them get fat WTB Horizon Comp 650bx47 tires for cushion and grip, alloy frames and forks with fender and rack mounts, and come in a wide range of sizes. They’re Class 1 bikes (20mph US, 25km/h elsewhere) and have built-in torque sensors for more realistic assist and ride feel.
Industry Nine “None More Black” enduro wheels
Take it to 11 with this i9 None More Black EN305 wheelset paying homage to the punk band of the same name. A double dip black anodization gives them an ultra-dark appearance, with the laser-etched logos and graphics appearing like a shadow.
Built with Torch hubs and wide alloy EN305 rims, their “Take it to Eleven” non-driveside hub cap comes standard. In 29er Boost only, just 100 pairs are made and available now while they last.
Komoot lets you plan routes with 3D terrain maps
Elevation profiles are good, but Komoot’s Premium members can now see route options on a 3D map, showing the climbs in all-too-real detail. Add your own waypoints to create routes like normal, then click Trail View to see other member’s highlights and photos for inspiration and recon.
Wahoo X adds voice chat to RGT, outdoor workouts to SYSTM
The Wahoo X subscription gives you access to online training simulator RGT and their SYSTM workout library. RGT just added voice chat, making it more social and doubling as a “race radio” during virtual races. It also gets a new Real Road gravel map of Dunoon Crossover in Scotland.
SYSTM now lets you load workouts onto any Wahoo cycling computer and take them outdoors. It also added a new on-location workout from Portugal and expanded offerings from Col Collective’s Mike Cotty. Curious? Subscribe now, prices go up soon.
Wolf Tooth Component Waveform flat pedals are shoe shaped
Shaped like your shoe’s footprint, the new Wolf Tooth Waveform flat pedals also get a dual concave profile (14mm thick at perimeter, 12.5mm at center). That shaping plus 11 replaceable chromoly pins per side keep your foot in place.
They’re alloy with a stainless steel spindle, all machined at their Minnesota HQ, assembled in house with an Igus bushing and THREE bearings, and are fully rebuildable. They come in two sizes (112x106mm & 105x99mm) and four colors (black, blue, orange, and purple) for $199.
Small Bites
- New 45NRTH Naughtvind deep winter kit seals it all out
- Orbea launches respectably light, wide Oquo Wheels brand
- Pisgah Conservancy is raffling a Cane Creek spec’d YT Jeffsy
- Enter to win a Specialized Stumpy and support IMBA
- Watch how Knolly’s Jake Fox came back from spinal injury
- Smith is going plastic-free on all if it’s packaging
- The Evil Following gets the LS update, too
- Register for the Hincapie Gran Fondo by 11/4 for free bibs
- Protected bike lanes save CO2 and save lives
Deals
- Get a FREE $1,500 EXT suspension upgrade on top Fezzari La Sal Peaks
- Use “SPOOKY20” for 20% OFF Fluid Nutrition
- Get $300 OFF Aventon “OG level” bikes thru 10/31
- Use “GLOVE20” for 20% OFF some fresh Handup Gloves
The Lunch Ride is a weekly recap of the best new cycling products and tech, served up here and via email. SUBSCRIBE HERE to get it in your inbox every Friday.
Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links for which we may receive a small commission if you buy something.