It’s no secret SRAM has a direct-mount Eagle AXS rear derailleur in development, and now it’s finally out in the wild on World Cup team bikes…like this also-not-yet-released BMC full suspension XC race bike being ridden by Titouan Carod and Filippo Colomboin at the Les Gets World Cup XCO.
The bike switches from the BMC Fourstroke’s upright shock layout to a vertical placement under the top tube, and straighter seatstays, but it’s hard to tell much else…like whether it’ll still use their integrated dropper seatpost.
Prototype SRAM Direct Mount Eagle AXS rear derailleur
A few years back, SRAM introduced the Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), which standardized the very part that would allow for a single direct-mount derailleur design to happen. Brilliant, really.
The direct-mount derailleur appears to sit much farther inboard, with an oversized mounting bracket locked into place by the thru axle. Even the battery looks more protected. The cassette’s top three cogs appear pinned, rather than machined, perhaps in a bid to make them more affordable without (hopefully) gaining any weight. The Flat Top chain design is new for MTB, too, and gets cutouts to save weight.
Pivot Shuttle LT e-mountain bike juices up for all-day enduro
The new Pivot Shuttle LT enduro eMTB goes bigger to go longer and harder. While their recent Shuttle SL went the lightweight route, the new LT model wins the measuring contest with a massive (and custom) 756Wh battery powering a Shimano EP800 motor that’ll deliver up to 6 hours of ride time!
Inspired by their Firebird, it’s designed to pop and rip like any other Pivot thanks to a low-slung battery position floating on 160mm DW-link rear travel and a 170mm fork, plus a stiff carbon frame and top shelf Fox/Shimano spec. Monstrous brakes bring its ~50lb mass to a stop. It comes in two builds, Ride (XT/SLX; $9,899) and Team (XTR; $11,999). Pivot now has three Shuttle models covering all the travel ranges.
Zwift makes it easier to find clubs & activities, Urukazi map coming
Zwift’s updated Homescreen UI just made it easier for you to find relevant Clubs, Workouts, Pace Partners & Group Rides. It’s nearly 100% rolled out on desktop & tablets, AppleTV gets the upgrade this fall. Monthly race series start now with a new stage every week, and the ZRL gets fairer with updated hardware requirements & category enforcements.
Level 5+ Zwifters can create a club, now with up to 10k members. Or chase your own tail with new Holographic replays of your best efforts, pushing you to improve your own times. And just in case the kudos pings weren’t enough, you can get push notifications on chats now, too.
Also in the works are new roads, including asphalt, gravel, and sand surfaces on an expansion of Makuri Islands called Urukazi. These Japan-inspired tropical islands will have a new paddock and 10-12 miles (16-19km) of new road with 8 new launch routes and a mega 25+ mile “uber route”. Check the full This Season On Zwift update for more.
Major recalls from Trek & Specialized
Trek is recalling ALL of the 2022 Speed Concept SLR tri bike, 2021-22 Emonda SLR road bike, and 2020-22 Bontrager Aeolus RSL VR-C handlebar/stem unit because the carbon base bar and handlebar/stem could crack if overloaded. Stop riding these models immediately and contact your local Trek dealer.
Specialized is recalling a lot of 1st generation Levo & Kenevo e-mountain bike batteries (ones with control panels on the left side of the battery) because water could reach the circuit board and cause a short that could cause a fire. They estimate that fewer than 15% of battery packs are affected but recommend all owners bring the bike to their local dealer for inspection.
VeloColour Pro Bike Tool Case
The new VeloColour Pro Bicycle Tool Case takes all your random bike tools and organizes them in a soft-sided travel case that doubles as a great home storage platform.
Pull the inserts out and hang them on a pegboard and you’ve got quick access in your workshop. Stick them back into the tough 1000D cordura case and head to the races. It has 40 pockets with flap covers to keep your stuff from flying out when you open it. Made to order for $295 CAD (~$225 USD right now).
Magene Tail Light Radar adds cheap safety
Coming in at ~$130, the Magene L508 Radar Tail Light’s 40º beam angle can detect vehicles, even those coming around a bend, from up to 140m away. It not only alerts you, it automatically flashes for 2 seconds when it detects a vehicle. An accelerometer brake light adds even more awareness for those behind you.
The 220º light can be seen from 1.2km away and has 5 modes, including Radar-only & Peloton mode for group riding. Compatible with most popular Garmin, Wahoo, and Bryton GPS cycling computers. Features look killer, but it’s a little sus we only see it on Ali Express, so maybe wait for some reviews…or the Bryton Gardia.
PINND CS2s flat pedals are made for small feet
If you’ve got a small-footed shredder around the house (kid or adult), the new PINND CS2s are serious flat pedals made for shoe sizes up to 39EU / 7US / 6UK. The platforms are 86x90mm and have a narrower Q-factor.
They spin on titanium spindles, weigh just 334g per pair, and come with pointier “Aggro” pins, but shorter, stubbier “Friendly” pins are sold separately. MSRP is £155 ($125US).
Spawn creates a legit 22″ full suspension kid’s mountain bike
If your lil’ shredder needs a bike, too, the new Spawn Rokk 20/22 kid’s full suspension MTB converts between 20″ and 22″ wheels, with a flip chip adjusting geometry to suit either wheel size. A Rockshox trunnion-mount Deluxe rear shock and Brood Eldorado fork deliver 100mm travel front and rear.
A wide range 10-speed SRAM GX drivetrain with 130mm Brook cranks, SRAM Level hydraulic brakes, and kid-sized cockpit give them everything they need to shred for $2,600. Also available in 24/26 and 26/27.5 wheel size models.
DeFeet adds “Match My Kit” colors to Evo Mont Ventoux cycling socks
Using their new Sub360 color sublimation process, DeFeet has taken their lightweight, warm-weather Evo socks and added a LOT more colors. Originally available in hi-vis blue, pink, yellow, and orange, now you can match virtually any kit as long as you’re willing to wait 10 days for them to ship.
The 6″ cuff has a lingerie-like textured weave, which creates big pockets for heat and sweat to escape, with extra Lycra to create a bit more compression. Made to order, they run $24.99 per pair, available in S thru XL.
On Stage
Teton Gravity Research’s Esperanto is finally available for streaming. Who needs words when we speak the international language of Shred? Trailer above, hit the link to watch the full film.
Small Bites
- Vittoria’s latest whitepaper explains innertube materials
- Join People for Bikes’ Biketoberfest Challenge to earn a badge
- Wolf Tooth’s Morse Code Ti bottle cage gets ltd. Khaki Cerakote
- Enter to win prizes from Wolf Tooth, Topo Designs & Untapped
- The Women of OZ MTB Summit is in Bentonville on 9/16-17
Mega Labor Day Bike Deals!
- evo’s Summer Sunset Sale has bike stuff up to 70% OFF
- REI’s Labor Day & Clearance Sale is still going strong
- e*Thirteen takes 25% OFF every product they make at checkout
- Aventon has $50-$150 off bikes, plus 20% off accessories
- Use code “laborday50” to get 50% off everything at Speedsleev
- Get 20% OFF Outdoor Tech’s speakers, powerbanks & more
- OBED’s carbon gravel bikes, MTBs are all on sale w/ free shipping
- Pactimo’s Artist & Lab Series kits are on sale, other kits up to 70% off
- Club Ride’s laid-back ride apparel is up to 50% OFF sitewide
- Wahoo’s ELEMNT Roam, KICKR and KICKR Bike are on sale
- Use code LABORDAY25 for 25% OFF at DeFeet, excl. Sub360
- Chrome’s bags never go on sale, except for right now.
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