This week, it’s all about extremely lightweight, high-end bikes, wheels, and component upgrades, including Dangerholm’s first-ever official product collaboration!
Cannondale SuperSix EVO Leichtbau’s 750g road frame
The new Cannondale SuperSix EVO Leichtbau (“Lightweight”) frame is just 750g painted w/ all hardware. Starting with the SuperSix EVO’s truncated aero tubes and fully integrated routing, they refined the carbon and layup to save 90g compared to the Hi-Mod model. The Leichtbau fork is 385g, 4g lighter than the Hi-Mod fork (Cannondale says there’s more opportunity to pull weight from frames than forks).
It also gets their vertically compliant SAVE stays and post, plus 30mm tire clearance with SpeedRelease thru axles, making it a well-rounded race bike, just much lighter. It gets a custom black chrome graphcis scheme and machined derailleur hanger. Frameset MSRP is $5,200 USD, only 200 are being made.
Zipp 808 Firecrest & 858 NSW wheels get faster, lighter, cheaper
Like the 303 and 404 series, the new Zipp 808 Firecrest and 858 NSW wheels switch to a hookless tubeless design, shaving hundreds of grams (and dollars, because hookless rims are easier to manufacture) off prior versions.
The 808 Firecrest is 82mm deep, yet weighs just 1635g (752g F/883g R), or 280g lighter than the prior model. The 858 NSW has an undulating 77mm/82mm wave pattern and weighs 1530g (719g F/811g), 243g lighter than before.
Both use 23mm wide (internal, up from 18mm) hookless rims that are tubeless only, optimized for 28mm wide tires. Wider tubeless tires at lower pressures is what makes them faster by increasing efficiency… and comfort, so you’re faster for longer.
BFirecrest rims use Zipp’s trademark dimples, NSW puts those dimples into spiraled grooves. Both smooth airflow over the surface, and the NSW’s sawtooth shape improves crosswind stability. 808 Firecrest are $2,300 and 858 NSW are $4,400. XDR/HG/Campy N3W freehub bodies available.
1,199g Bontrager Kovee RSL are probably the lightest MTB wheels
The new Bontrager Kovee RSL XC mountain bike wheels are the lightest production hoops you can buy, yet they have no rider weight limit, fit 2.0-2.6″ tires, and get a lifetime warranty. Jolanda Neff and Evie Richards rode them to World Cup and Olympic podiums.
Weighing in at 1,199g, the OCLV carbon rim itself is just 315g. They’re 29mm wide internally, but just 22mm deep. That shallow, compliant profile gets thick, rounded, hooked beads for an ultralight rim that’s also sturdy and impact resistant. MSRP is $2,499 with DT240 hubs and XD, MicroSpline, or HG freehubs.
Vittoria Ultra Light Speed innertubes
If ultralight frames and wheels aren’t enough, the new Vittoria Ultra Light Speed TPU innertubes will drop serious grams from your saddlebag or pack. They’re not only 70% lighter than standard rubber tubes, they’re also 14% faster (lower rolling resistance) and 57% more puncture resistant. And they pack down much, much smaller.
They’re €30 each and come in a 700×25-30 size with repair kit and 60mm valve stem. A removable valve core not only makes them 100% recyclable, but also compatible with extenders for rims deeper than 50mm. Intended for disc brake use only as rim braking’s heat can affect their durability.
Porsche developing e-bike motors, batteries
Your e-bike may soon be Powered by Porsche. The high performance vehicle brand has already been pushing electric vehicles to their extremes. Recent acquisitions of Greyp bikes and Fazua see them putting more attention on bicycles.
They’re combining their expertise with those acquisitions’ teams to develop their own Porsche motors, batteries, and e-bike drive systems. They also helped design a Star Wars spaceship.
Muc-Off makes 11-speed Dura-Ace faster than 12-speed
Or, at least, it makes the chains move faster. And that’s on top of Muc-Off saying that Shimano’s 11-speed chains are already 36.6% faster than their 12-speed chains.
By optimizing the angle and articulation, giving it a stiff carbon+titanium cage, hardened bearing races, and coated alloy pulleys, the Muc-Off L.O.P.S. 2.0 most efficient oversized derailleur pulley cage upgrade on the market. It’s just 79.4g, and the extremely limited, formerly-pro-only part is £999.99.
Dangholm’s Kogel Kolossos oversize pulley cage
If you want one that’s even more limited, only 30 Dangerholm x Kogel Kolossos oversize pulley cages will be made. They’re $524.99 each and, naturally, have a raw finish on the cage and bearing covers, rose anodized titanium bolts, and pink champagne Cerakoted pulley wheels.
It’s a tribute to the latest Dangerholm Hyper Spark project bike, which comes in at just 20.26lb (9.19kg). Available for 12-speed SRAM Eagle (AXS & mechanical) and Shimano XT/XTR derailleurs only, it’s shown on a heavily modified SRAM unit in the top photo. Watch the bike build process here.
On Stage
This week we have two wild POV ride-alongs. Above, watch the entire run of mayhem that is Megavalanche. Below, see Jesse Melamed’s winning run at EWS Whistler’s pro stage.
Pairs Well With…
I’m already a huge fan of 10 Barrel Brewing’s sours, so when they offered to send this collab with Denver’s Goldspot Brewing, um, yes. Out Loud is the first beer inspired by Everywhere is Queer, a group that maps our LGBTQ+ friendly spots, but it likely won’t be the last as more breweries team up for limited runs.
Out Loud is a hazy IPA that stays far from the “juicy” category. The flavor is mild, but distinct. I’d call it a minutely piney front end, but with a clean finish. I could be wrong. I have no idea what South African hops are supposed to add, but I liked it. Available while they last, but you can follow the Out Loud Beer Project to catch the next one.
Small Bites
- The ENVE gravel dropper seatpost and lever are now shipping
- REI’s bike and component sale is extended thru 8/14
- Handup’s Lone Star Beer collab includes gloves, socks & shirts
- Reynolds Tubing’s environmental impact study is actually interesting
- Get 30% Off most DeFeet socks w/ code SENDIT30 thru midnite 8/12
- Got a bike adventure planned? Apply for the Esker Ride Scholarship
- Car camping? Luno kits convert cars into campers & they’re on sale
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 The Lunch Ride in your inbox every Friday.
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