Spring is in the air, and everyone’s launching their new bikes. I found two new gravel bikes and tires, new road bikes from Pinarello, Liv & Ridley, a teaser from Cannondale, an ultralight (and ultra-expensive) dream build MTB from Nicolai, an interesting cycling computer that fits in your steerer tube, and lots more! Here’s the best new stuff this week:
- ENVE MOG gravel bike
- Chapter2 KAHA
- Hutchinson gravel tires
- Pinarello X & F series
- Cannondale LAB71
- Liv EnviLiv aero bike
- Ridley Fenix
- Pirelli P-Zero Race TT
- Nicolai Superlight MTB
- Hope Pro 5 MTB hubs
- CoreCap cycling computer
- MTB Jacket buyer’s guide
ENVE MOG gravel adventure bike
The all-new ENVE MOG gets all the best standards to create a proper gravel adventure bike that you can also race. 700x50mm tire clearance, a T47 bottom bracket, fork & top tube bag mounts, and hidden fender mounts are standard.
Ultra-sleek internal routing through their fully integrated cockpit is gorgeous, but the real surprises are the in-frame storage with two included neoprene bags that slide in under the bottle cage cover port, and a SRAM UDH derailleur hanger out back.
Six frame sizes are made in ENVE’s Asian factory, customizable with your choice of four handlebars and two Aero Integrated stems, in whatever width & length you want, to create a ready-to-build $5,500 chassis. Upgrade with ENVE wheels, dropper post, that new CIM bottle cage, etc. Available now thru dealers, including Colorado Cyclist & BTD.
Chapter2 KAHA gravel bike
Despite billing as a gravel racing bike, the new Chapter2 KAHA gets some adventure-worthy features, like triple bottle mounts inside the front triangle (plus another underneath), fork accessory mounts, 700×47 tire clearance, pannier/fender mounts, and dropper post routing.
But it also gets internal downtube storage under the main bottle, full internal routing with their MANA-GRVL one-piece bar/stem (clip on aero-bar compatible!), and geometry designed for stability at speed. Feature similarities to the MOG are uncanny, including its availability only as a frameset (w/ bar, headset, fork, hardware & axles) for $3,599.
Hutchinson 50mm gravel tires
Hutchinson’s gravel tires get bigger 700x50mm sizes. Left to right, the Override (610g) is for hardpack & tarmac, the Touareg (640g) is a fast-rolling mid-knob for dry/firm conditions, and the Tundra (680g) is a full knobby for loose/wet conditions. All three get their 127tpi Tan Hardskin casing for tubeless-ready suppleness with cut and puncture protection.
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Pinarello F-series race bikes, X-Series all-road bikes
Slotting in just under the Dogma F, the 2023 Pinarello F aims to be the race bike for more riders that’s lighter (950g claimed, size 53, unpainted) and slimmer. A streamlined seat cluster with 3D-printed titanium wedge helps with all that, giving them room for larger 700×30 tires without increasing chainstay length.
Slight bends in the seatstays & fork legs improve comfort, but focus is on aerodynamics. Cables/hoses are completely hidden, and their flat-back downtube helps shield waterbottles from the wind, too. Two layups allow a wider price spread across four models.
Meanwhile, the Pinarello X all-road bike gets a taller stack and shorter reach to put you in a more endurance-y position. Slightly longer 415mm chainstays fit 700×32 tires for a bit more cushion, traction & stability on rougher roads.
Chainstays are curvier and carbon is a T600 to soak up more vibration and bumps, but it’s still a performance bike with similar aero shaping and the fully integrated cable routing. Three builds available, pricing TBA.
Cannondale launches LAB71 as their “S-Works” division
After 50 years, Cannondale has pushed a lot of boundaries in design and weight. Their new LAB71 division (C’dale launched in 1971) is where their engineers & designers will have free reign to dream big and get wild, goal being to create the lightest, fastest, and highest performing bikes ever. Get ready to start chasing rainbows on March 1.
Liv EnviLiv women’s aero road bike gets lighter, faster
The 2023 Liv EnviLiv gets 12% lighter, 13.67% more efficient, and 3.9% more aero, with geometry changes to make it more comfortable, too. New truncated ellipse airfoil tube shapes combine with aero bottle cages (yep) and a fully integrated cockpit to reduce drag.
The new Liv Contact SLR aero handlebar gets flat tops and reach/drop figures designed for women’s measurements. Two builds plus a frameset are offered, but it’s not available in all markets (yet?).
Ridley Fenix endurance road bike gets more affordable
Based off the higher end Fenix SLiC/SL, the new Fenix Disc Essential Series maintains the performance and ride quality but subs in a lower cost carbon layup and components (and arguably better paint colors).
Slim seatstays and fork legs, plus a curved top tube, make it comfortable on long rides. Internal routing with semi-integrated cockpits keep it aero-ish. Frame is only 120g heavier than the top SLiC frame. Complete bikes start at just €2,599.
Pirelli P-Zero Race TT road tires drop to 170g
Redesigned with a bit of tread groove, updated Silica-infused rubber, and an ultralight 120tpi casing, the new P-Zero Race TT is a pure race day tire for those who haven’t given up tubes and don’t need much puncture or cut protection. Available in 700×26 (170g) and 700×28 (190g). Price TBA, but you’ll want their ultralight inner tubes to go with them.
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Nicolai Saturn 11 Superlight is a $12k, 21.9lb alloy MTB
With a claimed weight of 9.95kg (21lb 15oz, size M w/o pedals), the Nicolai Saturn 11 Superlight shows how light an alloy trail bike can get if budget is no object. For €11,799 you get the Intend Samurai fork (120mm) w/ DT Swiss shock (105mm) with cockpit from Reset Racing, Intend, Bike Ahead & SQ Lab.
Other ultralight bits are Magura MT8 w/ Storm SL.2 rotors, Pi Rope wheels, Wolfpack 29×2.25 tires (with Tubolito tubes), Tune seatpost clamp, and SRAM XX1 AXS drivetrain.
Hope Pro 5 hubs reduce drag, increase engagement speed
Compared to the Pro 4, the new Hope Pro 5 rear hub jumps from 44 to 108 points of engagement with 3+3 offset pawls, picking up much faster when you start to pedal. A new labyrinth seal and revised pawl spring design dramatically reduce drag for even more speed while still protecting against the worst conditions.
The hub shell is reshaped to be stiffer without adding weight, and a new axle design allows bigger bearings to increase load capacity. It also adds Center Lock and e-Bike specific options. Available March 1. (video here)
CoreCap cycling computer for MTB steerers
If you haven’t already stuck a tool in there, the CoreCap cycling computer replaces your stem cap and lets you customize the data and cycle thru screens by twisting its bezel. Ride data is synced to the app for viewing after the ride, while your preferred metrics are front and center on the bike.
A magnetic tire valve cap pairs with it and tracks mileage. It fits any MTB fork with an open-bottom steerer tube. Their Kickstarter was funded, and they appear headed for production now.
MTB Jacket Buyer’s Guide
Here’s a list of the best jackets for mountain biking I’ve tested. If you need something to keep dry and/or warm on the trail, check it out.
On Stage
Look ma, no margin for error.
Small Bites
- Specialized released a limited edition “Remco’s Reign” Tarmac
- The pros want you to Be Bright, Wear a Light when you ride
- Karoo2 bike computers now show e-bike battery, range as graphics
- Registration for the 50th Mt. Washington Hill Climb opens 3/1
- New Brompton T-Line titanium folding bike is just 16.4lbs
- Speedy’s Hot Sauce is delicious & has a badass cycling graphic
- The Mate SUV e-cargo bike prototype looks rad
- Here’s the evolution of Honda’s bicycle gearboxes
- Rut Track racing gets a lower-case “world championships”
- A $1k titanium balance bike for the kid who has everything
- Wahoo has everything up to 40% off, even Wahoo X memberships
- Get free Motion Plates w/ TACX Neo II trainer purchase by 2/28
The Lunch Ride is a weekly TL;DR recap of the best new cycling products and tech, written for Riders, not Algorithms. SUBSCRIBE HERE to get it in your inbox every Friday.
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