An incredibly light road bike, ultralight XC wheels, and 200g road shoes lead us out, plus a killer Scott concept bike, new SRAM Transmission goodies, lots of eMTBs, kids’ trail bikes, tons of aero wheels, and more! Here’s the best new stuff this week:
- Factor O2 VAM
- Ritte Occulto
- Scott Endorphin concept
- Specialized Torch Lace
- Swiss Side Aero Calf Sleeves
- State Carbon All-Road
- Parcours Paniagua
- Reynolds BL60
- Hunt Gravel Adventure
- SRAM GX Transmission
- Hunt carbon-spoke XC wheels
- Trek EX-e Alloy eMTBs
- Devinci e-Troy
- Borealis Keystone e-fatty
- Patrol kids’ MTBs
- Wolf Tooth T-Type chainrings
- Insta360 GO3
- Kit of the Week
Factor O2 VAM is a 700g aero climber’s road bike
At just 700g for the frame, the new Factor O2 VAM comes as light at 6.4kg (14.1lb), letting pros hit the 6.8kg UCI minimum after adding bottle cages, computers, etc. Yet it’s more than just light, with subtle aero shaping, and a stiff front end for solid handling down the mountain, too.
The top tube tapers at the seat tube, which uses low seatstays and a seatmast (versus post) to allow considerable vertical flex for improved comfort. It fits 32mm tires and comes with new carbon-spoked 1,146g Black Ink 28//32 wheels. An impressive 7 frame sizes come in 3 colors. Framesets start at $6,299, bikes from $9,899.
Ritte Occulto custom titanium road bike
Using a 3D-printed headtube with your choice of integrated cockpit (OTHR, ENVE, FSA or Deda) to completely hide all cables, the new Ritte Occulto comes with a fit assessment and is made to order with full custom geometry.
Starting at $6,350 for the frame w/ENVE fork, options include a seatmast and custom paint/ano/cerakote finishes. Bike shown is just 16.5lbs complete. Coming soon, get on their waitlist if you want one.
Scott Endorphin Race Concept bike reimagines a classic MTB
Inspired by molded carbon tennis rackets, the original Scott Endorphin debuted in 1995 as the first carbon monocoque mountain bike frame. After winning a World Cup, riders (and the industry) took notice. 27 years of practice with carbon has given them some of the lightest and winningest bikes (doesn’t hurt that Nino Schurter is piloting them).
This modern reimagining shares the oversized yet compliant seatstay design, but gets 29er wheels, integrated internal routing, and 3D-printed elements to represent anti-vibration dampers. No word on whether it’ll go into production, but very cool. More pics here.
Swiss Side proves triathletes will buy anything
The new Swiss Side Aero Calf Sleeves use a ribbed front surface to disrupt airflow and create better laminar flow around your lower legs, reducing total drag. They claim an 8-watt savings at 45km/h, saving several minutes off an Ironman bike leg…about as long as it will take you to put them on in T1.
A non-compressive fit won’t affect bloodflow during the bike or run. They come in white only because they found that sublimation dyes adversely affected aerodynamics (and breathability). MSRP $99, three sizes. All joking aside, I love seeing creative ideas like this.
Specialized S-Works Torch Lace 200g road shoes
The Specialized S-Works Torch Lace take their most comfortable road shoe and give it laces, reducing the weight to just 200g (size 42, claimed), 25g lighter than the BOA Torch (and $100 less).
The I-beam carbon sole gives it the same stiffness, and an updated last slopes the upper more toward the outside to hug your foot better. Body Geometry fit helps keep knees and hips aligned. Available in Black, White, Navy and Dune White (shown) in 23 sizes for $350.
State Carbon All-Road / Gravel bike
The new State Carbon All-Road is an extremely affordable yet well-featured road-slash-gravel bike, with top tube, fork, and rear mounts giving you a lot of options for storage. Tire clearance is 700×45 or 650Bx55, frame weight is ~1150g.
Complete bikes start at $1,999 with their house-brand drivetrain, or get it with SRAM Apex AXS for $2,998. Like all their bikes, you can customize the build, cockpit specs, and even opt for ti bolt kits during checkout.
Parcours Paniagua are affordable aero road wheels
Parcours is known for front- and rear-specific rims, mixing depths and shapes to optimize windflow based on where they are on the bike. They’re also known for making really great but really affordable wheels.
The new Paniagua switches to a fixed 42mm depth with the same profile front and rear, and uses a more affordable layup to drop the wheelset price to just $999. Internal width is 21mm, claimed weight is 1600g (745g F / 855g R). Also available with a Classified Powershift-ready rear hub.
Reynolds BL60 DB wheels promise stable aero gains
With a wider 21mm internal rim width (up from 19mm) and updated aero profile optimized for 700×28 tires, Reynolds says their new 60mm deep aero wheels perform like a deeper wheel, but are lighter and more stable in crosswinds so you can stay in your aero tuck for longer.
Available in Pro, Expert, and AR levels, weights range from an impressively light 1500g up to 1640g, with the top model getting custom Industry Nine Road Torch hubs. Prices from $1,449 to $2,299.
Hunt 42 Limitless Gravel Adventure wheels for bikepacking
Designed for loaded bikepacking and rougher, tougher conditions, the new Hunt Gravel Adventure wheels start with their 42 Limitless aero gravel rims, then add more spokes, brass nipples, and a new hub with dual floating ratchets with stronger engagement.
Together, they handle heavier loads, adverse conditions, and the extra torque applied when pedaling a fully-loaded bike up steep offroad climbs. They’re 36mm wide outside, 25mm inside, 42mm deep, and are aero optimized for 38-42mm tires. Weight is 1642g, MSRP $1,649 (pre-order for $1,401).
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Hunt Proven Race XC UD Carbon Spoke wheels are wicked light
At just 1,245g for the set (552g F / 702g R), the new Hunt Proven Race XC UD use UD carbon fiber spokes that weigh just 2.7g each yet are 30% stronger than steel spokes.
The rims are 30mm wide inside, but just 22mm deep, with a compliant front rim layup to help it track the ground better. Rear rim is a few grams heavier thanks to a stiffer, more robust layup that combines with a new 2º engagement hub for rapid, responsive power transfer. The best part? They’re just $1,699 with a pre-order discount before they ship in August.
SRAM GX Transmission group debuts for just $1,099
Barely four months after SRAM’s T-Type launch, the new GX Transmission group brings the tech down to just $1,099 for a complete group, less than half the XX SL version but with all the same tech.
The GX rear derailleur keeps the replaceable scuff guards, outer parallelogram arms, and tool-free cage removal, but protects the AXS battery deeper inside the Full Mount upper, adding a new clasp to secure it. Cranks come with removable bashguards mounted directly to the chainrings.
Setup is the same, without using any adjustment screws and only fitting UDH frames. Claimed group weight is 2,015g w/ battery, about ~165g heavier than XO, but $500 less. Pre-order now, ships 7/24.
Trek Fuel EXe eMTB adds alloy models
Mimicking the carbon version in every way, the new Trek Fuel EXe Alloy eMTB brings the prices down by using a very sleek hydroformed aluminum frame. It keeps the lightweight 50Nm TQ motor with range extender compatibility, offering up to 7 hours of ride time with almost zero motor noise.
The frame has the same 140mm rear travel, 150mm fork, 29er wheels, and MINO link suspension adjustment, but adds an adjustable headset cup for +/- 1º head angle tweaks. Three models range from $5,500 to $7,400, complete bike weights are ~45lbs.
Devinci e-Troy gets a made-in-Canada frame w/ mixed wheels
The 2nd gen Devinci Troy eMTB switches to a dedicated mixed-wheel setup and simpler single-rocker Split Pivot suspension on a much sleeker 6061-T6 alloy frame with full internal routing. And now it’s made in Canada alongside many of the brand’s other aluminum bikes.
It’s powered by you and a Bosch Performance Line CX motor with 85Nm torque and 625Wh battery, compatible with the PowerMore 250Wh external battery. It has 150mm rear wheel travel with 160-170mm forks depending on model.
Borealis Keystone e-Fat Bike
The new Borealis Keystone pairs a Shimano EP8 motor with 630Wh battery and that new SRAM GX Transmission group to create a powerful, almost completely battery-operated fat bike. A 120mm Manitou Mastadon fork and KS LEV dropper post make it even more fun.
Choose from several 26″ and 27.5″ alloy and carbon rims/wheels and a wide range of fat bike tires to match your terrain, or even run it as a 29-Plus bike. Max tire size ranges from 2.8″ up to 5.0″ depending on wheel size. Claimed weight 56lbs, four sizes, MSRP from $6,500. (video here)
Patrol adds premium full suspension MTBs for kids
Patrol has downsized their sleek Hidden Link suspension for two new youth trail bikes, both with Boost hub spacing for easy upgradability. The smaller Patrol 541 gets 138mm rear travel with a Manitou J-Unit 145mm fork rolling on 24″ tires. A 9-speed SRAM drivertain & Maxxis tires complete it for $2,399.
The larger Patrol 571XS (shown) ups travel to 140mm rear with 160mm forks and 27.5″ wheels w/ Maxxis tires, X-Fusion suspension, and a Shimano Deore 12sp group for $2,699.
Wolf Tooth Oval chainrings for SRAM Transmission
Want an oval chainring for your new SRAM Transmission group? Wolf Tooth Components’ updated Oval Drop Stop B chainrings use the same offset and 8-bolt mountain pattern as SRAM’s latest DUB Wide cranksets and are optimized for the new Flattop MTB chains.
They’re also adding 3-Bolt compatible Drop Stop B chainrings, which let you use your older (and likely lighter) SRAM (and some third-party) cranksets with the new Transmission groups and Flattop MTB chains. Check their handy compatibility guide to get the model you need.
Insta360 GO3 might be the coolest action cam ever
The Insta360 GO3 is small enough to stick inside your bike’s frame or strap to a hub, and at 35g you won’t even notice it on your helmet. The included Action Pod adds a wireless screen & remote control, or snap the camera into it to use it as a battery pack to boost run time from 45 minutes to 170 minutes.
With Flowstate stabilization, Horizon Lock, Ultra-wide POV, enhanced 2.7K recording, hands-free voice control, and tons of mounting options, it captures great footage from just about anywhere you can think to stick it. MSRP from $379. Check their video here to see all the features.
Kit of the Week
The Mission Workshop Mission Pro Jersey comes in six awesomely vivid colors (five for women) somehow fits like a second skin without being overly tight or compressive. The front is a bit short when standing, but on the bike they fit exactly like they should, and they dry exceptionally quick.
The Mission Pro Bibshorts come in three colors (same for women) that work well with all of the jerseys. They have a luxurious feel, seamless silicone leg gripper, back pockets, and side pockets just deep enough for a phone but perfect for snacks. Behind them are Dyneema side panels that protect them (and your skin) if you go down…making them perfect for gravel & XC, too. Also available as shorts w/o bib straps.
On Stage
brb, gotta go strategically place some wood ramps downtown…
Small Bites
- The NW Tuneup music & cycling fest is this weekend
- Silca shows how to interpret Zero Friction Cycling’s lube test data
- Here are the 5 highest spending teams at the Tour de France
- Finally! SQ Lab adds Slim & Wide glove sizes, too!
- This is an interesting theory on design & how designers can do better
- Very colorful report on how TdF Femmes has improved the sport
- Here’s what it’s like to be a TdF team’s chef
- IMBA x Shimano’s Dig In program matches local trailbuilding funds
- Join Rapha’s Back to the Berkshires road & gravel rides July 22
- FiveTen releases Brad Simms edition Sleuth DLX shoes
- Apply to become a Bikepacking Roots Route Steward
- Nukeproof updates Megawatt eMTB to be more user friendly
- New Gerber Scout looks like a great 100g bikepacking knife
- Ride the Marin Century’s 60th anniversary ride August 5
- Skratch Crispy Rice Treats now come in variety packs
- Apparently, owning an ENVE bike gets you into special events
- Watch a downhiller blow past a rock climber
- Athletic Brewing has an NA Blackberry Berlinerweiss for summer
- Ford wants to put a battery pack on your car’s roof
- Support OR Timber Trail and you could win a custom Esker MTB
- UT’s Powder Mountain Bike Park is open for the summer
- Here’s a killer photo gallery from the ENVE Grodeo builder show
Hot Deals
- Insta360 has their newest action cams up to 25% off
- Get 25% off a SRAM-equipped Alchemy Arktos MTB
- Specialized shoes and apparel are on sale at JensonUSA
- Backcountry has a lot of CeramicSpeed stuff on sale
- REI has bikes, tools, lights, kits, and more gear on sale
- Pearl Izumi has men’s & women’s kits on clearance
Parting Thoughts
I have a lot of action cams around here. Way more than I can use. A couple of drones, too, plus piles of tires, wheels, handlebars, suspension forks, etc.
It’s an embarrassment of riches that comes with the job. I’m not complaining.
But I’ve noticed, particularly with technical gadgets like action cameras or GPS cycling computers or mapping apps, is that switching between them all the time makes me good at exactly none of them.
I love the idea of the new Insta360 GO3 and all the creative things I could do with it. But I already have the GO2 and I rarely use it because I have to re-learn the controls and settings and app each time I go back to it from GoPro or DJI.
My friend can set up training plans on his Wahoo in a few seconds. It would take me a day to do it and I have five of them. Then I’d forget how a week later because I also have two Hammerhead Karoos, a Bryton, and a Sigma.
I can turn all of them on, but our relationships are superficial. I’m not married to any of them. And I’m less happy with any of them for it.
In contrast, one of my mountain bikes has been with me for six years. Yeah, the shock is probably (definitely) leaking, but I am one with that bike. On newer bikes I’m reviewing, I’m trying to master them. Riding my bike I can master myself.
Shiny new things are fun, but it’s the things that we really get to know that provide the most enjoyment.
So, if you’ve found something that works for you, stick with it. Keep getting to know it until you’ve mastered it. I promise, you’ll be happier.
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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