I’m keeping it short this week since I’m at the MADE Show in Portland, but as always there are links to more cool stuff I found in Small Bites. Here’s the best new stuff this week:
- Fox Transfer NEO
- No22 Reactor prototype
- Ritte Occulto
- Santa Cruz Bronson
- Feedback’s new tools
Fox Transfer NEO is the fastest wireless dropper seatpost
Fox recently updated their standard droppers with longer travel and easier actuation, but the new Fox Transfer NEO introduces an all-new wireless protocol called NEO that’s more than 100x faster than Bluetooth, and 20x faster than their nearest competitor. This not only makes it feel instant, but also makes micro adjustments easier.
The battery/receiver is at the collar rather than the saddle clamp, creating more tire clearance on long-travel bikes. Despite appearances, they say this also gives it a lower overall stack height. The lever looks and feels like standard remote levers, but with a much shorter throw so you can rotate it further under the bar for better thumb knuckle clearance, and it sits closer to the bar.
The app gives you Transport Mode to save battery during travel, and Bike Park Mode to prevent accidentally tapping the lever and raising the saddle mid-shred, plus OTA updates and service reminders. Available in 30.9, 31.6, and 34.9 diameters with up to 200mm travel. MSRP $859. (video here, available now at BikeTiresDirect)
No.22 Reactor 3D-printed aero titanium road bike
This prototype No.22 Reactor road bike has a 3D-printed titanium frame with carbon fiber seat tube that has 30-40% less drag than their current most integrated frame. The entire BB shell and chainstay section maximizes stiffness, and the rest of the frame tempers that to maintain ti’s signature ride quality.
The production version will use 3D-printed sections with traditional shaped, butted, and machined tubes & parts, but maintain most of this concept’s radical shaping. Delivery planned for 2025.
Ritte Occulto AR titanium all-road bike
Also using 3D-printed titanium, the new Ritte Occulto AR has a printed head tube & dropouts to provide smooth, sleek lines and hide all brake lines internally, with traditional custom-butted tubes and shapes elsewhere.
It clears 40mm tires and comes with your choice of brushed or satin finishes, and every bike is made-to-order with custom geometry. Framesets from $6,350, complete bikes from $10,000.
Santa Cruz Bronson gets shreddier
The 5th gen Santa Cruz Bronson gets big updates to its suspension, with a lot lower anti-squat thanks to moving the lower VPP link lower and more forward, providing a “plush, open feel with a lot of traction”.
It’s still plenty pedalable when it’s time to go up, but the focus is on the kind of descending performance that makes you wanna stay off the brakes. It’s an MX wheel setup with 150mm rear travel and 160mm forks. Bikes from $4,999 to $8,999. (video here, available now at Competitive Cyclist)
Feedback Sports’ new Hex & Torx wrenches
A great set of wrenches turn bike maintenance from a chore to fun, and the new Feedback Sports Hex wrench set and Torx wrench set do just that. They’re both made of S2 Tool Stee and are magnetized to help pick (or not drop) bolts.
The hex set includes a tiny 1.5mm (bonus!) and has anti-slip ribbed heads on the short end and faceted ball ends on the other. The Hex set covers T10 up to T50, making them great for more than just bike stuff. MSRP is $30 per set.
Small Bites
- Kona’s new Remote 160 DL and 180 X eMTBs are live.
- Wheels Mfg’s Solo Spline singlespeed kits are now shipping
- SendIt Defender 15 is a sweet new backcountry hydration pack
- Crank Bros’ $6 Cleat Tool makes any MTB cleat installation easier
- Insta360’s new app makes video editing faster & easier than ever
- Genesis has updated their Croix de Fer steel adventure bike
- Wireless shifting modder Archer Components is shutting down
Hot Deals
- Up to 50% off everything in Competitive Cyclist’s Summer Sale
- Pearl Izumi’s excellent kits are 25% off sitewide thru 9/2
Parting Thoughts
I’m out the door to check out sweet custom handmade bikes at MADE Show. If you’re in Portland this weekend, definitely swing by, there are a lot of great bikes and components on display!
If not, here’s hoping you get out for a great ride.
Cheers,
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.
Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links for which we may receive a small commission if you buy something. All photos are copyrighted by and used courtesy of their respective brands unless otherwise noted.