Earlier this week I shared two roundups (here and here) of major new bikes and gear from brands. Here’s a few more big ones that came in while I was at the show (plus three from Eurobike) before I get to my super mega roundup…
Allied BC40 mountain bike launches, proven in Bentonville
Thus far known only for their made-in-Arkansas road and gravel frames, Allied Cycles’ BC40 puts them on the singletrack with a lightweight trail bike designed for speed. It doesn’t hurt that they have Bentonville’s massive trail network to test its 120mm front and rear travel.
With a slack 66.5º and steep 76º seat angle, it has aggressively modern trail-bike geometry for its travel. The linkage-driven single pivot design relies on flex seatstays to work, a hallmark of efficient designs. That, and a 1,950g (4.3lb) frame weight has them aiming it at marathon racing. Price is $5,590 for a frameset, complete bikes start at $7,625 and go well north from there. Video here.
Giro Formula trail shoes look rad, new gloves aren’t bad
Shown above right, the new Giro Formula / Formula Pro trail mountain bike shoes combine near XC stiffness with all-day comfort to create a high-performance “Fun Country” trail shoe that’s as much for pedaling as descending.
Outsoles use a new Sensor rubber they say is durable yet grippy, working well in the wet without being overly sticky. The real fancy bit is that it’s co-molded with the carbon-composite sole, which is shaped with smaller lugs under the rubber, giving the tread blocks better support with less weight while also eliminating adhesive and any chance of delamination. Women’s version, too, Pro version adds the extra Boa dial. Retail is $250/$300, coming late Fall
On the left are the new Tracker & Tracker Fastlace ($130/$110, available soon), which are a tech-looking shoe that’s both casual MTB and commuter friendly. Non-clipless, they’re perfect for flat pedals.
The new Gnar Glove gets d3O bash guards for impact protection, with eco-friendly Renew Airprene back and Bravo microfiber palm. For roadies, the Supernatural Light uses Elastic Interface’s amazing seamlessly padded palm and ditches the closure for a sleeker, more aero look. Both $50, late Fall.
Giro Ethos MIPS commuter helmet has turn signals
Aimed at the dedicated commuter, the new Giro Ethos MIPS bike helmet has front and rear lights that double as turn signals.
Using a Bluetooth handlebar remote, you can switch between solid and blinking modes, and activate left and right turn signals. Don’t worry, they’ll turn off after 120 seconds if the remote’s beeping doesn’t remind you, so you’re not “that guy” riding along forever with your signals on. Retail is $250, or $280 with visor, available late fall.
Spur Cycle’s minimalist rearview mirror clips to your cycling cap
This is one of those things that seems so simple, but they’ve been working on (and off of) it for years. And they’re still fine tuning the amount of pivot and placement, whether it needs to telescope, etc.
The Spur Cycle rear view cycling mirror will come with a universal visor that fits behind the front padding on most helmets, or you can clip it to your existing cycling cap. Retail is aimed at $40, target release in Summer 2023 (along with a glasses-mounted version, too).
Stages Dual Side power meters for Shimano 12-speed road cranks
The new Stages Power LR dual-sided crank arm power meters for Shimano’s 12-speed road groups are almost available for Dura-Ace R9200 & Ultegra R8100. They’re a bit different than other models: To fit the new drive-side crank arm’s shape and design, those strain gauges are now on the top and bottom of the crank arm rather than the back.
Left-side only is available now. Factory installs and send-in-your-own-crankset kits for dual/right-side come out in the Fall. All have +/-1.5% accuracy. Dura-Ace will run $1,189 dual, $740 right-only & $500 left-only. Ultegra is $840 / $500 / $435. Prices include arms and chainrings as applicable.
Bell Falcon XR/XRV road helmets get huge rear lights
The new Bell Falcon XR/XRV MIPS helmets borrow the deep coverage, Fidlock buckle, and large vents from their higher-end MIPS spherical helmet, then add a few killer features of their own. Relying on the far more affordable MIPS Evolve system, the Bell Falcon helmets cost just $120 to $150.
Available in 20 colors, choose from the standard model, one with a Blackburn Grid COB light, a visor, or both. The light is USB-C rechargeable and available separately, too for $20. For an all-around bike helmet, it looks pretty good, and we like that the light is actually big, not dinky. Claimed weight is 305g without light or visor.
BMC ICS MTT suspension stem for road, gravel bikes
Ample acronyms (and apparently aliteration) aside, the new BMC suspension stem combines their ICS (integrated cockpit systems) and MTT (micro travel technology) to create an adjustable stem that adds compliance and hides the cables.
Availalbe in 72/80/90/100/110mm lengths (all 0° angle), it comes with five elastomers so can tune it to your body weight, terrain, and prefs. It’s a single (oversized) pivot design, so the bars will tilt slightly as it compresses, but with just 20mm travel, it won’t be much. Available on their URS 01 One gravel bike now, and aftermarket for €250.
Fizik Vento Stabilita road cycling shoes add massive arch support
By combining a stiff carbon sole with adjustable plantar arch support that wraps around the exterior and under your foot, the Fizik Vento Stabilita literally wraps your foot into the shoe. Two small BOA Li2 dials give you independent control over instep and forefoot adjustments.
A large intake on the front of the sole moves air under your foot to the mesh section, and a microfiber-over-mesh helps the top breathe, too. Meant as a race shoe, they’ve moved the cleat position back slightly to give riders in a racy, aero position better pedaling efficiency and comfort. Claimed weight is 247g (prob size 42), 36-48 available. This “Team Edition” is $410 / €410 / £385, but other colors are a little less.
Maxxis Forekaster “downcountry” MTB tire gets complete overhaul
With taller, larger, sharper knobs in the center, and a more consistent, straight row of side knobs, the all-new Maxxis Forekaster pushes into proper trail bike category.
Originally a wet-weather XC tire, with more spacing between smaller knobs to bite through light mud, the Forekaster is now aimed at a wider variety of trail conditions, especially loose and wet. And it’s bigger, only available in 29×2.4 with a claimed weight just under 950g with their EXO sidewall protection. Choose from Dual Compound or 3C Maxx Terra, prices from $83 to $101. Available now (which means old ones are on sale).
Small Bites
- People For Bikes wants nominations for cycling advocacy Bike Champions
- Powder Mountain, a new lift-served bike park in Utah, just opened
- Jackson Hole’s Mountain Bike Park is open for the summer, too
- Alchemy will now buy you a drink (and hotel) when you pick up a new bike
- You should put the ENVE Grodeo on your 2023 calendar
PRO TIP: See something you like here? Share this with a friend. Want more? Check out our pre-Eurobike Roundup #1 and Roundup #2, too.
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