Öhlins bounces some very unique XC suspension tech, Wilde adds a segmented steel fork, plus aero lights and handlebars and road shoes, carbon brake rotors, freeride-proof MTB wheels square off against pinch flats, a stronger compact cargo e-bike, a reusable helmet, and more cool tech bits. And our new Kit of the Week feature! Here’s the best new stuff this week:
- Ohlins XC suspension
- Wilde Rambler All-Arounder
- Stromer Red Bull Racing e-bike
- Dangerholm Road Bike
- Wahoo KICKR ROLLR goes virtual
- Roval Rapide Cockpit
- Lightskin NACAROAD
- VeloVetta aero road shoes
- CarbonTi rotors
- Wolf Tooth T-Type rings
- DT Swiss freeride MTB wheels
- Tern HSD cargo e-bike
- Uncharted emergency hip pack
- Hedkayse multi-impact helmet
- 1UP USA XD hitch rack
Öhlins RXC34 fork & TXC shocks bring MX tech to XC bikes
The new Öhlins RXC fork and TTXC shocks use motocross tech to bridge high- and low-speed compression for better support without giving up any suspension performance. They’re quite interesting, so I’m giving them a few more words than normal (scroll down if you don’t care about suspension tech).
While their longer travel forks get separate controls, the RXC34 models use a new 100g-lighter OTX14 damper with a single adjustment dial that adjusts high- and low-speed compression in tandem for three distinct modes – Open, Pedal & Lockout – that balance traction and efficiency accordingly w/ blow off valves for bigger hits in the firmer modes.
Parts without a remote lockout also add a separate low-speed compression dial for more fine-tuning. A bulbous chamber on top of the air spring shaft trades positive air volume for more negative volume, giving it a plusher feel off the top while keeping an XC-appropriate spring rate.
Both the forks and shocks add a new trick, putting a Serial Shim Stack between the low-speed needle port and high-speed shim stack, giving them more control over damping oil flow in the “in-between” speeds, creating a pedaling platform without affecting the other damping circuits’ performance.
What’s really unique is that the middle “Pedal” mode starts slightly firmer than “Open”, but stays softer through mid/end stroke since it’s designed for seated pedaling, where you want it to soak up bigger hits but be efficient on smooth terrain. “Open”, on the other hand, starts softer but ramps up to handle bigger hits when you’re standing and descending.
Forks are available with carbon fiber or alloy crown and steerers, and come in 100/110/120/130mm travel options, each with its own optimized air spring.
Weights from 1476 (100mm carbon crown) to 1598g (110/120mm alloy crown), prices from $1,190 to $1,390.
The rear shock comes in two models, a smaller TTXC1 with shorter stroke and less air volume, and TTXC2 with more stroke and volume for bikes with a less progressive linkage and more room in the frame.
Positive and negative volume spacers can be used, plus up to three 2.5mm travel spacers, so shops can stock one shock that covers four different stroke lengths…very clever!
Claimed weights from 245-255g, price is $565. Both fork and shock should start shipping in August.
Lastly, the remote lockout has the same cable pull as Scott’s TwinLock and Orbea’s Squid Lock, so the suspension is immediately compatible with those bikes’ systems, and an adapter lets it work with BMC’s DT Swiss remotes. It even has a mounting point so you can hang your dropper post remote under it, keeping everything under the bar!
Wilde Rambler All-Arounder steel gravel bike
Wilde launched the Rambler SL with a carbon fork just before Sea Otter. Now, the All-Arounder gravel bike pairs the same double-butted chromoly steel frame with a new segmented steel fork to bring the frameset price down to $1,200.
Both use Flat Mount brakes and thru axles, but stick with a straight steerer and threaded BB. Complete bikes from $3,600, available in four sizes.
Stromer ST7 Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition
Featuring a massive 1440Wh battery good for up to 110 miles of range, the limited edition Stromer Alinghi Red Bull Racing ST7 e-bike gets the Americas Cup team livery, 12-speed Pinion transmission, Gates Belt Drive, and 28mph assist.
It has built-in GPS tracking and automatic remote lock/unlock via Bluetooth. MSRP is $13,999, only 350 are offered.
Dangerholm Scott Foil RC “Liquid” road bike
Dangerholm’s Scott Foil RC build started by removing ~100g or paint, then clearcoating with a 38g “Liquid Gold” metallic shimmer green clearcoat that fades to gold in the right light.
Components include a 65g Coco Designs Spline saddle, Syncros integrated cockpit, SRAM Red AXS with Truckstuff C22 brake calipers & Dachle Ultra Light rotors, custom chromed Kogel Kolossos Aero pulley cage, 1450g Bike Ahead aero wheels, METI titanium thru axles, and Sturdy Cycles titanium crankset and chainring. Complete bike weight is 15.67lb (7.11kg), check it all out here.
Wahoo KICKR ROLLR now works with Zwift, RGT, etc.
Originally, you had to have a separate power meter on your bike for the Wahoo KICKR ROLLR to connect to Zwift, RGT, and other virtual cycling apps. Now you don’t, but it’ll only show speed and your movement, so you’ll still need a power meter for e-sport competitions.
Roval Rapide one-piece cockpit saves a foot in a sprint
Designed to optimize aerodynamics at the front of the bike, Roval claims their new one-piece Rapide Cockpit saves 4 watts at World Tour sprint speeds, which is good enough for 32cm over 250m. So, if you routinely lose your local city limit sprints, maybe this is the bar/stem for you.
The drops flare slightly for easy transitions and comfy wrist clearance. Available in 15 width x length sizes, all with -6º rise, it’s full carbon with ti bolts and comes in around 330g (100×420). MSRP $600.
LightSKIN NACAROAD aero bike headlight
The LightSKIN NACAROAD headlight uses a NACA profile aero shape to reduce drag and a two-piece projector assembly to put a bright patch of light directly where you need it without blinding oncoming traffic.
This new “International” version adds two blinking modes (Day, Night) that help cars see you better and prolong battery life. Available pretty much everywhere but Germany, which doesn’t allow blinking lights on bikes. GoPro-style mount required, making it perfect for stacking under your cycling computer.
VeloVetta Monarch is the most aerodynamic road bike shoe
Designed to have a smooth frontal area with aerodynamic trailing edge, the VeloVetta Monarch claims to be the most aero road bike shoe ever. Made in Italy, they’re wind tunnel-tested to shave up to 4m20s off a 5-hour century.
The Fastlock flip closure is hidden in the tail, which pulls a cable to snug the top flap over your foot. Flip it down for quick release, snap it shut to lock your foot in place in just seconds, perfect for quick triathlon transitions. A dial lets you preset the desired tension. Available in sizes 38-47, MSRP $405.
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Carbon-Ti X-Rotor SteelCarbon disc brake rotors
The new Carbon-Ti X-Rotor SteelCarbon 3 disc brake rotors use a steel braking surface with carbon fiber carrier, mated with semi-floating titanium rivets. Brake track is 1.8mm thick with rounded edges to comply with UCI rules.
The Center Lock design adds an alloy interface with titanium faceplate. Weights from 68-98g for 6-bolt, and 86-116g for Center Lock, both with 140/160/180mm options. MSRP from €185-220…each.
Kogel Kolossos oversize pulley now for Shimano 105
Kogel Kolossos 105 brings their oversized pulley and stiff machined alloy cage to Shimano’s 105 group. It fits the R7100 mechanical and Di2 derailleurs with Short (SS) and Medium (GS) cages. They’re on presale for $100 off until June 11, available in Black, Gold, Red, and custom colors.
Wolf Tooth Drop-Stop B chainrings for SRAM Transmission
Well, that didn’t take long. Wolf Tooth Component’s new Drop-Stop B chainrings optimize the tooth profile to work with SRAM’s Flattop MTB chains, letting you swap them out for any 8-bolt, direct-mount SRAM crankset. 3mm and 0mm offsets keep the chainline at the recommended 55mm.
Available in 30/32/34/36 tooth counts for $80-85, weights from 65g to 77g. They’re also working on versions for 104BCD, Race Face CINCH & SRAM 3-bolt direct mount cranks, too, letting you use your current/favorite crankset with the new T-Type groups.
DT Swiss freeride wheels square off against pinch flats
The new DT Swiss FR1500 wheels are aimed at aggressive freeride, bikepark, and enduro riders that tend to trash wheels and tires. The new rim profile uses a broad, square bead hook with rounded corners to reduce pinch flats.
They’re laced with fewer DT Competition spokes in the front to save a bit of weight, and get 240 hubs with 36-tooth ratchet rings. Inside width is 30mm, claimed weights from 1928g, 29er and 27.5 sizes offered, priced from $1,153.
Tern HSD cargo e-bike now stronger than ever
Now rated for up to 397lb loads (including driver), the updated Tern HSD is still one of the most compact cargo e-bikes, making it easy to handle when handling more stuff.
The frame is stiffer throughout, and rear rack now handles up to 176lbs (80kg), perfect for (some) adult passengers. The Bosch Smart System lets you manage modes & lock/unlock it from an app, and it can stand upright on its tail for really compact storage. MSRP from $4,299 plus accessories. (video here)
Uncharted Supply Park Pack waterproof hip pack
Uncharted Supply makes compact, well-equipped first aid and survival kits, smartly packed into purpose-built packs (or sized to fit in your own pack). The new Park Pack is their first hip pack, and its waterproof design keeps contents dry…and lets it float.
The waist straps use MOLLE loops to attach included water bottle pockets, or let you attach other gear, bear spray, pouches, etc. MSRP is $119, or bundle with their compact (and excellent) Triage Kit for $149.
Hedkayse indestructible, multi-impact bicycle helmet
The Hedkayse M24 helmets use their Enkayse liner, which meets safety standards hit after hit, unlike EPS foam that’s designed to be replaced after one impact.
The design is also foldable, making it easy to store in a bag, and these limited edition ones use upcycled lorry tarpaulin for the shell rather than virgin plastic, making them more eco-friendly and giving each one a unique look. MSRP $191.
1UP USA XD rack handles 150lbs per tray
Got a bunch of heavy e-bikes? Or a sweet e-Moto? Need to transport it? The new 1UP XD (for Xtreme Duty) fits 2″ hitches and starts at $850 for a one-bike unit. Add up to two more trays, each rated for 150lbs, thanks to oversized beams and bolts and everything else.
Kit of the Week
There are so many cool cycling kits out there, I figured I’d start featuring one per week. This week it’s the Search & State Big Block Lightweight Zephyr jersey and S4 Performance Bib Short.
The jersey is between a race and club fit: trim, yet soft and comfortable. Really skinny roadies should size down. Ultralight side mesh panels vent heat, and tiny side pockets are great for stuffing wrappers. Rear pockets could be a bit tighter, and they’re just deep enough for a non-plus iPhone, so keep tabs on contents if you’re getting gravelly.
The bibs have a luxury feel and a chamois that works great for long, planted, base-building rides, and the navy blue color works great with the jersey’s floral back.
Small Bites
- Here’s how we end up with too many standards
- USAC Road Nationals head to Knoxville, TN, June 22-25
- The Engine Inside will premiere at the 2024 Philly Bike Expo
- MADE Handmade Bike Show tickets are now on sale
- PAS Normal’s Strava Challenge offers a special jersey deal
- Scuderia Pinarello is creating mentors for cyclists
- Free color pins on Crank Bros Mallets w/ code RACESEASON
- Giant has a new Glory DH race bike
- LA Bike Academy is raffling Caicedo’s 2021 Giro Cannondale bike
- Ride w/ GPS now shows your routes in Map View on mobile
- BWR Canada was won on Classified’s internal gear hub
- Jamis Bikes’ founder Ron Jamis passes away
- Santini kit wash bag reduces micro-plastic particle release
- Here’s a cool universal handlebar roll bag mount
- Support Sierra Trails and you could win a kick-ass klunker
- Here’s a wild concept bike for Olympic Track racing
Deals
- Pactimo Summer Stages Sale has kits & jackets up to 60% off
- Mission Workshop has everything 15% with code FD15
- Pivot MTBs are on sale at Competitive Cyclist
- REI has gear deals up to 50% off (or more)
- Garmin’s Father’s Day Sale has all the gadgets
I’m curious…
What did you think of the deeper dive on Öhlins in this issue? Typically, I’ve done a separate post for bigger items (like the new Campy SRW or SRAM Transmission), but I thought I’d try it here and see what you think.
Hit reply and lemme know if you like having an occasional longer-form product story in the weekly newsletter, or if you like it better short and sweet, with separate posts for bigger news.
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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