Dang, I thought last week’s post was full! Definitely coming into the busy season with an revamped Force AXS and rainbow Red bits, Cannondale’s ultralight new SuperSix EVO, a wild new urban assault eMTB from Specialized, Industry Nine headsets, affordable e-cargo and eMTBs from Aventon and Fezzari, plus new pedals, hubs, hydration options, and lots more! Here’s the best new stuff this week:
- SRAM Force AXS & more
- Cannondale LAB71 SuperSix
- Colnago C68 Allroad
- Mondraker Dusty
- Specialized Turbo Tero X
- Aventon Cargo Bike
- Last Tarvo enduro bike
- Fezzari Timp Peak eMTB
- Crank Bros Mallet Trail
- Industry Nine Headsets
- Cane Creek IL shocks
- Berd String Hubs
- Hydrapak’s redesign
- The 34oz water bottle!
SRAM Force AXS group gets lighter & shinier
The new SRAM Force AXS group gets lighter and better by borrowing the best features of Red and Rival, and a sparkly new Unicorn Gray finish that shimmers in the sun. The crankarms carry over, but get a Red-level one-piece 2x chainring that saves a lot of weight, with or w/o integrated power meter.
The hoods borrow Rival’s slimmer shape and bring the levers closer to the bar. A new, textured shift paddle is longer so it’s easier to tap, but shallower so it won’t hit the bar or your fingers when braking hard. Combined, it adds up to a group with better performance, ergonomics & looks that drops 94g (and the eTap moniker!).
The SRAM XPLR gravel group officially becomes part of the Force family, with all-new carbon crank arms (with spindle-based, single-side power meter option) and one-piece 1x chainrings (38t-46t). Those, plus the new levers, save 101g over the prior XPLR group with power meter. It also adds larger aero 48t & 50t aero chainrings so you can run the 1x crankset on TT/Tri bikes.
Lastly, there’s also a new Rainbow finish for SRAM Red cassettes (10-28 & 10-33; $377, pre-order now) and chain ($77, pre-order now), plus a new 4-battery USB-C AXS rapid charger ($120, pre-order now).
Campenaerts to race Classified internally geared hub
Lotto DSTNY’s Victor Campenaerts likes a big chainring, and by switching to Classified Cycling’s Powershift wireless, internally geared 2-speed hub, he was able to race a massive 62-tooth chainring at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Now he’s planning to use it in more spring classics. Basically, the system provides 2x range with a 1x setup. Read his interview to hear why he likes it.
Cannondale LAB71 SuperSix EVO super bike unveiled
Cannondale’s LAB71 launches with the all-new SuperSix EVO road bike, which is more aero and lighter than before. Designed as a system, the cockpit, wheels & frame all work together to reduce drag, and everything else is minimized get to just 770g for a fully painted, ready-to-build 56cm frame.
The fully integrated cockpit uses an oblong steerer to minimize frontal area, capped with a stunning MOMO Design handlebar. New HollowGram 50mm wheels and aero bottles & cages round out the LAB71 package…and it fits up to 30mm tires!
The new SuperSix EVO comes in three frame levels – LAB71, HiMod, and Carbon. LAB71 is frameset only for $6,000; complete HiMod & Carbon bikes range from $5,500 to $15,000. (video here)
Colnago C68 Allroad endurance bike
Borrowing all the tech from the C68 Road bike, the new Colnago C68 Allroad fits larger 700×35 tires and sits a little more upright for improved comfort on longer, bumpier rides. Reshaped downtube and stays toughen it up to handle dirt roads, paths, cobbles, and chunky asphalt.
It fits electronic shifting drivetrains only, with Campy, Shimano & SRAM builds topping out at €15,335. A blockchain-powered NFC tag embedded in the downtube proves ownership and provides tech data on each bike.
Mondraker Dusty e-gravel bike
With a user-tunable 55Nm Mahle X20 motor and 350Wh battery proving range up to 180km (122mi) before adding the 171Wh range extender, the new Mondraker Dusty gravel e-bike says “how much time you got?” and MTB-inspired handling says “where you wanna go?”
Dropped, bent seatstays act like a micro rear suspension, and the top model comes with a Rockshox Rudy fork & Reverb XPLR AXS dropper post. It fits 47mm tires, 1x or 2x, has fork cage mounts, and full internal routing so you can strap any bag anywhere on the frame.
Specialized Turbo Tero X is a true adventure eMTB
Built around Specialized’s 2.2 motor, the new Turbo Tero X provides up to 400% assist on a bike meant to go anywhere while hauling all the toys you need when you get there. With 130mm travel forks, 120mm rear travel, and meaty MTB tires, “there” can be anywhere.
The rear rack holds up to 20kg, and a front rack can be mounted by removing the head badge. Full metal fenders and integrated lights make it all season, all day and night. Use their Mission Control app to custom tune the assist modes. Three models offered, all Class III (where allowed) to assist up to 28mph. Yeehaw!
Aventon Abound mini cargo e-bike
With a 440lb total cargo capacity (incl. rider), the compact new Aventon Abound e-cargo bike hauls it all for just $2,199. The step-thru design, 20″ wheels, and quick-adjust dropper seatpost help it fit anyone, and the integrated storage bag holds your essentials.
A 750W rear hub motor is metered by torque-sensor at the pedals (or just use the throttle), powered by a 720Wh battery, and assists up to 20mph and up to 50-mile range. Integrated lights, fenders & turn signals improve safety. Front and rear racks and tons of other accessories outfit it for carrying kids, groceries, whatever.
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Last Tarvo is more than the lightest enduro bike
The made-in-Germany Last Tarvo V2 claims a 2.1kg (4.7lb) with 160mm travel rear, or 170mm with a 27.5 rear wheel. Swap the rocker link, fork & shock and you can convert it between an enduro, all-mountain, trail, or downcountry bike…essentially 4 bikes in 1.
The new V2 gets in-frame storage (bags incl.), titanium lower shock mount, carbon downtube protection (that’s bonded on, not bolted, to save weight), size-specific anti-squat kinematics, and a raw finish that saves 90g over paint (but they’ll paint it if you want, for +€399). Only 100 are made per year.
Fezzari Timp Peak e-nduro mountain bike
The new 170mm Fezzari Timp Peak e-mountain bike combines the La Sal Peak’s enduro geometry with the smooth power of a custom-tuned Shimano EP8 motor and low-mounted battery to create a real ripper. The full-carbon 29er frame (incl. linkage) has a flip chip so you can run it mullet-style, too.
An upright seat angle & long droppers provide a powerful pedaling position, but make it easy to get behind it on the descents. Three builds from $5,999 to $7,499 w/ TRP DH-R EVO brakes and Rockshox Ultimate or DVO Onyx E1 suspension, plus custom-tuned Fox, MRP, Push & EXT upgrade options.
Crank Brothers Mallet Trail MTB pedals
Hitting that perfect not-too-big, not-too-small size, the new Mallet Trail pedals (344g/pair) save 75g off the larger Mallet E(nduro), but are just 24g heavier than the Candy.
Enduro MAX bearings & custom Igus bushings keep them spinning, and the chamfered alloy body scoots off rocks. They sit 5mm wider than the Candy for better heel clearance w/ wider “trail” shoes. $179.99/pair.
Industry Nine launches iRiX headsets
The new Industry Nine iRiX headsets come in three version to fit almost any frame. With 11 colors that you can mix and match between upper and lower cups, top cover, and stem cap, they’ll also fit in with almost any color scheme you’ve got going on.
Inside are Enduro stainless steel bearings w/ lifetime warranty, replaceable double-lip seals, and two spacer rings to customize frame clearance for the top cover. Choose from 5mm or 15mm top covers. MSRP from $165-$215.
Cane Creek Inline shocks get slimmer, tougher
Cane Creek’s Air IL & Coil IL rear shocks get slimmer valve bodies to fit more frames, but thicker, stronger inner damper tubes. External Hi/Lo compression & rebound damping controls are easier to adjust thanks to a built-in tool that doubles as the Climb Switch. Coil preloads add detents for more precise tuning.
Berd Talon string hubs
Berd’s composite fiber spokes are ultralight (2.5g), but require warranty-voiding modification of your hub’s spoke holes to thread them through. Their new Talon hubs have hooks instead of holes, making wheel builds fast and simple. Hubset is ~466g with 36- or 54-tooth ratchet ring internals. (video here)
Hydrapak bladders better than ever
Already the bladder of choice for most not-Camelbak brands, the updated Hydrapak reservoirs add a handle to make filling easier, and the Slide-Seal gets a universal hook to attach to more packs.
The Contour packs move the valve ports to the side, and angle the hip-pack one sideways, for more direct hose routing. The bite valve gets a new open/close lever for easier one-handed use, and they come with a magnetic hose clip, too!
Trek Voda 34oz water bottle
No pack for you? How about a Litera water? ( ←⃪ wait for it ). The new Trek Voda 34 holds 34 ounces. That’s basically one liter. In one water bottle. It’s 30cm (12″) tall, which is the same size as The Big Guy 28oz insulated bottle.
Small Bites
- Here’s why Chat GPT can’t write good cycling content
- Athletic Brewing adds “Suped Up” Super Coffee pre-workout beer
- Here’s aerosolized sports nutrition you spray in your mouth
- Dean & Merlin Titanium Cycles are having a warehouse sale
- Dick’s to buy Moosejaw off Walmart, maybe collab w/ Public Lands
- And Moosejaw’s gear startup finalists are chosen, vote for your fave
- Princeton Carbon wins lawsuit against SRAM over wavy rim profiles
- CABDA has free registration for bike shops
- Shimano S-Phyre road shoes now match your podium champagne
- Proof you don’t need to be “Pro” to be a pro.
- The Uncharted Vault is my new favorite duffel bag
- Porsche brings Greyp e-bikes completely under its wings
- Tifosi adds full coverage Rail XC shades for small/medium faces
- Wild Rye’s spring kits & bibs fit a wider range of women & girls
Deals
- Trek Fest has deals on Trek & Electra bikes, Bontrager bits & more
- 3/3 is last day to save 25-33% on prior Alchemy Arktos models
- Get up to 50% off camping gear in REI’s End of Season Sale
- Get 20% off ALL Santa Cruz & Juliana MTBs at evo.com
- Backcountry has Santa Cruz, Juliana & Yeti bikes 20% off, too
- BikesOnline has Marin & Polygon bikes up to 25% off
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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