The Schwalbe Tacky Chan has a surprise up its sleeve: it's less draggy and tiring on…
… Hunt Proven Carbon Race XC UD wheels, Patrol full-sussers for kids, more ticket availability for Fort WiIliam World Champs and revised Nukeproof Megawatt. They’re all here in this week’s compilation of this week’s most-interesting-things-in-our-inbox!
Scott press release:
Endorphin: The Bike That Started It All
27 years later, we bring a design classic into the modern perspective. And ask, what’s next? Re-introducing the Endorphin: the bike that made history and inspires the future.
Givisiez, Switzerland. SCOTT Sports, for many decades, has been leading the industry, building the world’s lightest and fastest bikes according to three brand values: Innovation, Technology and Design. And almost no single product defined this approach more sharply than the Endorphin: The Bike That Started It All. Today, 27 years later, we bring a design classic into the modern perspective and ask, what’s next? A collaborative project between the Endorphin’s original designer and our Lead Designer today explores how a bike that made history would be reimagined in the modern day.
To innovate, the first approach is to think outside the box. In seeking the next step in bike design, SCOTT didn’t look to competition but found inspiration in an unlikely corner of the sporting world: tennis rackets. Their moulded carbon shape, unlike any other product in the early 90s, sparked the idea for the world’s first monocoque bike frame, carving the way to explore exactly what carbon was capable of. The Endorphin gave SCOTT engineers the opportunity to experiment with carbon in a totally new way, treating it as its own material, with its own properties rather than forcing it into the shapes of alloy and steel. With different layups – directions and thicknesses – almost anything became possible, including the Endorphin, with its iconic seat stay design, compliant ride feel, and its industry-redefining light weight.
The Endorphin introduced tech innovations that quite simply changed the industry, helping to inform and develop innovations for many years to come. And not just at SCOTT, but across the whole biking world. The project reached its peak with World Cup wins, cementing its legendary status and showing the world what was possible.
At that time, the Endorphin had already made it’s mark in the race world with Swiss XC specialist Barbara Blatter. Riding for SCOTT in the 1999-2000 season, she mostly raced with the Endorphin. She was able to win the Mountain Bike World Cup Overall in 2000, 2 Swiss Cross-country Championship titles (1999,2000), as well as a silver medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
The innovations that built the Endorphin laid the foundations for the carbon expertise that has gone onto define SCOTT’s great milestones, and the skillsets behind the lightest bikes of all time. The Addict RC, Genius, and Scale platforms can all trace their roots back to the Endorphin, as can the Spark RC, the most successful XCO racing platform of all time.
For 2023, the Design team at SCOTT asked themselves, what would the Endorphin look like today? Taking the original silhouette of the 1997 Endorphin, the frame was reimagined with today’s approach to 3D design. Elevated tube volumes are accentuated with a combination of organic shapes and sharp lines which are now possible to produce with carbon and the expertise of 3D modelers. The iconic seat stay design remains, updated to follow a modern design language, whilst today’s components – including disc brakes and an integrated cockpit by Syncros inspired by the retro Y-shape combo – are incorporated into the complete design. To finish, an elegant retro-futuristic graphic design is accentuated with 1997 details for a nostalgic look.
The reinterpreted version of the iconic 1995/96 Endorphin was first seen at Eurobike in June, 2023. It received immense interest from fair visitors, spreading nostalgia and excitement like wildfire. While the first edition was successful on the race track, the 2023 Endorphin concept is primarily a research and development project. Will we see it between the race-tape at some point? Only time will tell.
Endorphin EVO Spec Highlights
- Frame: SCOTT Endorphin Project EVO/AVS
- Fork: RockShox SID SL Ultimate RD3 Air
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS Transmission
- Shifter: SRAM AXS Pod Ultimate Controller
- Crankset: SRAM XX Eagle AXS Transmission
- BB-Set: SRAM DUB PF 92 MTB Wide
- Chain: SRAM CN XX SL Eagle Transmission
- Cassette: SRAM XX SL Eagle XS 1299 Transmission 10-52
- Brakes: SRAM Level Ultimate Stealth 4-Piston Disc
- Rotor: SRAM HS2 CL Rotos 180/F and 160/R
- Handlebar: Syncros Fraser iC SL XC Carbon AVS
- Seatpost: Syncros Duncan 1.0 Carbon
- Seat: Syncros Belcarra 1.0 Regular
- Headset: Syncros – Acros Angle adjust + Cable Routing HS System
- Wheelset: Syncros Silverston SL2-30 CL Full Carbon
- Tires: Maxxis Rekob Race / 29×2.4″
Endorphin 1996 Spec Highlights
- Frame: SCOTT Endorphin Carbon
- Fork: SCOTT Unischock LF Carbon
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano XTR
- Front Derailleur: Shimano XT
- Shifter: Grip Shift
- Crankset: Shimano XTR
- BB-Set: Shmano XTR
- Chain: Shimano XTR
- Cassette: Shimano XTR
- Brakes: Avid Ultimate Single Digit
- Handlebar: SCOTT LF-X Termoplastic
- H’stem: Ritchey WCS
- Seatpost: Thomson Elite
- Seat: SCOTT Trimatic
- Headset: Ritchey WCS
- Wheelset: Tuned Ultra light
- Tires: Michelin Wildgripper 26×1.95″
Hunt Wheels press release:
Proven Carbon Race XC UD
The complete XC Race package; 1254g wheelset with 30mm internal width, UD carbon spokes, 2-degree engagement and front/rear-specific carbon layups.
The Purpose
Introducing HUNT Proven Carbon Race XC UD, the ultimate lightweight, performance-oriented cross-country race wheelset, precision engineered in West Sussex, UK and built from the highest-performance components. Taking inspiration from our race-winning road wheels and designed for modern world cup tracks, HUNT engineers have taken the Proven platform to the limit. Developed using computer modelling, laboratory testing and extensive rider input, the HUNT Proven Carbon Race XC UD offers modern 30mm internal rims with front and rear-specific layups, paired with UD carbon spokes and an all-new, 2-degree engagement hub system, redefining what’s possible for light weight and responsiveness in a ride-tuned, fully serviceable wheelset.
Key Features:
- 1254g 29” XC Race wheelset with modern 30mm internal rim width.
- Front & Rear-specific carbon layups (21g difference between rims).
- Taperlock UD carbon spokes offer 30% less extension under load making the wheel very responsive to rider acceleration inputs, while only weighing 2.7g a spoke and being trueable and easily replaceable.
- New S_RapidEngage hub set offers 2-degree engagement angle.
- Free H_Care lifetime crash replacement included.
- Industry-Leading UD Carbon Spoke Technology
The extremely low weight was achieved in part through the use of high-strength, low-weight, Taperlock UD spokes are 30% stronger than, a comparable steel racing spoke at just 2.7 g per spoke allowing us to reduce the spoke count further to achieve a significantly lighter system. The TaperLock construction method has enabled us to develop carbon spoke that are as user friendly as steel spoke wheelsets. At the hub end of the spoke, an aluminium mandrel is placed around the spoke during the curing process, and then pulled tight against the (tapered) head of the spoke. The rim end of the spoke is similarly fitted with a threaded steel mandrel, allowing the wheel to be trued using a spoke key on a nut, accessed through the spoke holes from within the rim bed. The steel mandrel features a standard square outer shape allowing the spoke to be held straight whilst adjustments are made to the internal nipple. The rider benefits from the low weight, improved vibration and responsiveness qualities of carbon spokes, without the drawbacks of unserviceable carbon spoke wheels that use resin or adhesive.
Purposed Built Front and Rear Carbon Rims
Minimizing rotational weight while retaining impact resistance and agility were key considerations while developing the Proven Carbon Race XC UD. Each hand-built wheelset features a redesigned carbon rim profile with a shallow 22mm depth a modern 30mm internal rim width elite racers demand. The spoke count has been strategically reduced to just 20h for the front wheel and 24h on the rear, made possible by the increased strength offered by the UD carbon spokes. The front and rear-specific carbon rim layup refines the ride quality even further, with a front rim layup tuned for compliance and traction in corners, paired with a rear rim tuned for responsiveness, acceleration, and durability (21-gram differential between layups).
2-degree S_RapidEngage Hubset, Super smooth, lightning-fast bearings
Weight shaving isn’t the only consideration when building a durable and fast race wheel. A higher engagement freehub and fast bearings also contribute to the responsiveness and acceleration attributes of this wheelset. Working from our head office in the UK, our engineers completely redesigned our freehub system to achieve nearly instant engagement.
The all-new, race-ready S_RapidEngage freehub features 6 pawls with 2 teeth per pawl, transferring power in an alternating pattern to our new 90-tooth ratchet ring to provide an almost instant 2-degree engagement for improved responsiveness to pedal input. Racers navigating increasingly technical climbs in modern high level XC courses demand fast, reliable engagement.
We have furnished the new hubs with precision EZO bearings, complete with dual full-contact seals to properly protect against dirt, mud and water while retaining a low drag action.
Other race-ready features include centre-lock disc mounts, lightweight 15mm 7075 axles, and feather weight alloy nipples. All wheelsets arrive pre-taped with valves, ready for tubeless mounting.
Hunt H_Care – Lifetime crash replacement
For peace of mind, all Proven carbon wheelsets ship with Hunt’s lifetime crash replacement warranty, ensuring peace of mind through free repair or replacement if the worst happens. H_Care is offered to the original purchaser only and covers you against accidents and mishaps. For more information about H_Care visit our website.
HUNT Proven Carbon Race XC UD Specifications
- 30mm internal rim width, optimized for modern XC tyres.
- Raced and tested throughout the 2021-2022 UCI XC World Cup seasons including a senior World Championship XC podium.
- Built to achieve incredibly low system weight, responsiveness, and acceleration.
- Front and Rear-specific carbon rim layup, front rim layup tuned for compliance and traction, rear rim tuned for responsiveness and durability (21g differential between layups).
- 20h front, 24h rear spoke count.
- Taperlock Carbon UD spokes. Only 2.7g per spoke and yet can withstand a maximum tensile load of 405 Kgf per spoke. Serviceable and replaceable.
- New S_RapidEngage freehub with 6X double-tooth pawls and 90t ratchet, providing 2-degree engagement.
- CNC machined alloy hubs featuring precision EZO dual seal bearings.
- Ships pre-taped with valves and spare spokes.
- Boost/29” only
- Just 1,254g a pair
- Pricing: £1349
Patrol Bikes press release:
Patrol Mountain Introduces the High-Performance 541 and 571XS Kids Mountain Bikes
Patrol Mountain, a leading manufacturer of premium mountain bikes, is thrilled to announce the launch of two new and exciting additions to their kids’ bike lineup: the Patrol 541 and 571XS. These high-performance bikes are designed to ignite the passion for off-road riding in young adventurers, delivering unmatched performance, reliability, and confidence on the trails.
Patrol 541: Taking Youth Riders to the Next Level
When it’s time for young riders to elevate their off-road adventures, the Patrol 541 is the perfect companion. Engineered for young riders eager to conquer challenging singletrack, this full-suspension alloy kids’ bike offers the performance and reliability needed to tackle anything the trail throws their way.
One of the standout features of the 541 is its optimized sizing and tailored geometry, ensuring a comfortable and controlled riding experience for young enthusiasts. Every aspect of the bike is carefully considered, providing an ideal fit that allows young riders to confidently manoeuvre through technical terrain and navigate tight corners with confidence.
At the heart of the Patrol 541 lies our signature ‘Hidden Link’ suspension system, setting it apart from other kids’ bikes on the market. This innovative suspension design maximizes traction, control, and comfort, empowering young riders to maintain speed and momentum over rough terrain. Expertly tuned for young riders’ lower weights and riding styles, the suspension system is controlled by an X Fusion 02 Pro R shock and matched to Manitou’s J Unit Sport 145mm travel fork up front.
Equipped with a no-nonsense build kit, the 541 prioritizes performance and durability. High-quality components from SRAM, Shimano and Maxxis have been selected to withstand the demands of aggressive off-road riding, ensuring reliability on every adventure. From sturdy 24in wheels and grippy Maxxis Minion DHF and DHR tires to powerful Shimano MT200 brakes and a smooth-shifting SRAM drivetrain, the Patrol 541 is equipped with everything needed to inspire confidence and keep young riders in control.
With its modern geometry, the Patrol 541 enhances stability and manoeuvrability. A slack 64.5 head angle and low bottom bracket height contribute to a planted and balanced feel, enabling young riders to confidently tackle technical descents and navigate tight switchbacks. It’s agile handling and responsive nature make riding a joy, encouraging young riders to push their limits and progress in their skills.
Whether conquering rocky trails, mastering berms or sending it off jumps, the Patrol 541 is ready for the challenge. This full-suspension alloy kid’s bike empowers young riders to explore new trails, push their boundaries, and experience the thrill of off-road riding like never before.
Patrol 541 Specifications
- Frame: Patrol alloy trail frame with 138mm travel, 12 x 148 spacing.
- Fork: Manitou J Unit Sport, 145mm travel.
- Rear Shock: X Fusion 02 Pro R, 190 x 45mm
- Rear Mech: SRAM X7, 9-speed
- Shifter: SRAM X5
- Brakes: Shimano MT200
- Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF 24 x 2.4in front, Maxxis Minion DHRII 24×2.3 rear
- Colours: Polar Titan Black and Ribbon Red.
Patrol 571XS: Next-Level Adventure for Older Kids
The Patrol Mountain 571XS is a 27.5-inch wheel full suspension bike designed specifically for slightly older kids who are ready to take their off-road riding to the next level. Built to handle the demands of young riders who ride hard and seek thrilling adventures at the bike park, the 571XS brings the same exceptional frame and suspension features found in the new 541 but with larger wheels to accommodate older riders.
The Patrol 571XS boasts a high-quality frame and suspension system, which are Patrol Mountain bikes’ hallmarks. Meticulously crafted to withstand the rigours of aggressive off-road riding, the 571XS features the same no-nonsense build kit, modern geometry, and signature ‘Hidden Link’ suspension system, making the 541 an exceptional bike.
With its larger 27.5-inch wheels, the 571XS offers several advantages for slightly older riders. Rolling over obstacles more easily, these wheels enhance stability and momentum on technical terrain. The increased wheel size allows for improved traction and control, inspiring confidence and enabling young riders to push their limits further. With the 571XS, older kids can experience the thrill of conquering challenging trails and exploring new off-road horizons.
Like its younger sibling, the 571XS features optimized sizing to provide comfort and control for kids. The geometry is carefully tuned to strike the perfect balance between stability and manoeuvrability, allowing riders to navigate through tight sections and take on technical descents easily. A 65-degree head angle and low bottom bracket height contribute to a planted and balanced feel, ensuring the bike remains responsive and agile on the most demanding trails.
The Patrol 571XS continues to prioritize performance, durability, and reliability. Equipped with a no-compromise build kit featuring high-quality components, including X Fusion suspension front and rear, a Shimano Deore M6100 12-speed drivetrain, Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes and fast-rolling Maxxis Forkaster tires.
So, if your young rider is itching to get serious about ripping up singletrack, the Patrol 541 and 571XS are the perfect bikes to fuel their passion. With optimized sizing, no-nonsense build kits, modern geometry, and the signature ‘hidden link’ suspension system, these high-performance machines can handle anything the trail throws their way.
Patrol 571XS Specifications
- Frame: Patrol Alloy Trail 27.5, 140mm travel, 12 x 148 spacing.
- Fork: X Fusion Sweep Boost RC, 160mm travel
- Rear Shock: X Fusion 02 Pro R, 210 x 55mm
- Rear Mech: Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed
- Seat Post: X Fusion Manic, 125mm travel, 30.9mm
- Brakes: Shimano MT200
- Tires: Maxis Forecaster 27.5 x 2.3.
- Colours: Titan Grey, Dark Teal
Fort William World Champs press release:
More tickets = Good news for all Fort William fans
Here’s some special news for all Fort William fans – a new tranche of World Championships tickets is about to drop!
Loads of folk missed out on the initial launch – which sold out in super quick time – so we’re giving the best fans in the World a chance to be a part of the biggest cycling event in the World, with early access to this additional batch of tickets.
It’s all thanks to an increased Park & Ride capacity at Blar Mhor, which means we can accommodate even more spectators at Nevis Range.
Come join the party and book your tickets now!
tickets.cyclingworldchamps.com
FSA press release:
FSA x Cannondale Factory Race
CANNONDALE FACTORY RACING MOVED TO FSA FOR COCKPIT AND WHEELS
Cannondale Factory Racing, consisting of Alan Hatherly, Simnon Andreassen, Mona Mittwewallner and Charles Aldridge let the cat out of the bag today. The secret to their speed has been that they are literally riding on, Full Speed Ahead.
Rolling on the latest in carbon technology from the global powerhouse, Cannondale Factory Racing chose to run the new KFX-series wheels as well as KFX bars and stems to complement their FSA headset bearings, rounding out a race-ready package to their Scalpel HT and FS bikes.
“We are over the moon excited that the team chose to run our world-cup proven components, and personally, I am stoked about the future of this team and our partnership” – David Meredith, FSA MTB Marketing Manager, Americas.
Edoardo Girardi (GM FSA Europe) has added: “We are excited to announce that FSA has become the newest partner of Team Cannondale Factory Racing for wheels and cockpits. An exciting collaboration that promises to bring innovation and performance to the top in the world of XC racing. Some team members will start racing on FSA components this weekend. We are excited to see what this partnership will bring to the upcoming races!”
Manuel Fumic (Former pro-rider, Team Manager CFR): “As a team we have some of the best riders in the world competing at the highest level with the goal to win races. We only achieve these goals with partners who provide cutting edge products and collaborate with the team to push performance. FSA has always produced leading edge technology and products, they have taken our team to the next level with their collaboration to meet each rider on CFR’s specific demands in wheels, cockpit, and integration”.
Alan Hatherly (26) – Hatherly is from South Africa and is CFR’s anchor rider targeting World Cup & World Championship wins as well as the 2024 Olympics. Hatherly is also trying his hand at road races with Cannondale-supported road teams. 2022 was a breakout year for Hatherly with the overall title in the World Cup Short Track (XCC) including a win at the Petropolis World Cup XCC, plus17 more wins and podiums throughout the season, Hartherly ended the season as the #3 ranked rider in the UCI World Cup overall title series.
Simon Andreassen (25) – CFR’s Danish rider returns on a new agreement through Paris 2024 bringing his World Cup winning skills, speed and style to target World Cup, World Championships, and 2024 Olympics wins and podiums. Coming off a 2022 season of battling injuries and illness, he still managed to capture the bronze medal at Marathon World Championships on home soil.
Mona Mitterwallner (21) – Hailing from Austria, Mitterwallner enters her second year with CFR after a successful 2022 season as a first-year elite rider with four wins (including the Austrian
Elite Women’s National Championship), four World Cup podiums, and 5th overall in the UCI XCO cross-country rankings. Mona looks to shift into another gear and hit the top step of the podium in the Elite Women’s field, bring home another World Championship (in XCO or XCM) and build towards Paris 2024. Mona will also be competing in select road races with Cannondale supported road teams.
Charles Aldridge (21) – This incredible young U.K. rider joins CFR in his first year as a factory rider. A junior World Champion in 2019, 2022 European Elite XCC Champion, U.K. Elite XCC Champion and U23 XCO Champion, Charlie brings speed, power and some youthful exuberance to an already fresh team. Charlie will be guided this year by the team’s management and performance staff while on the job training with his three teammates as he steps up to the Elite category.
Full Speed Ahead (FSA) produces world-class bicycle components for road cycling and mountain biking and we support many of the world’s leading road and mountain bike teams.
Our history in the sport and our heritage of innovation, design, and manufacturing is important to us. We’re proud to constantly invest in our product range, ensuring that we provide the very best components possible – for both professional and enthusiast riders alike.
Deviate Cycles press release:
From Tilander to Lowlander
Prototyping started with the Tilander, a 145mm bike which uses very similar geometry to – and the same hardware as – Deviate’s Highlander.
“When it came to making the Tilander, the idea was essentially to replicate the Highlander, using the same hardware, but slightly tweaking the geometry. Even with the advantages of the sintering process, the complexity of the structures we needed to print were staggering – with a resultant huge increase in cost. We had lugs with more complicated CAD model features than a complete carbon front triangle! It took 12 months of different design iterations to print properly, and it really wasn’t cost effective.” — CHRIS DEVERSON | CO-OWNER & TECHNICAL AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Taking these learnings, Chris decided to work on a second design – the Lowlander – a downcountry bike with 125mm travel. “We had pre-existing ideas for a shorter travel bike,” Chris said. “So I took the opportunity to develop a new platform, with the same high pivot functionality, but shorter travel, for a poppier ride – and it has the advantage of more space inside the front triangle for water bottles or luggage.”
Nukeproof press release:
New Nukeproof Megawatt Shimano EP801
Designed around the legendary Mega platform.
The Megawatt is Nukeproof’s long travel enduro platform, but with the added assistance of a motor.
Launched in 2021, the megawatt quickly won a number of media accolades, Including the 2022 MBUK & Bikeradar E-Bike of the Year. As with all Nukeproof products, its heritage is rooted in racing — gracing the E- Enduro World Cup podium with Sam Hill in the Tweed Valley.
FRAME UPGRADES:
The Megawatt frame won over riders with a blend of dialled geometry and poised suspension kinematics — none of that’s changed. But, we did make some subtle tweaks in order to improve customer experience. We’ve re-routed the brake, gear, and dropper cables through the downtube to improve routine maintenance of the frame.
All internal cables run into and through the downtube guided by secure mounting brackets. These can be accessed with ease through the battery door when the battery is removed.
ALL NEW SPECIFICATIONS:
The Megawatt receives the latest specification from our partner brands. The RS, Factory and Elite builds are specced with the latest SRAM AXS T-Type 12-speed groupset. All AXS models feature SRAM’s 11-52t cassette, enabling the Megawatt to climb as effortlessly as it descends. The Megawatt also benefits from T-Type’s improved shifting performance under load, ensuring smooth performance and longer chain life. All AXS drivetrains come with the new AXS POD Ultimate shifter which is ergonomically designed for comfort and performance.
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