It's just as well the Orbea Laufey H-LTD handles so well because if we turn our…
… plus some other bits and bobs. This is NBD (New! Bike! Day!) where we quick ‘n’ dirtily round up all the more interesting press releases from our inbox and hurl them through your screen.
You’re very welome.
Sonder Bike press release:
Sonder launches the next generation of Evol all-mountain bike
Sonder is excited to announce the launch of the next generation of Evol all-mountain bike. Featuring increased front and rear suspension travel (160mm), improved geometry and mullet set up, Evol sets to reshape Sonder’s all-mountain scene. Designed and built by riders for riders; Sonder retains meticulous control over design and development, ensuring the final product and its components are not only of the highest quality, but also meets rider’s needs and demands.
As Europe’s first B-Corp-certified cycling brand, Sonder boasts some of the industry’s most ethical and environmentally preferable standards. See full details of their sustainability report here.
The next generation of Evol
The next generation of Evol reshapes itself to rediscover the more playful side of riding. Crafted from 6061 alloy, it offers a stiff, sturdy frame built to withstand the most demanding conditions and terrains. Thanks to the durable frame construction Evol is a reliable choice for enduro and all-mountain fun. The bike features updated geometry, SRAM UDH, and new mullet set up for comfortable, responsive and joy-inspiring riding.
An innovative approach and focus on rider comfort and experience is visible throughout the revised geometry. The new Evol provides an improved position, allowing riders to unlock a more lively experience in and out of the saddle; The slacker head angle across sizes creates a more capable bike when descending, and lets riders take more challenging lines and routes whilst having complete confidence. Paired with the ecient pedalling suspension platform, Evol welcomes an easy ride winching it back up for another run.
The updated Evol stands out for its versatility and rider experience; whether you’re taking on your favourite enduro trails, or embarking on a 30 mile loop around the Peak District, this next generation bares witness to improved suspension performance, greater balance and mullet setup to cruise over tree roots and rocky-terrain, and tighter cornering. The suspension set up features 230x60mm rear shock custom tuned by SRAM based on our inhouse testing for Evol, and can be tuned to suit a wider range of riders nodding to Sonder’s control over design and laser focus on riding experience. The horst-link suspension gives riders more control over anti-squat throughout travel, and also improves reactivity when braking.
The use of SRAM UDH allows riders to swap out and repair the derailleur hanger with ease. Compatibility with Shimano and SRAM, including the new SRAM T-Type direct mount transmission systems, SRAM UDH removes potential barriers riders may have when it comes to
parts and repairability. From clipping rocks, to mid-race mishaps, SRAM UDH makes it easy to get back rolling.
Thanks to Sonder’s build options, bikes can be customisable to the nuances of individual riding styles making Evol an attractive option for those looking for something unique.
With ten shop-in-shops across the UK, Sonder offers a unique experience where every bike and wheel is built to order. Renowned for its exceptional service, custom options, and bespoke bike frames, Sonder stands resilient and poised for continued success throughout 2024. Sonder is committed to supporting the evolution of multi-disciplinary riders.
Norco press release:
NEW SIGHT & OPTIC FOR 2024
The names haven’t changed, but the technology has.
Sight and Optic, full of new innovations for 2024.
Norco Bicycles has unveiled a ground-up redesign for two of their mainstay models. The new Sight and Optic are here.
Since introducing the bike in 2012, Sight has been the go-to for uncompromised All-Mountain performance. It’s shown up at the top of international Enduro podiums, shredded the North Shore, and has become the bike for riders who’re all-in, every time they’re out.
With the last generation of Optic that was released in 2019, Norco set a new standard for capability with the fastest, most aggressive trail bike around, and firmly established that suspension travel isn’t the only indicator of how much a bike can handle
Same Names, New Confidence.
For the new 2024 models, both bikes are set to gain serious ground with the new Virtual Pivot Suspension | High Pivot (VPSHP) platform, an innovation that has been tested to the limits to ensure ultimate performance.
SIGHT | RIDE & SEEK:
With 160/150mm of travel, the 2024 Sight takes the best of the Range platform and has tightened it up into a light, pedal friendly, maneuverable, high-pivot package. Whether you’re carving down a steep loam line, dropping in for an enduro stage, or heading off into the backcountry for an all-day epic, this bike performs. With increased rearward axle path, idler, and the innovative VPSHP suspension layout, this new design gives the Sight next level confidence and capability, up or down the mountain.
OPTIC | PLAYFUL PRECISION:
With 140mm/125mm of travel, the 2024 Optic condenses years of technology from long travel bikes into a lightweight package that’s as ready to tear up climbs as it is tackling challenging descents. The VPSHP suspension layout provides increased rearward axle path and an idler to manage pedal feedback, keeping Optic’s playful roots, while punching above its weight when the trails get rough.
As a part of their Rider First mentality, Norco is also introducing a serious upgrade to the industry leading Ride Aligned Setup Guide. This update not only covers data for the newest MY24 models, but it will include the entire range of Norco bikes to ensure every rider has the best on-bike experience possible.
More than just a facelift, the enhanced Ride Aligned platform includes:
- Streamlined bike set up suggestions (suspension, cockpit setup, and tire pressures) for all stock Norco models using rider height, weight, positioning on bike and other modifiers such as preferred suspension feel, trail grip and trail type.
- A Garage portal to save multiple set ups for varying trail conditions, type and ride feel for the same bike and multiple bikes.
- Setup Assistant to adjust settings after a few rides and truly dial in your ride to what feels best.
YT Industries press release:
DECOY Core 4 MX & 29: More CORE
Returning the fold with a full offering of 29” or MX wheel sizes is the latest DECOY Core 4 offering from YT Industries. Spec highlights such as the updated Shimano EP801 drive unit, 720Wh battery and Hayes Dominion A4 brakes all assist with fulfilling a riders All Mountain or Enduro fix.
Core 4 29
DECOY 29 shares the same Ultra Modulus front triangle as its MX stablemate, however that’s where the similarities stop. As all mountain performance is the name of the game with the 29 platform, 458mm chain stays feature to assist climbing the steepest of pitches. Rear travel reaches 145mm utilizing a full carbon fibre swingarm for reduced unsprung mass, furthering all round capabilities up and down. Leading the specification charge is the 150mm travel RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork including Charger 3 damper and Buttercup technology, paired with a VIVID Ultimate rear shock. The all new VIVID includes high/low speed compression adjustment, hydraulic bottom out control (HBO) and the latest Touch Down technology – this offers the initial off the top feel of a coil spring, whilst retaining the tunability of an air shock. In a first for YT, the acclaimed Hayes Dominion A4 brakes feature with a dinner plate sized 220mm/200mm rotor combo for maximum stopping power. Drivetrain is handled the latest 12 speed SRAM GX Transmission, which excels shifting under power of the Shimano EP801 motor. Crankbrothers Synthesis EMTB rims with Industry Nine 1 to 1 hubs are clad with a Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR II comb, in EXO+ and Double Down casings respectively. Finishing kit is rounded off by the exclusive blacked-out Renthal Apex cockpit, ODI grips, YT Postman V2 dropper, and SDG BEL Air saddle.
Core 4 MX
Switching out to the mixed wheel size setup, the DECOY CORE 4 MX is all about getting rowdy on enduro style trails. Öhlins’ top tier enduro offerings feature here, with the RXF38 M.2 fork up front and TTX M.2 coil shock out back. Assisting with getting setup swifty, size-specific spring rates are as follows; 388 lbs (M), 411 lbs (L), 434 lbs (XL), and 457 lbs (XXL), including two separate shock tunes for sizes S-L and XL-XXL. Like it’s 29” brother, the Hayes Dominion A4 brakes include 220mm/200mm rotors, however the Shimano’s XT 12 speed Hyperglide+ shifting performs smooth ratio changes instead. Boots on the ground are the robust Double Down casing Maxxis Assegai and DHR II, whilst the Crankbrothers Synthesis E-MTB 2 wheels ensure reliability and trail feel thanks to differing rim profiles. Finishing kit is adorned by the exclusive blacked-out Renthal Apex cockpit, ODI grips, YT Postman V2 dropper, and SDG BEL Air saddle.
A slightly old Hope Technology press release but hey:
Introducing the long-awaited carbon version of our tried-and-tested EVO cranks
The Carbon crank has been designed to maximise the advantages of carbon fibre, through a unique construction method whilst using very small aluminium inserts to keep weight down. This, coupled with an optimised lay-up, ensures a good balance between ride feel, stiffness, and isolation from trail chatter.
Longevity and serviceability are considered in everything we do, and the Carbon crank is no exception. With a 1K outer fabric used for enhanced abrasion resistance. The crank also features replaceable pedal threads, and similar to the Evo cranks, its axles and chainrings are interchangeable, making it compatible with most drivetrains and frames. Covering you for the future.
Much like our HB916, Carbon Bars & Seatpost, the crank was designed, tested and manufactured in our Barnoldswick factory, showcasing our commitment to maintain the highest standards of Carbon fibre production in the UK.
Key Features
- Tuned stiffness characteristics for optimum ride feel
- 1K outer fabric has greater abrasion resistance and gives the unique ‘Hope’ carbon aesthetic
- Replaceable pedal thread inserts
- Foam core helps to absorb impacts and dampen vibrations
- T700 fibres for optimum strength to weight
- Unique carbon construction method
- Proven self-extracting axle/arm interface from our EVO cranks
- 155, 165 & 170mm length
- 30mm oversize 7075 aluminium alloy axle
- Configurable for 52 and 55mm chainlines
- Weight from: 156mm 422g w/o chainring, 487g with 32t chainring
- Direct mount chainring only, Spiderless Retainer chainrings 28T to 36T
- Q‐Factor 168mm Boost/176mm 55mm
- Recommended use Trail/All mountain
- RRP £550.00
Warner Brothers Discovery press release:
Buy Tickets NOW! Spectator tickets for the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series
Get close to the action at the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series 2024
Immerse yourself in unmissable mountain bike events that are stacked with racing, bike brand activations, live music, movie nights, autograph sessions and much more!
Spectator tickets for some of the first events of the season are already on sale. Here’s your round up of the hottest mountain bike tickets in town…
WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Fort William (GBR), 03 – 05 May
There are few venues in mountain biking as storied as Fort William in Scotland. Nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, Fort William earned its place in the sport’s history after hosting no less than 20 UCI Downhill World Cups and two UCI Downhill World Championships.
BUY TICKETS FOR FORT WILLIAM, SCOTLAND
Bonus BKOOL press release for all you Dark Siders out there:
Froome, Contador, Evenepoel, Landa or Alaphilippe also shine in virtual cycling
They have all led the BKOOL virtual peloton in recent days, sharing training sessions with hundreds of amateurs from around the world.
Virtual cycling platforms have become the main link between professionals and amateurs, allowing any cycling fan to train, ride and even interact with their idols.
In recent weeks, BKOOL users have ridden with Froome, Contador, Mikel Landa, Evenepoel, Julian Alaphillipe and Kasper Asgreen – something that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.
BKOOL’s Marketing Director, Ángel Luis Fernández, tells us: “One of the most attractive aspects of indoor cycling simulators like BKOOL is the ability to get in touch with cycling stars without leaving home. The Pandemic was a real boom in this sense, and since then it is very common to find professional cyclists sharing training sessions with their fans every week.
We’ve just had some of the best cyclists in the world leading virtual group rides on our platform, and in the coming weeks we’ll be adding names like Oscar Freire or other Soudal-Quick-Step stars.
But cycling simulators like BKOOL are not only useful for the stars to connect with their fans, they are also essential for their progress throughout the season.
“The great thing about BKOOL is that you can ride any route in the world from your living room. This can make all the difference when preparing for a time trial, for example. It is very common for our professional ambassadors to ask us for the virtual route of a time trial or a circuit, such as the one used at the last world championships, so that they can train it in advance. The sensations offered by today’s smart trainers are surprisingly realistic and BKOOL gives them the opportunity to test the course firsthand, either during a training camp or at home.
Add to this the possibility of creating your own workouts or customised training sessions for every moment of the season, and platforms like BKOOL have become common tools in professional cycling,” adds Ángel Luis.
The most important cycling races have not been left behind either. In the case of BKOOL, it is currently organising the official virtual versions of the Giro d’Italia and the Deutschland Tour, transporting its participants to the real stages of each event through an immersive and realistic entertainment experience. Not only can fans train alongside their idols, but they can do so against the backdrop of the world’s most important races.
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