NBD: Specialized Levo SL Alloy, Transition Spur UDH, Liv Pique Advanced 29 XC

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A modest amount of New Mountain Bikes but they’re all rather potent in their own special ways.

Specialized press release:

Specialized Levo SL Alloy

Yes, we have one in for review (as of yesterday)

The Levo SL Alloy delivers unmatched ride quality and capability, amplified. For the trail rider who craves serpentine singletrack, sending it skyward, and lives for advancing your skills and fitness. Meet your new bike, the Levo SL Alloy. You’ll be blown away by it’s unmatched combination of flawless handling, capability, and “2 X You” amplification that gives you the Power to Ride More Trails. Compare it to anything out there, with a motor or without, and we know you’ll agree — Levo SL Alloy is THE ULTIMATE TRAIL BIKE.

New alloy frame, comes in mixed wheel configuration (compatible to 29 rear with no extra parts needed.) New kinematic with flatter leverage curve which provides more support and playfulness off the top, but plenty of control in rougher conditions. The headtube angle and bottom bracket height are both adjustable.

Worried about running out of power? No problem. Turbo Levo SL Alloy eats up big miles and long days. And if you’re looking for even more miles, our included range extender boosts your range by another 50 percent. On top of all that, our Specialized app can handle battery management automatically, ensuring your battery will last as long as you need it to.

Price: £5,250

specialized.com


Transition Bikes press release:

Spur update! Now UDH compatible with new spec and colors

NEW Spur colors, spec, and UDH frame update!

One of our most sought after models, the Spur, just received an update with fresh colors, spec, and now utilizes SRAM’s UDH hanger allowing use of their T-Type Transmission.

The new colors are currently available as a frameset or as a complete X0 AXS build.

Build highlights include:
-X0 AXS Transmission
-Fox Factory suspension
-DT Swiss carbon wheels

Late 2024 we will have more build levels available with the new colors and UDH frame.

Make all your singletrack dreams come true with the lightest bike in our lineup. Don’t judge a book by its cover though, with all these uphill oriented character traits the Spur requires no adjustment to descend like you’re used to, you might actually go faster.

transitionbikes.com


Liv Cycles press ralease:

LIV INTRODUCES THE NEW PIQUE ADVANCED 29 SERIES

The performance XC bike was optimized for efficiency and control, catering to race-minded riders to meet the demands of modern cross-country courses.

Liv, the company dedicated to getting more women on bikes, today launched the new Pique Advanced 29 series, the 3rd generation of the performance XC product line. Tailored for race-minded cross-country riders, this series excels across both technical and fast terrains, blending efficient power transfer with precise control. Key updates include reduced weight, improved stiffness, refined geometry, and the introduction of FlexPoint Pro Suspension Technology, positioning it as a cornerstone in Liv’s 2024 performance-level lineup.

“It’s an exciting new era in XC racing as courses get more technical and riders are stepping up to meet the challenge. Liv is at the forefront of supporting this shift,” said Ludi Scholz, Liv’s Global Off-road & Gravel Category Manager. “The Pique Advanced 29 represents our commitment to every woman who is pushing her limits in racing, from local events to the World Cup stage. We’re here not just to keep pace, but to inspire and equip the next generation of women riders to conquer these demanding courses and make their own impact in the sport.”

The new Pique Advanced 29 boasts significant technological and design advancements. The frame’s proprietary high-performance grade raw carbon fiber has been upgraded to an even lighter material, resulting in an overall weight decrease of 297g from the previous generation. Reengineered tube shapes also contribute to this weight reduction, achieving necessary strength with less material. Additionally, these wider, square-shaped tubes have improved stiffness, resulting in a 6% increase in torsional stiffness and a 10% boost in pedaling stiffness, ensuring more effective power transfer.

In its latest iteration, the Pique Advanced 29 series transitions from the previous generation’s Maestro Suspension Technology to the more efficient and lighter weight FlexPoint Pro Suspension Technology. This new suspension technology provides a patented, linkage-driven, single pivot design that effectively isolates forces, leading to improved control and increased traction. Riders will experience less fatigue and consistent performance, empowering them to confidently and swiftly navigate both challenging climbs and technical descents. The FlexPoint Pro suspension delivers 115mm of smooth, active rear-wheel travel, to maximize power and traction over versatile and challenging terrain. Combined with a slacker head tube angle and 120mm of front suspension, this setup ensures superior handling on technical descents.

To meet the demands of the increasing technicality of XC race courses, Liv has optimized the geometry of the Pique Advanced 29. A steeper seat tube angle increases pedaling efficiency during climbing and sprinting and a slacker head tube is intended for better descending performance and control. The longer reach means more aggressive and commanding riding due to a lower body position, and a shorter chainstay makes the bike even more agile and responsive when navigating switchbacks. These upgrades, coupled with increased rear and front wheel travel and 29-inch wheels, ensure the Pique Advanced 29 is Liv’s most capable XC offering to date.

Other important upgrades include an additional set of frame mounts under the top tube on sizes S, M, and L, providing versatility for attaching a water bottle cage or other accessories, ideal for long races and training sessions. The addition of new, integrated cable ports offer a clean look and smoother performance for derailleur, brake, and dropper seatpost cables. The all-new Giant/MRP chain guide reduces the likelihood of chain derailment on the chainring during rides on rough, technical XC terrain. Additional frame protection has been added to the down tube and chainstay to prevent damage and ensure a quiet and secure ride.

All models in the Pique Advanced 29 series are available in sizes XS, S, M, and L.

liv-cycling.com


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Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
  • NBD: Specialized Levo SL Alloy, Transition Spur UDH, Liv Pique Advanced 29 XC
  • fahzure
    Full Member

    I want a Levo SL (as a training tool). Might destroy it.

    ahsat
    Full Member

    Honestly can’t speak highly enough of my Spur. Glad they don’t look to have messed about with the core principles.

    devash
    Free Member

    +1 for the Spur – just a ridiculously good fun, versatile bike that does it all. It’s the one bike I’ve owned that I would never part with.

    submarined
    Free Member

    *scours for non UDH Spurs at knockdown prices, recognising the futility of the search*

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

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