Plus new components from Hope, cyclocross-inspired gravel tyres and a diamond-coated lock
COREbike is one of the UK’s biggest cycling trade shows and an early opportunity for us to lay eyes on the tech launched at the start of the year.
As the show has grown in significance, it has now become the place many brands choose to launch new products.
This year saw a wide range of new swag from manufacturers big and small. Here are our top road, gravel and mountain bike tech highlights from this year’s show.
Mavic revives the iconic DeeMax DH and DeeMax Park
Ridden by the likes of Nico Vouilloz, Greg Minnaar and Sam Hill, Mavic has released its DeeMax DH mountain bike wheelset in a limited-edition yellow version to commemorate the iconic wheels’ 25th anniversary.
The wheels, designed specifically for downhill racing, are laced with 28 spokes and feature a 30mm-wide rim that’s said to smooth out vibrations in rough terrain.
The more affordable DeeMax Park joins the premium DeeMax DH.
These are available in 27.5in, 29in and – in an unusual move for 2024 – 26in wheel size options. They use 32 spokes and are much more affordable, at just £400 for the pair.
Panaracer shows off GP5000-challenging Agilest Fast
The Agilest Fast is Panaracer’s all-new go-fast road bike tyre.
The tyre’s different layers are attached using electron beam bonding before vulcanisation. According to Panaracer, this is a new technology in cycling and is said to result in a tyre with fewer imperfections.
Read our full story with insight from Panaracer’s Jeff Zell for more information.
Hope adds carbon option to crank range, plus brown is so in right now
Hope’s new Carbon Cranks complement the brand’s existing alloy crankset range.
The cranks are moulded around a foam insert. This is very firm to the touch and, according to Hope, provides impact resistance, transferring energy from a side-on impact to the other side of the crank arm in the event of a crash. It’s also said to dampen vibrations.
Speaking to BikeRadar, a Hope spokesperson said the learnings gained from developing the HBT track bike have accelerated the brand’s knowledge in carbon fibre design: “We’ve learned what could have taken 10 or 15 years in two years with [that bike] and our collaboration with British Cycling.”
Hope was also showing off its range of new ‘bronze’ anodised components. The highlight of the stand was this absolutely brown-tastic version of its HB.916 enduro bike.
The DMR Trailstar is back, plus new urban pedals
The Trailstar was DMR’s first mountain bike frameset. The name has been revived to celebrate the company’s upcoming 30th anniversary
The new DMR Trailstar is a titanium trail hardtail with adjustable rear dropouts, a 140mm fork and a 65-degree head angle.
The frameset is available for £1,800 in limited numbers.
DMR also had its new Flat 4 pedal on show. This is the brand’s first non-mountain bike pedal, and is designed as a premium option for the likes of high-end urban ebikes or for gravel riders who don’t want to use clipless pedals.
The modular £60 pedals ship with plastic grip plates as stock, but these can be swapped for pins for a more tenacious grip.
Campagnolo teases cheaper Ekar GT groupset
The first Campagnolo Ekar GT groupset in the UK was on show, fitted to this limited-edition Basso Palta gravel bike.
The new gravel bike groupset sits beneath the existing Ekar groupset, with Campagnolo opting for an alloy crankset over carbon. The shifter ergonomics and gear options have also been refined.
Check out our full news story and video for more details.
The portable electronic torque wrench you never knew you needed
A torque wrench is a must for your home workshop, but what to do for trail-side adjustments?
Mechanical torque wrenches work perfectly well, but are generally (though not universally) quite bulky, or are set to fixed-torque settings.
Topeak’s new £134.99 compact digital adjustable torque wrench sits between a standard ratchet, with bits attaching at the other end. Torque can be adjusted between 1 and 10Nm, with coloured LEDs indicating your setting.
Ergon’s new GT1 grips include a thumb hook
Ergon’s new GT1 grips feature a hook for your thumb, providing a new hand position, while minimising loss of control.
Available in small or large sizes, the £41.99 grips look a bit freaky, but felt really comfortable while briefly fondled at the show.
OnGuard’s diamond-coated lock
The OnGuard RockSolid is a new angle-grinder proof bike lock that is claimed to be the lightest in its class at 1.4kg.
The £199.99 lock is coated with a patented matt substance that’s said to include diamond. This is claimed to burn out grinder discs before they can get to the meat of the 14mm shackle.
Oakley’s Olympic-ready sunnies and aero helmet
Oakley had its new Sphaera sunnies on show.
These are expected to be worn by a wide range of athletes across many sports at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The likes of Mark Cavendish and Loana Lecomte are likely to be seen sporting the new glasses.
Oakley also gave us a sneak peek at its new Aro 7 helmet. This features an optional integrated visor and improved ventilation versus the Aro 5.
Challenge’s cyclocross-inspired Gravine tyres
The Challenge Gravine is an all-new gravel bike tyre designed for technical or muddy terrain.
The widely spaced blocky tread features taller lugs compared to many gravel tyres.
The Gravine XP (£88) features bead-to-bead puncture protection. The regular Gravine forgoes this and costs slightly less at £83. The tyre is available in 40 and 45mm options.