{"id":41138,"date":"2022-08-31T16:11:38","date_gmt":"2022-08-31T14:11:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=695476"},"modified":"2022-08-31T16:25:18","modified_gmt":"2022-08-31T14:25:18","slug":"9-new-and-unreleased-tech-highlights-from-the-2022-gt-malverns-classic-festival","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/9-new-and-unreleased-tech-highlights-from-the-2022-gt-malverns-classic-festival\/","title":{"rendered":"9 new and unreleased tech highlights from the 2022 GT Malverns Classic festival"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Will Soffe\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 31 August 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

The GT Bicycles Malverns Classic is all about riding, racing and hanging out with other mountain bikers in the beautiful hills that give the event its name.<\/p>\n

However, it has a big expo area, too, and in among the stands doing a roaring trade in #OiOi! gear (YouTube favourite Ben Deakin\u2019s signature range) and lairy Pit Viper sunglasses, some intriguing new tech was on display.<\/p>\n

From pre-production prototypes to quality kids\u2019 gear for mini trail shredders, here\u2019s what caught our eyes\u2026<\/p>\n

1. Starling Pylon eMTB prototype<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Pylon is the latest experiment from Bristol-based Starling Cycles.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Never afraid to experiment, Bristol-based Joe McEwan\u2019s first electric mountain bike<\/a> isn\u2019t just made from Starling Cycles\u2019 customary steel, but sports all-new motor tech from Scotland\u2019s FreeFlow Technologies, as well as an unusual jack-drive transmission.<\/p>\n

\""Starling\"<\/picture><\/div>
The prototype has new (in development!) motor tech from Scotland\u2019s FreeFlow Technologies.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Starling\"<\/picture><\/div>
The FF65 mid-drive motor uses a harmonic gearbox design.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Starling\"<\/picture><\/div>
We\u2019re looking forward to seeing how this one develops.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

This test mule was being ridden around the arena by UK MTB legend Dave Hemming (of 1990s Dirt video and Team MBUK fame), the MD of FreeFlow.<\/p>\n

Dave\u2019s been helping to develop the FF65 mid-drive motor, which uses a harmonic gearbox design and is claimed to have an unrivalled power-to-weight ratio.<\/p>\n

2. Pembree VFS stem<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The VFS is Pembree\u2019s Very First Stem (see what they did there?).<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Phil Law says his premium UK-made flat pedals have proven so popular that he had to delay plans to expand the Pembree range.<\/p>\n

Thanks to a new robot-loaded CNC machine, he\u2019s now on top of all the orders, so can launch the Very First Stem.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Attention to detail is as you\u2019d expect from Pembree.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

As with all Pembree products, it\u2019s been designed with sustainability in mind. It\u2019s made entirely in the UK, including the bolts, from 75 per cent recycled aluminium. From design to delivery, the whole process is said to be carbon neutral, with Pembree\u2019s East Sussex factory being solar\/wind-powered.<\/p>\n

As for the stem itself, it\u2019s built to precise tolerances for improved strength and stiffness.<\/p>\n

Available in several anodised colours, it costs \u00a3109.<\/p>\n

3. Atherton AM.200M downhill bike<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Atherton AM.200M downhill bike was also on display at the 2022 Malverns Classic.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The mullet-wheeled downhill bike that\u2019s taken Atherton Racing\u2019s Andreas Kolb to four World Cup podiums in a row this season is now available to the public, and one was on display at the Atherton Bikes stand.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Check out those carbon tubes and 3D-printed titanium lugs.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

As with all of the brand\u2019s bikes, it\u2019s constructed from carbon fibre tubes joined with 3D-printed titanium lugs<\/a>, which allows a high degree of geometry\/sizing customisation. It also uses a Dave Weagle-designed DW6 suspension linkage.<\/p>\n

\""Atherton\"<\/picture><\/div>
The AM.200M has taken Atherton Racing\u2019s Andreas Kolb to four World Cup podiums in a row this season.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Atherton\"<\/picture><\/div>
The bike uses a Dave Weagle-designed DW6 suspension linkage.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Atherton\"<\/picture><\/div>
The AM.200M is in a mullet configuration.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Carbon\"<\/picture><\/div>
More 3D-printed goodness.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Head\"<\/picture><\/div>
A for Atherton.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The geometry is optimised for the smaller rear wheel, which the Athertons have settled on because of the handling benefits of a mullet bike<\/a> setup. We\u2019d love to give one of these a good thrashing.<\/p>\n

The frame costs \u00a34,100, while the full \u20181\u2019 build will set you back \u00a38,200.<\/p>\n

4. Kali Child Maya convertible helmet<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Kali Child Maya brings top tech to kids\u2019 helmets.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The number of kids emulating their heroes or parents by cycling around the Malverns\u2019 main arena in massively oversized downhill helmets shows there\u2019s demand for decent children\u2019s full-faces, so Kali\u2019s Child Maya immediately grabbed our attention.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The helmet uses Kali\u2019s QuadCore Low Density Layer.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Not only is it claimed to be a lot lighter than most, at just over 500g, but, like many of the best enduro helmets<\/a>, it\u2019s convertible, too \u2013 you can remove the chin bar to transform it into an open-face trail lid, giving you two helmets for the price of one.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The convertible helmet can be switched between a full-face and open design.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

It boasts the same safety tech found on Kali\u2019s grown-up lids, including the brand\u2019s MIPS-challenging QuadCore Low Density Layer (soft gel inserts under the padding, designed to compress and shear in all directions, to help protect the wearer from both linear and rotational impacts).<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also Kali\u2019s Composite Fusion system (where its latest Contigo 3 EPS foam liner is co-moulded with the polycarbonate shell).<\/p>\n

Coming in a single size, to fit 48 to 52cm heads, the helmet costs \u00a399.<\/p>\n

5. VPACE FRED265 kids\u2019 freeride bike<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
This VPACE FRED265 belongs to 12-year-old George Keen.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Well-specced full-suspension bikes for younger riders are hard to find, so we were intrigued by 12-year-old Dirt Wars contestant George Keen\u2019s VPACE freeride rig.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Well-specced full-suspension bikes for younger riders are scarce.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The German brand makes everything from kids\u2019 carbon cross-country hardtails to this mullet-wheeled (27.5in front, 26in rear), 160mm-travel mini downhill bike, and hooked George up after being impressed by his riding on Instagram.<\/p>\n

\""Fork\"<\/picture><\/div>
George\u2019s bike has a Fox 36 fork up-front.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Box\"<\/picture><\/div>
There\u2019s a Box Two 7-speed groupset.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""VPace\"<\/picture><\/div>
VPACE makes everything from kids\u2019 carbon XC hardtails to this mullet-wheeled mini downhill bike.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""VPace\"<\/picture><\/div>
The bike comes with SRAM GX Eagle gearing.<\/span><\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Fox\"<\/picture><\/div>
A Fox Float X takes care of rear-shock duties.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

For \u20ac2,799, the FRED265 features Fox suspension, SRAM GX Eagle gearing (1\u00d711 stock; 1\u00d77 here), Magura MT5 brakes and triple-compound Maxxis tyres. The company doesn\u2019t have a UK distributor yet, but that could change if there\u2019s enough interest.<\/p>\n

6. Schwalbe Aerothan inner tube<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
A 29in Schwalbe Aerothan tube weighs a claimed 87g.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

In case you thought inner tubes<\/a> were old tech, Schwalbe\u2019s ultra-lightweight Aerothan tubes are made from laser-welded thermoplastic.<\/p>\n

As a lightweight back-up for tubeless tyres<\/a>, these look hard to beat, with a 29in tube taking up a tiny amount of space and weighing a claimed 87g.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Inner tubes may be old tech on most mountain bikes, but the low weight and compact size of the Aerothan tube could make it a handy back-up.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

They\u2019re also said to be tougher than rubber equivalents, which is good news for those who still prefer to run tubes.<\/p>\n

At \u00a324.99, they will set you back a few quid, though; that much money would buy you nearly five portions of chips at the Malverns Classic\u2026<\/p>\n

7. Kellys THEOS F Super-Enduro ebike<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The THEOS is Kellys\u2019 flagship eMTB.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

This Slovak manufacturer\u2019s flagship ebike is made from an innovative thermoplastic hybrid steel-carbon composite material, said to be more impact-resistant and durable than carbon fibre, with no weight penalty, while also being European-made and recyclable.<\/p>\n

\""Shimano\"<\/picture><\/div>
The bike uses a Shimano EP8 motor, powered by Kellys\u2019 own 725Wh battery.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Chainstay\"<\/picture><\/div>
It\u2019s made from an innovative thermoplastic hybrid steel-carbon composite material.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Integrated\"<\/picture><\/div>
There\u2019s an integrated handlebar and display up-front.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The \u2018Think Link\u2019 suspension design is interesting, too \u2013 it\u2019s a twin-link, VPP-style system<\/a>, but with an offset shock, which runs to the non-driveside of the seat tube (instead of through a cut-out in the tube) and connects to the swingarm on that side only.<\/p>\n

The bike uses a Shimano EP8 motor, powered by Kellys\u2019 own 725Wh battery. It\u2019s mullet-specific, with a 180mm-travel Fox 38 29er fork up front, and 170mm of travel and a 27.5in wheel out back. RRP for the model seen here is \u00a39,199.<\/p>\n

8. TruTune by CarbonAir<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The TruTune clips to the fork top cap in place of the usual volume spacer(s) to effectively increase the air-spring volume.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Described as \u201cplug-and-play magic for your air suspension\u201d, this clever little widget clips to the top cap of your fork in place of the usual volume spacer(s) and has the opposite effect, effectively increasing the air-spring volume to give a plusher feel and more linear spring curve.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The TruTune uses activated carbon.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

It works using activated carbon, which makes the air within the chamber easier to compress, by packing the molecules more tightly.<\/p>\n

We reckon lighter riders who struggle to use full suspension travel<\/a> without running excessive amounts of sag could benefit from this, if it works as claimed. It may also suit those who want a coil-like feel and don\u2019t mind running more pressure or sacrificing a little bottom-out resistance. RRP is \u00a3120.<\/p>\n

9. Antidote Carbonjack and Woodsprite<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Carbonjack is from boutique Polish brand Antidote.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Antidote is a boutique brand from Krakow in Poland that produces everything in-house (apart from the titanium bolts). It CNCs the linkages, makes the moulds, and so on.<\/p>\n

\""Antidote\"<\/picture><\/div>
Almost everything is made in-house in Krakow.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Antidote\"<\/picture><\/div>
The Carbonjack is an enduro bike.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The Carbonjack is a 154mm enduro bike with a 160mm fork, and the Woodsprite is a 135mm trail bike with a 140\/150mm fork.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Woodsprite is Antidote\u2019s trail bike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Both have Antidote\u2019s floating damper suspension system, with no shock mounts in the front triangle or swingarm. This, according to Antidote, ensures better stress distribution.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Both bikes use Antidote\u2019s floating damper suspension design.<\/span><\/figcaption> Steve Behr \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Two demo bikes have been brought into the UK to see, test and buy through the Swinley Bike Hub. They will be available as complete builds or framesets.<\/p><\/body><\/html>\n

","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Will Soffe Published: Wednesday, 31 August 2022 at 12:00 am The GT Bicycles Malverns Classic is all about riding, racing and hanging out with other mountain bikers in the beautiful hills that give the event its name. However, it has a big expo area, too, and in among the stands doing a roaring trade […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":41139,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"11"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/08\/9-new-and-unreleased-tech-highlights-from-the-2022-gt-malverns-classic-festival.jpg",1800,1200,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/08\/9-new-and-unreleased-tech-highlights-from-the-2022-gt-malverns-classic-festival-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/08\/9-new-and-unreleased-tech-highlights-from-the-2022-gt-malverns-classic-festival-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/08\/9-new-and-unreleased-tech-highlights-from-the-2022-gt-malverns-classic-festival-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/08\/9-new-and-unreleased-tech-highlights-from-the-2022-gt-malverns-classic-festival-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/08\/9-new-and-unreleased-tech-highlights-from-the-2022-gt-malverns-classic-festival-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/08\/9-new-and-unreleased-tech-highlights-from-the-2022-gt-malverns-classic-festival.jpg",1800,1200,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Will Soffe Published: Wednesday, 31 August 2022 at 12:00 am The GT Bicycles Malverns Classic is all about riding, racing and hanging out with other mountain bikers in the beautiful hills that give the event its name. However, it has a big expo area, too, and in among the stands doing a roaring trade…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/41138"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41138"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41138"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}