{"id":48377,"date":"2023-04-21T10:22:02","date_gmt":"2023-04-21T08:22:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=724833"},"modified":"2023-04-21T10:35:51","modified_gmt":"2023-04-21T08:35:51","slug":"sea-otter-2023-nine-mtb-highlights-from-day-one-including-ext-cushcore-forgebond-more","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/sea-otter-2023-nine-mtb-highlights-from-day-one-including-ext-cushcore-forgebond-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Sea Otter 2023 | Nine MTB highlights from day one, including EXT, CushCore, Forge+Bond & more"},"content":{"rendered":"

We’ve been scouting in the Californian sun for the best bits of MTB tech <\/p>

By Tom Marvin\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 21 April 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

The Sea Otter Classic is the first real opportunity of the year for the bike industry at large to stretch its legs, hit up the trails and talk shop in the sun-drenched encampment at Laguna Seca in California.<\/p>\n

The show is packed full of brands showing their wares, with a particular focus on MTB and the seemingly unstoppable gravel riding<\/a> scene.<\/p>\n

Senior technical editor Tom Marvin has been pounding the show floor looking for MTB kit, while BikeRadar\u2019s editor-in-chief George Scott is on the hunt for drop-barred bits from the road and gravel worlds.<\/p>\n

To get us started, here are nine bits of kit that caught the eye on our first lap of the show.<\/p>\n

EXT Aria shock<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Aria is EXT\u2019s first air shock<\/span><\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Launched just a couple of weeks ago, the Aria from EXT is the brand\u2019s first air shock and features an impressive range of adjustment.<\/p>\n

The key feature is the dual positive air spring. The \u2018+\u2019 spring acts as per a standard air spring, and is used to set the sag of the shock. It impacts on early-stroke sensitivity and mid-stroke support. The \u2018++\u2019 spring is secondary and controls the ramp-up of the unit \u2013 replacing the need for volume spacers.<\/p>\n

Volume spacers work well, of course, but impact on the shock\u2019s spring curve throughout the shock\u2019s compression. By separating them, EXT says you have even more control over the suspension\u2019s characteristics.<\/p>\n

\""EXT\"<\/picture><\/div>
The dual air springs are inflated from side-by-side valves.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""EXT\"<\/picture><\/div>
The air can has a fairly high volume, on initial impression.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""EXT\"<\/picture><\/div>
An adjustable lockout and adjustable hydraulic bottom-out control are present on the piggyback.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

\u00a0<\/p>\n

EXT has also popped in adjustable hydraulic control, which adds further control to the last 10-15 per cent of the suspension stroke, and offers 30-70 per cent extra progression.<\/p>\n

Add in a lockout that\u2019s also adjustable (enabling you to run the bike \u2018locked\u2019 on flow trails for the ultimate in support) and you\u2019ve got one of the most nerdy shocks on the market. It\u2019s on sale soon\u2026<\/p>\n

CushCore Trail<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The new Trail version has a softer build than the Pro.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

CushCore<\/a> is one of the more prominent tyre insert brands, and it has released a new insert that\u2019s said to tread the line between the Pro and XC models.<\/p>\n

As the name suggests, it\u2019s for riders of trail bikes<\/a>, who want more protection in potentially wider rubber than those on XC bikes<\/a>. It\u2019s designed to be a little less aggressive and a little more forgiving than the Pro.<\/p>\n

The Trail has \u2018fluting\u2019 around its edge, giving the insert a bit more flex when the bike is leant over.<\/p>\n

It should feel less \u2018obvious\u2019 than the Pro, interfering less with ride feel in everyday conditions.However, CushCore says the harder you push, the more progressively it supports the tyre.<\/p>\n

\""Cushcore\"<\/picture><\/div>
The fluted finish contributes to the feel of the CushCore Trail.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Cushcore\"<\/picture><\/div>
The CushCore insert protects the rim and aids tyre stability.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Cushcore\"<\/picture><\/div>
Everyone loves a bit of oil slick, right?<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/strong> <\/a> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Tyre inserts<\/a> are designed to protect the rim from impacts, reduce punctures and give the tyre lateral support when you\u2019re pushing through corners.<\/p>\n

The new CushCore Trail will launch soon, for $150.<\/p>\n

Kali Cascade Industrial Waste<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Kali Cascade Industrial Waste is, arguably, the most environmentally sound helmet around.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

We\u2019re seeing more and more products launched with a nod towards sustainability.<\/p>\n

Kali has created 20 (for now) unique, special-edition Cascade helmets, constructed from waste products from the brand\u2019s factories.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re as yet unsure how (or whether) regular customers will be able to get one of these incredibly limited-edition helmets, but it sounds as though plans are afoot.<\/p>\n

The regular Cascade is likely one of the more sustainable lids out there, too.<\/p>\n

\""Kali\"<\/picture><\/div>
This helmet\u2019s top panel should get you noticed.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Kali\"<\/picture><\/div>
Reclaimed foam is used, both for the padding and the EPS protection.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Kali\"<\/picture><\/div>
The standard Kali Cascade has impressive environmental credentials.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The straps are made from recycled PET plastic, the padding uses bamboo strands, the EPS is reclaimed from a car manufacturer and the visor is made from plastic recovered from the ocean.<\/p>\n

Independent consultations for Kali suggest a 58 per cent reduction in the Cascade\u2019s carbon footprint with these materials.<\/p>\n

Forge+Bond wheels<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The unidirectional fibres give the wheels a classy look.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Forge+Bond\u2019s wheels look like a regular carbon hoop, but their rim material is different from your usual carbon layup.<\/p>\n

Standard carbon fibre uses an epoxy resin to hold the carbon strands together. This material needs cold storage, can\u2019t withstand multiple heat cycles well, and creates a very rigid and brittle bond within the layup.<\/p>\n

Forge+Bond has swapped the epoxy for a nylon-based material.<\/p>\n

This can withstand multiple heat cycles, and enables the brand to first bond the materials together with heat, and then forge them into the correct shapes.<\/p>\n

\""While\"<\/picture><\/div>
These wheels show plenty of promise \u2013 we\u2019re looking forward to testing them.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Forge+Bond\"<\/picture><\/div>
Broken rims can be turned into items such as this tyre lever.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Forge+Bond claims the material has more micro-flex within it, meaning it\u2019s less brittle. This gives the wheels a touch more compliance, leading to improved ride characteristics.<\/p>\n

The material is also much easier to recycle. If you break a rim, for the price of postage you\u2019ll receive a replacement, with the old rim being broken down and the material re-used (thanks to the nylon being able to be melted down).<\/p>\n

Sage Titanium Bicycles<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Sage\u2019s frames really stole the show.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Sage\u2019s titanium bikes at the show really wowed us with their paintjobs.<\/p>\n

Sage offers everything from jump bikes through to road bikes, with the Nirvana-inspired dirt jump bike<\/a> stealing the limelight.<\/p>\n

The titanium frames are built in Beaverton, Oregon, with the brand offering off-the-peg and custom geometry (for a $300 up-charge).<\/p>\n

\""Sage\"<\/picture><\/div>
This dirt jump bike\u2019s paintjob was done in memory of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Sage\"<\/picture><\/div>
The intricate paintwork really impressed.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Sage\"<\/picture><\/div>
A number of frame-finishing techniques were used on this gravel bike.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

On show were the Storm King gravel bike and the Storm King GP (suspension-fork ready), the Flow Motion and Powerline mountain bikes and a pair of jump bikes.<\/p>\n

Sage can get the bikes bead-blasted in its own facility, or work with companies on wet-paint, anodising and Cerakote finishes.<\/p>\n

Aeroe Spider bike rack<\/h2>\n
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Bags can be held on either side of the wheel, without compromising the suspension\u2019s action.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

This New Zealand brand had its MTB-ready dry bag rack at the show.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a simpler solution to the bikepacking kit<\/a> that\u2019s often seen, because the Spider is simply a rack to hold dry bags, sleeping mats or bags, or tent packs.<\/p>\n

The Spider rack bolts onto your chainstays, and gives up to three mounting points for the crescent-shaped plastic racks \u2013 on the side, or on top (or all three).<\/p>\n

The shape shouldn\u2019t interfere with the rear suspension, and should be out of the way enough to enable the full drop of your dropper post<\/a>. It should also fit nicely on XS-sized bikes.<\/p>\n

\""Aeroe\"<\/picture><\/div>
The cradle can be mounted on the top of the Spider rack.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Aeroe\"<\/picture><\/div>
The on-bar cradle should provide a stable platform to hold bags, tents or sleeping bags.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Aeroe\"<\/picture><\/div>
Hex-key adjusted nylon straps attach the rack to your bar.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

There\u2019s a bar-mounting option, with hex-key tightened nylon straps to securely attach it to your bar (or fork, if you wish).<\/p>\n

A number of accessories are in the works, for bottle cages and mounting options for regular panniers.<\/p>\n

Rotor InSpider MTB<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Rotor\u2019s crank arms, spindles, rings and spiders (with or without power meters) are modular.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Spanish power meter<\/a> and modular crank brand has updated its InSpider power meter.<\/p>\n

The new device drops 50g, a 32 per cent reduction, bringing the unit down to 102g, while prices have fallen by $150 or \u20ac150, to $499 or \u20ac450.<\/p>\n

The InSpider MTB uses a 100BCD chainring mount, which the brand told us enables the use of 30t rings \u2013 handy if you like spinning up steep climbs, or running a more compact cassette. The rings are built from 7075 alloy, which is harder than most, and thus more wear-resistant.<\/p>\n

The power meter mounts to Rotor\u2019s cranks, such as the Kaptic, with a spline that enables its oval chainrings to be timed to your preferred orientation.<\/p>\n

The ovalisation of their chainrings is said to help smooth power transfer through your pedal stroke.<\/p>\n

\""rotor\"<\/picture><\/div>
The new power meter uses a 100BCD chainring interface to allow for small 30t rings.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""rotor\"<\/picture><\/div>
You can set the precise orientation of its oval rings with the splined interface.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Rotor has built the power meter with IP67 water and dust proofing, while the strain gauges are embedded in silicone to add impact protection.<\/p>\n

The brand claims its unit has a 350-hour battery life and takes just under three hours to charge.<\/p>\n

Five Ten Kestrel Boa<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Five Ten has pitched the new Kestrel as a downcountry shoe\u2026<\/span><\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Five Ten Kestrel<\/a> has flown the trail nest and is now a more XC-orientated (or even gravel, if you\u2019re so inclined) shoe \u2013 a first from the renowned brand.<\/p>\n

The new Kestrel has a much more classic cross-country shoe<\/a> shape, with a slimline construction and curve at the toe sole, featuring the Stealth Marathon rubber treads. These lugged shapes are a change from Five Ten\u2019s usual flat, polkadot-style outer sole.<\/p>\n

\""FiveTen\"<\/picture><\/div>
Recycled materials are used in the shoe\u2019s upper.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""FiveTen\"<\/picture><\/div>
An XC-inspired tread from Five Ten.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The upper is constructed from recycled materials, while the shank of the shoe is built from repurposed materials, reinforced with glass fibre.<\/p>\n

Up top, there\u2019s a vented and protected toe box, along with a Boa dial backed up by a pair of Velcro straps.<\/p>\n

Classified Powershift MTB hub<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The magic is held in here.<\/span><\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Classified\u2019s Powershift hub<\/a> has now been applied to the world of mountain bikes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The hub holds a 2-speed gear mechanism, onto which a 12-speed cassette (built by Classified) is fitted.<\/p>\n

It effectively gives the benefits of a 2x system to bikes without a front derailleur<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On the bar, their Ringshifter sits right next to the grip, and has a very light feel as you flick it up or down.<\/p>\n

This sends a signal to the Classified rear bolt-thru axle, which then speaks to the mechanism held in the hub shell.<\/p>\n

\""Classified\"<\/picture><\/div>
The Ringshifter has a light action and can be toggled up and down to shift gears.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Classified\"<\/picture><\/div>
Classified\u2019s own cassette is required, but it\u2019s designed to run with SRAM and Shimano derailleurs.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""Classified\"<\/picture><\/div>
Classified can build its hub into its own XC carbon rim.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Tom Marvin \/ OurMedia<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

Classified\u2019s system gives either a 1:1 direct drive or a lower 0.7 reduction ratio. Paired with its 11-40t cassette, you get a 530 per cent gear range \u2013 greater than that offered by traditional 1x systems.<\/p>\n

The shift between the two gears is said to take 150 milliseconds, and can be done while your legs are kicking out 1,000W of power.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve calculated the rear hub to weigh 650g, about double that of the new Hope Pro 5<\/a>, for example, and it costs from \u20ac1,449.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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