THE NEWLY-UNVEILED BIKES & KIT GETTING US EXCITED THIS MONTH
A HAIBIKE THAT’S NOT SO HARD TO LYKE!
E-MTB pioneers’ latest model is much lighter and less industrial-looking
NEED TO KNOW
Haibike were one of the first brands to make viable e-MTBs – in fact, they claim to have invented them – and have long been the industry leaders in Europe. Their bikes have always worked with stereotypical Germanic efficiency, but haven’t been as sought-after as the likes of Specialized’s Turbo Levo here in the UK. The new LYKE could change that. Not only is it one of the new breed of lighter-weight e-bikes – using FAZUA’s latest, removable RIDE 60 drive system, here claimed to supply 60Nm of max torque and paired with a 430Wh battery – but it looks a lot sleeker than previous Haibikes, too.
WHO’S IT FOR?
“Ambitious trail riders,” according to Haibike, who are looking for smooth climbing and agile descending.
KEY STATS
Travel: 140mm front and rear, via four-bar linkage Wheels: 29in Frame: Carbon fibre with alloy rocker link, S-XL Drive system: FAZUA RIDE 60 motor, 430Wh battery Geometry: 65-degree head angle, 77.3-degree seat angle, 479mm reach and 1,259mm wheelbase (size large) Extras: Optional 210Wh range extender Pricing: £5,699 to £8,799 More info: www.haibike.com Available: TBC
ANOTHER SHUTTLE PREPARED FOR LAUNCH
Pivot’s newest e-bike boasts more power and travel
NEED TO KNOW
In case Pivot’s 140mm-travel Shuttle e-bike (now given the suffix AM) doesn’t suit your needs, and neither does the lightweight Shuttle SL unveiled last month, the US brand have added a third option to their fullsus e-MTB range, the Shuttle LT. This uses the same Shimano EP8 drive unit as the AM but gets an even bigger battery, longer-travel suspension and a burlier build. Pivot describe this model as a “756Wh powerhouse”, which is “race-ready and ultra-refined”.
WHO’S IT FOR?
Riders who prize outright power and descending prowess over light weight and don’t mind sacrificing a little nimbleness at lower speeds.
KEY STATS
Travel: 170mm front, 160mm rear via twin-link DW-link system Wheels: 29in Frame: Carbon fibre, S-XL Drive system: Shimano STEPS EP8 motor with 756Wh battery Geometry: 64-degree head angle, 76.5-degree seat tube angle, 488mm reach and 1,282mm wheelbase (large size, ‘low’ setting) Pricing: £10,000 or £12,000 More info: https://saddleback.co.uk Available: “Soon”
SANTA CRUZ FULLY EMBRACE THE MULLET
New 5010 completes wholesale move from 650b wheels
NEED TO KNOW
With the launch of their latest 5010 trail bike, Santa Cruz have completely ditched 650b front wheels from their range. Buyers now only have the option of a mixed-wheel-size ‘mullet’ bike (29in front, 650b rear), such as the new 5010, or a full 29er. The same goes for sister brand Juliana and their updated Furtado, which shares the same frame. Santa Cruz say the bigger front wheel provides more traction, while the smaller rear wheel keeps things agile – a combination that “results in stupid fun”. The 5010/Furtado’s 130mm of Virtual Pivot Point travel hasn’t changed, but it has less anti-squat than the previous-generation bike, for better ground-tracking and to reduce pedal kickback. Like its predecessor, it’ll only be available in carbon fibre, with no alloy option. Seat tube angles and chainstay lengths vary across the size range to give every rider the same balanced geometry, with the latter being slightly longer than on the outgoing frame to balance out the bigger front wheel.
WHO’S IT FOR?
Riders wanting a playful-feeling but capable trail bike.
KEY STATS
Travel: 140mm front, 130mm rear via twin-link VPP system Wheels: 29in front, 650b rear Frame: ‘C’ or lighter ‘CC’ carbon fibre, XS-XXL (Furtado XS-M) Geometry: 64.9-degree head angle, 76.8-degree seat angle, 1,240mm wheelbase, 476mm reach (large size, ‘low’ setting) Extras: ‘Glovebox’ down tube storage system Pricing: Five full builds from £5,299 to £9,499 More info: www.santacruz bicycles.com Available: TBC
EX-TRA ADJUSTABILITY
Trek’s flagship trail bike gets more travel and fettling options
NEED TO KNOW
Sat between Trek’s Top Fuel downcountry bike and Slash enduro rig is the Fuel EX, their 140/150mm-travel trail bike. The US giant have packed in loads of tricks on this new version. First up is their ‘Mino Link’, which adjusts the head and seat tube angles as well as BB height. Then there’s the adjustable headset cups, which add a further degree of head angle adjustment. Finally, there’s the ‘Adjustable Leverage Rate’ chip to tune the suspension, plus give both air and coil shock compatibility. Add in the ability to run a mullet wheel set-up and 160mm fork, plus seven models in carbon or alloy and eight frame sizes, and there looks to be a Fuel EX to suit every rider and budget.
WHO’S IT FOR?
It’s firmly aimed at trail riders and should be great for big pedals in the hills or getting rowdy in the woods.
KEY STATS
Travel: 140mm front, 150mm rear, via ABP suspension linkage Wheels: 29in or 29in front/650b rear (M-XL); 29in, 29in/650b or 650b (S); 650b (XS) Frame: Carbon fibre or aluminium alloy, XS-XL Geometry: 63.5-degree head angle, 77.4-degree seat tube angle, 440mm4 chainstays, 488mm reach (large size, ‘slack’ and ‘low’ settings) Pricing: £4,800 to £11,750 (carbon models; alloy TBC) More info: www.trekbikes.com Available: TBC