For the 29 version shown at the top of the article has just one color option of (blue), while the 650b model is shown in the (black) frame color option. They basically built them nearly identical except for the wheel size differentiation and small geometry adjustments to make them ride like they were meant to, for shredding single track till your hearts content.

As with several other mtb engineers most recently, the trend is to design frames to be proprietary around a 1x drivetrain. Which is the route here as well on both bikes. But doesn’t ultimately mean you can’t opt for a front derailleur if you so desire. For this setup though you will simply have to employ an E-Type derailleur which has mounts that are located under the bottom bracket shell and has one simple bolt for attachment to the frame.

Located at the rear of the Tere they designed a modular dropout setup to virtually allow you to go for whatever rear wheel system you might prefer from 135mm QR to 142×12.

The designers have nicely tucked the rear brake away between the stays thus allowing the rear pivot to be located optimally where it is.
They opted to only internalize about half of the cable set. The front derailleur cable and rear brake hose, are run external on the down tube while the dropper post and rear derailleur are nicely located internally.
To compliment the tweener sized Pako and Tere framesets, Grammo were also privy to provide a composite 27.5 wheelset into the mix that will compliment perfectly with matching graphic details, to pimp things out the right way. They also made sure the wheels were tubeless compatible by providing rim tape, for a no hassle pinch flat free ride.

The bicycle company Pure Fix have a strong passion for cycling, and it’s displayed through their earth consciousness and people oriented lineup of two wheelers. A perfect example is the Papa fixed gear model, which helps in raising money for charities that emphasize on sustainability and cancer research as well.

All of the rides they produce are built out of Hi-Tensile steel that are then TIG welded together for high quality and a precision product. The bikes are perfect for the daily urban assault. This ia a sure fire way to get places, stay in shape, and have a blast during the spring and summertime!
Price is $324.00 with free shipping at Jensonusa, and the purchase info link below.

• Purchase Info here ->

- Funner, RiderCafe

The first ever production 27.5 Downhill Bike, will be available here and hit the Dirt world of shops in late May..

Intense Cycles have a great gig going on, which has garnered them a solid reputation for being able to test new products and to build upon those key prototypes within their impressive in-house manufacturing facility located in Southern California. They were actually the first mtb company to mess around with prototyping 29er sized wheels with a much longer travel format, which lead them on to introduce a changeable 26″/27.5″ dropout setup for their high quality hydroformed aluminum rides.

Which is were we are today, and it’s no surprise that Intense is leading the charge of a completely new generation and breed of rides, with the newest 951 EVO setup. The frame will be the first 650B downhill model to be available to the consumer world as early as next month!

The new ride was ultimately developed straight from the ground up, to mate perfectly with the new b-tweener wheel size. Which includes completely new geometry and suspension design kinetics, logically most ideal for the more aggressive race venues that are popping up these days.

They have kept the travel range on the new 951 model similar to last years 26er version that featured 8.5 inches of bottomless travel via the world famous VPP suspension platform that put them on the map so many years ago. The ride also takes advantage of a full 1.5″ head tube and integrated bump stops. It has also been reported that last years 26er wheel size will no longer be available, thus focusing solely on the 650B wheel diameter for this ride from here on out.

As indicated below they increased the top tube length throughout the size spectrum as well as small very important tweaks…

Everything has changed slightly, as one would expect because of the slightly bigger wheel diameter, except the lower bottom bracket height which remains the same, to keep the ride technically fast through tighter sections, but yet instill confidence at super high speeds.

The 951 has most recently gained a reputation for having more pop than the burlier M9 worldcup model, so they slackened the head angle from 64 to 62.5 degrees and the chainstays have only slightly grown by .125″ (4.5mm), which should allow the in between wheel diameter model to continue down that same trend.

There is a pretty impressive amount of mtb manufacturers already on the b-tweener bandwagon which will place a large plethora of components to be unveiled soon, all the while Intense will be set to release the complete 951 Evo ride with a great pick of parts to not undermine a sweet setup, that are all currently on the market ready to rock some dh runs as we speak.

The spec will be comprised of a Manitou Dorado fork, Shimano’s newest Zee component group, Novatec Wheels,  along with FSA for the gravity cockpit. They are also planning to partner up with Vee Rubber for some house brand 27.5 mtb tires. It has also been reported that if you purchase one of the first 25 complete rides, it will have the limited edition “Electric Blue Paint” shown above, with Anodized Hubs and Gold Suspension Links.

The frame will also be available for purchase as well and decked out with a Cane Creek Double Barrel Shock and set to retail for $2,900.

Thanks for supporting RiderCafe, enjoy…

In regards to the carbon itself, Storck frame designers based the process for the ride around their key ingredient of woven composite fibers. Which is a bit different than the way they constructed the Scenaro G2 with a uni-directional fiber layup, thus orienting the Fenomalist’s woven fibers on several axes planes, which help them to handle tensile and flexural loads better because of the multiple axes working in harmony as a collective whole. In a bit simpler terms, if you were to compare a standard rope alongside a single rope fiber that has been unwoven from the group, which one is going to be stronger?

When put into application, this proves to supply more durability, higher impact resistance,  and most important of all, a much better weight-to-stiffness ratio. Back in 2011 was the first time they implemented this technology, and since then the AFBB, an independent German testing laboratory has summarized that the Fenomalist attained the highest possible weight-to-stiffness ratio of any bike made to date in the world. So if we fast forward to 2013, the only competitor to even come close to such precision technique, is the stable mate of the Fascenario 0.7 G2, by only a slim margin. But through Storck’s testing as well they have reported a conclusion as well that the Fenomalist stands on the top tier because it does have both a stiffer bottom bracket area and head tube over the pricier 0.7 G2.

To take it several steps farther, which is probably why it is receiving such notoriety, the layup process is several precise steps. The engineers first begin the process with 3D CAD imaging, so they can digitally process the precise dimensions and data they need to develop a mold. Which is were the layup begins by hand placing the CFR/UD fibers in the mold to be soaked in the resin. The fibers are then heated and air pressed into place with a channeling tool. When completed, the fibers are then worked by hand to smooth every detail, thus making for unprecedented preciseness for the details of the layup process. And Voila.. sweetness!!

The other item worth noting here as well, is the molding process with a monocoque style. Which means that it’s comprised of one-piece in the molding construction process. This allows them to remove unnecessary weight because the technique requires less composite material and resin around where the different tube junctures come together. The finished product, produces an amazing weight of 900 grams, which is similar to other rides like the Ridley Helium SL and BH Ultralight to name a couple.

For the design specifics, they have utilized a huge Press Fit 86 bottom bracket area to transfer all your power in the most efficient way possible through to the rear triangle. To aid with that process the seat stays gracefully originate from a solid box section just above the brake caliper. To increase the ride comfort with a bit of vertical compliance. To finish the Fenomalist off with super clean internal cable routing, that is electronic specific.

In the front end department, the German engineers opted to go that extra push by integrating the latest version of the award winning and amazing original Stiletto model, with the newest Stiletto 300. The original fork was first introduced back in ’99, and received the crazy stature for the lightest fork in the world. It merely registered on the scales at 280 grams, but the new Stiletto 300 is not far off that high mark at 300 grams. The new version also employs the modernized tapered steerer tube that mates awesome with an integrated 1-1/8 inch headset and the reinforced heat tube.

For Storck’s color choice on the Fenomalist, the lone White/black scheme is available with a total of six odd sizes that range from the smallest of 47cm up to 63cm for the largest. The other key notes for the item are a 34.9mm seat post collar, PressFit b.b., electronic cable routing but is adaptable for mechanical derailleur use as well as a replaceable CNC-machined alloy hanger for the rear derailleur.

“The road bike frame price is $ 3,799.00 and ships free … Enjoy!”

• Purchase Info Here..

- Funner, RiderCafe

If your a downhill rider, you know all to well how frustrating it can get trying to change lenses in your goggles because the light conditions can so rapidly change just before your dh run. In all reality, to change the lens in most versions is rather difficult regardless of how much time you have to get it done – which is why Oakley designed and built out the newest Airbrake MX model to put those frustrations in your rear view mirror, and get on with your run with no time stricken panics immediately before your race goes down. They have employed the same Switchlock system that is found in the Jawbone, Fast Jacket, and Radarlock versions of sunglasses, thus allowing for a painless lens change within a mere seconds.

Alongside the Switch lock, the new lens will also sport their famous Plutonite material they utilize for the sunglasses line, but this will be the first time ever being used for the larger lens, replacing the traditional stamped piece of polycarbonate, the Plutonite is actually injection molded which will ultimately increase the optical clarity all while still providing a maximum level for safety impact protection. The lenses are also fitted with tear off posts and will be offered for $160 at the link below.

• Purchase Info at O

Storck has already received on the  Scenero G2 Carbon, the prestigious stature as one of the best road frames for 2013. To ultimately get to this level the German designer has reworked the original platform from the prior model and then improved it in every possible angle — which is impressive to say the least, when you take into consideration that Cycling Magazine had recently voted the G1 for their best road bike to date. Thus making the new changes a bold move for sure. But high confidence always prevails, so the G2 now has stiffer tubes, a slightly shorter wheel base, and a more aerodynamic design which also made it sleeker at the same time. The new work also prevailed with less weight, yes they were able to shave nearly an ounce (20 grams) from the frame, which all results to stronger, lighter, faster, and lighter — no body can argue with that.

For the carbon itself, Storck opted to construct the Scenero G2 out of their own in house CFR/UD composite material. The UD designation means ‘uni-directional, where the fibers run one direction, when you compare it to the alternative style of woven fabric. For most manufactures this process for production becomes overly complex in regard to determining where the force direction is. So if done right, the uni-directional fibers tend to have a better end result, like better vibration dampening, and a stiffer product, that also ultimately achieves a significantly lower weight to top it off.

To take it several steps farther, which is probably why the model is receiving such notoriety and awards, the layup process is several precise steps. The engineers first begin the process with 3D CAD imaging, so they can digitally process the precise dimensions and data they need to develop a mold. Which is were the layup begins by hand placing the CFR/UD fibers in the mold to be soaked in the resin. The fibers are then heated and air pressed into place with a channeling tool. When completed, the fibers are then worked by hand to smooth every detail, thus making for unprecedented preciseness for the details of the layup process. And Voila.. madness!!

The other item worth noting for the Scenero, they also mold it in a monocoque style. Which means that it’s comprised of one-piece in the molding construction process. This allows them to remove unnecessary weight because the technique requires less composite material and resin around where the different tube junctures come together. The finished product, produces a weight of 1160 grams.

For the design specifics, they have utilized a huge Press Fit 86 bottom bracket area to transfer all your power in the most efficient way possible through to the rear triangle. To aid with that process the seat stays gracefully originate from a solid box section just above the brake caliper. To increase the ride comfort with a bit of vertical compliance. To finish the Scenero G2 off with super clean internal cable routing.

In regards to the composite fork shown above, the German engineers opted to go the extra mile by integrating the latest version of the award winning and amazing original Stiletto model, the newest Stiletto Aero. The original fork was first introduced back in ’99, and received the crazy stature for the lightest fork in the world. It merely registered on the scales at 280 grams, but the new Stiletto Aero is not far off that high mark at 360 grams. It must be pointed out the aero is still lighter than nearly all the aftermarket forks in the featherweight category. The new version also employs the modernized tapered steerer tube that mates awesome with an integrated 1-1/8 inch headset and the reinforced heat tube.

Storck has implemented the lone color of Black with white graphics on the Scenero G2, while supplying  six different sizes in odd increments of 47 thru 63cm. A few key notes as well about the features, include a 34.9mm seat post clamp, a PressFit 86 B.B.,  Shimano press-fit style bottom bracket, and a 31.6mm seat posts.

“Pricing for the road bike frame is $ 1,999.00 with free shipping… Enjoy!”

• Purchase Info Here..

- Funner, RiderCafe

When recently asked where their stance or even plans for a 27.5 mtb with engineering director Joe Graney recently seemed somewhat neutral but not interested, but now the Santa Cruz Bronson 650B full suspension bike is living and breathing, and simple proof they couldn’t ignore the potential of the new wheel size.

They didn’t miss a beat with the Bronson by employing all the latest technology brought about as effective updates last year about this time to the entire S.C. lineup. With tricks like the direct mount rear derailleur that is on the Tallboy LT, along with a stealth dropper post routing that is used on the aluminum Blur TR as well. But for what’s excitingly new, is a full suspension platform that was completely engineered around the tweener sized 650B / 27.5 wheels, which many riders have already been taking it upon themselves to stuff them into their Blur frames. Which brings them all officially up to date with the correct geometry adjustments, thankfully though Santa Cruz has continued as in the past by keeping the standard threaded bottom bracket, and not wavering into the spectrum of new press fit styles.

Everything stated above has been integrated on a frame sporting 150mm of rear travel, along with what appears to be Fox’s newest 34mm stanchion 27.5 suspension fork, they had already introduced last spring at the mega Sea Otter cycling event.

S.C. has released the 2013 mtb model with awesome video as well, Enjoy!

Something we like to see is both metallic and carbon versions of a bike unveiled at the same time. It appears they have also reworked the rear triangle design, when compared to the existing wishbone that is curved on all their 26″ carbon versions, where as the Bronson uses a straighter tube style that lengthens to the front side of the seat tube, close in appearance to what the Tallboy LT uses, but still unique in it’s own way. For the photos shown here at RiderCafe, the build consists of the SRAM XX1/ENVE top of the line option. Here is a link to potentially purchase the six-figure getup at C-Cyclist?

• Purchase Info Here..

As stated above they are also producing an aluminum version, shown below with a white powder coating. That have the prices set for the framesets at $1,295 for the alloy, and $2,699 for the composite version.

Here is S.C.’s detailed spec list

• Full composite dropouts and disk mounts
• Composite ISCG-05 tabs
• In-Molded alloy hardware on each of the frame pivots with no bonding
• 27.5 tweener sized wheels
• 142mm rear thru axle
• Molded rubber down tube and rear swing arm protection
• Forged alloy lower link uses grease ports that are angled
• Forged upper link
• two different bottle cage mounts
• Angular contact bearings: all pivots
• Collet axle pivots to virtually lock in place without using pinch bolts
• Standard 73mm threaded bottom bracket for super easy installation
• Cable route for RockShox Reverb Stealth post
• Comes stock with standard derailleur hanger, but has Direct mount option

It has also been reported the newest S.C. model will run with shorter chain stays than the Nomad and a nice 67º head angle. Which equates perfectly into the Enduro racing machine, a key tool once again for the World Cup Syndicate Team.

Santa Cruz were somehow able to keep the Bronson project under wraps and tight lipped  from the media this year, Thanks for reading RiderCafe!

Santa Cruz engineers have been quite secretive and busy this past season about their plans – and when recently asked where their stance or even plans for a 650b mtb were with the engineering director Joe Graney, he came across somewhat neutral but not interested. So we have to sum up they simply couldn’t dismiss the merits for the b-tweener wheel size, and the Bronson 27.5 carbon model line is upon us like a crazy summer storm out of nowhere.

The first competitive plans for the newest ride this Spring will be utilized to spearhead their World Cup level,  Syndicate team’s recent push into the scene of European Enduro racing, where they most definitely plan on doing some serious damage, with not only amazingly talented mt bikers, but what appears to be an equally talented Bronson XTR Enve mtb to get things done nicely. It has also been reported that Santa Cruz has been overly cautious to jump in the new wheel sizing markets, so they have been extensively testing the new composite model for a longer than normal period, thus giving that much more credibility and merit that the mid wheel size is far more than just a passing fad. As you might recall, they were also reluctant to jump in the world of 29ers, but when it happened, the Tallboy was an instant and still remains a smash hit. We are guessing the Bronson will naturally follow in the Tallboys’ steps. It has also been reported that Santa Cruz is planning two different model releases this year, so is there a long travel V-10 27.5 hiding in the S.C. factory? We will have to wait and see.

For this new model release though, they have designed the six-inch-travel VPP platform around two frame options of both alloy and carbon with a wide range of component kits from the likes of SRAM and Shimano, with the latter listed here as the most expensive turn-key mountain bike we have ever had the pleasure to list here at RiderCafe, yes a six figure price of $10,419, if that’s way blown out of proportion to your liking here is a link to the other models not so high in the stratosphere. There’s a Bronson suitable for whatever Enduro category you might fall into.

For this article release though, it’s all about the top-of-the-line Enve/ XTR build, which is quite stunning to say the least, which employs a new composite frame with all the most current updated bits that were originally engineered and used on the Tallboy LTc, those being a simplified swing arm setup, and co-molded alloy pivot bosses. They also kept the lower rocker formed out of alloy as well, along with all the angular contact bearings for the main suspension pivots being adjustable. For the new tricks, they have routed the dropper seat post cables internally, along with a direct-mount front derailleur.

Slated as the Enduro racing machine, the Bronson 650b will put the newest wheel size through its’ paces.

Details:
• Santa Cruz composite frame weight of 5.3 pounds for the size medium
• 142mm rear thru axle spacing.
• Enve AM 650b (27.5) wheels
• Full Shimano XTR build
• Two separate water bottle cage mounts.
• New design for down tube and swing arm protectors built out of molded rubber.
• Stout Alloy lower suspension link has two angled grease ports and are offset to provide better chain guide clearance.
• Forged upper suspension link as well.
• All pivot points use durable angular contact bearings.
• Collet style axle pivots to lock in place without having to use pinch bolts for retention, simplifying and saving weight.
• Complete carbon for both dropouts and the brake caliper mounts.
• Has option for a direct mount rear derailleur hanger, but comes stock standard hanger.
• Composite ISCG-05 chain guide tabs.
• No bonding for the alloy hardware on all the frame pivot points
• Standardized 73mm threaded Bottom Bracket, tried and true.
• Internal cable route for the Reverb Stealth dropper post.
• Sweet Ride!!!

“Complete bike has free shipping… Enjoy!”

• Purchase Info Here..

- Funner, RiderCafe

Recently in Colorado, Ned Overend was spotted at a fatbike race, on what looks to be a prototype from the engineers at Specialized. It seems hard not to believe that the big box store brands wouldn’t be looking to jump on the wagon in a hurry, but as an indicator here by the reports they are not far off. It was also reported, the aluminum frame obviously utilizes hydroforming, by the looks of all the great tube shaping, but he was also using Clown Shoe Rims that were mounted up with Big Fat Larry tires, and the rims were built around a rear end that was wider than 170 millimeters. So could it be so that Special will have in the works and be using a 190mm width for the rear hub? I guess we will have to wait and see what filters through the media on more details..

They have also opted to go with an aftermarket crank, such as the offset e*thirteen double to ultimately allow for plenty of tire clearance for the BFLs. It will also be interesting to see where the Fat Bike weight comes in at, in comparison to the Beargrease and several other production models?

The founder of Storck bicycles has quite the colored and storied history as a designer and builder, it’s been reported he has been at it since the age of fourteen, along with a long stint as product developer of Klein, in the middle of that era, before they were acquired by one of the Big Four companies, and the eventual end of the iconic US company. Which was when he decided to apply his own designs and ultimately set out to create his own high end company in the road bike industry. He took all that depth of building frames, and his sheer passion and knowledge were very evident from the get go. Their first model in the market was the Scenario that used a Stiletto 300 fork, the road model immediately gained the highest of respect and remained as the pinnacle for bicycle design for almost a decade. But as a true artisan, and never really content Storck felt it was now time to officially rewrite the engineering books for alloy frame design, thus making the Visioner complete reality.

To be nothing short of NAHBS quality, they have made all the junctures and welds  on the 7075 aluminum project, completely smooth. Which represents a modern day lineage for the Visioner. They have also employed triple butting throughout on the tube set for the best results possible for both rigidity and long term durability.

For where they have fully modernized it, well the new design uses cables that are routed internally, which also accommodates either the newest electronic or the past mechanical shifting setups. Which shows a clean and purposeful setup for the wire routing to the front derailleur and the battery. For other key features you will also find a stiff 86.5mm bottom bracket shell which accepts the Shimano style Press Fit BB86. They have also increased the seat tube diameters as well from previous aluminum models, up to 34.9mm.

And for the handling, pedal power transfer, along with ride comfort, the Visioner actually stacks up quite evenly with Storck’s composite models. The logic here has to do with a couple of factors, one of those parts is the pro level construction, but the geometry actually plays a huge role as well. They have used the identical 73.5 degree headtube and seat angles that were employed on the Fenomalist G2 and Aernerio G2 framesets, along with shorter 400mm chain stays to make the ride sweet, and super responsive.

Where the model stays unchanged is in the fork department, by using the amazing Stiletto Race of yesteryear. They have felt it was perfect at the onset. With key features like carbon fiber blades for aero qualities and a 1-1/8 inch steerer tube, all to support the most confident of tracking qualities on fast descents, as well as feeling the sheer power while pursuing hard drives on the flats. Though it is updated from yesteryear with a modernized integrated headset, along with dropouts that have been heat-treated for added durability on the rear.

As a base line, Storck is truly trying to challenge the source of knowledge that we thought was a common ground. The Visioner was left for many to ponder what exactly is all the fuss over carbon fiber construction really about? All while, their newest Scenero G2 is being crowned as the top road model for 2013, but the Visioner only weighs a mere 20 grams more while sharing nearly identical geometry numbers. And to top it off, the alloy model attains a stiffer head tube, a higher stiffness-to-weight ratio, along with a stiffer B.B. area than the Scenero. Indeed amazing metal crafting here, without question.

The aluminum model also has six odd sizes available from 51 to 63cm with the durable and lightweight Grey Anodized color. For other key notes, you will need a Press Fit BB86 bottom bracket, a 31.6mm seat post, a seat post collar that is 34.9mm, and a integrated 1-1/8in headset.