Inside Line: Crankworx tech, prototypes and more—Part 1
Originally posted on August 20, 2013 at 14:42 pmBy Adam Newman
RaceFace
Returning strong from bankruptcy in 2011, for next year RaceFace will get into the saddle game with the Affect, a mountain bike specific saddle weighing in at about 220 grams with Ti alloy rails and an approximately $100 price tag. Look for it in late fall 2013.
RaceFace is the latest brand to get on board with the new 35mm stem clamp standard. The SixC downhill bars measure in at 800mm wide with three different rise options. The Next series clocks in at 760mm, and even the XC-focused Turbo series has a 35mm option with the same 760mm width.
Naturally there will be RaceFace stems to match.
Devinci
Devinci was showing off the new 27.5 Troy model, a 140mm enduro/trail bike with Dave Weigle’s Split Pivot suspension design. The internal cable routing pops out above the bottom bracket, leading to something of a housing crowd. The carbon weave look on the front triangle also isn’t something you see often these days. The seatstays are carbon while the asymmetric chainstays are aluminum.
While Steve Smith took the win in the Air DH race aboard his new Troy, above, we spotted a prototype Devinci under teammate Nick Beer. While the Troy and Dixon models have vertical shock mounts, this one, below, employs a horizontal RockShox Vivid Air, likely indicating an increase in travel, slotting in between Devinci’s trail/enduro bikes and the Wilson downhill sled. Look for it to be the perfect downhiller turned enduro racer’s xc-ish trail bike. (I kid. I kid.)
Banshee Bikes
Banshee Bikes were "born on the shore" and naturally the booth was a popular stop in the Whistler Village. The Phantom 29er prototype pictured here was first spotted at Sea Otter, but it looks closer than ever to production. The frame sports 100mm of rear wheel travel and designed to handle 120mm-140mm forks. Unlike other short-travel XC bikes, the Phantom has a 67 degree head tube angle for more aggressive riding. Look for it to be production ready by spring.
Banshee also had this prototype 27.5 Legend in the booth, but it’s the only one in existence and hasn’t even been ridden yet. The Manitou Dorado fork has plenty of clearance for the bigger wheels, but the rear end sure is tight. The suspension is Banshee’s own KS Link with the replaceable dropouts and flip chips for adjustable geometry and convertible axle standards.
FiveTen
FiveTen has two new models for 2014: the Sam Hill signature edition Impact VXi and the Greg Minaar edition Impact VXi clipless. The new kicks are significantly lighter than the old style Impacts, and the new foam is non-absorbant, so you’re shoes won’t swell up like sponges on rainy days.
There will be a youth version of the classic Impact shoes as well, as 9-year-old FiveTen rider Jackson Goldstone tries on his for the first time.
EVOQ
EVOQ’s Liteshield line of bags have a closed-cell foam panel that protects your spine in the event of a crash, both from the ground and from whatever might be in your bag. Available in four sizes, there is an option for everything from XC to backcountry touring.
This guy
Not everyone needs fancy gear. DIY was in style at Crankworx. Or maybe it’s just a prototype…
Surly
One bike we didn’t expect to see at the bike park was Surly’s super-brand-new Instigator 2.0. The new bike has massive tire clearance with room for Surly’s new 26×2.75 Dirt Wizard tires or those oh-so-hot-right-now 27.5 wheels. The replaceable and convertible dropouts are new for Surly and can be fitted to handle most any axle system.