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Perhaps you remember Stefan’s coverage of last year’s Paris – Brest – Paris? That moody 35mm photo gallery that captured the event in a way so uniquely really struck me as beautiful documentation of one of the most intense endurance races. Well, this is the bike that Stefan pedaled during the event and as many of you expressed an interest in seeing better photos, we figured we’d feature it here at the site. So read on below for all the interesting tidbits, with words by Stefan…
When I say Cervelo, chances are your mind doesn’t jump right to off-road bikes. It’s probably something aero like a time trial bike or an aero road bike. Big graphics, thiccccc downtube, lots of spandex, and other images pop into my mind. I’m sure I’m not alone. While it wasn’t exactly a surprise when the brand launched the Áspero – heck, everyone is putting out gravel bikes – I was taken back by how good the bike looked. The Áspero has a lot going on visually but delivers one hell of a ride. I’ve been putting in miles on one for a few weeks now and am finally ready to discuss what I like and what I don’t like about it so if you’re curious about the dirtiest bike in Cervelo’s catalog, read on…
Kona’s popular Libre DL all-road model has some changes in build spec for 2020. Most notably is the wheel package. The Libre DL now comes with 650b/27.5 wheels and a 2x Shimano GRX 800 drivetrain, giving this capable bike even more range. The Libre DL’s frame is made using Kona Race Light technology and is mated with an Easton carbon bar, Race Face carbon seatpost, Easton EA70 AX wheels and a Kona Verso Carbon touring fork. Retail for the complete build is set at $3999 with the frameset coming in at $1999.
-Frame Material: Kona Race Light Carbon
-Fork: Kona Verso Full Carbon Flat Mount Disc
-Wheels: Easton EA 70AX 650b
-Crankset: Shimano GRX 810
-Drivetrain: Shimano GRX 810 11spd
-Brakes: Shimano GRX 810 160mm front / 160mm rear rotor
-Seat Post: RaceFace Next Carbon
-Cockpit: Easton EC70AX bar/Easton EA90 Stem
-Front Tire: WTB Venture TCS DUAL 650bx47c
-Rear tire: WTB Venture TCS DUAL 650bx47c
-Saddle: WTB SL8 Pro
With five classes of Romax, Brodie’s do-it-all gravel bike model, ranging from the Comp for $2099, to the Carbon (pictured) for $3999, and many tiers of build kit and wheel options, Brodie’s offerings for these all-road bikes has something for everyone. The Romax has a steel, aluminum, and carbon frameset offerings, each with cargo bosses on the fork, clearance for plush and supple tires, and build kits ranging from 105 to GRX. There are just too many options to list, so head to Brodie to see the 2020 Romax for yourself.
Jamis’ Renegade received an update after being announced in 2016. With two new models, the C1 ($3,699) and C2 ($2,599), both competitively priced, the brand offers up two different carbon layup designs and the versatility of Shimano’s GRX component groups. This follows the trend we’re seeing this year with a lot of brands building their carbon gravel bikes with GRX.
While the C1 (in tan) has the better kit and layup (Omniad M30), the C2 (in grey) is over $1,000 cheaper and cuts cost with the more affordable layup (T700/FRP). Both frames have mounts for cargo and clearance for 40mm tires. See the full lineup at Jamis.
After Shimano licensed Chris King the design for Micro Spline earlier this year, the brand has ramped up production for these new drivers, with pre-orders beginning on January 15th for release on January 31st.
The King Micro Spline driveshell uses a new bearing and axle design making them their lightest ever ISO hubs. Micro Spline conversion kits will fit all ISO B Boost and ISO DH Superboost rear hubs. Available with either made-in-house stainless steel or ceramic bearings.
CONFIGURATIONS:
ISO B
148x12mm
24h, 28h, 32h
Stainless Steel or Ceramic bearings
ISO DH Superboost
157x12mm
28h, 32h
Stainless Steel or Ceramic bearings
Conversion Kits
Stainless Steel or Ceramic Bearings
148x12mm or 157x12mm
With clearance for a 26″ x 3″ tire and a bright, rambunctious color combination, this Beardman Bicycles was a real attention grabber at the Philly Bike Expo. The bright colors normally could distract from the details of a bike but it’s impossible to glance over some of the unique features. For example, it has a front and rear rack, with removable rails, in case you’ve gotta bring a big ol’ pizza pie back home.
The theme of this year’s Beardman was spooky, with a skeleton losing its hand to the King Cage Many Things cargo cage and a RIP grave marker on the front rack, precisely cut by Derek at Kannaly Metal Works. Beardman makes custom racks, which pair nicely with their segmented forks and precision welded frames.
Did we mention this beaut’s for sale? Holler at Beardman for the scoop! It’d look so good covered in your home dirt.
The Search XR is Norco’s flagship gravel bike and for 2020, the entire lineup got a facelift across all models with new ombré fade paint jobs and Shimano GRX build kits. The Search XR is available in a Reynolds steel frame, A6 aluminum, and carbon, offering a complete bike for just about any budget. Head to Norco to see the details.
In 2015, I was able to partake in the launch of the Cutthroat, Salsa’s Tour Divide Race Bike, a unique drop bar 29er and since then, I’ve had zero contact with it. That is until I unboxed the brand new 2020 Cutthroat, which is full of new updates and boy is it a long list. While I plan on reviewing this bike in more detail further down the road, I wanted to give you a look at the new model on its launch day. Read on below for a first look at the new Cutty.
3T continues to roll out pricing tier build kit options with their popular Exploro model. The latest news from the Italian manufacturers features options with Rival1, GRX, and the AXS Mullet kit, starting at $3599. Check out all the builds below.
The Old Growth Classic took place this past weekend – 500 riders took to a grueling 55-mile course through coastal redwoods and old-growth groves. At the end of the day over 8,000′ of elevation gain would be throbbing through the legs of every person that crossed the start and finish lines. I had planned on bringing my Sklar with me to ride and photograph the course, but Ibis reached out and asked if I’d like to ride their Hakka MX with Shimano’s GRX drivetrain and a new ENVE spec build. Here’s what I thought about the build kit on this bike, specifically GRX…
Salsa just announced their 2020 steel bike lineup including the Apex 1 Fargo (pictured here), GRX 600 Vaya, and Sora Marrakesh. From rugged bikepacking to all-road touring and bikepacking, these models are staples in the Salsa lineup, with their limitations being how long you can take off work for a tour. Head to the Salsa Blog to see more details.
Lyons, Colorado is home to Reeb Cycles, a framebuilder that makes mountain-ready bikes in the old Oscar Blues brewery barn. After watching this video by Pearl Izumi and Shimano, take a look at their models online. They look pretty rowdy! Just like a 60-series in the driveway at the barn!
Want to support People for Bikes and win this insane custom FiftyOne road bike inspired by Silca’s founder Felice Sacchi’s love of his Alfa Romeo sportscar, built with a full kit from Silca, Shimano, Omata and Pirelli? That was a mouthful! At any rate, you can donate $10 to People for Bikes and enter for a chance to win this dreambike package at Silca.
I don’t even know how to start this one off. It’s such a weighted story, with so many levels. First off, Bob Allen is in the MTB Hall of Fame for his photography. Then there’s the bike we’re featuring here, the last Cook Brothers Racing frame made in their original SoCal workshop. Then there’s Bob’s own career, which is tied directly to this bike and a specific photo of MTB legend Hans Ray. Then there’s the fact that Bob had only ridden this bike twice in the past twenty-some-odd years until this week’s Supper Club Shred with Alter Cycles where I was able to grab a few shots of him riding the bike… so bear with me here!
Those looking to outfit their MTB or bikepacking rig with the dependability and shift crisping of Shimano will rejoice at the release of SLX M7100.
Shimano’s new GRX drivetrain dropped today, designed specifically for gravel riding and gravel bikes, toating improved ergonomics and gear ranges with both 1x and 2x options. See more information at Shimano. While we’re at it, Shimano sheds some light on what they think is ideal gravel gearing at their blog. What do you think?
MTB master Wyn Masters tries his hand at ‘cross at the Superprestige in Zonhoven, Belgium.