Today, Shimano debuted an all-new 8-speed 1x drivetrain dubbed ESSA. This new kit is an update to the existing 8-speed lineup; it is versatile, robust, and priced to target entry-level bikes. Best of all, ESSA is compatible with current 8-speed flat-bar ACERA, ALTUS, and TOURNEY TX systems. Let’s look at the key components below.
#Shimano
tag
Radar
Kogel Bearings: Shimano GRX 12-Speed Kolossos Oversized Derailleur Cage
Kogel Bearings brought low friction and precise shifting to GRX 12-speed gravel bikes with this Kolossos oversized derailleur cage ($474.99). This upgraded cage fits mechanical 12-speed (RX820 series) drivetrains for Shimano GRX 1X rear derailleurs and is designed to enhance chain retention and reduce friction while shifting, even under load.
The overall length of the Kolossos is within a few mm of your stock cage, so ground clearance is not a concern. It is also equipped with road seals for optimal efficiency, but can easily be switched to cross seals for wet riding conditions.
See more at Kogel Bearings.
Reportage
Sueños de Colombia: Scarab Cycles Paramo Ultra Gravel Bike Review
The Paramo Ultra from Colombian bicycle builders Scarab Cycles is arguably the brand’s most versatile offering. With clearance for thicc tires, sliding dropouts, and comfortable geometry, the Paramo Ultra is inspired by the unrelenting high-elevation Andean mountain terrain where Scarab is based to provide a capable ride experience in even the most demanding pursuits. And because every Scarab is built to order based on a rider’s size, discipline, and style, no two builds are ever the same.
Josh has ridden a Paramo Ultra for the past six months both in Colombia where it was made and on his local roads and trails around the Sonoran desert. Below, he shares his thoughts on the build as well on Scarab’s overall approach to fabricating custom bicycles in the mountains outside Medellín…
Radar
VIDEO: Path Less Paved with Svein Tuft
After a long and decorated career at the top level of professional road racing, Svein Tuft returns home to the coast of British Columbia to rediscover his love for adventure and the outdoors. Spawning from tales of childhood wanderlust, Svein searches for simplicity in life away from the travel and high-pressure racing world to get a new sense of normal. From short family outings to grand adventures deep into the Canadian Rockies, Svein is inspired by two-wheel adventuring and finding the path less paved.
Check out the full article at Shimano.
Radar
Damn Well Good Enough: A Review of the Shimano Deore XT LINKGLIDE
Prioritizing longevity and smooth shifting, Shimano’s LINKGLIDE technology offers an alternative to the weight and speed focus of most 12-speed drivetrains, with a new cassette designed to last 3x longer than their HYPERGLIDE+ technology. It uses an 11-speed chain, a new tooth design, and Shimano’s legacy HG freehub to achieve these feats. Whether it’s going on a new bike or bringing an old rig into the 1x world Shimano’s new LINKGLIDE technology might just be the right fit for you.
Radar
First Ride Review: Introducing Shimano GRX Mechanical 12-Speed Components
Today, Shimano released the long-awaited mechanical 12-speed versions of their popular GRX gravel-focused drivetrain. With three 12-speed varieties to choose from (two 1x configurations and one 2x) and a list of desirable accouterments (optional dropper lever, interchangeable derailleur cages, refined wheelsets, updated ergonomics, and more), Shimano is covering a lot of ground in this new generation of gravel components. Josh recently had a chance to click through and pedal the wide range GRX RX820 groupset and, below, details the full product launch along with his first ride review…
Radar
Radar Roundup: Shimano Gravity Shoes, First American TDF Winner, Mini Pump, Wolf Tooth Tool Sale, Dirty Lemmon FKT, and Why Randonneuring?
Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…
Radar
Radar Roundup: Scarab Santa Rosa Disc Integrated Road, Old Man Mountain Flip Cage and Axle Pack, Shimano EX900 Dirt Shoes, All City Zig Zag 105, Mountain Bike Trail Names Are Weird, and Penhale Bicycle Company on Bike, Camp, & Chill
Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…
Radar
Radar Roundup: Ornot X Chris McNally Trail Shirts, Specialized + Fjällräven Exchange, Shimano Flint Hills Shoes, Abus TravelGuard, Five Bucks a Foot, and Motherhood and Mountain Biking
Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…
Reportage
It Takes Two: John’s 1985 Steve Potts Signature
Marin County was a bustling time for the early mountain bike scene from the late 70s and well into the 80s. Names like Tom Ritchey/Gary Fisher/Charlie Kelly at the MountainBikes store, and Joe Breeze, Charlie Cunningham, and Steve Potts psychically and physically shaping the future of the then-fledgling sport with their fire-road ripping designs, torches and tig welders.
We’ve reported on Cunningham and Potts’ involvement in Wilderness Trail Bikes (known widely as WTB) over the past few years along with Mark Slate. In 1983, Cunningham, Potts, and Mark Slate founded WTB, and the trio began developing components in Marin, leaning on both builder’s fondness for innovation and exquisitely unique craft. While Steve loved to shape tubes with brass fillets, focusing on the form regardless of weight, Charlie would tig aluminum and shave grams anywhere he could. The two made for a dynamic duo of constructeurs.
By the time 1985 rolled around, mountain bikes were a legitimate tour de force within the bike industry. Even though they gravitated towards completely different frame materials and processes, Cunningham and Potts were credited with crafting some of the most iconic bikes of the era and still found the time to collaborate and share ideas.
As with many of the influential characters and pivotal moments in the early days of the almighty mountain bike, collaboration was key, and sometimes, it took two talented individuals to make a single bike…
Radar
Radar Roundup: Revel Absorbs Why, Industry Nine iRiX Headsets, North St Micro Panniers, Ornot Mission Pants, Berd Hubs, PUSH Elevensix, Shimano CUES, and TPC Rebrand
Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…
Radar
Radar Roundup: Ritchey 50th Outback, RAR Fundraiser, Longer Fox Transfer SL, Fat Tire Flyer Scans, Shimano Tropical Leaves RX8, Roached Clips, and Dream Free Ride House
Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…
Radar
Radar Roundup: Shimano GRX Limited Silver in Stock, Mission Workshop Slice Framebag, Adventure Cyclist Redesign, SimWorks Froggy Seatpost Refresh, Easton EC90 ALX, Ira Ryan Cycles, and One Thousand Hellos
Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…
Reportage
1990 Klein Attitude Team USA
The mountain bikes of the late 1980s were not prepared for what the 1990s would bring to the American framebuilding scene, which was on the precipice of the aluminum revolution. Aluminum bikes were lighter and featured oversized tubing diameters, making a buff canvas for some wild paint jobs. This 1990 Klein Attitude is perhaps one of the most iconic bikes, donning the “Team USA” or “Dolomite” colors; green, white, and magenta—all sprayed on Klein’s thicc “Aluminum Power Tubing.”
While I was in Los Angeles, camping out at The Cub House, Sean got this bike all polished up for a quick shoot, so let’s check it out below!
Radar
Josh’s Favorite Products of 2022
Adding to John’s longstanding tradition of sharing a selection of favorite products from the year, today Josh shares his list. This diverse list includes bags, apparel, components, riding gear, and more. Let’s check it out below!
Radar
Radar Roundup: We Ride for the Mountains, 7mesh Upcycling, CdC Leonie Insulated Jacket, Baphomet Dynaplug, and Shutter Speed
Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…
Radar
Radar Roundup: Sim Works Super Chill, Welldone Chips Bag, RX8/RX8R, Big Kev, Bicycle Film Festival Returns, and Kromvojoj 2022
Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…
Radar
Radar Roundup: Fizik Terra Artica GTX, Moots 40th Keychains, Nordest Kuxto, DOOMtitanium, Scout Bike Alarm, ILE Dopp, We Are Moots, and Andy McKenna – Evolution
Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…