BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
19 exhibitors, over 120 journalists from around the globe and one gondola connected mountain. Eurobike’s first ever Media Days provided the perfect platform for 2016 bike launches. Here’s the second instalment of our product round ups.
For part one – featuring Kalkhoff, Ghost, Merida and Polygon – click here. For a full gallery from Eurobike’s Media Days, click here.
Corratec
With the introduction of the 2016 catalogue came Corretec’s unveiling of the Inside Link 10Hz suspension platform.
Describing it as a revolutionary new suspension technology, the firm’s new shock system uses a new rubber damper to eliminate low frequency vibrations for what is a noticeably smoother ride on smaller bumps. The rebound of the MDU damping unit also presses the back wheel into the ground, even when
things get bumpy. A reduction in friction and static friction means that less load is required to activate the spring. The SAG is adjusted accordingly.
You’ll spot the shock in numerous places in the catalogue, from the enduro-suited 175 to the firm’s off-road electric e-140.
On the tarmac front, Corratec’s CCT Evo has bolstered the top-end with its aero profiled frame. Developed with the NACA 0038 profile, the frame and fork’s aerodynamics are not too dissimilar to a wing panel on a plane, leading to minimal air resistance. A lowered chain stay improves handling while eliminating chain slap.
Giant
Starting on the road front, journalists were scrambling to see the 2016 TCR Advanced SL.
Set up to deliver maximum power transfer, Giant’s flagship is pitched as a bike for those savvy buyers whose purchasing decisions are based on lab tests results, for which the TCR is delivering spectacular results against competition.
Through refined Advanced SL composite technology and optimized tube shaping, the new TCR advanced SL shaves 12per cent of frameset weight (181 grams) from the previous generation, without sacrificing stiffness. The top tube, seat tube, integrated seatpost and seatstays feature minimalistic profiles, while the MegaDrive downtube and PowerCore bottom bracket have been refined to maintain TCR’s renowned pedaling stiffness.
On to electric bikes and Giant is branching out with the Yamaha driven Dirt-E+ and speed pedelec Quick-E+ platform.
Delivering a 45 km/h boost via a 500W SyncDrive motor, we are as yet unsure if the Quick-E+ will make it to the UK as it’ll currently be classed as a moped, but it’s an interesting development nonetheless. A UK-legal 25/km/h version will also feature.
Meanwhile, Giant’s Dirt E+ will come in three Deore XT and Deore-based variations.
LIV
Key to the launches from women’s-specific LIV was the new Intrigue SX trail bike.
Designed for the experienced and aggressive rider, the Intrigue is built for rougher terrain, with proven geometry and additional travel added over the prior build. The lightweight aluminum frame is designed around 27.5-inch wheels, with the Maestro suspension system offering 140mm rear travel and a matching adjustable fork with 140-160mm providing more control in rough terrain.
Additional features include the tapered OverDrive headtube and a 15mm thru-axle front for precise control, plus internal cable routing for a dropper seatpost.
Stevens
As one of a few brands to have branched into the 27.5+ wheel size, Stevens was sending journalists out on its updated Whaka ES.
This is the brand’s first foray into plus size tyres and it works incredibly well alongside the 140mm four-bar linkage suspension. It’s a looker too, with internally routed cables for everything, including the dropper post. With a 13.2kg total weight, the extra rubber isn’t going to be a huge burden and impacts are further softened by the brand new Fox Float DPS strut.
