Every now and then you buy something you really probably shouldn’t. A race-cut set of high-end kit you’ll only fit into after three back-to-back stage races. Shoes. Online. A saddle called the ‘Speedneedle’. Second-hand wheels. A saddle called the ‘Speedneedle’. At 97 grams, Tune’s endurance model Speedneedle isn’t the lightest saddle on the market, but […]
Kappius launch 46mm wide 29″ clincher rim
Sea Otter is always a great chance to see new kit for the coming model year. Even when it’s just a few months into the current calendar year! While there have been plenty of new semi-fat bikes on show, and new suspension systems from Fox, boutique US rim and hub manufacturer Kappius Components also had […]
Chinese carbon MTB wheels – how good are they?
Carbon wheels are slowly becoming de rigeur for elite endurance mountain biking. The internet, trails and cafes are awash with carbon bike parts. And for good reason – carbon fibre can be used to make stiffer, lighter, stronger and even more comfortable frames, forks, handlebars, stems, seat posts and rims. The returns aren’t as noticeable for […]
ENVE launch new mountain handlebars
ENVE composites have launched a new range of carbon fibre handlebars, from wide and flat handlebars to a high rise downhill specific handlebar. All items use unidirectional carbon fibre construction, have 31.8mm clamps and are pre-marked for cutting. Which is good, as out of the box the flat and low rise bar are 760mm! The […]
Tested – FRM foam grips
When you go for a ride you’re only actually in contact with the bike at three points – your hands, your seat, and your feet: these are the three areas where most people, especially those new to riding, will experience discomfort. Getting your seat position right is a matter of a good bike fit and […]
Whyte 29-C: The Mongolia Bike Challenge Bike Build
Related Event: Mongolia Bike Challenge
At 856km, the Mongolia Bike Challenge covers some serious mileage. Sitting down to consider the nature of the course, which includes vast tracts of double track trails as well as some 13,400m of climbing, Mike and I had forever enjoyable task of putting together a bike for me to take on the Challenge. Enter the […]
Reviewed: Optimus Crux Lite with Terra Solo Cook System
Next to riding mountain bikes, drinking coffee is easily the most enjoyable part of my life. Ok, so beer may come in at equal second, but that holy trinity of pleasures is (for me) the great perpetual engine of life that keeps the globe turning in the right direction. Particularly when deadline is approaching. Coffee […]
Bike Check: James Downing’s Cannondale F-Si
Related Event: XCM Series: Easter in the Alice
As a lot of the marathon racing world moves to full suspension, Australian racer James Downing has just received his 2015 Cannondale F-Si – the update version of the ever popular F29. Quite possibly one of the most popular carbon hard tail race bikes for privateers, along with the Scott Scale 29. We’ve heard about […]
Bike Check: Mike Blewitt’s Bianchi Methanol 29 FS
Bianchi mountain bikes are quite rare in Australia, but they do stock the Subaru-MarathonMTB.com Team with frames to build, so you do get to see them around more than you might otherwise. I’ve spent the past two years racing both a Bianchi Methanol 29 SL hardtail, but also a Bianchi Methanol 29 FS – their […]
REVIEWED: FRM Tubeless Sealant
Tyre sealants are like toothpaste. Not for the consistency, but because once you choose one you’re unlikely to change. I have used a few in the past 10 years, but mostly settled on Stan’s NoTubes sealant. It works well, but it does separate and make big latex monsters, and struggles with sidewall punctures a little. […]