We’re all tired of hearing about big wheels at this point, I’m sure. But that wasn’t the only game being played at Sea Otter Classic in California. There were also new radial tire options, fun side-projects, new shoes and some really good, practical options for those of us who think mountain biking should still be developing new, more affordable options that aren’t just “entry level,” but actually function well.
Cannondale Noterra
Cannondale was having some fun in its booth, setting engineers loose on a de-electrified Moterra that the brand is dubbing the “Noterra.” With full Volvo-Cannondale retro colours, down to the DeeMax Mavic rims and a yellow Boxxer to match, this is apparently just the start of Cannondale’s side projects with the Moterra frame. As for bikes you can actually buy, the new Bad Habit was in the booth and that sparkle gold/neon pink looks way more stunning in person than it probably does on your screen right now.
Kenda takes a stab at 32” with new Dagger
OK, this isn’t just a 32″ post. Kenda’s new Dagger XT tires to come in the mega wheel size, but the Daggers are also looking to cut into the 29″ cross country category. That makes them an inetersting alternative in the still-small market for big, big wheels, and a good alternative for fast riding on your current 29″ XC whip before the industry forcibly removes it from you and makes you buy a 32″ one. Joking, probably.
Delium Tires lowers the price of radial tiers
If you’re curious about radial casings, and the promises of better grip at higher tire pressures, Delium is the brand to get you into that market without breaking the bank. If you haven’t heard of Delium, you’ve probably ridden one of their tires. They manufacture for numerous other brands. That economy of scale, and a decidedly smaller marketing budget, lets the brand offer its very straight-forward line of tires at a more approachable price. The tires are named like they are to be used, and look solid. The brand does support several Canadian riders, who have helped develop the new casings. We’re looking forward to getting some real time on these tires soon.
adidas Five Ten dives deeper in to MTB (soon)
Years after buying Five Ten, adidas is making bigger moves into mountain biking. The iconic three stripes are now the main sponsor of the adidas Norco Race Division downhill squad. While we should probably expect something new to come out of that in due time, the latest releases from the adidas Five Ten are the Sleuth DLX, a semi-casual riding shoe that looks good off the bike without giving up Stealth rubber or performacne features, and the return of the Fivetennie. The later kicked off Five Ten’s move into mountain biking. Like back then, it is very much a climbing approach shoe. Back then, it was the best option for flat pedals, so mountain bikers started wearing them. You still can, if you want. But Five Ten obviously makes some more functional options for mountain biking.
Forbidden Dreadnought E
After offering two Druids, a short travel and a long-travel, last year, Forbidden’s moved to a big electric Druid and an electric Dreadnought. The latter, announced at Sea Otter, promises the borderline downhill performance of the Dreadnought platform combined with the self-shuttling abilities of Avinox’s new motor. Should be interesting.
Kona Process 160 Remote
The Process platform is a reliable and proven platform for the Vancouver-founded (Washington-based) brand. The Remote applies a similarly pragmatic approach to fun. It’s built to be shred-ready for Kona’s home trails out of the box. Powerful brakes, solid suspension, a reliable drivetrain, all at a reasonable (for eMTB) price. Oh, and you get the range extender with purchase. That helps the 160 pull double duty as a light weight full-powered eMTB for short laps or, with the extender, a full on, full-power bike for bigger adventures. Your choice, one bike.
Liv/Giant update the entry-level
Liv and Giant are, together, two of the biggest names in mountain biking. With the new Embolden and Stance, they are using their collective experience to offer a price-point mountain bike that offers a real accessible gateway into modern mountain biking. No hardtail, no steep angles. Just an alloy version of it’s more expensive bikes, with price-focused components. Nice touches like clearly marked suspension settings for the brand’s in-house Cast suspension, Shimano Cues drivetrain with its durability over elite performance, and the extensive range of house-brand components help keep the price realistic for more riders, entry level or budget focused experienced riders. Those cost savings allow Giant to add important touches, like ensuring all joints on the inside of the frame are rounded and soft to not mess with the headset-routed cables. Not everyone wants to, or can, spend 8k on a bike. That shouldn’t be a barrier to a good full suspension bike.
MicroShift Advent MX 10- and 11-speed
Continuing the theme of performance without a punishing price, MicroShift was showing off its latest 10- and 11-speed wide-range group sets. When I started riding, 11-speed groups were all we had and the gear range was far more restrictive. I think it’s great there’s brands continuing to develop these areas, bringing more modern features, like functional clutches, to 10 and 11-speed instead of only focusing on 12-speed where the entry point is still very expensive, by any external standard.
There are real features here. The 11-speed cassette has 11-50t gearing, 550g, replaceable cogs (so you don’t have to replace the whole thing when the big aluminum cogs wear out) and just USD 145. Solid stuff. The 10-speed has an 11-48t range, is E-rated, all steel, just USD 85, though it’s 680g.