News Roundup - Week of October 6th

Adidas Announces The Breast Cancer Awareness Collection

Inspired by the experiences of people and communities around the world, including its own employees and athletes, adidas is launching the Breast Cancer Awareness Collection this October.

Available throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the adidas Breast Cancer Awareness Collection sees adidas partnering with Breast Cancer Now in the UK and Europe, and National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. in the US, to help raise awareness of breast cancer and support the vital work both charities do.

The products in the Breast Cancer Awareness Collection have been chosen to help everyone, regardless of physical ability or condition, spend more time in the outdoors.

“My mom had breast cancer,” explains adidas Five Ten Senior Product Manager Bike; Global Brand Comms, Social Media Manager, Luke Hontz. “She is fortunate to have come through it. I’ve wanted to do something to raise awareness of the disease and to help support individuals and their friends and families who are impacted. Working on this collection is a passion project. I'm grateful adidas gave me the chance to get it off the ground. I hope our efforts can make a difference in people's lives."

The collection features a range of footwear for running, hiking and mountain biking. The TERREX Free Hiker is an all-terrain hiking shoe that offers grip and a responsive, padded midsole over long distances, while the adidas TERREX Agravic Ultra trail-running shoe was created with insights from athlete Ekaterina Mityaeva for comfort and energy return over technical trails.

The adidas Ultraboost is a breathable shoe designed for runners who want to pick up the pace, featuring a 100% BOOST™ midsole for cushioned runs. The adidas Five Ten Freerider Pro, meanwhile, provides a grippy MTB ride over almost any terrain.

The collection’s apparel selection includes an adidas Five Ten Fleece Jacket and Jersey designed to aid temperature regulation when mountain biking in variable conditions. Also in the collection is a windproof and water-repellent adidas TERREX Trail Wind Jacket which, on cooler outings, can be layered over the adidas TERREX Agravic T-shirt. Featuring AEROREADY technology, this base-layer T-shirt manages runners’ body sweat to keep them feeling comfortable for longer.

The collection’s focus on functional footwear and apparel that is designed for the outdoors is in keeping with adidas' objective to help broaden access to outdoor sports and help everyone enjoy the benefits of spending time in nature. With United by Summits, adidas TERREX is taking this brand-wise ethos further by encouraging all people, from every background, to realise their own individual goals in the outdoors and enjoy the benefits of adventure, both big and small.

Pro mountain biker and adidas athlete Veronique Sandler has created a series of illustrations for the products in the collection, aimed at representing the strength and comfort that those with breast cancer have experienced in the outdoors.

“A few significant people in my life have had breast cancer. It’s something many of us will be affected by in some way in our lifetime, and it’s so important to spread awareness. I’m so stoked to have had the opportunity to be involved with designing this collection,” says Veronique Sandler. “Speaking to people with the disease, and those who have had it in the past, many of them described to me how spending time in nature or thoughts of nature helped them stay positive through difficult moments. I hope my illustrations help represent their strength and positivity.”

The collection is available for purchase in limited quantities from September 30, 2022 until the end of October 2022 for adiClub members only, before going on general sale after October. £15/€15/$15 from each full-price sale of the adidas Breast Cancer Awareness Collection will be donated to Breast Cancer Now (for purchases in the UK and EU) or National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (for purchases in North America). The money raised will contribute to the important work these charities are doing.

With the Breast Cancer Awareness Collection, adidas can support its charity partners in their efforts to help those impacted by breast cancer, while also offering more people a route into the outdoors with the footwear and apparel they need.

To find out more or purchase an item from the adidas Breast Cancer Awareness Collection, head to the adidas website.

Rapha and GORE-TEX Team Up for the An All-New MTB Jacket

DEFY THE FORECAST

This jacket is made from GORE-TEX Infinium™, a hybridised 3L 30D nylon ripstop lined with a C-KNIT™ backer, which offers an incredibly soft interior and stretch, all in a packable size that stows away easily. Windchill is a thing of the past and water simply beads and runs right off due to an ultra-thin durable water repellent (DWR).

FOURTH-SEASON VERSATILITY

Dark skies on the horizon aren’t your concern – the Infinium Jacket offers total protection from the wind and strikes an ideal balance between water resistance and breathability. This is the jacket you’ll always reach for when trail conditions may turn for the worse.

PROTECT YOUR HEAD

The halo hood is designed to slip over your mountain biking helmet when temps drop or rain starts to fall, then it disappears when you don’t need it – the hood rolls away and cinches easily so it stays put when not in use.

EVERYDAY CARRY

Instead of bulky side pockets that are hard to access while riding, keep your essentials secured in two chest pockets – one interior for cards and valuables, one exterior for phone or other quick-access items.

STAY IN MOTION

Think of the jacket as an outer shell for your body – it should articulate and move with you in a full range of motion. Panelled gussets under the armpits allow you to barspin, turndown, x-up… or just get loose.

The Gore Tex Infinium Jacket comes in 4 colourways in sizes XS-XXL. Pricing is $510.00 CAD on the Rapha website, which includes delivery.

REEB Cycles Steel “SST” Full Suspension Bike Is Available to Order

REEB Cycles is officially launching the steel short travel (120mm) “SST” trail bike for widespread availability, a development that relies heavily on exploring the limits of manufacturing technology to build a truly unique high performance mountain bike. The SST is the first trail ready indication of their investment in aerospace manufacturing experience, engineering and materials.

The SST trail bike blends the custom steel tubeset from Jeff Lenosky’s signature Redikyelous hardtail with the design, fabrication and abuse testing of Adam Prosise’s groundbreaking BREWser. Pairing the suspension technology design from the critically acclaimed Sqweeb and utilizing innovative aerospace-grade SLM 3D printed frame components, the SST embodies the rowdy and playful character of REEB’s proven steel hardtails while providing enough suspension to hit the big lines.

At the heart of the SST is a brand new, REEB exclusive 4-bar suspension system that combines the pedaling and braking performance of a Horst-link with the simplicity and low weight of a flex-stay. REEB uses custom formed steel stays, a hollow yoke and proprietary dropouts to precisely control suspension movement and increase lateral stiffness over a traditional steel frame. This design gives the SST incredible small bump sensitivity, supportive ramp throughout the travel, and a sublime balance of stiffness and compliance. Leverage ratio, kinematics and geometry are all tuned to create an ultra responsive chassis that jumps off the line, crushes climbs, slaps berms, launches gaps, and floats through chunder like a much bigger bike.

Essential to SST development was exploring the limits of manufacturing technology and applying it to build a light, stiff and strong steel bike. The SST features SLM 3D printed hollow stainless steel chainstay yoke, seatstay clevis, and rear dropouts. The result is a stronger, stiffer, lighter, and more elegant trail bike.   

“Metal additive manufacturing (3D Printing) has intrigued us for a while, but until recently it was not a cost effective or accessible technology. Over the last couple of years 3D printing has become much more mainstream so we jumped at the opportunity to make some parts” said the SST and Sqweeb design engineer and REEB Cycles President, Steve “Space Cowboy” Ziegler.  Steve brings more than two decades of aerospace manufacturing, engineering, and operations experience paired with a lifelong addiction to fast bikes and a deep connection with the REEB brand.

REEB has been able to develop the lightweight steel full suspension frame by leveraging Selective Laser Melting 3D printing to create thin wall parts with internal structure that would be impossible to manufacture on any subtractive CNC machining process. REEB leveraged the process to develop the steel dropouts, main pivot yokes and seatstay clevis bosses that are lighter, and stronger than machined aluminum parts. Their appearance is also sleek and matches the aesthetics of steel tubing.

The REEB Cycling fabrication team (Adam Prosise and Robbie Jackson) also adds James Bridge, who has over 8 years of experience developing engineering concepts into reliable products for the aerospace industry. James has contributed to multiple successful spaceflight missions and shares the team’s love for precision fabrication and fast machines.

With these additions REEB plans to expand their scope of operations to focus on increasing manufacturing capability and reducing lead times while retaining the grassroots culture and exquisite craftsmanship that are synonymous with the brand. The company is committed to bringing people, technology, and culture together to develop and deliver extraordinary products to customers who share a passion for riding bikes and having fun. 

Sqweeb aesthetics are visible via the in-house CNC machined rocker link, although with a reduced size and weight to match the SST’s intended use. All SST pivots have been extensively tested on the Sqweeb frame and paired with enduro bearings throughout

Current SST lead times are:

     FRAME ONLY: December 1st, 2022

     X01 AXS BUILD: January 1st, 2023

    GX Build: February 1st, 2023

Visit the NEW website at www.reebcycles.com to order any model of bike directly from REEB Cycles.

ALLIED Cycle Works Announces Limited Edition BC40

When ALLIED Cycle Works launched the BC40 mountain bike earlier this year, Payson McElveen was an integral part of the development. The team created a mountain bike that blends XC Race with Downcountry abilities, perfectly addressing the needs of Payson to conquer a diverse range of race courses and the trails around his hometown of Durango, Colorado. Building what he calls his dream bike, Payson gave it a custom paint scheme modeled after the gradient hues of the San Juan Mountains. Now this elite BC40 build with Payson’s paint job is available to everyone.

“The BC40 is very simply my dream bike,” said Payson. “It has the geometry I want, the suspension characteristics, the aesthetic, and of course, the light weight. If I were to design a mountain bike for my needs and goals, the BC40 would be it. I still can’t quite believe it’s real, honestly. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to ride it, race it, adventure on it, and to have played a small role in its creation.”

A Texas native, Payson relocated to Durango, Colorado, in 2012. Known as an epicenter of endurance mountain biking, he spends most of his time training there. Payson's BC40 paint scheme was inspired by the infamous and rugged San Juan mountains. A mountain range that forms the southern part of Colorado's Rocky Mountains and is touted as having some of the most diverse landscapes of any mountain range in the U.S. The beautiful but unusual hues created by the distinct geology of the San Juans influenced the colors of this actual one-of-a-kind piece of art on two wheels. When Payson first moved there, he found the mountain range incredibly intimidating, but it was the challenging terrain he needed to reach his potential as an athlete. "They've taught me enormous amounts about myself as an athlete and person. It's extraordinary to have those mountains and years of hard work reflected in this new mountain bike," said Payson.

Over two years in the making, the BC40 was designed for speed, agility, and beauty, painstakingly tested and refined, and made entirely in the United States with unparalleled precision and passion. A thoughtfully engineered modern cross-country machine mixed with an all-day trail sled, the BC40 features plush 120mm of front and rear travel combined with a second-to-none pedaling platform and progressive geometry that delivers precise speed, handling, and tracking for the needs of the modern trail shredder.

Payson’s Limited Edition BC40 is an exact replica of his bike, complete with a SRAM Eagle XX1 AXS drivetrain, RockShox SID Ultimate Charger Race Day Remote fork, SID Luxe Ultimate Remote shock, Roval Control SL 29 XD carbon wheels, and Payson’s iconic San Juan custom paint job. 

“We love the energy that Payson brings to the sport, on and off the bike,” said CEO Drew Medlock. “He inspires riders at all levels and adds a fresh creative dimension to everything he does. His Limited Edition BC40 is original like Payson and an expression of the Allied brand. This BC40 is a no-compromise build with the unique San Juan paint job that personifies the distinct layers of Payson’s personality. And every Limited Edition BC40 will come with a personal note from him.”

Payson’s Limited Edition BC40 is available to order now as a complete bike and frameset. 

For more information, go to AlliedCycleWorks.com.

Canfield Bikes Reveals 2023 Balance

Canfield Bikes, high-end boutique mountain bike manufacturer, today introduces new colors and build options for a slightly updated version of the first CBF-equipped mountain bike, the Canfield Balance. Boasting 169 millimeters of rear wheel travel and 27.5-inch wheels, the Balance combines efficient pedaling with big-hit performance and playful handling. It is also mullet-compatible for those seeking business in the front while keeping the party in the back.

Highlights

• 27.5” All-Mountain / Enduro
• Mullet Compatible (160mm 29" fork recommended)
• 7005 aluminum with CNC links
• Patented Canfield Balance Formula™ Suspension
• 169mm travel
• Metric shock sizing (230mm x 65mm)
• Boost Spacing
• Custom Chainstay Protector
• Internal Cable Routing
• Tapered headtube
• 15mm Max-type pivot bearings (6902)
• Water-bottle mount 
• Replaceable rear derailleur hanger
• Available in Small, Medium, Large and X-Large 

Available in Goat’s Blood deep-red powder coat and Stealth black anodized finishes, the 2023 Balance now features internal cable routing for the first time ever as well as other minor geometry updates across sizes to enhance fit and handling for a wider range of riders.

Build options will be centered around TRP's TR12 12-speed shifter and derailleur mated with e*thirteen's Helix Race cassette, but SRAM drivetrains will also be an optional upgrade. Riders will be able to choose Canfield cranks in lengths from 155 to 170mm paired with AbsoluteBlack premium chainrings. 

Several suspension options will be available from Cane Creek, RockShox, MRP, DVO, EXT and others. Wheel options include premium options from e*thirteen and Atomik Carbon. All rolling stock will be wrapped with the legendary grip of Maxxis rubber.

Cockpit duties will be handled by Canfield's own all-new Special Blend bar and stem combo. The matte carbon bar with stealth graphics sits at 800 millimeters wide with pre-measured cut marks to make it easy for riders to get the right fit for them. Lance designed a beautifully machined 40-millimeter alloy stem to cradle the bar's 35-millimeter clamp diameter.

Stopping duties will by handled courtesy of several options from TRP and Magura. Other details include size-specific SDG Tellis dropper posts, custom Canfield SDG saddles and Lizard Skins grips with custom Canfield lock-rings.

“The Balance holds a special place in our lineup,” said Lance Canfield, CEO and designer. “It was the first bike to feature CBF suspension, expanding the possibilities of an aggressive big-hit bike burly enough for the bike park yet efficient enough for all-day epics. And we still think 27.5-inch wheels are a ton of fun.”

Built around the patented Canfield Balance Formula™ suspension system, the Balance is a big-mountain brawler unafraid to earn its turns. Canfield has been refining parallel-link suspension for two decades, and the result is maximum traction, effortless climbing and no room for excuses when the going gets rough.

The Balance’s CBF™ tuned linkage offers smooth, consistent travel and a slightly progressive leverage ratio that makes all 169 millimeters of travel available while offering a predictable bottomless feel.

The Balance is available in S, M, L and XL for pre-order now at CanfieldBikes.com as Factory Build complete bikes, as well as frame, fork & shock and frameset packages.

Pirelli Introduces the Scorpion Race Downhill / Enduro Tire Line

Scorpion Race DH and EN are born from the collaboration between Pirelli and the multiple Downhill world champion Fabien Barel. They feature four new tread patterns, two new different casing types and a new compound specifically engineered for racing use.

SmartEVO DH was developed thanks to the experience of Pirelli's Motorsport compound department, considering the specific applications of gravity racing. It is the result of the combination of two layers of compounds: a single super-soft high-performance compound for the entire outer tread and a support compound under the tread, which is tasked with providing mechanical support to the blocks and absorbing the most significant shocks. The two compounds work together seamlessly.

When designing the structures of the new tires, Pirelli considered many other variables highlighted by Barel's tests, in addition to the terrain: this gave rise to DualWall+ and DualWall casings. DualWall+ is the specific casing for DH and Enduro Racing. Ideal for those athletes with an aggressive riding style, it is designed to offer superior protection against cuts and punctures, maximum stability at high speeds, and absorb vibrations and large impacts. Specifically designed for Enduro races and/or lighter riders in general, the DualWall casing is a race-ready casing devoted more to softness and rideability.

As is typical of all Pirelli Scorpion MTB tires, the new Race tires consider the type of terrain. M (Mixed Terrain), T (Traction), S (Soft Terrain) and MUD (specific to the Scorpion Race DH) are the four specific tread patterns, developed to cope with any type of condition that can be found in racing, be it Downhill or Enduro.

For information on the new Scorpion tires, please visit www.pirelli.com