August 04, 2013

Pivot Adds 27.5 Les and Mach6-50B


For 2014 Pivot has redesigned their Mach 6 chassis around the 650B format for better handling and control. 
"The Mach 6 features the next generation of long travel dw-link design. With features like 6.1” (155mm) of travel, a low BB height (13.6”), longer top tubes, lower stand-over, and a slack head angle (66 degrees), built around an ultra stiff and responsive carbon chassis, the Mach 6 is a bike designed to push your capabilities and reward those willing to push the limits.   We optimized the design with internal top tube cable routing, internal dropper post routing, ISCG 05 tabs, and a look that screams of speed.  The Mach 6 absolutely rips for the aggressive trail rider."

The Les is also available as a 27.5 version.  And now in more frame sizes!
"Getting your race ready LES under 20lbs will not be an issue. The biggest news is the small and additional X-small LES frame size that opens up the opportunity for shorter riders to get on properly fitting bikes with bigger wheels.  Now you can own, ride and race the most highly optimized hardtail ever created with geometry, stand over clearance, weight, and ride tuning perfected for the smaller rider. The LES 27.5 is a truly exciting bike that we are excited to bring to a whole new legion of Pivot riders."

These 2 frames follow form and function after Pivot's success with their Firebird 27.5 boasting 6.6" of rear wheel travel.  See more at the Pivot home page.

From Left Field - Raleigh Joins the Darkside with 2014 650B Launch.

I had no idea Raleigh was even contemplating entering the 650B market, but alas, they came out swinging.  The line up is men's and women's specific, totaling 8 hardtail including one chromoly frame.  The women's bikes are named Eva.5 while the men's take the ToKul (I'm guessing the pronunciation is "too-cool") title. Pricing starts at $550 and tops off at $1850.  All bikes are equipped with a standard 1 1/8" headtube, nothing tapered.  The women's bikes feature a 100mm travel fork while the guys have 120mm.  The idea behind the Eva series is to be a gateway bike for off-raod trail riding.  4 frame sizes designed for riders ranging from 5' - 6 '.  XS-L.
All of the Raleigh 650B bikes are using a 28mm wide rim to add extra girth to any tire used.  The rim is supplied by Weinmann as the U28 rim.  

Raleigh has jumped into the mix with the mantra of Fit Being Crucial to Having Fun and Being in Control on the Trail.

Meet ToKul and Eva.5:









Check out www.RaleighUSA.com very soon for the complete 2014 line-up.