Zach Overholt, Author at Bikerumor https://bikerumor.com/author/zachoverholt/ All the best cycling news, tech, rumors and reviews Fri, 09 Feb 2024 21:13:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/bikerumor-favicon-144-1-120x120.png Zach Overholt, Author at Bikerumor https://bikerumor.com/author/zachoverholt/ 32 32 190730048 Daysaver Multitools Get Even Better with Updated Essential8 & Coworking5 https://bikerumor.com/daysaver-updated-essential8-coworking5-multitool/ https://bikerumor.com/daysaver-updated-essential8-coworking5-multitool/#respond Fri, 09 Feb 2024 20:57:11 +0000 https://bikerumor.com/?p=352415 Is there a lighter, more compact multi-tool with this many features?

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updated Daysaver essential8 coworking 5

The goal of creating the smallest and lightest bike multi-tool that still offers impressive usability is not one that Daysaver takes lightly. The Essential8 and Coworking5 were already impressive little tools, but now they’ve taken customer feedback to make them even better.

Improved Finish for Essential8

For the Essential8, the updates are mainly in the finish with a new plasma-coated handle for better wear and oxidation resistance. The magnets inside the tool also get an additional epoxy coating added to the NiCuNi coating to improve corrosion resistance as well.

Those who wish to include a Phillips head screwdriver bit to the mix can replace the H2/H2.5 bit with the new H2/JIS bit. Meant to perfectly fit Shimano limit screws, the bit can also be used for Pozidriv and standard Phillips screws as well.

Otherwise, you’re still getting 8 tools at just 33g with a 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex as well as a T25 Torx bit. The bits are held in by Neodymium magnets, and each bit can be used on either side of the main tool. The Essential 8 sells for $49.95.

Better Chaintool on Coworking5

The Coworking5 is meant to pair perfectly with the Essential8 and adds a chain breaker, tire lever, spoke wrench, valve core tool, and a chain link holder.

To make the chain breaker easier to use, the chain tool pin is now driven by the T25 bit which allows for more torque to be applied. It also features an increased thread diameter with a lower thread pitch to make it easier to drive the chain pin. The chain tool is compatible with 9-12 speed chains including SRAM Flattop.

Sold separately from the Essential8, the Coworking5 sells for $33.95.

Both are available now.

daysaver.fun

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Pivot Switchblade Review: A Great Bike Gets Even Better https://bikerumor.com/pivot-switchblade-review-2024/ https://bikerumor.com/pivot-switchblade-review-2024/#comments Tue, 06 Feb 2024 16:49:48 +0000 https://bikerumor.com/?p=351941 The new Switchblade looks a lot like the old one, but the updated geometry and improved suspension sets it apart.

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Pivot Switchblade 2024 review

Historically, when invited to check out the latest Pivot mountain bike in Tempe, AZ I’ve found myself packing to navigate the intense heat. Which is why this time around, I found it particularly odd to be stressing about what cold and wet weather gear to bring. 

By this point, you probably know that Pivot has a new Switchblade. Unsure of what to expect out of a bike that had just relaunched a few years ago, I dumped all my rain gear into a bag and headed off to Phoenix. 

After a factory tour attempted to delay the inevitable, we set off for our first ride straight from Pivot’s headquarters in Tempe to their local testing grounds – South Mountain. The skies looked promising, and as we pedaled our way up the mountain, I was able to start focusing on the bike. Air down the tires. Check the suspension. Adjust saddle position. 

From my first impressions (which in typical Pivot fashion, came before we were told anything about the new bike), the seat tube angle felt noticeably steeper than the prior version. It turns out that it’s 1º steeper, but to me it feels like more. To me, the size medium STA feels steeper than the Yeti SB120 that I’ve been riding, but both have an effective STA of 76.5º on paper. For me, the STA is plenty steep but I’m also on the small side of a medium frame, meaning my effective seat tube angle will be steeper than someone riding a medium with the post extended further.

Before long, I had things pretty well dialed and we had made solid progress up the climb. And that’s when the skies opened up. It was light at first. Then came and went, before opening up into a full deluge that transformed the trails into their own little rivers. Fortunately, the rocky & sandy trails are built to shrug off the occasional downpour, but it did provide us with quite an interesting descent. 

All of a sudden, you could no longer see the trail in spots. It was just a string of puddles with no indication of how deep they could be. Having just ridden up the trail I had some idea of what to expect, but it was still an exercise in quick decision-making while squinting to see through the barrage of water. 

The storm didn’t last all that long, but it helped create a lasting impression of the bike. In the moment, forced to resort to my lizard brain, there wasn’t time to think. In that situation on a completely new bike, it can go one of two ways – it can feel completely natural and comfortable, or it could be alien and unsure. The Switchblade was the former. 

Fortunately, our second ride on the bike was in much better conditions. This time we headed out to the Hawes trail network for a day of true hero dirt. Easily the best dirt conditions I’ve ever experienced in the Phoenix area, the ride started off cool but finished nearly perfect with blue sky. 

On this ride, thinking was no longer a luxury and I was able to focus on how the bike was performing. Most noteworthy to me was how well the Switchblade climbed up tight switchbacks. Riding in a group always includes a bit of yo-yoing, and that potential bunching can be tricky on a tight switchback. Even in those technical situations, the Switchblade is incredibly poised. 

Going slow or fast up the climbs, it didn’t seem to matter. The front wheel seemed unflappable, and the rear wheel really did seem to ‘dig’ into the terrain, propelling you forward. More than once I got into a situation where I felt a dab was inevitable, only to pedal through and keep on going. 

With a head tube angle of 65.7º, it’s only 0.3º slacker than the previous generation. But the reach has also increased by 15mm on the medium. The combination makes for a sharp handling bike that is still completely confident in awkward tech sections of trail. To me, the geometry strikes a solid balance for all-around mountain biking which is what the Switchblade is meant to be. This is supposed to be that one bike that you can head out for some XC missions one day, while hitting up the bike park the next.

By the last few long descents of the day, I was feeling more confident on the newest Switchblade than any of the previous generations. Despite being stiff in all the right places with razor-sharp handling, the newest Switchblade is a bike that seems to be incredibly user-friendly. 

At this point, I’ve ridden all of the past Switchblades, and there is no question that this is the best yet. Fans of internal storage will be disappointed, but the Pivot Dock System does give you an additional spot to stash your tools. On the plus side, the frame will fit a large water bottle easily, and without a special cage.

Ultimately, the new Switchblade isn’t a huge departure from the version released in 2020, but it has the right updates to keep it competitive. It might not be enough of a change to tempt current Switchblade owners to upgrade, but those who do are surely getting a better bike.

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Pink Switchblade is a Limited Edition Homage to the Original Sun Eagle Talon https://bikerumor.com/pink-switchblade-limited-edition-original-sun-eagle-talon-mtb/ https://bikerumor.com/pink-switchblade-limited-edition-original-sun-eagle-talon-mtb/#respond Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:02:00 +0000 https://bikerumor.com/?p=351882 The new Pivot Switchblade gets a third finish that's pink and dotted with cartoon cyclists.

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Pivot Switchblade Talon 35th anniversary edition next to Sun Eagle Talon

35 years ago, Chris Cocalis planted the seeds that would eventually give rise to Pivot Cycles. Only back then, it was with a fledgling bike company started by Alan Vaughn called Sun Eagle Bicycle Works. It was here that Cocalis would learn how to build frames with help from Vaughn, which yielded the Sun Eagle Talon.

At the time, the frame was (and still is) a wild design with elevated chainstays that essentially connected to the head tube, and a top tube that didn’t actually reach the head tube. The pink frame shown above is production frame #2 according to MOMBAT, and was built by Alan Vaughn and Chris Cocalis.

After taking in the neon pink tubes, you notice the whimsical mountain bikers painted all over the frame. As the story goes, Chris had the frame powder-coated pink and then handed it off to Dino at Zooloo Graphics (who also did some of the finish work for Fat Chance at the time). Chris didn’t have any idea what to expect, and Dino surprised him with the cyclist cartoon characters.

Built in 1989, this particular bike has been down the waterfall at South Mountain more than 100 times according to Chris, who rode it daily before school (the thought of riding this bike down the Waterfall is frankly terrifying). This same bike has also been hit by a Camaro, leading Chris to angrily shout, “Where’s my Oakleys!?,” before realizing that his ankle was severely broken. We’ve all been there, right?

Somehow, the bike is still in one piece though it was just a frame and fork until recently. After deciding to create a special edition Switchblade, Cocalis decided it was time to rebuild the frame into a complete bike. Fortunately, they found a brand new 1989 Fuji that had just been traded in at Absolute Bikes in Salida, CO. The Talon is still running the original Fat Chance fork, but most of the build kit was sourced from that Fuji.

35th Anniversary Talon (Switchblade)

But we can’t all have our own Sun Eagle Talon, so to pay homage to the original bike, Pivot is offering 300 limited-edition Switchblades.

Available in Team and Pro Builds in both SRAM or Shimano and all with carbon wheels, the Talon 35th Anniversary bikes carry a $200 premium over the standard build which works out to retail prices of $9,199 to $11,599.

If you miss out on one of those 300 bikes, or don’t want to spend the $10k, you can still get your Talon fix with a limited-edition hat and water bottle. If you want the matching hip pack and shades, you’ll have to get those straight from Wave or Pit Viper.

For more on the history of Pivot Cycles, this piece written by Richard Cunningham is a must-read.

pivotcycles.com

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Pivot Switchblade Gets a New Edge with Improved Suspension & Updated Geometry https://bikerumor.com/pivot-switchblade-2024-improved-suspension-updated-geometry/ https://bikerumor.com/pivot-switchblade-2024-improved-suspension-updated-geometry/#comments Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:01:00 +0000 https://bikerumor.com/?p=351449 Pivot says the 2024 Switchblade is the result of a lot of small changes that add up to big differences.

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Pivot Switchblade launch 2024 rainbow

The more time you spend with Pivot’s founder Chris Cocalis, the more you realize that ‘good’ will never be good enough. Nowhere is that on display better than the latest Pivot Switchblade. By most accounts, the previous version was more than just good enough. It was great

Yet in typical Pivot fashion, it could be better. It has to be better. That relentless pursuit of perfection is what makes a Pivot a Pivot, and it has yet again taken one of their already-impressive bikes and made it even better. 

At first glance, the new Switchblade doesn’t look all that new. In fact, during testing Pivot had painted the new bike the same colors as the current bike and they were able to test it right out in the open without anyone catching on. 

That isn’t to say that there’s not much to talk about though. Quite the contrary. To get a better understanding of the new bike, first, you have to take a look at the new Pivot headquarters in Tempe, Arizona. 

Pivot’s New Building

When we last saw the building at the launch of the previous Switchblade generation, it was a shell that Chris jokingly refers to as “four good walls.” It took 18 months to build out the 70k+ sq foot building and they moved in just in time for the height of the pandemic. 

The takeaway for me was just how well the finished building seemed to be laid out to improve every workflow from design and prototyping, to building the completed bikes and shipping them out the door. Like the bikes themselves, the new building was clearly obsessed over before Pivot made it into reality. 

Part of that building design is a larger space for their engineers and industrial designers. With that, Pivot is now able to do both prototyping and production modeling in parallel which helps speed up the process. Specifically, it allows for faster last-minute design changes (something that they tend to do often, it seems). 

And if the new Switchblade is what we can expect as a result, it seems that Pivot has truly set itself up for success. 

8 years of Switchblade

Original Pivot Switchblade
The original Switchblade (Photo/Pivot Cycles/Lear Miller)

First launched in 2016, the Switchblade was what Pivot envisioned as a “big travel 29er.” The definition of a long-travel 29er has changed since then (see: Pivot Firebird), but the original Switchblade was an important bike in Pivot’s history. Not only was it one of the models that Cocalis says “really made a big leap in the size of the company,” but it also ushered in the era of Super Boost Plus. 

At the time, the idea of another new hub standard was borderline sacrilege as the industry had just transitioned to Boost 148 spacing. But Pivot had their reasons. Perennially at the forefront of technical innovations, Cocalis has been instrumental in several new standards over the years (even though he admits that he hates the word, ‘standard’). 

Super Boost Plus is still here

When it came to Boost spacing, both Cocalis, and Pivot’s Director of Engineering, Kevin Tisue have always felt like it was a half-step, stating “Boost got us somewhere, but didn’t get us where it needed to be.” If you ask them, the industry should have skipped right over Boost and gone straight to Super Boost Plus as it provides the needed space for tire, chainring, and suspension clearance along with creating a stronger rear wheel that matches the front. 

Now, eight years later, Super Boost Plus is still here and more brands are slowly super-sizing their Boost bikes especially as modern drivetrains push chainlines out to 55mm. 

That’s a long way of saying the new Switchblade is still built around a 157mm rear hub with a 56.5mm chainline – don’t expect that to change any time soon. In terms of what’s new, Cocalis says that it has “A lot of small changes that add up to big differences, without changing what the bike does really well.”

Suspension Improvements

Specifically, Pivot wanted to push the Switchblade farther into Firebird descending territory to make it easier to ride aggressively. Along those lines, the travel numbers haven’t changed with the bike still offering 142mm of dw-link suspension travel that is paired with a 160mm travel suspension fork. 

However, there have been advancements in the dw-link suspension design that have improved how it rides. While the Mach 4 SL, Shadow Cat, and Mach 429 all share the same eye-to-eye measurement on the lower link, the Switchblade now has a longer lower link that is closer to the Firebird. 

That change has resulted in a more rearward axle path to improve square edge impact performance and results in the rear wheel digging in harder while climbing. 

This is the second generation Switchblade with a vertical shock layout which gets everything low on the frame, allows for better standover, shorter eye-to-eye length with trunnion shocks, while still fitting full-size water bottles and room for the Pivot Tool Dock System, and allows for XS frames. 

In terms of weight, Pivot says that the new frame is essentially the same weight as the previous model. But considering every size is longer, the fact that it’s the same weight is worth noting.

Geometry

Speaking of frame sizes and geometry, there are a number of small tweaks to the geometry of the Switchblade that are noticeable on the trail. The bike now has a ~10mm longer reach, slacker HTA, steeper STA, size-specific chainstay lengths, longer insertion depths for longer travel dropper posts, and a 2mm lower BB height. The Switchblade is still offered in XS-XL sizes, and will fit riders from 4’11” to 6’5”. As usual for Pivot, those different sizes are built with custom-tuned carbon layups and thicknesses with scaled tubing size to offer consistent ride quality for all riders. 

Geometry Flip Chip

If you find the stock bottom bracket setting a little too low, you can swap the Pivot Flip Chip to the high setting. This also allows for you to run a mixed wheel setup or plus wheels, though both are not offered as stock options. Pivot will still offer a taller lower head tube cup if you want to run plus tires front and rear as well. Tire clearance is listed as 29 x 2.5” or 27.5” x 2.8”.

Builds, Pricing, Colors & Availability

The Switchblade is offered in three build levels, and two colors – Blue Neptune or Stealth Mojave. Note that all three build levels include the same level of carbon frame. When asked about it, Cocalis said, “we spend so much time on that carbon ride quality and performance, it’s not worth it to add 300g to the frame just to make a cheaper option.”

Ride builds will use Fox Performance suspension while the Pro and Team builds both get Fox Factory units. At the Team level, you’ll have a choice between SRAM’s new XX transmission with SRAM Code Ultimate Stealth Brakes, and carbon wheels, or a Team XTR build with Shimano XTR drivetrain, brakes, and carbon wheels.

Pricing starts at $6,399 for the Ride SLX/XT build, and tops out at $11,399 for the standard Team XX AXS Transmission build. There’s also a limited 35th Talon Anniversary Edition with a Neon pink paint job paying homage to the original Sun Eagle Talon that Cocalis designed and built, offered in Pro and Team builds from $9,199 to $11,599.

The new Switchblade is available at online retailers and your local dealer starting today.

pivotcycles.com

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Hottest Bike Ever? Limited Edition Marin Alpine Trail Fun² Frameset Includes Autographed Hat https://bikerumor.com/imited-edition-marin-alpine-trail-fun%c2%b2-frameset/ https://bikerumor.com/imited-edition-marin-alpine-trail-fun%c2%b2-frameset/#comments Thu, 01 Feb 2024 19:20:51 +0000 https://bikerumor.com/?p=351580 Matt Jones says the new Marin Alpine Trail Fun² is the hottest bike he's ever ridden... and he has the amusing video to back it…

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Matt Jones says the new Marin Alpine Trail Fun² is the hottest bike he’s ever ridden… and he has the amusing video to back it up.

You can also get your hands on the bright new colorway, if you act fast. According to Matt, Marin is making just 300 of the Alpine Trail Fun², which includes a 160mm RockShox Yari RC fork and a RS Delux Select+ shock with a TranzX dropper post and lever, FSA sealed cartridge bearing headset, seat clamp, front and rear thru axles, and custom downtube and seatstay protectors. You’ll also get your hands on an matching autographed Helfare x Marin hat.

The whole kit is priced at $1,999, and is available now on Marin’s website below while supplies last.

marinbikes.com

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SRAM Shifter Recall Gets Official, Applies to All Aftermarket 12-Speed Dropbar Shifters https://bikerumor.com/sram-shifter-recall-gets-official-applies-to-all-aftermarket-12-speed-dropbar-shifters/ https://bikerumor.com/sram-shifter-recall-gets-official-applies-to-all-aftermarket-12-speed-dropbar-shifters/#comments Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:50:46 +0000 https://bikerumor.com/?p=351563 The recall may sound scary, but the fix is easy enough that most riders can do it at home.

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Back in October 2023, a Service Information Bulletin indicated that SRAM would be working with the CPSC on a recall of their 12-speed dropbar shifters. Fast forward to February 2024, and the news is official. Anyone who purchased an aftermarket set of SRAM 12-speed shifters should take note.

While the original bulletin mentioned an excess of thread locker on the clamp bolts as the cause for the recall, the actual CPSC recall notice simply says, “the clamp bolt on the brake lever can come loose, posing a crash hazard to the rider.” This recall applies to all SRAM 12-speed dropbar levers that were sold as aftermarket upgrade or replacement kits. Basically, if they weren’t included on a new bike and installed by a dealer, the levers are included in the recall. That includes SRAM eTap AXS Red, Force, Rival, and Apex shift-brake levers.

Fortunately, the fix for most users should be pretty simple. Based on SRAM’s recall page, the issue is still the amount of thread locker used, and they’ve devised a simple procedure to work through the excess – a process that most people should be able to complete at home.

Following the process outlined in the video above, you simply loosen the clamp bolt two full turns, torque it down to 6nm, then repeat the process two to three times to remove excess threadlocker. Then loosen the fixing bolt three full turns, adjust to position, and tighten to 6nm. If this doesn’t keep the lever in place, you’ll have to take it into your local dealer. Also, if you’re not sure of your abilities to perform the procedure adequately, or lack the proper tools, you should also take it into your local dealer and they’ll get you squared away.

cpsc.gov

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Field Station Moab is the Perfect Slickrock Base Camp Hotel or Vanlife Docking Station https://bikerumor.com/field-station-moab-is-the-perfect-slickrock-base-camp-hotel-or-vanlife-docking-station/ https://bikerumor.com/field-station-moab-is-the-perfect-slickrock-base-camp-hotel-or-vanlife-docking-station/#comments Mon, 29 Jan 2024 16:02:59 +0000 https://bikerumor.com/?p=346305 Whether you need a place to park your van, or a room to rest your head before the big ride, Field Station Moab is worth…

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It’s been almost 20 years since my first trip to Moab, UT, and a lot has changed. Sure, the Slickrock is still just as impressive and awe-inspiring, but the town itself is hard to recognize. Thanks to an explosion of outdoor recreation for everything from trail running to side by sides, Moab has seen huge growth in tourism – and with that, the need for more hotel rooms.

While many of the hotels you’ll find in Moab are the typical uninspired chain hotels you could find in any city, there are a few new options in town that specifically cater to adventurers. Field Station Moab is exactly that. A base of operations for red rock adventures, Field Station is uniquely equipped to help you make the most out of your visit to Moab.

Walk in the front door, and instead of a boring lobby, you’re greeted by an impressively complete gear shop full of last-minute necessities. Forgot ride food or hydration? An extra layer? First aid kit? They have all that and more. If you’re in need of bigger items like, you know, a bike, the rental counter probably has you covered there too.

Inside you’ll also find the Little Station Coffee + Kitchen that serves breakfast, lunch & dinner with plenty of drink options. It opens out to a spacious back patio with plenty of outdoor seating and a fire pit next to the pool (and hot tub). Our trip got kind of sideways and the weather didn’t allow us to spend much time pool or fireside, but it looked inviting when we arrived.

No need to search for water

One of the best amenities on offer? The free water bottle (or hydration pack) filler in the lobby. Seriously, why is this not a thing in every hotel? No need to wander around hoping to find a water jug in the gym on the sixth floor. Just stop by the filler on your way out for an adventure – Moab is quite dry after all, so drink up.

Guest Room Details

When it comes to the rooms themselves, here you’ll also find outdoor inspiration indoors. We ended up in a Double Queen + Bunk room, which is listed at 6 people max. Inside the room, there are signs of the building’s former life as a tired Super 8 in the desert like windows that don’t quite seal and overworked air conditioners, but the experience was for the majority a positive one.

Realistically, this room would be great for four friends who each want their own bed, or 8 if you don’t mind going two people to a queen bed. For bigger groups of riding buddies that would probably be crashing in the same room anyway, this is a pretty luxe way to go about it.

Inside the cleanly decorated room, there was a Dometic cooler, camp chairs, and camp blankets to provide an outdoorsy feel while being perfectly functional indoors. More importantly, there was a bike stand showing that Field Station expects you to bring your bike inside. Just realize that there is no elevator for the two-floor hotel, so you’ll have to carry your bike and gear up the relatively short steps (along the same lines, if stairs are an issue, make sure to request a room on the first floor). Also, since we stayed there, they’ve updated the website to mention checking at the front desk for a bike cover prior to bringing your bike into the room – likely to try and keep things as clean as possible inside.

Moab Vanlife Parking Options

Those who don’t need a hotel because they have a sweet van will also find a spot at Field Station. Literally. Vanlifers can rent spots just outside of the pool which include power hookups, shower & pool access, wifi, and the all-important bike wash station for just $29 per day, year ’round. We spoke to a couple who had just stayed at Field Station in one of the Van Life Posts and said they would definitely stay there again.

Bike Cleaning Station

During our stay, I put the bike wash station to use during a thunderstorm which meant a very quick wash. Under normal conditions, there are also tools available so you can work on your bike if needed (while not dodging lightning).

Located just up the road from Arches National Park, Field Station’s location means you don’t have to deal with downtown Moab traffic unless you want to check out the restaurants and shops. Love Muffin is a must, though they’re not open Wednesday and Thursday, so plan ahead. Moab Garage Co. is another great spot for breakfast or lunch, and I had some amazing sushi at Sabaku.

Learn your knots, and where to go

If you find yourself in Moab and not sure what to do, Field Station also offers curated Experiences which include guided mountain bike tours, climbing, canyoneering, and rockaneering trips, and even complimentary Mappy Morning trip planning sessions.

Whether it’s your first trip to Moab, or you’re a seasoned red rock adventurer, Field Station Moab seems to have something for everyone. It’s one of those rare hotels which can actually enhance your adventures, rather than simply providing a place to stay. You get that too, but you seem to get a whole lot more – which is worth the price of admission.

fieldstation.com

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Fabio Wibmer – The Streif, Takes Snow Biking to the Next Level https://bikerumor.com/fabio-wibmer-the-streif-takes-snow-biking-to-the-next-level/ https://bikerumor.com/fabio-wibmer-the-streif-takes-snow-biking-to-the-next-level/#comments Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:40:54 +0000 https://bikerumor.com/?p=350254 The Streif is known as one of the toughest downhill ski race courses in the world, so why not backflip onto it?

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Fabio Wibmer performs at the Streif in Kitzbuehel, Austria

One of the most legendary downhill ski courses in the world, the Streif is formidable even for top pros. So why not ride a bike down it? To be fair, this isn’t the first time the Streif has been conquered by bike. But it is the first time Fabio Wibmer has put his spin on it – literally.

From Eyesprint Media:

Austrian freestyle mountain bike phenomenon Fabio Wibmer makes the fearsome Streif ski piste his playground for a jaw-dropping world-first descent unlike anything ever seen before. 
 
In a video impossible to only watch once, Fabio Wibmer played out his childhood dream for his latest spectacular project ‘Fabio Wibmer – The Streif’ as put his own creative twist on the biggest downhill ski race in the world – the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel, Austria. 
 
Filmed just an hour from where he grew up, Wibmer combined mountain biking with skiing to conquer the Streif’s most iconic spots during a unique freestyle descent that saw him reach a maximum speed of 107km/h and land multiple jumps including ones of 14m in height and 36m in length.  
 
The edit switches between mind-blowing action and customary light-hearted fun as Wibmer takes on the formidable challenge in the only way he knows how. 

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Hövding Airbag ‘Helmet’ Brand Deflates w/ Bankruptcy Following Overturned Recall https://bikerumor.com/hovding-airbag-helmet-brand-deflates-w-bankruptcy-filing-following-overturned-recall/ https://bikerumor.com/hovding-airbag-helmet-brand-deflates-w-bankruptcy-filing-following-overturned-recall/#comments Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:01:04 +0000 https://bikerumor.com/?p=350235 Even after the court ruled in Hövding's favor and overturned the recall, the company is going out of business.

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Hovding 3 inflatable helmet airbag

Just last year while visiting Thule in Sweden ahead of Eurobike, I finally saw it. Bicycle riders wearing the Hövding airbag ‘helmet’ in the wild. To be honest, I might have seen it in my travels sooner, but the point of the Hövding is that it’s discreet until it’s needed. That is, the airbag was contained in a collar that you wore around your neck – when a pre-crash was detected, the airbag would inflate around the user’s head to protect them.

Hovding 3 airbag

At this point, Hövding has been around almost as long as Bikerumor with our first coverage dating back to 2012/13. Unfortunately for Hövding and their fans, that all seems to have come to an end last month. First reported by Bloomberg, the Swedish Consumer Agency first imposed a temporary sales freeze on November 1, 2023, due to concerns that the airbag wouldn’t properly inflate. That temporary sales freeze turned into a permanent sales freeze and recall on December 15, 2023.

Hövding appealed the decision and won in Administrative Court, which overturned the recall and sales freeze. However, it seems like by that point the damage had been done – at least in the eyes of the board of Hövding Sverige AB. Feeling that the safety reputation of the system was damaged beyond repair, the board decided to file bankruptcy in late December 2023.

Hovding 3

As the company works its way through the bankruptcy proceedings, you can continue to use your Hövding though it seems to be at your own risk.

It’s sad to see an innovator like Hövding fade away, but hopefully, they have laid the groundwork for future innovations in the airbag space – like those that we’ve seen from EVOC, and others.

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WTB’s First Fat Bike Tire, the Bailiff has the Best Packaging You Could Ask For https://bikerumor.com/first-wtb-fat-bike-tire-bailiff-27-5-first-impressions/ https://bikerumor.com/first-wtb-fat-bike-tire-bailiff-27-5-first-impressions/#comments Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000 https://bikerumor.com/?p=349665 This tire has all the traction you'll need to get out of some slippery situations.

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WTB Bailiff fat bike tire 27.5 x 4.5-12

Over the past few years, we’ve seen fat bike tire options melting away faster than the snowpack. But now, some good news – WTB has just introduced their first-ever fat bike tire. Packed with WTB DNA, the all-new Bailiff looks like it could be a great option for those looking for an aggressive fat bike tire.

This may be WTB’s first fat bike tire, but they’re quick to point to their four decades of tire design and hundreds of hours of testing in places like Vermont that went into the creation of the Bailiff. Offered only in 27.5 x 4.5″, we’re told that there are currently no plans to offer the tire in a 26″ size.

Built around a TCS Light High Grip 120 tpi casing, the Bailiff focuses on providing a supple feel when aired down to fat bike pressures. The tire also gets a snow-specific tire compound that is intended to stay pliable in extreme cold to maintain traction. That TCS casing also means the tire is fully tubeless compatible with tire sealant. In case you’re wondering, the WTB tire sealant is optimized for temperatures down to 15F° / -9.4°C.

Tread Pattern

The tread pattern itself features closely spaced center knobs to minimize rolling resistance, but there are still plenty of working edges to bite when you need traction to slow down. The knobs are fairly tall compared to some lighter fat bike tires and are widely spaced to dig in both soft and hard snow, mud, sand, etc.

WTB Bailiff fat bike tire 27.5 x 4.5-12

When fitted to a 77mm internal width rim, the tire has a nicely rounded profile.

Offered in studded or studless versions, each tire has 312 stud pockets which are compatible with Terrene, 45NRTH, and other popular tire studs. WTB also has a stud placement guide to help you plan out your stud placement if you don’t want to utilize all 312 pockets. The WTB studded version uses carbide studs with a 2mm-wide tip.

WTB Fat Bike Tire Actual Weight

These are big, meaty tires. As such, they’re hefty at 1617g for the studless version. The studded version comes in at 1693g. That’s in-line with other tires of this size that have aggressive tread and aren’t terribly undersized, though.

First Impressions

WTB Bailiff fat bike tire 27.5 x 4.5-12

I’ve had these tires for a few weeks now, and here we are in January. Still no snow. It looks like we’re in for a brief Arctic blast next week, so hopefully I can finally get out on these tires and the Otso Voytek 2 in the snow (or at least frozen trails).

I can tell you that while the tires were tight to get onto my Whisky No. 9 80w wheels, the tires seated up tubeless without issue. The rubber on the bead felt particularly grippy, so I applied some Schwalbe Easy Fit to the bead which made it much easier to fit the tire to the rim.

Once seated and inflated to 12psi, the tires measured an actual 4.3″ wide on the rims with a 77mm internal width. Upon measuring them the next day, they had already expanded to 4.4″, measured at the widest point of the tread blocks. So while a little undersized out of the package, it seems like these might expand to the full 4.5″ width with some time.

About that Packaging

WTB Bailiff fat bike tire

Fat bike tires are big, obviously. Some brands package them in large cardboard boxes. Others zip tie them to cardboard or plastic sleeves. At one point, Maxxis was even putting them in reusable drawstring bags. But of all the fat bike tire packages I’ve opened, the WTB Bailiff is the best yet.

When you go to unwrap a Bailiff, you’ll find a reusable 25″ cargo strap and a small label made from recycled cardboard that is further recyclable. I’ve been meaning to buy some longer cargo straps for a while now – but now I have some thanks to the packaging of these tires. I can’t tell you the difference in quality between these straps and something like a genuine Voile Strap, but these will definitely come in handy. Use them to cinch down a spare fat bike tube for your ride. Or maybe strap an extra layer to your bike.

Kudos to WTB for coming up with a design that reduces the amount of packaging headed to a landfill while being actually useful.

WTB Fat Bike Tire Pricing & Availability

Starting today, the Bailiff is available in North America for $134.95 per tire. The studded Bailiff will sell for $279.95 and is also available in North America. European availability won’t come until March.

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