Welcome to another bumper crop of Fresh Produce! We’ve just managed to sneak this one in before the start of summer, and flippin’ ‘eck do we have a lot of trail news and shiny mountain bikes to talk about.
If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that Spanish brand Orbea recently unveiled its brand new 120mm travel Oiz, while German brands Canyon and Syntace surprised everyone with the debut of the fascinating KIS steering stabiliser.
Since we last caught up, the Crankworx circus arrived in Cairns, and thankfully there’s a thoroughly entertaining wrap-up video for those who weren’t there. We also reported on the just-released NSW Cycling Strategy, and the massive news about the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination. And for those looking for ideas for their next summer riding trip, you’ve got to check out the new trails at Mt Buller and Lake Mountain.
The latest bikes are coming through thick and fast too. We’ve been testing the brand new 2023 Polygon Collosus and the Trek Fuel EX. For the e-Enthusiasts out there, we’ve also just published our long-term reviews of the Giant Trance X E+ and the Trek Fuel EXe. More of a Bosch fan? Be sure to check out our Tuning Tips article to get the most out of your Bosch Smart System e-MTB.
We’ve got plenty more coming your way though, so strap yourself in for a juicy helping of Fresh Produce!
Mondraker Foxy Carbon RR
Fresh out of the box at Flow HQ is this gorgeous Mondraker Foxy. Designed in Spain and featuring the latest evolution of the Forward Geometry concept, the Foxy is a lightweight enduro bike that features 150mm of rear wheel travel and a 160mm travel fork.
The Foxy has been updated this year with a brand new carbon frame, which boasts clean lines, a razor-sharp top tube and a small diameter downtube that gives it a distinctive silhouette amongst the competition. It also features updated geometry, along with a flip chip that allows you to tweak the angles, BB height and chainstay length.
These bikes have only recently arrived in Australia, and we’ve just got our hands on the mid-spec Foxy RR model to see how it handles our local trails. This bike features a full carbon frame, high-end suspension from Öhlins, a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, DT Swiss EX 1700 wheels and Maxxis Minion tyres with EXO+ casings.
We’ll have an in-depth review coming soon, though if you’re keen to know more about the pricing and specs of the latest models, make sure you check out our Mondraker Foxy range overview.
- Price: $10,499 AUD
- From: Mondraker
Wolf Tooth Resolve Dropper Post
There are a heap of dropper posts on the market these days, and it takes a lot to stand out amongst the likes of Fox, RockShox, OneUp and BikeYoke. US brand Wolf Tooth Components is having a red-hot crack though, having recently thrown its hat into the ring with the brand new Resolve that arrives with some pretty bold claims.
Firstly, the Resolve is said to be the world’s first dropper post to feature a self-bleeding cartridge. Every time you compress the post, a one-way valve purges air from the fluid chamber, which is designed to eliminate the squishy sensation that can occur when air mixes with the oil. On top of that the Resolve is designed to be fully user-serviceable and rebuildable. The necessary tools are included in the box, and all 88 of its components can be purchased individually. Wolf Tooth Components calls this its ‘Right to Repair’ program, and it’s an initiative we are all for.
The Resolve dropper post is available in 30.9 and 31.6mm diameters, and with 125, 160 or 200mm travel. It’s possible to reduce the travel in 5mm increments by installing plastic spacers on the main piston, though this does require a full strip down, which is a more involved process compared to some of its competitors.
Wolf Tooth Components claims the Resolve has the lowest stack height of any dropper post on the market, while also being one of the lightest. Weight ranges from just 440g for the 30.9 x 125mm option, up to 563g for the 31.6 x 200mm option.
Jono has been impressed with the Resolve so far, which offers a light and easy activation with a very fast return speed. It’s not quite as violent as the infamous Specialized Command post, but it is quick. There’s no detectable play, either rotationally or laterally, which is still a surprisingly common issue with most other droppers we’ve tested. You certainly pay for the premium construction, but our impressions have been nothing but positive so far.
- RRP: $635 – $690 AUD
- From: Available in Australia through SCV Imports
Canyon Lux World Cup CFR Team
German brand Canyon recently updated its flagship XC race bike, which is now named the Lux World Cup.
It carries on the same design language as the outgoing model, with a flex-stay suspension design and a compact linkage driving the top tube-mounted shock. The frame is all-new, and it’s considerably longer and slacker than its predecessor. It also has more tyre clearance, and it can handle up to a 110mm travel fork.
Despite this, Canyon has actually managed to make the Lux World Cup CFR frame lighter by a claimed 127g. That makes this one of the lightest full suspension frames on the market, which is impressive given it has been tested to higher strength and fatigue standards compared to the old frame.
Racers will be happy to see the option of fitting two bottles inside the front triangle, which is the case on all sizes – including the new Extra Small. Tool-free axles are used front and rear, and Canyon has decked out the suspension pivots and headset with high-zoot CeramicSpeed SLT bearings for maximum durability.
There are four models available in the 2023 lineup, including the extremely good-looking CFR Team model we currently have on for review. For more information on the range, check out our Canyon Lux World Cup feature for everything you need to know.
- RRP: $10,549 AUD (plus shipping)
- From: Canyon
Rapha Trail Gore-Tex Infinium Jacket
Huh? A cold weather riding jacket in November? Well if there was ever a year for it, it would surely be 2022! A seriously wet winter and spring have left many of our local trails in a perpetually soggy state, and it’s been a rare occasion where we haven’t reached for the riding pants and lightweight long sleeve jacket.
Mick’s current jacket of choice is this luxurious number from those fashionistas at Rapha. It’s called the Trail Gore-Tex Infinium Jacket, and as you’ve probably determined, it’s made from Gore-Tex’ lightweight Infinium fabric. This isn’t meant to be a hardcore waterproof layer, but rather a highly breathable and flexible outer shell that offers windproof and water-resistant protection.
Coming in at just shy of $500 AUD, the price is right up there with the most premium jackets on the market. Mick’s convinced by the quality and performance though, having spent the last few months wearing it both on and off the bike. He’s been impressed by just how water resistant it is while riding through light rain showers, and it offers loads of protection from muddy spray. Compared to a full waterproof however, the Trail Gore-Tex Infinium Jacket is significantly lighter and more breathable, which results in a notable lack of sweat buildup underneath.
If the conditions turn particularly minging, the full coverage hood will fit snugly over your helmet. There are internal and external chest pockets for stowing your phone and other valuables, while stretch panels underneath the armpit provide great flexibility when executing the perfect suicide no-hander.
- RRP: $480 AUD
- From: Rapha
Wolf Tooth Premium Headset
Headsets are another new addition to the Wolf Tooth Components range, which are offered in both Performance and Premium versions. All headset cups are machined in the US using 6061-T6 alloy, and are available in a huge variety of options, including zero stack, external cup and integrated. Wolf Tooth Components even makes a headset to suit Trek Knock Block frames, along with GeoShift headsets that allow you to slacken (or steepen) your bike’s head angle by up to two-degrees.
Shown here is a Premium headset that’ll be finding its way into a 44mm head tube. Up top is a zero-stack cup with a short 6mm stack height, and down below is an external cup. We’ve gone for the silver finish, though like all things Wolf Tooth, the headsets are available in a huge array of anodised colours.
While the cups are the same between the Performance and Premium headsets, the internals are not. The Premium headset is equipped with top-quality Enduro stainless steel cartridge bearings, and the whole thing is sealed up to the absolute wazoo. The alloy crown race employs a dual-lip seal, while the top cap uses an external lip seal and an internal O-ring. Wolf Tooth Components is clearly confident in the design too, with the Premium headset coming with a lifetime warranty.
- RRP: $235 AUD
- From: Available in Australia through SCV Imports
Giro Latch Flat Pedal Shoes
Designed for trail, enduro and downhill riding, the Giro Latch is a premium flat pedal shoe that’s said to offer loads of grip thanks to its specially-developed Tack Rubber outsole. Compared to previous flat pedal shoes from Giro, the Latch has a flatter and lower-profile sole that brings the rider’s feet closer to the pedal body to improve pedalling ergonomics. It’s also lighter by around 100g, which helps to reduce rotational weight.
Despite the lower profile outsole, the Latch boasts increased cushioning thanks to the use of Mute Foam through the midsole. This material offers a slow-rebound characteristic that is claimed to eliminate chatter and vibrations from the trail, improving rider comfort and reducing pedal bounce.
Jack’s been testing a pair of Giro Latch shoes over the past couple of months, and he’s found the low-cut upper and lace-up design to offer a comfortable fit. They are on the roomy side however, so you’re more likely going to need to size down rather than up.
Traction is excellent, with the Gamma tread profile offering plenty of edges for pedal pins to grab onto, without totally locking you in. Most impressive is the way that the Latch provides comfort and damping in a shoe that isn’t overly thick and heavy, making these a suitable option for trail riders as well as bike park enthusiasts.
- RRP: $249 AUD
- From: Giro
100% Altis Helmet
The 100% Altis helmet is an open-face trail lid that comes loaded with nifty features. The most prominent being the unique Smartshock system, which sees the helmet’s liner suspended from the main shell by 11 blue elastomers. These little rubberised dampers not only aid with shock absorption, they also allow the helmet to rotate slightly around the rider’s skull during an angular impact.
The Altis is then built around a high-density EPS foam core, with an external polycarbonate shell that wraps around the underside of the helmet rim for maximum durability. There are 14 vents, and the multi-point adjustable visor is designed to be goggle-compatible. 100% offers the Altis in three sizes, with each featuring an adjustable ratchet for dialling in the fit, and strap splitters that ensure the main straps don’t rub up against your ears.
- RRP: $189.99 AUD
- From: 100%
Polygon Collosus N9
The Polygon Collosus is a brand new enduro bike from the Indonesian manufacturer, and it might just be one of the best value options currently on the market. Selling for $4,999 AUD, the Collosus N9 is equipped with a Fox 38 fork, a Float X2 shock, SRAM Code R brakes and a Shimano Deore XT drivetrain. Along with its heavy-duty rims and Schwalbe Magic Mary tyres, this bike is ready for an absolute thrashing straight out of the box.
Of course the big talking point around the Collosus is its unique 6-bar suspension design, which we first saw on the Mt Bromo last year. The multi-link design allows the chainstays to be made quite short, while purportedly decoupling the rear axle path from the shock’s leverage rate. Does it work? We’ve been testing this bike for the past few weeks to find out – check out our Polygon Collosus review for everything you need to know about this brute of a bike!
- RRP: $4,999 AUD
- From: Polygon Bikes
Peaty’s Holeshot Tubeless Puncture & CO2 Inflator Kits
UK brand Peaty’s continues to evolve its product lineup with the addition of some nifty tools for battling punctures out on the trail.
Part of the ‘Holeshot’ series, the new Tubeless Puncture Plugger Kit is designed to help you repair larger punctures that tubeless sealant won’t necessarily fix on its own. The kit is comprised of an alloy casing and a stainless steel fork, with an ingenious single-sided prong that means loading and releasing plugs is a far smoother process. It’s a simple modification of the standard symmetrical prong design, but in practice it works a zillion times better. Six plugs are included with the kit and can be stored inside the compact alloy capsule.
After repairing a puncture, the CO2 Inflator Kit is the ticket for re-inflating your tyre. The chuck uses a simple in-line design with a spring-loaded valve that makes it incredibly compact and lightweight. After threading it onto a CO2 cylinder, you push the whole assembly toward the valve to release its pressure. The kit includes two 25g CO2 cylinders, which are the ideal capacity for high-volume mountain bike tyres.
As with the Tubeless Puncture Plugger Kit, the CO2 Inflator Kit is made from CNC machined 6061 alloy. Both tools come in a huge array of colour options that conveniently match up to those offered by Chris King.
- RRP: $44.95 AUD (Plugger Kit) – $49.95 AUD (CO2 Inflator Kit)
- From: Peaty’s
BikeYoke Sagma Carbon & Sagma Lite Saddles
Best known for its excellent Revive and Divine dropper posts, BikeYoke also produces a curious-looking saddle called the Sagma. Utilising suspended rails with swappable elastomer damper modules, the Sagma is designed to absorb on-trail vibrations to provide a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Joining the existing Sagma are three new saddle options from BikeYoke. There’s the Sagma Carbon, which simply swaps the alloy rails for carbon to reduce total weight from 222g to 208g. As with the regular Sagma, this saddle comes with additional ‘Hard’ and ‘Soft’ modules that allow riders to fine-tune the amount of flex and damping.
More significantly, there’s the introduction of the Sagma Lite and Sagma Lite Carbon. These two saddles skip the in-built suspension altogether, with a standard rail design reducing complexity and weight. The Sagma Lite Carbon comes in at just 167g, making it very light given the amount of padding on offer.
All Sagma saddles feature a tough PU covering and a one-piece, carbon-reinforced base. Padding is supplied via the innovative idbead foam, which is the same as what you’d find inside a pair of high-end running shoes. The idbead foam’s low-speed rebound properties allow it to offer useful pedalling support, while providing plenty of damping. If you’re keen to know more about it, see our Cotic BFeMAX review, where we discuss the BikeYoke Sagma in more detail.
- RRP: $TBC
- From: BikeYoke
WPL Race Ready Tubeless Sealant
We’re seeing an increasing number of brands tackling the bike industry’s sustainability problems head-on, albeit with varying degrees of commitment. One brand that’s been limiting its environmental impact since day one is Whistler Performance Lubricants. WPL boasts a product line that includes chain lubricants, degreasers and suspension oil, all of which are claimed to be free of PTFE (Teflon) and petroleum, while also being fully biodegradable. Pretty neat eh?
We’ve been making use of WPL’s Tubeless Sealant, which uses a fully bio-based formula that contains natural fibres designed to help seal punctures up to 12mm in size. It’s quite a thick consistency, though we’ve found it to provide a reliable tubeless seal thanks to the nano-sized particles that fill the tiny pores through the tyre casing.
- RRP: $24.95 – $59.95 AUD
- From: WPL
Scott Genius 910
Easily one of the biggest releases of the year has been the new 2023 Scott Genius. Featuring a brand new frame design that draws inspiration from the latest Spark, the Genius takes on a whole new level of integration that makes this one of the cleanest trail bikes on the market.
There’s a lot more to it than just a hidden shock however. Indeed the arrival of the Genius ST, with its unique piggyback shock and more aggressive build kit, will be particularly exciting to many Flow readers.
As well as riding the new Genius ST at the official launch in Aosta, we also had the opportunity to test a Genius 910 on our home trails. Be sure to check out our Scott Genius review for everything you need to know about this engineering marvel of a trail bike.
- RRP: $10,499 AUD
- From: Scott Sports