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2022 Eurobike tech gallery #3: Magnesium, wacky sunnies, and lots of new tires
2022 Eurobike tech gallery #3: Magnesium, wacky sunnies, and lots of new tires
Vaast still isn’t a brand that’s really well known — particularly outside of the United States — but that hasn’t stopped the company from continuing to sing the praises of its so-called Super Magnesium frame tubing. At Eurobike this week the brand launched a new road-specific model called the R/1, featuring a semi-aero magnesium tubeset plus more aggressive handling and fit than the A/1 all-road model. One recently showed up for test, so stay tuned for a full review soon on that one.
On the wheel front, Hunt Wheels previewed a new top-end road wheelset, featuring 48 or 60 mm aero carbon tubeless-compatible rims from its Aerodynamicist range, its latest Sprint SL lightweight hubs, and unidirectional carbon fiber spokes that supposedly save 100 g per wheelset as compared to conventional stainless steel. Weights and prices are still being finalized, but expect some good value from these, as usual for Hunt.
Scicon — a brand better known for its travel cases — is continuing to expand its collection of cycling sunglasses, showing off a new prototype model that’s still being finalized. The company has big aspirations, too, with goals of being a top-three brand in the space within the next few years. Time will tell if that happens, but in the meantime, the company certainly isn’t afraid to push the styling envelope.
And finally, New Motion Labs is still making some intriguing efficiency claims with its novel drivetrain parts, and there are a whole bunch of new tires out there, just a few of which are included here.
Hunt previewed a new flagship road model built with its “Limitless” aero carbon rims (in 48 or 60 mm depths), its new Sprint SL hubs, and carbon fiber bladed spokes.The new Sprint SL hubs sport a more pared-down shape than Hunt’s previous offerings.The unidirectional carbon fiber bladed spokes are claimed to save about 100 g per wheelset as compared to stainless steel.Although it looks like the wheels use conventional externally located nipples, these are just aluminum ends that are bonded to the carbon fiber spoke. To actually true the wheels, you need to remove the rim tape and use a nut driver from the outside. The wrench flats shown here just keep the spoke from twisting while truing.Speaking of rim tape, though, Hunt has switched to a more pliable tubeless rim tape that the company says is less likely to peel than the more film-like stuff used previously.
Pirelli, Goodyear, and American Classic tires
New from Pirelli on the gravel side is the Cinturato Gravel RC.The new Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC features a pared-down center tread for speed, but a more pronounced shoulder pattern that favors a more aggressive cornering style. Interestingly, these are made with 60 TPI nylon casings whereas the H and M models use a more supple 127 TPI material. Pirelli says this provides the cut resistance needed for more aggressive riding, while the tread design maintains the same rolling resistance.Pirelli also has a couple of gravel tires that are aimed more at the OE market. The Cinturato Adventure (top) features a 60 TPI nylon construction and bead-to-bead protection for toughness, while the Cinturato All Road (bottom) uses the same casing construction, but with a faster-rolling tread design.Pirelli has a trio of urban tires, with the Angel XT sporting the most aggressive tread for light off-road use.The Pirelli Angel DT sports a mostly slick center and a lightly patterned shoulder. All of the Angel models feature a 5 mm-thick puncture-resistant belt under the tread.The most street-oriented Angel GT bears more than a passing resemblance to motorcycle tires.The Pirelli P Zero Race 4S is the first bike model built in the company’s new factory in Italy.Not surprisingly, Pirelli has its own sealant formula, as well as lightweight polyurethane tubes.Goodyear recently revamped its Newton mountain bike tires. The front-specific Newton MTF sports ramped center knobs and super stout-looking cornering blocks.The rear-specific Goodyear Newton MTR offer a more paddle-like center tread for drive traction, and a mix of rectangular and L-shaped cornering knobs.American Classic has brought its aggressive direct-to-consumer pricing structure to the mountain bike world with several new models aimed at the downcountry, trail, and enduro markets. I’ve got some in for test right now.Looking to dump some weight from your fat bike, but don’t feel like going tubeless? Or just looking to shed some weight from your spare inner tube? Revoloop’s polyurethane fat bike tube can lop off as much as 250 g per wheel.
Vaast
Vaast is expanding its range of magnesium bikes with the new R/1, a dedicated road model that features sharper handling, a more aggressive fit, and a more aerodynamic shape as compared to the current A/1.The flat-backed shaping is evident in the down tube, and the cable routing has been dramatically improved over the side-entry port of the A/1.The seatpost and seat tube sport aero profiles, too.The seatpost is fixed in place with a hidden binder, although the welds are still pretty clunky-looking.Vaast says its “Super Magnesium” alloy absorbs more vibration than aluminum and is also less resource-intensive to produce.The chainstays are rather chunky looking things, which suggest a stiff rear end. Chainstays measure a tidy 410 mm.Down below is a T47 wide-format threaded bottom bracket, which provides lots of weld area for the adjoining tubes, as well as additional width to push the chainstays apart.The hooded dropouts are quite bulky, but allow for a lot of weld area to the stays.Front and rear fender mounts promise all-weather capability.Vaast has thankfully resisted the trend of fully internal routing.The company is, however, offering a one-piece bar-and-stem that will hopefully come in a broad range of sizes.
Scicon
Scicon is continuing its march into the cycling eyewear market with these two prototype models that are still being finalized.The lens extension up top promises to cut down on light sneaking in from above, while various cutouts allow some air to pass to help prevent fogging.As with other Scicon models, the nosepiese is adjustable for a customizable fit.Scicon certainly isn’t afraid to put some bold designs out there. This one sports a snap-on mini-visor.
New Motion Labs
New Motion Labs has made some pretty substantial efficiency claims regarding its novel Enduo sprocket and chain designs. This track setup instead uses a conventional chain, but special chainrings and cogs that only engage half of the chain plates.The Enduo Track cog is wider and thicker than usual, which locks the adjacent rollers in place instead of letting them slide around as the sprocket moves through its rotation. Enduo claims this reduction in sliding friction can save as much as 8 watts of rider energy when tested at an output of 500 W and 100 rpm.Perhaps even more interesting is that the Enduo Track chainring can also be used for 1x drivetrains running rear derailleurs, meaning many time trial and triathlon bikes might be able to enjoy similar benefits (assuming those claims hold up in the real world).The concept here is the same: as the chain is engaged, the adjacent rollers are firmly locked around the chainring tooth with no allowable motion. Even if this does work as claimed, though, chainring wear would likely cut into those gains significantly as play develops.Read More
