Rocky Mountain
Rocky Mountain has replaced the long-running ETS-X with the Altitude, a 140mm (5”) four-bar design which is essentially an evolution of the existing setup. Swoopy curved tubes are clearly in vogue
The main change is the placement of the rear pivot; located on the chainstay but higher than the rear axle
The shock nestles in a cavity in the downtube. Aluminium and carbon versions will be available, with a weight of around 5.5lbs for the carbon option. Geometry is 69° head and 76° seat...
The Vertex range has been joined by two carbon frames and are 450g lighter than the company's Team Scandium frameset
A distinctive shape with smooth flowing lines from the top tube into the seat stays
There's a continuous curve right through the seat stays and carried into the top tube, before ending in a large head tube junction
Crank Brothers
Crank Brothers unique wheel range is growing. This is the Sage Green, a freeride offering with tubeless 24mm rims
Heavily machined rim leaving a tall central 'spine' to which the 'twinpair' spokes attach
Thru-axle front and rear hubs
Crank Brothers are also now doing seat quick releases. This is the Spilt QR Post Clamp - it weighs 48g
Range of headsets include the 58g Cobalt Ti
Continental
The Race King Supersonic is Continental's new 480g 2.2” tyre. Fortified with Black Chilli Compound
At the other end of the range, the Der Kaiser and Rain King DH are the latest DH tyres to be added to its range. Both are 2.5” and feature Black Chilli Compound.
Some other stuff...
Canfield Can-Can
Kraftstoff took the unusual choice of fitting this bike with a white Brooks saddle. What were they thinking?
There wasn't a shortage of titanium hardtail frames to choose from. Add the Conway Q-MT 1000 to the list
FSA are pushing the 2x9 thing, with this K-Force Light MegaExo carbon chainset. Fine if you can make do without the granny ring.
Mike Davis
