All articles tagged with #gravel
SRAM has launched new 12 and 13-speed Force and Rival AXS groupsets for road and gravel bikes, featuring advanced wireless shifting, improved braking, and compatibility with modern frames, offering high performance at a more accessible price point amid a competitive market.
The new Cane Creek Invert gravel suspension fork is designed for gravel roads and offers a smooth ride, lightweight design, and sleek aesthetics. While lacking damping, it performs well on smooth trails but may not be suitable for rough terrains. Pre-production forks had minor issues, but production versions are expected to address these concerns. Overall, the Invert fork is praised for its performance and appearance, with a long-term review to follow.
Shimano has launched a new collection of purpose-built eyewear called Technium, Technium L, and Twinspark, featuring their proprietary Ridescape lens technology with six options finely tuned to different riding conditions and terrains. The collection includes full-frame and half-frame options, with prices ranging from $65 to $100. The lenses promise enhanced visibility and color-tuning for road, gravel, and trail riding, but the lens-swapping process may be slightly cumbersome.
Cervélo has introduced the Rouvida, its first eBike that can quickly switch between road and gravel configurations. The interchangeable dropouts allow for changes in fit and handling, with different geometry for each setup. The Rouvida features the Fazua Ride 60 motor, which blends seamlessly with pedaling input. It also includes Cervélo's aerodynamic design and a vertical battery orientation for improved aerodynamics. The eBike offers easy power and assistance control, as well as extra battery life for charging accessories. The Rouvida is available in four different build options, with prices ranging from $6,200 to $13,000.
Bosch is set to release a new lightweight eBike motor, the Performance Line SX, weighing only 2 kg and offering mid-level assist suited to Gravel eBikes, Urban eBikes, and lightweight eMTBs. With a maximum torque of 55 Nm and a peak power output of 600 Watts, the motor delivers a more natural riding sensation than its more powerful 85 Nm sibling. The system has a claimed weight of 4 kg, including the Mini Remote and the System Controller, and is expected to be available from Autumn 2023.
SRAM has introduced the new Apex AXS, a groupset designed for gravel bikes and aimed at price-conscious riders. The groupset is exclusively available as a 1x setup and features a mullet setup, offering enormous gear ranges on a 1x setup. The new groupset won’t be exclusive to the AXS interface, i.e. wireless shifting, and there will also be a fully analogue offshoot. The mechanical Apex groupset features a newly developed rear derailleur and matching controls, expanding the portfolio with some exciting components in the lower-priced segment.
Specialized has launched a revamped version of its Allez road bike, featuring disc brakes and larger clearance for tyres. The Allez is designed as a "do-it-all bike choice for a road rider who is potentially just getting into the sport and who wants one bike for commutes, group rides and entering their first race". The bike is available in two spec levels, with prices starting at £1,100 ($1,200) for the base model. The new Allez is made of the same E5 aluminium alloy as the outgoing bike, but Specialized has tweaked its geometry, which is now the same as the Roubaix carbon endurance bike across the size range.
The Vitus Venon Evo has been named the Road Bike of the Year for 2023 by BikeRadar. The lightweight carbon frame bike with mudguard mounts and clearance for 45c tyres is an all-rounder that excels in endurance. The bike is versatile and can be used for road and gravel riding. The bike comes with aero carbon wheels, carbon fibre finishing kit and a SRAM Force AXS wireless drivetrain at a price (£4,699/$4,699/€4,899) very few can match.