After somewhat of a lull last time around, this week has delivered the goods and then some. In fact, we wouldn’t be wrong in saying that it has proven to be one of the most stacked weeks of 2024 so far! There’s loads to cover, from fresh e-bikes and cutting-edge saddle adjustments to brand-new suspensions and race-ready handlebars… we don’t even know where to start! So without much ado, let’s get right into it.

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Fair Cycle added positive and negative offset to saddles

Modern dropper seat posts have made adjusting saddle height on the fly and riding your bike feel almost seamless but there’s another level of adjustment, that remains untapped – lay back. And Fair Cycle has aimed to solve this with Drop Best.

The slightly unusual-looking saddle adapter allows off-roaders to add positive and negative offset for most dropper and proprietary seat posts. But not just that, it can also almost modernise an older bike by effectively steepening its seat tube angle.

Read the full news story here: Fair Cycle's Drop Best boosts saddle adjustment and looks rather odd.

Mondraker revamped Dune as a lightweight e-MTB

While it may not be as brutalist in aesthetics as the recent sci-fi movie, the Dune is definitely a looker with Mondraker bringing in lots more upgrades.

To start with, the bike is now electric thanks to a Bosch Performance Line SX motor. The company also claims it’s lightweight coming in at just under 20kg. The bike shows off its unique Forward Geometry concept and has 170mm front and 165mm rear squish.

The new Dune is available in three models: the XR, RR, and R, and all three offer something interesting and are worth checking out.

So click here and continue to read more: Mondraker's Dune is reincarnated as a lightweight e-MTB.

Cannondale developed an all-terrain version of its Synapse Neo

Dropbar gravel bikes seem to be taking over the cycling world right now and Cannondale has redefined its Synapse Neo Allroad as a do-it-all touring and commuting e-bike. 

The Allroad carbon-fibre frame has a familiar gravel geometry and features adequate tyre clearance to roll larger-volume tyres that enhance traction, comfort and load-carrying ability. It’s fitted with a Bosch Performance Line SX mid-drive motor powered by a 400Wh battery pack and also has an option for a 250Wh range extender.

You can read more about the Cannondale Synapse Neo Allroad by clicking here.

Norco brought high-pivot suspension tech to Range VLT and Sight VLT

If you’ve been following the developments made by the Canadian manufacturer Norco, you’d probably know that it is a strong proponent of high-pivot suspension and it’s added this tech to its latest all-mountain e-bike Sight VLT and the enduro e-bike Range VLT.

Although both bikes feature the same pedal assistance — a Bosch Performance Line CX motor powered by a 750Wh battery, it’s in the squish where they differ. Norco’s Sight VLT has 150mm rear suspension and 160mm up front, whereas the Range VLT pushes those numbers to 170- and 180mm, deep into enduro e-bike category.

But what are the benefits of this tech? The answer is a more rearward axle path, less pedal kickback and better small bump compliance, which boosts traction.

Check out more about these two bikes here: Norco brings high-pivots to its Range VLT and Sight VLT.

Liv introduced the Intrigue X, a peak trail MTB

Configured for women who are committed trail riders, requiring something more than a downcountry bike – but not quite an enduro machine, Liv’s has filled the missing middle of its Intrigue range with the new X.

The coolest thing about the new Intrigue X might not catch your eye at first glance but the engineers behind this bike have integrated two frame geometry adjustment points: a flip chip in the Maestro 3 rear suspension’s rocker and an adjustable headset, offering more adjustability than most bikes on the market.

It’s available in aluminium or carbon frame options but there are loads more customisation options.

Read about this new bike here: Liv goes peak trail with the Intrigue X mountain bike.

Fox brought fresh improvements to its forks and dampers

It’s been a little while since we've heard anything from suspension giant Fox but now the brand has hit out with a bang, introducing an all-new 32 Step-Cast fork that features a fresh reverse arch design as well as three new dampers for the rest of the range.

Fox made a bold claim with its new 32 Step-Cast fork, saying that it’s the ‘absolute lightest in XC’. Meanwhile, for riders who demand the most reliable fork performance in the steepest and most severe terrain, Grip X2 has 24 valves and features a wider 24mm valve base, and might prove to be a significant upgrade over Grip X.

Read all about these super-cool new releases here: Fox overhauls the 32 Step-Cast XC fork and updates three dampers.

Race Face introduced new handlebars designed to provide compliance

Compliance versus stiffness: what should be the ideal balance when it comes to handlebars? Well, Race Face believes it’s found the right answer based on rider feedback and the GL Tune, a special shape combining a narrower stem clamp area with a rise and taper that starts earlier, is the result based on that secret answer that 85% riders seemed to agree with.

The two new handlebars using this philosophy are the carbon-fibre Era and the alloy-built Turbine.

To read more about these two handlebars and how the company worked its way to the secret figure, read our news story: Race Face's new Era and Turbine bars are tuned to combat arm pump.

Castelli refreshed its Gabba for more comfort and better aerodynamics

The Gabba has always been one of the most iconic products not only in Castelli’s range but also in all cycling kits. The company is now back with an ‘R’ version of the Gabba, which promises skinsuit aerodynamics and credible moisture resistance in a single garment.

There’s a big change Castelli is making with this Gabba R, switching from the ever-reliable Gore-Tex to a Japanese-sourced polyurethane featuring hydrophilic properties. It’s said that the Gabba R’s seams have been minimised, allowing it to hold a tighter tension on the torso and arms and ultimately offering a skintight fit.

But is it faster than Castelli’s speed suits? Find out by clicking here: Castelli launches sixth-generation Gabba jacket with more comfort and aerodynamics in challenging weather conditions

Yeti brought updates to the SB165

Over the past couple of years, Yeti has been working hard to update each bike in its range, starting with the SB140 last year and now the big-travel SB165 has received some attention.

There are lots of updates but some primary ones include a tweak to the suspension kinematics which is still the most progressive leverage rate in its range and a lopping down of the seat tube so riders can use 150mm dropper on small frames, 175mm on medium and 200mm and upwards on large and extra large frames. 

You can read the rest of the updates in our in-depth news story: Yeti modernises the SB165 enduro and park bike.

Marzocchi stepped into the fat stanchion game with the Super Z

The Super Z marks Marzocchi’s entry into the realm of large stanchions, following the footsteps of the pioneering RockShox Zeb with thick stanchions that mimic that of a dual-crown fork and the now ‘all mountain’ forks. 

In fact, Marzocchi’s take on the concept is designed to combine the strength and support of a dual-crown, downhill fork with the convenience and versatility of a single crown. As such, it dons 38mm stanchions, offering a boost in stiffness for the rider.

To read more about the Marzocchi Super Z with fat stanchions, click here.

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