Tech news and features of the week featuring Maxxis, YT, Rondo, clipless pedals and more
The top mountain bike and gravel tech news stories of the week
Dive into the latest developments in the world of cycling with our weekly tech round-up. This week, Maxxis introduced the Reaver gravel tyre, we delved into the pros and cons of clipless pedals, Hunt unveiled its E_All Mountain EMTB-specific wheelset, Rondo launched a new gravel bike and we've also had a deeper look into the debate surrounding the 750d wheel size in the gravel biking world. Read on to catch up on all the week's off-road cycling world's tech news.
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Maxxis adds the Reaver gravel tyre to the range
2023 maxxis reaver hero.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Maxxis has introduced the Reaver gravel tyre to its product line-up, aiming to offer superior performance in loose and dusty conditions. The tyre boasts diamond knurling for reduced rolling resistance and improved grip, with closely spaced paddle-shaped knobs for consistent cornering.
Compared to the Rambler, the Reaver offers faster rolling, lighter weight, and better puncture protection in the tread layer, making it ideal for high-speed gravel riding. The tyre is available in 700 x 40c size with 120tpi casing and EXO sidewall protection and retails for £55.
Clipless pedals: the pros and cons of clipping in
2022 hope union tc pedal angle.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Clipless pedals provide benefits like improved power transfer, enhanced control, and efficiency by attaching shoes directly to the pedals with cleats – and they're often a sort of rite of passage for new cyclists. However, clipless pedals come with a few challenges, including the learning curve in how they work, potential clipping issues, and maintenance requirements such as cleat replacement. This feature explores all of those pros and cons.
Hunt unveils its latest E_All Mountain EMTB-specific
2023 hunt e-mtb wheel hero 2.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Hunt has unveiled its E_All Mountain EMTB-specific wheelset to cater to the growing electric mountain bike market. The new wheelset is aimed for mid- to full-power pedal-assisted e-bikes, features a 6069-T6 extruded alloy construction with a shot-peened rim profile, similar to the Enduro Wide V2 wheelset. The 31mm internal width enhances braking performance and traction and the wheels incorporate Hunt's new PhaseEngage e-MTB freehub system for improved reliability. The wheelset is available in various sizes, priced at £479.
New Rondo Ruut comes in three builds and five frame size
Rondo Ruut AL, by Rondo
Rondo has launched the third-generation Ruut AL gravel bike with more clearance, accommodating up to 700 x 47c tyres now. The new model also features an integrated toolbox in the bottom bracket area for carrying tools, seatpost compatibility and comes with fully integrated cable routing for a clean appearance. The Ruut AL comes in three builds and five frame sizes, with prices ranging from £2,150 to £2,600.
The 750d wheel size debate - gravel biking’s ‘29er’ moment?
Moots-CRDD-prorotype-750d Made show, US, by Suvi Loponen
Since we spotted the prototype WTB 750d tyre and wheel combination at the SBT GRVL, the debate about the new wheel size has been ripe. In this feature, we take a deeper dive into that debate, exploring how mountain biking experienced a significant shift with the introduction of 29er wheels, and figuring out if the transition to 750d wheels in gravel biking may have the same impact – or not.
YT Industries lifts the lid on the Capra Uncaged 12
2023 yt capra uncaged 12 hero.jpeg, by Liam Mercer
YT Industries has introduced the Capra Uncaged 12, a very high-end mountain bike build featuring top-of-the-range components. The bike boasts an ultra-modulus carbon fibre frame that claims a perfect balance of weight, stiffness, and durability. It rides on 29-inch wheels and the suspension system uses RockShox's Flight Attendant technology, automatically adjusting compression for optimal performance based on the terrain.
The Capra Uncaged 12 has SRAM's XO Transmission shifting system, including a direct-mount derailleur and Quarq power meter. The complete bike, with Crankbrothers Synthesis Carbon wheels, Maxxis tyres, Renthal cockpit components, SRAM Code RSC brakes, and a RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post sets you back £6,000.
All-new Trek Slash gains high-pivot suspension layout
2023 trek slash hero.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Trek has unveiled the all-new Slash enduro bike for 2023, featuring a high-pivot suspension layout and other improvements - primarily around the geometry. The Slash now also rolls on a mixed wheel setup with a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel, offering better clearance and agility - but the bolt-on lower shock bracket allows for full 29-inch setups, too. The Trek Slash lineup includes nine builds, with prices starting at £4,250 and going up to £11,750 for the top-tier model.
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