Konas Process MTBs have become well-established in the trail and enduro categories, so it makes sense for Kona to create a few eMTB models based on that proven platform. Theyve just announced a revised Remote 160 DL and an all-new Remote X, adding a longer travel option for rowdy riders.The new Remote eMTBs share the same frame updates as Konas current Process MTBs. The long-legged 180/178mm travel Remote X is the choice for riders who want to self-shuttle gnarly trails, and the 160 DL is a more typical enduro/trail eMTB with 160mm travel.Both models are powered by Shimano EP8 motors and can keep you pedaling for hours with 612Wh batteries. Kona says the Remote eMTBs present great performance and value, with both models offering mid-spec builds at reasonable prices. Remote X and 160 DL Common Features:There are several common features between the Remote 160 DL and the Remote X, so lets start with those. Both frames are built from 6061 butted aluminum and come in S/M/L/XL sizes. Both models roll on 29 wheels, and are likely intended to stay that way as Kona makes no mention of mullet compatibility.The new Remotes both got the same frame updates as Konas current Process lineup. These updates include refined suspension, which aims to offer great small bump sensitivity and a more progressive shock curve for solid bottom-out resistance. The frames are also compatible with coil shocks. The updated frames offer shorter seat tubes with more dropper post-insertion depth. Small and medium bikes come with 170mm posts, and the larges and XLs come with 200mm posts. The updated frames also have more water bottle clearance, so all sizes can carry a bottle on the down tube.Remote frames are UDH compatible and use Boost 148mm rear axle spacing. Kona says tires up to 2.5 wide will fit into the rear triangles. The frames accept 31.6mm seat posts and feature internal cable routing.To help handle the extra weight of the drive system, both Remote models include Maxxis tires with tough DoubleDown casings.Shimano EP8 Drive System:The Remote 160 DL and Remote X feature the same drive systems. At the heart of them is Shimanos EP8 motor, which puts out 85Nm of torque.Power is supplied by a Darfon 612Wh downtube battery. For the Remote bikes, Kona developed a new dual-material battery cover thats very durable and resistant to weather and debris. The cover is attached with two M5 bolts. The bolted design keeps the battery snugly in place while you ride.A 4A charger is included with the Remote bikes, and a full battery charge from empty takes 6-7 hours. Currently, there is no range extender option for this drive system.Shimanos SC-EM800 display/control unit shows your ride metrics and allows you to toggle between assist levels, etc. A charge port for smartphones is included below the bikes top tube-mounted power button.Spare batteries and chargers will be available through Kona dealers. Kona will also stock replacement motor and battery covers, frame grommet parts, and battery mounting parts. Kona will provide warranty support for two years on all Kona and Darfon components. Other components are covered by their manufacturers warranties.Kona Remote 160 DL: $4,999.00The new Remote 160 DL is a fully redesigned 2nd generation model of the bike. It is basically the electric version of the Process 153. It has the same geometry and more or less the same suspension design but it gets 160mms of rear travel and is tuned specifically for the ride characteristics of an eMTB.Geometry:Kona didnt go nuts with long reaches for the Remotes, with a medium frame at 455mm and a large at 480mm. The Remote 160 DL has a slack but still trail-friendly 64.5 head tube angle. Seat tube angles range from 76.7-77, and the bike gets one 440mm chainstay length for all frame sizes.Build Spec:For the Remote 160 DLs MSRP you get a decent setup of mid-grade components. The bike features a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and Code R brakes. The RockShox suspension package includes a Zeb Select+ fork and a Super Deluxe Select rear shock.The Remote 160 DL comes in Matte Lead Powder with Gloss Black decals.Kona Remote X: $4,999.00The Remote X, more or less an electrified Process X, is an eMTB for burly riding. Kona describes it as glorious excess, or pretty much a bike park bike that will get you around the trails with ease. This model gets 180mms of front and 178mms of rear travel.Geometry:The Remote X gets the same conservative reach numbers as the 160 DL model, and the same 440mm chainstays on all frame sizes. The Head tube angle is nice and slack at 63.5, and the seat masts are steep with various sizes sitting between 77-78. Not surprisingly with its longer travel, the Remote X sits a few mms higher than the 160 DL in terms of BB, standover and stack height.Build Spec:Kona has cleverly included some nice bits and pieces in their build specs, but like the 160 DL the Remote X gets a mid-spec build that reflects its attainable price tag. The Remote X gets a Fox 38 Performance fork and Float X Performance Elite rear shock. Shimano supplies the drivetrain with Deore shifting components and SLX brakes.The Remote X comes in Gloss Viridian with Metallic Bronze decals.Images and video c. Konakonaworld.comThe post Kona Adds Power To Their Process With All-New Remote X and Remote 160 DL appeared first on Bikerumor.

Revised kinematics should make the all-mountain Bronson more plush, perhaps at the expense of pedalling efficiency and out-and-out funTheres a new Bronson out, and the big news from Santa Cruz is not much has changed at all on Continue reading

A new Santa Cruz Bronson promises to be better than ever with subtle updates youd have to look hard to notice. Still 150/160mm of do-it-all travel, but with more balanced mullet geometry and a tweaked VPP suspension layout that moves its link forward for a smoother ride. Santa Cruz refined their popular carbon all-mountain bike, creating an even better trail bike AND a more capable big mountain shredder2024 Santa Cruz Bronson carbon all-mountain bike updatedThe California bikemakerss most-popular all-rounder is the mountain bike for riders who want one bike for blasting local singletrack loops, heading out into the backcountry for all-day trail rides, and dropping into the bikepark for a taste of enduro. The platform has been a solid all-mountain performer for more than 8 years, getting a mullet update in 2022, and internal frame storage the next year.(Photos/Santa Cruz)Now it gets evolved MX geometry and an even better VPP. This is the 5th generation Bronson. And honestly, it looks a lot like gens 3 & 4. OK, the new split spars at the bottom of the seattube do actually set this one apart. But its really the subtle forward shift of the VPP links that redefine how this bike rides with a more plush feel and improved traction to soak up the tougher trails mountain bikers are riding these days.Whats new?When you can only have one bike, and your mission is to ride that bike into oblivion then this is the one. From manicured bike parks to blown out loamy berms, alpine lines to backyard trails, the Bronson is as at home in the air as it is in the dirt.Santa Cruz reconfigured the long-running layout of the Bronsons VPP (virtual pivot point) suspension that has defined this all-rounder since 2013. By moving the key lower link forward and the main pivot slightly down, Santa Cruz say theyve lowered the bikes anti-squat. The result is a more supple bike that can soak up the big bumps even when you are standing on the pedals and filter out trail chatter even when you are pedaling.Santa Cruz call it all-around better VPP performance for a better all-rounder bike Reduced pedal kickback on square-edge hits. Remains active while pedaling up and across rough, technical terrain. Less anti-squat benefits descending sensitivity due to the reduced pedal kickback associate.Evolved MX Geometry The Santa Cruz Bronson is still a 150mm mullet trail bike, paring the smaller 27.5 rear wheel to 160mm of travel up front and a larger 29 front wheel. Santa Cruz insist mullet is the way to go for this playful shredder style bike. It benefits from the more agile rear end and more stable front, and a neutral feel when pointed downhill. But Santa Cruz also say the mullet setup gives them more freedom to play with rear end length for a more balanced ride. So now the Bronson gets size-specific chainstays. And it gets proportional geometry across the 5-size range (S-XXL) with even slacker angles. Now the Bronson gets a 63.9or 64.2 head angle and 77.3-78.4 effective seat angle, depending on whether you pick the LOw or HIgh position at the rear shock mount flip-chip.In a time of ever-growing frame Reach, the same-size Bronsons arent actually longer. But the 27.5-only XS is gone and they add the new XXL at the other end of the spectrum.Tech detailsGlovebox secure internal frame storage in the downtube under the bottle cage mountenclosed fully-guided internal cable routing from the sides of the headtubeC carbon frames are compatible with mechanical shiftingCC carbon frames only include internal routing for a rear brake & dropper post wireless electronic shift-only2.5 max tire clearance, front & rear Boost 148mm spacingPost Mount brakes with 200mm front /180mm rear rotorsISCG05 chain guide mountsBSA Threaded bottom bracketSanta Cruz UDHIS 1.5 tapered headsetLifetime frame warrantyEasy-to-source, easy-to-service bearings2024 Santa Cruz Bronson Options & availabilityThe new Bronson now comes in two colors Kalimotxo pink and Root Beer brown and in 5 complete bike build options. Or as a $3900 frameset. Three builds a $5000 / 5500 R, $5900 / 6400 S & the $7000 / 7400 GX AXS get the more affordable C carbon frame.2024 Santa Cruz Bronson C RBronson C SBronson C GX AXSWhile the top two $8000 / 8800 X0 AXS & $9000 / 10k X0 AXS RSV specs get the top-tier CC carbon frame.2024 Santa Cruz Bronson CC XO AXSBronson CC X0 AXS RSVAs for spec updates, those top 3 new SRAM AXS bikes also get Maven brakes, all but the entry build get Fox 36 forks and Float X rear shocks. And all bikes get all-mountain-ready Maxxis Assegai + DHR II tire combos.Word is that the Bronsons Juliana Roubion sister bike wont be getting the same updates, at least for the time being. SantaCruzBicycles.comThe post Santa Cruz Tweaks 5th-gen Bronson All-Mountain Bike with a Lower, Better VPP appeared first on Bikerumor.

Great pair of glasses with infinite adjustability and a really reactive photochromic lens 9/10

On the 23rd of August we have got an explosive hilly classic in the Belgian Ardennes. Druivenkoers-Overijse is one of the many races suited to the classics specialists ahead of the final months of the season and should see an exciting race. We take a look at it's profile.The race will be 206 kilome...