The Pivot Vault has changed a lot over the years. When it was first introduced in 2015, it was a cyclocross-specific model that included hidden cantilever bosses, and quick release dropouts.It wasnt long until the Vault shifted its focus to a more versatile focus with geometry designed for cross, gravel, or road. Essentially an all-road bike with clearance for up to 38mm tires. The second-gen Vault continued with that theme, but it was the third-gen where things started to get more interesting. The Vault Gen 3 offered comparatively massive 47mm tire clearance and introduced the Pivot Iso Flex system. Gen 3 was still billed as a do-everything drop bar bike, but it was skewing more and more towards gravel.(All Photos/Pivot Cycles)Which brings us to the latest Vault Gen 4. The latest iteration of the Vault is still a fast ride worthy of the Pivot name, but it is first and foremost a gravel bike built to maximize versatility and comfort.Pivot left almost nothing untouched for the new bike and despite adding more features to the bike and making the frames longer, Pivot worked their engineering magic to make the frames even lighter.Improved GeometryPivot was quick to point out that the new Vault is not a mountain bike in gravel clothes, but it is a longer, slacker, and taller bike with progressive gravel geometry. This should allow riders to drop stem lengths by 10-20mm, and increase confidence on descents and corners without sacrificing efficiency. Both reach and stack numbers have increased across the board, and Pivot is also introducing a sixth frame size. All sizes are built with Pivots Proprietary Ride Tuning which includes custom-tuned carbon layups for size-specific stiffness and independent strength to weight analysis for each frame which is said to provide consistent performance from size to size. While Pivot doesnt offer any complete builds with a suspension fork, the frame is suspension-corrected and runs a 415mm axle-to-crown fork with a 52mm offset. Iso-Flex Slims Down, Drops 30.9 OptionIts not just the geometry that increases comfort Pivot Iso-Flex is back and better than ever. The new version is lighter and less bulky, giving the frame a more streamlined look. Its still obvious that something is up with the seat tube, but youd be forgiven to think it was just some sort of aero treatment rather than a ride-smoothing seatpost damper. For those uninitiated, Iso-Flex is essentially a damping sleeve that sits between the seat post and the frame. This sleeve absorbs vibration and impact before it travels up to the seat post to the rider, making for a more comfortable ride. The newest version is comprised of a tuned elastomer with a fiber-reinforced nylon inner sleeve and a custom seatpost clamp. Its also now compatible with 27.2mm seatposts only (Gen 3 could run 27.2 or 30.9), but its still dropper post compatible. Its also serviceable with only Allen wrenches. More Drivetrain and Cable Routing OptionsIts no secret now, SRAM RED XPLR 13 is here and it requires UDH. Naturally, most new gravel bikes were seeing include the move to a UDH dropout like the Vault. As a reminder, the UDH hanger is compatible with any rear derailleur, not just Transmission. Ready to argue about fully integrated cable routing through the headset? No need. The Vault can route the cables through the headset if you want the cleanest look, but it can also run them through the downtube using the Pivot Cable Port System. All bikes will ship with the Pivot Gravel Stem which can direct the cables into the included Token C-Box headset. Better still, Pivot will ship these bikes to dealers without the cables run so the customer can choose how they want it run, swap stems, add/remove spacers, etc. Pivot also imagines this will be useful for fitting if youre not sure of your perfect fit, you can initially fit the bike with longer hoses and run then through the Cable Ports, then once youre dialed, you can route it through the headset if you prefer.Tire ClearanceEven by modern standards, the previous generation Vault already had excellent tire clearance at 700c x 47mm. Now, it tops out at 700c x 50mm, or 700c x 47mm with fenders. Yes, the Vault is fender-ready with hidden mounts and a removable rear fender bridge. Got water?On the topic of mounts, the Vault has a LOT of them. Apparently, it can fit five water bottles on the frame, four inside the main triangle and one beneath (its not clear what frame sizes can hold what bottle sizes). Theres also a top tube mount for gas tank-style bags. Head to the Toolshed for a Spare Tube or Chain LinkIf thats not enough storage, we havent even mentioned the new Tool Shed yet. Pivots take on in-frame storage includes a simple and secure latching door with some trick features including an integrated magnet for storing chain quick links. Theres also an integrated strap loop to attach tools or accessories to the door. Inside the frame, youll find two Toolshed bags which are designed to store a spare inner tube, tools, etc. The Toolshed door also includes clips to hold internally routed cables out of the way to prevent them from impeding the installation or removal of your tool bags. One of the clips is also designed to be slightly looser to allow you to slide your dropper post cable in or out to adjust the position or remove it from the frame. Other Frame DetailsThe Vault continues with a front derailleur option with a removable braze-on plate that can also be used for an upper chain guide if running 1x. Spacing is a standard 142mm rear, and 100mm front, and Pivot continues with their use of the BB386EVO Press Fit bottom bracket. Youll also find a molded rubber downtube and chainstay protector. All in, the new frames weigh in at a claimed 995g for a small without hardware. Thats down from 998g for the previous gen, which isnt much until you consider that the new frames are longer, taller, offer more tire clearance, and include the ToolShed storage. Impressive. FRAME WEIGHT 995g, small frame, no hardwareFORK WEIGHT 428g uncutFORK SPEC ATC 415mm, 1.125-1.5 taperedFORK OFFSET 52mmHEADSET SPEC compatible with 52mm integrated bearing systemsHUB SPEC 100mm front, 142mm rearMAX TIRE SIZE 700x50mmBB TYPE 386EVO Press FitMAX CHAINRING 46T for 1x setupsSEAT POST DIAMETER 27.2mm roundDERAILLEUR COMPATIBILITY UDHBuilds & PricingAvailable in Stealth Black or Mossy Forest, the Vault will be offered in three build options with one Shimano and two SRAM builds. The Pro GRX build is priced at $3,999 and includes a Shimano 112 GRX drivetrain with DT Swiss CR 1600 Spline wheels. The Team Force XPLR AXS build bumps up to $4,999 and includes a SRAM Force XPLR ETAP AXS 112 drivetrain with a 10-44t cassette and DT Swiss CR 1600 Spline wheels. The other option is the $5,499 Team Force/X0 Wide Range AXS build which bumps the cassette up to a 10-52t with a mullet drivetrain. Both the SRAM builds can be upgraded to Reynolds ATRx carbon wheels for an additional $650. All models will ship with 700c x 40mm WTB Vulpine TCS Light/Fast rolling 120 TPI tires with SG2 casing up front, and GS2 casing in the back. Check out the bikes below for a more detailed spec. pivotcycles.comThe post New Pivot Vault Adds Tool Shed, Tire Clearance, Mounts, Updated Geo, Still Drops Weight appeared first on Bikerumor.

The British brand is using new technology to improve aerodynamics and comfort

Welcome back to the live blog... Dan Alexander is trying to remember what day it is and how to be a working adult again after a week off... bear with and you'll hopefully get your usual fix of cycling news

Very good quality, just not quite as good in terms of lighting power and value as others 6/10

On the 22nd of September the international peloton will begin the World Championships in Zurich. The first event will be the individual time-trial, and so the best time-trialists from all around the world will face off in Switzerland to battle for the rainbow jersey. We take a look at the profile.T...

Ribble has revealed the Allroad Ti, a new titanium endurance bike made with 3D-printed parts said to be the future of titanium bikes.The Allroad Tis design resulted from three years of development, aiming to blend the wind-cheating performance of its aero road bike, the Ultra SL R, with an endurance-optimised ride.According to Ribble, the frame combines aerodynamically optimised, 3D-printed head tube and seat tube clusters with traditional titanium tubing for a modern sleek form.This is paired with a carbon fibre fork and D-shaped carbon seatpost, and the airflow-disrupting Ultra Bar 2 handlebar from its recently launched carbon Allroad SL R.Like the Allroad SL R, the Allroad Ti features fully internal cable routing for reduced drag and improved aesthetics. It also has clearance for up to 35mm-wide tyres.3D printing meets traditional constructionThe seat cluster is 3D printed and has the same internal clamp system and D-shaped carbon post as the carbon Allroad. - Warren Rossiter / Our MediaRibbles head of product, Jamie Burrow, says: "Ribble is the UKs largest titanium bike manufacturer, so it was always in our plan to have a titanium Allroad.That wouldnt have been possible a few years ago, but the advancement in 3D additive printing has allowed us to replicate the Allroad design while retaining the qualities of titanium.As such, the Allroad Ti frame mirrors the geometry of the carbon Allroad SL R but with design changes due to the 3AL-2.5V titanium (an alloy of titanium with 3 per cent aluminium and 2.5 per cent vadium, designed for easy welding and greater strength) used to build it.The 3D-printed head tube joins the custom-shaped top tube smoothly. - Warren Rossiter / Our MediaThe 3D-printed head tube, for example, is subtly hourglass-shaped and uses a truncated aerofoil design, but forgoes integration with the fork crown.Likewise, the down tube is slimmer and doesnt flare out to shield a bottle cage from the wind, while the seat tube and dropped seatstays are also less aerodynamically optimised than on its carbon sibling.The use of a non-integrated fork means the Allroad Ti doesnt require steering stops to protect the head tube in the event of a crash, though.Ribble even offers matching titanium bottle cages. - Warren Rossiter / Our Media3D printingalso enabled Ribble to shape the internal structure for optimal internal hose and cable routing something it says wouldnt have been possible with standard titanium manufacturing.The Allroad Ti is matched with Ribbles UB-2 (Ultra Bar second generation) handlebar. This takes inspiration from the bulbous shape of Ribbles original Ultra handlebar and its patented wake-generator tops and sculpted drops, along with direct-mounting brake levers.The UB-2 handlebar has direct-mount points for shift levers. - Warren Rossiter / Our MediaAs well as being smaller in form, the UB-2 handlebar is separate from the stem, giving riders a much wider choice of fit options.Due to a grippy finish on the drops, the Ultra and UB-2 handlebars can be used without bar tape, although Ribble will provide Allroad Ti bikes with bar tape as standard.The oversized T47 bottom bracket brings crucial stiffness to the drivetrain. - Warren Rossiter / Our MediaThe frame uses the threaded T47 bottom bracket standard, which Ribble claims increases stiffness compared to a standard BSA bottom bracket due to its oversized design.As on the Allroad SL R, the junction of seat tube and top tube houses a hidden seatpost clamp, accessible from beneath the top tube.To improve aerodynamic performance and comfort, the Allroad Ti is specced with the same D-shaped carbon seatpost as the Allroad SL R.The debossed head badge looks brilliant against the hand-polished finish. - Warren Rossiter / Our MediaRibble says each of the 3D-printed pieces is hand polished, with the head tube having a debossed Ribble logo.The frame tube shapes integrate smoothly with the 3D-printed junctions and the frame comes with a full complement of mudguard/fender bosses.Aggressive pricingThe front profile of the Allroad Ti closely matches the Allroad Carbon SLR. - Warren Rossiter / Our Media3D-printed titanium has been seen on bike frames before, but only at the very high end, with designs from the likes of Bastion, Pilot, Laverack and No. 22.What those all have in common, though, is price tags well into five figures for complete builds, with framesets alone typically costing upwards of 7,000 / $7,500.In contrast, Ribbles Allroad Ti starts at only 3,499 for a complete bike with a Shimano 105 R7100 mechanical groupset and Mavic Aksium wheels, rising to 7,999 for the Allroad Ti Hero with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 and Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels. The All Road Ti Hero shown here, however, has Ribble custom upgrades including Zipps 353 NSW wheels, which raises the price to 9,799What else would you finish a 3D-printed bike with, other than Selle Italia's 3D-printed SLR Boost saddle. - Warren Rossiter / Our MediaRibble tells us international pricing is linked to daily exchange rates rather than a set RRP, which means the prices for US, European and Australian customers, at the time of writing, are from $4,603 / 4,140 / AU$6,817 and $12,892 / 11,597 / AU$19,094.Its worth noting, though, that only the Hero and Pro builds are specced with Ribbles UB-2 handlebar as stock, although it will be a selectable upgrade for other builds in Ribbles Bike Builder custom programme.Ribble Allroad Ti range and specificationsRibble's new Allroad Ti combines custom tube shapes and 3D-printed junctions. - Warren Rossiter / Our MediaRibble Allroad Ti SportPrice: 3,499 / $4,603 / 4,140 / AU$6,817Frame: 3AL-2.5V brushed titanium, with 3D-printed head tube and seat clusterFork: Allroad Ti Carbon, gloss blackSeatpost: Allroad Carbon, D-shaped, gloss blackGroupset: Shimano 105 R7100Wheelset: Mavic Aksium 1 with Pirelli P7 Sport 32mm tyresHandlebar: Level Alloy barStem: RS-2 stemSaddle: Selle Italia Model X SuperflowClaimed weight: 9.91kg (medium)Ribble Allroad Ti EnthusiastPrice: 4,099 / $5,393 / 4,851 / AU$7,987Frame: 3AL-2.5V brushed titanium, with 3D-printed head tube and seat clusterFork: Allroad Ti Carbon, gloss blackSeatpost: Allroad Carbon, D-shaped, gloss blackGroupset: Shimano 105 Di2 R7100Wheelset: Mavic Aksium 1 with Pirelli P7 Sport 32mm tyresHandlebar: Level Alloy barStem: RS-2 stemSaddle: Selle Italia Model X SuperflowClaimed weight: 9.85kg (medium)Ribble Allroad Ti ProPrice: 5,499 / $7,235 / 6,508 / AU$10,715Frame: 3AL-2.5V brushed titanium, with 3D-printed head tube and seat clusterFork: Allroad Ti Carbon, gloss blackSeatpost: Allroad Carbon, D-shaped, gloss blackGroupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100Wheelset: Mavic Cosmic S with Pirelli P Zero Road 32mm tyresHandlebar: Ribble UB-2 carbon bar, gloss blackStem: RS-2 stemSaddle: Selle Italia SL R Boost SaddleClaimed weight: 9.35kg (medium)Ribble Allroad Ti HeroPrice: 7,999 / $12,892 / 11,597 / AU$19,094Frame: 3AL-2.5V brushed titanium, with 3D-printed head tube and seat clusterFork: Allroad Ti Carbon, gloss blackSeatpost: Allroad Carbon, D-shaped, gloss blackGroupset: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200Wheelset: Zipp 303 Firecrest with Pirelli P Zero Race 32mm tyresHandlebar: Ribble UB-2 carbon bar, gloss blackStem: RS-2 stemSaddle: Selle Italia SL R Boost 3D Kit Carbonio SuperflowClaimed weight: 8.7kg (medium)

A new titanium model has been added to Ribble's Allroad range, with prices starting at 3,499 for a full bike. We managed to get a sneak peek ahead of the launch

Jonas Vingegaard has now since 2021 focused on the Tour de France fully. He has finished second twice and won the 2022 and 2023 editions... It had been rumoured that next year the Giro d'Italia could already by in the Dane's plan but that has been refused by one of the team's DS'."I don't know wher...