We always expect a monumental new week ahead of Sea Otter, but this week has been massive! But as some striking news has hit our headlines, the stream of cool things has continued to flow. This week, we’ll take a look at Amflow’s new e-MTB, Ergon’s fresh grip release, and Redshift’s new handlebar. You bet that’s not all as we have one of RockShox’s new suspension forks and a gravel bike from Megamo. Let’s dive in…
But before we jump into our curation of cool things, let’s take a look back at the week’s news. Stealing the show was the release of Avinox’s new M2S and M2 motors. While its 150Nm and up to 1,500W at peak power is enough to catch anyone’s attention, 60, yes, 60 brands have unveiled a bike donning one of the motors. So we rounded up 18 of the e-mountain bikes we know come with the new kit.
That’s not all, though, as RockShox unveiled its new all-mountain and enduro suspension lineup (we’ll chat about that more in a bit), and Atherton dropped the details on its first-ever e-mountain bike. Better still, we’ve got a first ride review of the Atherton S.170E ripe for the reading. Crankbrothers also release it’s very large Stamp EVO pedals, which promise more support thanks to the sizey platforms. Reserve updated its cross-country wheelset, throwing DT Swiss’s Degree of Freedom tech into the 30XC hoops and Surly returned to the aggro hardtail market with the Sorceress. Yep, we’ve got a first ride review of that, too.
Amflow PX Carbon Pro
£8,999
With two new Avinox motors set to upheave the e-MTB market, you bet there’s a new Amflow bike donning the new tech. Kitted with the Avinox M2S motor, this bike knocks out 150Nm of torque and 1,500W at peak power. Though it technically comes with a smaller 700Wh battery, the brand says that its cells are denser, so it should provide just as much range as a larger battery, and perhaps even more.
While the PX looks strikingly similar to the PL of old, there are some key differences. Notably, this bike comes with loads of geometry adjustments, to the point where Amflow states that it can achieve 40 different geometry combinations. That comes from a new headset that offers five head angle settings, with 64.2 degrees being the standard setting. There are two bottom bracket heights to choose from, and effectively four chainstay adjustments to play with. The bike can then run mixed or full 29in wheels.
The PX’s rear suspension has been tweaked a touch, too. With help from the people at Fox, Amflow claims to have produced a better pedalling platform that better staves off pedal kickback.
Ergon GHD grips
£35
We have already tested Ergon’s GDH Team grips, but this week, the brand relaunched its racy grips with a whole new range of colours and sizes. Nice! These grips have been developed with the likes of Troy Brosnan and Vali Holl, and are designed to combine tonnes of control with a healthy helping of vibration damping.
That’s done thanks to a thinner main rubber, which should produce excellent bar feel, while a raised portion that sits under the palm works to add useful cushioning. But now, there are three sizes to choose from; the regular size we tested, a FAT size that benefits from an extra layer of Ergon’s Gravity Control rubber and a Slim model, produced to offer the closest contact with the bar. The slim grips are also slated to be prime for those who have smaller hands.
Redshift Top Shelf flat handlebar
£199.99
Following the form of its Top Shelf drop handlebar, Redshift’s new Top Shelf flat handlebar takes the very same crossbar design, but builds it into a flat handlebar, if you hadn’t guessed already. Touted for mountain bikes, flat bar gravel bikes or commuter rigs, RedShift reckons that this bar brings more comfort and resistance to fatigue over longer rides. Its then available in 50 and 70mm rises while getting a 14-degree backsweep and an 800mm width.
This handlebar is constructed from 6061 T6 aluminium, finished with a black anodising and promotes a more natural hand position to keep things manageable when the going gets rough. Then, thanks to that crossbar, it’s ready to be loaded up with luggage.
RockShox Lyrik Ultimate
£1,225
If the release of the new Avinox systems wasn’t enough, RockShox went ahead and unveiled its new all-mountain and enduro suspension components. This is the new Lyrik Ultimate, and it has received a whole bunch of the techy goodness that was first seen on the Boxxer downhill fork some weeks back. Importantly, that includes the LinearXL air spring. As you’ll rightfully expect, that results in a more linear progression, which the brand says boosts confidence, control and comfort. But if that’s too linear for you, the new Adjustable Bottom Out dial adds bottom-out resistance and can be accessed externally via a 5mm Allen key.
There’s a lot more going on, too. There’s the new ButterWagon tech, which is a whole bunch of dimples found along the stanchions, internally, which guide bath oil towards the seals to reduce stiction. Additionally, there’s a whole new chassis featuring a machined crown and fresh arch design, all included to boost stiffness.
That’s merely scratching the surface of what’s new on this fork, so check out our RockShox Lyrik first ride review to learn more.
Megamo West 01 gravel bike
£6,199
This is Megamo’s second-generation West, and it’s totally modern. Built for versatility and performance, it can run sizey 50mm wide tyres and uses a Superlight carbon frame, in a bid to balance stiffness, lightweight and efficiency. It also gets a bit of an aero swing. It’s compatible with 1x and 2x drivetrains, and its geometry is corrected to run a suspension fork, and there’s routing for a dropper post.
In an effort to expand the bike’s use beyond racing alone, it’s packed full of storage options. There’s storage cut into the downtube and a whole host of mounts. The West also rocks a cockpit that’s built especially for it. It also benefits from an aero design while adopting a 16-degree flare to add extra stability when rattling down questionable descents.
