This week has been rather exciting on the tech news front most notably due to the release of SRAM GX Transmission but there has also been a lot going on in the wheel space and Scott has unveiled a modern interpretation of a classic. In case you’ve missed it, here’s our round-up of the coolest tech stories of the week.
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- Mountain bike icons – the Greg Minnaar story
SRAM brings its Transmission tech to GX level
Only a few months after the release of XX and XO Transmission drivetrains, SRAM has already brought that very exciting tech to the more affordable GX level. While still pricey at £1,180 for a full drivetrain, GX Transmission gets most of the good stuff that we’ve seen on the more expensive drivetrains, most importantly the Hangerless Interface.
Other cool features come in the form of a cage that can be removed without tools for easy replacement and upgrade, and the mech is totally modular, allowing for the replacement of worn-out or damaged parts. But what really sets GX T-Type apart from its range mates is it’s battery’s location. Instead of being mounted in the usual spot that we’ve become accustomed too, it now sits at the very top of the derailleur, keeping it well out of harm’s way.
We’ve got a first-ride review of the latest SRAM GX Eagle Transmission so head over there for our first impressions. We’ll also be putting it through the wringer for a long term review coming a bit later.
- Here’s the SRAM GX Eagle Transmission first ride review
SRAM’s Stealth Brakes go Bronze
It’s not just the GX drivetrain that gets a taste of that trickle-down goodness as SRAM has brought many of the features found on the Stealth Ultimate brakes and has boiled it down to a more affordable brake.
So the Stealth Bronze brakes, coming in Code for enduro and Level for XC (with two and four piston calipers) come with that sleek lever body that brings everything closer to the handlebar. The brand’s SwingLink is present too, which should offer more progressive power throughout the lever pull.
But instead of costing north of £300 an end, Stealth Bronze brings prices down to £115 for the two-piston Level and £200 for the Code.
- For more details on SRAM’s Stealth Bronze brakes click here
Hunt brings more wheels to the table
Now satisfying both mega racey cross country riders and gravellers looking for aero gains, wheel brand Hunt has released the 42 Limitless Gravel Adventure wheelset, and the Proven Carbon Race XC wheelset. Both of these wheels get some mighty cool tech, with the former benefitting from a road-inspired rim profile and the brand’s latest H_ratchet system that offers nine degrees of engagement.
They’re also kitted with brass spokes and are said to weigh 1,642g. What’s especially exciting is that Sofiane Sehili took these wheels to win the inaugural Bright Midnight ultra-event, having covered 1040km in just two days, three hours, and 50 minutes, stopping cycling for only 16 minutes.
Then the Proven Carbon Race XC comes with a bold 1,254g weight claim through the use of UD carbon spokes.
- To find out more about the 42 Limitless Gravel Adventure wheelset click here
- And here are more details on the Proven Carbon Race XC wheelset
Scott modernises the Endorphin
The original Endorphin is a bike that left a huge mark on the mountain bike industry with credit to its radical design that came as a result of Scott’s push in the use of carbon fibre construction. Not only did it look rather cool, but it topped podiums.
This week, Scott teased its reimagining of the classic but has built it using the most modern techniques available to the brand, while draping it with the latest componentry available. It still gets that recognisable rear end as found on the original bike and a retro-inspired colourway but it rocks SRAM’s XX T-Type drivetrain and modern 29in carbon wheels.
For now, this remains just an experiment but the brand has mentioned that there might be more to come…
TruTune MTB Air Fork Insert review
We don’t usually throw reviews into Tech of the Week but this little bit of kit is rather interesting, especially for those who love to fettle with suspension. TruTune’s Air Fork Insert uses fancy activated carbon and science in order to make a suspension fork’s progression more linear.
Installed just like your everyday volume spacer, in our review we found that TruTune actually works and rather well at that.
- So click here for the TruTune MTB Air Fork Insert review
Privateer steps into the work of DJ
The brand best known for its high-performance, low-price mountain bikes the 141 and 161 has added the DJ101 to the lineup. Following the classic Privateer ethos, this new dirt jumper promises a no-nonsense build kit with a hydroformed 6061-T6 frame.
Privateer says that its an all-rounder but it’s available either as a frame only, or a full bike.
