The 50th anniversary of Specialized brings us the fifteenth Stumpy: here's our early verdict on the…
… Ibis Exie Ltd Ed Team 31 and new DVO Prime shock damper in updated Topaz Air and Jade X Coil shocks.
Specialized press release:
The all-new Chisel FS. 18.4% lighter than the closest competitor.
With advanced kinematics and geometry from its big sibling, the Epic 8 XC bike, combined with cutting edge D’Aluisio Smartweld technology, the Chisel delivers performance riders can feel whether they’re racing “between the tape” or ripping solo laps on local trails.
Thanks to D’Aluisio Smartweld, the Chisel boasts the lightest aluminium XC frameset in its class. Each highly manipulated frame tube features continuously varied wall thicknesses and shaping that deliver stiffness where riders need it for efficiency and ride smoothing compliance where they want it for comfort and optimal control.
110mm of Ride Dynamics tuned suspension, DNA from the Epic 8, like advanced suspension kinematics, and progressive geometry honed on technical World Cup courses can all be found in the Chisel, making it more than capable of handling varied terrain with confidence and speed.
Chisel pedals incredibly efficiently thanks to the utilisation of geometry and kinematics that went into our World Cup racing Epic 8 platform. The steep seat tube positions the rider in the optimal pedalling position. Honed anti-squat reduces pedal-bob. Put it together and Chisel translates every watt applied to the pedals into maximum forward motion.
This new Chisel is a great entry point for all ages of riders looking to get into a more capable full suspension bike, or a rider who is looking for the best value, while still getting our highest performing tech!
In the UK you will see two complete bikes along with a frame only option, see below for the pricing options:
CHISEL FS BASE SHIMANO – £2000
CHISEL FS COMP SHIMANO – £2700
CHISEL FS FRAME – £1400
Giant press release:
Designed specifically for developing young riders, the new Faith range features purpose-built suspension, frame geometry and components for smaller, lighter bodies
Giant, the world leader in cycling technology, introduced its new Faith range of youth-specific trail bikes featuring purpose-built front and rear suspension setups, variable wheel sizes, and components designed for smaller, lighter riders.
The new Faith range is the first of its kind from Giant — a collection of high-performance, full-suspension trail bikes right on par with adult mountain bikes yet designed and engineered specifically for kids. From the lightweight aluminum frames with youth-specific geometries to all-new proprietary suspension setups, optimized WheelSystems, and ergonomic touchpoints for smaller bodies, every detail has been carefully considered for developing young riders.
Kids face unique challenges on the trail. These bikes target those challenges with variable wheel sizes and suspension that’s tuned specifically for them. Giant’s proven FlexPoint rear suspension system with a Crest FloTrac Lite shock delivers a smooth, active feel on the trail. Up front, new Crest Lite suspension forks with FloTune Lite dampers helps kids tackle technical terrain with more confidence and control.
The new range includes two models. The Faith features a new Giant TRA WheelSystem with a 27.5-inch front wheel and 26-inch rear. The wheels borrow key features and technologies from race-proven adult TRA WheelSystems including WideGuard technology to improve rim strength and reduce the risk of flats. The smaller Faith 24 is equipped with 24-inch TRA wheels front and rear for lighter weight and easier handling.
All Faith models have youth-specific cranks and brake levers, along with new Contact Switch AT Lite dropper seatposts that helps younger riders find their optimal climbing and descending positions with easy-to-use, handlebar-mounted levers.
YOUTH-TUNED SUSPENSION
Both Faith models feature FlexPoint rear suspension systems with a Crest FloTrac Lite shock. This linkage-driven, single-pivot system creates consistent damping and spring performance throughout its travel, isolating the rear shock to provide small bump sensitivity through the entire wheel path. The result is a smooth, active feel through the entire shock stroke with no harsh bottom outs.
The Crest FloTrac Lite Shock is designed and built in-house to complement Giant’s suspension platform kinematics for lightweight riders. Custom tuning creates a responsive damping and spring that requires less force input. Paired with Triple Flow Path technology that actively stabilizes the motion of the shock, Crest FloTrac Lite gives smaller riders increased traction and control without compromise.
The Crest TR Elite Lite and Crest SL FloTune Lite forks are made to bring high-performance suspension to lighter weight riders. Low-friction action and the latest Giant FloTune Lite damper combine for responsive control on rugged terrain. In addition, all Faith models feature Unified Suspension Setup, a guide that’s displayed on the forks indicating optimal air pressure and damper setting recommendations for both the rear shock and the fork based on rider weight.
The Faith series has 135mm of smooth rear travel paired with a 140mm Crest SL FloTune Lite fork, both tuned specifically for riders weighing under 62kg. The Faith 24 series has 130mm of rear travel and is paired with a 140mm Crest TR Elite Lite Fork, both tuned for riders weighing under 46kg.
POC press release:
POC and Team AMANI are proud to release the Migration edition collection of helmets and eyewear. The new gold Ventral Air is combined with matching gold Devour sunglasses, each featuring a unique lanyard made by hand at the Maji Moto Maasai Women’s project, a cultural centre and refuge for vulnerable Maasai women.
Designed and developed with the Amani team and riders, the Migration edition celebrates the Migration gravel race, its unique place in the cycling calendar, and the funda- mental role it plays in bringing global riders and focus to East Africa. It truly allows Amani riders the chance to ride on their home turf.
THE TEAM AMANI MIGRATION ED. VENTRAL AIR
The award-winning Ventral Air is a structurally optimized helmet which features precise ventilation ports and internal channels to control the air intake and release at both high and low speeds, which enhances ventilation as well as the rider’s ability to reduce drag.
PRODUCT AND TECHNICAL FEATURES
THE TEAM AMANI MIGRATION ED. DEVOUR ULTRA
With exceptional coverage, the Devour Ultra sunglasses give free- dom and flexibility while keeping your eyes as protected as goggles. The sunglasses feature fully adjustable temples and nose- piece, making it easy to find a secure fit for every head shape. You’ll see every detail on the trails thanks to a frame design that maximises peripheral vision.
Clarity lens technology controls the colour spectrum and is fine- tuned for use on the trail, sharpening the greens and browns as- sociated with this riding environment, all while giving complete UV protection (UV400). A Ri-Pel lens treatment protects from dirt, oil and water, and an anti-scratch coating ensures your vision is al- ways at its best.
Lenses are easy to swap, and a spare clear lens is included, making the sunglasses ideal for use in a wide variety of riding conditions.
Ibis press release:
The Exie USA is now available in a limited edition Mercury Silver finish with gold team issue graphics. These expertly crafted Exie USA frames are handmade in our solar-powered Northern California facility, retail for $4,499.99 and are available now.
Team 31 is an elite UCI World Cup Cross Country Team created with a unique vision. Rather than perpetuating the pressurized structure of elite racing focused on podiums and social media followers, their goal is to model fun, mental and physical health and influence others positively.
Traditionally, we’ve showcased the Exie USA frames in their raw carbon form to highlight their quality right out of the mold, but now, for the first time, we’re introducing painted frames. Painting normally requires extensive surface preparation, often involving time consuming finishing work and filler, which adds significant weight, labor and cost.
Our manufacturing site also acts as a research and development center and allows us to test new ideas. An outcome of this research was the utilization of new materials that further improve the surface quality of our frames allowing us to offer painted frames without increasing the finishing work or adding weight.
Our painted frames debut with this limited-edition model, featuring automotive-grade paint known for its durability and lightweight properties, and adorned with Limited Edition Team 31 decals.
DVO press release:
We are excited to officially introduce Prime; the highest performing and most adjustable shock damper in our lineup.
For the rider that needs a bit more than a set-it-and-forget-it platform, our new Prime series features external, tool-free, high and low-speed compression adjustments that give you full control over the feel of your shock. It’s an all new system meticulously tuned to offer incredible adjustment range and control.
Versatility:
From professional enduro race victories, to local PR conquests, the new Prime damper excels across all disciplines and terrains. Enduro, trail, and e-bikes alike benefit from the controlled nature and maximum adjustability of Prime’s optimized damping circuit.
Maximum Adjustability:
The Prime circuits wide-range compression damping adjustments deliver control and confidence via a simple tool-free setup.
Low-speed compression adjustment.
6-clicks of externally adjustable LSC has been designed to work most effectively at speeds from 1-500mm per second. This gives the rider stability while simultaneously delivering ample plushness and traction.
High-speed compression adjustment.
10-clicks of HSC adjustment allows you to quickly and easily dial-in the perfect amount of control for countering sudden g-outs, square-edge hits, and deep landings. Our new HSC circuit is designed to be most effective at speeds greater than 500mm per second. Our new piston and shim stack work in tandem to move increased oil velocities with zero hydro-lock, allowing the system to react quickly to rapidly ever-changing trail conditions.
Air and Coil Options:
Available in Topaz air or Jade X coil platforms, the new DVO Prime models are engineered to enhance your on-trail experience across the widest range of conditions.
The Topaz air series delivers a highly adjustable air platform, capable of delivering small bump suppleness and traction, big impact control, and the ability to easily adjust both the positive and negative air volumes.
The Jade X coil shocks offer the sensitivity, versatility, and durability of a coil platform, with both LS and Pro Rate springs available to meet the demands of the widest range of bikes and riding styles.
Performance Updates:
New for CY24, DVO’s unique adjustable air bladder system has been completely refined with an updated bladder material, end cap seal, and valve core. These changes allow for a wider range of adjustability and less pressure in the system, which in turn increases durability and reduces pressure loss. This allows riders to easily fine-tune their desired level of support across the entire travel range.
Both the Topaz and Jade X series benefit from updated bushings, engineered to aid in the event of side-loads from frame flex, resulting in a smother stroke and increased durability. In addition, the Topaz series receives an updated and oversized seal head and inner shaft, designed to further enhance performance and durability.