POC's wind-cheating sunnies and Liv's new long-travel MTB
Our round up of the very best tech stories of the week
There was some big news this week with fresh bikes from the likes of Saracen and the new Ariel e-MTB models and Liv adding a long-travel trail bike to the range. POC also dropped the covers off its latest wind-cheating sunglasses and Canyon slashed prices for the UK consumer. Let's take a look.
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- The best winter mountain bike gloves you can buy - tried and tested
New electric power in Saracen's line-up
2023 Saracen Ariel 50E hero, by Saracen
Three new models in the Saracens Ariel e-MTB range have exploded onto the scene, offering extra range for those who seek more adventure time. The 2023 Ariel 50E models have a larger battery, producing 720 watts and new components.
The new models (Ariel 50E, Ariel 50E Pro and Ariel 50E Elite) are an updated version of what was first added to the brand's line-up in 2021. The bike has since been a success and, because of that, there is little change for its e-MTB model. The most noticeable change is a fresh paint job; the most significant is the battery output from its original 504wh. Giving the Ariel 50E a 216w increase in longevity. Small and medium sizes come as a mullet set-up, while the larger 29-inch wheel does allow for the option of a mixed wheel thanks to an adjustable link.
POC reveals its latest eyewear
POC Propel Clarity sunglasses, by Aaron Borrill
With high-tech testing involving computational fluid dynamics, POC’s new Propel sunglasses are designed with aerodynamics in mind to reduce the air that could potentially slow you down and even affect your performance. And it all comes down to a unique lens and temple design.
At only 32g, the air-defying bio-grilamid frames are available with eight different lens options and come in six colourways to help towards your optimum kit combo. The sunnies are fully adjustable at the temples, and the nose bridge comes in three sizes. These features may save you seconds in a race scenario, but for £230, they sit in the luxury seat and of course, in our hands for us to put them to the test. Stand by because we are ready for the windiest of days.
Intrigue LT added to Liv’s trail bike range
2023 Liv Intrigue LT 2_Color Aged Denim_flip chip Maestro 3.jpg, by Liv / Giant
There are only a handful of brands that offer women-specific bikes. Juliana - part of Santa Cruz, and Liv, the latter of which is associated with Giant, are a couple, with them purely focused on a design to fit the female body. Most bike brands have women-specific bikes now, and times have changed massively with the selection. Yeti have the Yet Beti, and Scott has the Contessa range.
The trail bike range has included the Intrigue for a while now, and the updated version is the brands most bouncy trail bike offering 160mm travel in the rear and 150mm up front. Even the suspension kinematics are tuned to suit women, allowing them to reach their full potential on the trails. A magic little flip chip is a cool feature on the Intrigue LT, where you can alter the bike's geometry in minutes and is also seen on Trek bikes. An XS size offers more choices for women under five feet.
Canyon drops its prices
2022 canyon grail hero.jpg, by Liam Mercer
It goes without saying that mountain biking as a hobby is expensive, and each time a new season springs, so do the prices. German bicycle brand Canyon has made this less painful on our wallets by reducing its prices of a selection of bike models to offer better value for the UK consumer. With most things at the moment increasing in price, all stars have aligned between Canyon and various factors, including exchange rates, shipping costs and customs charges, to result in lower overall costs.
There is no time like the present to grab a new mountain bike, and especially if you’ve had your eye on the Spectral CFR 29 or the gravel machine Grail SLX8 Di2 then you’ll be saving some sweetie money.
Parcours and Classified collab
2023 Parcours Classified partnership hero, by Parcours/Classified
Parcours, known for its aerodynamic wheels and tech company Classified have partnered up to bring the consumer the best of two technologies in one wheelset. Classified is known for its Powershift technology that offers electric shifting and removes the use of a front mech.
The new partnership recently showcased its wheelset in Belgium, hinting that this is the genesis of this coworking prodigy. There are many different smart-gear systems out there now, with the main emphasis being electronic shifting. Pinion Smart Shift Gearbox, Revolute Hub1 and Shimano FREE Shift works alongside Di2, which are all drivetrains that work without the need for cables. The world is going wireless, and bicycles need to stay in the race to encourage more to stay on the bike.
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