World's first 3D-printed downhill bike and Canyon's throwback to the 90s
Our round-up of the very best tech stories of the week
It was yet another busy week at off.road.cc with new and exciting off-road cycling gear popping onto the scene. Canyon was first with its ’90s-themed Grizl gravel bike followed by Giant and Liv and the news of its expanded e-MTB ranges. Revel also revealed a first-of-its-kind 3D-printed DH bike, YT Industries announced a spec upgrade for the Capra Core 3 and Specialized dropped the covers off its revamped gravel Recon shoes.
- Your complete guide to the RockShox fork range
- How to go bikepacking: a beginner's guide to getting started
Canyon Grizl gravel bike goes retro
2023 canyon grizl cf sl 7 throwback hero.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Canyon has gone back in time to the good old 90s era when the Backstreet Boys ruled the world - and trying to memorise the words to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was the top priority. The brand's gravel bike has been given a cool title, the Grizl CF SL 7 Throwback and a fresh, colourful paint scheme that shouts retro.
The decision was made to create a 90s-looking gravel bike as a modest response to the public saying ‘gravel is just mountain biking from the 90s’. The concept is to give riders a fun experience to push the limits while covering miles. The bike features some retro-looking components to give a real nostalgic feel. It is available to buy now but is limited to only 250, so you should be fast if it’s pulling on your heartstrings.
Liv and Giant add to its e-MTB collection
2023 Liv Embolden E+ hero, by Liv
More travel and more power seem to be the general direction of the progression of e-MTB, and brands Giant and Liv have done just this with their latest electric-powered machines.
The new bikes are the women-specific Liv Embolden E+ 1 Pro and 2 and the unisex Giant Stance E+. The new Liv gets 140mm of suspension, closing the gap on the brand's bounciest e-MTB, the Intrigue E+. The bike also employs the brand's lightest motor, developed by Yamaha com[plete with an 800Wh battery.
The bike sets itself apart from the Stance with the shorter handlebars and women-specific saddle. Looking at the new Stance, there are upgrades to the drivetrain, which comes with a compact SyncDrive Sport 2 motor with a 625Wh battery.
First, ever fully 3D-printed DH bike
2023 revel rodeo 3q.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Revel has raised the bar on what is possible with design engineering with its latest creation. It takes the shape of a 3D-printed downhill bike utilising thermoplastic carbon material. Others have already used the material itself in the past, but the design process is new with the collaboration of another company - Arevo Inc. With this concept being a success, it opens up the potential for other companies to follow and create an improved development process with high customer satisfaction.
- Revel Rodeo is the world's first fully 3D-printed downhill bike
Specialized updates Recon shoes for gravel riders
2023 S-Works recon, by Specialized
The Specialized Recon range of beautiful footwear has been updated with a leaning towards gravel riding, offering comfort and better walking performance. The two new models are the S-Works Recon and the Recon ADV. The S-Works Recon has a 4mm wider ‘last’ shape available to serve the demand of a wider fitting gravel shoe and even though it is now lighter than previous models - it is strong and stiff.
The ADV takes on a different role with its classic lacing system rather than the S-Works and its fancy Boa dial. The emphasis on these is comfort with added flexible technology inserted into the midsole for a natural feel during hike-a-bike sections or for general bikepacking adventures.
Spec upgrade for YT’s Capra Core 3
2023 yt ind capra core 3 29 crank.jpg, by Liam Mercer
The YT Industries Capra Core 3 benefits from a high-modulus carbon frame and comes in two models: 29 or MX (mullet). The 29 version gets a longer chainstay, leaning towards climbing performance with a more linear suspension curve to offer the most traction possible.
In terms of spec level, the bike gets a RockShox Zeb Ultimate with 170mm of bounce as well as an updated DebonAir + air spring and a RockShox Deluxe Ultimate on the rear. The wireless SRAM’s GX Eagle AXS system takes care of shifting and stopping power comes compliments of SRAM Code R brakes. The bar/stem combo is brand spanking new and engineered with AL2014. Wheels are Crankbrothers Synthesis is also seen on the Capra Core 4.
You might also like:
Author block
