What's hot at the 2018 NEC Cycle Show? The mountain and gravel bikes you'll want to see
The Cycle Show takes place at the NEC Birmingham between 28th and 30th September and we are gearing up to take a look at some brand new mountain and gravel bikes. As well as playing host to some of the biggest names in the off-road riding world there will also be loads of new gear you'll want to make a beeline for.
Here are our top picks for the weekend, in no particular order:
Mason Cycles
Instagram can be the best way to sneak a peek at new bikes as the brands can't help but tease about their latest products arrival! There is plenty of speculation about this new steed from Mason with the consensus that this is some kind of fat tyred adventure bike with either drop or Jones H bars. Whatever it is, our Dave will be first in the queue to see what is under that shroud.
Whyte S-120
The first mountain bike we will be headed over to see is the new Whyte S-120. The 120mm (front and rear) 29er trail bike is the successor to the popular T-29. It looks like a fun trail bike and if Whyte's current crop of bikes are anything to go by the suspension and the geometry will be well sorted.
Yeti SB130
We will also be heading over the Silverfish stand to get a good look at the new SB130. We had a ride of the SB150 at the launch of the bike and were really impressed. The Yeti stand is always good drooling over fine looking carbons steeds too!
J. Laverack Bicycles
This brand was a standout one for our sister site, road.cc last year, they were so impressed with the J.Laverack R J.ACK, that it made it to the road.cc Superbikes of the Year against a field made up entirely of carbon fibre rivals. There is a rumour doing the rounds that the company will be unveiling a UK made, hand built, ti gravel bike at the show. Below is the R.JACK, which is pretty stunning we think you'll agree, the gravel bike is sure to be equally as beautiful.
Vielo
Vielo is a new brand founded by father and son duo Ian and Trevor Hughes, who between them boast an impressive 35 years of experience in the bike industry. After years of promoting other bike brands they've decided to bring together everything they've learnt into their own offering, and produced the V+1, a bike for rough British roads and gravel tracks. We are told there will be a new, cheaper V+1 on show that keeps the big tyre capability of the current bike but at a more wallet-friendly price.
GT
We are also pretty excited to take a look at GT's new Sensor, another short travel 29er, this one looks pretty capable too and we've been itching to have a look since the bike launched back in June. The cheapest bike in the range is just £1,899 and we are keen to see what kind of spec and performance you get for that money.
Ampler Bikes
Not so much as a new bike, but a whole new brand to the UK. After focusing on establishing itself in Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, and having opened its first flagship store in Berlin in late June, Ampler is now taking the first steps in launching into the UK starting with the Cycle Show. The will be launching 3 commuter e-bikes which are reported to weigh just 14kg and go for 70km on a single charge.
Kona Libre
Alongside the rest of the Kona range, we will be trying to get a good look at the new Kona Libre, a drop bar gravel bike released just back in August. The Libre is a do-it-all gravel bike designed to be good on both tarmac and singletrack and anything in between. A mix of the brand's Sutra steel gravel bike and the Rove bike packing machine, the Libre looks to be a versatile carbon bike with the goal to be light and fast over any terrain.
Lightspeed Ultimate Gravel
Another new ti gravel bike but this time from Litespeed. The new model into the Litespeed family will be called the Ultimate Gravel, and will be a high performance, lightweight semi-aero gravel bike. The brand will also be introducing a road specific version at the Cycle Show.
Kinesis GTD
Yep, it's another ti adventure bike, this time from Kinesis, a bike they say is the natural evolution of our their GF-Ti frameset. It's poised to be comfortable, fast & adaptable, designed to take on everything from a local sportive to an intercontinental race epic like the Transcontinental Race. It's got it's own hashtag too #gothedistance.
Calibre Bikes
Last but by no means least, we will be heading over to the Calibre Bikes stand. Mike from the brand has been teasing for some time about a new, harder hitting, longer travel machine and we are hoping it's on the Cycle Show stand. If not we'll be pestering him for information on the newest addition to the brand's lineup.
Cycle Show Info - all you need to know
The Cycle Show, the UK’s national cycling showcase is gearing up to be one of the best for MTB fans. Welcoming the biggest and best brands in mountain biking from around the world who will be showcasing their latest products, many of which will be shown for the first time in the UK.
● Biggest and best MTB brands from around the world exhibiting
● Dedicated Mountain Bike Bunker with 1.7km woodland single track
● Bosch EMTB test track free to ride the latest ebikes
● Extreme Bike Battle featuring professional riders
● Freeride Mountain bike legend Sam Pilgrim to attend
● British BMX Flatland Champion Lee Musselwhite providing free coaching
● Advice from the leading mountain bike media
Taking place at the NEC Birmingham between 28th and 30th September, The Cycle Show will also be playing host to some of the biggest names in the off-road riding world - perfect to keep adults and kids of all ages entertained. Pro freerider Sam Pilgrim is making a guest speakers appearance on Sunday 30th September; while Lee Musselwhite (Professional BMX Flatland Rider and UK Flatland Champion) will be offering BMX Flatline coaching for kids throughout the show.
This year’s Cycle Show will be the best place in the country to see, try and buy the latest 2019 bike models from the leading brands including Calibre, Cannondale, Canyon, Orange Mountain Bikes and Rose Bikes. Not only that, but a chance to see some of the most innovative brands including Kona, Oakley, Rock Mountain and Whyte.
Free test tracks throughout the exhibition centre will give you the chance to try out the latest mountain bikes and eMTBs. Make sure you head to the MTB Bunker for 1.7km of woodland single track, with product demos from the likes of Oakley and the chance to try out bikes from brands including Cube, Calibre and Canyon. Every wondered what 300 tonnes of high quality dirt looks like? Get to the Bosch EMTB Test Track to feel what power assisted bikes can do. Complete with big ramp sections, dirt mounds and berms you’ll get the true electric bike experience. All visitors will have the option to ‘try before they buy’ alongside benefiting from special show offers on the most innovative cycling gear, accessories and kit.
With more riders soon to be announced, it’s sure to be one of the best shows yet!
To make your experience at the Cycle Show the best it can be, get yourself a VIP ticket for less than you think. The VIP ticket will get you a whole heap of freebies and show perks designed to make your visit to the show extra special. From Fast Track entry to the show and test track access, 48hr priority booking of the road test track, VIP WD40 goodie bag, free massage, exclusive access to celebrities and the VIP lounge don’t miss your chance to be a VIP for the day. Even if you’ve already purchased your standard ticket, upgrades are available today there are a limited number of tickets available so don’t miss your chance!
Opening Times
Friday 28th September: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday 29th September: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Sunday 30th September: 9:30am - 5:00pm
For all tickets, please visit cycleshow.co.uk
You might also like:
- The five coolest things in for test this week
- Review - Specialized Diverge E5 Sport gravel bike
- Five sneaky bike marketing terms you shouldn't trust