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Interbike bikes: Titus, Jamis and Van Dessel

An all-new Dakar XCT offers near-XCR weight but will more capable suspension and handling for trail bike duty.

  • The iconic Titus Racer-X has been replaced by a lighter and more modern frame simply called X.
  • The curved tubes allow much more fork crown clearance than before.
  • The shock mount is machined from an extruded chunk of aluminium.
  • The Racer-X will continue on but is now substantially less expensive at US$1,695.
  • The Racer-X Carbon now becomes the X Carbon and drops some 300g in the process.
  • An all-new rear end shaves 175g on its own.
  • Asymmetrical hydroformed chain stays grace the rear end of the X Carbon.
  • The new bottom bracket and main pivot mount is now a carbon unit with aluminium inserts instead of the old version's heavy cast aluminium bit.
  • A one-piece carbon link replaces the previous three-piece link.
  • The seat stay bridge has now moved ahead of the seat tube for more tire clearance.
  • The X Carbon wears an integrated head tube that is apparently stiffer than the old one while also offering a cleaner look.
  • The FTM replaces the Motolite in the Titus lineup.
  • Like on the X, the FTM wears an all-new rear end.
  • A one-piece carbon link is used here as well.
  • The curved tubes on the FTM add fork crown clearance and also lend a more modern look.
  • The FTM seat post and seat tube grow in diameter relative the Motolite, which will continue in the lineup as a lower-end model.
  • The FTM shock mount is milled from extruded aluminium.
  • The aluminium El Guapo drops 150g from last year.
  • aluminium El Guapos now all use 1.5
  • ISCG05 tabs have been added to the El Guapo for 2009.
  • The burly aluminium link still uses two mounting positions to alter the linkage rate depending on if you're using an air or coil shock.
  • New for 2009 is the Fireline Steel Exo hardtail.
  • The Ligero is gone but the Solera gets upgraded with an Isogrid top tube.
  • The Exogrid-tubed Vuelo carries on for 2009.
  • The Jamis Xenith SL now uses a tapered steerer tube and a BB30 bottom bracket.
  • The tapered fork is stiffer and better handling yet gains no weight thanks to its fully hollow construction.
  • A BB30 bottom bracket beefs up the drivetrain and also reduces weight.
  • Jamis has swapped from Easton to 3T on the Xenith and the SL even uses a traditional bend handlebar.
  • The Xenith T is mostly unchanged...
  • ...though the trailing edges have been rounded throughout for better aerodynamic performance in crosswinds.
  • The value-oriented Trilogy gains from the lessons learned on the Xenith T…
  • …such as the Windshield fork and brake setup.
  • The Supernova is ready to hit the 'cross circuit with its lightweight aluminium frame and discipline-specific top tube shaping.
  • The flattened part of the top tube is moved closer towards the middle where it's actually used.
  • Lighter dropouts now sprout fender mounts.
  • As is now becoming standard practice, Jamis showed off a show special version, in this case based on the Supernova.
  • Zipp carbon tubulars and TRP EuroX Magnesium brakes dump heaps of weight.
  • The Selle San Marco Superleggera saddle on the Jamis show special is undoubtedly light but we're not sure we'd like to jump on it during a 'cross race.
  • The Jamis Sonik track bike is stiffer and quicker for 2009.
  • The hydroformed seat tube allows the wheel to tuck in tighter.
  • Steel-lined horizontal dropouts and an American Classic 420 Track wheelset round things out.
  • Now this is good thinking: replaceable barrel nuts offer some cheap insurance in case the seat binder is overtightened.
  • Jamis has brought back the Eclipse to mark its 20th anniversary. The Eclipse returns to an all-steel configuration using Reynolds 853 tubes.
  • The Dakar XCR racer gets upgraded pivot hardware for better suspension tracking.
  • An all-new Dakar XCT offers near-XCR weight but will more capable suspension and handling for trail bike duty.
  • The Dakar XCT main frame uses swoopy tubes.
  • Jamis equips the Dakar XCT with its familiar mp3 rear suspension system.
  • The longer-travel XAM receives upgraded pivot hardware as well and will come stock with Truvativ's new HammerSchmidt system.
  • The Jamis XAM offers plenty of beef for heavy-duty trail use.
  • A stout aluminium link keeps things tracking true.
  • Van Dessel's Gin & Trombones is so popular that it's nearly sold out already.
  • This year's Gin & Trombones gets upgraded to a tapered 1 1/8
  • Bigger and/or stronger 'cross riders might opt for the all-aluminium Hole Shot.
  • The Rivet road racer gets a tapered front end and BB30 bottom bracket.
  • The bigger lower fork diameter makes for better braking and more precise handling.
  • The BB30 bottom bracket is an optional upgrade.
  • The Rivet is just 1050g and is reasonably priced, too.
  • Milled-out aluminium dropouts retain durability while shaving a few precious grams.
  • The all-aluminum Hellafaster is apparently Van Dessel's go-to frame for riders who want über-stiffness.
  • An aero post is fixed to the frame…

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An all-new Dakar XCT offers near-XCR weight but will more capable suspension and handling for trail bike duty.

© James Huang