In this instalment from the inaugural Press Camp in Sun Valley, Idaho, USA we take a look at GT’s new road and mountain bike developments, mountain and urban bikes from Mongoose, a cruiser from Schwinn and some new technical clothing from Sugoi.
Mongoose continues to offer big value
The eye-catching red and white Mongoose Teocali Super one-off we showed you at last year's Interbike Outdoor Demo evidently received enough of a positive response that the company has decided to add it to the production line-up.
A few spec changes were needed to bring it down to a more realistic price point such as Shimano SLX cranks instead of FSA's K-Force Light but other changes maintain the show bike's performance level or even improve on it: the spendy Mavic Crossmax SLR wheels have been traded for a set of Stan's NoTubes ZTR Flow and a telescoping seatpost is heavier but more versatile than the FSA K-Force carbon post it replaces.
The more cross-country oriented Canaan Team gets upgraded to new EV6 aluminium tubing for a 100g weight savings but still retains its excellent value.
At just US$3,999, the stock spec includes such high-zoot bits as Stan's NoTubes ZTR Olympic Disc rims and Sun-Ringlé Dirty Flea hubs, FSA carbon bits and a matching colour-anodised SRAM X.0 rear derailleur.
Mongoose Sabrosa commuter
Mongoose also has some keen upgrades planned for the next-generation Sabrosa urban commuter.
This Mongoose Sabrosa won't be available until next year but a handful of clever features should enhance its appeal to urban dwellers.
A clever quick-release stem pivots 90 degrees to either side.
Both pedals detach via a simple pull of a knob for easier storage in tight hallways – or as a quick theft deterrent.
The premium spec will include a Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal rear hub and external bearing cranks, Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brakes, and Continental CityContact tires. The stealthy black finish will come at no extra charge.
Road and mountain developments from GT
GT's innovative carbon fibre Fury downhill bike is finally just about available to the public after a highly touted sneak peak last summer. Head to our video of the week article for a walk through of the Fury with GT Bicycles factory rider Eric Carter.
GT says its new Fury carbon downhill bike is not only stiffer but much, much stronger than its aluminium predecessor.
According to GT, the full monocoque front and rear ends are crafted from carbon fibre not for light weight but rather high strength.
The 3.9kg (8.7lb) frame weight is actually comparable to the previous DHi owing to the very thick tube walls but stiffness apparently jumps around 30 percent and fatigue and impact strength another 40 percent – far more than anything the company could have done in aluminium.
Additional impact resistance is provided by the 3K woven top sheet and a reinforced V-shaped down tube underside – similar in concept to what the US military does on its new MRAP vehicle.
The swingarm is a monocoque carbon fibre bit.
Rear wheel travel is pegged at 220mm (8.7") via GT's trademark I Link suspension design and RockShox Vivid coilover rear shock.
Sensor cross country bike
Stepping down in travel from the Fury is the new Sensor, which will replace the aluminium Marathon (the carbon Marathon carries on unchanged).
Last year's aluminium Marathon range will be replaced by a new Sensor model, with an inch of extra travel at either end.
Sensor will offer roughly 130mm of rear wheel travel (up from the Marathon's 100mm) and fork travel will also increase to match. The hydroformed frame tubes sport GT's current hard-edge shaping and the pivot bearings on the I Link suspension linkage has been simplified for easier servicing. GT will also offer a women's Sensor with specific frame geometry and graphics.
GT will also offer a women's-specific Sensor as well.
US riders will also be happy to hear that the Zaskar 9r – launched last year but oddly not offered to the American market where 29ers are most popular – will finally be available stateside.
On the road side, GT has updated its top-end GTR Carbon with a Ritchey head for the integrated mast and substituted the original Mavic R-Sys wheel spec for faster (and apparently more reliable) Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLR aero carbon-aluminium clinchers.
The GT GTR Carbon road racer was raced by the Jelly Belly squad at this year's Tour of California.
Schwinn updates cruiser line-up
Cycling icon Schwinn has given its cruiser range a major facelift for 2010. The swoopier styling is complemented by colour-coordinated fenders and chain guards plus a neat integrated cupholder located right up front. Men's versions even include a built-in bottle opener just behind as well.
In addition to the relatively low-tech frames, steel cranks and coaster brake hubs don't exactly make the new Schwinn cruisers light but these things are all about getting to where you're going with as much leisure and enjoyment as possible. Drive slow, homey, drive slow.
A built-in cupholder is located up front.
Sugoi launches RSE premium line
Sugoi's long-running RS (Racing Series) line of clothing has now been topped by a new RSE range that features upgraded fabrics and inserts.
The new chamois is thinner and firmer-feeling and also adds vents at both ends.
According to Sugoi, the 'Ultra Profi' fabric used on the new bib shorts is smoother, stretchier and more compressive than those of the RS bibs while the waffled inner surface also wicks moisture more efficiently.
Inside, the thinner gender-specific chamois features a slightly thicker base layer to better distribute pressure plus mesh inserts front and rear for ventilation. Welded one-piece construction eliminates seams, too.
Up top, the matching RSE jersey is purpose-built for hot weather with ultra-lightweight 'Gobi' fabric and generous helpings of open mesh. When that isn't enough there's a full front zip as well while a standard complement of three rear pockets offers adequate storage room.
For more casual riders there's a new HOV line that aims to blend technical features with more laid-back styling.
Available pieces include shorts, 'shmantz' (otherwise known as knickers), pants, a jacket and a 'utility shirt', nearly all of which use DWR-coated stretch Mobil Carbon fabrics with carbonised bamboo particles that supposedly keep odour at bay – a good thing if you commute to work in hot weather and would prefer not to make a scene at the office.