While it is nearly impossible to find everything, (that’s why we have all these media wonks here anyway, right?), I did manage to turn up the following things. Here we go again with Report #4 from Interbike.
First up we have Ellsworth’s new carbon 29″er hard tail. The Enlightenment 29 is unlike its 26″er sibling in many ways. Most striking is the swoopy frame shape and the head tube area where it joins the combined down and top tube shapes.
The details were many. The machined drop outs are replaceable and the word is that single speed compatible ones will be available. Also, the seat collar is an ornate and special one to fit the frame. The carbon was left bare for the most part, so the joints could be discerned. Only some ornate decals were there to obstruct the view of the black carbon weave.
The Enlightenment 29 is not yet in production, but will soon be, and a final MSRP is yet to be determined. There is some talk of making this belt drive compatible as well.
The Evolve 29″er is also recieving the same tweaks to the linkage that other Ellsworth frames are getting for 2010. The change occurs in how the seat stays attach to the rocker link. Now that the link is mounted inboard, and the seat stays have a connection over the top, Ellsworth is hoping that the heel strikes will be eliminated and stiffness of the whole assembly will be greatly increased. Look for the new Evolve to be available by early 2010.
Redline’s 2010 29″er line up returns intact. Here is the Monocog Flite for 2010.
Here is Michelin’s newest 29″er tire offering, the “Race’r”. It has a 60TPI casing, and a lower tread height for fast rolling. The Michelin folks said the sidewalls are tough on this tire, and that the projected weight is 700 grams for this 2.1″er.
Here’s a sneak peek at Origin 8′s new version of the Scout 29. It will feature a double butted 4130 steel top and down tube, bent down tube for fork clearance, plate style drop outs, and capability to run single speed with its horizontal drop outs with built in tensioners. The dropout on the geared side will be an alloy replaceable one.
Production versions should show up this spring at a suggested retail of around $200.00. (That’s right. 2 hundies!)
The tire clearance is for a 2.4″er on this one, by the way.
On the right is a view of the Stout 29′s drop out. It will be modified to accept a replaceable hangar. The frame on the left is a prototype for a monster crosser that would be disc or canti capable and be able to handle up to 2.1″ 29″er rubber. Same MSRP as the Stout 29, but this will come with a matching steel fork. Graphics and colors will be pretty much as shown here. Budget bike freaks rejoice!
Stay tuned for Report #5 to come soon!
Holy jeez. I’ve always wanted to try one of those origin 8 bikes, this is great news!
Arg, it looks like it’s disc only though. Boo urns.
Does that Ellsworth remind anyone else of the old Cannondale Ravens? Not a good thing, by the way.
A cheap frame that only fits discs, always a missed chance. What’s wrong with V’s when on a budget? 29″ MTB geometry is great for many things where discs are not needed.
@Rob from Ottawa @Cloxxki: Go with the other Origin 8 frame then and mnster cross it. It has canti bosses.
As for the question: “What is wrong with cantis?” One could obviously answer, “Nothing”. The same could be said for roller cams, or swquare taper bottom brackets, or five speed free wheels.
Some people really dig that stuff. The thing is, these things need a market big enough to get Origin 8 money in the bank. I think we can all agree that disc only is the preference of a majority of mountain bikers. Not a combination of both. So, I do not see any reason why Origin 8 would do the canti/disc thing in 2010. It makes perfect business sense to my mind.
@EJ: Well, the overall shape may remind you of that, but it was the materials and construction method that was the Raven’s undoing, not the overall shape. The Ellsworth is entirely different in that sense.
With BB7 disc brakes being $40~45 per wheel and some Avid levers for $15 a pair it doesn’t get much cheaper for an awesome brake configuration does it? It only makes sense to offer disc only in this day and age.
The Monocog flight looks cool again
The Ellsworth reminds me of a hammock
@Guitar Ted: I’m sure the Enlightenment 29 is a well-made bike. I just meant to say that I think it’s ugly
@EJ: Yes, agreed. Its looks are rather polarizing, for sure.