Shimano XTR RD-M985 Shadow Plus rear derailleur – review
- 02/03/2017
- Cycle Core Admin
Shimano launched its seventh new XTR groupset last year, and earlier this year followed that up with the announcement of an all-new Shadow Plus rear derailleur that promised to eliminate chain issues. RD-M985, to give it its official name, features a clutch stabiliser system inside the pulley cage which increases the spring tension. When the lever is pushed into the ‘on’ position, a ratchet gear virtually locks the lower pulley cage into position, only allowing a small range of movement for chain growth. To get the wheel out when loading your bike into the car, the lever pushed into the ‘off’ position disengages...
NukeProof Neutron flat pedals – review
- 02/02/2017
- Cycle Core Admin
NukeProof Neutron flat pedals £54.99 I’ll admit right away, I am a died in the wool clipless pedal fan. But occasionally I have an itch to get the flat pedals out. This usually coincides with a bout of wet weather, when my local trails turn into an almighty slippery sloppy muddy nightmare – here flat pedals really come into their own, and I’m a fan. I’ve been using this pedals for a while now. They have a large and low-profile cancave shaped platform CNC-machined from aluminium that, along with ten lengthy pins on each side, provide super levels of grip. The pins are...
Uberbike Components Stainless Steel Bottom Bracket review
- 01/31/2017
- Cycle Core Admin
This Shimano Hollowtech II/Raceface X-Type-compatible external bottom bracket is CNC-machined from 6061 aluminium. The Uberbikes logo is laser engraved on the sides and several different colours are available. Replacing the tired and creaky bottom bracket on the test mule, the Uberbike bottom bracket felt very smooth to start with and a couple of months hard use later is still feeling smooth. It rolls on replaceable stainless steel bearings that are sealed behind internal double row O-rings with an external custom lip outer seal. The sealing has stood up well to a couple of jet washes and scattered maintenance. Compared to...
eXotic Monocoque UD Carbon Rigid 29er fork review
- 01/18/2017
- Cycle Core Admin
The eXotic Monocoque UD Carbon Rigid 29er fork is a good priced lightweight rigid carbon fork but with a few reservations Price: £263.99 What they say: eXotic make the highest quality carbon fiber, aluminium and titanium bicycle components for MTB, road and BMX under the eXotic brand. Our design and manufacturing processes are truly innovative & our components are the perfect balance of light weight & strength. This eXotic Monocoque Mountain Bike fork is constructed as a single structural piece which makes it unlike any other eXotic fork. What it is: The eXotic Monocoque UD Carbon Rigid 29er fork is constructed from unidirectional...
Aventon DIAMOND Frame review
- 01/04/2017
- Cycle Core Admin
Californian-based Aventon’s latest track-style street frame, the Aventon DIAMOND, is here just in time for Summer. What they say: Aventon’s new track-style Diamond aluminium frame weighs in at 3.5lbs, and comes complete with a custom carbon fork and seatpost set. What it is: Californian-based Aventon’s latest track-style street frame is here just in time for Summer, and what an addition it is to the company’s already robust line of entry level track builds. The Diamond, named because of the rhombus shape of its aluminium tubing, weighs in at around 3.5lbs making it one of the lighter non-carbon outings. While most metal frames...
Gamut P30 chain guide review
- 01/03/2017
- Cycle Core Admin
Single chainring drivetrains (dubbed 1 x 10 by the Bike Industry’s Dept Of Unnecessary New Jargon) are all the rage this year so we’re seeing more and more riders, even lightweight cross-country types, seeking out decent chain devices. When you ditch your double or triple rings, and strip away the front mech, you need something to keep the chain on. As a result chainguides are enjoying a surge in popularity, beyond their previous niche of downhill racing use. Gamut is one of the more recognisable names, and is a popular choice with downhill racers and riders. The Gamut P30 has...
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