SQUAMISH, British Columbia (BRAIN) — OneUp Components' new Chainguide weighs just 35 grams and is designed to be easy to install and adjust. The company said the guide is a good idea even with narrow-wide chainrings because chaindrop is still possible with those setups, especially as the rings wear. And longer-wearing stainless steel chainrings add about the same amount of weight as a OneUp Chainguide.

The guide was developed with the Yeti Cycles EWS team. It can be installed with no need to remove the cranks. Included chainline shims space the top guide rather than the back plate so there's no guess work or messing around with ISCG washers. The adjustable design fits chainrings from 26 - 38T and is compatible with oval chainrings and Boost drivetrains.

MSRP is $45. More information at oneupcomponents.com.

SAN DIEGO (BRAIN) — Ivan Harms has joined Loaded Precision Components and will oversee brand strategy and operations for the mountain bike component maker.

Harms is an industry veteran of nearly 20 years, having worked for such brands as FSA, Raleigh America, Univega and Diamondback. He also started a trading company that distributed Cole Wheels.

"Ivan's exceptional industry knowledge and experience and deep involvement with the bicycle industry will allow Loaded to grow market share and launch exciting new products both domestically and abroad," said Michael Mulder, CEO of Loaded Precision Components.

"Loaded has grown every year since its inception due to our solid branding and social media campaigns running weekly. Our main focus to this point has been on product and branding. With Ivan joining the company we now have a proven industry professional who can drive our sales efforts. Ivan will start out pushing sales as a priority the first six months, then work on operations and branding after he's learned more about our business and customers."

GREENVILLE, S.C. (BRAIN) — Michelin has launched a new ambassador program for its mountain bike tire division.

The program launches with five ambassadors who are all certified instructors through the International Mountain Bicycling Association. These ambassadors will support Michelin mountain bike tires by demonstrating the products' performance during instruction classes and their personal riding experiences. Each ambassador will share those experiences with the broader mountain biking community by sharing through Michelin's social media channels, attending grassroots events with Michelin and producing instructional videos.

Scott Givens (Phoenix, Ariz.), Jason Liebrecht (San Diego, Calif.), Shaums March (Sumas, Wash.), Brad Moskowitz (Waterburry Center, Vt.) and Kat Sweet (Issaaquah, Wash.) are the first five Michelin MTB Ambassadors.

"Avid mountain bikers look to experts for advice on gear, like tires, and they rely on professional training tips to kick their experience up a level," said Yohann Leblanc, marketing and sales manager for Michelin Bicycle Tires in North America. "These professional instructors and riders, who are celebrated for their experiences, create great opportunities to talk directly to mountain bikers, whether experienced or beginners. We feel it will help expand the sport of mountain biking and promote the Michelin tires that enhance their ride."

Michelin recently launched a line of Enduro mountain bike tires developed for a wide variety of terrain. 

TEMECULA, Calif. (BRAIN) — Turner Bikes has hired the Southern California branding and advertising agency, The Creative Bar, for a complete rebrand.

The Creative Bar has worked with Intense Cycles, Haro Bikes, and VEE Tire Co., among others.

David Turner, the founder of Turner Bikes said, "We invest every ounce of energy we have into the development of these bikes. It's what we specialize in and it's hard to focus on anything else while you're doing that. We wanted to partner with someone who would be just as dedicated in our best interest from a marketing standpoint."

Justin Lawler, the creative director at The Creative Bar, said, "Turner Bikes already has an amazing reputation in the industry. They are forward thinkers and are dedicated to their craft. We just want to help amplify that image and communicate it to their consumers."

The Creative Bar has earned more 60 national design and marketing awards since opening in 2008. The company will be attending Eurobike and Interbike.

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — At Eurobike this week, WTB is introducing a new flat bar grip call PadLoc that uses a special mitered handlebar to eliminate the possibility of slipping. The miter also allows the grip to have a thick rubber outer end for additional comfort.

SRAM is introducing two handlebar models at Eurobike that are designed to work with the WTB grip. Standard bars also can be cut to accommodate the grip, and Park Tool is introducing a new tool to allow shops to easily modify handlebars for the PadLoc.

"In order to prevent grip slippage, you have to look closely at where the rotation is occurring," said Chris Feucht, WTB's manager of new product development. "Purely bolting a grip down is not going to solve the problem, you have to think about how they (grips) slide and then work on that specific contact area to prevent movement from occurring ... Creating an angled plane on the handlebar's end that counters forward movement solves this issue. The best part is, this also adds real estate for extra rubber, which makes PadLoc grips remarkably forgiving and comfortable. It's funny that such an aggressive design is so easy on the hands," said Feucht.

The grips have a hardened inner sleeve that conforms to the handlebar's special shape. A rubber layer then covers the subframe and fills the void left by the bar's angle cut. The grips also have a single inboard locking ring to prevent horizontal grip movement.

SRAM is releasing two PadLoc handlebars under its TRUVATIV brand at Eurobike. The Jerome Signature Series Carbon Bar will feature 20mm of rise, seven degrees of back-sweep, and five degrees of upsweep with a 750mm width. The Jerome Clementz BlackBox Bar will be made of unidirectional carbon fiber, weighing 225 grams and will come mounted with WTB Commander 30mm PadLoc grips. The MSRP on the Jerome Clementz Signature Series Carbon Bar and WTB Commander 30mm PadLoc Grip combo is ­­­­­$226.

Additionally, SRAM released a 780mm Boobar handlebar made of 7000 series alloy featuring seven degrees of back-sweep, five degrees of upsweep and 20mm of rise. Available in black and weighing in at 335 grams, the Boobar Aluminum Bar will retail for $111 when paired with WTB gray Commander 30mm PadLoc grips. Both TRUVATIV handlebar/grip options come with WTB PadLoc Commander grips already installed on the handlebars and both bars will be available in a 31.8mm clamp diameter. The grip/handlebar bundles from SRAM will start shipping in September.

The new Park tool is called the Park SGI-7. It acts as an insert for the Park SG-7.2 Adjustable Saw Guide.

WTB will be offering PadLoc grips in six different profiles, each available in multiple colors. The models include an oversized 33 mm diameter offering, named the Clydesdale, and a 28mm diameter option named the Thinline. There will also be a raised, ergonomically shaped Ace grip and a winged grip aimed at comfort and distance riding named the Wingnut. The 30mm diameter Commander grip will also be available in a Grip Shift option. All PadLoc grips will retail for $34.95 and have a projected mid-December availability from WTB.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Show organizers for the Outdoor Retailer trade show will be extending their contracts with Salt Lake City through its summer 2018 show. Both OR's Winter and Summer Market shows have been in Salt Lake City since 1996, except the 2002 Winter show, which was held in California because of the Salt Lake City Olympic Games.

They also announced that, while next year's Summer Market will be held at its traditional spot in the calendar (Aug. 3-6, 2016), the 2017 and 2018 Summer shows will be held in late July (July 26-29 and July 25-28, respectively). The Winter Market will be Jan. 7-1o in 2016 and 2017, and Jan. 6-9 in 2018.

Organizers surveyed more than 6,000 specialty retailer attendees and exhibitors about their preferred location for the show. Over two-thirds preferred Salt Lake City.

"The highest majority of the responses came from specialty retailers, which show organizers considered to be the most critical indicator," organizers said. They said the cost of doing business in Salt Lake for exhibiting brands is favorable compared to other locations and was one of the key reasons exhibitors, and retailers, favored Salt Lake as the preferred location.

"Salt Lake, and the State of Utah have proven to be wonderful hosts to the Outdoor Industry and to Outdoor Retailer over the years," said Marisa Nicholson, vice president and Outdoor Retailer show director. "The community is welcoming, supportive and we feel at home during our two weeks in town. We are pleased to work with the Visit Salt Lake team, various elected officials, and the housing and business communities to continue to make the Outdoor Retailer Markets the most significant events for the industry."

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — Bianchi is introducing a new, old-style road bike for lovers of vintage bikes, including those who participate in L'Eroica events, which usually require participants to ride bikes manufactured before a specific date (related: L'Eroica regulations).

The new Bianchi L'Eroica bike, being introduced this week at Eurobike, features a lugged frame made with Columbus Zona tubing, with chrome stays and fork ends paired with Bianchi's trademark original Celeste paint. It has Dia-Compe downtube shift levers paired with Campagnolo Silver Vintage 10-speed derailleurs. Other vintage style bits include a three-arm spider crank embossed with the old Bianchi logo, Velo cotton bar tape, quill-type Bianchi stem, Brooks Team Pro Classic saddle and 32-hole Ambrosio Montreal tubular rims. 

The bike will go into manufacturing next month and will retail for $4,499.99, said David Reed, the VP of marketing and communications for Bianchi USA.

The first L'Eroica event was organized in 1997 in Italy as a spring event on the white gravel roads in Tuscany. Organizers now produce similar events in California, Japan, Spain and England, and and a fall event in Tuscany. Similar gatherings featuring vintage road bikes and gear have become increasingly popular in Italy and other countries in recent years.

Besides the L'Eroica bike, Bianchi will be showing its new Specialissima top-end road bike at Eurobike (which opens Tuesday with an outdoor demo and moves indoors on Wednesday). The Specialissima has a 780-gram frame that uses Bianchi's Countervail vibration canceling technology. It's the third top-end road model offered by Bianchi with Countervail, joining the Infinito CV endurance bike and Aquila CV time trial/triathlon models. The Specialissima will be offered in the U.S. market with a new fluorescent version of Celeste called Celeste Fluo, or in a matte black version with Celeste Fluo accents. In other markets, Bianchi is introducing a custom paint program called Tavolozza. Initially, Tavolozza will not be offered in the U.S. 

Bianchi USA will be offering a selection of mountain bikes again, for the first time in several years. The company also is continuing its popular Turismo line of urban cruisers, including the Milano. 

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — As dropper seatposts gain favor among a broader range of mountain bikers, Magura enters the market with a new — and electrified — twist on getting down and dirty for descents.

The Vyron eLECT electronic post, shown at Eurobike’s opening Demo Day on Tuesday, uses a wireless remote control and ANT+ protocol to deliver infinite height adjustment along its 150 millimeters of stroke. The system uses the same battery as Magura’s eLECT electronic suspension system, and the post fully charges in three hours via a micro USB port on the seatpost head. One charge is good for at least 40 hours of use, or about 400 actuations, said Gotz Braun, head of marketing for Magura. As the battery wears down, a warning light indicates it has enough charge remaining for about 20 more actuations, he added.

There is a slight delay in the Vyron’s action — about one second — after depressing the button, as its hydraulic system opens or closes, demonstrations in Magura’s Demo Day booth Tuesday showed.

Among the virtues of the system Magura touted is the ease of swapping the post and remote among multiple bikes — no internal or external cables or hydraulic hoses to reroute. Consumers can also select a remote that operates only the Vyron or a three-button unit that also handles duty for Magura’s eLECT fork and rear shock. Both are offered at the same price, according to Braun.

The Vyron will come in 30.9- and 31.6-millimeter diameters at a weight of 597 grams. MSRP is 400 euros; U.S. pricing was not available at Demo Day. Targeted delivery is November.

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — As Demo Day was in full swing outside, FSA and Gravity gave the media a sneak peek of new products consumers can expect to see as soon as spring 2016. 

FSA again showed its yet-to-named electronic road group it debuted at the Tour de France in July. All parts were marked “prototype,” and the company remains tight-lipped about any technical information. FSA didn't disclose when it would come to market but confirmed that the group is undergoing extensive testing. 

FSA sister brand Gravity announced it will enter the dropper post category in 2016. The Grid dropper post will land at retail next spring on some complete bikes and will be available aftermarket at that time as well. The internally routed, cable-actuated hydraulic post will retail for $299. 

According to Gravity brand manager Joel Richardson, the dropper is also easy to service. “It will be super simple to maintain because the hydraulic cartridge is basically plug-and-play,” he said. “It's a cost-effective dropper that will round out the Grid line.”

Richardson also said that Gravity will continue to add products to the Grid line, the brand’s price-point aluminum group launched at Sea Otter this spring. 

“Gravity has been around for nine years, but we’re in the process of rebuilding the brand,” he said. “The market has shifted more toward trail riding, and with Grid we want to provide something consumers can afford.” 

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — POC plans to show two new mountain bike helmets at this week's Eurobike show: The Tectal and the Coron. 

The Tectal was developed for aggressive trail riding and enduro racing and incorporates the aramid bridges system from POC's popular Trabec helmet. The reinforced EPS liner provides a high level of protection and the company said the unibody shell construction further enhances the safety properties and construction integrity of the helmet while maintaining a low weight. Tectal offers more coverage than some mountain bike helmets and has a ventilation design that POC optimized and evaluated through wind tunnel testing. The Tectal also features a removable action camera mount and goggle strap.

The Coron, a full-face helmet, was developed in collaboration with POC team athlete Martin Söderström. It uses a new type of shell material, M-FORGE, which is an advanced fiber material that POC said outperforms other shell materials with added benefits in terms of multi-impact performance, durability and low weight. Until now, M-FORGE had only been used in high-end motorsports helmets, the company said.

The M-FORGE shell is paired with a multi-impact EPP liner. The ventilation system includes internal channels that ensures effective ventilation throughout the entire helmet. The Coron also includes a patent-pending breakaway visor. Available in Martin Söderström and Intense Factory Racing Team pro models.

POC did not release pricing information on the new helmets.

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — Shimano is releasing its 2016 road and mountain bike offerings through its PRO component brand this week at Eurobike.

On the offroad side, PRO now has the Tharsis 9.8 line for downhill, Tharsis Trail for the all-mountain/trail rider and the Koryak line for cross-country and trail.

On the road, PRO has a new group called PLT that offers some features developed for pro-level gear at more affordable prices. The brand also updated the graphics on its Missile EVO TT components and its PRO road wheels.

For the road and mountain bike, PRO has also expanded its lines of tools and accessories.

Tharsis is now three groups

Last year PRO introduced the Tharsis XC group. Now it has the Tharsis 9.8 (the number refers to the gravitational force of 9.8 M/sec2) for downhill and Tharsis Trail.

The Tharsis Trail group includes two carbon bars: one regular and one specifically designed to be integrated with Shimano’s Di2 system. The bars are matte black with gloss decals; they are 800 mm wide with a 20 degree rise. Both the Di2 and regular bars can be cut down as far as 720mm for a narrower racing preference.

The Di2 bar allows internal wire routing via the new Tharsis Trail stem. The wires can be routed through the stem to a Di2 battery mounted in the fork steerer. This does away with the traditional star nut set up and uses an external locking mechanism to keep the headset tight. Two internal fork steerer battery holders are available with the stem, either a stiffer alloy holder or lighter rubber holder.

The front clamp on the Tharsis Trail stem is wider, stiffening the controls to better accommodate the forces applied by wider handlebars and aggressive riders. The headset adjuster tool comes as a workshop item or a pocket-sized version for on-trail fixes.

The Tharsis Trail stem is available in four lengths (35, 45, 55 and 65mm) with a 0 degree angle.  PRO Koryak.

The new Koryak group includes a new seatpost with a one-bolt clamping system for easy assembly, easy adjustment and rail-friendly clamping for all types of saddles, including oversized clamps to accommodate wider rails (available separately).
Flat or low-riser alloy bars are available at a 720mm width, while the riser bar is a wider 760mm. All bars are 31.8mm in diameter with a 9-degree backsweep. Seven Koryak aluminium stems are new for 2016. All stems are designed for 31.8mm bars and range in length from 40mm to 100mm. The three stems from 40-60mm have a 0 degree angle for trail riders, while the four stems from 70-100mm accommodate a 6 degree +/- angle for cross country riders. PLT for the road.

Shimano said it developed the new PLT bar, stem and seatpost group “with excellent price and performance in mind, not to mention a wide range for custom fit options.”

The alloy PLT compact or compact ergo bars feature widths from 36cm to 46cm. PLT stems range from 50 to 130mm (+/-10 deg.). Seatposts come in 27.2mm and 31.6mm diameters, with 20mm and 0mm offset options. The 31.8mm PLT Compact Ergo handlebar has an ergonomically shaped top section for pressure relief on hands and wrists.

The Missile Evo carbon time trial range includes aerobars, clip-on bars, extensions and a base bar, along with a carbon stem and arm rests. The full carbon Missile Evo Carbon Aerobar meets UCI requirements and was used by many PRO- supported teams including Francaise Des Jeux and BMC-Uplace Triathlon this year. The bar features integrated brake and shift cable routing so can be integrated with Dura Ace or Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting systems. Carbon J-bend or Ski-bend bars also are available.

The PRO aero wheel offerings includes a tri-spoke road wheel, five-spoke track wheel, rear disc wheel and carbon road wheels. They all get a graphics makeover for 2016.

MINNEAPOLIS (BRAIN) — Kinetic is introducing three new products at Eurobike: two trainers with built-in power sensors and a new app for mobile devices.

The new Rock and Roll-Smart and Road Machine-Smart are based on the brand’s current top trainers; the Smart versions come with Kinetic’s inRide wireless sensor installed. InRide measures the trainer’s rpms and, because the Kinetic resistance unit has a consistent power curve, calculates power and send the information via Bluetooth Smart wireless to a mobile device. Kinetic has sold inRide as a separate option for several years.

Kinetic’s new app, Kinetic.fit is free and is available for iOS and Android devices. It will be launched in English and German, with Dutch, French, Italian, and Spanish versions to follow. The subscription-based service includes professionally developed training plans, guided workouts, data sharing with Strava, Training Peaks and similar sites, wireless screen mirroring to home entertainment systems, and compatibility with Zwift and TrainerRoad.

"The best ride experience on a trainer just got better," said Kinetic marketing manager David Simpson. "Together, Kinetic Smart Trainers and Kinetic.fit provide a seamless, 'plug-and-play' power training solution that's engaging, entertaining, and productive. These new products makes Kinetic an easier sale for our retail partners, and provide a great training experience for their customers."

The Rock and Roll-Smart allows the bikes to moves with its rider, creating a more realistic experience. The Smart version will retail for $569.

The Road Machine-Smart is based on Kinetic’s most popular trainer, the Road Machine, which has a fluid resistance unit and a large flywheel for a realistic feel. The Smart version will retail for $409.

The new Smart trainers feature dealer- and consumer-friendly P.O.P. packaging and are fully assembled

The Kinetic.fit app will operate for free. For an monthly fee, additional features are enabled, including training plans, head-to-head racing, the use of more sensors and access to Sufferfest training videos.

For dealer sales or information about becoming a Kinetic dealer, contact Kinetic at (877)226-7824 or e-mail joverman@kurt.com.

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Trek’s decision to begin online bike sales is covered in depth in the latest issue of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News.

The new issue, dated Sept. 1, is arriving in mailboxes now and is being distributed at this week’s Eurobike show in Germany.

The issue contains a look at the details of Trek’s omnichannel program, in which consumers can order bikes online and pick up the assembled bikes at their chosen Trek dealer. The issue also takes a look at some of the other news that Trek announced at its Trek World dealer event in Wisconsin earlier this month, including a new mechanic training and certification program, a new dealer bookkeeping service, and factory improvements that are reducing lead times for the company’s Project One custom bikes.

Besides the Trek story, the new issue includes interviews with Quality Bicycle Products’ Steve Flagg, who recently announced his retirement as president. Flagg, 64, is becoming the company’s chairman while longtime executive Rich Tauer takes over as president.

And in another look at big changes in the bike world, BRAIN editor-in-chief Lynette Carpiet looks at a British retailer who has embraced the electric mountain bike movement. In the U.S., e-MTBs are more a rumor than a reality, but in the U.K. Martin Brown leads an e-MTB rider club that has 100 members, many of whom meet monthly to go on group rides.

The issue also reports on the major European bike brand, Cube, which has begun sales in Canada and is eyeing the U.S. market.

This is in addition to regular departments like LifeCycle, State of Retail, Global Briefs, Mad Dog Unleashed, Trade Watch, Tech Briefs and Through the Grapevine that are only published in the magazine.

Bicycle Retailer & Industry News is published 18 times a year and is available in print or digital format. Visit our subscription page for more information.

CHICAGO (BRAIN) — SRAM is taking a swipe at the many companies offering "narrow-wide" chainrings for single-chainring mountain bike drivetrains. The company is now offering a steel X-Sync chainring that will retail for $19.95. 

"The SRAM X-Sync Steel 1x chainrings are the perfect replacement ring for the cost-conscious with added durability of steel. The same SRAM X-Sync technology at a price well below competitors' imitation 'narrow wide' rings," the company said.

Chainrings with alternating wide-narrow teeth have been popular since SRAM introduced its patented X-Sync chainrings for its single-ring XX1 mountain group in 2012. The company has since brought the feature to cyclocross and single-chainring road groups. SRAM has licensed the X-Sync design to several third-party chainring makers, and several other brands have decided to go it alone with similar, unlicensed designs. Most of the competing designs are aluminum and retail from $35 to $90.

The new 11-speed rings are available for direct-mount cranks in 28-tooth for 6mm offset DM cranks, and in 30- and 32-tooth versions for 94mm BCD cranks. The rings are steel with a black finish.

The 28-tooth ring is not compatible with 30mm cranks that require a 0mm offset ring. The rings must be used with a SRAM chain to maintain the warranty.

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — For years now, Rotor has marched to the beat of its own drum in road drivetrain components, whether it’s offering oval Q-Ring chainrings or eschewing carbon cranks in favor of aluminum ones because it believes the material offers superior performance for the application.

So it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that the Spanish brand is at Eurobike showing off its upcoming hydraulic — not mechanical or electric — road group, called Uno.

Developed over the past six years in collaboration with hydraulics experts at Magura, Uno was designed to move indexing away from the shift lever and place it as near as possible to the chain — at the derailleurs, which contain all the drivetrain’s moving parts. Rotor says the result is more precise and — due to the hydraulic actuation — smoother shifting. 

Braking duty is handled by partner Magura via the German manufacturer’s MT8 hydraulic disc caliper or RT8 hydro rim brake, depending on customer preference. Rotor expects disc to be the popular choice but wanted consumers loyal to rim brakes to have an option as well, said product engineer Carlos M. Carton. 

The system’s CND’d 11-speed cassette gets a harder, heavier steel for the smallest five cogs to handle the highest torque, a lighter steel for the next four and replaceable aluminum cogs for the largest two, allowing consumers to tailor gear range to their terrain, according to Carton.

Rotor is looking to release Uno in spring 2016, and pricing has not been set. The company was also mum on exact weights, but Carton said he expects it to be comparable to SRAM Red and lighter than Di2 for the full system.

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — The League of American Bicyclists has added 100 new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Businesses to its list, bringing the program to recognize more than 1,050 businesses and government agencies. They are being recognized for making a bike-friendly environment for employees and the public.

“The business community’s investment in bicycling is playing a central role in making the country a safer, happier, and more sustainable place to live and work,” said Amelia Neptune, the League’s Bicycle Friendly Business program manager. “We applaud this new round of businesses for leading the charge in creating a bicycle-friendly America for everyone.”

Among the recipients this time is the Architect of the Capitol, which employs 2,300 staff and oversees the maintenance and operation of all congressional buildings and land throughout Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The agency received a Bronze award this round.

The government agency, among other advancements, has been working collaboratively with the Congressional Bike Caucus to share information throughout the Capitol campus, and has helped to restart the Federal Interagency Bike Working Group as a means to share best practices within the federal community.

"We are so pleased to make the U.S. Capitol campus a more welcoming place for biking commuters and the visiting public," said Architect of the Capitol, Stephen T. Ayers. “It is rewarding to be recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Business and to know that we have a passionate group of employees who implemented a cohesive program to achieve this recognition."

Another recipient was Hewlett Packard, which also was awarded a Bronze award for its location in Fort Collins, Colo., with about 1,500 employees. The location hosts lunch-and-learn seminars focusing on bicycling tips, such as winter riding, basic rules of the road and more.

"HP takes great pride in supporting community wellness and environmental protection," Hewlett Packard in Fort Collins said in a statement. "We are proud to be part of the movement to make bicycling fun and safe for everyone."

To apply or learn more about the BFB program, visit bikeleague.org/businesses. The full list: bikeleague.org (pdf).

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Yeti Cycles has added a new model to its lineup. The 4.5-inch-travel SB4.5c is the first 29er Yeti has built using the Switch Infinity link, joining 27.5-inch-wheeled 5- and 6-inch travel models designed around the brand's patented suspension platform.

“It's built around 29-inch wheels but is designed like all of our bikes with a low bottom bracket height, slack head angle and long toptube,” said Chris Conroy, Yeti co-owner and president.

“We really wanted to build a trail-specific bike with a firm pedaling platform and supple bump absorption that our Switch Infinity design is known for. It's versatile and, depending on which fork it's built with, can be used for everything from XC racing to enduro racing and everything in between.”

The SB4.5c's 5.4-pound carbon frame is built around Yeti's Switch Infinity link, a translating pivot that changes directions as the rear wheel moves through its travel to provide pedaling efficiency and small-bump sensitivity on climbs while allowing for plush travel on descents. 

It also features 148-millimeter Boost spacing for added stiffness, a 67.4-degree head angle when built with a 140-millimeter fork, and 437-millimeter chainstays equipped with custom molded guards on the drive side. The same guards also protect the downtube and drive-side seatstay. 

Yeti is offering a range of SB4.5c complete bikes, including an enduro spec built with a Fox 36 140-millimeter fork and SRAM GX 1x11 drivetrain and a race spec that uses a Fox 34 140-millimeter fork and SRAM XO1 drivetrain (also available with Enve carbon wheels). The pro model is built with a Fox 34 140-millimeter fork and Shimano XTR 1x11. 

Prices range from $6,899 to $10,499. The SB4.5c is also available as a frameset. It will begin shipping Sept. 15.