Evolution 04 September-October 2013 by Matthew Currie

I Ahoy

2014 is well underway, jump on board or youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll miss the boat!

I N T RODU U C T I O INTRODUCTION N O I T C D O R T N I SEPTEMBER

is the January of the bike world. The start of another cycle, a new year based around the cyclical rotation of model years. It can be tough to keep up with the pace sometimes but it’s great that we as a distributor and you as our dealers have so much new and exciting product to talk to consumers about. We unveiled the 2014 Nukeproof, Lapierre and GHOST ranges to many of you back in August at a very successful UK bike brands launch. There is so much to talk about from all three of these brands that it could keep us busy all day. We have so much more happening right now though with exciting new products such as the 650B full suspension frame from Lynskey, the new NS bikes range (including a new DH frame!), a cutting edge range of tyres using new softer rubber for the UK market from WTB and an ever expanding and incredibly good looking range from Deity. We are not yet finished with 2013 but 2014 is well underway, jump on board or you’ll miss the boat! The Hotlines Team

CONTACTS

North: Graham Moore 07791 944 138 South West & Wales: Kelvin Lawton 07878 361 841 South East: Paul Lasenby 07713 097 695 Scotland: Gregor Wilson 0131 319 3615 Ireland: Declan Deehan 0131 319 3617 Oﬃce: 0131 319 1444 sales@hotlines-uk.com

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INTRO

09/Straitline Get your hands on the ever popular, hard-hitting De Facto pedals with some great margins on offer.

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12 02/INTRODUCTION A new bike season is here and with it are some exciting new products. After our bike brands launch last month their is lots to talk about in the biking world.

OFFERS 05/OFFERS OVERVIEW 07/iXS We introduce the new iXS TrailRS Helmet designed in conjunction with MTB legend Richie Schley. With a goggle guide, snap-off visor & great choice of colourways, these are not to be missed. 08/Freedom Thickslick Urban puncture resistant tyre range introduced from WTB subbrand, Freedom. With a great look and an attractive pricepoint these are tyres not to be missed. Life's better when things are ThickSlick. [03]

10/Lynskey Dealer status on offer with the purchase of any of Lynskey's new affordable range of Ti frames, the Silver Series. 11/Nukeproof It's time to get your hands on one of the strongest and most affordable carbon bars about. It even comes with cut-to-shape protective tape, now that's something to good to miss. 12/Ragley We jammin' with offers this good. Whether it's a full build or frame only you're looking for, we've got an offer to suit.

BRAND FOCUS 15/WTB We take a look at Marin counties, Wilderness Trail Bikes (WTB) to see how they've come to be and what they've got in store for the future.

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PRODUCT FOCUS

29/iXS Trail RS We introduce the new Enduro specific helmet from iXS, the TrailRS designed in conjunction with Richie Schley.

34 17/PRODUCT FOCUS

19/Freedom Thickslick Thick, slick, puncture resistant urban tyres that look good to boot. Find out all you need to know about the new Freedom tyres.

SPONSORED RIDER

20/WTB Vigilante Team-Issue Enduro, race ready tyres from WTB in a range of sizes and casing options to suit every rider. When it comes to all-mountain tyres it's time to run with the wolves

31/Laurie Greenland Hotlines talkes to Laurie Greenland, the young ripper from Bristol who is smashing out results left, right & centre aboard his new Nukeproof Pulse. See what makes the kid tick (and win).

21/Lapierre Zesty TR & AM Review Find out the thoughts of WhatMTB when they recently reviewed the new 2014 Zesty family from Lapierre taking in the 927 Ei AM & 729 Ei TR.

STAFFER OF THE MONTH

25/Lapierre Spicy Review Dirt magazine take out the new 650B Spicy from Lapierre. See their thoughts on the new Enduro weapon. We'll give you a clue.....they absolutely loved it!

33/STAFFER OF THE MONTH August is out, autumn is in....with a change in season it's time for a new staffer of the month. Who holds the coveted prize this time around? [04]

STRAITLINE Big margins on offer for the hard-hitting De Facto pedal.

IXS TRAIL RS Great offers on the new Richie Schley designed Enduro helmet.

THICKSLICK New sub-brand from WTB creating great looking, puncture resistant urban tyres.

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e p O c t

RAGLEY One love, one heart. Let's get together and...go for a ride on the Ragley Marley which'll be no hard task with big-up margins on frames and completes.

NUKEPROOF Keep the peace with huge margins on the new Nukeproof Carbon Warhead bars.

LYNSKEY Dealer status up for grabs when you purchase any 2 Silver Series frames.

S e p O c t

Offers Overview

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THE BRAND NEW

The new IXS Trail RS helmet. 8 Helmets for a 50% margin & receive top dealer margins on the whole IXS range for 2014. [07]

Hate getting a puncture on those long commutes? We do too. Want a tyre that lasts longer and looks good? THE THICK SLICK - Recieve a 45% margin when you take 3 sets or more.

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Purchase 5 pairs of the Straitline defacto pedals and receive a 50% margin. Available in a host of colours

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ARE YOU Already a LYNSKEY dealer? Get your hands on any of the new Lynskey silver series frames with a 35% margin

Want to be a Lynskey dealer? Why not start with the new Silver Series range when you buy 2 or more frames at a 35% margin. [10]

Parts & Accessories Offer

Warhead Carbon Riser

Get your hands on the New Warhead 760 carbon bar and a 50% margin when you purchase 5 or more.

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Marley

Custom build on a Ragley Marley? Recieve a 60% margin on a range of colour options. Can't wait to build one why not purchase a full build with a 40% margin.

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This month in focus

Wilderness Trail Bikes

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Today WTB is a global enterprise; their innovative components are used for trail riding, transportation, recreation and elite racing across the globe.

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e p O c t

WTB was founded in Marin County, California in 1982, fueled by the need to create durable and reliable mountain bike-specific equipment. Back then mountain biking was a new and burgeoning sport, and mountain bikes weren’t much more than cobbled-together oddities. The original WTB crew was captivated by the experience of riding bikes on dirt trails, and they started creating more durable and functional components for their own bikes. Soon, local frame builders sought to outfit their bikes with WTB’s high-end components. WTB was able to turn a passion for bikes into a successful business. Today WTB is a global enterprise; their innovative components are used for trail riding, transportation, recreation and elite racing across the globe. After 30 years things have changed a bit at WTB–their little garage has morphed into a real office and the bikes they ride and the components they make have evolved to meet the needs of today’s riders, racers, and commuters. What hasn’t changed is their passion for cycling and commitment to providing the cycling community with durable, reliable, high-performance components. WTB are heavily involved in advocacy across the globe and have facilitated and sponsored programmes that have enabled thousands of people access to bicycles who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to ride them. The 2014 WTB range marks a significant step in the company’s history. A new tyre designer has been hired and he is already having a significant impact on the tyre range. The Vigilante and Warden tyres are the first of a series of new tyres that we will see from the Californian brand over the next 12 months. The Team Issue tyres are something we at Hotlines are very excited about. A soft 45a durometer compound and endure casing makes these a perfect UK aggressive endure tyre. Coupled with WTB frequency i23 rims this makes a strong, reliable and importantly safe combination that won’t let you down. WTB atheletes Mark Weir and Ben Cruz have been testing this combination at endure races across the globe and are extremely happy with the outcome. [16]

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The new Freedom Thich Slick range of urban tyres WTB go all-out Enduro with the Vigilante Team-Issue The new Lapierre Zesty family gets reviewed by WhatMTB Dirt fall in love with the new 650B Lapierre Spicy

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THICK Freedom is a relatively new sub brand created by WTB, one of the very first mountain bike brands ever created. The tyre guru’s at WTB decided to use their expertise and experience gained from 30 years designing for the MTB industry to create something a little different. Freedom is an urban brand created to meet the ever growing demand for reliable, high performance bicycle products that are specifically designed for use in the harsh conditions of today’s cities and suburbs.

is striking in both performance and appearance. With a very round profile, and entirely slick surface with bold hot patches this tyre is bound to turn heads and attract attention from hard core commuters, couriers and fixie riders alike. The standard “sport” model features twice the puncture protection and longevity of a standard tyre of its width and profile whilst the “Deluxe” model includes an additional Durastrip puncture protection layer for a full belt and braces approach.

The Freedom ThickSlick is the brands flagship product and

Thick Slick tyres are available in the following

sizes:

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Size Thickslick 700X23C Thickslick 700X23C Thickslick 700X25C Thickslick 700X25C Thickslick 700X28C Thickslick 700X28C Thickslick 26X2.0 Thickslick 26X2.1

Model Sport Deluxe Sport Deluxe Sport Deluxe Sport Deluxe

RRP £19.99 £24.99 £19.99 £24.99 £19.99 £24.99 £19.99 £24.99

T B VIGILANTE T

Born from the need for an aggressive All Mountain tyre by WTB atheletes Mark Weir and Ben Cruz, the Vigilante marks a new direction for WTB tyre design. The square-lugged open-tread pattern offers stability in loose or wet terrain, while the stiff outside knobs grip at lean angles that defy belief. With Dual DNA (TCS) and brand new Gravity DNA (Team Issue) sticky rubber, this is the tire to ride when you are giving it your all. Available in 26", 650b and 29" in TCS, AM TCS and Team issue TCS The WTB TCS (tubeless compatible system) is based on UST and ETRTO standards meaning rider safety is number one priority and the tyre will not disengage from the rim easily even without air inside. TCS tyres feature square shaped, tubeless beads and dual durometer rubber compounds. AM and Team Issue tires feature additional reinforcement for demanding terrain.

WTB Vigilante Team Issue 2.3" 650b £56.99 WTB Vigilante Team Issue 2.3" 26 £54.99 WTB Vigilante AM TCS 2.3" 26 £44.99 WTB Vigilante AM TCS 2.3" 26 £46.99 WTB Vigilante AM TCS 2.3" 29 £49.99 [20]

LAPIERRE ZESTY S

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WhatMTB take a look at the new 2014 Lapierre Zest y range

E Y

S After Lapierre's announcement that its Spicy enduro bike would switch to 650b wheels for 2014, it was just a matter of time before a similar change was announced for the Zesty. It turns out it's not quite as simple as that. Lapierre feels that both the 29 and 650b wheel sizes have their advantages as well as their drawbacks, so rather than picking one, it's split the popular Zesty range into two distinct lines. The Zesty All Mountain shares a frame with the Spicy, offering 150mm of 650b-wheeled travel. The other bike, the Zesty Trail, comes with 120mm of bounce and 29in hoops. Clear, brave thinking? Or indecision and bet-hedging? We headed to the Portes du Soleil region of France to ride both bikes and find out for ourselves.

Familial resemblance

Lapierre is keen to maintain its reputation for handling and suspension performance regardless of wheel size, and has worked with downhill legend Nico Vouilloz to tune the geometry and suspension. Nico is renowned for his attention to detail and technical knowledge, and has worked hard on the already-strong four-bar OST*suspension system - the tweaks are aimed at both pedalling performance and big hit manners. So not too ambitious, then...The frames on the top end models are full carbon, save for the chainstays, which are made from aluminium alloy - Supreme 6, to be precise,

which is claimed to be stronger and lighter than standard 7005 series alloy with improved fatigue resistance. Other tweaks include a move to Press Fit 92 bottom brackets, a water bottle-friendly curved downtube and full internal cable routing. Toptube lengths have been increased by 15mm on small and medium bikes and1Omm on the large frame sizes, while all sizes will come with shorter stems and wider bars. The angles are slightly steeper than last year's bikes at 67degrees for the Zesty AM's headtube and69 degrees for the TR.As with the outgoing models, the Spicy and Zesty AM share a frame â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the longer fork on the former slackens its geometry. And while they're a bit steeper than last year's 26in bikes, Lapierre feels the larger wheels compensate, and has dropped the bottom bracket 10mm to keep a planted, inbike feel. The main pivots use expanding collet-type bolts for easier bearing maintenance and there's a composite swing link on the range-topping bikes (it's metal on the others). Lapierre claims a 16% increase in rear triangle stiffness, with the BB and headtube being 28%and 8% less flexible respectively, "As the bike is much faster than (the 2013) we have improved stiffness," says Vouilloz. "Our priorities were good stiffness, reliability and easy maintenance. We were not so focused on weight, even though the frame is 2,5kg (5.51b)".

M Prototype Lapierre's at the 2014 Presscamp event

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ZES T Y A M 92 7 Ei From the first turn of the pedal of our top of the line, 650b-wheeled Zesty AM, the new suspension made a strong impression. It's less prone to wallow and pedalinspired bob than the older OST+ design, even with the EI suspension set to fully open. The handling will feel instantly familiar to anyone who's ridden the 26in bike, with a low stack height at the bars, stable turn-in and a confident ride position giving no indication of the increased wheel size that low slung bottom bracket definitely helps. Once up to speed you notice the small but significant increase in cornering grip over 26in wheels, exiting corners cleanly where you expect to break traction. Despite hardcompound tyres, the Zesty AM eked out impressive grip on wet roots, slippery berms and damp loam. It charges line with little notice, popping out of corners with the lively feel distinguishable from the best 26in bikes. The real suspension is neutral but inspiring, reacting consistently to impacts of any size, and heavy landings are dealt with more smoothly than the2013 bike in particular. The flawless performance of the SRAM XX1 drivetrain and Reverb dropper post makes for intuitive transitions between climbing and descending, while the electronic suspension control of the EI system does wonders for pedalling efficiency. [23]

The inherent flex in the thin stanchions and extended dropouts of the 650b Fox 32 fork give it a not unpleasant feel that's surprisingly springy, almost wriggly, although ultimate tracking stiffness is noticeably reduced. We think anyone with a taste for hard riding should carefully consider whether they'd prefer the lower weight of a Zesty AM to the extra accuracy of the RockShox Pike or Fox 34-equipped Spicy. But all the positive handling attributes of the 26in Zesty are here, just with a little more grip and more polished suspension for good luck.

ZES T Y T R 7 29 Ei Our first thoughts about the Zesty Trail were coloured by the previous day riding the 650b-wheeled AM. With 30mm less travel at either end, a longer back end and steeper head angle, it felt as though we'd moved onto a much more cross-country biased machine, though the cockpit has a nice balance between stretched out, distanceriding efficiency and confident handling. Once we'd reacclimatised to the big wheels, the bike began to show us there was more up its sleeve than mile munching. While the extra momentum and additional chainstay length mean that, like most 29ers, the bike needs to be carved across the trail rather than picked up and placed. the lost agility's tempered by plenty of cornering grip. Point it down something steep and it's capable of rapid progress, though there's a distinct gradient beyond which it starts to feel out of its depth - something not helped by the long legged and relatively flexy Fox 32 Performance fork. It uses the same FIT damper as the top 929, but without the Kashima coating it's much less smooth with a tendency to lurch. Back in its element, though, the Trail is a promising machine indeed.

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any of you might obviously have made your own minds up on wheel size through personal research, discussion with friends and testing the many bikes out there. Having said that I recently met a chap, ever so nice, that was about to drop seven grand on a so called 'boutique US brand' (does anyone know who invented that bullshit?) that he had never swung a leg over. "Well nobody makes shit bikes anymore do they!" And followed by, "anyhow it's in all the mags and websites". Bright bloke too. Yes there are actually people out there who buy bikes on looks. Well take a look at this puppy, doesn't she look as cute as any US brand? So why not go ahead? Why not? At a guess because there needs to be some more foreplay, that's why not. Look how many times have we been through the detail here? Handlebars, stem, cranks, gears, grips, internal cable routing... there's nothing in there that I cannot tell you that you probably don't already know. OK, so Nico Vouilloz runs a chainguide on his bike rather than be fully confident in the SramXX1 and he'll occasionally drop the Ei shock (Lapierre's electronic 'terrain sensitive' rear damper) for a standard shock on the odd full on downhill day simply in the name of progression (it's

difficult to learn unless you enter the different margins that 'against the clock' riding delivers). And that in itself warrants a whole volume of discussion. So too does the pro's and con's of Ei. But at this point can I maybe suggest why not choose one of the following and let's progress? A) It's totally right for the all round riding I do and saves energy, B) I like the idea but hate cable clutter, C) I like to be able to interact with the bike and terrain my own way without any interference, D) I don't really fancy keeping my bike fully charged, and E) Here's my card number 4244 6488 56...There are other items on the agenda, components to make our lives so much easier right? RockShox Reverb seatpost. Totally brilliant and possibly the best mountain bike product ever invented, until as a tester you get a bad one, or two... at which point I lose interest and bolt a cheap mechanical under seat lever version on my bike whilst waiting for the garage to fix lt. You'l1 have learned by now to identify the pen to paper weariness of a rider that's punch drunk, so again for your own sake choose, A) ask a friend on seatposts. Brakes. Sorry Formula you are an

[ 2 5 ] The new Lapierre 2014 Spicy 650B 150mm Enduro Bike

awesome company but your brakes are simply no match for Avid X0 Trail or Shimano XTR, luckily the top end Spicy comes shod with the former... and at which point we probably got on the chairlift. Dropping into the steep rooty terrain the Spicy feels so much more poised than with the weak little 32 Fox fork which features on the same frame but differently forked Zesty. I still have pit talk in my brain as I head into areas of woodland that need a bit of concentration, but then I forget I'm on a Spicy now - and don't need to worry. Still, the gear shifter is digging into mv hand (I'm what people describe weakly as one of those with weird middle finger braking. I find it hurtful, nasty and blinkered). Anyhow, Torben Borrowy from Sram is waiting at the bottom of the run with a van full of kit and has just the very component to change this - to move the shifter inboard - and I also tell him that there's not enough support in RockShox Pike fork. He quickly looks at the bike it's the top end Team version. "I'm pretty sure there's no volume spacers on that fork as stock", and swiftly dumps two red bits of plastic in, and also in the process reduces the compression which I had dialled in to compensate for the weak

front end. Now we're charging, the mood has lifted, the voices in my head about paintjobs, boutiques, stem length arguments, wheel size discussions had left the building - this was now rider, line, flow. With the bike maintaining a better shape with the increased progressivity given to the Pike the cornering is improved, as did my confidence to hit harder sections. The bike does feel slightly small for a large and at six foot I'd certainly be looking to ride the XL which is finally available. An up to date Spicy size will please no end of people. The suspension on this bike is frankly one of the best paired units I've ridden (Pike with a Monarch rear), its suppleness, elasticity through roots is just sublime. I actually started going the more difficult route just to find trouble for the bike. You can charge into root sections fully committed how many times have you heard that but more importantly with more control and grip. The Spicy has become (no surprise thanks to Nico) one of the best hard charging trail/enduro bike's on the market. Yet it's more than that. It's light, it's direct, it's a bike youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d happily pedal around all day on - that is after all what enduro is about - taking in some

climbs and hitting some handmade local or historic Alpine or Mediterranean descents. Whatever, why the hell would you now buy a Zesty? I don't know. In many ways the Spicy is now what the Zesty used to be like four years ago, but now more slim line (the chainstays stuck out a bit to accommodate for the new inboard calliper but they say this will be reduced by 10-15mm or so by production) and it's lighter with suspension that isjust so much better than it used to be. It proves there is progression, evolution to their programme. I just wish more companies would get it.

Why?

Who's this bike for? It's for hard chargers and all day trail riders alike, often the same thing isn't it (seriously)? And there is nothing American in 650 that will match it seriously. Totally at home in tough terrain thanks to the powerful damper, although some riders will want just a slight bit more compression muscle in the Pike (don't get me wrong, at the minute it sits top of my top 16Omm

list) you could easily session the Alps on this bike and take in the entire World Enduro series on it. Most of us will want to use it as their do-it all thrash around the woods bike. It's probably too much bike for trail centres but then such places have become either worn out and in need of 29â&#x20AC;? bikes or freshly smooth and bermed in which case a hardtail will do. As mentioned we are seeing real progression here. Bikes that have been the best last year and the year before are genuinely being overtaken by lack of balls or lack of technical knowhow. So many brands are falling behind. With the Spicy the French company has taken a stride ahead of the opposition. I can only really see one or two companies getting close to an all-round 15Omm as good as this, and of those currently available some being weighted more towards trail, others more 160mm uplift bikes. It really is a gem.

Really?

Yes really. Lapierre have got the weight right, the sizes just about right, the shock tune right, the components are flawless for their application, it looks a winner and, for those who put performance and perhaps results before looks (and hell the Spicy has all three)...it clearly is a winner. So there. [26]

Lapierre 2014 Spicy Team

The aim of this review is to come to an accurate, direct conclusion in the shortest possible time. No meandering, no avoidance, just as it is. So I could then just say itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best twenty seven five (650b to some of you) Enduro bike Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ridden to date (which it is) and be done with it. [27]

SP IC Y 32 7

SP IC Y 52 7 E i

SP IC Y T E A M E i [28]

iXS TRAIL R S S

KEY FEATURES:

“iXS approached me three years ago to collaborate in a helmet concept and that would be something in between a downhill helmet and a cross country helmet. A helmet that has good coverage is light weight and still super ventilated. That's where we came up with the Trail RS.” - Richie Schley

₊Dual, in-mold 360-degree coverage shell & EPS liner for optimized protection and minimal weight ₊22 large vents & internal air channels ₊MX screw-type adjustable visor with a crash-release mount ₊Ergonomic dial-adjuster for head band ₊Ergo-Fit Ultra retention system allows for precise vertical & horizontal positioning. ₊Dual-Compound head ring for highest comfort & optimized fit ₊Adjustable strap system with quick release buckles ₊EN1078 & CPSC TUV tested and certified ₊Weight: 320 grams +/₊Sizes: Small/Medium - 54-58cm, Medium/Large - 58-62cm

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L S

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Swiss clothing and protection brand iXS have recently launched a lightweight, maximum coverage half-shell helmet to the new NLS (Next Level Series) range. Designed in conjunction with the Pioneer of the Freeride movement, Richie Schley, iXS have managed to encompass all the requirements that make the perfect Trail/ Enduro helmet. The Trail RS helmet is designed with a pronounced wrap-around design at the rear of the shell to maximize protection, with an outer shell that is in-molded to the EPS liner to add durability as well as to improve impact dispersion in the event of a crash. One of its key features is its adjustable, breakaway visor which is designed to keep the visor in one piece during a crash. Quick-release straps and a 'full-circle' adjustable head band ensure that the iXS helmet fits well and 22 vents help to keep the air flowing around the head. Along with the helmets unparalleled good looks it also passes and Europe's EN1078 tests along with USA's stringent CPSC standards.

Click to see a 360 Ě&#x160; video of the iXS TrailRS [30]