August 18th update: four new bikes and one new helmet!
The year 2020 has been... complicated. But one thing we can be certain of: so far it's been a big one for bikes. There are loads of stats to back up that notion, like this one we just got from PeopleForBikes: for the 12-month period from June 2019 through May 2020, U.S. sales of bicycles, bike equipment and services hit $7.23 billion, up 23 percent over the previous 12-month span.
Bike products have been flying off shelves for months now, and in response, brands keep rolling out new stuff. So much so that we're launching this monthly roundup to document all the great new stuff we aren't able to cover elsewhere. Recently, Specialized launched an ultra-light bike, State honored Biggie Smalls, Lumos announced a (crowdfunded) $3 million helmet and more.
Canyon Exceed CFR LTD
Canyon just can't seem to stop putting out awesome road and mountain bikes. The German brand's latest release? Its new-and-improved Exceed line of cross-country hardtails feature nimble geometry and Toray M40X, an almost-mythical "unicorn hair" carbon fiber. The top-of-the-line, $6,999 model shown here dips just under 20 pounds, practically unheard of for a mountain bike.
Linus Felix
Linus just announced two new e-bikes, a first for the brand that's very much in line with the times. Both the Felix and the Ember boasts 90 miles of pedal-assisted range, a quick charge Shimano battery, rack options, hydraulic disc brakes and classic good looks. Both bikes cost $2,799, and shipping begins toward the end of September.
Schwinn Collegiate
This new collaboration between Pacific Cycle and Detroit Bikes features the first US-manufactured Schwinn frame in over a decade. Modern construction plus a vintage aesthetic adds up to an awesome way to celebrate the brand's 125th anniversary. The bike costs just under $1,000 and is coming soon to a Walmart near you.
Tern GSD
The all-new GSD looks like the most fun and flexible mini-cargo bike we have ever seen. Somehow it boasts enough room for two kids plus groceries, yet is the same length as a regular bike, with features like Flatfold and Vertical Parking making it simple to stash when you're not riding. Models starting at $4,599 also boast suspension, a carbon belt drive and 500 watt-hour batteries to keep you rolling all over town.
Specialized Align II Helmet
These days, perhaps the most important feature to look for in a new helmet is MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System), which minimizes the damage caused by angled impacts. Often limited to higher-end helmets, it's now making its way into more affordable options. Hence the Align II, a good-looking, comfortable option that'll help you stay cool and safe — at a price that can't be beat.
Café du Cycliste "The Climb" Cycling Cap
This isn't simply a cool cap released in honor of Mike Covino's award-winning debut film, The Climb. It's also a technical garment — windproof, breathable and lined with antibacterial tape for cool, clean rides. And it's part of a limited edition collection that also includes a jersey, bidon, bib and socks.
State Bicycle Co. x The Notorious B.I.G. 'King of NY' Kit
This jersey and bib set is also part of a limited edition collection — a very different one celebrating Biggie's impending induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With designs inspired by the hip-hop legend's Ready to Die album, the set includes a single speed bike, foot straps, bar tape, t-shirt, caps and kits like this one festooned with some of Biggie's iconic lyrics.
Peaty's Link Lube — Dry
This new chain lube is perfect for summer. Why? The biodegradable blend of waxes suspended in a water-based emulsion is specifically designed to help your chain run clean and smooth in dry and dusty conditions.
Lumos Ultra Bike Helmet
This helmet has absolutely crushed Kickstarter, raising $2,966,439 and breaking multiple crowdfunding records. It doesn't hurt that Lumos has a rep for delivering quality brain buckets. The Ultra boasts front and rear lights, turn signals, Apple Watch compatibility and a MIPS option for ultimate protection.
Specialized Tarmac SL7
"They essentially combined two bikes into one, which is an interesting commentary on the direction road bikes have gone," observes in-house high-end cycling connoisseur AJ Powell. "There used to be 'climbing bikes' and 'aero bikes,' but now all road bikes are basically aero, and the tech has gotten so good that you don’t really take a weight penalty anymore by going more aero." The result: a unicorn roadie that weighs less than 15 pounds and can go anywhere, fast.
Spot Mayhem 150
This new mountain bike is loaded with compelling elements, but we are most impressed with the suspension. Yes, the 150 stands for 150 mm, or about six inches of trail-ready travel. But what's even cooler is Spot's unique Living Link suspension platform, highlighted by an aerospace-grade titanium leaf spring that helps riders speed up hills without locking out and provides a stiff linkage between the front and rear triangles for deft maneuvers.
iZip E3 Path Plus
As e-bikes continue to evolve, iZip's latest series strikes a nice balance between performance and price. The 250-watt Bosch motor and 400-watt-hour battery provide pedal assistance up to 20 miles per hour and 30 to 50 miles of range per charge. We dig the mechanical disc brakes and frame variety too.
STEP OVER FRAME: $2,400 | STEP THRU FRAME: $2,400
Yeti Arc 35th
This 35th anniversary tribute throws back to Yeti's original Arc while bombing toward the future. After all, we're willing to bet the 1980s version did not feature a carbon frame, a SRAM XX1 Eagle groupset, a Fox Factory 34 fork, a custom wheelset and a weight under 25 pounds. The brand also just announced a number of more affordable versions with different features, starting at just $3,600. Our favorite spec on all of them is one helluva nod to the hardtails of yore... "Rear Shock: Legs."
