July product intros march on with Hed, WTB and Brose

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Product introductions continue in earnest this week heading into the start of Eurobike on Sunday, July 8. Some highlights to hit our inboxes at BRAIN HQ: 

Hed Cycling

The new Vanquish 4 and Vanquish 8 aero disc brake road wheels feature an internal rim width of 21 millimeters and an outer width of 30 millimeters, filling out Hed’s Vanquish line along with the previously released Vanquish 6. Hed Cycling says all three Vanquish wheels feature unprecedented aerodynamic performance, with virtually no difference between 23-, 25- and 28-millimeter tires. 

The Vanquish 4 and 8 rims are made in-house at Hed’s Minnesota factory, and the wheels are also hand finished and assembled there with Hed’s 545 Disc hubs — compatible with all major drivetrains and axle options.

“We are very proud of the Vanquish series and know that customers will love the new V4 and V8.  They’re really changing what’s possible with aerodynamic performance and new tire sizes, and we can’t wait to see athletes around the world try them out,” said Hed Cycling CEO Anne Hed.

Vanquish wheelsets start at $2,500. V4 wheels are available now in limited quantities, and V8 wheelsets will be available starting Aug. 1.

WTB

WTB has introduced new aggressive mountain tires that use its new TriTec Compound, as well as a new line of TCS 2.0 rims and accessories based on its TCS (Tubeless Compatible System) technology.

The company now offers additional widths and updated tread patterns with the Vigilante 2.5/2.6 and Trail Boss 2.4/2.6 tires, while the Judge 2.4 is a rear-focused tire designed for aggressive enduro and gravity riding. New KOM Light and KOM Tough rims with TCS 2.0 technology provide a more robust tubeless system that is easier to mount and even more reliable than before, WTB says.

The Judge 2.4 tire is new to WTB’s line, designed to provide maximum traction for aggressive enduro and gravity riding in loose and rocky conditions. Meanwhile, the Vigilante and Trail Boss tread patterns have been refined for wider rims with a high-volume casing and redesigned tire profile.

All of WTB’s new mountain tires feature the TriTec Compound, composed of three rubber compounds to provide different levels of traction, support and durability based on their placement within the tread. The tread pattern is supported by a base of high-durometer rubber. All TCS Light versions of the new tires feature Slash Guard technology, which incorporates a protective nylon insert throughout the sidewall to improve protection without the weight of a dual-ply casing.

New TCS 2.0 rims have a recessed channel along the rim to allow for installation of the new Solid Strip and prevent tubeless tape from sagging at the spoke holes. KOM Light and KOM Tough rims having inner rim widths of 40 or 45 millimeters, respectively, and have WTB’s new Dropzone design — a downward slope from the bead seat to the center of the rim that allows the tire bead to quickly fall into the optimal area for easier tire removal, WTB says.

The new WTB mountain tire offerings are priced at $67.95 to $79.95, while the TCS 2.0 rims, both KOM Light and KOM Tough, are available at MSRPs of $105 to $110. The new tires are currently available at wtb.com; TCS 2.0 rims will be available in August. 

Brose

At Eurobike, e-bike drive maker Brose will present its new e-MTB drive with a magnesium housing and introduce a new digital diagnosis and service tool for dealers.

The Drive S Mag is 15 percent smaller and 500 grams lighter than current drives and has a higher power-to-weight ratio, the German company says.

“Our Brose Drive S Mag meets the demands of very ambitious e-mountain bikers. At the same time, we enable manufacturers to reduce the weight of their bicycles even further. Thus they can respond to market trends toward lighter e-bikes,” Brose head Joachim Volland said in a release.

A new Flex Power Mode is available exclusively with the Drive S Mag in conjunction with two new software features: the torque- and cadence-sensitive Cadence Power Control, which delivers up to 30 percent more support at higher cadences, and Progressive Pedal Response, which provides a faster drive response when pressure is applied to the pedals.

“The instant power output of the new Brose Drive S Mag ensures a more controlled start on inclines and an even more agile e-mountain bike riding experience. With this lightweight drive e-bikers can confidently master even the steepest inclines and extreme challenges,” Volland stated.

Brose will also present a test version of its new diagnostic and service tool at Eurobike, with a market launch set for mid-2019. The company has secured new service partners in North America, Southern Europe and Eastern Europe, with more countries and regions to follow, Brose stated.

"Service is a priority for us, and the new service tool reflects that. In addition to that, we are also consistently expanding our worldwide partner network," Volland said.