Several interesting news items popped up over in the Cyclingnews Tech News section this week.
Bike manufacturer Orbea, best known as the equipment sponsor of the Euskaltel-Euskadi team, has just announced what to the best of our knowledge is a unique machine: a monocoque carbon fibre mountain bike with "29in" (700C) wheels. Orbea claims the Alma 29 frame will weigh just 1300g (2.9lb) thanks to its one-piece front triangle and high modulus carbon fibre. The bike is supposed Shimano XT and XTR or SRAM XO equipment, starting from US3,000 and is to be unveiled at at Sea Otter, April 6-9.
Suspension bike maker Slingshot has announced what it says is a long-awaited new model: an aluminium mountain bike frame featuring its novel SPT (Sling Power Technology) suspension design. The system uses a composite flex board, stainless cable down tube and spring to provide a low-weight suspension design. The Ripper features a flex board that can be repaired in the field. Shaped like a "dogbone" the board is easily installed without the use of glue (as on older models) allowing the owner to service the bike if board replacement is required.
Finally, Van Dessel announced a sponsorship deal with NORBA Series winner Geoff Kabush will ride their bikes for his the road 2006. Kabush will ride a Van Dessel Kermis.
Read the full news entries over at the Tech News section.
