This is the enduro fork we wanted, so we made it. With bikes becoming more capable and e-bikes gaining in popularity, your suspension needs to work harder than ever. As engineers, we believe the best solution to building a stiffer, long-travel fork is by using a dual-crown design.
Most fork flex occurs at the crown steerer unit (CSU), regardless of stanchion size. A dual-crown design avoids this - and the associated creaking - by centring the stiffness around the headtube.
Absolute stiffness is not everything, though. Using our proven Selva lowers, the Belva can flex where it is most needed. With the dual crown and a direct mount stem, you can have laser sharp steering and confidence-inspiring stiffness, combined with trail-hugging traction and comfort.
The Belva is not just a rebadged DH fork, it is an enduro-ready fork that is comparable in weight to a 38mm single-crown fork (2,370g).
Designed with custom forged crowns, lightweight 35mm stanchions, a 43mm offset, a lockout lever, tapered steerer and 15mm axle, the Belva goes uphill as well as it goes down. The dual-crown design means that you can fine-tune your bar height, so you can add more travel to your bike, without spoiling the geometry.
Also included are our unique Compression Tuning System (CTS) and Neopos technology. CTS allows you to make the same changes you would get at a professional suspension tuning center in minutes, with everyday tools. Neopos not only lets you custom tune the end stroke, but helps calm the fork in the mid-stroke, and is as simple to install as a volume spacer.
It’s not all about facts and figures. A dual-crown fork not only stands out on the trails, it brings a sense of occasion to every ride. And the name? In Italian, the Belva is a mythical beast from Dante’s Divine Comedy. A fitting name for a fork built to devour trails.
Find all the Specs and shop the Belva here
]]>
And now, a story about getting things wrong. And putting them right…
The Cura
We make things. That includes mistakes.
In 2016 we launched our Cura brakes. They marked a change in the way we engineered our products. Powerful, adaptable and reliable, they were an improvement in every way over their predecessor.
They needed to be. The brakes they replaced had issues with reliability. They didn’t meet the expectations of ourselves or our customers. As a result, our reputation suffered, and riders turned to other brands.
It was hard to admit we’d made a mistake, but doing so was the first step in winning back the trust of riders. We went back to the drawing board, did more testing and improved quality control. The result was a brake we were truly proud of.
When we named our new brakes, we were up-front about the issues we’d experienced; Cura means ‘cure’ in Italian. This was a product designed to remedy previous issues.
What we learned from this experience informs the way we think and work today. Our 10 year support promise is another message to riders that we truly believe in our products, and they can too.
See the ARIA here and sign up to be notified when they land, estimated early May
The hype surrounding our new air shock has been brewing for
quite some time and we are happy to announce the wait is
over! Due to the reputation of EXT’s current line up, it has been
highly anticipated that this would be a revolutionary project—and
the final product does not disappoint. An air sprung rear
damper has been the missing piece in EXT’s already extensive
line-up of high-performance suspension products, entrenched in
years of research and development.
As this is the first air shock from EXT, it is called
the ARIA, “air” in Italian... which is saturated in novel
technology and design approach. Though the EXT brand has
become synonymous with unrivaled performance of coil shocks,
their knowledge of air spring technologies actually began in the
Williams Formula 1 program developing products for the highest
forms of racing.
Early on in the project it was clear to EXT’s team that
they wouldn’t be satisfied with simply adding an air can to their
existing coil-shock structure-- high performance necessitated a
complete ground up re-design Thus, EXT took the innovative
dual-positive air chamber concept made for the Era fork and
formatted a new version of it to fit the unique needs of the Aria
application. From this groundwork they have created a shock
featuring a noticeably improved air-spring able to reach high
levels of sensitivity and support that are currently only achievable
with coil sprung shocks.
The Aria’s hydraulic damping system is based on the E-
Storia circuit design but implements architecture specific to the
demands of an air shock. Excellent tunability of the damper is
achieved by maintaining independent high- and low-speed
compression circuits, as well as isolated rebound circuits. These
damping adjustments have been designed to give the
user a discernable change between clicks while maintaining
enough granularity that the rider should be able to find the perfect
setting.
To complete the package, the proprietary LOK 2.0 system
and externally adjustable hydraulic bottom-out control
(HBC) were integrated into the Aria as well.
Plainly put, EXT’s Aria is not your conventional air damper. The
combination of many of EXT’s proven features and a
revolutionary air spring make it stand out from anything else on
the market.
Let’s take a deeper look inside the technology of this unique air
shock.
AS3 technology: the dual positive chamber featuring only 2
dynamic seals to separate the 3 different chambers. (EXT unique
patented design)
Positive
chamber +/++ (low/high) with endless adjustment potential via 2 s
eparate air valves to finetune the spring characteristics.
Negative self-activating large volume chamber.
Unique air seals design based on aerospace technology.
Lok 2.0 technology.
14 mm superlight weight internal shaft
Large 28mm hydraulic main piston
Adjustable Hydraulic Bottom-Out Circuit (HBC)
Proprietary “Super Finish” surface treatment on sliding parts
AS3 technology – Dual Positive Air Chamber
Aesthetically, it might seem a typical air shock, but the new EXT Aria
goes beyond the common shocks we see every day.
The core of the Aria is in the innovative dual positive air chambers and a
large negative self-equalizing chamber. This system allows for extensive
control over the shock’s air spring curve characteristics, giving you fine
tune capabilities throughout the entire stroke. The dynamic nature
of EXT’s twin positive air chambers virtually eliminates all negative
aspects intrinsic to the volume spacer systems of competitors.
Volume spacers reduce the volume of a single chamber in a static fashion,
affecting air’s natural progressive compression sooner into the stroke,
making the suspension more progressive near the end of its travel. Making
set up changes this way affects the entire travel range of
movement, meaning if more elastic support is needed earlier in the travel
range, it will affect the ramp up towards the end of the range. Therefore, if
less ramp up is needed towards the end of the travel range, it will
negatively affect the early to mid-body support. The installation of volume
spacers also requires more time and expertise because it requires removing
the shock from the bike and removing an air can. This scenario is less than
ideal for fine tuning because it often has to be done multiple times to find
the perfect setting.
EXT’s AS3 technology, as previously mentioned, works with two main
positive chambers:
The + chamber, characterized by the black color valve, provides the
primary support for the system and controls the sensitivity of the top and
mid stroke, also called, dynamic sag position.
The ++ chamber, characterized by the nickel color valve, controls the
sensitivity of the mid-end stroke and final ramp up characteristic.
The control and adjustability given by the dual positive chambers is more
accurate and precise than volume spacers, allowing the rider to focus
on just a specific part of the stroke. Additionally, this dynamic system
does not force the rider to compromise mid-stroke support and initial
sensitivity in favor of end stroke ramp up or vice-versa.
It makes possible to modify the stiffness across the whole length of the
stroke rather than just the last part of it, as volume spacers do.
The rider will feel more support in the middle part of the stroke, without
having the typical excessive force increase of the single chamber air
spring.
In these force graphs presented, we can see that pressure increase inside
the + chamber sets and defines the sag dynamic position and controls the
average behavior of the shock.
The higher the pressure in the + chamber, the stronger the force
throughout the whole stroke..
This is why, the + chamber pressure is associated to the rider’s weight and
riding styles.
A better and further tune of the shock’s progression can be achieved by the
adjustment of the ++ chamber. Simply adding or removing pressure on the
++ chamber gives the rider the option to have a more linear or progressive
air spring curve.
Increasing the pressure on the ++ chamber will lead to more mid-end
stroke support and higher end-stroke force without compromising
riding dynamic and sensitivity.
Starting from the base air settings, a rider can increase the ++ pressure to
adjust and smooth out the air spring curve of the shock according to
specific terrain conditions. The result is a more controlled and supported
ride at high speeds..
If the rider is looking to have more grip or better small bump sensitivity,
pressure can be released on the + chamber while adding more pressure in
the ++ chamber. This offers support in the mid-end stroke, as well as
protection near the end-stroke.
Close to the last 15% of the stroke, the hydraulic bottom-out control
(HBC) is engaged. This gives controlled support through the end
stroke helping the shock to avoid harsh bottom-out situations.
The ability to adjust the two positive air chambers separately allows for
improvement of mid-stroke support while giving a more linear
progression characteristic to the shock.
The AS3 means that the progressivity of the shock can be adjusted
quickly with a shock pump; there’s no need to take the shock off the bike
and remove any volume spacers, saving loads of time. The use of a dual
positive chamber makes the shock more versatile to adapt to any leverage
ratio and frame geometry.
EXT Aria gives the same level of damping control that only coil shocks
provide, and it’s truly unique. The suppleness of a coil shock damper
with the endless adjustability of an air shock was arguably impossible
to reach until the introduction of the new EXT Aria.
Adjustable Hydraulic Bottom-out Circuit(HBC)
The HBC system is a position sensitive damper
valve comprised of a secondary piston assembled below the main
one, and an inner tube near the bottom of the damper. When you
get close to the end of the stroke, the secondary piston goes inside
the inner tube, forcing the oil flow through a calibrated orifice
that characterizes the end stroke ramp up.
EXT’s HBC system engages in the last 15% of the stroke and is
externally adjustable, to match your weight, riding preferences and
style.
This system, when implemented into the Aria, makes the
compression progressive, allowing for lower air pressure settings
inside the chambers to give better traction.
LOK 2.0
The Aria shock features the LOK 2.0 proprietary EXT technology,
(aka pro-pedal switch), already well-known throughout the
product line up. This known system uses an independent circuit
valve that produces the support needed for ideal pedaling
efficiency. In open mode, the LOK circuit is excluded, and when
closed, the oil must flow through a preloaded shimmed valve
increasing compression force. This shim-based design provides
enough sensitivity and support to increase overall traction on
rough terrain. This LOK system can also be custom tuned, based
on rider preferences.
New EV2S damper oil, the “Super Thinner”
The Aria is going to be the first shock using the brand-new EXT
EV2S oil: we’ve called it the “Super-Thinner”, due to its very high
viscosity index, and an unbelievable viscosity ratio.
Developed for off-road/rally WRC programs, the EV2S oil
is arguably the most stable damper oil ever manufactured!
The EV2S oil’s anti-foaming properties and indisputable low
stick-slip effect help to reduce friction in direction changes. As the
temperature rises, the operating characteristics of the damper do
not change, providing consistent damping performance during a
rider’s longest run.
The Aria, like all other EXT products, can be adapted to different
bikes, letting the rider take their new favorite shock with them,
bike after bike.
Here you can find all the available sizes for the shock:
METRIC STANDARDMETRIC TRUNNION
210 / 50 mm 185 / 50 mm
210 / 52.5 mm 185 / 52.5 mm
210 / 55 mm 185 / 55 mm
230 / 57.5mm 205 / 57.5 mm
230 / 60 mm 205 / 60 mm
230 / 62.5 mm 205 / 62.5 mm
230 / 65 mm 205 / 65 mm
250 / 67.5 mm 225 / 67.5 mm
250 / 70 mm 225 / 70 mm
250 / 72.5 mm 225 / 72.5 mm
250 / 75 mm 225 / 75 mm
The teasing and refinement of this shock over the last few years
only illudes to the fact that EXT is very proud of this new damper,
and for good reason. This is a product that will sit as a crown
jewel in the already very well-appointed EXT line up of dampers.
Its wide range of air spring curve adjustability makes it a good
option for both end users and OEM partners alike.
The Ochain is an active spider, allowing the chainring to rotate backwards in order to disengage the transmission from the suspension, improving the whole riding experience and the bike’s performance. Our engineers defined four setup possibilities, resulting in different degrees of proportional rotation. The defined options are: 4° / 6° / 9°/ 12° . Each one stands for a different degree of freedom your transmission can get for you to fulfill any riding condition and style. See the chart below to better understand:
The Ochain is engineered for being used by those appreciating a more stable adjustment. Changing to different degrees is easy and possible but requires disassembly of the unit in the workshop.
The Ochain•R makes it easy to switch from one setup to another in seconds, using a 2.5 allen key. Imagine doing four DH laps and promptly testing all four degrees options to choose the best one for that track. Or finding the perfect setup on every single Enduro stage with a single allen key.
An allen key is all you need to disengage the system by rotating the black regulation nut backwards. With the same allen key, you can now chose the degree of freedom of your choice, using the laser-etched lines as a guide. To finish, lock back the system and you are ready to ride.
On-the-fly adjustment made possible by a moving rack that modifies the "starting point". A conical coupling and a spring system ensures precision during adjustment. Developing the Ochain•R gave us a special opportunity to revise and optimize tolerances on the entire Ochain product range. Ochain•R adapts to most direct mount cranksets, it fits a standard BCD 104 chainring and it is designed to replaces the 3mm offset model.
World-class riders like Neko Mulally and Loris Revelli have been involved in the development and evolution of the new Ochain•R.
"The first time I tried this new version of the Ochain was at the US Open last year and I was able to quickly change between Ochain settings throughout the practice session to get me bike set up for that track, which was flatter than most other tracks I races last season. It was really handy to be able to do that with a simple turn of an adjuster." - Neko Mulally
We are proud to share with you Ochain•R and its technology as an upgrade to our existing product range. We feel you will love it as we and more and more riders do. Available now!
]]>The RG5 is the latest addition to the expanding RevGrips product line. By diameter, the RG5 slots nicely in between the medium and large sizes, but boasts a subtle ergonomic design to offer more support where it is needed.
The ergonomic centre is joined with ribs along the underside of the grip to increase traction. The RG5 model is available in the same Pro and Race series options as their previous 4 sizes (small, medium, large, and half-waffle).
Lighter, more tunable, and tons of colour options make the Pro Series grip the ultimate grip system.
The Race Series Shock Absorbing Grip System is simply a “Bare-Bones” version of the Pro Series grip. The performance is preserved, but eliminating the clamp lightening process, colour options, tuning options, and installation tools makes it the more affordable option.
All parts are upgrade-able and interchangeable between Race and Pro Series grips, so you can add coloured grips, lightened clamps, or a Tuning Washer Set to adjust performance at any time.
Once you have a set, any part can be replaced individually or in an entire Rebuild Kit.
Are you a Rev Grip owner interested in trying the new RG5? Replacement grip sleeves can be found here.
Explore the entire Rev line here.
]]>A little over a year ago EXT officially launched their first suspension fork. It quickly gained popularity and became an immediate success. Despite their extensive experience in the motorsports world, the Era was their first dedicated MTB suspension fork. Its quick success confirmed their development process, and that they were focusing their efforts in the right areas.
A few standout features like the HS3 hybrid coil system and unique crown design solidified it as a no compromise, high performing fork. A fork that rose above the rest, even under the most demanding riders.
Never one to rest on their previous success, the Era V2 aimed to continue the path started by the V1 release. Building off of the V1, updated features improve performance and reliability.
New Magnesium Lowers
New Magnesium lowers, lighter and load-optimized through Thixomolding.
RLP System
The new "RLP" radial lubrification pocket system is employed in a new DU design. Small pockets in the inner part of the bushing trap some of the oil ensuring the stanchion stays lubricated under the heaviest of loads. There are also 3 backup channels to improve pump lubrication.
Floating Axle Design
Decoupling the hub and fork alignment improves sensitivity.
Improved HS3 End-Stroke Devices
The HS3 end-stroke system has been revised and improved to increase reliability and smoothness in the harshest riding conditions.
++ Chamber Top Up Bumper
New top up bumper and titanium plate reduce the ++ chamber noise.
At EXT we have a simple goal: Make the best suspensions to improve performance and reliability while ensuring a safer riding on any bike. This isn’t without challenges, E-bikes generate more suspension stress but most run the same shock sizing as their analog counterparts. But Ext has decades of experience building the world’s most compact high performance dampers, some of which were used in Formula One and WRC. If anyone can maximize damper performance in challenging environments, it’s us.
That’s why we developed the e-Storia. An industry “first” an ultra-high performance suspension specifically designed for aggressive E-bike riding and super comfort level for professional riders and all enthusiasts.
The e-Storia features much of the same technology of the Storia V3 but in a more robust package built specifically for the stresses involved with the higher vehicle weight of E -bikes and tailored to provide ultimate control for all riders from the enthusiast to those at the elite level of E-bike enduro riding.
While the Storia V3 is built for best-in-class weight and performance the e-Storia is designed with an emphasis on toughness to drastically improve reliability over dampers without dedicated E-bike construction.
The stronger shock design can help increase the lifespan of bike chassis components as well, and increase range of tune-ability accommodating a wider range of bike and rider types.
Improved grip and sensitivity on all types of terrain and a beautiful plush feel form the basis of any Storia shock. On top of these feature we have redeveloped specific areas in line with the demands of EMTB:
-Integrated reservoir head design to increase eyelet/trunnion mount fitment
-Stronger body construction
-Chromoly shaft with low friction coating
-Reservoir with large volume bladder design
-Dedicated spring platform for stiffer spring
-Negative spring to avoid harsh top-out and improve bike platform stability
-Lok 2.0 -New rebound adjustment to increase tuning range
-New compression valve to increase adjustability range and provide a smoother riding
-Low hysteresis to improve dynamic response
-Completely indipendent bump/rebound adjustment
-New check valve with low inertia to control damping even at really high frequency
-New externally adjustable HBC and more efficient design to increase bottom out protection
-New seals design to reduce friction
-New main piston design with high flow to improve sensitivity and tunability
-All valves with turbulent flow to assure consistent damping with different temperature and under extreme use/conditions
-A new high viscosity index oil for longer consistent riding in all different situations and seasons
-Springs available up to 800lb
-Weight: 460g (Metric 210/55 without spring)
Metric/Trunnion:
185
205
210
230
Spherical bearings hardware available on demand depending on fitment space.
]]>We are excited to add Ochain to our ever expanding portfolio of high end outdoor goods. What is an Ochain device? Well, if you have ever ridden your bike without a chain you may have noticed that it responded differently; as a suspension bike moves through its travel there can be some negative side effects that can alter the suspension's performance and even the rider's body position. These effects are commonly referred to as pedal kickback. Put simply, this is the amount of rotation that your cranks will rotate through, counter-clockwise, when you go from 0-100% of your suspension travel. The Ochain device was designed to combat these effects and allow your bike's suspension to perform at its best.
If you follow the downhill World Cup circuit, there are a few miraculous chainless runs that have had viewers questioning how well a bike can perform without a chain. In fact, it was these two standout performances that led Ochain founder Fabrizio Dragoni to develop the Ochain device. In the 2014 World Champs, Neko Mulally's chain broke out of the start gate and he pushed on to finish fourth. A year later, Aaron Gwin suffered a similar mechanical in Leogang. He not only finished, but was the fastest rider of the day.
Spurred on by these performances, Fabrizio developed the patent pending Ochain device that we know now. True to its claims, the Ochain disconnects the suspension system from the cranks, allowing it to work uninhibited. In 2020 Reece Wilson piloted his Trek Session (equipped with an Ochain) to a World Championship.
The Ochain device is available in two finishes, Nero (black) and Pregio (natural). 104BCD chainrings can be fit to the device from 30t all the way up to 36t.
The Ochain device is easy to install and compatible with a variety of cranksets. It is suitable for Boost spacing trail bikes and DH bikes. It can also be configured between 6, 9 and 12 degree setups. Which makes it suitable for a wide variety of riders and terrain.
To configure and purchase your Ochain device head here
For more information on the Ochain device head here
]]>Iago Garay knows first hand about the wear and tear our bicycles go through. From crashes to rock chips and shuttle scratches, our dream bikes see a lot of use. Team that up with a friend and professional printer, and DYEDBRO was born.
They quickly realized that their frame protection could be functional and add a new degree of customization to our mountain bikes. DYEDBRO has a graphic for everyone, with clear and matte kits too. Check out the entire line with some of the hits below!
]]>
Extreme Racing Shox's highly anticipated enduro fork is here! The Era brings EXT's unparalleled suspension performance to the front of your bike.
The Era is available for 29in wheels only in travel from 140mm to 170mm and two offset lengths (44mm and 51mm).
Photos by www.alexluise.com
Formula's Italian brakes have adorned many iconic bikes through the years under names like Greg Minaar and Nicolas Vouilloz. Until recently, large oval calipers and radial master cylinders filled with DOT fluid were a dead giveaway. Never being one to rest on their past success, Formula completely overhauled their brake line in 2016. Some of the most notable changes were a switch to mineral oil and an obvious lack of radial master cylinders. Sleek, trim and stylish, the Cura line was born. The Cura (two piston brake) quickly gained a reputation for providing immense power in a small package and its success on a world stage backed that up. In 2017, onboard the Specialized gravity team the Cura raced to six World Cup wins and two World Championship titles. Since then, Formula has expanded the range to include the Cura 4. The Cura 4 shares the same lever body, but a large, 4 piston caliper, provides even more braking power.
Unbeknown to most of the mountain biking world, Formula had re-entered the motocross industry in 1993 with their first ever shock absorber. And while their mountain bike brakes might be their best-known products, Formula capitalized on their history in motocross suspension and released their first mountain bike suspension in 2012. Since 2012 Formula has grown and expanded their suspension line to include both a single crown trail fork (Selva) and a dual crown downhill fork (Nero) as well as a number of different damper and airspring options.
The Formula suspension line is packed with unique technologies that set their forks apart. Among them all, the CTS systems stands out. The Compression Tuning System (CTS) allows riders to alter their fork’s compression tune without removing the fork from the bike, or rebleeding the damper, and seven different compression tunes make finding the appropriate tune easy!
Learn more about Formula and their history here!
Want to know more about the Formula brake line? Check it out here!
Interested in what sets their suspension apart? Learn more here!
]]>The mountain bike grip has followed the same formula for quite some time. They are available in a number of different widths, shapes and mounting configurations. Grips are typically very personal, and what some prefer others may dislike. Essentially they all accomplish the same task with options to better suit your personal desires. The Rev grips break away from the traditional mold and offer a grip platform like no other. By suspending the grip body between the lock on clamps, away from the handlebar itself, the vibrations from the handlebar are kept from being transferred into the riders hands and arms. This decreases hand fatigue and “arm pump”. The concept is simple, but the result truly game changing.
Rev Grips offers two different version of their revolutionary suspension grip, the Pro series and the Race series. The Pro series grip is their top of the line grip. It comes with tuning washers, lighter clamps and colour options.
The Race series grip has all of the same benefits of the suspension technology, but with no frills or adjustments which keeps the cost down.
Both series of grips are available in four sizes small (31mm) medium (32mm) half-waffle (32mm) and large (34mm). Keep in mind that the Race series grips can be upgraded to the Pro series grips. Not only are Rev Grips highly adjustable, they are also fully rebuildable. Every piece is available on its own or in a number of different rebuild packages.
Check out the entire product line here.
If you don't see what you are after, or have additional questions? Get in touch with us here.
]]>
We are excited to add distribution, sales and service of Extreme Racing Shox (EXT) to our growing portfolio of high end outdoor goods. EXT may be a name you are unfamiliar with in the mountain bike suspension game, but don’t let that fool you into thinking they are inexperienced. EXT has over 55 years of experience in suspension and specializes in hydraulic damping systems. Their history in F1 and Rally is littered with world championships and industry firsts. In 2014 EXT turned their sights to mountain bike suspension and over the last 5 years have released and updated two very unique shock platforms.
EXT offers two shock absorbers for mountain bikes which are both currently in their V3 iterations. The Arma (Weapon) and Storia (Story) are both coil shocks and both employ EXT’s hydraulic bottom out control or HBC. The HBC system allows you to have all the advantages of a coil spring (small bump sensitivity, reliability, mid stroke support) but with ramp up in the last 15% of travel to improve control on large hits.
The Storia is EXT’s trail shock absorber and employs their proprietary LOK pedalling platform system. It is also equipped with low speed rebound, low speed compression and high speed compression adjustments. The HBC (which is tuned from the factory) handles the bottom out control giving riders extra support deep in the shocks stroke.
The Arma is EXT’s downhill shock absorber. It also employs low speed rebound and compression adjustment as well a high speed compression adjustment. Instead of the LOK pedalling system EXT has made the HBC externally adjustable on the Arma which allows riders to fine tune their bottom out support.
Every EXT shock is custom built to match specific riders need’s and bike kinematics. Two springs are included with every shock and they receive a full dyno test before leaving the factory. Additionally every shock can be resized or revalved to adapt to a rider’s changing needs.
Want an EXT shock for your bike? Click here. Have an existing EXT shock that needs a freshen up or size change? Book service and tuning here.
]]>