The Unity is on a mixed-wheel setup, which is somewhat out of the norm for a bike in this category, but what category is this bike? While mixed-wheel setups are often associated with enduro and DH, Kona chose it here for pure utility, and when you look at the point they're making, it all makes sense.
The SP5+ is considered a fitness-focused electric bike with an aluminum frame, carbon fork, one-piece aluminum stem/bar, and aluminum wheels. The frame houses a Branta-branded XDS Mid-Drive X800 motor with 250-watt maximum continuous rated power, and 400 watt peak power, and 85Nm of torque.
Surly describes the new Sorceress as a 'progressive hardtail built for ever-evolving trails and the humanoids who can't get enough of them.' The frame's design emphasizes low standover height and maximized dropper post travel to enhance rider comfort and control across different body types.
"Our heritage is rooted in building gear for people who live and thrive in the mountains, and that includes our own team. Many of us ride; our athletes ride. Mountain biking is part of our culture," Ashley Anson, VP Design at Arc'teryx, said.
Race Face's Turbine stem has been a popular choice for years, with several lengths and a range of anodized colors to choose from. The new 'standard' Turbine follows in the SL's aesthetic footsteps, with a similar, squared-off, and more angular design.
The core idea here isn't gimmickry. It's composure. Specifically, the idea that a calmer, more composed ride creates speed, and that a platform intentionally designed around 32-inch wheels can deliver that in a way a scaled-up 29er simply can't.
Batch aims to repeat the process, now in the gravel corner of the industry. Now, surely, these new gravel offerings won't completely knock your socks off, but that isn't Batch's intention. However, will they get new riders out on two wheels without the incredible cost barrier? Absolutely.
With this Carbon Road, we're trying to blur the lines between 'entry level' and real performance. Phil joked that he thinks Tadej could win the Tour on this frame, and that's exactly the point. This bike wouldn't be out of place, built with SRAM Rival as a killer 'starter' carbon road bike, and then you look up, and you've got our sponsored guys building the same frameset with SRAM Red or Shimano Dura-Ace and going out there setting records.