Core Bike 2013 Highlights - Part 4: Upgrade Bikes

We caught up with DMR's Olly Wikins to discuss what was going on with the DMR range for 2013. He bought our attention to the new Dirt jump thoroughbred that is the Sect. Olly has been the driving force behind the development of the bike and he thinks it's nearly spot on! He's has had his hand in absolutely everything that has gone into the bike even down tiny details like the pattern on the grips.

For the Sect they have developed a new drop out system for added rear wheel security that uses two tapered components to lock the wheel in place as it's pulled in tighter. Incredibly simple design that is very effective!

DMR have also developed an all new 35mm diameter bars and stem combo. I asked Olly what hade made them make the step up and offer the bigger diameter he said. "If you run a very firm front end and 800mm wide bars you will start to feel flex in the middle. If you give the bars a 35mm diameter the flex goes away. It's simple."
The new 35mm industry standard in handlebars isn't just another marketing fad, theres certainly some engineering behind it!

Upgrade bikes had lots of the X Fusion forks, Shocks and dropper posts on show and were all looking fantastic. Don't just write off X fusion they are fast becoming a great option!

Their were some very tasty looking dropper post options from X fusion with a new top end model on the way that is aimed straight at challenging the Reverb and Fox D.O.S.S for the top spot.

Their was a good showing from Pivot bikes with a very nice looking carbon trail bike, the Mach 429. Bright colours were certainly the order of the day but we think they look great!

They also had the brand new Les carbon 29er hardtail on show. The les can be configured as a single speeder if you are that way inclined with a really clever dropout system that means you can keep chain tension but always still have the brake disk in the right place in the calliper. The singlespeed kit also comes with plugs to cover all the internal cable routing and keep the fram looking as swarve as ever!