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Sean T. Randolph takes a close look at the Tout Terrain Outback Xplore II hardtail ($6,279), a rugged gearbox- and belt-drive-equipped bicycle featuring the Pinion C1.12 system. If you’re gearbox-curious (and we know you are), read on to find out if this touring mountain bike from Tout Terrain is the derailleur-killer…
Inspired by the original Manitou FS bike, created by Doug Bradbury in 1993, the Manitou FS II features a monocoque frame with a unique linkage design at the dropout and pinion gearbox yoke, utilizing a Manitou fork on the front and rear seat stay. Manitou’s bikes are iconic and pushed the envelope since its founding in 1986 and this retro-inspired FS II is no different. Check it out at Manitou!
Check out Doug’s personal 1987 Manitou in our Vintage Bicycles category!
John is down in Melbourne, Australia, documenting the Made Bike Show Australia 2024 framebuilder showcase and has a special sneak peek gallery today featuring Woods Bicycle Company‘s Effigear-equipped El Camino steel full suspension. Let’s check it out!
The Pinion Smart.Shift gearbox offers electronic shifting for instantaneous engagement, eliminating the soft or sluggish feeling found with the grip shift Pinion systems. Yet this system isn’t as perfect as it’s marketed, and John found one critical shortcoming during his review period…
Alex from Portus Cycles was the late Ezra Caldwell’s biggest fan in Germany. After fighting cancer and documenting the process for six years before passing away in 2014, Ezra inspired many people, even today. For Alex, it became his inspiration and helped him through his own father’s battle with brain cancer. Ultimately, Alex’s father passed away, inspiring him to live life to the fullest and keep on keepin’ on with Portus Cycles. This bike is an homage to both Ezra and Aelx’s father.
Powered by the unique, made in Germany, Pinion gearbox, this hardtail was used in one of Germany’s 24-hour mountain bike race, Sleepless in the Saddle. If you’d like to know more, head over to Portus Cycles.
