New Product Grab Bag

Here at Bike we see new stuff all day long and tons of it's just fresh new logos on tired old products. But through superior innovation, reliable consistency or plain old value, some things really stand out. Here's a list of items that won't let you down.

Bianchi Grizzly

Bianchi Grizzly
Bianchi has consistently produced solid performance hardtails that are good values, and the 2004 Grizzly is no exception. It features a scandium frame with carbon-fiber seatstays, Bianchi's refreshing Celeste colors, a RockShox SID Team fork, Avid Juicy hydraulic disc brakes and a SRAM X-9 drivetrain. Retail price is $2,600 (www.bianchiusa.com).

Nokian NBX UST

Nokian NBX UST
Following up on the success Nokian had with its NBX in 2003, it is now offering this proven, dual-compound tread pattern in UST tubeless version. This new 2.0-width tire should retail for around $50, with tubed versions running about $40 (www.nokian.com).

Syncros FR2

Syncros FR2
The legendary Canadian component manufacturer has returned to the scene in a major way with a line of stems, bars, seatposts, rims, saddles and tires. One standout item is this $100 FR2 headset. Built for "extreme" abuse, it features forged stainless steel cups and oversized ball bearings (www.syncros.com).

Galfer

Galfer
While this company is new to the bike industry, Galfer's motor sports background has given them a depth of experience in the world of high-performance disc brakes. Galfer is the owner of the wave-rotor patent, so it is no surprise they offer this disc upgrade in various sizes, including a massive 10-inch unit shown here (prices range from $47 to $90). Galfer also offers $34-$46 braided, stainless-steel line kits and $17 semi-metallic pad upgrades, with compounds specifically formulated for the application ( www.galferusa.com).

Control Tech Smart Stem III

Control Tech Smart Stem III
The $75 Smart Stem III is cold forged and CNC machined from scandium for light weight and increased strength. It's available in 90-, 100-, 110- and 120mm lengths and the 31.8-diameter twin bar clamps are adaptable with shims to either 26.0 road or 25.4 mountain sizes (www.controltechbikes.com).

Yeti 575

Yeti 575
New from Yeti this year is the 575. This all-mountain design is based on the successful ASR platform, and the 575 ups the rear travel to 5.75 inches. Similar to the ASR, seatstay/rear-dropout pivots are replaced with carbon "flex links." These carbon flex pivots help keep weight at around six pounds and create a more efficient, laterally stiffer ride. The 7005 aluminum 575 frame will cost $1,400 with a 5th Element shock (www.yeticycles.com).