California's Santa Cruz have been at the forefront of carbon technology when it comes to downhill racing, introducing a carbon version of their V10 bike last year and kitting out their Syndicate team with ENVE Composites (formerly Edge) wheels.
Unlike GT's Fury, however – the only other notable carbon bike on the World Cup circuit until the launch of the Trek Session 9.9 this summer – the V10 only has a composite front triangle and linkages, with the rear end still made from alloy.
Until now, that is. Photos have been posted on Santa Cruz's 104bronson blog of a new carbon rear triangle developed with ENVE, and word from Val di Sole, Italy is that the Syndicate team – or at least Steve Peat and Greg Minnaar (only a large size has been created so far) – will be running the new back end at this weekend's World Cup round, along with new front triangles too.
The new full-carbon chassis is said to be at least 600g lighter than the current frame, with the carbon rear triangle said to account for about 300g of that weight saving. All-up bike weight is said to be around 34lb. The squad will be testing the new rear ends this weekend before deciding whether to run them at the World Championships in Champery, Switzerland at the start of September.
