Our spies have managed to infiltrate Univega importers E. Reece to get these exclusive, but unfortunately poor quality pics of next year’s bikes. Not being spies ourselves we can only begin to imagine how minute and difficult to use their camera is…

Full details of the range haven’t even been announced to the dealers yet. This is what we know so far…

Single pivot 6061 frame with long travel Judy C forks upfront and a Concept air shock giving 4in of aft plush, Magura Julie brakes (most popular disc brake for ’01?) front and rear. The groupset runs from Deore to XT (rear mech presumably).

This, the top Alpina tree, looks gorgeous draped in XT and XTR kit, Manitou Mars anti-bob forks. Take a look at the rear end, if you can make it out through the fuzz of our spy’s photography, it’s a cross between a single pivot and a linkage bike. The bottom bracket is mounted on the main frame, there’s no pivot at the drop out but the shock is mounted on a link which terminates above the bottom bracket shell. Intreresting. We’re going to try and get one of these to test.

We’re not quite sure why they’ve gone for a head shock type system from Concept, I guess thousands of Cannondale owners can’t be wrong but it does limit the aftermarket fork options. That aside Concept’s head tube suspension is quite novel using a 28tooth steerer to keep the forks on track. Lashings of top end Shimano XT keep everything running sweet.

Univega importers E. Reece tell us that they’ve got some of the bikes with the rest coming soon. If you want a brochure [email protected]

Or you can ring them on 0121 446 2600.

They haven’t got the 2001 bikes up on the Univega site yet but it’s worth a look anyhow