Foes have been a leading choice among many privateer World Cup riders (including Missy Giove) for years so the gravity set will be awaiting the news of an all new frame with anticipation.

The Foes ‘Fly’ can handle triple ring or single chainset and the angles (around 69 degrees) and top tube length (over 23″ on the Large size) make it long enough for extended rides. While the semi monocoque Easton tubed front end is ‘Hucking’ proof without masses of extra weight.

The suspension uses a massively oversized mid level swingarm pivot, with the shock driven by Foes Patented “Fly Swing” linkage. This gives up to 8″ of travel or 9.5″ with the custom Curnutt R shock option.

Other options include a floating rear disc brake mount and 12mm bolt through rear axle for maximum stiffness.

Meanwhile Azonic are launching a similar freeride / slalom frame to be called the Eliminator. This will be hitting these shores at the ‘reasonable for it’s type’ price of £999 including Fox shock. No more details at present but we’ll hopefully have a picture here shortly.

While these bikes might be designed to hit terminal velocity as fast as possible, you still have to slow down to collect your medals. Good news is that Hayes ever reliable disc brakes are now available at a much reduced price. The Hayes HFX-Comp should be available in the next month here in the UK and RRP will be only £129.95 (Standard Mag systems RRP at £175) so the price is a lot more accessible. Included are Lever, Caliper, Hose, Pads, Disc and all mounting bolts. The system features the same caliper(different finish), pads, hose and lever internals of the standard Mag system. The only real difference is that the system has a composite rather than a magnesium master-cylinder body.

This puts the US company right back into contention after recent price drops by Hope and Formula.