Merlin’s Works 4.0 combines a titanium front triangle (of course) with an Ellsworth four-bar rear end.

Giant

Giant is tackling the freeride market from two directions. The Glory gets a freeride variant, with 8in rather than 8.8in of travel, two chainrings and so on…

…while the other approach is the Reign X, a beefed-up Reign with slightly more travel (6.7in) and freeridey spec.

DT’s RWS wheel retention system replaces the conventional quick release with what’s effectively a wingnut. Unless you press the little button you can only tighten it, so it shouldn’t come undone.

Elite specialises in custom carbon/aluminium road bikes, but it has been known to do MTBs too. This singlespeed (complete with custom-painted Pace forks) belongs to one of the company owners.

Minoura launched a very clever bike computer that uses “e-paper” – it’s a flexible plastic sheet that incorporates the display and electronics. Two button cell batteries power it and should last for three years, the speed and cadence sensors are wireless and the unit is waterproof. The production item will be slightly sleeker than this prototype, and there’ll be an HRM chest strap available too.

Titec is joining the extreme sweep/multi-position bar fray with this hybrid of conventional riser bar and Jones H-Bar. The appearance is unlikely to seduce opponents of bar ends on riser bars, but they might just work.

Maxm

Maxm is using some of Titus’s clever manufacturing techniques in bars and seatposts. This bar uses Isogrid carbon fibre, with an internal reinforcing web…

…and the fantastic-looking Exogrid seatpost has carbon fibre in-moulded into a machined-out titanium tube.

Azonic

Azonic is broadening its frame net with the release of an aluminium XC hardtail in subtle grey.

It’s also launched a dirt jump helmet with built-in speakers – a socket at the back lets you connect it to your music player.