Gear Watch Wednesday is a weekly update on the latest mountain bike gear releases and products that Singletracks has received for test. Have gear news to share, or products you’d like us to check out? Email [email protected].
ENVE M-series Gen 5 wheels roll out big improvements
The new ENVE M-series line of carbon mountain bike wheels is said to deliver big improvements thanks to innovations on several fronts. At the same time, they managed to drop the price of a wheelset from $2,550 to $2,300. All wheelsets feature front- and rear-specific rim shapes and widths.
All new M-series wheels feature ENVE Innerdrive ratchet-driven hubs. The brand notes that hubs generally account for a third of the cost of a wheelset, and the quality of the hubs is a big contributor to overall performance. With the oversize 42mm ratchet system, ENVE is able to offer 40, 60, 80, and 100t options for an engagement angle as low as 3.6°. If you read our hub engagement explainer earlier this year, you know there is a tradeoff when it comes to higher engagement, and the brand makes it clear that the 100t upgrade suffers the most drag.
Another key upgrade to this generation of M-series wheels is the use of external locking spoke nipples, which is said to ensure reliability.
M-series wheels are divided into four main lines. The XC-race oriented M5 Pro wheels weigh 1,325g for the pair with a 29mm internal width for the front and 27mm for the rear. The M6 wheels, shown in the riding photo above, are designed for downcountry and trail riding, plus “light” eMTB riding, which ENVE says is limited to bikes with 75Nm of torque or less. ENVE M6 rims measure 32mm across on the front wheel, and 29mm on the rear, and a set weighs about 1589g.
On the gravity side, M8 wheels also feature 32mm and 29mm rim widths, front and rear respectively, with a weight of about 1983g. The M9 Race wheels flip the script when it comes to width, with matched 29mm internal rim widths and a 2236g overall weight.
Mixed-diameter wheelsets are available.
- Price: $2,300
- Buy from ENVE
Marin Rift Zone EL lightweight eMTBs are designed for a more natural and playful ride feel.
Last year, Marin introduced an electric version of their popular trail bike, the Rift Zone. Now, there’s a lighter version available, the Marin Rift Zone EL. The aluminum alloy EL features a smaller, 400Wh battery paired with a Bosch Performance Line SX motor. The Marin Rift Zone EL has 150/140mm of suspension travel front/rear and a head tube angle that’s adjustable between 64.5° and 65.5°. Three builds will be available globally beginning this fall.
- Price: $4,799 to $6,999
- Buy from Marin dealers
Canyon Scampr MTB shoes look to be hike-a-bike friendly, but they’re still clipless only.
Canyon jumped feet first into the cycling shoe market earlier this year with high-end, road- and XC-focused offerings. Now, the brand has added a more trail-friendly option that also looks to be a good choice for gravel: the Canyon Scampr. It’s a clipless pedal shoe with a single BOA closure and Solestar inserts.
- Price: €159.95
- Buy from canyon.com
This Selle San Marco Mantra saddle is short and stubby.
The new Selle San Marco Mantra saddle is listed under the mountain bike section of their website, but the brand says it’s a good choice for everything from gravel to enduro riding. The saddle measures 154x244mm, which puts it on the wide and short end of men’s saddles. Selle San Marco says the saddle has a “fully flat profile,” and it’s available with carbon, Xsilite (hollow stainless steel), or manganese rails.
- Price: $139.66 – $214.91
- Buy from sellesanmarco.com
Smith Seeker sunglasses seek to stop side sun
The new Smith Seeker sunglasses feature “subtle” side shades to block light from the sides and also to protect your eyes from dust on the trail. The frames are made from a bio-based material while the temple and nose pads react to sweat for a no-slip grip.
- Price: $175-225
- Buy from Smith Optics
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