Latest mountain bike news

A close-up view of a person wearing a CamelBak hydration pack, positioned on their lower back, while holding onto a bicycle handlebar. The background features a forested area, suggesting an outdoor activity like biking or hiking.
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A winding dirt path through a tranquil forest, surrounded by tall trees and patches of green moss. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting gentle shadows on the ground.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky terrain, with large boulders and sparse vegetation, under a clear blue sky.
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A close-up view of a bike suspension tool mounted in a workshop, featuring a metallic silver body with a blue label and a clamp at one end. Various bike tools and equipment are visible in the background, arranged on a wall.
A person riding a mountain bike on a gravel path alongside a river, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain. The scenery features hills in the background and a clear sky.
A scenic view of a mountainous landscape at sunrise, featuring rugged peaks illuminated by warm sunlight. In the foreground, a rustic wooden fence and scattered bushes blend with the natural surroundings, while a house is nestled among the trees in the distance. The scene captures the tranquility of nature, with a mix of rocky terrain and evergreen trees.
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A mountain biker rides along a narrow rock arch in a desert landscape, with cloudy skies overhead. The scene captures the thrill of outdoor adventure and the natural beauty of the terrain.
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A close-up image of a brightly colored, worn shoe resting on a large stone, surrounded by natural elements such as dried leaves and small plants. The shoe features a black toe with red accents and visible text printed on the side.
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Group of four outdoor enthusiasts posing together by a body of water. They are smiling and wearing casual attire, with logos visible on their shirts and hats. The background features a recreational area with boats and greenery under a clear blue sky.
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A mountain biker riding over rocky terrain on a sunny day with a clear blue sky. The cyclist is dressed in a black and pink jersey and gray shorts, focusing on navigating the challenging landscape.
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A group of mountain bikers in various colored outfits and helmets are lined up next to a starting banner on a dirt path. The setting appears to be a grassy area with hills in the background, under overcast skies. Some participants are holding umbrellas due to the weather, while others are on their bikes, preparing for the race.
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Alt text: A detailed view of a mountain bike featuring a black and green frame, showcasing the suspension system and handlebars. Images include close-ups of the shock absorber and fork with branding, highlighting the bike's advanced components.
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A mountain biker climbs a dirt trail on a hillside, surrounded by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation under a partly cloudy sky.
Four containers of Nikwax cleaning products are displayed on a red background. The products include TX.Direct Wash-In and TX.Direct Spray-On on the top, and Basewash and Tech Wash bottles on the bottom.
A scenic landscape view featuring rolling hills and a valley, with a winding river and patches of trees. In the distance, snow-capped mountains rise against a cloudy sky, illuminated by sunlight breaking through the clouds.
A black and yellow GT mountain bike frame is positioned on a workbench. The frame features a stylish design with prominent branding and is equipped with a shock absorber. A small piece of wood is supporting the frame, and the background shows a power outlet and a row of electrical sockets along the wall.
A blue fat bike with oversized tires is displayed against a textured white background. The bike features a sleek design, with a modern frame and disc brakes. Additionally, a graphic reading "Coming Soon" is positioned at the top left corner, adding a promotional element to the image.
A mountain biker performing a jump off a wooden ramp in a forested area, surrounded by trees and greenery. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing an action shot that captures the thrill of the sport.
Two people riding mountain bikes along a dirt path in a desert landscape. The scene features sparse vegetation and a distant mountainous horizon under a cloudy sky.
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A mountain bike with orange handlebars and two water bottles mounted on the frame is parked beside a trail sign featuring symbols for biking and hiking. In the background, a rocky mountain range and clear blue sky are visible. The scene is set in a natural outdoor environment with scattered shrubs.
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A mountain biker skillfully navigates a rocky trail on a bicycle, with a wooden bridge in the foreground. The landscape features rugged terrain and sparse vegetation, showcasing the challenging environment of the bike ride.
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Close-up of a man’s face with a focused expression, accompanied by the text "dirtTV" in the top left corner and the words "BEYOND THE BIKE 'NEEDLES'" prominently displayed. The background is dark, emphasizing the subject's features.
A black fat bike displayed in a shop, featuring oversized tires with white rims and a sleek frame design. Various bicycle accessories and other bikes are visible in the background, showcasing a vibrant retail environment.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a narrow dirt trail surrounded by tall grasses and rocky terrain, with hills in the background under a partially cloudy sky.
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A spacious bicycle shop featuring a variety of bicycles on display. The interior has high ceilings with bright overhead lights and large windows allowing natural light. Rows of bikes are arranged around the shop, with a counter where staff assist customers.
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Logo of "Bell Built" featuring a hexagonal design in red with the words "BELL BUILT" prominently displayed. The tagline "MAKING TRAILS" is included, accompanied by a gear symbol.
A cluttered bike shop filled with numerous bicycles, both on the floor and hanging from the ceiling. Various styles and colors of bikes are visible, including a bright yellow bike prominently displayed amongst many others. Price tags are attached to most bikes, and posters and signage decorate the walls of the shop. The overall atmosphere is busy and vibrant, highlighting a vast selection of bicycles.
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A person standing outdoors in a black t-shirt, speaking towards the camera with a scenic background featuring trees and mountains under a clear blue sky. A video player interface is visible at the bottom.
<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/camelbak_flashflo2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-42823" title="camelbak_flashflo2" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/camelbak_flashflo2.jpg" width="620" height="413" /></a>

It's no secret: <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-gear/how-to-mountain-bike-without-a-hydration-pack/">I'm not a fan of hydration packs</a>. And judging by the plethora of options on the market today, I'm guessing a lot of people have issues with their hydration packs too. Why else would so many companies be working on designing products to "fix" the issues with the other packs on the market? I'll save everyone some time and money: the hydration pack is, for most uses, a flawed concept.

The fanny pack, on the other hand, has just one relatively minor problem: it's not cool (ha!). But from a purely functional standpoint, I'm here to say the fanny pack ("waist pack" in modern terms) is a solid choice on the trail, and the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/bike-reviews/Hydration/Camelbak-FlashFlo-Hydration-Waistpack_6570#r8830">Camelbak FlashFlo LR</a> is by far the best one I've used. Here's what you need to know about this awesome little pack.

<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/flashflo_reservoir.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-42826" title="flashflo_reservoir" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/flashflo_reservoir.jpg" width="620" height="419" /></a>

The FlashFlo LR fits a 1.5-liter reservoir and includes another 200 cubic inches of cargo space. That's actually more cargo room than the racy Rogue pack and in my experience, it's enough to carry a hand pump, spare tube, tools, keys, phone, and snacks. Now, this pack won't handle all the gear you'd need to bike deep into the backcountry, but it should be more than enough for most weekday rides under three hours or so. For many of us, the bulk of our rides fall into this category anyway, so a lightweight pack like this can potentially get a lot of use.

I've experimented with using the pack without the hydration reservoir, and I've been able to fit even more gear, including all my tools PLUS arm warmers and a DSLR camera with a big lens on it. Everything just fits.

<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/camelbak_flashflo1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-42825" title="camelbak_flashflo1" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/camelbak_flashflo1.jpg" width="620" height="413" /></a>

My number one complaint about hydration packs is that they are constricting on the bike. Placing weight on a rider's back alters his center of gravity, restricts movement, adds to fatigue (at least for me--maybe I need to do more back and shoulder exercises), and blocks airflow on hot days. The FlashFlo LR, by comparison, places weight right at the rider's center of gravity. Admittedly, the pack does bounce up and down whenever the bike leaves the ground--but so does a hydration pack unless it's cinched down tight (which restricts breathing).

<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/camelbak_flashflo3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-42824" title="camelbak_flashflo3" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/camelbak_flashflo3.jpg" width="620" height="413" /></a>

The FlashFlo LR also places all the things I need on the trail--snacks, tools, smartphone--within reach without having to take my pack off. I just spin the pack around, get what I need, and slide it back around. While many full blown hydration backpacks feature small energy bar pockets on the hip belt, none of these can compare to the gaping maw the FlashFlo LR reveals with a pull of the main zipper. As a serious trail photographer, the FlashFlo is great since it allows me to pull off the side of the trail, grab my big camera quickly, and start firing off shots within seconds.

I've tried other waist packs for mountain biking, but none were as comfortable or as stable as the FlashFlo LR. Camelbak put a ton of thought and design experience into this pack, and the result is a padded and fitted waist belt that's easy to adjust. It's such a liberating feeling to have just a single buckle on this pack compared to the spider web of straps and buckles on the countless hydration packs I've owned.

Camelbak includes many of the nice touches consumers have come to expect from the brand, including high quality zippers, excellent strap management, and easy-to-clean materials throughout. I also really appreciate the reflective piping and ribbons, which make this pack easy to spot in the dark.

If the idea of wearing a fanny pack brings Steve Urkel to mind, it's time to update your mental image. The FlashFlo is the best waist pack I've found, and it's more than appropriate for mountain bikers who are tired of storing gear in an inaccessible pack that rides up high. Combine this pack and reservoir with a water bottle cage or two and you can carry all the water you need for an epic ride--plus a camera you'll actually stop to use since it's so easy to access.

<em>Thanks to <a href="http://www.camelbak.com/">Camelbak</a> for providing the FlashFlo LR for review.</em>
A mountain biker navigating a rocky downhill trail, leaning forward with intensity as he expertly rides his blue bike through a rugged, natural landscape surrounded by trees and rocky terrain.
An artistic arrangement of Shimano XTR bike components, including a crankset, cassette, chain, and derailleur, set against a dark blue background. The text "SHIMANO XTR" and "ENGINEERED FOR THE WAY YOU RIDE" is prominently displayed.
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A fat tire bike parked on a snowy trail, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
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A man wearing a black helmet, a dark plaid shirt, and black pants is standing next to a mountain bike. He is holding an orange object in one hand and has a relaxed expression while posing against a textured gray background.
A bright turquoise mountain bike with striking pink accents. The bike features a sturdy frame and is displayed on a stand against a green backdrop, indicating a bicycle event or exhibition.
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A cyclist navigating rocky terrain on a mountain bike, wearing a helmet and a red shirt, with trees in the background. The cyclist appears focused and is leaning forward, showcasing a dynamic riding posture.
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A high-performance mountain bike suspension fork with a black and silver design, featuring adjustable settings and a sturdy crown. The fork is shown from a frontal perspective, highlighting its sleek lines and branding.
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A sleek black fat bike positioned on snowy ground, showcasing its wide, knobby tires and sturdy frame. Pine trees in the background add a natural, wintry setting. The bike features a minimalist design with a small storage bag attached to the frame.
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A mountain biker performing a wheelie on a rocky trail, with a mountainous landscape in the background under a clear blue sky. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing an adventurous moment in an outdoor setting.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike tire showcasing its textured tread pattern, designed for grip and traction on rough terrain. The background features blurred earthy tones, indicating an outdoor setting.
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A cyclist riding along a winding dirt trail on a rocky, arid landscape with sparse vegetation, surrounded by hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
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Illustration of a cyclist riding a mountain bike over a winding path, set against a map outline of Georgia. The design includes the text "Georgia State Parks" and "Biker" at the bottom, with earthy colors reflecting outdoor adventure.
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A cyclist riding a mountain bike on a snowy trail in a mountainous landscape, with trees lining the path and clouds in the sky.
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Image of a black bicycle suspension fork with red accents. The fork features a sleek design and is branded with the RockShox logo. It is viewed from the front, showcasing its dual legs and mounting points at the bottom.
Outdoor recreation map for Sedona, Arizona, featuring topographic shaded relief and details on 14 popular mountain bike trails, including elevation profiles, trail mileages, and difficulty symbols. The map is waterproof and designed for outdoor use.
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A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail in a dense forest, surrounded by lush green foliage and trees. The biker is leaning into a turn, showcasing dynamic motion, while vibrant green plants are in the foreground.
A cyclist riding a mountain bike on a snow-covered trail surrounded by trees, with a cloudy sky overhead.