MTB News Mix is a weekly update of all things mountain biking where we cover new products, pro races, athlete news, and more. With the Sea Otter race and expo happening this week, several brands have been keen to drop their new summer gear. Check it out!
Norco Revolver FS XC, 100 or 120mm
Norco has a new cross country whip, designed specifically for today’s rockier and increasingly technical World Cup circuits. The Revolver FS will be offered in a 100mm version, for redlined fast racing, and a 120mm platform for marathon races and long days in the saddle. The bikes will be available at Norco dealers in June.
Comencal Meta AM 29, Signature Brushed Finish
The bike we all saw leaning against every EWS podium stand last season beneath Cècil Ravanel’s top step perch, is now available in a clean brushed alloy finish, with an impressive build spec. This latest 160mm Meta AM 29er frame takes a 170mm Fox 36 Factory fork, Shimano XT 4-piston brakes, and a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain. The limited edition bikes are available on Comencal’s website for $4,599.
New Marzocchi Bomber Z2
Since releasing of the new Z1 Bomber, and their recent coil shock offering, Marzocchi has received rave reviews. Meet the sleek Z2 Bomber, available with 100-150mm of travel, a 34mm stanchion diameter, and an all-new Rail damper, priced at only $499.99 for either a 27.5 or 29er version. With its simple design and affordable shelf tag, you can expect to see a lot of these burly Bombers at the park this coming summer.
HELM Works Series 130
Cane Creek has shrunk the Helm to 130mm for aggressive XC and trail riders alike. The new shorter travel air fork has lost 100 grams from its taller predecessor, weighing in at 1999g. Designed around 29″ or 27.5+” tire diameters, the 35mm stanchions should make for a solid feel aboard its gunmetal grey platform. The Helm Work Series 130 will retail for $899, available at Cane Creek retailers in May.
WTB Verdict and Verdict Wet loose condition tires
Wilderness Trail Bikes (WTB) claims to have molded the tallest tire knobs to date with their new Verdict and Verdict Wet 2.5″ front-specific tires. The Verdict tread is designed for aggressive riding in deep dust and loose rocks, while the Verdict Wet extends the knobs further to bite into soggy peanut butter. Both of these tubeless-ready tires are available in 29″ or 27.5″ diameters, but only 2.5″ wide. The Verdict’s retail price will range from $70.95 to $83.95, depending on the casing you choose.
Race Face Turbine SL Wheelset
The wheel engineers at Race Face have wrapped their Vault hubs in a 28 hole alloy rim, with a 25mm internal width, that weighs a respectable 1635 grams for the set. As the video above seems to show, the wheel’s trail readiness has been properly tested and approved. The set retails for $850 and is available through your local Race Face dealer.
Zipp 3Zero Moto rims
The mountain bike industry continues to borrow good ideas from motocross, and the new 3Zero rims from Zipp are a prime example. The single-wall carbon hoop “allows the rims to ‘pivot’ from either side of the spoke bed while traversing rough terrain. As the wheel encounters obstacles, each edge of the rim is designed for compliance, creating the feel of extra suspension. For the rider, that means durability and control for greater speed.”
Zipp claims that the new rim design also reduces the chance of pinch flats, offers more cornering traction, and allows riders to run lower tire pressures. Size 29″ or 27.5″ rims can be purchased à la carte for $799, or built around a set of Zipp ZM1 hubs for $1,999.
Osmo Nutrition Range
Peter Sagan’s favorite beverage mix is making a bit of a comeback, and the flavors sound delicious! Their active hydration line comes in orange, blackberry, and lemon-lime, and retails for $20 in the 40-serving size. The brand also has a variety of pre- and post-ride nutrition products to choose from, in a variety of flavors. Check out the science behind their products here.
UCI lays claim to pedal-assisted racing
With the first-ever UCI World Champs eMTB race scheduled this August in Mont Saint-Anne, Quebec, the global cycling federation has firmly placed their stamp of approval on the growing cycling genre. To solidify their sanctioning power over electric-assisted bikes, the UCI has created penalties for any rider who competes in the other e-bike Enduro World Cup, being promoted by the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM) that takes place June 1st and 2nd in France. With these bouts over event governance, it seems the the the question of “motorcycle or not” will continue for some time.
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