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].
Transition finally releases new Smuggler
Transition riders have been asking for a new Smuggler and the brand finally delivered. The all-around trail bike was last made several years ago, and is back in both alloy and carbon options. Both have 130mm of travel with a 140mm fork. There are three carbon build options, a carbon frame-only option, but unfortunately only one complete build option for the alloy frame.
The bike received a major geometry overhaul and the angles sit somewhere between aggressive and all-around trail bike now, with a 65° HTA, a 77.3-79.3° STA depending on size, and size-specific chainstays.
- Price: $3,700 and up
- Buy from Transition dealers
Gemini claims world’s lightest handlebar
The new Gemini WÄSSAT handlebar is said to be the world’s lightest handlebar, designed for XC racing. The 740mm-wide handlebar is handmade in Barcelona and reportedly weighs just 99g.
- Price: About $200
- Buy from ridegemini.com.
Funn high-flow presta valves
Funn has found more room for improvement in the lowly Presta valve, resulting in the FastAir valve system. The brand claims their valves offer three times as much air flow as a traditional Presta valve and is said to be fully rebuildable. There’s no word yet on how it works with tubeless sealant.
- Price: $35 / pair
- Buy from funnmtb.com.
Alchemy Arktos models get more squish
Alchemy Bikes have increased the rear travel on two of their Arktos models, taking the 120 and 135 to 125mm and 140mm. Alchemy says they heard from riders who wanted a slight increase in travel if it didn’t affect performance and that they were able to deliver. The bikes use Alchemy’s Sine suspension design and can be converted to other travel sizes/models in the lineup.
- Price: $5,500 and up
- Buy from Alchemy Bikes.
Granite Design Quiver Tool Roll
The Granite Design Quiver tool roll is designed to carry all the stuff that’s too bulky or awkward to “stash” elsewhere on the bike. With a flapped and three-pocket design similar to the Topeak Burrito, the Quiver roll adds a secure zippered pocket and a ratcheting dial to cinch everything tight. A full-size, standard MTB tube probably won’t fit, but a thin Tubolito should.
- Price: $36.99
- Buy from granite-design.com.
MRP redesigns 1X and AMg chainguides
Updates to MRP chainguides improve compatibility with a variety of chainring sizes and chainlines. The latest guides also feature tool-free chain access to make drivetrain maintenance easier and a quieter design.
- Price: $74.95-159.95
- Buy from mrpbike.com.
2023 Scott Contessa Signature Collection
Scott recently provided a sneak peek at the Contessa signature line for women featuring fresh soft goods, helmets, shoes, and eyewear. There’s also the Contessa Genius ST 910 featuring an updated and integrated rear suspension platform.
- Price: varies.
- Buy from Scott dealers.
Nicolai Saturn 11 Superlight Limited launches
The Nicolai Saturn 11 Superlight Limited XC bike is designed to go fast and light. The build comes with an Intend BC Samurai inverted fork with 120mm of travel, 2.25″ Wolfpack Race tires, and a full SRAM AXS XX1 drivetrain. Total claimed weight: 9.95kg (just under 22lb) for a size medium without pedals.
- Price: 11,799€
- Buy from nicolai-bicycles.com.
Adidas new sunglasses are ready to ride
Adidas has a couple new pairs of glasses geared toward the outdoor athlete community: the SP0041 and the SP0057. While not the most captivating model name, the glasses are made to offer ventilation, grip, and durability.
- Price: $175-$225.
- Buy from REI and adidaseyewear.com.
Bell releases one expensive full-face helmet
Bell released their latest helmet, the Full-10 Spherical helmet as a model aimed toward professional downhill, slopestyle, and BMX athletes. The brand says it offers unmatched ventilation and sweat management. To improve the model from the previous Full-9, Bell implemented a MIPS Spherical impact system, a new ventilation design, and certifications which should satisfy the sendiest of athletes.
- Price: $650
- Buy from Bell helmet dealers
Carbon cranks for eMTBs
Slapping the eMTB label on various bike parts and accessories might seem gimmicky, but that’s not likely the case with the new Race Face Era crankarms. The brand says these are “the strongest, stiffest and most durable carbon crank ever created by Race Face [and are] now available for eMTBs. Optimized for the powerful Bosch Gen4 motor and the light-and-quiet TQ HPR50, the Era eMTB crankset saves grams while staying scuff-free and looking great on your electric rig.”
- Price: $429.99
- Buy from raceface.com.
Polisport Mountain Pro helmet
The new Polisport Mountain Pro bike helmet features 16 vents and in-mold construction, and is offered in two sizes. The brand says the helmet is designed for XC to all-mountain riding.
- Price: Unknown
- Buy from Polisport dealers.
Hope Releases new hubs
Hope is known for producing high quality, durable goods, especially when it comes to mountain bike hubs. The new Hope Pro 5 hubs are said to be sealed even tighter against trail muck and feature increased engagement with 108 points thanks to a new six pawl design. Not only that, the new hubs are said to be stiffer without adding weight.
- Price: £95 front, £220 rear.
- Buy from Hope dealers.
Updated Salsa Fargo titanium frameset
The Salsa Fargo titanium frameset is back in stock with an updated look and split-able Alternator v1.5 dropouts for running a variety or drivetrain configurations (belt drive anyone?).
- Price: $3,349
- Buy from Salsa dealers.
Revel Bikes opens Taiwan office
Four years after launching, Revel Bikes is opening an office in Taiwan. The operation will be responsible for frame assembly and direct shipment of frames to Asia, Europe, and Australia.
