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].
Madnes steel bikes
Madnes is a French bike brand producing steel mountain bikes. The brand’s 2024 range includes the Nova 29er all-mountain bike, shown above, along with 27.5 and mixed-wheel enduro bikes.
- Price: From 2,200€ (frame)
- Buy from madnesbicycles.com
Aenomaly Switchgrade two-position saddle angle adjuster
The Aenomaly Switchgrade is a saddle angle adjuster that launched back in 2021. The brand recently added a two-position Switchgrade that promises to be less expensive than the original, three-position adjuster.
- Price: TBD
- Buy from aenomalyconstructs.com
Scott Ransom update
The all-new Scott Ransom enduro bike features a 6-link suspension design that’s hidden inside the frame for an unbelievably clean look. With the suspension hardware located just above the bottom bracket, the bike has a low center of gravity and also features adjustable geo and the ability to run mixed wheels.
- Price: From $5,999.99
- Buy from Scott dealers
Roka Bandera and Havana Sunglasses
Roka has a couple of new aviator-inspired sunglasses that are ready for spring and summer riding. The Roka Bandera is retro-inspired, has a squarish shape to the frame, and is available in a variety of frame and lens choices, including a prescription option (for additional cost). The Roka Havana is also retro-inspired with teardrop-shaped lenses in a similar variety of frame colors and lens choices.
- Price: $190 – $225
- Buy from Roka
Freedom Coast Cycling brake levers and adapters
If you’re looking for a way to customize your brakes, check out these Freedom Coast Cycling brake levers and adapters. The machined parts are made in the US to fit brakes from a variety of brands and are available in a variety of colors.
- Price: From $45
- Buy from freedomcoast.net
Julbo Forest EVO Helmet
The new Julbo Forest EVO mountain bike helmet features MIPS rotational impact protection plus an adjustable visor and magnetic Fidlock chin strap buckle. But perhaps the most significant innovation is not one but two (!) sunglasses storage spots: one above the visor, another at the back of the helmet. No doubt this is so you can carry multiple pairs of Julbo sunglasses on your ride.
- Price: $170
- Buy from julbo.us
Turner Venn bikepacking bike
The Turner bike brand has been around for 30 years, and this year, they’re working on new and updated bikes, including the Turner Venn bikepacking bike shown here. Turner’s bike frames are made with titanium and feature sliding dropouts and copious frame mounts to make the bikes as versatile as possible.
- Price: TBD
- Buy from turnerbikes.com
Vans x YT shoe collab
YT has collaborated with Vans on a line of footwear. The brands say the special edition Vans 114 is “a performance-driven BMX shoe,” which has us wondering: when is YT going to make a BMX bike?
- Price: $99.99 (shoe) $44.99 (slides)
- Buy from yt-industries.com
Terry Hot Flash lightweight bike short
The new Terry Hot Flash bike shorts are said to be the lightest yet from the brand, designed for riding on the hottest days of the year.
- Price: $129.95
- Buy from Terry
Koroyd body protection
Mountain bikers are probably familiar with Koroyd, the honeycomb-like material that’s used to absorb impact in helmets. Now the brand is launching a new product, Koroyd Body Protection, that’s designed to offer protection along with comfort for knee and elbow pads.
- Price and availability are TBD
Delium gravel tires
Delium has a fresh line of gravel tires offered in three patterns: SpeedX, Allrounder, and Loamer. All three tires are available in three different sizes and are priced at just $49.99 each. If you’re unfamiliar with the Delium tire brand, read our review of their mountain bike tires.
- Price: $49.99
- Buy from deliumtires.com
Rocky Mountain C99 Series
Rocky Mountain just rolled out their C99 Series bikes, aka the “Galaxy Collection.” Yes, the $10K+ prices (USD) are certainly out of this Galaxy, BUT you can’t argue with the builds, which feature SRAM XX1 or X01 Eagle Transmission drivetrains, RockShox Ultimate Flight Attendant suspension, and carbon wheels. C99 builds are available for the Rocky Mountain Altitude, Element, and Instinct.
- Price: $10,499 – $12,499 USD
- Buy from Rocky Mountain dealers
ODI + D3O grips
ODI and D3O have teamed up for a vibration-damping and impact-reducing mountain bike grip called the Vanquish.
- Price and availability TBD
Coros Vertix 2S
The Coros Vertix 2S is a minor refresh of the brand’s Vertix GPS smartwatch that Singletracks reviewed in 2022. The Vertix 2S is available in Earth, Moon, and Space editions and includes upgraded heart rate monitoring hardware. The watch boasts 118 hours of battery life with continuous GPS use compared to 140 hours for the Vertix 2.
- Price: $699
- Buy from Coros
Haro full suspension bike(s?) coming soon
Haro tends to be on-again/off-again when it comes to mountain bikes so we’re watching the development of their full suspension bike(s) with a bit of a side eye. If/when anything comes of the brand’s latest “work in progress” we’ll let you know.
- Price and availability TBD.
Restrap Race Hydration Pack
Restrap is known for their bikepacking and frame bags and now has a hydration vest on offer. The Restrap Race Hydration Pack comes with a 2L reservoir and features reflective accents, mesh pockets, and all the straps you need for a stable fit. Available in two sizes.
- Price: $189.99
- Buy from restrap.com
Wera Torque wrench
The Wera Anti-Over Tightening Torque Wrench is a new tool that we’re anxious to learn more about. At Sea Otter, the brand had a couple of different handle configurations on display, and the tool looks to be a fine addition to their existing line of torque wrenches.
- Price and availability TBD
Bianchi MTB E-Vertic FX-Type Pro
Bianchi seems as committed as ever to the mountain bike space after various fits and starts over the years. The Italian brand has a surprisingly deep line of full suspension electric mountain bikes, including the E-Vertic FX-Type Pro enduro model we saw on display at Sea Otter.
- Price: 8,749€
- Buy from Bianchi dealers
Cascade Components adds derailleur cages
Cascade Components has made a name for itself producing aftermarket linkages for popular mountain bikes. Now the brand is teasing custom SRAM Eagle Transmission derailleur cages and TRP brake pad contact adjusters.
- Price and availability are TBD.
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