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].
Updated Ari Cascade Peak
Ari, the brand formerly known as Fezzari, recently updated the Cascade Peak, a trail bike with 140/135mm of suspension travel front/rear. The updated geometry boasts a 65° head tube angle, 78° seat tube angle, and a 480mm reach (size large). The aluminum alloy-framed bikes are said to have a lower standover height and a newly placed flip chip on the rocker link that adjusts the bike’s head tube angle and bottom bracket height.
The Ari Cascade Peak can be configured with mixed wheels, though the three builds on offer come with matched 29er wheels. The entry-level Comp build comes with an SR Suntour fork and shock, while the two more expensive builds feature DVO suspension. All builds include a dropper post.
- Price: $1,999-$2,999
- Buy from Ari Bikes
Fourth generation Chris King hubs
The latest generation Chris King hubs have a new streamlined design that promises to make it easier—and cheaper—to swap drive shells. Learn more about the changes here.
- Price: $500+ for rear hub
- Buy from Chris King
Ratio SR52T Transmission-compatible derailleur cage
SRAM Eagle Transmission derailleurs have been shown to be quite robust, but apparently, some riders have found the cages to be a weak link when it comes to rocks. The Ratio SR52T derailleur cage is made from 7075 aluminum and acetal thermoplastic to reduce the chance of the outer cage peeling away in the event of a rock strike.
- Price: $77.70 (cage only)
- Buy from ratiotechnology.com
