A gravel bike with room for 6 water bottles and a new eMTB with short, 155mm cranks

Check out the newest bikes from Mondraker, Whyte, and YT plus KOO eyewear and Mission Workshop waterproof gear.
By Jeff Barber
Singletracks may receive compensation for purchases made through any affiliate links in this article.
A cyclist riding a Mondraker Arid gravel bike in a blue outfit and white helmet navigates a dirt trail through a grassy area, with mountains and a blue sky filled with clouds in the background.
A close-up image of a person’s hand interacting with the in-frame storage compartment on a Mondraker Arid gravel bike, labeled "ARID RR." The bike is positioned on grass, showcasing a part of its frame and wheel in the background.
A Mondraker Arid gravel bike stands on a dirt path, framed by a mountainous landscape at sunset. The bike features modern design elements and is positioned prominently against a backdrop of golden skies and rolling hills. The scene evokes a sense of adventure and the outdoors.

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].

New this week

Mondraker Arid gravel bike holds up to six water bottles

We were surprised to learn that the Mondraker Arid is the brand’s first “non-assist” gravel bike (the Dusty is the brand’s existing electric gravel bike). The carbon Arid fits tires up to 50c, features in-frame storage, and is available in five sizes. It’s designed for 1X drivetrains only and is UDH compatible. Between the frame and the fork, the Mondraker Arid can hold up to six (!) water bottles for some seriously long adventures.

  • Price: builds $3,299 – $9,799, frameset for $2,199
  • Buy from Mondraker dealers
A red YT Capra mountain bike positioned against a backdrop of stacked logs. The bike features thick tires, a modern frame design, and a suspension system, suggesting it is designed for rugged terrains. Green grass peeks through on the ground beneath the bike.
Provided photo.

YT Capra Core update

The YT Capra Core line of enduro bikes has been refreshed, offering both aluminum and carbon frame choices and builds to match. The brand smartly specs 30mm rise handlebars on small and medium builds and higher-rise, 40mm bars on larger sizes. All builds also feature Continental Kryptotal tires with enduro casings and brakes with 220/200mm rotors front/rear.

  • Price: $2,499 – $5,999
  • Buy from yt-industries.com
A purple Whyte ELyte EVO electric mountain bike with a sturdy frame and thick tires is parked on a grassy path surrounded by trees and bushes. The bike shows signs of use, including dirt on the frame and tires, indicating it has been recently ridden in a natural outdoor setting.
Provided photo.

Whyte ELyte EVO gets low ⬇️

The Whyte ELyte EVO electric mountain bike is designed to have a low center of gravity (COG) for improved handling, and the brand says the COG is likely lower than any other eMTB on the market. A 400Wh battery is slotted inside the downtube close to the bottom bracket, and every build comes with a 250Wh range extender that mounts inside the bottom of the front triangle. Like many new eMTBs we’ve seen over the past month and a half, the Whyte ELyte EVO features the new Bosch Performance Line CX motor.

Whyte offers some unique features on the ELyte EVO like giving owners the choice of internal or external cable and hose routing. They also spec short, 155mm cranks which should mitigate any increase in pedal strikes related to the low COG design. All frames are carbon fiber and the bike can be configured with either matched 29er or mixed wheels.

  • Price: £7,250 – £9,999
  • Buy from Whyte dealers
A close-up portrait of a cyclist wearing a gray helmet and dark KOO Hype sunglasses, looking confidently at the camera against a colorful graffiti background. The cyclist has short, light-colored hair and is dressed in a black cycling outfit.

KOO HYPE collection is vented to reduce fogging

The new KOO HYPE collection is designed for road biking, but mountain bikers will likely appreciate them as well. The extended coverage eyewear is designed with “ample venting ports with two on either side of the frames, as well as one in the center of the glasses (above the nose bridge)” to reduce fogging.

  • Price: $215
  • Buy from KOO retailers
A bright orange Mission Workshop jacket laid flat, showcasing its interior, which is lined with a dark, textured fabric. The jacket features a standing collar and snap buttons down the front. The background is a simple white wall.
A close-up of a man wearing a black Mission Workshop waterproof cap and an orange waterproof jacket, with rain droplets visible on his clothing and hat. He appears to be looking down, lost in thought, against a blurred, misty background.

Mission Workshop insulated jacket and MW7: H2O waterproof cap

Mission Workshop has a new waterproof jacket and cap just in time for the rainy season. The Mission Workshop Alpha Squad jacket is waterproof and features Polartec® Alpha™ insulation for staying warm and dry before and after the ride (TBH it looks like overkill for most rides). The MW7: H2O cap is another good off-the-bike option thanks to its fully waterproof construction because sadly it doesn’t appear to fit under a helmet.

 
A mountain biker performing a jump on a dirt trail surrounded by trees, with dust kicking up from the ground. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing an action-packed moment in a natural setting.
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A close-up view of a Transition Bandit blue mountain bike with a rider's legs visible. The bike is parked on a dirt trail surrounded by lush green foliage and ferns. The rider is wearing a green and black shirt and dark shorts, along with gloves and sturdy shoes, ready for an outdoor adventure.
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A close-up image of a hand holding a silver Stans Incredible DART tool with a black nozzle and a small tool attached at the end. The inflator features the brand name "STANS." The background is slightly blurred, focusing on the inflator and hand.
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