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].
Amflow PL eMTB
The Amflow PL electric mountain bike is powered by the all-new Avinox Drive System, developed by drone-maker DJI. The motor specs are impressive, delivering up to 850W of peak power and up to 105Nm of torque. The carbon fiber Amflow PL bikes boast fairly light weights too, even with full power 600Wh and 800Wh battery options.
- Price: Unknown
- Buy from amflowbikes.com
Knog Blinder X
The Knog Blinder X delivers the brand’s light tech in a fresh form factor, each with a bright, multi-LED lamp powered by an external battery pack. The Blinder X 2300 is the brightest and promises almost two hours of run time on high, while the Blinder X 1800 dials the brightness down a touch for 2.5 hours of runtime on max power. Both feature six pre-programmed light modes and an “intelligent” magnetic remote control.
- Price: $219.95-269.95
- Buy from Knog
Wolf Tooth Encase pump
Wolf Tooth has two new Encase mini pumps that feature tool storage inside the pump. As you can see in the demonstration above, the tools go inside the pump shaft when not in use, and buyers can choose to stash a multi-tool, tire plug tool, and/or chain tool.
- Price: Starting at $64.95 (pump only)
- Buy from Wolf Tooth
WTB gravel tires
Ahead of Eurobike this week, WTB is launching a slew of tires, including three new gravel treads. Pictured left to right, there’s the fast-rolling Vulpine 45 semi-slick, the faster-rolling Vulpine S 40/45 semi-slick, and the Resolute 50 for all-weather gravel riding. The brand also launched a new mountain bike tire, the Macro XC race tire.
- Price: $69.95 each
- Buy from WTB retailers
Feedback adds e-bike cable management to a bike stand
The Feedback Sports RAKK 2.0 E bicycle storage stand is designed to hold your bike AND your bike charger too. With built-in ties and straps for both ends of the cable, and the charger brick itself, the RAKK 2.0 E promises to clean up your garage just a little bit.
- Price: $75
- Buy from Feedback Sports
Crankbrothers cleat tool
The new Crankbrothers cleat tool is designed to make cleat installation easier and more accurate. It’s designed specifically for the brand’s shoes and works with most cleat types, including SPD, Time, and Crankbrothers’ own.
- Price: $5.99
- Buy from Crankbrothers
Shimano EP-801 firmware update
As mountain bikes gain more electronic capabilities, we expect to start seeing more updates and upgrades that don’t require buying new components. Case in point: the latest Shimano EP801 firmware update. If you’ve got a bike with an EP801 drive system, the fresh firmware delivers a higher assist level in Boost mode and allows you to extend “carry over assistance,” which keeps the motor pushing longer after you stop pedaling. The update also makes it possible to customize the maximum speed cutoff progression to be more immediate once you hit 20mph rather than gradually phasing out at around 18mph.
- Price: Free!
- Download via the Shimano app
Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.5
The Maxxis Minion DHR II is now available in 2.5″ widths for both 27.5″ and 29″ diameter wheels. Previously only available for pro athletes, now anyone can order this “Wide Trail” size from the Maxxis website.
- Price: $112
- Buy from maxxis.com
Zinn Cycles Tui titanium gravel bike is for small riders
Zinn Cycles is known for producing bikes and components designed specifically for tall and very tall riders. Now, the company is tackling the other end of the size spectrum with a titanium gravel bike that’s designed for riders between 4’8″ and 5’6″ tall.
- Price: $4,850
- Buy from zinncycles.com
