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].
Norco Fluid gains more affordable alloy models
There’s a new line of 140/130mm Norco Fluid trail bikes based around an affordable aluminum frame, with prices starting at $2,699. Norco is calling the line “gateway full-suspension,” though with such decent build kits — all come with 4-piston brakes and 12-speed drivetrains — most riders won’t feel the need to upgrade for a while. And if/when they do, frame features like a 34.9mm seat post make the bike fairly future proof. Sizes S-XXL are available.
- Price: $2,699-$4,499
- The A4 (entry-level) build is available in local bike shops, with other builds to follow.
UNNO Dash update
The UNNO Dash has been updated with 10mm of extra travel for 150/140mm front and rear. With 29er wheels and clearance for up to 2.6in-wide tires, the unique frame boasts a 64.5° head tube angle and a climb-friendly 77.5° seat tube angle.
- Price: 7,795-10,495€
- Available for online order at Unno.com.
Race Face 12-speed chainring
The latest chain ring from Race Face is designed to optimize Super Boost chain lines without the need for a wider spindle. For those who are already running a CINCH crank, it’s a quick and easy swap. 30, 32, and 34T sizes available.
- Price: $74.99
- Buy from RaceFace.com.
Machines for Freedom new Everyday Collection
This new Everday Collection from Machines for Freedom offers casual styling for your everyday activities. Not all of us are training for a podium spot, but gravel rides or meeting up for coffee with friends, and your generally active lifestyle still warrants performance clothing that looks good and makes you feel good. New in the collection are a bib short ($168), tank ($58), cycling short ($98) and jersey ($118); the saturated watermelon and cantaloupe colors definitely show off summer vibes!
- Price: $58 – $168
- Buy from Machines for Freedom
Lizard Skins winter glove
The early lizard gets the worm. Lizard Skins has a new version of their Monitor glove, the Monitor 3 SZN and it’s meant for riding in cold and inclement conditions. The gloves feature a flexible thermal backing, an elastic cuff, and a water resistant lining. On the inside, a tacky, water resistant material increases grip. The Monitor 3 SZN comes in six sizes from XS-XXL and is available now.
- Price: $39.99
- Buy from Lizard Skins
Ritchey Zeta GX gravel wheels
The Ritchey Zeta GX wheels are designed specifically for gravel riding with an XC-like 25mm internal rim width and tubeless-taped, 6066 alloy rims. They’re also said to be stronger than previous offerings, and are available in 650b and 700c sizes.
- Price: $599
- Available at RitcheyLogic.com and local retailers.
Kuat makes single-bike version of Piston Pro X bike rack, Piston SR
Kuat has a new single-bike version of their Piston Pro X bike rack. Before, the rack was only available as a two-bike option made for hitch racks. The Piston SR will be available to order in the fall, and shipping is expected to start in Spring of 2023. The rack is similar to the Piston Pro X, but instead of operating on a hitch receivers, it’s a premium option for roof or truck bed-mounted systems.
- Price: $450
- Buy from Kuat.
Guerrilla Gravity adds color, carbon swing arm for Gnarvana
We know Guerrilla Gravity keeps it metal, but gone are the days of picking a bike in any color, as long as it’s black. That was the case when the brand revealed its new carbon line — color was limited to the decals only. Color choice isn’t vast, yet, but there are more choices. The long-travel Gnarvana gets a smooth merlot and gold color, the Smash will be available in a Dune colorway — after the West, not the sci-fi movie, and the Trail Pistol will get a steely blue color called Blue Steel, after you know. These colors happen with in-house powder coating.
Guerrilla Gravity also released a carbon swingarm, updated alloy seatstay kit, and upgraded hardware fro the Gnarvana. They say the carbon chainstay will increase lateral stiffness by 50%(!) resulting in an increase in handling, and it shaves 90g. The new swingarm also uses internal cable routing and negates riders having to re-dish their wheels for the bike. The brand plans to have aftermarket kits available later this summer.
- Price: TBD
- Availability: On complete Gnarvanas at GG now, aftermarket TBD.
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