Mondraker Downcountry Hardtails, Revised Onza Tire, and a new Adaptive MTB Team

Check out Mondraker's new hardtail, an adaptive MTB team, and Onza's new XC tire.

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].

Mondraker Chrono DC bikes

Mondraker just added downcountry builds the the Chrono hardtail line, smartly calling the bikes Chrono DC. The DC bikes are designed to be more “fun” than the race-ready Chrono bikes, with aluminum frames; slacker, 68.5° head tube angles; and included dropper posts. These bikes should be fairly affordable as well, speccing mostly SRAM SX drivetrain parts.

  • Price: TBD
  • Buy from Mondraker dealers.

Rocky Mountain Element in for test

Photo: Sam James

Sam just picked up a Rocky Mountain Element C90 trail bike for test on the North Shore this winter and spring. Rocky Mountain also recently announced updated Element and Instinct colorways for 2023.

Canfield Bikes releases Special Blend Stems

Canfield Bikes has a new line of stems out. The Special Blend stems are made of CNC machined aluminum and there are trail/enduro and downhill stems available. The Trail/Enduro stem is 40mm long and has a 10mm rise and the direct mount stem is 45mm long with a 17mm rise.

  • Price: $105-$115
  • Buy from canfieldbikes.com

Ride Concepts sponsors adaptive MTB team

According to a recent press release, “the goal of the Ride Concepts Adaptive Team is to foster continued recognition and inclusion of adaptive athletes in the mountain bike community. In 2023, we look forward to offering personal guidance to the team riders, including the athletes in our marketing and content, and supporting adaptive mountain bike camps.” A list of athletes can be found here.

Crono CX2 shoe for MTB, gravel

The Crono CX2 is a lightweight shoe designed for XC mountain biking and gravel riding with a TPU heel for added protection. These shoes are race-ready with studs included in the box and feature Boa lace system with two dials for a secure fit. The claimed weight is 295g.

  • Price: €225
  • Buy from cronoteam.com.

Onza revises the Canis XC tire

Onza tires has a new version of their Canis XC tire with a revised tread pattern, new width, and additional side knobs. The tire has a similar intent as the previous version: XC marathon, meaning that it prioritizes efficiency and speed. Onza says the tire does best in dry, hard-packed conditions. The Canis (meaning the genus of dog, including wolves, dogs, coyotes, etc.) comes in two versions: Black or tan wall.

  • Price: $70-$75
  • Buy from onza-tires.com.