New 13-speed SRAM gravel T-type group plus fresh Marin, Chumba bikes

The new SRAM Red XPLR AXS gravel bike drivetrain features a 13-speed cassette and wireless shifting. Also, check out Marin's first DH bike in more than a decade and Chumba's slackest hardtail yet.

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].

Provided photo.

Marin Quake DH/freeride bike

The Marin Quake is the California brand’s first DH bike in 14 years, and the aluminum bike offers 200/180mm of suspension travel front/rear. Complete builds ship with mixed wheels, or buyers can use the integrated flip chips to run matched wheels or adjust the geometry. The Quake will be available for purchase as a complete bike with a 7-speed SRAM GX DH drivetrain and SRAM Maven Bronze brakes, or as a frameset only.

  • Price: $4,699 complete, $1,899 frame kit
  • Buy from Marin dealers

SRAM Red XPLR AXS

A new SRAM T-type drivetrain is coming to gravel bikes: SRAM Red XPLR AXS. Like the SRAM Eagle Transmission groups, Red XPLR AXS ditches the derailleur hanger and features wireless electronic shifting. The new group one-ups Eagle Transmission by offering a 13-gear cassette with a 10-46T range. The system is pricey, with a $600 cassette and $700 derailleur.

Chumba SLACKR Ti

The new Chumba SLACKR is the boutique brand’s slackest bike yet, and it’s longest travel too. The titanium hardtail features a 64.5° head tube angle and is designed around either a 140mm or 150mm suspension fork. Sliding dropouts give the bike an adjustable chainstay length and also make it possible to set up the bike singlespeed.

  • Price: $3,995 and up
  • Buy from chumbausa.com

Saris MHS Duo bike rack now advertises 100lb per bike limit

Previously, the Saris MHS Duo platform hitch rack advertised a weight limit of 80lb per bike for their two-tray configuration. Following additional testing, the brand now says the rack can safely support up to 100lb per tray. That’s a lot of bike so you’ll probably want to pick up the MHS Ramp to go with the rack.