December MTB Product Reviews: 12-Speed Shimano Drivetrain, Stash Tools, and Bikes from Privateer, Juliana, Specialized, Sunn

Catch up on our mountain bike and gear reviews from the past month.

Catch up on our mountain bike and gear reviews from the past month.

Shimano Deore 12-Speed Drivetrain

$91.99 (Cassette only)

Based on performance and durability [Jeff] can confidently recommend the new Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain without reservation. Perhaps the only thing buyers will be missing over more expensive drivetrains is weight savings, but overall riders will be hard-pressed to find a better value in mountain biking today. Read more.

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Juliana Furtado Carbon S Mountain Bike

from $4,999.00

All in all this revamped Furtado is billed to be more capable than its predecessors while remaining maneuverable and playful. We couldn’t wait to put those claims to the test. Read more.

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Leatt AirFlex Knee Guard Hybrid

$109.99

Two of our writers tested the new AirFlex Hybrid kneepads from Leatt, and their dual-review should give a good idea if these are the right protection for you. Read more.

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Pirelli Scorpion 29in Enduro S Tire

$79.90

The Scorpion Enduro S is currently the most aggressive tire from the Italian brand, with deep, widely-spaced lugs, patterned to bite hard at speed. Read more.

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Wolf Tooth Components EnCase System Bar Kit One

$119.95

These two handlebar stash tools cover most trailside repairs, and the swiveling head on the hex-wrench side allows for a good amount of leverage on all bits Read more.

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Privateer 161 Enduro Bike

$1,759.00

The 161 isn’t just durable and race-ready, it’s a joy to ride. Read more.

Buy from Privateer


AKASO Brave 7 LE Action Camera

$139.99

This palm-sized robot has all of the right bones for a good action camera, and once they improve the accessories and image quality a bit it could be a worthwhile contender for the GoPro Hero series at a fraction of the cost. Read more.

Buy from Amazon


Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II

$329.95

Standing on a ski slope shooting race photos in rain that’s on the cusp of snow would be a harsh test for any rain jacket, and this one performed impressively. Read more.

Buy from Backcountry.com | Compare Prices


Specialized Turbo Levo SL

from $5,000.00

As a whole, the Specialized Turbo Levo SL delivers a unique experience for eMTBs. With a lighter motor and battery, conservative geometry, and the right component spec, the e-bike is agile, light, and seamless. Read more.

Buy from Specialized


Leatt MTB 4.0 Helmet

$239.99

The Leatt MTB 4.0 helmet is an excellent all-rounder for those looking for a helmet for bike park days and enduro races. If you are looking for a lighter full-face, this should be on your short-list. Read more.

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Topeak Tubi 18

$44.95

This multi-tool includes tire plugs and a temporary air stopper. Read more.

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Maxxis Rekon Race Tires

$65.00 | $44.65 sale

The knobs on this semi-slick design are intended to roll faster on hardpack terrain than the Rekon trail tires. Read more.

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Sunn Kern EN

4,999.00

The Kern EN is on the shorter side of the enduro bike travel scale, and you can bet that will soon change. Given the unique frame characteristics, this is a bike for the enduro racer or trail rider who pedals in the sun most of the year and loves to dance with their bike as much as they enjoy its speed. Read more.

Buy from Sunn.fr


Specialized Butcher Grid T9 Tire

$70.00

Popping with lugs in all the right places, the Specialized Butcher T9 is a sweet tread for most gravity riding conditions, and there’s a lighter Grid Trail version for trails that don’t require the thicker casing. Read more.

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Pearl Izumi Elevate Insulated AmFIB jacket

$200.00

With its sleek, athletic cut the jacket moves well on the bike, and despite its lack of bulk it’s incredibly warm too. Read more.

Buy from Pearl Izumi


Lezyne Pressure Over Drive Pump

$139.99

As a tubeless seating device, the Lezyne Over Drive pump works great. It’s easy to use and works as intended. As an everyday pump, it also works well, mostly. Read more.

Buy from Amazon | Compare Prices


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