MTB News Mix is a weekly update of all things mountain biking where we cover new products, pro race results, trail news, and more.
Norco gives the Sight VLT 29-inch wheels
Just a year ago, Norco launched the Sight VLT, the electric version of its all-mountain Sight bike. Now, Norco has a 29-inch version of the eMTB out and consumers can take advantage of the Ride Aligned program, which assists riders in setting up their new Norco.
The Sight VLT 29 is engineered around the Shimano STEPS eMTB drive unit which can also use range extender batteries. The Sight VLT 29 has five different builds that feature Maxxis Double Down tires, an e-bike ready fork, and 4-piston brakes. Rear travel totals 150mm, and the Sight has a 160mm-travel fork. The Sight VLT 29 is available in sizes small through XL, at a starting price of $4,700. See the Norco website for more information and JensonUSA to compare build prices.
Commencal adds Meta TR SX to its trail bike lineup
Last week Commencal added the Meta TR 29 SX to its trail bike category and the bike is very similar to the TR 29, but with a few changes.
The TR SX is made for play and versatility, says Commencal. In rear travel, the SX gets 10mm more than the TR 29, siting at 140mm. The TR SX still has a 150mm fork and 29-inch wheels, and the geometry stays the same. Visit the Commencal website for more information.
Tahnee Seagrave seriously injured ahead of World Cup season start
World Cup dominator Tahnee Seagrave was injured riding last week, resulting in a broken tibia and fibula, ligament tears, and a dislocated ankle. This likely puts her out of the start of the World Cup season in Lousã, Portugal on March 21. Seagrave missed most of the 2019 World Cup season after a shoulder injury at the Fort William, Scotland race. Hopefully, this injury is early enough in the year that she won’t miss most of the 2020 season.
Brett Rheeder departs slopestyle competitions — for now
Canadian Crankworx and Rampage competitor Brett Rheeder announced that he won’t be competing at the upcoming Crankworx Rotorua slopestyle competition in March and that he’s taking a step back from his competition level.
“My decision to step away from competing for part of 2020 was tough to make but I feel good about it, in that it’s a decision that will prolong my career, “ said Rheeder on Instagram. Rheeder says that he feels like slopestyle competitions and how the events are judged limit his creativity in riding.
Rheeder won seven Crankworx Slopestyle competitions over the course of his career, and there may still be more later in the year. According to Crankworx, he plans to complete at Joyride during Crankworx Whistler, and is still planning to compete in Red Bull Rampage.
New Bontrager gravel shoe is also good for enduro
Bontrager debuted a new mountain bike shoe made for gravel rides, called the GR2. It’s not only good for gravel rides, but they say the GR2 is a shoe that will work “whether you’re heading out on a multi-day gravel ride, racing enduro, or trying your hand at cyclocross.”
The GR2 looks far from the shoe that most riders will want to strap on ahead of an enduro, but the nylon composite sole looks like it would make it an efficient one for pedaling, while the classic look of the synthetic upper and traditional laces give it a unique aesthetic. The GR2 is available now and retails for $140.
Muc-Off launches apparel brand
UK-based mountain bike cleaning specialists Muc-Off have been widening their product line from cleaning chemicals to things like chamois cream, technical equipment, and now they have their latest venture — apparel.
Muc-Off is starting with a riding jacket, shorts, short- and long-sleeve jerseys, and gloves. See the Muc-Off website for details and pricing.
More team changes
These team changes and confirmations are still going. Here’s the latest.
Mondraker confirms Brook Macdonald will be racing again
Last year on a practice run at the August World Cup round in Mont-Saint-Anne, New Zealand national champion Brook “Bulldog” Macdonald crashed and suffered a spinal injury. Mondraker says that MacDonald will be back in form on the downhill sled, although they can’t confirm which round in 2020.
Laurie Greenland will also be on Mondraker for 2020 and will be joined by Mike Jones, Eleonora Farina, Lukas Haider, and Thibault Laly.
Richie Schley is now riding for Fezzari Bikes
Freeride legend and pioneer Richie Schley has left YT Industries and teamed up with direct-to-consumer brand out of Utah, Fezzari. Schley will be piloting the La Sal Peak and the Wire Peak and will be assisting in product development and testing.
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