Gear Watch Wednesday is a weekly update on the latest releases of mountain bike gear and products that Singletracks has received for testing. Have gear news to share, or products you’d like us to check out? E-mail [email protected].
Madnes steel bikes
Madnes is a French bicycle brand that produces steel mountain bike. The brand’s 2024 range includes the Nova 29er all-mountain bike, shown above, along with 27.5 and mixed enduro bikes.
- Price: From €2,200 (frame)
- Buy from madnesbicycles.com
Aenomaly Switchgrade Two-position saddle angle adjuster
The Aenomaly Switchgrade is a saddle angle adjuster that launched in 2021. The brand recently added a two-position Switchgrade that promises to be less expensive than the original, three-position adjuster.
- Price: TBD
- Buy from aenomalyconstructs.com
Scott Ransom’s update
The new Scott Ransom enduro bike features a 6-link suspension design that is hidden within the frame for an incredibly clean look. With the suspension hardware located just above the bottom pedal, the bike has a low center of gravity and also features geo adjustable and the ability to run mixed wheels.
- Price: from $5,999.99
- Buy from Scott dealers
Roka Bandera and Havana Sunglasses
Roka has a pair of new aviator-inspired sunglasses that are ready for spring and summer riding. tea Roka Bandera it’s retro-inspired, has a squarish frame shape, and is available in a variety of frame and lens choices, including a prescription option. tea Rock Havana it’s also retro-inspired with teardrop-shaped lenses in a similar variety of frame colors and lens choices.
Freedom Coast Cycling brake levers and adapters
If you’re looking for a way to customize your brakes, check out these Freedom Coast Cycling brake levers and adapters. Machined parts are made in the USA to fit brakes from a variety of brands and are available in a variety of colors.
- Price: from $45
- Buy from freedomcoast.net
Julbu Forest EVO helmet
The new Julbo Forest EVO mountain bike helmet features MIPS rotational impact protection plus an adjustable visor and magnetic Fidlock strap buckle. But perhaps the most significant innovation is not one, but two (!) sunglass storage spots: one above the visor, another on the back of the helmet. No doubt this is how you can wear many pairs Julbo sunglasses on your ride.
- Price: $170
- Buy from julbo.us
Turner Venn bikepacking bike
The Turner bike brand has been around for 30 years, and this year, they’re working on new and updated bikes, including the Turner Venn. bicycle packing bike shown here. Turner bike frames are made of titanium and feature sliding dropouts and plenty of fabric supports to make the bikes as versatile as possible.
- Price: TBD
- Buy from turnerbikes.com
Vans x YT shoe collaboration
YT has collaborated with Vans on a line of footwear. The brands say that the special edition Vans 114 is “a performance-driven BMX shoe,” which has us wondering: when will YT make a BMX bike?
- Price: $99.99 (shoe) $44.99 (slides)
- Buy from yt-industries.com
Terry Hot Flash lightweight bike shorts
The new Terry Hot Flash cycling pant is said to be the brand’s lightest, designed for riding on the hottest days of the year.
Koroyd body protection
Mountain bikers are probably familiar Koroyd, the honeycomb-like material that is used to absorb impact in helmets. Now the brand is launching a new product, Koroyd Body Protection, which is designed to offer protection with comfort for knees and elbows.
- Pricing and availability are TBD
Delium gravel tires
Delium has a new line of gravel tires offered in three models: SpeedX, Allrounder and Loamer. All three tires are available in three different sizes and are priced at just $49.99 each. If you do not know the Delium tire brand, read our review of their mountain bike tires.
- Price: $49.99
- Buy from deliumtires.com
Rocky Mountain Series C99
Rocky Mountain has just launched their C99 Series bikes, aka the “Galaxy Collection”. Yes, the $10K+ (USD) prices are definitely out of this Galaxy, BUT you can’t argue with the builds, which feature SRAM XX1 or X01 Eagle Transmission drivetrains, RockShox Ultimate Flight Attendant suspension, and carbon wheels. C99 builds are available for Altitude, Element and Rocky Mountain Instinct.
- Price: $10,499 – $12,499 USD
- Buy from Rocky Mountain retailers
ODI handle + D3O
ODI and D3O have teamed up for a mountain bike grip that dampens vibrations and reduces impact called the Vanquish.
- Price and availability TBD
Coros Vertix 2S
The Coros Vertix 2S is a minor refresh of the brand Vertix GPS Smartwatch that Singletracks reviewed in 2022. The Vertix 2S is available in Earth, Moon and Space editions and includes updated heart rate monitoring hardware. The watch boasts 118 hours of battery life with continuous GPS use compared to 140 hours for the Vertix 2.
Haro full suspension bikes coming soon
Haro tends to be on-again/off-again when it comes to mountain biking so let’s look at the development of his bike (s) full suspension with a bit of a side eye. If/when anything comes of the brand’s latest “work in progress,” we’ll let you know.
- Price and availability TBD.
Restrap Race Hydration Pack
Restrap is known for its bikepacking and frame bags and now has a hydration vest we offer The Restrap Race Hydration Pack comes with a 2L reservoir and features reflective accents, mesh pockets, and all the straps you need for stable form. Available in two sizes.
- Price: $189.99
- Buy from strap.com
Wera torque wrench
The Wera Anti-Over Tightening Torque Wrench is a new tool that we are eager to learn more about. At Sea Otter, the brand had a couple of different handle configurations on display, and the tool looks to be a nice addition to its existing line of torque wrenches.
- Price and availability TBD
Bianchi MTB E-Vertic FX-Type Pro
Bianchi seems to be still engaged in the field of mountain biking after many encounters and beginnings over the years. The Italian brand has a surprisingly deep lineup of full suspension electric mountain bikes, including the E-Vertic FX-Type Pro enduro model we saw on display at Sea Otter.
- Price: €8,749
- Buy from Bianchi dealers
Cascade Components adds derailleur cages
Cascade Components has made a name for itself producing aftermarket bindings for popular mountain bikes. Now, the brand is teasing custom SRAM Eagle Transmission derailleur cages and TRP brake contact adjusters.
- Pricing and availability are TBD.
