Latest mountain bike news

Four containers of Nikwax cleaning products are displayed on a red background. The products include TX.Direct Wash-In and TX.Direct Spray-On on the top, and Basewash and Tech Wash bottles on the bottom.
A scenic landscape view featuring rolling hills and a valley, with a winding river and patches of trees. In the distance, snow-capped mountains rise against a cloudy sky, illuminated by sunlight breaking through the clouds.
A black and yellow GT mountain bike frame is positioned on a workbench. The frame features a stylish design with prominent branding and is equipped with a shock absorber. A small piece of wood is supporting the frame, and the background shows a power outlet and a row of electrical sockets along the wall.
A blue fat bike with oversized tires is displayed against a textured white background. The bike features a sleek design, with a modern frame and disc brakes. Additionally, a graphic reading "Coming Soon" is positioned at the top left corner, adding a promotional element to the image.
A mountain biker performing a jump off a wooden ramp in a forested area, surrounded by trees and greenery. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing an action shot that captures the thrill of the sport.
Two people riding mountain bikes along a dirt path in a desert landscape. The scene features sparse vegetation and a distant mountainous horizon under a cloudy sky.
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A mountain bike with orange handlebars and two water bottles mounted on the frame is parked beside a trail sign featuring symbols for biking and hiking. In the background, a rocky mountain range and clear blue sky are visible. The scene is set in a natural outdoor environment with scattered shrubs.
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A mountain biker skillfully navigates a rocky trail on a bicycle, with a wooden bridge in the foreground. The landscape features rugged terrain and sparse vegetation, showcasing the challenging environment of the bike ride.
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Close-up of a man’s face with a focused expression, accompanied by the text "dirtTV" in the top left corner and the words "BEYOND THE BIKE 'NEEDLES'" prominently displayed. The background is dark, emphasizing the subject's features.
A black fat bike displayed in a shop, featuring oversized tires with white rims and a sleek frame design. Various bicycle accessories and other bikes are visible in the background, showcasing a vibrant retail environment.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a narrow dirt trail surrounded by tall grasses and rocky terrain, with hills in the background under a partially cloudy sky.
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A spacious bicycle shop featuring a variety of bicycles on display. The interior has high ceilings with bright overhead lights and large windows allowing natural light. Rows of bikes are arranged around the shop, with a counter where staff assist customers.
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Logo of "Bell Built" featuring a hexagonal design in red with the words "BELL BUILT" prominently displayed. The tagline "MAKING TRAILS" is included, accompanied by a gear symbol.
A cluttered bike shop filled with numerous bicycles, both on the floor and hanging from the ceiling. Various styles and colors of bikes are visible, including a bright yellow bike prominently displayed amongst many others. Price tags are attached to most bikes, and posters and signage decorate the walls of the shop. The overall atmosphere is busy and vibrant, highlighting a vast selection of bicycles.
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A person standing outdoors in a black t-shirt, speaking towards the camera with a scenic background featuring trees and mountains under a clear blue sky. A video player interface is visible at the bottom.
<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1280a.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-41538" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1280a.jpg" width="610" height="412" /></a> I can't stand the damp, yucky feeling when my clothing begins to soak up water. The bad thing about having water resistant mountain biking gear is that, unlike skiing or snow boarding, MTB gear will more than likely get dirty. After a while, all MTB gear will require some TLC.

Most wet weather clothing has been waterproof treated in one way or another. Most of my Dakine gear carries a DWR coating that, if you're not careful, can be stripped away with harsh detergents, rendering them less than effective.

To combat moisture intrusion and odor, I have been using various <a href="http://www.nikwax-usa.com/en-us/">Nikwax cleaners and protectors</a> recently. Nikwax offers a full line of cleaners and protectors for all my gear. Yes, I'm pretty sure I could use regular detergents, but I'm not sure how much normal detergents could impede my gear from doing what it's supposed to do. Different layers of clothing have different cleaning requirements, and serve different functions. <a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/nik1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-41541" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/nik1-590x281.jpg" width="584" height="278" /></a> For my under garments and armor that I toss in the wash for cleaning (that are moisture wicking), I use the Basewash from Nikwax. For my outer gear (that's moisture resistant), I use the Techwash. Both the  Basewash and Techwash are high-tech cleaners that do a few things that regular detergents don't. <a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1294a.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-41550" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1294a.jpg" width="610" height="413" /></a> Using regular detergents may lessen the ability of the undergarments from doing exactly what they are designed to do. Nikwax Basewash works to improve wicking capabilities, thus accelerating fabric drying and keeping the body dry, all the while removing and preventing odor build up. Not bad for a simple little product.

Because I use only a few garments at a time, I tend to hand wash my gear. Using only 25ml of Basewash in a sink of warm water is all that is needed to clean and deodorize gear. After that, all it takes is rinsing a few times with cool water and hanging the garments out to dry. Presto! Clean, non-skunky gear! <a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1291a.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-41549" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1291a-590x302.jpg" width="584" height="298" /></a> Nikwax has put the same care into developing Techwash. The difference in the cleaning process for outer gear is that, since this gear is on the outside, stains more than likely will have to be cleaned off with a bit more elbow grease. In this case, I use a small brush straight Techwash to entice the stubborn soiled areas out first, then toss it in the the front end loader wash again with (in my case) 100ml of Techwash. I don't use any softeners, and no other detergents. The result is a decently-cleaned jacket that didn't lose its water repellant properties. <a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1284a.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-41539" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1284a.jpg" width="610" height="332" /></a> As for further treatment of my gear after a good cleaning, I have tried both the Wash-In and Spray-On TX.Direct waterproofing treatment from Nikwax. Both items are easy to use.

The Wash-In, as implied, means you toss it into the wash. The issue here is getting the right amount, and only one or two items of gear at a time. I had about a 50/50 success rate with the Wash-In treatment. Sometimes it worked well, and other times I had to give it a second go. I think the settings on my front end loader washer screwed things up, sometimes diluting the solution with too much water

On the other hand, I had much better luck using the TX.Direct Spray-In. I just made sure it went through the wash first.

The big thing (which sold me) on the TX.DIrect waterproofing treatment is that the fabric still has the ability to breath. The TX.Direct is a coating that still leaves the fibers in your gear flexible, allowing for moisture vapors to pass though, but keep water out at the same time. According to Nikwax, "Nikwax treatments coat fabric and leather fibres with a network of elastic TX.10i water-repellent molecules. They bond to anything that is not water-repellent, but leave the spaces between fibres open and breathable. Nikwax treatments can flex and move with the fabric and leather fibres." <a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1285a.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-41540" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/IMG_1285a.jpg" width="610" height="332" /></a>

I think that the Nikwax brand of fabric treatment is something that all of us should consider. Especially if you live in places like BC or Ontario during the spring or fall, these treatments and detergents should be used regularly to keep all your technical gear clean, waterproof, and odor-free. My gear now keeps me so much warmer and dryer due to excellent treatment!

MSRP: $10-26, depending on bottle size.

<em>Thanks to the folks at <a href="http://www.nikwax-usa.com/en-us/">Nikwax</a> for sending over this great set of products for review.</em>
A mountain biker navigating a rocky downhill trail, leaning forward with intensity as he expertly rides his blue bike through a rugged, natural landscape surrounded by trees and rocky terrain.
An artistic arrangement of Shimano XTR bike components, including a crankset, cassette, chain, and derailleur, set against a dark blue background. The text "SHIMANO XTR" and "ENGINEERED FOR THE WAY YOU RIDE" is prominently displayed.
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A fat tire bike parked on a snowy trail, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
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A man wearing a black helmet, a dark plaid shirt, and black pants is standing next to a mountain bike. He is holding an orange object in one hand and has a relaxed expression while posing against a textured gray background.
A bright turquoise mountain bike with striking pink accents. The bike features a sturdy frame and is displayed on a stand against a green backdrop, indicating a bicycle event or exhibition.
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A cyclist navigating rocky terrain on a mountain bike, wearing a helmet and a red shirt, with trees in the background. The cyclist appears focused and is leaning forward, showcasing a dynamic riding posture.
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A high-performance mountain bike suspension fork with a black and silver design, featuring adjustable settings and a sturdy crown. The fork is shown from a frontal perspective, highlighting its sleek lines and branding.
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A sleek black fat bike positioned on snowy ground, showcasing its wide, knobby tires and sturdy frame. Pine trees in the background add a natural, wintry setting. The bike features a minimalist design with a small storage bag attached to the frame.
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A mountain biker performing a wheelie on a rocky trail, with a mountainous landscape in the background under a clear blue sky. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing an adventurous moment in an outdoor setting.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike tire showcasing its textured tread pattern, designed for grip and traction on rough terrain. The background features blurred earthy tones, indicating an outdoor setting.
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A cyclist riding along a winding dirt trail on a rocky, arid landscape with sparse vegetation, surrounded by hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
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Illustration of a cyclist riding a mountain bike over a winding path, set against a map outline of Georgia. The design includes the text "Georgia State Parks" and "Biker" at the bottom, with earthy colors reflecting outdoor adventure.
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A cyclist riding a mountain bike on a snowy trail in a mountainous landscape, with trees lining the path and clouds in the sky.
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Image of a black bicycle suspension fork with red accents. The fork features a sleek design and is branded with the RockShox logo. It is viewed from the front, showcasing its dual legs and mounting points at the bottom.
Outdoor recreation map for Sedona, Arizona, featuring topographic shaded relief and details on 14 popular mountain bike trails, including elevation profiles, trail mileages, and difficulty symbols. The map is waterproof and designed for outdoor use.
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A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail in a dense forest, surrounded by lush green foliage and trees. The biker is leaning into a turn, showcasing dynamic motion, while vibrant green plants are in the foreground.
A cyclist riding a mountain bike on a snow-covered trail surrounded by trees, with a cloudy sky overhead.
A person dressed in a bright green and black ski outfit, wearing a blue helmet, is standing on a snowy mountain slope. They are riding a snow bike, with snow-covered peaks and a clear blue sky in the background.
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A cyclist stands on a dirt path, gazing at a vibrant sunset over a green landscape dotted with yellow wildflowers. The sky is filled with soft, colorful clouds, and the cyclist is wearing a helmet and sport attire, with a mountain bike resting by their side.
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A black mountain bike leaned against a wooden railing overlooking a scenic view of a river and bare trees. The landscape features rolling hills in the background under a cloudy sky, with patches of grass and vegetation in the foreground.
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A narrow dirt trail winding through rocky terrain, flanked by large boulders and sparse vegetation. The path is surrounded by low trees and shrubs, creating a natural and rugged landscape. The scene captures the essence of outdoor exploration in a mountainous area.
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A female mountain biker navigating rocky terrain, wearing a helmet and cycling gear, as she skillfully rides her bike through a natural landscape. The background features scattered boulders and sparse vegetation.
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Two cyclists riding mountain bikes along a dirt trail near a lake. The scene features clear blue skies and rocky terrain, with one cyclist in a blue shirt and the other in a pink shirt.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike tire with a rugged tread pattern, set against a natural outdoor background with earthy tones and vegetation.
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A modern mountain bike featuring a black frame with bright yellow accents, equipped with thick, rugged tires and a front suspension fork for off-road performance. The bike is shown from a side angle, highlighting its sleek design and sturdy build.
A modern mountain bike featuring a sleek black and bright green design, equipped with dual suspension, wide tires, and intricate gear components. The bike is positioned to showcase its frame and handlebars against a plain background.
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A bright blue Santa Cruz mountain bike featuring a sleek frame design, prominent pink lettering, and thick tires with pink accents. The bike is equipped with high-performance components, including disc brakes and a multi-gear setup.
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A mountain biker in a yellow and blue outfit jumps off a rocky cliff, soaring through the air against a cloudy sky. The landscape features rugged terrain and sparse vegetation.
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A natural rock formation known as Delicate Arch, characterized by its iconic arch shape, rising prominently from a rocky landscape with distant mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
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Image alt text: A graphic promoting the Bell Built program by Bell Helmets and IMBA, featuring a map of the United States marked with states of finalists for new bike park projects. The image includes sections labeled "West Coast," "Central Region," and "East Coast," along with details about voting dates and project descriptions for each finalist location. The text encourages participation in the voting process, highlighting the chance to support trail-building projects.
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