MTB News Mix is a weekly update of all things mountain biking where we cover new products, pro race results, trail news, and more.
Bell Super Air helmet puts ventilation first
Bell has a new trail and all-mountain helmet out, designed from the ground up, focused on relieving hot heads.
According to Bell, the Super Air is the first-ever trail helmet that offers Flex Spherical and MIPS, to manage impact energy. Flex Spherical uses two layers of foam, with a hard EPS layer against the outer shell, and a less dense EPP layer closer to the head. The layers are held together by MIPS elastomers and move like a ball-and-socket joint.
The Super Air weighs 410 grams and features 18 helmet vents and brow ports and a proprietary sweat guard, which should keep it light and cool.
Price: $225 (available at Amazon.com)
Totally updated Norco Optic trail bike
Norco has completely revamped the Optic trail bike for 2020, increasing front and rear travel and slackening the head angle by a full 3.5 degrees. Read Gerow’s full run down here.
Sidi releases the Dominator 10
Sidi’s best selling mountain bike shoe, the Dominator is in its newest form.
The Dominator 10 features the Tecno-3 dial for fit, the Soft Instep Closure System which is a wide, anatomically curved strap to evenly distribute strap pressure that is adjustable from both sides. The new RS17 sole is lighter with a more aggressive tread, and the heel cup has been reinforced for stabilization and support. The Sidi Dominator 10 is available now in black or grey and retails for $300. Available at Amazon.com.
KOO makes its first off-road goggle
Mostly seen on road bikers, KOO has been making performance eyewear for cyclists for a long time. Now, KOO has released its first goggle for off-road performance. The Edge features a lens developed in partnership with Zeiss Optics for MTB-specific performance, using a scratch resistant material.
The lenses are easily replaceable, the frames vent for airflow, and it comes with a removable nose guard. The Edge lenses are available in four varieties and the frame comes in two colors. MSRP is $149.
GT releases Force GT-E eMTB in Europe
GT put a little bit more power into its enduro bike, the Force, by way of the Shimano STePS E8000 and E7000 drive units.
The Force GT-E uses the same LTS suspension platform, but is optimized for an eMTB with a different anti-squat value, and higher anti-rise to keep the lower center of gravity.
The geometry is also unique to the Force GT-E, with a longer chainstay for more stability and a steeper seat tube angle for efficiency.
Find out more about the Force GT-E on the website. US readers may not be able to see specs.
BikeBox makes a durable, collapsible transportation case
BikeBox is a new brand with a case made for getting bikes to and from destinations, without as big of a price or weight penalty as hardshell bike cases.
BikeBox is constructed from recyclable Polypropylene, which is said to be durable and waterproof and provides protection from bumps against other items and luggage during transportation. Founder Christine Collins says the inspiration came from cardboard boxes that degraded after traveling to adventure races in wet weather.
On the inside, the BikeBox has BikeGuards, which are protective inners that fold around components like the derailleur, brakes, and cassette. See more on the BikeBox website.
