MTB News Mix is a weekly update of all things mountain biking where we cover new products, pro race results, trail news, and more.
Transition Patrol coils up
Transition is switching some things up for the next edition of the Patrol. The major change is that now all build kits and frame sets will be specced with a coil shock. To match the increased capability, Patrols will also get 200mm rotors up front, 180mm rotors in the back, and will have SRAM Code brakes on all builds. Also, so riders know how deep they get into the trail, Transition put Loam Shelf Meters on the back of the seat tube down by the bottom bracket.
Norco gives groms what they want with Fluid FS and Rampage Youth bikes
Norco wants to be a part of early mountain bikers’ lives and give them the tools they need to grow. Now, young riders will have two new options from the Canadian bike company to consider.
The new Fluid FS comes in four variations, and Norco gave the geometry a whole new set of numbers. The head tube is slacker, and the seat tube is steeper than the previous Rampage.
“We also made sure we sourced suspension components and a dropper post that are optimized for riders under 90 pounds, and the new geometry brings the progressive ride to both 20 and 24-inch models,” said project manager Jim Jamieson.
The Rampage Youth takes its inspiration from the 2020 Rampage 26-inch dirt jumper, and sizes it down for 20- and 24-inch models.
Both bikes feature “youth-specific” components from Manitou, SDG, TranzX, and Norco. Find out more information at the Norco website.
Madeira Bike Race gives first look at dates and details for inaugural race
Brand new to the mountain bike stage race arena is the Madeira Bike Race, which will go down from October 8-12 in Madeira Island, Portugal. The race is a paired format, mountain bike marathon that covers two Portuguese islands in the Atlantic Ocean. There are four race days and a prologue day, which cover about 270km and 8,000 meters of climbing. The race will be divided into three categories: men, women, and mixed pairs. See the Madeira Bike Race website for more info.
fizik introduces new Alpaca saddle options
Italy-based fizik has launched the Alpaca range of saddles, developed with the Santa Cruz Syndicate downhill team, and will have models appropriate for trail, enduro, and downhill riding.
The Terra Alpaca is made for all-mountain/trail riding, and the Gravita Alpaca is best for aggressive enduro and downhill riding.
The Terra Alpaca is 145mm wide, easy to move around on, and has an easy transition from front to rear. The Gravity Alpaca is 130mm wide, and is made to be as minimal as possible to not interfere with rider movement on descents. Both are priced at $99.
Light and Motion makes it safer to get home from the trailhead
Nervous to pedal home from the trailhead after sunset? That’s natural. Light and Motion make lights to ease rider’s worries. Slap the new Vya Switch taillight on the seat post, and play it safe. The Vya Switch has a high pulse mode, a low pulse mode, and a steady mode. It will run for 6, 12, and 4 hours, respectively. The Vya Safe costs $40.
