Gear Watch Wednesday is a weekly update on the latest mountain bike gear releases and products that Singletracks has received for test. Have gear news to share, or products you’d like us to check out? Email [email protected].
Marin Rift Zone trail bike gets travel bump
Marin Rift Zone alloy bikes just got a fresh update, with prices starting at just $1,799 for complete builds. The Rift Zone got a slight travel bump to 140/130mm front/rear and now sits with a 65.6° head tube angle and a 77° seat tube angle.
The $1,799 Rift Zone 1 build comes with a 1×11 drivetrain, while the top-of-the-line XR build features a 1×12 Shimano drivetrain, Marzocchi Bomber Z1 fork, and 4-piston Shimano M420 brakes for $3,499. Builds are generally offered with either 29er of 27.5″ wheels, and there’s also a 26er/Junior Rift Zone bike for younger riders.
- Price: $1,799 – $3,499
- Buy from Marin dealers beginning in November/December.
Yeti drops new SB120 trail bike, SB160 enduro bike
Yeti Cycles released two new bikes this past week: a new SB120 and a SB160. The SB160 replaces the SB150 enduro bike and like the name implies, it gains 10mm of travel and puts the travel closer to the competition’s enduro bikes. The SB160 also gets size-specific carbon layup and chainstays and finally a threaded bottom bracket and a spot for the Universal Derailleur Hanger.
- Price: $6,700 – $12,000 for completes, $5,000 frame only.
- Buy from JensonUSA and Yeti dealers.
The SB120 appears to replace the SB100 and SB115. It doesn’t gain much travel from the SB115, but the bike had been built with fairly conservative geometry when it was released. The SB120 has more progressive geo—at least in its wheelbase and reach, but still has a sharp 66.5° head tube angle. Like the SB160, the 120 gains size-specific layup and chainstays, a threaded bottom bracket and it’s compatible with a SRAM UDH.
- Price: $6,300-$12,100. Frame only: $4,300
- Buy from JensonUSA and Yeti dealers.
Two new Esker bikes for snow and gravel
The Esker Walden Ti is a titanium fat bike designed for tires up to 27.5×4.5″ or 26×4.8″. It’s got bolt-on cables for easy maintenance and has a sorta-slack-for-a-fat-bike 67.6° head tube angle.
- Price: $2,300 frame set.
- Buy from Esker Cycles.
The Esker Lorax Ti is the brand’s new titanium gravel bike featuring “neutral geometry,” internal dropper post routing, and clearance for tires up to 29×2.0 (700x50c).
- Price: $2,300 frame set.
- Buy from Esker Cycles.
New 2023 Leatt waterproof, breathable jackets
Leatt is launching a collection of 2023 jackets and pants featuring their own waterproof, breathable membrane called Hydradri. The brand also has new Airflex Ultralite lightweight, flexible knee guards, affordable footwear starting at $89.99, and new helmets.
- Price: Varies.
- Buy from leatt.com.
Syncros Revelstoke wheels completely redesigned
The Syncros Revelstoke trail/enduro wheels have been completely redesigned with a shallower rim profile, DT Swiss internals, and a 30mm internal rim width. They’re also 20% lighter, with the Revelstoke 1.0S set weighing just 1,500g.
- Price: $1,799-$2,499
- Buy from syncros.com.
PNW Loam Lever gets bigger
The PNW Loam dropper post lever is widely revered for good reason. It’s grippy, smooth, and has a wide profile for a rider’s thumbprint. Now, it’s even wider. The thumb pad has grown and there is an extra slot on the mount for a wider range of adjustment and personalization. The Loam Lever 2 costs $69 and comes with a 22.2mm clamp, but is available with a SRAM Matchmaker or Shimano I-spec option.
- Price: $69
- Buy from pnwcomponents.com.
Syncros bikepacking bags
Syncros just dropped a new line of waterproof bikepacking bags. The range includes a seat bag, handlebar bag, frame bag, and top tube bag.
- Price: $59.99 – $129.99.
- Buy from syncros.com.
