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].
Cannondale has a new Habit (hardtail)
The Cannondale Habit HT hardtail looks like it’s meant to party, with a slack 64° head tube angle, a rugged alloy frame, and 130mm of suspension travel up front. Both builds — the HT 2 and HT 3 — keep prices in the budget realm with 10-speed drivetrains while still offering must-haves like a dropper post and SRAM or Shimano hydraulic disc brakes.
- Price: From $1,175
- Buy from REI.
Commencal has a new drop bar bike
The new Commencal 365 is designed to be ridden anywhere, anytime. The alloy frame and fork can fit tires up to 700x47c, is dropper-post ready, and is compatible with one-by drivetrains only.
- Price: Complete builds starting at $2,000
- Buy from commencal.com
New Leatt 3-in-1 enduro helmet
The new Leatt 3.0 Enduro helmet is designed for maximum versatility with the ability to run it as a half shell, full face, or in between “jet style” with over-the-ear coverage. The Enduro 3.0 features Leatt’s 360° Turbine rotational impact protection tech, an adjustable visor, and a Fidlock chin strap buckle.
- Price: $269.99
- Buy from Backcountry.
New Ohlins XC fork and shocks
Ohlins is getting into the XC game with a new lightweight, short-travel fork and two shocks. The RXC34 m.1 fork uses the brand’s OTX14 damper with three ride modes plus low speed (LSC) compression and rebound settings. The race version, with a carbon crown and 100mm of travel, is said to weigh 1476g. Three travel lengths, from 100 to 120mm, will be available.
The TXCAir shock also features three ride modes plus rebound and LSC settings. The TXC1Air shock is slim and lightweight compared to the TXC2Air which features a larger volume air can.
- Price: Forks start at $1,190, shocks are $565.
- Buy from Ohlins dealers.
Updated Canyon Neuron:ON
The Canyon Neuron:ON electric trail bike, with 140mm of suspension travel front and rear, sees fresh updates this week, with longer, lower (standover), and slacker geo than the previous generation. The bike now rolls exclusively on 29er wheels and features the latest gen Bosch CX High Torque motor along with anti-theft tech.
- Price: Builds start at €3,799
- Buy from canyon.com (not available in the US)
Lazer Cerro Kineticore helmet
The Lazer Cerro Kineticore is a new entry-level “gravel” helmet being launched ahead of Eurobike. We write “gravel” in quotes because nothing says you couldn’t use this helmet for MTB too, which is pretty tempting given the light weight (270g for size medium) and the fact that it even has a (small) visor.
- Price: $99
- Buy from Lazer retailers.
Nicolai drops the Hammer, launches freeride bike
The new Nocolai G18 Hammer is designed to be a pure freeride bike, with a “mini mullet” setup that sees a 27.5″ wheel in front and a 26″ wheel in the rear. German freerider Max Kruse worked closely with the brand on the aluminum bike which sports 186mm of rear suspension travel and UDH compatibility.
- Price: €8,500
- Buy from nicolai-bicycles.com
Send It High Roller tailgate pad
Send It is a new Colorado-based company that recently launched a tailgate pad called the High Roller. The premium pad is available in five- and six-bike sizes.
- Price: $199
- Pre-order from senditco.com.
Specialized Turbo Levo SL HT has 24″ wheels
The new Specialized Turbo Levo SL Kids is a pint-sized eMTB with a 320Wh battery and a Specialized 1.2 Motor capable of producing up to 50Nm of torque. An alloy frame with 66° head tube angle, 100mm fork, and TransX dropper post round out the spec.
- Price: $3,800
- Buy from Specialized.
Wilde Rambler gains steel fork option
Wilde has new chromoly steel Rambler builds featuring a segmented steel fork. The Rambler can be configured with 650b or 700c wheels, is front-derailleur compatible, and is bristling with mounts for bottles, bags, and fenders.
- Price: $1,200 frame, builds start at $2,300
- Buy from wildebikes.com.
1UP XD rack now available
1UP USA has an answer for all those heavy e-bikes out there–the 1UP XD (Xtreme Duty). The XD will accommodate “any e-bike,” mounts to a 2″ hitch receiver, and is capable of carrying up to 150lb per bike tray and up to three bikes.
The rack features reinforced bent arms and an updated ratcheting glide bar system. The XD is also compatible with 1UP’s Quik Rack Add-on to fit an extra bike tray or cargo carrier.
- Price: $850 for a single tray
- Buy from 1up-usa.com
Fifth generation Giant Glory DH bike
The latest Giant Glory downhill bike has not one but three separate flip chips, allowing riders to dial in the geometry, handling, and wheel size for any course. With 203mm of suspension travel up front and 200mm in the rear, the carbon Giant Glory features a roughly 62° head tube angle and steep, 79° seat tube angle.
- Price: $8,000
- Buy from Giant dealers.
ARTILECT Utilitee
ARTILECT Utilitees are made from a blend of Merino wool and Tencel fibers that’s said to be soft, quick drying, and highly breathable. Judging by the photos it looks good too, perfect for riding or pretty much anything else.
- Price: $85
- Buy from Moosejaw.
