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 Habit update
The Cannondale Habit is all new with a pile of modern updates. Buyers can choose from the 140/130mm front/rear travel Habit or the longer-travel, 150/140mm Habit LT. Both feature slack, ~65° head angles and steep, 77° seat angles plus longer reach and shorter seat tubes than the previous Habit.
The Habits are available with either a carbon or aluminum frame, and the carbon version features proportional chainstay lengths. All models are SRAM UDH (and Eagle Transmission) compatible and the kinematics are tuned to offer a similar ride feel across the size range. The one thing the new Habit doesn’t include? A flip chip.
Extra small size bikes roll on 27.5″ wheels, while the others are 29ers. Cannondale teamed up with Cascade Components to offer an aftermarket yoke that makes it possible to run mixed wheels, and tires up to 2.6″ wide should fit.
- Price: $2,300 – $5,550 complete.
- Buy from Cannondale dealers.
Kids Ride Shotgun scoot bike can take disc brakes
The new Kids Ride Shotgun Dirt Hero scoot bike may not have pedals, but it does have stoppers. This premium toddler bike is fitted with Magura MT4 disc brakes and Vee Crown Gem pneumatic tires. Parents can pick up the bike with or without brakes, and with 12″ or 14″ wheels.
- Price: $340-459 USD
- Buy from Kids Ride Shotgun.
E*thirteen Helix Race 30mm cranks
The new gravity-oriented e*Thirteen Helix Race aluminum cranks are designed to be as strong as they are good looking. They’re forged and machined with 6066-T6 arms and a 7050-T7 alloy spindle and come with boots to keep the ends scuff free. The crankset can be configured for a Boost or Super Boost chainline and features a self extracting bolt system. Crank arm lengths of 165, 170, and 175mm are available, and the cranks (without chainring) weigh about 550g.
- Price: $279.99 (direct mount chainring and bottom bracket sold separately)
- Buy from e*Thirteen dealers.
Feedback Sports releases new Pro Mechanic stand
Feedback Sports has two new stands out, the Pro Mechanic and Pro Mechanic HD, any they’re available for anyone, even if you’re an amateur mechanic who wrenches on your own bikes at home. The stands are made from 6061 T6 aluminum, it has rubber feet, and a maximum load capacity of 75lbs and weighs 12lbs. An available travel bag makes it easy to take to your next race.
- Price: $395 ($495 for HD)
- Buy from REI and Backcountry.
SQLab flat pedals come in three axle lengths
The new SQLab 5OX pedals feature a 110x105mm fiber-reinforced composite platform with 16 pins per pedal and a CroMo axle with premium bearings. Perhaps most importantly, the pedals are offered in three different offsets from the crank arm so riders can find the right stance for their body size and riding style.
- Price: $89.99
- Buy from sqlab-usa.com.
Restrap Tool Pouch
Restrap is known for creating quality bags that look great too. The new Tool Pouch is a seat bag made with 1000D textured nylon and has reflective accents so you can be seen at night.
- Price: $49.99
- Buy from restrap.com
Guerrilla Gravity updates The Smash with a Carbon Swingarm
Guerrilla Gravity is giving The Smash all-mountain bike a big update with a carbon swingarm. The swingarm moves pivot locations and GG says it improves the anti-squat kinematics and increases the travel to 150mm. According to the brand, “the Smash V2 gains efficiency on the climbs and a more bottomless feel on the descents.” The new design will also improve lateral stiffness and shaves 90g according to the brand. The seat stays remain alloy.
- Price: Complete bikes start at $4,995
- Buy from Ridegg.com
Kali Protectives Mission Liner short builds in hip, tailbone protection
Yes, the Kali Mission Liner shorts include a chamois, but they’re not just designed to protect against saddle sores. The vented liner also includes flexible panels for both hip and tailbone protection in the case of a fall.
- Price: $80
- Buy from kaliprotectives.com.
Formula adds more adjustability to brake levers
Formula has an upgraded two-piece lever designed to work with their Cura, Cura 4 and Cura X braking systems. The brand says, “The Feeling Control System enables the rider to fully customize the lever to suit their needs, resulting in optimal performance and comfort. Additionally, the rider can fine- tune the balance between the lever’s feel and braking power, which was previously impossible with stock levers.”
- Price: Unknown.
- Buy from Formula brake dealers.
Kuat license plate holder
Kuat added a new license plate holder accessory designed to fit the Piston Pro X hitch mounted bike rack. The $49 aluminum piece rotates when the rack is folded up and ships starting in May.
- Price: $49
- Buy from kuat.com beginnning May 2023.
