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].
GoPro Hero 11 and Hero 11 Mini
The new GoPro 11 is out today, boasting the ability to record 5.3K footage at 60fps. The brand says the latest camera can also export 24.7 megapixel photos from video footage and it’s waterproof to 33ft. HyperSmooth 5.0 Stabilization promises less shaky MTB footage and the battery is said to handle cold better this time around.
The GoPro Hero 11 Mini should offer similar tech stats but in a smaller package. That camera is set to launch on 10/25/22.
- Price: $499. Go Pro Hero 11 Mini will be priced at $299 with a GoPro annual subscription, and higher without one.
- Buy from GoPro.
Specialized Hillbilly tire is made for is made for sticky, spikey traction
Specialized has rebuilt the Hillbilly tire with a sticky, low-rebound rubber made for muddy trails and fast riding. The new tire has a meaty tread pattern with deep center knobs and chunky shoulder knobs, while transition knobs reinforce the tire and bring a lower rolling resistance. The tire uses Specialized’s “Sticky Fast T9″ compound for grip and damping. It’s available in one width; 2.4″ in either 29″ or 27.5”.
- MSRP: $75
- Available: Specialized
Limited edition Ortlieb bags
Ortlieb has a new, colorful limited edition pack of bikepacking bags. The bags are sold only as a three-piece set with a seat pack, frame/top tube pack, and handlebar pack in special colors and should be available this week. Like other Ortlieb bags, these are made in Germany and radio-frequency welded, as well as backed by a strong warranty with repair options.
- MSRP: $400
- Buy from Ortlieb.
Snēk merino pocket tee
Snēk Cycling is a small brand based out of Salt Lake City, Utah and they recently launched the Dry Creek merino pocket tee. The 87% merino, 13% nylon blend features a slightly dropped back hem and a classic pocket-tee look and feel. Like previous Snēk releases, this one’s available on Kickstarter for early backers.
- Price: $95
- Available on Kickstarter.
First, Jorts. Now Ripton & Co has Performance Overalls
Ripton & Co made waves when they released their first stretchy, “performance” jorts, and now they have a set of performance overalls for those who want the artisan, farmer look on the bike. The Ripton Diesel overalls are made from a stretchy four-way denim sourced from Europe. The brand says they are tough on the outside and have a “silky soft interior.” The overalls also have a zippered chest pocket, sunglasses and pen openings, two rear pockets, and more.
- Price: $149
- Available: Ripton & Co
Bontrager Verse short-nose saddle
Talk about an inclusive saddle! The new Bontrager Verse short-nose saddle is designed for men and women, and MTB and road riders alike. Shorter saddle lengths have been trending for a while now, and Bontrager finally got the memo. It’s offered in four finish levels from Comp to Pro.
- Price: $99.99-240.99.
- Available from Trek Bikes.
BMC Kaius gravel bike
As gravel bikes become more specialized brands like BMC are expanding their lineup with additional models and builds. The BMC Kaius is a new model the brand is positioning as a performance gravel bike, and from the looks of it this is one fast bike, albeit one that looks an awful lot like a road bike with wide-ish tires. Then again, what do we know; we’re mountain bikers.
- Price: $5,999 – $11,999.
- Available at BMC dealers.
Adidas Gravel Cycling Shoes
Holy Adidas! This is one gravel shoe that will definitely stand out. The integrated sock-like sleeve should keep dirt and debris out of the shoe, and while the basic lace closure probably won’t provide the tightest fit, it does look good.
- Price: $170 – $180
- Available at Adidas
