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].
Canyon says Lux World Cup is *possibly* world’s lightest full-suspension
The new Canyon Lux World Cup CFR cross-country mountain bike frame is said to weigh 1,535g, knocking more than 100g off the brand’s already feather-weight Lux CF SLX frame. Canyon slacked the head angle by a full 1.5° to 68.5°, and expanded the reach on all sizes by 15mm. Despite losing weight, Canyon says the Lux World Cup CFR is even stronger and stiffer than previous models.
- Price: $7,499 for the CFR Team build.
- Available at Canyon.com.
e*Thirteen Grappler Tire
The Grappler is a new gravity tire that’s designed for aggressive riding. It’s offered in both 27.5″ and 29″ diameters at 2.5″ wide and buyers can choose from a lighter weight and more supple 120tpi casing or the stiffer, DH version with 72tpi. Either way the proprietary compound mix is said to be sticky and grippy for steep trails.
- Price: $59.95
- Available from e*Thirteen.
Lighter Formula Cura X brakes
The new Formula Cura X brakes drop 34g off previous Cura brakes thanks to a carbon lever and new “half-collar” design. The brakes still feature titanium bolts and a Kevlar reinforced hose for a premium finish.
- Price: TBD
- Available in July.
Ergon SM Downhill saddle updated
The updated Ergon SM Downhill saddle has been updated and redesigned to stay out of riders’ way as much as possible. DH-specific features include a cutout/recess at the back for wheel clearance and design that assumes a “nose-up” saddle angle.
- Price: From $149
- Available from Ergon.
MIPS helmet for kids: MET Hooray
If you’ve shopped for kids’ MTB helmets you know most of them are pretty basic, but the new MET Hooray and Hooray MIPS bring many of the features adults expect and appreciate to smaller head sizes — even toddlers. Available in sizes XS (46-52cm) and small (52-55cm), the helmet has nice features like an anti-pinch chin strap buckle, 10 vents, and insect netting to keep the bugs out. The MIPS version also includes an LED blinkie light in the rear.
- Price: $89
- Available from MET.
Kaden Apparel Gryla 3/4 Sleeve Jersey in 3 new colors
Kaden’s 3/4 jerseys are out in new colors that aren’t teal or traffic cone orange. The loosely cut not-too-tight-I’m-already-sweating 4-way stretch fabric now comes in lovely toned down hues of lavender orchid, dark persimmon, and dark blue (pictured, from left to right).
- Price: $89.99
- Available from Kaden Apparel
New Giro Full Face Helmet uses MIPS Spherical
Giro’s new full-face helmet, the Insurgent, uses MIPS Spherical, which the brand has been using for their half shell helmets like the Manifest. The Insurgent is designed for strong ventilation and comfort, with a claimed 50% cooling efficiency than Giro’s Disciple helmet. The Insurgent weighs 200g less also. The Insurgent has an adjustable visor, a D-ring buckle, and antimicrobial padding. It comes in three sizes and costs $350.
- Price: $350
- Available at Performance Bike.
Transition teases “two bikes in one” E-bike for 2023
Transition is teasing a new “two in one” e-bike with plans to release the Relay in the spring of 2023 which will be a 160mm travel bike with a 170mm fork. It will work with 29″ wheels or as a mixed wheel bike.
The Relay will use the Fazua Ride60 system with a lighter 430Wh battery and a 60Nm motor. The battery will be easily removable with a tool free door so riders can shed their battery weight if they want a lighter bike to ride. It looks like this will be the biggest difference from their current 160mm travel, 29er e-bike.
“The options are nearly endless,” reads a news release. “Pull the battery out and go for a pedal lap on trails not open to ebikes, or hop on the chairlift to get some laps in the bike park. Put the battery back in and sneak in a few hot laps after work, or get another day of riding in when your legs are spent. The Relay is a bike that can truly do it all.”
We’re not sure how exactly this will play out or if the bike will be reasonably light enough to pedal without a battery, but we are interested to learn more this fall when Transition says they’ll have more to offer about the bike.
- Price: TBD
- Available Spring 2023.
