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].
Updated Scott Ransom
The Scott Ransom enduro bike just got a Bold update with a hidden 6-bar linkage located just above the bottom bracket. The clean-looking bike features a slack 63.8° head tube angle, 77.2° seat tube angle, and a flip chip that allows the 29er to go mixed-wheel. By removing the shock cover below the down tube, riders can also access in-frame storage.
- Price: TBD
- Buy from Scott dealers
Forge+Bond adds more affordable line of Fusion Fiber wheelsets
Forge+Bond just launched more affordable wheelsets based around their Fusion Fiber rims. The new Shift Series features XC, all-mountain, and enduro wheelsets that utilize a Forge+Bond branded hubset to reduce costs. All hubs are designed for 6-bolt rotors and J-bend spokes with an aluminum body. It’s unknown how many points of engagement the hubs offer.
- Price: $1,250 (pair)
- Buy from Forge+Bond
New Tifosi Sanctum sunglasses go plant-based
The new Tifosi Sanctum sunglasses feature a plant-based frame made with castor oil and offer “the quality construction of a $200 pair of sports optics for under $35,” according to the brand.
- Price: $35
- Buy from Tifosi
Marin Alpine Trail Fun² Frameset
Marin is offering their Alpine Trail CarbonFun² enduro frame in a limited edition finish at a great price. The frameset comes with a 160mm Rockshox Yari RC fork, a Deluxe Select+, and a TranzX dropper post for $1,999. Pair it with this $670 Shimano XT groupset and you almost have a complete bike!
- Price: $1,999
- Buy from Marin dealers
Knolly Chilcotin gets longer and straighter
The Knolly Chilcotin gets big updates for 2024, starting with the straight top tube. Buyers can choose from a 170/170mm or 160/155mm front/rear suspension travel configuration and Knolly has expanded the size offerings to include small through XL sizes. Geometry highlights include size-specific chainstay lengths, a 77° or 78° seat tube angle depending on the configuration, and longer reaches (513mm on size large).
- Price: Complete bikes from $5,999
- Buy from Knolly dealers
Shimano eyewear
Shimano has three new eyewear models featuring their Ridscape lenses that are tuned for specific riding conditions. The Ridescape OR lens, shown here with a Technium L half frame, is optimized for off-road biking thanks to photochromatic features.
- Price: $100
- Buy from Shimano retailers
e*Thirteen Quick Fill Schrader Tubeless Valves
For riders who prefer the durability and ease of use of Schrader valves, but also want to run modern rims, e*Thirteen has a solution. Their Quick Fill Schrader valves feature a skinny two-part base that fits standard Presta-drilled rims. The top unscrews as well so sealant can be injected into the tire.
- Price: $25.95
- Buy from ethirteen.com
Bell Super Air R helmet
The new Bell Super Air R mountain bike helmet features a tool-free removable chin bar and is said to be 22% lighter than the previous version. Additional features include MIPS Spherical rotational impact protection and an adjustable visor.
- Price: $300
- Buy from Backcountry
Kuat Piston SR hitch rack
The all-metal Kuat Piston SR hitch rack combines a Piston SR roof tray with the Piston SR hitch adapter and can carry an e-bike weighing up to 100lb.
- Price: $657
- Buy from Worldwide Cyclery
SQlab 7OX 2.0 Pro grips
The new SQlab 70X 2.0 Pro grips are designed for gravity riding with a diamond and reptilian-looking pattern. The single sided lock-on grips are said to offer improved grip in wet conditions and are 5mm longer than the previous version.
- Price: 34.95€
- Buy from SQlab retailers
New WTB grips
WTB just launched four new mountain bike grips: Trace, CZ Control, Wavelength and Burr. All four are single-clamp and there are standard, tapered, and semi-ergonomic, and ergonomic choices to suit all kinds of riders.
- Price: $29.95
- Buy from Worldwide Cyclery
Commencal Race Day bag
The Commencal Race Day bag is designed to fit and organize everything you need for well, race day. The backpack is large enough for a helmet or two, shoes, clothes, and various other items for a day or weekend of riding.
- Price: $195
- Buy from commencal.com
Limited edition Cotic Escapade UK 853 steel gravel bike
The Cotic Escapade UK 853 is a limited edition, British-made run of the popular steel gravel bike. Buyers can choose the Cirrus colorway shown or choose from one of 10 custom colors in a gloss or matte finish. The Escapade UK frame is constructed with “heritage” Reynolds 853 steel tubing.
- Price: From £2,699
- Buy from cotic.co.uk
Repente Nova saddle
The new Repente Nova saddle uses dual density thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) without the need for a surface coating. It’s designed for road and off-road use and the chromoly rail version weighs just 230g.
- Price: 85€
- Buy from sellerepente.com
Wolf Tooth Drops ReMote for Drop Bars
Wolf Tooth Components has a new remote/lever made for drop bar riders with dropper posts. The ReMote Drop Bar fits on the left inside of a set of drop bars and is made from a fully machined aluminum and it swings on sealed cartridge bearings. Wolf Tooth claims the 11mm diameter cartridge bearings give it smooth actuation and play.
- Price: $65
- Buy from Wolf Tooth Compoents
