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].
Downcountry Starling Murmur
Starling is moving to UDH-compatible dropouts on their Swoop, Twist and Murmur steel frames and while they’re at it, changing from IS standard to post-mount brake mounts. Existing customers can purchase a UDH-compatible rear triangle to upgrade to the new standard.
Along with the updated UDH rear ends, the UK-based brand is rolling out an all-new, 120mm rear travel downcountry version of the Murmur as shown above.
- Price: TBD
- Buy from starlingcycles.com
2024 Canfield Nimble 9 steel hardtail
The 2024 Canfield Nimble 9 represents the fifth generation for the chromoly steel 29er hardtail. With a 150mm fork up front, a slack 66° head tube angle, and sliding dropouts the Nimble 9 promises to be a versatile trail slayer.
- Price: $999 frame, completes from $4,499
- Buy from canfieldbikes.com
Intend MOTO inverted fork
The new Intend MOTO is designed to be the ultimate mountain bike fork, and priced north of $4,000, it better be. According to the brand, “the limited edition Intend ‘MOTO’ suspension set is an engineer’s dream come true. Unrestricted by costs, efforts and ease of assembly and serviceability [sic].” The fork uses techniques and materials borrowed from motorcross like the “sliding-bushing” that’s said to reduce friction throughout the fork travel.
- Price: 3,999€
- Buy from intend-bc.com
Specialized Stumpjumper LTD T-Type
Specialized rolled out their first mixed-wheel Stumpjumper builds last November, and this year they’ve added a new T-Type model featuring a SRAM GX Eagle Transmission drivetrain and Rockshox Pike Ultimate fork. The frame features a flip chip and even with the mullet wheels the geo stays roughly the same as the matched-wheel builds with a similar 65° head tube angle.
- Price: $6,000
- Buy from Specialized.
fizik Argo X saddle for XC, gravel
The new fizik Argo X is an off-road saddle designed specifically for XC and gravel racing. With a short nose and “round contours,” the Argo X is pedal optimized with a cutout to relieve pressure. Two sizes — 140mm and 150mm — are available, and buyers can choose from the more affordable X5 model or the lighter-weight X3.
- Price: $109.99 (X5) and $159.99 (X3)
- Buy from fizik retailers
Giro Rodeo MTB Glove has two beefy D3O knuckles
The new Giro Rodeo mountain bike glove looks to be a highly vented lightweight glove, but with two of the beefiest knuckle protectors we’ve seen. Giro placed the flexible but tough D3O material on just the pinky and ring fingers where riders are most likely to encounter trees and rocks. Best of all, the glove is priced at a reasonable $35.
- Price: $35
- Buy from Amazon.
Specialized Mio 2 kids helmet
The Specialized Mio 2 is a big helmet for little heads. The mini skid lid features lots of low density foam designed to protect fragile and growing skulls plus MIPS tech. It’s designed for kids 1-year-old and up, and even comes with fun stickers to decorate the helmet.
- Price: $50
- Buy from Specialized.
Strava adds messaging feature to app
Strava, the well-known ride recording app has added a messaging feature. The company says now members can connect and motivate each other through the app or set up group rides. Users can message other users individually or create a group chat and share activities and routes.
Tailwind Nutrition releases avalanche of flavor
Tailwind Nutrition has a new protein shake flavor and 10% of the proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. The Chocolate Mint Recovery Mix is a limited flavor and will sell out. The mix combines carbs, electrolytes, and protein for a tasty after-ride mix.
- Price: $10 for a four-pack
- Buy from tailwindnutrition.com
