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]
TRP announces new premium EVO drivetrain
The new TRP EVO 12-speed drivetrain has a few unique features that could sway buyers. Riders can adjust the shifter to jump between one and four gears per shift and the chainrings utilize the brand’s Wave profile for improved retention. And according to a release, “Unlike other shifting systems, our Hall lock feature mitigates drivetrain noise by stabilizing the derailleur on the mounting bolt. Our upgraded instant, silent clutch further tames unwanted chain slap and quiets the entire shifting system while the intuitive cage release makes changing a tire a breeze.”
- Price: TBD
- Buy from TRP dealers.
Chris King 6-Bolt Mountain Hubs
Chris King Precision Components is now offering 6-bolt hubs again, available to purchase alone or as part of a complete wheel set. The brand says they had to limit manufacturing during the pandemic but they’re back at it again with their RingDrive hubs, with 72-points of simultaneous engagement, manufactured in the U.S.
- Price: $322 front, $588 rear
- Buy from Chris King dealers.
Abus YouDrop helmet
The new Abus YouDrop is a youth-sized full face mountain bike helmet that shares many of the same features as the brand’s Airdrop adult helmet. The YouDrop has nine air inlets and five outlets, a breakaway visor, and a ponytail outlet to accommodate most hair styles.
- Price: About $100
- Buy from Abus helmet dealers.
Rocky Mountain releases new Solo
Rocky Mountain has had the Solo gravel bike in its lineup for some time, but it had been a while since the bike received a meaningful update. The new version expands frame options to both carbon and aluminum, and updates the geometry and frame features, for a bike that appears to be comfy on both dirt trail and dirt road. The bike can fit up to 29×2.0″ or 27.5×2.2″ tires. It is dropper post compatible, can fit four bottles inside the frame and has a slew of accessory mounts.
The Solo comes in several build options. Pricing was not included in press materials so see the Rocky Mountain website for more info.
- Price: TBD
- Buy from Rocky Mountain dealers.
Showers Pass Cloudburst
Showers Pass has a new hooded rain jacket for sale, the Cloudburst. The jacket melds breathability with rain resistance and it packs into its own little carrying case. The Cloudburst is available in three colors and six sizes.
It trp has not released a price, they have really released their product yet.