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].
Commencal T.E.M.P.O. T-type
The Commencal T.E.M.P.O. is billed as a short travel trail bike and it is… if you’re only looking at the back half of the bike. The 125mm of virtual pivot rear suspension travel is paired with a 150mm fork up front at a 65.5° head tube angle for a bike that is both “ultra-efficient and full of character.” The latest T.E.M.P.O. is SRAM Transmission compatible and the frame features a black crackle finish that makes each one unique.
- Price: $6,500
- Buy from commencal.com
Updated Fox Dropframe ¾-shell helmet
With an open chin, the Fox Dropframe isn’t quite a full-face helmet but it offers plenty of coverage for trail riding. The latest version adds MIPS rotational impact protection and a three-position visor plus new colors to choose from.
- Price: $279.95
- Buy from foxracing.com
Alpacka Adrenaline Sled
Alpacka Raft makes ultraportable inflatable watercraft for bikerafting, and now they have a snow vehicle too. (Though this one probably isn’t designed to carry your fat bike.) The Alpacka Adrenaline Sled comes with a slew of warnings and disclaimers, saying use of the sled “involves inherent risks of injury and death,” but hey, it looks pretty fun too.
New Rotor power meter works with Shimano MTB cranks
Rotor has a new INspider power meter designed to work with Shimano MTB cranks. From what we can tell the 7075-T6 aluminum design adds just 99g to the weight of the crankset, and is manufactured in Spain.
- Price: €449
- Buy from rotorbike.com
Silky Super-Accel 21 Curve Folding Saw
The Silky Super-Accel 21 folding pocket saw is “designed for aggressive cutting,” according to the brand. The 210mm-long, nickel-plated blade resists rust while the aluminum chassis is designed for strength and rigidity. Manufactured in Japan, the rubber handle provides grip and comfort for serious trails maintenance.
- Price: $49.99
- Buy from silkysaws.com
Selle Marco Regal Short Dynamic saddle
The Selle Marco Regal Short Dynamic is designed for bikepacking and long gravel rides. The saddle rails attach at the very back of the saddle, which allows the body to flex more along its length. The brand also says the Regal Short Dynamic features “shock absorbers,” though it’s unclear from the photos or description what this refers to. Available in 165mm and 140mm widths.
- Price: $149.90
- Buy from sellesanmarco.com
Insta360 adds Garmin integration for data overlays
Insta360 and Garmin are making it easier to overlay ride data on your POV videos. Using the Insta360 app, riders can select a ride from their Garmin Connect account and import speed and elevation data to overlay on edited videos.
- Price: Free apps from Insta360 and Garmin
- Buy cameras from Insta360.
World Cup Racing Moves to Max
Max, the television app previously known as HBO Max will be the U.S. home to cycling’s biggest events next year including UCI World Cup mountain biking. This comes after news came out that GCN+ and the GCN App will shut down as of December 19. The package, known as the B/R Sports Add-On will also have sports from MLB, NHL, the NBA and more. It starts at $9.95 a month.
