top of page
Writer's pictureMountain Bike Mag

STUFF YOU WANT!

Retail therapy to get you through the darker months.



SAFELY FIRST

Fox Speedframe MIPS§| R2¨199 | foxracing.co.za

You can’t argue that Fox is a cool brand that makes premium quality, edgy clothing and accessories. Their MTB helmets are not light and minimalist like road helmets (which many use) so some may find them chunky – but the key issue is safety. When you think how much faster bikes are, and the extent of our steeper, gnarlier trails with testing jumps and tighter berms, we need to protect our fragile pips more than ever. The latest generation of Fox helmets have a distinct motorbike design and cover more previously exposed parts of your noggin, from the lower yet racy rear end, to the bad-ass DH-style lid in front. We find it an ideal mix of safe, ventilated, comfy and cool looking.


It features MIPS technology, and is goggle-compatible. The magnetic fi dlock snap clasp is a

timesaver we think will become a norm on straps. Combined with the 360-degree fit system and lekker colours, the Speedframe MIPS is a great-value proposition.



PUT PEDAL TO THE METAL

Crankbrothers Eggbeater 11 pedals | RRP R8¨000 | crankbrothers.com


The pinnacle of pedalling performance, Eggbeater 11s are the lightest MTB pedals in the world. Using titanium components and a minimalist design, they are a go-to for XC and marathon racers.


A unique design allows for entry on 4 sides, meaning getting back in the pedals and into the mix has never been easier. Their small body means they shouldn’t be your first set of clip-ins however.




SHARPEN YOUR SCALPEL

Cannondale Scalpel Ultimate Hi-Mod | RRP R219 995 | omnico.co.za

This is proper race weapon that’s fun to ride on technical trails with mates. As the bike tech designers creep closer towards the holy grail of a one-size-fi ts-all-bike for all courses, Cannondale is at the forefront of the pack. Just ask short track cross country world champ Alan Hatherly who wins marathons on board the same beast. At just over 1«900g, complete with shock, the new Hi-Mod carbon FlexPivot frame is one of the lightest full-sus MTB frames on the market. Incredible suspension, excellent handling and feathery weight – it’s a winning combo which we think looks super sick too. It’s fitted with a Lefty Ocho Carbon fork (considered by many to be the most advanced, smooth and precise-handling ultralight fork around), integrated Cannondale app connectivity, a SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS wireless 12-speed groupset, Level Ultimate disc brakes, HollowGram 27in tubeless-ready carbon wheels and a Stash onboard repair kit.



RIDE THE ROLLS ROYCE

Technogym Ride | RRP R105§000 | technogym.com



Tech has risen meteorically to give us indoor rides that are cooler than ever. Smart trainers feel much more like real bikes these days, and offer interactivity and sound to make training much more fun. Enter the most technically advanced and comfortable trainer we have tested… Through a single log-in riders can access their favourite training apps and content. It’s the first bike to off er direct access to apps such as Zwift, Strava, ROUVY, Training Peaks, Kinomap and B kool; as well as entertainment apps like Netflix and Eurosport. It also has a complete range of training programs and experiences designed to improve your performance outdoors. The integrated super-high-definition 22-inch screen and surround sound allows users to dive into an unprecedented immersive experience. The bike simulates an outdoor cycling experience and replicates real-world routes and inclines – so you really can feel as if you’re riding Alpe d’Huez.


The bike challenges you to reach the proper power zones on virtual routes, or you can choose the exclusive TNT (Technogym Neuromuscular Training) programs, designed

to improve both metabolic and neuromuscular qualities, or set up a completely customised training plan based on your personal goals. The gearbox gives you incredibly realistic cycling with a very fast reaction time: from 0 to 1000 watts in half a second. Plus it’s quiet! The V-shaped frame suits sizes from 50 to 58+, the adjustable cranks can be set into three positions, and the ‘fast buttons’ allow users to easily access popular training modes (constant

power, incline, FTP percentages) and positions of use.



STYLE THAT WORKS

Ali Racing Worx chain ring | RRP R899 | aliracing.co.za

A massive shift in mountain biking has been the move to one by drivetrains. Less moving parts means far less hassle or

dropped chains, and yet with 1 x 12 you have close to as many gear options as the old 2 x 10 speeds. The other plus is the

simplicity that has come with changing front chainring sizes to suit the course, or even the colour of your bike paint job. We

recently opted for a 34T rather than the standard-fi t 32T on a gold frame and voila, the service-driven Ali Worx legends served up a gold-coloured chainring that brings a whole new level of bling. The chain rings are machined from a solid block of 7075 T6 aluminium, making them super strong and robust, then they’re polished, deburred and anodized for additional strength and longevity. We haven’t got close to wearing out their gravel bike ring, but ARW suggests a range of between 4000 to 5000km before replacement. Their seemingly unique narrow/wide tooth profile design also allows for better mud release and a smoother ride in the wet, which also helps with chain life. These direct mount chainrings have three unique inner pattern designs to suit your personal style and taste.

We opted for the Spline X with a flowing design featuring 10 splines for strength and style.

They are available for SRAM, Cannondale AI Shimano and Raceface.



TRIED, SEALED AND DELIVERED

Squirt Tyre Sealant | RRP R80 | squirtcyclingproducts.com


We have called tyre sealant the greatest invention in cycling since, err, the bicycle itself. Mountain biking would not be the same without it. Squirt Tyre Sealant is bio friendly and ammonia free, with natural

fibres and microbeads to help seal holes up to 6mm. The soft-touch biodegradable pouch sits comfortably in your pockets or a hydration pack for when you need it.


Application is easy. Simply remove the valve core, place the 120ml pouch nozzle over the valve and squeeze the required amount into your tyre. The bead lock system proved highly

eff ective, and what we like is that there’s no sticky, hard-to-remove gunk when you try to remove your tyre or replace the sealant. The inside of our tyre looked like a baby porcupine, yet we still finished two days of gnarly riding without stopping. One rider even stabbed the tyre with a pen knife to see if it was actually working, and that sealed too!

TRENDING

bottom of page