New bikes from YT, Cotic and Bomtbrack, Endura clothing and more
These are the top tech news stories and features of the week
This week has been jam-packed with new product launches, including new bikes from YT Industries and Bombtrack, clothing from Endura and shoes from Fizik. It's been busy, which has offered us a glimpse of optimism amid the gloomy market outlook and rumoured closures of prominent cycling brands. We've also put together some brilliant features – including the best mountain bike lights buyer's guide, which dovetails perfectly with the clocks going back come Sunday. A good set of lights will keep you riding well into the night. Now, let's dive into the tech stuff.
- Melon Optics Alleycat Photochromic glasses review
- Winter mountain biking - your guide to riding in the cold
- Why are mountain bike cranks so long?
Best mountain bike lights 2023 - top-rated lights for night riding
2023 light BG cover.jpg, by Liam Mercer
The darker days are here but it shouldn't mean less riding. With bright front lights, you can easily see the trails ahead of you and keep your fitness up through the winter months. This guide compiles the best lights we've tested to make finding the right light easier for you.
Bombtrack overhauls the Hook EXT C for 2024
2023 bombtrack hook ext c hero.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Bombtrack has launched an updated version of its Hook EXT C bike for 2024. The Hook range is known for its versatility and includes models for bikepacking and gravel racing. The new 2024 EXT C model features a T800 carbon frame with a threaded bottom bracket, internal cable routing and numerous mounting points, accompanied by a Seido MGV fork with ample tyre clearance.
Parallel to the updated Hook, Bombtrack also announced changes to 38 other models in its range and opened a new warehouse in the UK for stocking bikes in the UK market.
Cotic brings updates to its Jeht trail MTB
2023 cotic jeht hero.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Cotic has updated its Jeht trail mountain bike, focusing on subtle improvements rather than a major redesign. In terms of geometry, the Jeht retains its head angle and rear centre but sees changes in bottom bracket height and stack height to add some cornering grip and confidence.
The Jeht is available with 150mm or 140mm suspension forks, with improved suspension rates, and claims to offer better rider fit with the updated tube lengths and shapes. Prices start at £2,200 for the frame and RockShox Deluxe Select Plus shock, with various build options ranging up to £8,000.
Oval chainrings - what are they and why you need one
2022 liam staff bike chainring.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Oval chainrings offer many advantages over a regular round ring, especially in off-road cycling. Unlike round chainrings, which may not efficiently transfer torque and peak power during pedalling, oval chainrings aim to optimise power delivery. Liam has explained everything there is to know about these chainrings – including the drawbacks.
YT Industries unveils third-gen Jeffsy
YT Industries Jeffsy riding 5.jpg, by Liam Mercer
YT Industries has unveiled the third-generation Jeffsy, a 29er trail mountain bike. This rig now enjoys more suspension travel, with 150mm at the front and 145mm at the rear. Other updates include the suspension system which has been improved to reduce pedal kickback, boost traction and enhance acceleration. Excitingly, YT has also added an integrated storage bit on the downtube. The new Jeffsy prices range from £2,500 to £6,000.
Liam has already taken this trail shredder for a ride, too, and you can read why he thinks this bike is "superb" here.
Endura updates MT500 range with new colours and items
MT500_AW23_E9152_MTB-052.jpg, by Endura
Endura has updated its MT500 range with new colours and items, including the MT500 Waterproof Boot mountain bike shoe. The MT500 collection offers cold- and waterproof gear suitable for winter riding, with options for every preference from waterproof onesies to softshells and gilets.
Fizik releases Nanuq GTX winter MTB shoe
fizik-terra-nanuq-gtx-07.jpg, by Fizik
Fizik has brought out the Nanuq GTX mountain bike shoe, designed for deep winter off-road cycling. These shoes feature insulation, waterproofing, and reinforced toecap, heel, and side areas for durability. There's Boa Fit System allows easy adjustment, and they come in clip and flat-pedal versions, both equipped with a grippy and hike-a-bike-friendly sole. Sizes range from EU36 to 48 and the price is £290.
Bike check: Dangerholm's Scott Scale RC
2023 scott scale sg hero.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Dangerholm's latest customisation project is the Scott Scale RC cross-country mountain bike – something he calls a "Super Gravel" bike. But it has flat bars because Dangerholm - controversially - thinks modern gravel bikes are essentially old-school mountain bikes (we've written about this, as well).
This build features the typical high-end components we've come to expect, including Trickstuff Piccola Carbon brakes, SRAM Red AXS XPLR shifting, CeramicSpeed oversized pulley wheels and some 3D-printed titanium parts. The whole bike weighs only 7.67kg, including pedals.
How does tyre sealant work?
Tubeless_Sealants_Grouptest.JPG, by Matt Page
Tubeless tyres offer advantages such as improved resistance to punctures and enhanced performance at lower pressures, resulting in better grip during gravel rides and singletrack descents. They don't work without tubeless sealant, however, so we've taken a look at what the liquid sloshing inside your tyres is all about.
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