YT Industries adds to alloy enduro range and Mondraker's new hardtail
Our round up of the very best tech stories of the week
This week in the world of off-road cycling, we have news of Mondraker unveiling its latest creation, the Chrono DC, to sit within its hardtail category and YT Industries adding wallet friendly enduro models. We share our top tips on cycling through the winter months and ways to upgrade your bike for those on a budget.
Mondraker adds to its Chrono range
2023 Mondraker Chrono DC R hero, by Mondraker
Two new models have been added to Mondraker's cross-country ‘Chrono’ range, with the Chrono DC and the Chrono DC R offering updated trail focussed geometry and more travel to its Stealth aluminium frame. The brand says the new models are unlike the conventional hardtail and are for riders who enjoy more trail feedback being more versatile for climbing hills and blasting down techy singletrack.
SRAM is responsible for the gearing and brakes, while RockShox provides the suspension for the lower-end model with Judy Silver TK 29 front fork and Fox 32 29 Float GRIP EVOL Rhythm. Both are available now by visiting Mondraker.
Tips for winter riding
Winter mountain biking, by off-road.cc
We all prefer to shred the dusty dry trails in the blazing sunshine but the other side of riding is through the winter months. This is where it becomes a different kettle of fish. More layers are needed, more care is taken of the bike, mudguards fitted, and tyre choice is thorough.
With careful planning and a little more effort, winter riding can be a positive experience. In this buying guide, we share our advice on how to make winter biking more enjoyable, such as what is the best waterproof mountain bike jacket to get, how to keep your digits cosy, and tips on neckwear and carrying refreshments.
YT Industries expands its enduro range
2023 yt industries capra core 1 hero.jpg, by Liam Mercer
A new addition to the brand's enduro offerings is the Capra Core 1 and Capra Core 2 GX which have all of the attributes of the Core 2 and more. Using the already successful MK3 frame as a blank canvas, the new models include choosing a mixed wheel if preferred and an upgraded gear system seen on the Core 2 GX. As you can guess, this includes the SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain for crisper changing. Other than this, it is the same makeup.
The Core 1 is the main game changer in spec and price. Featured on its 16.6kg claimed weight is the RockShox ZEB Base fork, RockShox Super Deluxe Select R shock, SRAM's DB8 four-pot brakes, a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, and Sun Ringle Duroc Comp SD37 hoops keeping it rolling. This bike sets a new standard for a price point many of us look and without dropping in quality.
Upgrades on a budget
2021 maxxis assegai overall tread.jpg, by Liam Mercer
We have created seven ways to upgrade your mountain bike for £50 or less. Upgrading your steed is personal. You may have a standard bike that has come straight from the production line with generic components. The great thing about this is that you can put your stamp on it. You can change something small that may make the riding experience more suited to your needs, or you may have the itch to upgrade to something more complex that could dramatically change the bike's performance. Either way, we offer some solutions to getting that unique bike tailored just for you.
Mountain biking is undoubtedly an expensive hobby, but there are ways to keep the costs down when you want to spruce up your bike. New tyres, perhaps? Convert them to tubeless for more puncture protection, or change the saddle for a more ergonomic shape that fits you on a more personal level because you could be sat on that for hours.
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