A Sneaky Stash Spot, Fresh Brakes, Titanium Hardtails, and More [Gear Watch]

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]

Esker adds titanium options for Hayduke and Japhy hardtail models

Esker just added a bit more bling to their hardtail line with new Hayduke Ti and Japhy Ti models. Both bikes feature Portage sliding dropouts and mostly stick to the same geometry as the originals with a few measurement tweaks here and there.

  • Price: $2,300 for a frameset, builds from $4,400 to $6,000.
  • Available from Esker.

Muc-off gets super sneaky to thwart bike thieves

Many are using Apple Air Tags to track their bikes in case they’re stolen, and as the practice has grown, thieves are becoming all the wiser. Muc-off has a new tubeless tire valve that doubles as an Air Tag holder that places the device inside your tire. As you can see in the animated graphic above, the tag has a silicon cap to keep sealant out and the brand says the holder should absorb impacts as well. No word on whether the extra weight causes the wheel to feel out of balance.

  • Price: $44.99 (includes a 44mm tubeless valve).
  • Available from Muc-off.

TRP now has three EVO brake models to choose from

Photo: TRP

TRP is expanding the EVO line of four-piston brakes with an improved pad formula and higher-performance mineral oil. The brand says, “All brakes have 4-piston High-Flow calipers designed to pair with the new 2.3 mm brake disc standard [for] improved performance, more consistency and less brake fade.”

  • Price: Starting at $139.99 per side for the TRP Slate EVO brakes.
  • Available at Worldwide Cyclery.

Atomik announces wheels with FusionFiber carbon rims

Atomik joins Revel and Evil in offering carbon rims made using US-made, recyclable FusionFiber. The Atomik FM30 all-mountain/enduro rims have a 30mm internal width and can be paired with Industry 9 hubs and Berd spokes for an almost entirely US-sourced build.

  • Price: Starting at $1,848.99 ($1,998.98 with I9 Hydra hubs)
  • Available from local retailers and on the Atomik website.

New Orbea eMTB

The new Orbea Urrun takes its name from the Basque word for “far,” and in keeping with that theme the battery is designed to last up to eight hours on a single charge, depending on how and where you ride, of course. The electric hardtail features a 120mm fork, aluminum frame, and a Shimano EP8 RS motor. With an electric motor, this hardtail doesn’t exactly require riders to Urrun their turns. Ha!

  • Price: $4,299 to $5,499.
  • Available from Orbea dealers.

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