Gear Watch Wednesday: Lightweight Hardtail, a Retro-style Jacket, and R-Dog’s Cerveza

By Singletracks Staff

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]

Pivot LES-SL ultra-lightweight hardtail

The new Pivot LES-SL cross-country race bike frame weighs just 800g (size medium) thanks to an optimized carbon layup and design. The geo has been updated as well with longer reaches and a climb-optimized steeper seat tube angle across the range of sizes.

  • Price: $4,999 to $9,799.
  • Available soon.

Lazer KinetiCore impact tech

Lazer has a solution for rotational impacts to the dome with their latest KinetiCore technology. The brand claims that its proprietary impact protection weighs less and uses less plastic material than traditional helmet construction while providing better ventilation throughout. Lazer helmets with KinetiCore internals received the top rating from Virginia Tech’s safe testing lab. We have a few rides under the system in the latest Lazer Jackal helmet and it feels great so far and also lacks the annoying noises MIPS liners tend to emit.

  • Price: $219.99 for the Jackal model.
  • Available soon.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

We have a shiny new Garmin Instinct 2 Solar GPS watch in for testing that boasts some of the longest battery life in the business. According to Garmin the new Instinct 2 Solar with its 45mm sun-drinking face can hold a charge for between 65 days, or “unlimited” with solar, and 30 to 48 hours in full-gas GPS mode. This 53g multisport tracker looks ideal for long backcountry treks of all sorts, with a simpler and somewhat more affordable package than some of the competition at $449.99. The prior iteration of this wrist computer is currently available for $189.99.

NS Bikes E-fine

NS Bikes of Poland has been designing rad mountain bikes for some time now. Most notably their fleet includes freeride and DJ bikes, models that many brands overlook. Today they’re cranking out a first battery bike called E-fine to follow their Define gravity lineup and the mix-wheeled ripper has 160mm of rear travel and a 170mm fork. There’s a top model powered by Shimano’s EP8 engine that retails for €7,599 and a second-tier ride that gets the Shimano 7000 motor and sells for €6,299.

  • Price: €6,299-7,599.
  • Available in April at NS Bikes

Pearl Izumi Retro Summit Barrier Jacket

This jacket is gonna look so fly over your Simpsons t-shirt, as well as on pretty much any trail. The hooded jacket is lightweight, windproof, and packable. It’s just the layer you’ll want for spring riding.

Hornit CLUG PRO Wall Mounted Bike Rack

What’s a guest bedroom? Of course our bikes come inside, they’re family after all. Mount your bikes vertically in your “spare room” with this classy wall mount that holds the front tire in place by snugly wrapping it in a tire-size-specific brace. The Fidlock magnetic closure adds to the overall simple yet strong aesthetic. Available in five sizes to fit 1″ road bike tires up to 3.2″ plus tires.

  • Price: $29.95 – $32.95
  • Available from Amazon

R-Dog x 805 Cerveza

Last month we shared a video from Ryan “R-Dog” Howard and Firestone Walker Brewing Company about the trails around Howard’s hometown of Aptos, California. This week we got a taste of Howard’s style and Firestone Walker’s beer courtesy the brewery. 805 Cerveza is a 4.5% beer brewed with lime that tastes light and refreshing, the perfect compliment to a plate of tacos after a big ride.

  • Price: $10.99 for a six pack.
  • Available in California or shipped via Drizly.