Spend smart on your mountain bike gear

The Basics

Vittoria Agarro Trail tires $70
Vittoria’s Agarro tires are less aggressive than the popular Martello tires, so you get more speed when you need it. Leading steps on the lugs reduce rolling resistance while maintaining excellent grip for climbing. These 850-gram tires also feature Vittoria’s Graphene 2.0 compound for added durability.

Voile strap $6 – $7
What can you do with these straps? What can’t you do with them? Secure a spare tube to your frame, or stash a tool kit under your saddle. Wrap one around your rain jacket to pack it up tightly in your pocket. These versatile straps are inexpensive, durable, light, and endlessly useful.

Timber Bell $25
Chime only when you need to. The Timber bell features a locking mechanism that silences the bell, and when you release the lever, the passive ringer chimes as you encounter bumps on the trail. It’s easy to swap between bikes with the QR model, or keep it solidly in place with the Bolt-On version.

Granite Stash Multitool $55
Utilize dead space on your bike. The Stash fits solidly within your steerer using Granite’s unique clamping system. When you need tools, just slide out the multitool from within the steerer and use any of the eight included tools. It weighs just 145 grams.

Ass Savers Mudder Fender $14
Attach this light and unobtrusive fender to your fork with the included zip ties and you’ll keep trail mud from becoming a mid-ride snack.

The Upgrades

OneUp V2 Dropper Post $209
Drop further. The V2 has the shortest stack height and shortest length on the market to get your saddle lower. Options range from 120 mm to 210 mm of drop, and the V2 is a real value at just over $200. There’s a two-year warranty, too.

WTB Volt Ti Saddle $130
Just the right amount of padding makes for a comfy perch, and a slight upward flare at the back keeps you in an optimal pedaling position. Not sure if this is the right fit for you? Use WTB’s Fit Right System on the website to make sure. It’s been spot-on for us every time.

Garmin Edge 130 $200
This diminutive computer packs a punch. It fits nicely on your stem, and touts a 15-hour battery life. If you just want the basics out in the forest, the Edge 130 delivers navigation and data tracking. If you want more fun — like jump distance and hang time — upgrade to the Edge 530 for an extra $100.

The Splurges

Dirt Components Rough Country wheels $1,820
Sure, these carbon hoops are pricey, but not nearly as pricey as carbon wheels made by other brands. They’re rugged, affordable, and they feature Industry Nine’s Hydra Hubs for best-in-class engagement. The Rough Country wheels are stiff to track well in corners and light enough to keep your burden low.

Sage Powerline Ti Mountain Bike $3,100 – $7,261
Trail riding continues to evolve as mountain bikes become more capable, and Sage has taken a simple approach to tackling it all. This titanium beauty is dropper-post ready, and it features a middle-ground 67.5-degree head tube angle ideal for climbing, all-day grinding, and descending confidently. It’s 1X-drivetrain-specific, designed for a 130 mm fork, and comes with Boost spacing, so all the modern touches add up to a true everyday bike that’s ready for racing or adventuring.

 

Get your VeloNews 2020 Gear Issue now.