Take a peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Explore the grid or click through for a slideshow.
Ride Concepts x Teton Gravity Research Mountain Biking Shoes
The Livewire is the model that put mountain bike shoe brand Ride Concepts on the map. Now, Ride Concepts teams up with Teton Gravity Research for a limited run of Livewires ($110). TGR’s new film “Esperanto” celebrates the universal joy of mountain biking and stars numerous Ride Concepts athletes. As for the shoes, a grippy rubber outsole thrives everywhere from “singletrack to the bikepark.”
LIVSN Women's Flex Canvas Pants
LIVSN’s Flex Canvas Men’s Pants have been a favorite of the GearJunkie team for several years running. Now, our beloved pantalones are available for women too, and we couldn’t be happier. These pants are made from stretchy spandex-infused canvas, and they won’t restrict your range of motion. The new women’s version ($119) is subtly different than the men’s, and the brand promises a flattering fit.
Restrap Bumper Bar
Bikepacking handlebar bags are notorious for sagging down and rubbing against the front wheel. To solve this problem, Restrap created the Bumper Bar ($60) — a simple accessory that keeps handlebar bags in their intended position. The Bumper Bar fits directly onto a headset spacer stack and can also be used as a mounting point for lights and other utility items.
Canyon Lux World Cup CF 6 Mountain Bike
Canyon’s Lux World Cup Mountain Bike series has “world cup-winning pedigree.” The most accessible model in the series is the CF 6 ($3,999), which costs significantly less than its top-end siblings but still comes with a carbon frame and 100 mm of travel in the front fork. At 26.7 pounds, the CF 6 is impressively light for its class. It’s available to order now in most countries — riders in the U.S. will have to wait until September.
Chacos Outdoor Afro Collection
Earth Tones Chacos are here ($100), and we can almost hear the roar of millions clicking “add to cart.” Over the years, Chaco has dropped several eye-catching collections, but these monochrome beauties may be the best yet. During the month of June, $5 from each Earth Tones sandal will be donated to Outdoor Afro, a nonprofit that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature.
Garphyttan Specialist Stretch Shorts
Garphyttan is a new Swedish outdoor/workwear brand. The Specialist Stretch Shorts ($119) are among its first offerings, and they certainly have a unique look. Various pockets cover the thigh area, and there is plenty of room for all sorts of everyday carry items. The Specialist Stretch Shorts are available in men’s and women’s sizes.
ROLL Recovery R1 Massage Gun
Percussion massagers are all the rage. Climbers, mountain bikers, and outdoor athletes of all kinds are accelerating their recovery with these handheld oscillating gadgets. Boulder-based brand ROLL Recovery’s version is the R1 ($129), a compact massager that fits easily in one hand. The R1 has four speed settings, four attachment heads, and 40W of power.
Leki Ultratrail FX Trail Running Pole
Many trail runners find that poles help maintain an upright posture on the trail. LEKI’s Ultratrail FX poles ($220) were designed with input from Pau Capell, winner of the Eiger Ultra Trail Race in 2018. According to the brand, the Trail Shark grip-strap system provides “the ultimate hand-to-pole power transfer.” When not in use, this pole folds down to under 14 inches for easy stowage.
REI Co-op Generation E-Bike Series
According to the Light Electric Vehicle Association, e-bikes are the bestselling EV in the country. REI’s latest contribution to the market is the Cycles Generation Series, two “lifestyle” e-bikes with memory foam saddles. According to REI, the new e1.1 ($1,499) and e1.2 ($1,899) bikes are great for riders of all levels. Both models are available exclusively to REI members until September 1.
