Category: Controls

  • First Impressions – Magura MDR-P Brake Rotors

    The MDR-P rotors meant there wasn’t any fade, noise, shuddering, or vibration coming from the braking system, just an insane amount of power at your fingertips. The new Magura eStop brake system is based on their existing four-piston MT5 and two-piston MT4 brakes and is optimized for e-bikes, heavy cargo bikes, and gravity use. In…

  • Hand and Wrist Relief with the SQlab 411 Innerbarend, 311 FL-X Handlebars, and Revolution Suspension Grips

    Long-term mountain bike riding, especially on rugged terrain, can cause trauma, injuries, and abuse to the hands and wrists. I have suffered swelling, numbness, and pain, especially with my right hand, exasperated by thumb arthritis. I have been using the innovative SQlab 311 FL-X handlebars, the functional SQlab 411 Innerbarends, and Revolution Suspension Grips on…

  • Just In – SQlab 311 FL-X Carbon Handlebar

    The 311 FL-X carbon handlebars offer excellent ergonomics and a comfortable and natural hand orientation, with a useful combination of backsweep and upsweep and soothing damping flex. The SQlab 311 FL-X (i.e., Flex) carbon fiber handlebars are designed for mountain biking and have a 4º upsweep, a 15mm or 30mm rise, a 16º or 12º…

  • Wolf Tooth Components Introduces Lower Headset Extenders

    Wolf Tooth Components released their Precision Headsets back in 2018, and our in-depth review found them to be a superb product that even after abusive trails and heavy water and dirt impregnation, they still offered precise and smooth steering. From that same expertise and quality engineering, they are releasing an optional lower headset extender, which is compatible…

  • WTB Updates Graphics on Saddles and Introduces Fit Right System

    WTB Updates Graphics on Industry-Leading Saddle Line and Revolutionizes Saddle Fit with WTB Fit Right System WTB has unveiled updated graphics across the entirety of the company’s iconic saddle line. WTB’s progressive saddle shapes now feature subdued graphics to provide a sleek and modern appearance that doesn’t clash with the defining colors of a bike.…

  • Magura eStop & e-Bike Optimized Technology

    Maximum performance and safety for e-bikes. With its new eSTOP brakes, MAGURA presents two disc brakes that are specially adapted to e-bike requirements. In combination, the new SPORT pads and the MDR-C or MDR-P rotors offer increased braking power and stability for e-bikes. The gentle pedaling support offered by e-bikes brings a smile to riders’…

  • e*thirteen Introduces New 35mm Stems and Handlebars

    Completing their inventory of wheels, tires, hubs, and drivetrain components, e*thirteen now offers 35mm handlebars and stems for the trail, enduro, and downhill riders. The handlebars will come in two aluminum and one carbon versions, while the stems will come two aluminum models. For further information, refer to bythehive.com. Handlebars Their new handlebar lineup is engineered…

  • Hand Relief – SQlab 411 Innerbarends and 311 Handlebars, and Revolution Suspension Grips

    As I get older and keep mountain bike riding on rugged gnarly terrain, I have been having some severe issues with my hands. I have suffered swelling, numbness, and pain, especially with my right hand, which is exasperated by thumb arthritis. Over the past couple of years, I have been using SQlab 311 handlebars, SQlab…

  • FOX Announces Transfer 175mm Dropper Post

    FOX has expanded its superb Transfer seatpost lineup with a new 175mm drop option. Available in both Factory for $344 and Performance Series for $294, the new Transfer 175 continues FOX’s excellent reputation of smooth function and great reliability with an infinitely adjustable height design and internal or external cable routing options. Low lever force…

  • The MTB Lab Best of 2018 – Packs, Shoes, Sunglasses, and Grips

    Some of our Best of 2018 miscellaneous gear we tested include the superb and high functional Platypus Duthie AM Hydration Pack, the Mountainsmith Cycle Cube organizational bag for carrying all your cycling gear, the Pearl Izumi X-ALP Elevate mountain bike shoe with Boa closure and great hike-a-bike characteristics, the Smith Optics Attack Max sunglasses with huge field of…

  • The MTB Lab Best of 2018 – Suspension, Stem, Helmet, Armor, and Tools

    Some of our Best of 2018 items we tested include the MRP Ribbon Coil fork which provides a buttery smooth and linear coil feel through any terrain, the gorgeous Industry Nine A35 All-Mountain stem, the comfortable and pricepoint Leatt DBX 2.0 helmet, the comfy and protective Kali Strike knee pads and finally the functional Wolf Tooth Master…

  • Magura Storm SL.2 Rotor Review

    I’ve spent nearly six months testing the newer Magura’s SL.2 lightweight brake rotors on my superb Ibis RipMo 29er equipped with a set of Magura’s excellent four-piston MT5 brakes using their all-around 8.P brake pads. The SL.2 rotors provide outstanding all-around performance and durability in a lightweight package. In contrast, the 8.P Performance pads feature…

  • Wolf Tooth Components Precision Headsets Review

    The Wolf Tooth Components Precision Headsets feature their typical high-quality, high-performance and highly engineered CNC artisanship. The ultra trick headsets utilize the superb Enduro stainless steel cartridge bearings sealed with their top and bottom lip seals. They come in Zero Stack and External Cup versions with lightweight top covers in 5mm, 15mm, and 25mm heights to accommodate almost…

  • Introducing the A35 Stem by Industry Nine

      Industry Nine has released their A35 All-Mountain Stem made from domestically sourced 7075 Machined Aluminum at their Asheville, NC factory. It comes in 35, 40, 50, and 60mm lengths and 11 anodized colors, which can be mixed and matched as desired. Like all their other products the stems are highly engineered, well made and jeweled…

  • Ibis Introduces Adjustable Width Carbon Handlebar

    When it comes to handlebar width, “one size fits all” doesn’t work. Not only is bar width determined by the size of the rider, it also depends on personal preference and where you ride. But many people are reluctant to cut down their expensive bars because it’s a one-way change. As a result, Ibis has seen…

  • Ergon – New Products for 2019

    Ergon will present new ergonomic solutions for the upcoming season at the Eurobike show. Highlights include the anatomically optimized men’s saddles SM (MTB) and SR (Road). Men’s health is given priority here. New E-MTB saddles, updates to the ST Core Prime, and GA3 Twist grips for 2019. Many of the new men’s saddle take their…