Once again, we’re back with another Five Cool Things, but this week, we’re going to take a look at Shimano’s all new XTR drivetrain while wondering whether it has what it takes to really bring the heat to SRAM. On top of all that, we’ve got one of MET’s latest lids, Crankbrothers’ all-new flat pedals, and more from Brooks and KMC.
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Kicking off with the news to hit the site this week, things have gotten all a bit worrying for YT Industries as the brand has entered self-administration amid market turmoil. Crankbrothers then unveiled an all-new flat pedal that aims to please those who hate shin strikes.
This week’s features have been all about racing, but at both ends of the professionalism spectrum. We started by diving into why the British are so good at downhill, despite not having the sheer number of mountains that compare to the likes of Morzine, Whistler, the Alps, and the Pyrenees. Bringing things back to the grassroots level, we caught up with Scott, the mastermind behind the Southern Enduro series, to dive into the state of the UK MTB scene and what we need to do to revive it. Then, with Shimano overhauling its drivetrain lineup, we thought it was high time to update our Shimano drivetrain guide for 2025.
As for reviews, it’s been a big week as our crack team of expert testers have brought their verdicts on Fox’s 34 SL Factory fork, as it claims its place as one of our favourite XC and trail forks. We then offer our thoughts on Specialized’s S-Works Turbo Levo 4, while asking if it’s actually worth the £12,500 price tag.
Shimano XTR Di2
£1,600
With SRAM snatching the wireless shifting baton and disappearing into the ether, it’s about time Shimano brought a truly wireless drivetrain to compete. XTR Di2 is the first properly wire-free mountain bike drivetrain from Shimano, with XT and Deore Di2 quickly following suit. With it, Shimano has brought plenty of cool features that at least bring it up to SRAM’s AXS level. One of those is the impact recovery system that allows the mech to move with an impact, and return to its original position afterwards.
Of course, we’ve not just got the drivetrain here, we’ve also got the XTR four-piston brakes, which have seen a mighty overhaul compared to the previous version. Not only is there a new reservoir shape that brings it closer to the bar for an ultra-tidy look, but the lever shape has been tweaked, and the brakes run on a new mineral oil that’s more viscous, which should help the brakes avoid the infamous wandering bite point.
There’s a lot going on here, and I could talk forever about XTR Di2, but I’ll leave all that for the incoming review.
MET Revo Mips
£170
The Revo is one of the latest helmets from MET, and it’s designed to please trail, enduro, and e-MTB riders alike. Of course, this helmet is all about protection, and the brand claims to have extensively researched rotational and linear impacts in order to offer the best protection possible. With that, it’s in-mould polycarbonate shell houses an EPS liner and a Mips Air rotational management system, all of which certify the helmet to NTA 8776.
Believe it or not, but the brand has access to its own wind tunnel, and the Revo has received the wind-tunnel treatment all to help build airflow into the helmet. According to MET, the Revo is 23% more breezy than its predecessor thanks to the diligent design of the 23 vents and internal airflow channels.
The Revo is complete with a sunglasses dock, Fidlock buckle, and an adjustable visor that’s flexible to further reduce rotational forces during a crash.
KMC GO Waxed X Flat 12sp chain
£53
It’s always great to see more brands providing third-party components for all kinds of bike things, and KMC is one of those long-standing companies that has brought a slew of chains for all types of bikes, alongside those from the likes of SRAM and Shimano. However, KMC is jumping on the pre-waxed bandwagon, with chain waxing becoming more popular with off-road cyclists.
Compatible with both 12 and 13-speed SRAM drivetrains, the X Flat chain is pre-waxed, so pre-lubricated, and there’s none of that thick and sticky factory grease to be found. KMC says that the pre-waxed chain attracts less dirt, so there shouldn’t be as much of a need for regular cleaning, and we’re told that it makes for a more durable chain, so it should be up for lasting the long haul. When the time comes to top up the wax, there’s KMC’s Go Chain Wax.
Crankbrothers Stamp 0 flat pedals
£40
With the Stamp 0 pedals, Crankbrothers is aiming to bring a traction-rich but versatile pedal to an affordable price. Importantly, the pins are moulded into the pedal’s nylon construction, so the brand says that they’re primed for traction but in a package that won’t totally tear up your shins or shoes, should the worst happen. Because of that, we expect these to be great on the mountain bike that you might also commute on.
As always from Crankbrothers, the Stamp 0 comes in two sizes to fit a range of foot sizes, and it rotates on a chromoly steel spindle. It’s fully serviceable too, with an Igus bearing and seal system.
Brooks Scape top tube bag
£50
Better known for its leather-bound saddles, Brooks is bringing bike luggage to the party, and this is one of two top tube bag offerings. One is sorted with bolts, to hard-mount onto a bike’s top tube, and the other (this one) uses good old-fashioned hook and loop straps. It’s more than just a pretty face, too, as it’s claimed to be 100% waterproof with a welded construction.
Additionally, the sides and bottom get foam padding to protect whatever you decide to put in the bag, and quieten down any rattling.
