Back after our second annual Electric Week and in perfect timing with winter ahead, we’ve got Mudhugger’s latest Mudhugger EVO mudguard, as well as Bombtrack’s most recent steel-framed Hook gravel bike. On top of that, we’re going to take at the latest tyre from Kenda, Fox Racing’s wet weather boots, and Fox’s (the suspension kind) newest air shock, the X2.
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Before diving into the five cool things, let’s take a glance at what happened on the site over the past couple of weeks. Last week was extra exciting as we held our second annual Electric Week, where we talked about everything ‘e’, like how do pro cross-country mountain bikers with e-MTBs? And how to race an e-bike with tips from Tracy Moseley. We also jumped into topics about how to choose the best e-bike motor and drive system and e-MTB riding etiquette.
As for this week, our Steve caught up with MTB legend, Ned Overend, who chatted about how he races and wins at the ripe age of 70. And with wet weather taking its hold, we explained how to master wet roots.
It’s been a fun one in news as Pard Design unveiled its ‘luxury’ e-gravel bike that’s far from inexpensive, Deviate Cycles stepped into full build territory, and Orbea launched a competition with Shimano, putting entrants in with a chance to win a custom-painted mountain bike. Whyte also made its Secta trail hardtail even more affordable with the £899 Secta R.
Moving onto reviews, we checked out the rear shock that combines coil and air springs, the Cane Creek Tigon, Leatt’s exceptionally priced Ride Kit MTB 1.0, Fox Racing’s Union Boa Clipless shoes, and Trek’s Fuel+ EX 8 Gen 2.
Mudhugger EVO Shorty mudguard
£33
Upon the unveiling of Fox’s most recent crop of suspension forks came a new arch design. While that may mean good things for performance, it means that the mudguard mounts have shifted around a bit. Until now, compatible mudguard choices were slim, with only Fox’s own option being available, but as per usual, Mudhugger has stepped up to the plate.
The Mudhugger EVO may look like previous generations of the brand’s most modern mudguard, but there are a few key tweaks, the first of which is compatibility with those new Fox forks. The second neat feature found on this new generation mudguard is a mud deflector. It hides underneath the mudguard, and it’s designed to stop mud and dirt from being flung far out in front of the rider, so it should do an even better job of keeping your face free from dirt.
There’s a lot more going on with what looks like a rather simple mudguard, so we’ll leave that for the incoming review to explain.
Bombtrack Hook
£2,240
Built using double-butted Columbus Cromor tubing, this is the Bombtrack Hook. It’s a gravel bike that’s primed for bashing fireroads and trips out in the wilderness. That’s thanks to its heft of luggage mounts, including triple cage mounts on the fork, a top tube bag, and, of course, bottle mounts. Upping its ability for big rides is internal routing for a dynamo on its full carbon fork.
Rocking a tapered head tube and a T47 bottom bracket, sizes XS and S come equipped with 650b wheels, whereas larger frames use the popular 700c hoops and the bike runs Shimano’s GRX 400 2×10 groupset. It’s then sorted with a pair of WTB ST i19 rims and the brand’s Resolute tyres in either 42c on the smaller frames and 40c on the larger.
Fox Float X2 Factory rear shock
£809
As with its range of forks, Fox has given its X2 a bit of a refresh. Promising to set a new benchmark for gravity air-sprung shocks, the X2 boasts the ‘world’s first’ four-way adjustable monotube that’s said to boost durability while allowing for pressure balancing for better response. It also benefits from a larger base valve and multi-valve system to increase grip and support while helping it perform similarly to the GRIP X2 damper found on the modern forks.
The shaft diameter is larger for better strength, and the X2 boasts all of the compression and rebound adjustments. We’re also told that the oversized air chamber helps to reduce friction and deliver a more linear feel, which is primed for enduro and downhill riding.
Kenda K-Series Double Black tyre
From £45
Although Kenda has a rich history deep within the world of mountain biking, the brand has quietened down a little over recent years. However, that’s set to change as it has unveiled an all-new tyre, the Double Black. It’s an all-conditions tyre that’s focused towards gravity riding, and we’re told that it sits between the Hellkat and Pinner.
Yep, it’s another tyre that looks a bit like an Assegai, but it aims to deliver a faster rolling speed, as well as a planted feel on hardpack and loose over hard conditions. With it, Kenda is offering Downhill, Enduro, All Mountain and Trail casings, all built to suit the style of riding described by its namesake while balancing lower weights. They also use their own specific rubber compounds with Trail, Downhill and Enduro using a dual compound rubber, and All Mountain getting a Triple compound.
Fox Racing Union All Weather Clipless shoes
£230
Along with the Union Canvas Mids we looked at a couple of weeks ago, Fox has been busy with its shoe line, now offering a winter-specific waterproof boot. Available in clipless and flat interfaces, the Union All-Weather gets all of the features usually found within the Union shoe range, such as the UltraTac outsole, tuned midsole and a neat Boa dial, but there’s also a water-resistant upper to keep the elements out. Additionally, there’s a tall collar to provide even further weather protection.
Much like the recently reviewed Union Boa clipless shoes, these use D3O inserts to help reduce vibrations while adding a helpful hint of protection.
