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#EnduroGear #MountainBiking #FSAGradient #CarbonWheels #RideMore #BikeLife #TrailTime #SummerShred #GravityRiding #BikeTech #RiderStyle #BikeComponents #ShredTheTrails #MTBGear #BikeUpgrades
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The article kicks off with a light-hearted nod to the summer break, humorously acknowledging the return of younger riders who might make the older crowd feel self-conscious about their skills. It then dives into a series of product reviews and updates from the biking world, specifically focusing on components and gear from brands like FSA and Race Face.
FSA Gradient Components
The spotlight is on FSA’s revamped Gradient range, designed for enduro and gravity riding. The first item is the FSA Gradient 31.8 Alloy Stem, a sleek, machined stem available in various lengths and diameters. It features a zero-gap design, +6° rise, and a 35mm fork clamp stack height, combining durability with a clean aesthetic. Next up are the FSA Gradient Alloy Riser 31.8 Handlebars, inspired by Gee Atherton. These handlebars are shot-peened for increased hardness and made from triple-butted and tapered AL7050-T6 alloy. They come in 25mm or 40mm rise options, with 8° back sweep and 5° up sweep, designed for stability and control.
The FSA Cranks & Bottom Bracket are also highlighted, featuring forged and machined AL7050 alloy with advanced bonding technology. They come in various lengths and boast a BB392EVO spindle, offering a wide chainline and a Q-factor of 177mm—ideal for performance and durability. Of particular note are the FSA Gradient i30 Carbon Wheels, which FSA seems particularly proud of. These premium carbon wheels feature a variable height hookless asymmetric design, a 30mm internal diameter, and are hand-built with PRS X-900 hubs offering 72-point engagement. While expensive, they’re positioned as a strong contender in the high-end carbon wheelset market.
Race Face Turbine Pedals
The Race Face Turbine Pedals are praised for their thoughtful design, offering maximum grip through a concave shape achieved by body design and pin height. These flat pedals are built for riders who prioritize traction over mobility on the pedal, with a slightly longer fore-aft design (115mm) and moderate width (110mm).
OS Terrain 50A Map
The article humorously mentions the OS Terrain 50A map, a detailed map of the UK that, while not particularly useful for navigation or trail discovery, is an excellent time-killer for those who enjoy exploring geographical details.
Forum Thread of the Week
The winning forum thread for the week is credited to matt_outandabout, who wins a random prize for his contribution. Readers are encouraged to participate in the forum for a chance to win similar rewards.
Member Reward of the Week: 25% Off Oakley
Members are offered a 25% discount on Oakley products, highlighting the brand’s reputation for innovative lens technologies and performance gear favored by elite athletes.
STW Women’s Mid-weight Organic T-shirt
The article also showcases a women’s mid-weight organic T-shirt from Singletrack World. Made from 100% organic cotton, it features a medium fit, set-in sleeves, and a double-needle hem for durability.
Stale Goods Friday: 2012 Liteville 301 Mk.10
The segment revisits the 2012 Liteville 301 Mk.10, one of the last 26-inch wheel bikes tested by the magazine. The bike was praised for its Teutonic attention to detail, featuring 160mm of rear wheel travel from a four-bar linkage, Syntace standards, and thoughtful design elements like a pierced top tube for cable routing and a sag indicator.
Singletrack Magazine MTB Podcast
The article concludes with a plug for the Singletrack Magazine MTB Podcast, encouraging readers to subscribe and make their daily commutes more mountain bike-flavored.
Overall, the article is a mix of product reviews, community highlights, and a touch of humor, catering to mountain biking enthusiasts eager to stay updated on the latest gear and industry news.