360-DEGREE SAFETY Garmin Varia RearVue 820 | RRP R6 499 | garmin. com We can’ t rave enough about the value of the ever-evolving tech in this bike radar and tail light. We know how dangerous our roads are, so we know how much we need it – and thankfully it’ s made those weird-looking bike rearview mirrors redundant. The Varia RearVue 820 is easy to mount and operate, and will detect vehicles approaching from up to 175m behind you, classify them by size, and alert you to keep further left or dive for cover via a compatible Garmin Edge computer, smartwatch or smartphone app. It also functions as a brake light and rear visibility light with a 2km beam. These are great for road, gravel and MTB riders who regularly share tar with vehicle traffic and want realtime awareness of what’ s approaching from behind.
BADASS BROEK
Fox Ranger Pants | RRP R1 690 | foxracing. co. za We liked the previous version of these trail pants, and these look even sweeter. They’ re a slim fit with a tapered lower leg, so reducing snag and drag, and are made from a four-waystretch ripstop fabric( using at least 85 % recycled material) that’ s lightweight and durable. A water-repellent finish sheds moisture and dirt, a race-ratchet waist closure provides a secure fit, and there are two zippered hand pockets to stash what you need. Perfect for mountain bikers who want technical pants that transitions to comfortable off-bike wear without giving that not-so-lekker lycra look.
KIT FOR COOL CATS
Fox Ranger TruDri Jersey | RRP R950 | foxracing. co. za We’ re shameless fans of the kit from this famous brand – and not just because it was born in motocross and cool DH stars like Greg Minnaar have rocked it for decades. It’ s always well constructed, and we like its use of recycled materials. This Ranger jersey, made from smart moisture-wicking fabric with jacquard panels for added ventilation, is tailored with a mountain bike fit, including a drop tail panel to offer coverage as you move around on your bike. Trail riders who want a technical performance jersey at an accessible price, that works equally well on and off the bike, will dig this. Pair it with baggies for a full-send look you can wear all day.
FAST & FEARLESS Maxxis Rekon Race 29in x 2.4WT | RRP R1 099 | maxxis. com There’ s a reason these tyres do well in SA and are tried and tested go-tos on our rough, dry trails. They’ re built for hard, bumpy terrain where speed and control need to coexist. Low-rolling-resistance centre knobs deliver efficient pedalling, while supportive side knobs maintain predictability when pushing into corners and hitting rocks and roots. The 2.4WT casing adds stability and comfort on wider rims, and EXO sidewall protection handles the sharp, demanding conditions common to our local trails. Just what’ s needed for XC and marathon racers who want a fast-rolling tyre that doesn’ t sacrifice corner confidence on technical or mixed terrain. gotta have it | MTB | 23