Clever new components from Wolf Tooth
If we had an award for clever product creation, Wolf Tooth Components would be at the top of the list. Not only do they produce some of the most well thought out and unique components in a crowded marketplace, they also manufacture and assemble all of their products in the USA. Here are four new products to prove that point.
Handlebar bags are almost as dorky as fanny packs, but you can’t deny their convenience.
Barbag
The Barbag is a great example of a fresh approach to a stagnant product category. While some of you might dismiss it as dorky, it’s super handy for commuting or food storage during long XC races.
What makes it special is the patent pending lid. Like most handlebar mounted bags it uses Velcro to stay closed, but adds a magnet so it shuts securely with a quick flick. There are left and right specific options. Price is $35.
Standard 11-speed SRAM derailleurs will clear the GC49t cog, but Shimano users will need to purchase a new cage.
GC49 Cog
Since the Eagle landed (and the Shark before it), people have been asking Wolf Tooth for a wider range cassette option. Their latest addition is the 49t GC kit, which is available in Shimano and SRAM specific option.
Both kits include the 49t outer ring, which as the most observant readers in the crowd might have noticed is not a 50. While some brands have opted for a 50t cog, Wolf Tooth chose 49 because it allowed them to double the quantity of shift gates. On a 50 tooth you have to go half a pedal stroke before you hit one of the four shift gates. The49t has seven shift points per pedal revolution.
Also included in the kit is an 18t cog, which replaces the 17-19. The standard 11 speed SRAM cassette will clear the GC49 without additional modifications, but you’ll need to order a different cage for Shimano drivetrains.
The whole kit sells for $125. If you don’t need a cage, the sprockets (49 and 18) will set you back $89. They’re shipping now in black, red, gold, blue, and silver, and rumor is a green version is in the works.
The Wolf Tooth Remote dropper level is compatible with virtually all mechanical posts. Please see their website for a complete list.
Dropper Remote
This year, dropper posts were a hot item at every trade show Mtbr attended. While every brand promised us improved reliability, the one thing we noticed is that many levers still left something to be desired. Enter the WolfTooth Remote. This little guy has a heavily textured face that mimics the dynamics of a quality paddle shifter. The mechanism spins on a giant sealed cartridge bearing for smooth actuation, and includes a breakaway axle pivot. In a bad crash, that means the lever will break away from the base. You can replace the axle for $5, which is a lot cheaper than a replacement lever from most companies. Price is $60 and it ships with your mount of choice. There are options for Shimano, SRAM, Magura, and others.
The Valais 25 allows you to attach a saddle bag to your dropper post without worrying about scratching the stanchion.
Valais 25
Saddlebags are not hip, but they’re super convenient. The problem with running one on your mountain bike is that the Velcro attachment strap can scratch up your dropper post stanchion.
The new Valais protects your dropper post stanchion from strap wear by providing a secure attachment point without damaging the upper wiper seal. While technically it reduces your dropper’s travel by 25mm, the mount acts as a travel limiter, which helps prevent the tire from buzzing the back of your saddle. In a pinch, it can also be used as an emergency crutch to help keep the post extended.
The Valais 25 is available in two post diameters, 25mm (Easton Haven, RaceFace Turbine, RockShox Reverb Stealth, Specialized Command Post, etc) and 26mm (Thomson Covert, Fox Transfer). Price is $25.
Carbon wheels.
Bonus: Lithic
If you’re a keen reader, you might have read about the recent launch of Otso Cycles. This new bike brand was dreamed up by the Wolf Tooth crew and we noticed some interesting parts on some of the display bikes. We couldn’t get anyone to spill, but the rumor is that WolfTooth/Otso are launching a new line of components. These Lithic bits will probably be spec’d on Otso frames to start, but will hopefully available aftermarket in the future.
This article is part of Mtbr’s coverage of the 2016 Interbike trade show in Las Vegas. For more from Interbike CLICK HERE.
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