Hello and welcome to my debut First Look Friday appearance – it's a pleasure to share with you the latest MTB kit and components that have piqued my interest.
Before I do so, let's take a quick look back over some highlights from the past seven days on the site.
On Monday, Tom Marvin shared his review of Trek's "go-fast hooligan trail bike" – the Top Fuel 9.8.
Alex Evans then weighed in with a quick one-two. First, Alex explained his five hot takes from testing the latest trail forks. Next, he brought us up to speed on his long-term test bike, with the latest update on his time with the Marin Rift Zone 29 XR.
In gravel-related news, we updated our explainers and buyer's guides on gravel groupsets and gravel tyres, while Warren Rossiter delivered his findings on the Ribble Gravel SL Pro GRX Di2.
No stranger to a bit of gravel frivolity himself, our fragrant friend Jack Luke revealed why he felt compelled to invest in five litres of a specialist sportswear detergent – and you should too.
On that malodorous note, I'll bring this rapid recap to a close and get on with unveiling my highly coveted MTB wares.
Greg Minnaar signature Fox kit
Greg Minnaar is leaving downhill racing after a career spanning 27 years and 167 World Cups.
This signature kit from Fox Racing could be a great way to remember Minnaar and look fantastic at the same time.
This isn’t a downhill kit and is presumably what Minnaar will be wearing now he’ll be spending more time on his trail bike rather than his race bike.
Fox Speedframe Pro GM Helmet
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From the top, the helmet is Fox’s existing Speedframe Pro design, but the Greg Minnaar version is resplendent in white and tan.
- Fox Speedframe Pro GM Helmet (S, M, L): £164.99 / $199.95 / €179.99
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Fox Flexair Pro SS GM Jersey
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The signature jersey is a variation on the Flexair Pro in short-sleeve, which costs €89.99 / £84.99.
Like the matching Flexair pants and gloves, it comes with a camo pattern in the shape of Minnaar's home country, which fades to black.
- Fox Flexair Pro SS GM Jersey (S, M, L, XL, XXL): £84.99 / $99.95 / €89.99
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Fox Union BOA GM Shoes
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The shoes are Fox’s Union Boa clips, completing the ensemble and matching the helmet in white and tan.
- Fox Union BOA GM Shoes (sizes 37-47): £229.99 / $259.95 / €249.99
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Fox Flexair GM Gloves
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The Fox Flexair GM Gloves feature Minnaar's signature on their leather palms, while the recurring motif of the years of Greg’s World Championship wins appears on the back of the jersey and pants. Just in case you’ve forgotten, that’s 03, 12, 13 and 21.
- Fox Flexair GM Gloves (S, M, L, XL, XXL): £44.99 / $49.95 / €49.99
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Including the Fox Flexair GM Pants, this little lot will set you back a cool £704.95, but can you put a price on looking like the suave quadruple World Champion out on the trail?
Slick and Slide Suspension 10mm Fox Air Shaft Extender
The newest Fox forks use the brand's latest Float NA2 EVOL air spring, which is a proven performer.
However, one disadvantage of the spring over the original Float NA1 EVOL system is the air shaft cannot be adjusted to change the travel.
Instead, a new air shaft has to be purchased. Not only is this expensive, but it uses extra energy and creates more waste than the old adjustable system.
Thankfully, the innovative folk at Slick and Slide have an answer.
This simple widget screws into the air shaft, replacing the standard Fox foot nut. It's the same fitment, but gives 10mm extra length, enabling you to up your travel by 10mm for £35, instead of the £60+ price of a whole new shaft.
However, you should note that you cannot use the Slick and Slide to extend your fork beyond the maximum travel recommended by the manufacturer.
- £35
Title Enduro Cockpit
Title is Canadian slopestyle sensation Brett Rheeder’s company, which manufactures cockpit components and more.
However, don’t think that just because Rheeder is a freeride and slopestyle rider, he hasn’t thought about components for other disciplines too…
This set of components came across the workbench at me and they’re certainly great-looking. With their matt-black finish, these parts are a classy low-key way to stand out in a world of glitzy anodising.
Title Form Aluminum 35 Handlebar
The Form aluminium handlebar is 800mm wide, with a 9-degree backsweep and a funky shape that certainly isn’t round.
- Title Form Aluminum 35 Handlebar: £83 / $109.95 / €119.95
Title ST1 35 Stem
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The ST1 stem is short with a neutral height and two-piece faceplate. I particularly like the black bolts.
- Title ST1 35 Stem: £83 / $99.95 / €129.99
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Title Connect Pedals
The Connect pedals are really cool. Although not especially light, they're very minimal, with a slim profile, a mildly concave platform and long pins.
First impressions are very good and I am a flat-pedal guy, so I’m excited to put some miles on these.
- Title Connect Pedals: £127 / $152.95 / €169.95
Title LO1 Grips
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The LO1 grips have a minimal pattern, which feels comfy in the workshop. If you’re a renegade who likes to ride without gloves, these could be a winner for you…
- Title LO1 Grips: £26 / $32.95 / €34.95
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Title ES1 Enduro Saddle
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The ES1 saddle is easy on the eye but has steel rails and not many features considering the steep price tag.
- Title ES1 Enduro Saddle: £64 / $84.95 / €84.95
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