Rapala is hosting a giveaway for their Crush City line of soft baits, developed in collaboration with Jacob Wheeler. Five winners will receive three bags each of various bait shapes, including Mooch Minnows and Pig Sticks. The baits are known for their effectiveness in catching big fish, thanks to Rapala's "Smart Injection Technology." The giveaway ends on December 24, 2024.
Rocky Mountain's 2024 Altitude has undergone a complete overhaul with new geometry, suspension layout, and frame features, transitioning from an all-mountain enduro bike to a go-fast race bike. Available in carbon or alloy frames with 29" or mixed wheels, the Altitude features adjustable geometry, in-frame storage, and clean cable routing. The bike's progressive suspension and long geometry make it ideal for high-speed riding, while the Penalty Box storage system and quiet, polished finish add to its appeal.
Fox has released new Grip X and Grip X2 dampers for their XC, trail, and enduro forks, with updates aimed at improving performance without major changes to the 34, 36, and 38 forks. The new dampers feature larger base valves and more shims to control oil flow, resulting in increased effectiveness of end-user tuning, improved traction, and ride height. The Grip X2 and Grip X offer different feels compared to the existing Grip 2, with subtle differences between the two new options. The new dampers are backwards compatible with existing fork models, and chassis updates include reworked bushing designs to reduce friction and improve oil flow. Pricing for the full lineup has been released, and ride impressions indicate positive feedback for the new dampers.
Fox has unveiled the 2024 Fox 32 Step-Cast fork with a reverse arch, designed for the cross-country and marathon cycling disciplines. The new design aims to enhance handling, bump absorption, and reduce weight, featuring the all-new GripSL damper for improved responsiveness. With a focus on weight savings, the fork boasts a 100mm travel variant and various engineering optimizations, including a generatively-designed rear arch to increase torsional stiffness by 40%. Priced at $969-$1049 USD, it is positioned as the lightest cross-country fork on the market, offering an upgrade option for existing 32 or 34 models with the new damper.
The Raaw Madonna V3 maintains its reputation as a tough and reliable enduro bike with its third version, featuring a 160mm travel aluminum frame with 29" wheels and various adjustability options. The bike's geometry, suspension design, and technical performance make it a potent descender, excelling in steep and rugged terrain. With excellent traction and plenty of adjustments for fine-tuning, the Madonna V3 offers a solid and well-executed mountain biking experience.
Yeti has re-entered the XC race world with the 2024 ASR, a lightweight carbon frame bike with 115mm of rear wheel travel and a flex-stay suspension design. Priced at $10,600 USD, the ASR offers six complete builds, with the C2 model at $5,600 USD being the best value. The bike's geometry and suspension design provide a smooth and capable ride, making it suitable for modern cross-country courses. Yeti recommends 30% sag for optimal performance, and the bike's handling is described as well-rounded for a cross-country bike.
Specialized has launched the 2024 Epic EVO 8, a trail-ready XC bike with 29" wheels, carbon frame, 120mm frame travel, and 130mm fork. The bike shares the same frame as the Epic 8 but with different build kits and geometry changes. The EVO features a longer stroke fork, giving it full-on trail bike geometry, and comes in 5 sizes with reach numbers ranging from 385mm to 495mm. The frame includes SWAT storage, co-molded upper shock mount, and a rear wheel travel of 120mm. The suspension design has moved away from the Brain system and now features a single pivot flex stay with a linkage driving the shock. The ride impressions suggest that the EVO is biased towards descents and offers a great build kit with well-tuned suspension.
Specialized has launched the new Epic 8 and Epic 8 EVO bikes, featuring updated designs for top-end XC racing and lightweight trail applications. The new bikes boast custom-tuned shocks and SRAM’s latest Flight Attendant system, replacing the Brain shock technology, and are claimed to be "the fastest XC race bike in the world." With 120mm of travel, updated geometry, and carbon frames, the bikes offer improved efficiency, reduced pedal bob, and enhanced suspension performance. The Epic 8 EVO has morphed into a short-travel trail rig, while the Epic 8 is targeted at XC racing.
SRAM has introduced the Maven, its most powerful disc brake designed for downhill, enduro, and eMTB riders, claiming a 50% increase in power over its current downhill-oriented offering, the Code. The Maven uses mineral oil, features a new pad design, and offers longer service intervals compared to DOT fluid counterparts. The new caliper has more bolts, larger pads, and four large-diameter pistons to reduce power loss and manage extreme temperatures. The Maven brake should only need a full bleed and oil change every two years, and comes in four different models with prices ranging from £200 / $185 to £599 / $599.
A Kansas fisherman had his state-record white crappie voided after officials discovered two steel ball bearings in the fish's stomach, prompting an investigation following a tip. The fisherman had submitted the crappie for state-record consideration, but the original weight of 3.73 pounds was called into question after initially being reported as 4.07 pounds. Despite the angler's insistence that he followed all procedures, the record was rescinded, and no charges were filed due to insufficient evidence. This incident echoes a similar case in Ohio where anglers were caught putting lead weights into walleye for a fishing tournament.