SCOR 4060 LT
€6,299 (GX build) Top score!
SCOR are race-focused BMC’s new “fun first” sub-brand. The full-carbon 4060 LT is their big enduro bike, which comes set up as a 29er, with a 170mm fork and 160mm of rear-wheel travel. However, it’s a bit of a chameleon.
You can easily switch to a ‘mullet’ wheel configuration (29in front, 650b rear), by using the angle-adjust headset to steepen the head angle by 1.5 degrees. Neat! If you fancy even more of a change, you can convert the LT into a 140mm-travel ST for trail duties. This involves swapping the shock for one with a shorter stroke, reducing the fork travel to 150mm, flipping the chip at the lower shock mount (which drops the BB by 6mm) and adjusting the headset to the steep position.
The GX model seen here gets a great spec, including a Fox 38 Factory fork and X2 shock, SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and Code RSC brakes. There’s also a less expensive NX version (€4,299), which comes with a RockShox ZEB Select fork and Super Deluxe Select+ shock, SRAM NX Eagle and Code Rs. Both are built up with a burly yet lightweight selection of enduro kit. Our bike weighs a svelte 13.8kg (less than the claimed 14.7kg), so is ready to shred up hills as well as down. The 4060 is also available as a frame, for €3,499.
Geometry is modern; the large size has a sub 64-degree head angle, 78-degree seat tube angle and 485mm reach. The virtual pivot point-style suspension has two links, with the shock driven by the lower one, similar to on the Santa Cruz Nomad and Bronson. www.scor-mtb.com
CAMELBAK PODIUM FLOW 4 BELT
£55 Hydration for the nation
“Hydrate or die” has been CamelBak’s slogan since their first hydration pack back in the late ’80s, and it’s one that’s impossible to disagree with (even if conditions are somewhat less perilous here in the UK than in the Texan desert where the product was conceived). This Podium Flow 4 hip pack is their latest minimalist solution for carrying cargo and water when you’re heading out for a quick blast round the woods or a few park laps.
It comes with the brand’s 620ml Dirt Series bottle, which has a handy cap to protect the nozzle from getting splattered in mud – or worse. The pack itself has a generous 4l capacity divided into two main compartments and two outer pockets, all zipped. There are several mesh organisers, useful for keeping multi-tools, snacks and trail essentials such as tyre plugs in place and easy to locate. The exterior pockets are easy to access on the go and big enough to fit a phone. A clever addition is a sleeve and loop for a mini pump.
The rear of the pack is made from breathable air mesh fabric, and it fastens with a webbing belt. A reflective logo adds visibility if you’re caught out later than expected or the weather turns.
We’ll report back on this pack once we’ve ridden a good few miles in it. www.camelbak.co.uk
SPADA MTB KIT
£Varies New mountain bike gear from the Midlands
Best known for their motorcycle clothing, Halesowen-based SPADA have released a full range of MTB kit for 2022, designed with input from four-cross champ Scott ‘Boom Boom’ Beaumont.
Highlights include the Enduro jacket (£139.99), a lightweight waterproof and breathable shell with a stowable helmet compatible hood, zipped underarm vents, taped seams and a front storm flap. The Pro shorts (£69.99) are made from a showerproof, durable and breathable fabric with four-way stretch for ease of movement. A stretch-knit panel below the waist and a laser-cut Lycra crotch section further improve comfort. There’s reinforcement on the seat and knees, and room for pads.
The lightweight Howitzer helmet (£79.99) incorporates MIPS slip-plane safety tech and has 16 large-bore vents, while the Berm Mesh Air gloves (£24.99) have a perforated synthetic suede palm, a four-way stretch upper and mesh gussets on the fingers. The SPADA range also includes jerseys, riding pants and socks. We’re keen to try this kit out. www.spadamtb.com
SPECIALIZED 2FO CLIPLITE SHOES
£175 Redesigned clipless footwear from the Big S
Specialized’s new 2FO ClipLite shoes cost a fair wad, but the brand say they put “precision fit at your toe tips, providing unparalleled pedal input for on-trail control”. The ergonomic ‘Body Geometry’ sole and footbed have been designed to work together to boost power transfer and reduce injury, by optimising hip, knee and foot alignment.
A relaxed-fit last is combined with a nylon shank, for pedalling efficiency, and an EVA foam midsole, to provide flex where needed for comfort. Micro-adjustable BOA Li2 dials should make it easy to adjust the fit of the welded, perforated synthetic upper, even with cold or muddy hands. The shoes use Specialized’s ‘SlipNot FG’ rubber outsole for traction when unclipped and extra stability on the pedals once the cleat has been guided in by the ‘Landing Strip’ cleat pocket.
With a lot of tech features, we’re looking forward to piling some mileage onto the ClipLites and seeing if that pricetag is justified. www.specialized.com