New Cane Creek Steering Stabilizing Stem, Flat Pedals from Hope and Spank

Gear Watch Wednesday is a weekly update on the latest mountain bike gear releases and products that Singletracks has received for test. Have gear news to share, or products you’d like us to check out? Email [email protected]

Hope released a new F22 flat pedal, based on the previous F20. The pedal has been redesigned with a dual concave profile and asymmetrical shape with more extension to provide better shoe support and a planted feel. The grip comes from 22 pins with adjustable height and a unique hex shape. The new pedals are fully serviceable with three internal cartridge bearings and internal/external seals.

For those looking to spec a lightweight mountain bike this year, the Vertical Helium dropper post claims to be one of the lightest around. At 304g for a 30.9mm diameter post with 60mm of travel it's not quite buoyant but it's pretty dang close. The posts are clearly designed for the shorter travel set that's focused on racing, offering just 60mm and 90mm travel posts.

Cane Creek is bringing their Visco steering stabilization to a new Hellbender 70 headset, designed to take the wobble out of high speed gravel riding. The brand says the headset could be a good choice for bikepacking and some mountain bike builds as well. Buyers can choose from either a top or bottom fit depending on headtube size.

Spank recently dropped limited edition camo versions of their Oozy Reboot flat pedals and Split stem. The brand says, "once these are gone, they are gone forever!"

Kitsbow just launched a Treet online marketplace for previously worn Kitsbow apparel. Sellers can list their Kitsbow branded shirts, shorts, and jerseys for sale online and receive 110% of the selling price in return in the form of a Kitsbow store credit. Each post to the site is reviewed to make sure the item is as described and is genuine before it's approved to ensure buyers are getting what they pay for. The upshot: fewer items end up in the landfill which is good for the environment.