Gear patrol: New bikes, custom colours and Shimano 12-speed options from Whistler

The newest and brightest product announcements from Crankworx 2019

Terry McKall August 23, 2019

Hiding among the spectacle of high flying flips and huge crowds, are the new gear releases and prototypes. Whether its in the back of a display booth, on a pros bike, or part of a big brand launch, Crankworx Whistler always sees a few big releases.

Possibly the biggest news on the bike front was that Canyon will finally be available in Canada. But there was also all manner of sparkling paint jobs, custom and standard, new Shimano 12-speed options, and an array of products to help keep that paint shiny. Here’s what we found in the pits at Crankworx

Canyon is coming to Canada

Caynon was displaying a Strive decked out in maple leaf colours

The brand is saying bikes will be available in late-Fall

Canadians can expect all the models that are currently available in the U.S. to make their way north of the border

Coming soon: Shred City, Canada

Maple leafs everywhere. Even Canyon Factory Racing had red and white bikes - though that might have more to do with Mont-Sainte-Anne world championships

The Strive uses Canyon's unique "Shapeshifter" adjustable suspension system

Canyon has been at the top of World Cup races for years now, and Canadians will soon be able to get in on the action. The brand has announced it will be crossing the border late Fall 2019. To celebrate, Canyon was displaying a maple leaf themed Strive at Crankworx. Canyon Factory Racing’s Sender DH bikes were also decked out in a new red-and-white colour scheme, though that likely has more to do with the upcoming Mont-Sainte-Anne world championships. Watch for Mark Wallace to be rocking the custom Sender for the home crowd in Quebec.

Trek – Fuel EX and Project One Slash

Trek didn't just launch the Fuel EX at Crankworx, it launched it in Project One as well

This molten lava red was eye catching in the Whistler sun

Fuel Ex with the full Lava treatment

Project One is expanding to Top Fuel, Fuel EX and the Slash

Molten red, chrome silver is a strong combo

The Fuel EX redesign looks sharp, even when it's not decked out in Project One bling.

Not Ba-a-a-a-a-d, eh?

Trek's finally bringing Project One to the Slash, including this wildly sparkling option

Another custom Slash paint scheme.

Trek’s Project One has been a popular way to customize the Wisconsin brands bikes. Now you can get sendy in style, too. The custom paint options will be offered on the Slash for the first time, starting September 5th. The Top Fuel will be open to Project One customization on Sept 5 as well, with the newly re-designed Fuel EX following on Sept. 19.

Race Face adds early 12-speed options

Race Face is early to the Shimano 12-speed game

The new rings make RF's Cinch cranksets Shimano 12-speed compatible

There was a full range of chainring sizes on display, too

If your a fan of the Cinch system, Race Face has a new AffectR aluminum crank on offer

Race Face's oversized Vault hub is now available in an array of colours

Blue and Orange were on display - the perfect match for any Oilers fans out there

Race Face had a couple hundred homemade peanut and blueberry dog cookies keeping the canine fans happy. I didn't sample, but there was much tail wagging from those that did

The composite Chester flat pedal comes in an array of colours to match any kit or frame

Not limited to pink, blue and

orange, to match your Vault hub?

Many riders wee excited to see Shimano finally go 12-speed with its mountain bike line, but after market options were initially lacking. Race Face is one of the earlier brands to get 12-speed compatible components off the ground, including chainrings for its Cinch crank system. Now you can use your old Race Face cranks with new Shimano 12-speed.

Liv goes full chameleon

Liv's Intrigue mixes sparkles and matte black lettering

The effect looks normal, until the sun catches it just right

The Intrigue-e was less subtle

Liv's e-mtb gets a blazing copper and purple chameleon coating

Which shines more in the sun, but is never not bright

Liv's Hail mixes bright green/purple chameleon paint

WIth matte black accents

Which makes for an interesting mix of bringht and quiet finish

Liv had sharp, and sparkling new colour schemes for its 2020 bikes on display in Whistler. Some were more subtle, while others were brighter. The brand, and Giant, have been big on the chameleon paint lately. Both the 2020 Liv Pique Advanced Pro 29 and Giant Reign Advanced Pro 29 launched in the colour-changing finish this month.

Muc-Off – Dry clean and e-bike specials

Muc-Off had a full display of lubes and cleaning products at Crankworx

New is its waterless wash, ideal for cleaning your bike after dusty rides

Muc-Off has a full motorsports line, which it borrow from for its e-mtb chain lubes

Not just one e-bike lube, there's a e-mtb lube for every, or all conditions

Muc-Off has Canadian winters covered, too, with a lube rated to -50

A foam for cleaning pads and helmets without having to throw them in the wash (not that you'd ever do that to a helmet) and a drivetrain clenser

With Muc-Off you can get real specific with how you clena your ride

Hailing from Britain’s damp clime, Muc-Off knows a thing or two about cleaning bikes. The cleaning, protection, and lube-focused brand has a new dry clean solution for bikes, a full line of e-bike specific products, and even special pad and helmet cleaners on display in Whistler.