Competitions such as Bikercross and the Red Bull Freeride Challenge offer spectators a fresh, entertaining spectacle, and more and more, companies are providing products that make it easier for these same wowed spectators to find out what it’s all about for themselves.

Some of the newcomers to the freeride scene include Atomic Laboratories and Progressive Suspension. Atomic owns the bragging rights to the first-ever pair of clear acrylic flat pedals, touted as being indestructible due to some sick grind testing and continued general abuse without failure.

Progressive Suspension developed the 5th Element rear shock, also available aftermarket and found on two freeride-favourite frames: the Santa Cruz Bullit and the Intense SLX. With five-way adjustability and a unique adjustable “pedaling platform,” the 5th Element has taken both of these designs to new levels of success by adding sprinting and climbing prowess, as well as impressive big-hit capability.

Fox Racing Shox has followed suit closely with a new rear shock: a burly, ultra-adjustable, fat-pistoned design with a remote reservoir and promised reliability over massive launches.

Front suspension forks are now capable of combining uphill assistance and downhill prowess, with options ranging from Marzocchi’s Shiver SC with its ECC lockout that pulls the fork into a compressed position for climbs, to Manitou’s new Sherman forks that have broken the six-inch travel mark, a first for single-crown forks. Its method is a revolutionary combination of talents dubbed the “OnePointFiveStandard,” which uses a 1.5-inch steerer tube and matching headset, stem, and frame. The stiffness and strength were increased to allow six inches of travel without relying on a dual-crown design, and thus not sacrificing turning radius.

RockShox has also added some new depth to its freeride options, from a trio of Boxxer dual-crown forks where there was only one before; to its improved and always impressive Psylo single-crown forks, with externally adjustable travel from three to five inches or anywhere in between; and Climb-it Control lockout.

Mavic has been making durable rims for many years, and its offerings now include a new F219 model that fits between the cross-country-oriented X317 and the downhill-specific D321.Axiom has developed a unique telescoping seatpost that allows seatpost variability on frames such as the burly Specialized Big Hit and Norco VPS. Larger tire designs are gaining acceptance outside of downhill racing and hot new treads include the WTB Mutanoraptor and Motoraptors, Maxxis High Rollers, and any of the Intense DH models.

Freeride garb is also gaining popularity. The newest armour offerings from Sugoi, Roach, SixSixOne, and Fox can all help you get home with most of your skin. Knee, shin, and elbow pads are the most popular choices, as they can be easily stowed on a Camelbak and strapped on only in the rougher sections. Fox takes things a step further with its new heavyweight Race Demo Shorts, adding a protective layer to your hips and keeping your Lycra shorts safe and tear-free.

For cranial protection, many freeriders are opting for full-face helmets, such as the Louis Garneau Buzz-2, with its full-face protection and the comfort of 21 air vents, or the versatile Giro Switchblade option, with its popular removable face-guard.