Black Friday MTB: gear and parts on sale

What does the Black Friday MTB cover?

The Black Friday takes place on the Friday following Thanksgiving, just before the festive season. Many mountain bikers take the opportunity to replace worn-out items from their rides. This page brings together the Black Friday offers from Vélo-Store in two main categories: what equips the rider, and what wears out or improves on a mountain bike. Its sub-pages follow the usual layout of the site.

Getting equipped for riding: helmets, shoes and clothing

The MTB helmets for Black Friday cover all practices, from half-shells for hiking to full-face downhill helmets, in both adult and child sizes. The MTB shoes on Black Friday are divided between models for clipless pedals, with a recessed cleat under the sole, and models with flat soles for spiked pedals. Jerseys, shorts, bib shorts, jackets, and gloves are all gathered in the MTB gear for Black Friday: this is often where one completes an outfit for cold weather or replaces worn-out gloves.

Maintaining and improving the bike: parts in Black Friday

On the mechanical side, the MTB transmission includes cassettes, chains, chainrings, derailleurs, and pulley wheels; the MTB braking includes pads, discs, levers, shoes, and cables. The MTB wheels and tires range from inner tubes to complete wheel sets, and the peripheral components include forks, handlebars, stems, grips, saddles, seat posts, pedals, and headsets. Wear parts such as pads, chains, or tires are the easiest to buy in advance: you just need to know the reference that is installed on the bike.

How to buy well during Black Friday: useful checks

An offer is only useful if the part fits your bike. Before confirming an order, check on the MTB or the manufacturer’s sheet for the key measurements that determine compatibility:

• the diameter of the wheels, 26, 27.5, or 29 inches, and the tire width that the frame and fork can accommodate;
• the number of speeds in the transmission, which determines the compatible cassette, chain, and derailleur;
• the exact model of the brake calipers, since each pad shape corresponds to specific calipers;
• the diameter of the handlebar and stem clamp, 31.8 or 35 mm, and the type of fork crown;
• for equipment, head circumference and shoe size, measured rather than assumed.

Spotting a real discount on a part or MTB equipment

Two listings for the same item do not always describe the same thing. Before comparing two promotions, check the exact version, for example, a helmet with or without a rotational impact protection system, or a spring or air fork, the size or travel, the contents (one tire or a pair, pedals delivered with or without cleats) and the color. Once you have the reference confirmed, check its sheet for the crossed-out price and the displayed price: their difference indicates the value of the discount, much better than a comparison between two similar models or the most eye-catching label.

The other Black Friday pages and MTB all year round

The Black Friday at Vélo-Store also extends to road, BMX, and urban cycling, with cross-sectional pages for spare parts and cyclist equipment. Outside of this event, the full offer can be found on the MTB page; clearance items are gathered in the clearance section, and the latest arrivals in the new products.

The brands present in the Black Friday MTB

Shimano is found on almost all sub-pages, from shoes to transmission and braking parts. Its MTB groups range from Deore to XTR, including SLX and Deore XT, a useful marker for placing a part within the range.

Favero, an Italian manufacturer, offers the Assioma PRO MX, power sensor pedals designed for off-road use and compatible with SPD cleats.

Hutchinson, a manufacturer based in Châlette-sur-Loing, near Montargis, has been making bike tires since the late 19th century; its MTB tires Python, Griffus, and Taipan are part of the wheels and tires section.

Giro, founded in California around a foam road helmet covered with fabric, includes MTB helmets, shoes, and gloves here, such as the full-face Insurgent Spherical.

Leatt, founded by a South African doctor who developed a neck brace for motocross, offers helmets, apparel, and protection, including Gravity and AllMtn helmets.

Frequently asked questions

When is Black Friday held?

It is set for the day after Thanksgiving, an American holiday, and kicks off the buying period leading up to the holidays. At Vélo-Store, MTB discounts don't just happen on this Friday: items like parts and equipment are available throughout November.

How do I know if a Black Friday MTB deal is good?

Compare the final price of an identical reference, same version, same size, and same contents, rather than just looking at the discount amount. Also check that the product meets your needs: a high-end part that doesn’t fit your bike is not a good deal.

How can I be sure a part is compatible with my MTB?

Note the references engraved or printed on the current part (caliper, derailleur, cassette), the wheel diameter, and the clamping dimensions of the handlebars, then compare them with the product sheet. For a fork or wheel, also check the axle type and hub spacing, which can vary greatly from one MTB to another.

Can you give MTB equipment as a gift without knowing the size?

It’s risky for a helmet or shoes, which need to fit the head and foot. If you don't know the head circumference or shoe size, it's better to choose an item without sizing, such as grips or flat pedals. For clothing, the cyclist’s usual size compared to the brand's size guide limits the risk.

Should I wait for Black Friday to change worn parts?

No: a pad worn down to the metal backing or an overly stretched chain should be replaced without delay, for safety and to save the discs and sprockets. However, the event is an opportunity to build a small supply tailored to your bike, like a set of pads, a chain, or a spare tire.