For the mountain-biking faithful, Kokanee Crankworx is Mecca. Even if you’re not a downhill or freestyle junkie, you (and some 135,000 other spectators over nine days) will be amazed at the riding on display at the ten events, not to mention the amount of Kokanee Beer imbibed at the all-night parties. A must-see: the Saturday-night slopestyle event, where pros front-flip, tail-whip, and 360 off building-size booters. Book a room at the Pan Pacific Mountainside Hotel to watch slopestyle from your porch or the pool (from $139; ). When you’re ready to roll, rent an eight-inch downhill rig and pedal Whistler Bike Park , which has drops and tabletops for riders of every skill level ().
The nimble, 28-pound Rocky Mountain Altitude 29 SE, with 4.5 inches of travel, has an upright seat angle that maximizes efficiency on climbs. It’s designed for cross-country use but can still take big hits thanks to the overbuilt frame and Fox through-axle front shock. $3,500;
Giro XAR Helmet
One of the breeziest mountain-bike lids on the market, with 17 vents, Giro‘s new burly XAR helmet offers adjustable sizing and straps and clips so comfy, you may forget they’re there. We’re digging the colors, too. $130;
Shimano SH-M087 Shoes
Stiff, light, and affordable, Shimano‘s SH-M087 shoes are a solid right-down-the-middle choice. The spacious toe box doesn’t pinch on hike-a-bikes, three straps fine-tune the fit, and the synthetic-leather-and-mesh upper lets your dogs breathe. $115;
Club Ride New West Jersey
Club Ride jersey
Club Ride New West JerseyParty shirt or riding jersey? It’s both! Club
Ride‘s snap-front plaid New West jersey offers high style and legit trail tech, with stretch-poly material, high-vent mesh side panels, and a hidden rear zip pocket. $95;
CamelBak Cloud Walker Pack
CamelBak pack
CamelBak Cloud Walker PackThe 70-ounce CamelBak Cloud Walker pack has an airy mesh back to keep you cool, and its suspension shoulder straps absorb trail shock whether you’re biking or hiking. $65;
Nuun Tablets
Drop a fizzy Nuun in your water to replace your lost electrolytes or just improve the taste. Bonus: it’s sugar-free, so Nuun won’t funk up your hydration bladder. $7 for 12 tablets;