Fouriers Bike Products - Drivetrain and Cockpit Review

Introduction to Fouriers:

Fouriers Bike Products are an innovative company providing a variety of drivetrain, cockpit and braking products designed for a variety of disciplines. Whilst they may not yet be a giant of the industry, they have had some immense success with their products, sponsoring events such as the BC Enduro Series, and designing brake systems used by Tour De France athletes. Fouriers are making a huge effort to break into the market by sponsoring riders from around the world to provide feedback on their products, be them chainguides, handlebars or brakes, they heed advice from the riders, and it shows.

Fouriers Narrow-Wide Chainring System

Fouriers have evidently been paying attention to their market, and the addition of a Narrow-Wide Chainring is a step in the right direction. I have previously ridden with SRAM, Blackspire and Raceface Narrow-Wide Chainrings, and was pleasantly surprised to see Fouriers have supplied two quarter bash-guards to protect your new chainring, but also a small chain-guide mountable directly to the frame, this was not compatible with my particular frame ('12 Enduro) but I have never ran a Narrow-Wide with any sort of a guide before, so this did not worry me.


One of the first aspects of the chainring I noticed the patented Wave Technology used by Fouriers to ensure the chain fits even snugger than on a regular chainring, and this coupled with the Narrow-Wide teeth made for a drop-free ride. Over the past few months Ive been testing the retention system, the benefits of the bash-guard have become apparent, saving my chain on several occasions, but also providing an extra element of security, and I honestly am yet to drop a chain (I use a Zee Wide-Ratio Clutch Mech).



Fouriers MageSK 42t

In recent months and years, the addition of a 42t sproket has become standard process for any rider looking to compete in All Mountain, XC or Enduro disciplines. Whether it be in the form of a 11 speed system, or a 10 speed additional cog, riders around the world are indulging in this simple solution to the steeper terrain bikes are accessing these days. There are a variety of options around for 42t systems, Fouriers decided to put their entry in with a Shimano only fitting due to the spacing, and no 16t, this is how I tested mine. It took a bit of trial and error, and although it may appear rather "ghetto" I managed to get my wide range Zee mech working well with the 42t. Shifting on and off of the 42t was precise and exact due to well designed shifting rivets which assist in both directions of shift, and despite fears the chain-line could generate excess noise, I have had no such problems with the Fouriers MageSK. A nice touch is the detailing completed on the cog, and a wide range of colour choices allowing for personalisation. One issue I have had with the 42t is after removing the 17t, the jump between 15 and 19 is substantial and removes the one gear which is ideal for cruising along the tarmac. Fouriers have since amended this, now providing a 16t cog along with a SRAM Compatible 42t, soon to be released. A 40t cog is also available, and is ideal for anyone running an 11-34t cassette, I'm using an 11-36t Shimano XT Cassette, so opted for the 42t for a bit of extra range.



Fouriers MB001 Carbon 35mm Handlebar and Stem Combo

Fouriers are not new to the handlebar game, producing a wide range of alloy and carbon options to suit almost any rider. I mostly ride Downhill or All Mountain trails and spend a lot of time in the air, so opted for the 35mm, 780mm handlebar along with a 50mm Stem for a bit of extra reach, Fouriers also eventually convinced me to take the carbon bar. Upon unboxing the stem, I noticed multiple small curved pieces of Carbon, two act as vibration reducers for the stem, and the second two carbon inserts provide the rider with the option to run the MB001 with a 31.8mm handlebar. I was running a 35mm bar, so made no use of these. I immediately felt comfortable with the 35mm setup, and the extra stiffness and lightness of the carbon increased my confidence. These days, what's really important in a handlebar setup is that it does what is required, but is also fashionable. With unfinished carbon and vibrant red and white decals, you'll be giving these bars a second glance.




About the tester:


My name is Sam Martin-McDonnell and I am a 15 year old Mountain Biker who spreads his time between riding in Queenstown or Auckland New Zealand, Ive been riding for around 4 years and racing for the last couple. Ive had some decent results in Downhill (4th at World Cup Dirtmasters) and in Enduro (1st Riverhead Super D) but my major aspirations lie with Journalism and Photography/Filmaking. Ive been writing product reviews for my place of work, R&R Sports, and studying English literature at college, I am performing at an excellence level in English and hope to make a career in Journalism. My main riding zones consist of steep, World Cup trails in Queenstown and large freeride jumps in Auckland, so I'm confident I give parts a reasonable testing.