Just as winter is closing in, we're ramping up publishing reviews of some of the best bike lights we've seen to date, in a bid to help you through the darkest months.
Exposure's awesomely powerful MaXx-D MK15 scored a perfect five out of five, positioning itself as one of the best mountain bike lights we've ever tested.
If you're after some extra illumination to make the night more fun, remember to check out all of our light reviews.
For those still clinging onto the remnants of summer in the northern hemisphere or if you're joining us from the south, things couldn't be any better in the world of two wheels.
SRAM's first ebike motor, Powertrain, has spawned the release of a new carbon fibre Nukeproof Megawatt. Rob Weaver and I managed to ride it prior to the embargo lifting, both coming away very impressed with its fully electronic, automatic shifting.
Continuing the ebike theme, Orange has resurrected its Patriot, a model yours truly rode as a fresh-faced teenager. And in true Orange tradition, it flies in the face of carbon fibre, using the brand's iconic monocoque construction.
It's not been dull for human-powered bikes, either.
Mondraker has updated its razor-sharp F-Podium with slacker, more aggressive geometry and more suspension travel, responding to the increased technical demands of cross-country racing.
Orbea has also thrown the longer, slacker and lower treatment at the Occam, helping it morph from a do-it-all trail bike to a quasi-enduro-descender.
If you're on the hunt for a more physical connection to your bike, video presenter Tom Law reviewed TRP's TR12, its first full drivetrain. Be sure to check out what he thinks of this challenger brand's take on shifting.
Switching gears back to high-tech kit and drag coefficient aficionado Simon von Bromley covered the launch of Aerosensor's Aerodynamic Cycling System. The system measures – in real time no less – a rider's aerodynamic drag.
The limited-edition Brompton x Bear Grylls folding bike may come as a surprise, but if you want to show the commute your wilder side, its forestry green paint job and matching pannier bags might do just that.
If you'd rather keep your clothes sweat-free when heading to the office or around town, Cannondale's new Mavaro Neo SL could be the ebike for you. It has a Bafang motor, a load-carrying capacity of 18kg, and prices start at £2,200/€2,299.
Now, let's dive headlong into this week's hot new kit.
OneUp Components Aluminium Bar
Building on the widely acclaimed performance of its carbon fibre handlebar, OneUp's new Aluminium Bar is claimed to offer the same bump-numbing performance without sacrificing steering accuracy, while also beating the competition on both metrics.
An oval-shaped portion near where the bar rises is said to help it 'flex' to dampen vibrations.
The 800mm-wide, 35mm rise version of the bar weighs a respectable 341g.
A lower 20mm rise is available, but all versions have a 5-degree upsweep and 8-degree backsweep.
The black anodised finish can be offset with decals (11 colours are offered) that are sold separately.
Clearly having your compliance cake and eating your steering stiffness is possible, but objectively measuring either isn't clear cut.
We've been very impressed with the carbon version, so stay tuned for a full review of this model.
- £79.50 / $89.50 / €89.59
Marin Oso pedals
Marin says its Oso pedals are its first pedals in 25 years and they're rather bargainous.
Costing just £40, the Osos have a whopping 110mm wide and 120mm long platform.
Boasting nine rear-loading removable pins per side, these protrude from the pedal's body by 3mm.
The body's mildly concave shape – that's 11mm deep at the centre and 18mm at the leading and trailing edges – should improve performance and traction.
Plus the chamfered edges should help them glance off floor and rock strikes, making them last longer.
The CroMo axle spins on a bushing and bearing combination, and Marin claims the axles are fully rebuildable.
Look out for a full review soon, where we'll find out if they're some of the best flat pedals currently on the market.
- £40
Dexshell Ultralite 2.0 Gloves and Ultra Dri Sports Socks
It's always wet somewhere.
While most will project negative connotations into that statement, some may revel at the chance to ride in the wet.
Whatever your opinion on moisture levels, being equipped for the job only makes it better.
DexShell's waterproof shocks and gloves should do just that.
The Ultralite 2.0 Gloves are woven and knitted, giving them more flexible fingers and a slim fit for dexterity.
Both waterproof and breathable, they're rated at two out of five on DexShell's own thermal scale. This means they'll be suited to milder, wet days.
Their casual looks, smartphone-compatible fingers and silicone gripper palms will likely make them best suited to commuting, and at £30 they're not going to break the bank.
The Ultra Dri Sports Socks are rated four out of five on the thermal scale, making them more suited to colder, less pleasant weather.
Their Porelle waterproof membrane has a three-layer construction and is breathable, helping keep you comfortable in wet and cold conditions.
- DexShell Ultralite 2.0 Gloves: £30
- DexShell Ultra Dri Sports socks: £40
Exposure Diablo Mk14 helmet light
New for 2024 is Exposure Diablo's Mk14 helmet light.
In its maximum 2,000-lumen output – projected from three XPL2 LEDs – it boasts a one-hour run time, but this lifts to 18 hours in its most frugal setting.
Thanks to a lightweight CNC aluminium body, the Diablo's all-in-one form weighs just 126g, including the supplied helmet mount. That means it's ideally suited to sitting atop your helmet, hopefully without wobbling or moving.
Also included is a handlebar mount that uses a rubberised strap to hold it in place.
Exposure's TAP technology means you don't have to reach for the mode button to control the light. You can simply tap its body anywhere to switch functions.
This high-tech wizardry and quality finish comes at a price, however. Arguably, Exposure's track record means the cost is worth it.
- £250
Ride Concepts Accomplice Boa shoes
Forgoing traditional laces, the new Ride Concepts Accomplice shoes use a Boa dial to tune tension.
While the benefit of Boa dials for lazy people is speeding up getting ready to cycle, for the pickier riders the fit of their shoes can be more precisely adjusted compared to an old-fashioned knot.
The insole's dual-density EVA material is designed to reduce feedback on the wearer's feet.
The upper is made from nylon and has 'anti-abrasion zones' to improve robustness.
Sitting in the middle of Ride Concepts' flex chart, the Accomplice is most suited to trail, all-mountain and enduro riding.
This flat pedal version of the mountain bike shoe has the brand's Max Grip rubber outsole, designed to offer the most traction with your pedals. A clip version is also available.
A pair of EU42 shoes 725g, lighter than the Unparallel's Dust Up I recently reviewed.
- £139.95 / $140
