It’s Friday, and that means shiny new gear. Here’s a peek at some of the new road and mountain bike gear that’s landed with BikeRadar this week.
New mountain bike gear
Diamondback Mission Pro
The Diamondback Mission line has had a makeover for the 2015 model year. The new Mission line is built around 650b (27.5in) wheels and uses a new suspension linkage, dubbed KnuckleBox Migration, that offers 160mm of rear suspension travel.
The day-glow orange Mission Pro we’re testing comes equipped with a 160mm Fox 34 Float fork and a Fox Float X CTD shock. The drivetrain consists of SRAM X01 with a RaceFace Next SL crankset. Shimano XT trail brakes with 180mm rotors handle stopping duties. The weight of our size medium tester is 30.4lb (13.8kg).
US$6,500 / £99
Lazer Phoenix full face helmet
The Phoenix is Lazer’s new entry level full face helmet. It has a fibreglass shell, six vents, an adjustable visor, and uses a D-ring strap to synch it down when the going gets rough. This lid tips the scales at 980g. The Phoenix is CE and CPSC certified and is available in sizes from small through to XL.
US$99 / €99 / £69.99
Light & Motion GoBe light
If your outdoor activities include more than just riding a bicycle, this may be the light for you. The GoBe is billed as one light to rule them all. It’s a handheld flashlight, a bar-mounted light suitable for commuting or mountain biking, and it can even function underwater to a depth of 120m. The GoBe comes in 700 lumen (shown here) and 500 lumen versions.
US$299 / £TBA
iSSi pedals
Quality Bicycle Products, North America’s largest bicycle parts distributor, has a new line of clipless, Shimano SPD-compatible pedals. iSSi pedals use chromoly spindles, cartridge bearings and come in eight vibrant colours. Multiple spindle lengths are available to help riders fine-tune their fit.
US$75 / £N/A
Lizard Skins DSP grips
Lizard Skins’ DSP (DuraSoft Polymer) grip tape has become a favourite with cyclocross racers for its ability to offer grip under the worst conditions. Lizard Skins is now offering ultra light foam grips with this same gecko-like grip. The DSP grips are available in 30.3 and 32.3mm diameters to suit multiple hand sizes. Weight with bar plus is a scant 30g.
US$30 / £21.99
New road bike gear
Louis Garneau Course skinsuit
Similar to Castelli's San Remo skinsuit, the Course is a skinsuit that zips open on the front, somewhat like a jersey. It features longish arms and legs without grippers for a smooth look and feel. Generous mesh on the sides keeps the suit cool, and three skintight mesh pockets on the back add some functionality. The Course is also available with custom graphics as part of the Canadian company's deep team clothing program.
US$349 / £TBA
4iiii Cliiiimb Pro
Paired with an iPhone app, Cliiiimb gives you audio and visual alerts for Strava segments. The heart-rate strap combines data from ANT devices like cycling computers or power meters with Bluetooth devices like smartphones.
US$199 / approx £118.47 / approx AU$212.90
Giro M.O.T. Backpack
With subtle reflective detailing and external pockets for water bottles, the Giro M.O.T. is a solid around-town backpack that doesn't scream cycling gear, but functions well on the bike. A padded laptop sleeve keeps your machine secure, and a bright orange interior makes finding your stuff easy.
US$150 / £N/A
Panache Button-Up shirt
A casual shirt designed for being on the bike, the Panache Button-Up is made of stretchy, wicking polyester. Metal buttons are laced onto light blue grosgrain thread. Panache will have this in stock in a week.
US$99 / approx £58.94 excluding delivery / approx AU$105.92 excluding delivery
Sticky Pods
Miles Schwartz created the Sticky Pods as an alternative to two common road methods of carrying tubes and tools: saddle bags and crammed jersey pockets. The Sticky Pods have compartments for tubes, tools, CO2 cartridges, money, a phone and – in the larger one – even a mini pump. "There are plenty of cyclists with a bunch of stuff crammed into their jersey pockets: energy bars, wallet, Allen keys poking holes," Schwartz said. "I've been there, so I took it upon myself to create something that works." The Sticky Pod is designed to consolidate all of that into a single pod that goes into a jersey pocket, with little grippers on the back to stop it jumping out.
Small pod: US$14.99 / approx £8.92 excluding shipping / approx AU$16.04 excluding shipping
Large pod: US$17.99 / approx £10.71 excluding shipping / approx AU$19.25 excluding shipping
