Friday Five-a-side: This week’s new bike gear 20/03/15

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=320%2C416 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=443%2C576 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=190%2C247, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=380%2C494 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=443%2C576 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 425px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=215%2C279, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=430%2C559 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=443%2C576 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 992px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=136%2C176, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=272%2C353 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=408%2C530 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=443%2C576 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(min-width: 993px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=155%2C201, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=310%2C403 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=443%2C576 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <img class="wp-image-285829 size-portrait_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-gallery-grid-src-image" src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C383" width="295" height="383" data-crop-width="" data-crop-height="" alt="This week's new bike gear" title="1426700665096-10u4w1kggl7n8-65c79d2" style="width: auto; height: 100%;"> This week’s new bike gear BikeRadar

It’s Friday! Before you shut down your computers for the weekend and head off to happy hour, check out some of the gear that’s recently landed at BikeRadar ’s Boulder, Colorado office.

New road bike gear Ritchey Breakaway Carbon frameset <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621870-1bmh98au3uiuu-1000-90-5b26281.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,562&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621870-1bmh98au3uiuu-1000-90-5b26281.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621870-1bmh98au3uiuu-1000-90-5b26281.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621870-1bmh98au3uiuu-1000-90-5b26281.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621870-1bmh98au3uiuu-1000-90-5b26281.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621870-1bmh98au3uiuu-1000-90-5b26281.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621870-1bmh98au3uiuu-1000-90-5b26281.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="562" class="wp-image-285924 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="1426672621870-1bmh98au3uiuu-1000-90-5b26281" title="1426672621870-1bmh98au3uiuu-1000-90-5b26281"> Ritchey expands its range of breakaway travel bikes with a new carbon fiber model: Ritchey has expanded its range of Breakaway travel bikes with a new carbon fibre road version. At just shy of 1,500g for a size small frame, it’s not especially light – nor does it save any weight over the Ti/Carbon version we reviewed a few years ago. However, we do anticipate that the carbon version might be substantially stiffer, with potentially a smoother ride quality.

Either way, that extra weight isn’t for nothing. Ritchey intentionally overbuilt the tubes to withstand the rigours of air travel, and some of that additional mass is devoted to the trick coupler system that lets you pack a complete bike into a case that masquerades as standard luggage. If all goes well, we’ll have already logged a few rides on this at the Taipei Cycle Show by the time you read this.

US$3,000 / £TBC / €TBC / AU$TBC

www.ritcheylogic.com

Zen Fabrication ROAD frameset <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621885-gi72uuhfst8g-1000-90-ded50aa.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,562&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621885-gi72uuhfst8g-1000-90-ded50aa.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621885-gi72uuhfst8g-1000-90-ded50aa.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621885-gi72uuhfst8g-1000-90-ded50aa.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621885-gi72uuhfst8g-1000-90-ded50aa.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621885-gi72uuhfst8g-1000-90-ded50aa.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621885-gi72uuhfst8g-1000-90-ded50aa.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="562" class="wp-image-285927 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="1426672621885-gi72uuhfst8g-1000-90-ded50aa" title="1426672621885-gi72uuhfst8g-1000-90-ded50aa"> Portland, oregon-based contract builder zen fabrication has struck out on its own with a complete range of road, ‘cross, and mountain bike frames. the new road model is exclusively disc brake-only and is tig-welded from columbus spirit hss tubing: Zen Fabrication has long built frames for other brands in its Portland, Oregon, facility but the company is now launching a range of own-brand road, cyclocross , and mountain bike framesets – all exclusively for use with disc brakes.

The Zen ROAD frame is TIG-welded from Columbus Spirit HSS chromoly steel with a tapered head tube, PF30 bottom bracket shell, and oversized dimensions throughout, for what should be a decidedly stiff and snappy ride. Also featured are convertible routing for mechanical or electronic drivetrains, partially internal rear brake hose routing, convertible rear dropouts for use with either quick-release or thru-axle hubs, and clearance for up to 28mm wide tyres.

Our 52cm sample weighs 1,874g including the rear derailleur hanger, seatpost collar, and water bottle bolts. Included with the frame are an ENVE Road Disc carbon fibre fork and Cane Creek headset.

US$1,799 / £1,219 / €1,717 / AU$2,359

www.zen.bike

Reynolds ATR wheelset <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621903-1ttkntdybzjjl-1000-90-e7a15ec.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,562&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621903-1ttkntdybzjjl-1000-90-e7a15ec.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621903-1ttkntdybzjjl-1000-90-e7a15ec.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621903-1ttkntdybzjjl-1000-90-e7a15ec.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621903-1ttkntdybzjjl-1000-90-e7a15ec.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621903-1ttkntdybzjjl-1000-90-e7a15ec.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621903-1ttkntdybzjjl-1000-90-e7a15ec.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="562" class="wp-image-285931 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="1426672621903-1ttkntdybzjjl-1000-90-e7a15ec" title="1426672621903-1ttkntdybzjjl-1000-90-e7a15ec"> Aside from different spoke drilling, the rims on the reynolds atr gravel road wheelset is the same as what the company uses on its cross-country mountain bike wheels: Reynolds has taken the 21mm wide (internal width) carbon fibre rims from its cross-country mountain bike wheelset, redrilled them with 24 spokes front and rear, and spliced them on to a road hubset to create the new ATR. Purpose-built for dirt roads and gravel, the wider rim profile is intended to give sufficient casing support to higher-volume tyres. Tubeless compatibility means those tyres can be run at lower pressures without fear of pinch-flatting, too.

The disc-specific hubs feature cartridge bearings throughout, Centerlock splined rotor interfaces, and interchange end caps for use with quick-release or thru-axle frames. Our set tips the scales at 1,501g (690g front; 811g rear; plus 117g for quick-release skewers).

US$1,550 / £1,050 / €TBC / AU$2,030

www.reynoldscycling.com

Specialized Flux Expert front and rear lights <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621926-jpg7710q4x9k-1000-90-f164907.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,562&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621926-jpg7710q4x9k-1000-90-f164907.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621926-jpg7710q4x9k-1000-90-f164907.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621926-jpg7710q4x9k-1000-90-f164907.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621926-jpg7710q4x9k-1000-90-f164907.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621926-jpg7710q4x9k-1000-90-f164907.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621926-jpg7710q4x9k-1000-90-f164907.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="562" class="wp-image-285934 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="1426672621926-jpg7710q4x9k-1000-90-f164907" title="1426672621926-jpg7710q4x9k-1000-90-f164907"> The matching specialized flux expert taillight features a claimed 110-lumen output that is supposedly visible up to 1km away: Specialized is taking a big leap forward in its lighting technology with its new front and rear LED lights.

The compact Flux Expert rear light boasts an impressive 110-lumen claimed output and a shaped reflector to provide 180-degree visibility supposedly up to 1km (0.6 miles) away, even in bright daylight. Its claimed run time is up to 17 hours but a built-on ambient light sensor reduces output by up to 50 percent at night to extend that figure even further. When the on-board gauge indicates that it’s time to recharge the battery, there’s a handy flip-out USB plug built right into the case.

The Flux Expert front light boasts a much brighter 1,200-lumen claimed output via three Cree XP-G2 emitters. A custom reflector includes a sharp cutoff up top and a usefully broad pattern to make that most of that output on the ground. There’s also an optional remote switch (included) for quick access to light modes and to visually alert cars and pedestrians using a neat ‘light horn’ function. The aluminium housing promises to keep everything running cool.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621915-5g5u3fvf6ybv-1000-90-590c606.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,562&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621915-5g5u3fvf6ybv-1000-90-590c606.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621915-5g5u3fvf6ybv-1000-90-590c606.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621915-5g5u3fvf6ybv-1000-90-590c606.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621915-5g5u3fvf6ybv-1000-90-590c606.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621915-5g5u3fvf6ybv-1000-90-590c606.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621915-5g5u3fvf6ybv-1000-90-590c606.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="562" class="wp-image-285938 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="1426672621915-5g5u3fvf6ybv-1000-90-590c606" title="1426672621915-5g5u3fvf6ybv-1000-90-590c606"> Specialized is expanding its collection of lights with the flux expert headlight, which boasts an impressive 1,200-lumen claimed output and a special reflector to concentrate that light exactly where it’s needed: The claimed run time on the Flux Expert front light is 1:45 on the highest setting or up to 20 hours in flash mode; recharge the system in as little as three hours with a micro-USB cord.

Flux Expert front light: US$275 / £200 / €TBC / AU$350 Flux Expert rear light: US$100 / £75 / €TBC / AU$100 www.specialized.com

Giro Savant MIPS helmet <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621933-1torh3rzn7cnk-1000-90-5a4ec23.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,562&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621933-1torh3rzn7cnk-1000-90-5a4ec23.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621933-1torh3rzn7cnk-1000-90-5a4ec23.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621933-1torh3rzn7cnk-1000-90-5a4ec23.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621933-1torh3rzn7cnk-1000-90-5a4ec23.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621933-1torh3rzn7cnk-1000-90-5a4ec23.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621933-1torh3rzn7cnk-1000-90-5a4ec23.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="562" class="wp-image-285943 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="1426672621933-1torh3rzn7cnk-1000-90-5a4ec23" title="1426672621933-1torh3rzn7cnk-1000-90-5a4ec23"> Giro has augmented its economical savant road helmet with a brain-protecting mips liner: Giro brings the claimed brain-protecting capabilities of MIPS downstream to the new Savant MIPS road helmet. This version uses the same exterior shape, ventilation system and Roc Loc 5 retention system as the standard Savant, but has additional low-friction plastic liner that reduces rotational forces on a rider’s head upon impact, supposedly reducing the incidence of closed-head injuries.

Our small-sized, CPSC-approved sample is 237g.

US$110 / £89 / €105 / AU$TBC

www.giro.com

New mountain bike gear KS LEV C dropper post <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621838-4tib1tyc42r1-1000-90-10caaf2.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,562&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621838-4tib1tyc42r1-1000-90-10caaf2.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621838-4tib1tyc42r1-1000-90-10caaf2.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621838-4tib1tyc42r1-1000-90-10caaf2.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621838-4tib1tyc42r1-1000-90-10caaf2.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621838-4tib1tyc42r1-1000-90-10caaf2.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621838-4tib1tyc42r1-1000-90-10caaf2.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="562" class="wp-image-285948 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="1426672621838-4tib1tyc42r1-1000-90-10caaf2" title="1426672621838-4tib1tyc42r1-1000-90-10caaf2"> The ks lev c dropper features a carbon fiber outer body and short 65mm-travel to bring the weight of a complete system below 500g, including the remote lever, inner cable, and housing: Interested in adding a dropper post but still want to keep things light? The new KS LEV C features the same stealth-style internal mechanism, two-bolt head, and aluminium upper shaft as the rest of the popular LEV range but has a carbon fibre outer body and minimal 65mm of travel.

This trims the total mass down to just 498g for a complete setup – about 50 to 100g lighter than the norm and that’s with standard steel outer cable housing instead of the ultralight stuff KS normally uses, which supposedly sheds another 28g or so.

US$589 / £480 / €TBC / AU$TBC

www.kssuspension.com

Turn Girder M30 cranks <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621842-187n78be8utjv-1000-90-18e6ef3.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,562&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621842-187n78be8utjv-1000-90-18e6ef3.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621842-187n78be8utjv-1000-90-18e6ef3.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621842-187n78be8utjv-1000-90-18e6ef3.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621842-187n78be8utjv-1000-90-18e6ef3.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621842-187n78be8utjv-1000-90-18e6ef3.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621842-187n78be8utjv-1000-90-18e6ef3.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="562" class="wp-image-285953 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="1426672621842-187n78be8utjv-1000-90-18e6ef3" title="1426672621842-187n78be8utjv-1000-90-18e6ef3"> The turn girder m30 mountain bike crankset looks seriously stiff with oversized hollow-forged aluminum arms, a 30mm-diameter spindle, and a burly spider : Popular chainring and bottom bracket (and now cassette ) manufacturer Praxis Cycles has expanded into complete cranksets under the Turn label. The new Girder M30 mountain bike model features big, hollow-forged aluminium arms, an oversized 30mm-diameter aluminium spindle, and a burly solid-forged chainring spider with a widely-used 104mm, four-arm bolt circle diameter.

All of those generous cross-sections bode well for overall stiffness and shift performance, although for now, Turn is only offering the Girder M30 with Praxis’ own narrow-wide 1x-specific chainrings. Frame compatibility is impressively broad, however, with cups to fit standard threaded, PF92, BB30, and PF30 frames.

Our 175mm-long sample with a 30T chainring weighs 679g, plus 58g for the PF92-specific bottom bracket.

Turn Girder M30 crank with single chainring: US$279 / £TBC / €TBC / AU$TBC Turn M30 bottom bracket: US$50-85 / £TBC / €TBC / AU$TBC www.praxiscycles.com

Specialized Butcher Control and Slaughter Control tyres <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621856-1a13amfqkv9mf-1000-90-18d2d4a.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,562&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621856-1a13amfqkv9mf-1000-90-18d2d4a.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621856-1a13amfqkv9mf-1000-90-18d2d4a.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621856-1a13amfqkv9mf-1000-90-18d2d4a.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621856-1a13amfqkv9mf-1000-90-18d2d4a.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621856-1a13amfqkv9mf-1000-90-18d2d4a.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621856-1a13amfqkv9mf-1000-90-18d2d4a.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="562" class="wp-image-285958 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="1426672621856-1a13amfqkv9mf-1000-90-18d2d4a" title="1426672621856-1a13amfqkv9mf-1000-90-18d2d4a"> The specialized butcher (right) and slaughter (left) tires are aimed for riders who want to roll faster but don’t want to sacrifice cornering grip: The Specialized Butcher is aimed at all-mountain riders who are primarily looking for cornering and braking grip in a wide range of conditions. Full-height knobs are spread in a relatively open pattern to help bite on loose or soft ground, while the somewhat soft 50a single compound is intended to give extra grip on hard rock without overly accelerating wear.

Ramped centre knobs should cut down on rolling resistance, but anyone grabbing this tyre off the rack is bound to be worried more about outright traction than anything else.

Our 27.5×2.3in sample is 801g with a tubeless-ready 60TPI Control casing and folding bead.

A natural rear companion to the DH-inspired Butcher is the decidedly faster-rolling Slaughter, which features similar shoulder blocks for cornering confidence but a much lower-profile centre tread with very knobs packed tightly together. To further speed things along, the Slaughter also gets dual-compound rubber with 50a-hardness shoulder knobs and a harder 60a centre.

The weight of our 27.5×2.3in sample is 762g with the same tubeless-ready Control casing.

Specialized Slaughter Control 650b: US$55 / £30 / €TBC / AU$50 Specialized Butcher Control 650b: US$55 / £n/a / €TBC / AU$50 www.specialized.com

Mountain Washer portable bike washer <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621860-102exmlbgkcmu-1000-90-b52ff49.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,562&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621860-102exmlbgkcmu-1000-90-b52ff49.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621860-102exmlbgkcmu-1000-90-b52ff49.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621860-102exmlbgkcmu-1000-90-b52ff49.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621860-102exmlbgkcmu-1000-90-b52ff49.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621860-102exmlbgkcmu-1000-90-b52ff49.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621860-102exmlbgkcmu-1000-90-b52ff49.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="562" class="wp-image-285960 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="1426672621860-102exmlbgkcmu-1000-90-b52ff49" title="1426672621860-102exmlbgkcmu-1000-90-b52ff49"> The mountain washer portable washer is powered by your automobile’s 12v battery for convenient cleaning on the go: If you absolutely can’t wait to rinse off your wash your precious machine until you get home (or if you don’t have easy access to a hose), the aptly named Mountain Washer portable washer will let you do a decent job right at the trailhead.

The onboard handheld sprayer shoots out water at up to 130psi and is powered by your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet while a 6m (20ft) hose and 3m (10ft) power cord give you quite a bit of reach. Mountain Washer says the tank’s 15-liter (four gallon) capacity will give up to 10 minutes of continuous use. Will that be enough to get the muddiest of bikes reasonably clean? We’ll find out soon enough.

CDN$150 / £TBC / €TBC / AU$TBC

www.mountainwasher.com

Pearl Izumi Divide gloves <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621866-gmj22h9dfxdq-1000-90-314f096-1.jpg?quality=90&lb=1000,562&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621866-gmj22h9dfxdq-1000-90-314f096-1.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621866-gmj22h9dfxdq-1000-90-314f096-1.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621866-gmj22h9dfxdq-1000-90-314f096-1.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621866-gmj22h9dfxdq-1000-90-314f096-1.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621866-gmj22h9dfxdq-1000-90-314f096-1.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1426672621866-gmj22h9dfxdq-1000-90-314f096-1.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1000" height="562" class="wp-image-285964 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="1426672621866-gmj22h9dfxdq-1000-90-314f096-1" title="1426672621866-gmj22h9dfxdq-1000-90-314f096-1"> The pearl izumi divide gloves feature a minimal, unpadded synthetic leather palm and airy mesh back. touchscreen-compatible fingertips allow you to use your smartphone without pulling off your gloves, too: The Pearl Izumi Divide gloves are unabashedly minimal, with unpadded synthetic leather palms that are perfect for riders who want as little as possible between their hands and grips. Simple open-mesh backs promise excellent ventilation in hot weather, too, while the simple slip-on design minimises bulk around your wrists.

Pearl Izumi didn’t cut everything out, though. The thumb and forefinger tips feature touchscreen compatibility, and the thumb is also covered with soft fleece for wiping away snot.

US$30 / £20 / €25 / AU$TBC

www.pearlizumi.com