Thank God it's Friday – and that means it's time for another episode of our Friday Five-a-Side roundup of the most interesting bits and pieces of road cycling and mountain biking gear that have recently landed on our doorstep.
Stay tuned for a closer look at what we'll be testing in the upcoming weeks and months.
New mountain bike gear
Ghost AMR Riot Lector 9
If you're feeling flush and are after a short-travel trail tool then this Ghost should at very least be a consideration. With a total claimed weight of just 24.7lbs (11.2kg), the carbon framed Riot is as lean as many cross country rigs yet a combination of on-point geometry and top drawer components means riders shouldn't have to hold back on descents. The rear suspension linkage is a full-floater design, tuned to offer efficiency that won't become a compromise when it comes to control for those bigger hits. We'll be putting it through its paces over the next few weeks, so expect a full review soon.£6,399.99
Bont Riot MTB shoes
The Riot theme continues with these shiny new trail kicks from Bont. They're actually Bont's entry-level mountain bike option, yet they still pack a carbon composite construction, replaceable grip plates at the sole and are heat-malleable for an individual fit. Claimed weight is 385g and they're not for aficionados of jazzy footwear – these shoes are available in black only.£120 / US$199
RockShox Bluto fork
The Bluto caused quite a stir when RockShox officially announced it a few months back, but it's not until you've got one in front of you that you can really appreciate the scale of this fat bike specific suspension fork. At 1,796g (3.96lb) the Bluto is more big boned than obese – it's available in 80mm, 100mm and 120mm options and houses a bespoke 15x150mm Maxle Lite axle. Inside there's a familiar Solo Air cartridge, while riders get rebound damping adjustment and either a crown or remote operated lockout depending on which version they buy. For full details on the Bluto check out our story from April.From £490 / US$643
Magura MT7 brakes
Four-pot stoppers aren't as common as they used to be, and that's something German company Magura is hoping to change. The MT7 is Magura's first four-piston effort since the firm discontinued its popular Gustav M downhill brake. The new lever is formed from Magura's clever Carbotecture lightweight composite but uses an alloy blade. There's also independent and tool-free adjustment for both the lever's reach and bite point. The pads of the MT7 are separated into two parts, each side with a small gap in the centre, which is said to offer improved heat dissipation compared with conventional designs. We recently wrote in more detail about the MT7 and its sibling MT5 stoppers.€259 per end
SiS GO grapefruit flavour energy gel
As one of the most popular products on the market SiS's GO energy gels need little introduction. The new grapefruit flavour is another great addition to a range renowned for its ability to be consumed without cringing. Each 60ml gel provides a quick supply of 22g carbohydrate, with SiS recommending one to three gels per hour. £1.29 (60ml)
New road bike gear
Honey Stinger organic waffles
Whether you are after a mid-ride treat, a post ride treat… or just a general treat these waffles from Honey Stinger are something a bit different. Similar to a European stroopwafel, these sandwich two layers of baked batter between a flavoured syrup. There are plenty of flavours to choose from with each consisting of USDA organic certified ingredients. Each 30g waffle contains 160 calories.£1.40 / US$1.50 each
Cannondale Synapse Hi-MOD Disc Dura-Ace Di2
Cannondale says this top end Synapse offers the perfect balance of race-day aggression and all-day rideability. Splattered with the highest-end kit you can get from Shimano, it combines electronic shifting with hydraulic braking. The frame, fork and seatpost have all been designed to offer maximum comfort without giving away too much in the line of stiffness. If you're into clocking up big miles but aren't ready to slow down then this could be for you.. but you better get saving.£7,499.99
Endura Equipe Infiniti bibs and Equipe Helios Comp CB Jersey
These high-end garments from Endura are precision-tooled when it comes to keeping you cool – that's down to Endura's ColdBlack heat reflecting fabric technology, which claims to dramatically reduce heat build-up in sunny conditions. The bibs use a lightweight wicking mesh upper and a one-piece gel filled pad. The jersey is made from a soft-touch rapid-wicking fabric and features a race cut along with a zipped security compartment and three rear pockets.Bibs £139.99 / Jersey £79.99
Fast Forward F2A wheelset
Fast Forward is renowned for its extensive range of carbon wheels and so these affordable metal clinchers came as a bit of a surprise. For the price you get DT's legendary 240s hubs with 20 spokes at the front and 24 spokes in the rear, and these are paired to a 24mm aluminium rim. The total claimed weight is 1,470g for the set with each one being handbuilt at Fast Forward's Holland facility.US$979 / £595
Oneten kit
This kit from Oneten isn't particularly inspiring, but it's cheap and appears to represent great value. That's probably why a lot of Oneten's garments are top sellers for parent firm Chain Reaction Cycles. The retail prices are low enough but, considering most of the range is currently discounted quite extensively, in a lot of cases you'd almost be silly to not give these a go.
S/S baselayer £20, Altitude S/S jersey £40, Element Gilet £30
