We've always been impressed by the performance of Contour's helmet cams but in the past they've been let down by their mounts, with a bit of DIY bodging needed to stop them rattling/vibrating.
Contour are seeking to address that with today's launch of their new bike mount bundle. The box includes a Vented Helmet Mount designed to fit standard cross-country/road lids, right and left facing stick-on Profile Mounts which can be attached to a full-face helmet or bike frame, a handlebar mount and – and this is the one we're most looking forward to putting to the test – a Flex Strap Mount, along with a nice big drawstring bag to carry them in.
The Flex Strap Mount consists of a lockable rotating mount with a curved underside that comes with a choice of two different length rubber straps (9in/23cm and 5.25in/13cm). It lets you attach your Contour camera to your bike's down tube, seatpost, fork leg or one of the new 35mm handlebars, not to mention all kinds of other locations. The rubber strap should help damp vibrations. We'll let you know how we get on.
These items are all available on their own but buying them as a bundle costs £69.99/US$79, saving around 30 percent. A helmet mount pack is also available, minus the strap and bar mounts but with a stick-on rotating mount, for £49.99/$59.99. Similar bundles are available for snow, water, motor and other outdoor sports. They're compatible with the Contour , ContourROAM and ContourGPS. For more details, visit www.contour.com. UK distribution is via Ultra Sport Europe.
Mtbbatteries V2 XML lights
Mtbbatteries are a new name in the mountain bike light market but with their new V2 set currently costing just £67 (including P&P and rear light) we reckon they could make a splash. It comes with both a bar mount and helmet mount, and the single Cree T6 XM-L LED has a claimed output of 1,000 lumens, which should more than suffice for trail riding.
The surprisingly dinky 4.4Ah lithium ion battery is said to last three hours on full power (it also has medium, low and flashing modes), and the illuminated on-off/mode switch at the rear of the light changes colour to let you know when it's running low. Mountain Biking UK magazine will be putting the V2 to the test – look out for a review later this year.
Nema Player helmet
The Player is made for Nema by Kabuto, who are probably best known in the bicycle world for protecting the noggin of multiple downhill world champion Greg Minnaar. All the features you'd expect of a top-end race full-face are present and correct – a decent weight (900g claimed; 957g for the smallest size on our scales), detachable pads and chinstrap, and an adjustable peak, plus some sharp graphics.
It meets the EN1078, Snell and CPCS safety standards, and is available in three sizes (XS/S, M/L and XL/XXL) and three colours (black, blue or red) for £259.99/US$344.99. It even comes with a spare peak and choice of cheek pad sizes. A carbon fibre version is also available, for £40 more. For more details, visit www.nemacycling.com. UK distribution is through Hotlines.
