Black is out and white is in. That's what American mountain bike component makers Funn would have us believe with their Bored of Black range, which is now available in the UK via their new distributors Decade Europe.
First up is the aluminium Arrow seatpost (£31.99), which is available in an array of colours including white/blue, white/red and white/yellow.
It comes in two lengths, each available with a choice of three diameters – 26.8mm/27.0mm/27.2mm in 350mm, and 30.0mm/30.9mm/31.6mm in 400mm. Our 30.9/400mm test post weighs 278g.
The Bored of Black theme extends to the matching Arrow stem (£31.99), again with the same colour options. Three lengths are on offer – 55/65/80mm – with a 31.8mm bar clamp. Our sample, the 70mm version, tips the scales at 148g.
Even Funn's Viper II pedals (£59.99) get a white makeover. With an alloy body and chromoly axles, they weigh in at 525g for the pair and feature a clear 3M grip panel for extra traction.
Not part of the BoB range, but white nonetheless, is this Skinny II saddle (£26.99). Also available in black, it has chromoly rails and a water-resistant PVC covering with reinforced side panels. Weight on our scales is 277g.
Deuter
German rucksack specialists Deuter have over a century of manufacturing experience behind them, so it would be fair to call them one of the most established in the field. They produce bags for a host of outdoor sports and activities, from biking to hiking and snow sports.
The latest version of their Compact Air (£79.99) backpack offers 10 litres of storage space, which can be expanded by a further 2l if you unfurl the mesh helmet carrier stored in one of the zipped pockets. It also has a waterproof cover, which is again stowed away in a zipped pocket.
Other features include a pump sleeve, 3M reflectors on the front, sides and back, and a neat zip which can be used to compress or expands the pack. It weighs in at 810g and is available directly from Deuter's website, where you can also find more information about it.
FSA SL-K Cyclocross brakeset
This brakeset is a new addition to FSA's SL-K line-up and should be equally at home on a touring bike as it is on a 'cross racer. The 40mm alloy arms have an open design for improved mud clearance but FSA reckon this doesn't come at the expense of lever feel.
Pads are easily removable, making for quicker changes between alloy and carbon rims. Weighing 107g per pair, they're available only in this black finish, with red or white graphic options. You can pick them up from UK distributors Windwave for £109.95 a pair.
The FSA SL-K Cyclocross brakeset package includes both front and rear brakes for £109.95
Rough Ride Guide
This takes us way back. Rough Ride Guide, publishers of UK mountain biking guides, have brought out their own version of Top Trumps called Bike Trumps. The cards feature 36 bikes from various cycling disciplines, through the years, from the venerable 'boneshaker' to the Specialized McLaren Venge.
You all know the rules; deal the cards between the players, the youngest chooses a category and everyone must lay their top card down and compare the relevant statistics. The winner takes all the cards and places them at the back of their pack, and this is repeated until someone holds all the cards. Each pack costs £4.49 direct from Rough Ride Guide's website and if you buy two, you get the third free.
