Welcome back to another edition of First Look Friday, where we share the juiciest pieces of kit that have passed over our desks in the past seven days.
With another week of Daylight Saving Time under our belts, the countdown to 22 December has well and truly taken over for some at BikeRadar – with the hope that the shortest day of the year will inspire optimism for the joyful light of the year to come.
That being said, the dark hasn't stopped us riding, with many of us joining BikeRadar's best-loved son, Jack Luke on his second annual SpookZone ride, putting our 8 tips for road riding in the dark to the test.
On site this week, we've seen news and reviews on Canyon's Lux Trail from our very own Alex Evans, a patent reveal for a possible new SRAM Red AXS shifter and a controversial opinion piece on tanwall tyres from Oscar Huckle.
This week has also seen road bike reviews galore, including Liv's Avail Advanced Pro 0 and Scott's Addict RC 40.
There's plenty more sizzling-hot content to serve up this weekend, so keep your eyes fixed to our pages for more spicy reviews.
Without further ado, here are the best tech bits we've seen this week.
Alpinestars Tahoe 8.1 Jacket
With the weather now only sunny during the hours of commerce, waterproof jackets are a necessity for riding in the UK.
The Tahoe 8.1 Jacket from Alpinestars features a lightweight waterproof main shell with 8K waterproofing and 3K breathability. Like many of the best mountain bike jackets, it's tape-welded to ensure water stays out.
Alpinestars says this gives the jacket a perfect blend of wet-weather protection and breathability.
With stretch panels on the underarms, yoke and sternum zones, the jacket is designed to provide plenty of movement.
The under-arm panels also feature zipped ventilation to allow for heat dumping if the temperature rises, or your thermostat opens.
YKK zips are used throughout, which the brand says add to the jacket's durability, and there are three waterproofed front pockets to keep small belongings safe.
The cut of the jacket features an extended rear hem for greater coverage when in the saddle, and Alpinestars says the adjustable hood is helmet-compatible.
A fleece lining is used on the collar, which is said to improve rider comfort by reducing irritation to the neck and face.
- £240 / $274.95 / €274.95
Silca HX-TWO Travel Essentials Allen Key Set
Whether we like it or not, winter brings with it more maintenance – especially if you’re riding off-road – but these Allen and Torx keys from Silca are intended to bring a bit of bling to bolt-turning this season.
The set includes 18 tools, split into nine Allen keys, which feature 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10mm sizes, and nine Torx keys comprising T7, T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27 and T30.
The tools are made from S2 tool steel, which Silca says is treated with exclusive nine-step heat treatment and coated in a polymer coating to add grip – with the Allen keys receiving Silca’s signature red design.
Laser-etched size indicators appear on the sides of the tools – which should come in handy for someone like me who often walks back from the toolbox with the wrong size in my hand.
A custom moulded tool holder keeps the set compact, with the US-based brand saying it makes a good addition to travelling toolkits and weekend gear bags.
- £105 / €99
Leatt Elbow Guard AirFlex
These elbow pads from Leatt use the brand's AirFlex impact gel, which is said to give them a slim and lightweight feel at 240g for a pair.
The AirFlex impact gel is similar to other impact-hardening pads, such as those made by D3O.
MoistureCool and AirMesh fabrics are used in the sleeve construction, which Leatt says aids in moisture-wicking and should help keep the pads from developing a rather stinky aroma in the summertime.
Silicone lamination on the top of the sleeve helps keep the pad in place and is also used inside the elbow cup to aid in gripping the elbow during impact.
The pads are CE-tested to EN1621-1 and rated an 11 out of 15 in Leatt’s Total Protection score.
Leatt provides the Elbow Guard AirFlex in sizes S, M, L, XL and XXL.
- £89.99 / $89.99 / €82.99
Wolf Tooth Gnarwolf Chainguide ISCG 05 mount
This Gnarwolf Chainguide from Wolf Tooth is machined from 6061-T6 aluminium and offers 8mm of chainline adjustment via the brand’s GuideLock quick adjustment system, which doesn’t require any shims.
Made in the USA, the Gnarwolf is claimed to weigh 44g and attaches to your bike via an ISCG 05 mount.
The chain guide has an infinite vertical adjustment between 28t and 36t chainrings, and can be used with a 34t oval chainring.
A flip on the body enables you to remove your chain without losing any of the chain guide’s adjustments.
Wolf Tooth says the Gnarwolf is designed to keep your chain in place during the rigours of enduro and downhill riding.
- £65 / $77 / €74
