Friday has come around once again and to us that means only one thing... yep, it's Five-a-side time. Here's the latest new kit to arrive at the BikeRadar office this week.
New road cycling gear
POC Essential Jersey and bib shorts
These threads from safety conscious Swedish firm POC are designed to keep you safe as well as comfortable. Both the bibs and jerseyhave reflective logos and harsh contrasts so you stand out from your surroundings. Technically these are also exceptional; the jersey even uses a rough fabric over the arms, shoulders and back to improve aerodynamics. Expect more on these soon, including a full review.
- Essential bib shorts £175 / US$199
- Essential jersey £150 / US$189.95
Giro Aspect helmet
Giro's Aspect is not your everyday lid – its unique design is said to have been inspired by historic racing cars and was refined by leading designers from the automotive world. Alternative materials are used to cover the in-mould polycarbonate shell so, depending on colour choice, you'll get either rubber or aluminium side panels. The 19 vents should keep you cool and are proven by wind tunnel test time, while a built-in cloth visor should keep you focused on the tarmac ahead. £139.99 / US$175
Astute Skylite Pilarga saddle
The Pilarga is a new wider model saddle from recent Italian start-up Astute. It places the technology from its 135mm saddles into a 145mm wide model, and makes use of a new dow chemical for a triple-density padding – something commonly used in sport car seats, but not cycling saddles. Firmer padding at the sit bones support a rider’s weight while softer padding at the front protects delicate areas. The Pilarga is available in either a titanium (Skyline) or carbon (Skylite) rail and in an open channel (VT) or closed design (SR).
- Skyline £109.99 / US$155
- Skylite £179.99 / US$260
Ridley Helium SL Campagnolo 80th special edition
This Ridley Helium SL is one of just 80 that have been built to commemorate Campagnolo’s 80th anniversary. Along with a subtle yet exclusive paintjob, the Helium frameset wears Campagnolo’s exclusive 80th anniversary Super Record mechanical groupset and rolls on matching 50mm deep-section carbon wheels. If you can get hold of one it’ll set you back €8,999.www.ridley-bikes.com/
Giro Mechanic jacket
Giro's Mechanic jacket is made from a three-layer waterproof fabric with a cotton face. It's part of the road line, but really appealed to the mountain bikers in the office too.£199.99 / US$249.99
New mountain biking gear
Hope Pro 2 EVO Fatsno hubs
Fat bikes need fat parts and Hope are now coming up with the goods. These new Fatsno hubs are an upscaled version of Hope's proven Pro 2 EVO hubs. You get the same Hope quality and finishing in fat bike friendly widths, so that'll be 135/142mm width options at the front and 170/177mm and 190mm options at the rear. Hope also provide all the axle, freehub and braking options your fat bike may require. The larger hub bodies mean that these sound a little different to normal Pro 2 hubs though.£260 / US$N/A
Ion Ram sunglasses
Stylish sunnies straight out of Deutschland! The Ion Rams use a split frame that makes swapping out lenses a doddle – and you'll get three Zeiss lenses included, providing options for all light conditions. There's also a elastic head band, lens bags and a hardcase supplied. £130 / US$N/A
SIS Isotonic energy gel
SIS's long standing Isotonic energy gels need no introduction but this new pineapple flavoured option deserves some attention – it's perhaps the most palatable of its kind. The combination of a watery consistency and sweet-but-not-too-sweet flavour makes it a winner. Each 60ml gel provides a quick supply of 22g carbohydrate. SIS recommends one to three gels per hour.£1.29 (60ml) / US$N/A
OKO H20 Level 2 Advanced Filtration and Pure Water bottles
All water, whether piped or from open sources can potentially be contaminated with harmful substances and that's where these clever water bottles come in – they're ideal for travellers or anyone who needs convenient access to clean, clear and crisp water. Lab tests of the level 2 filter from ÖKO reflect the near-complete removal of the bacteria most commonly found in water sources. A patented valve also prevents any backwashed fluid getting back into your mouth.The Everyday bottles are designed to reduce the environmental impact of drinking bottled water. Designed for tap water, these use coconut shell as a natural filter to reduce chlorine, taste and odour in tap water. There's a sports cap with an indicator to remind you how many times you've refilled the bottle, after 40 refills simply recycle the bottle and know that you've saved 98 percent on bottled water plastic waste.
- Level 2 filter bottle (650ml) £22.99 / US$24.99
- ÖKO Pure (2x590ml) £4.99 / US$9.98
Giro Jacket shoes
These flat pedal shoes from Giro blend skate-style casual looks with a super tacky Vibram rubber sole. There's cushioning at the mid-sole and heel to soften any hard landings and they're available in a decent range of colours. These could well give the likes of FiveTen and Shimano something to think about – we can't wait to test them.
£99.99 / US$120
