We first showed you Hope's new District super-bright rear light at last year's Eurobike show and now we've got the production version in for testing, so expect a review soon.
With its three 240-lumen LEDs, CNC machined head unit, separate battery pack and two-piece metal seatpost clamp, it certainly looks the part. Hope say it's aimed at road riders and commuters – and not just for night-time use; because it's so bright they're touting its advantages as a daytime safety light too.
The District has five modes – normal, high, slow flash, normal flash and fast flash bursts – and claimed run time is upwards of 10 hours on high power. It'll fit 27.2, 30.9 and 31.6mm diameter seatposts with the supplied shims. If you run a Hope front light, you can power both off the same battery using the splitter provided in the box.
Official pricing is still to be confirmed and production units may differ from the lamp shown here. RRP is expected to be around £95 without the battery and £160 with a two-cell battery and charger.
Rudy Project RYDON glasses
These limited edition RYDON Racing Black G glasses combine a lightweight plastic/carbon composite frame with a photochromic lens (ie. it darkens and lightens automatically in response to changing light) made from Rudy Project's own ImpactX material. This is claimed to be tougher than the normal polycarbonate or polyamide, as well as offering excellent optical clarity.
If you're the clumsy type who normally shies away from buying high-end glasses for fear you'll break them, these could be just the ones for you – the lens comes with a lifetime guarantee against breakage, while the frame has a two-year warranty. Lenses are interchangeable using Rudy's Quick Change system. RRP is around £130.
Airace pumps
Two aluminium Airace pumps have just arrived for testing, both of which combine telescopic pumping power with extractable valve hoses. The FIT Tele M mini pump is aimed at mountain bikers. The head is swappable between Presta, Schrader and Dunlop valves, and it's said to be capable of reaching up to 80psi (5.5 bar). RRP is £24.99.
The longer Airace Speed F2 is aimed at both road and mountain bike use, with a higher volume output – up to 140psi (10 bar). It's essentially a mini floor pump, with a flip-out footstand and T-handle. Again, the head is swappable between Presta, Schrader and Dunlop valves. RRP is £33.
EVS Glider LT pads
EVS are well known in the motocross world and, if these new Glider LT pads are anything to go by, their kit should cross over easily into mountain biking. These knee pads use the company's 'floating shell' design, where a flexible membrane is sandwiched between a tough outer shell and a soft, breathable inner.
In this case, protection is provided by thermoplastic rubber on the front and 3D foam on the sides, while a perforated Neoprene sleeve, along with Velcro straps, holds the pad in place. They're available in three sizes. RRP is £34.99.
Muc-Off Foam Fresh
Muc-Off seem to have cleaning products for every conceivable bike-related scenario and their new Foam Fresh seems like a real winner. The idea is that you spray it on your helmet lining/pads, leave it to soak in and then wipe off the excess, leaving you with a sweet smelling lid.
It can also be used on shoes and body armour. We reckon it'll be particularly useful for spine protectors, which often won't fit in a domestic washing machine, and on those week-long road trips where the van/car/hotel room really starts to stink. RRP is £5.99.
Muc-Off have also released a new-look Silicon Shine cleaner which "makes parts shine, reduces grime build-up and also reduces friction on fork stanchions and rear shocks". RRP is £6.99.
Nikwax cleaning/proofing products
Continuing with the cleaning theme, Nikwax's Base Wash, Wool Wash and Tech Wash travel gels have been designed specifically for cleaning technical clothing – synthetic base layers, merino wool gear and waterproof clothing, respectively.
As well as leaving garments clean and fresh-smelling, Base Wash (£2.69) and Wool Wash (£4.75) are said to speed up the drying process by 25 percent – useful if you're travelling. Nikwax reckon a 100ml tube is enough for 20 items of clothing.
Tech Wash (£2.99) can be used with fabrics including Gore-Tex, SympaTex and eVent and is said to "revitalise breathability and repellancy". Also available from Nikwax are cans of Glove Proof (£3.99), for waterproofing gloves, and Visor Proof (£4.99), which adds a water-repellant coating to eyewear.
