Oh, hello Friday. Wow, just look at you, with your enticing ways, coyly suggesting two whole days of two-wheeled fun awaits. And, dammit, you're right! Just a few hours of work to get through first.
So, let us cushion your entry into the weekend with a delicious carbon component from CeramicSpeed, or how about a sleek new wheelset from Vision?
For those of you who like things with a little more rough and tumble, there's a new full-face helmet from 100% and products from Peaty's to clean things up afterwards.
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Wilier Zero SLR
This is Wilier's Zero SLR, a lightweight disc-equipped race bike from the Italian brand.
Just take a moment to appreciate its beauty. From the striking ‘velvet red’ frame finish with white highlights, to the dropped 'stays, uncluttered cable-free profile and aerodynamic elements throughout.
Wilier provides a range of build options, including Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, SRAM Force ETAP AXS and SRAM Red ETAP AXS groupsets (among others), and a range of wheelsets including Fulcrum Racing Zero Carbon and Wilier's own NDR38KC Carbon hoops.
Prices range from €5,000 for the frame kit up to €11,200 for the SRAM Red ETAP AXS Disc build with either a Fulcrum Racing Zero Carbon wheelset or a Wilier Triestina ULT38KT Carbon Tubular wheelset.
Wilier claims that the frame weighs 900g for a size medium in a matte finish and that an entire bike build weighs 6.5kg. We weighed it at 6.51kg, so yes, pretty much spot on.
Those clean lines are created by running brake and derailleur cables internally through the integrated carbon handlebar and the frame and fork.
Wilier claims that through a variety of carbon manufacturing techniques it has managed to exceed the stiffness to weight value on the Zero SLR by 24 percent over its previous models the Zero.6 and Zero 7.
Other design elements include an asymmetric rear triangle with a more acute angle on the left seatstay compared to the right. According to Wilier, this counteracts the forces that the rider puts through the bike on the driveside.
For quick wheel removal and low weight, Wilier has also opted to use Mavic Speed Release thru-axles.
keep your eyes on BikeRadar for the full review in the coming weeks.
Price: From €7,700 depending on build
Vision SC wheels
On the lookout for some new carbon wheels, don’t have huge amounts of cash to spend, want to ensure you’re getting good quality? Well, Vision would say that its new SC wheels are worth your consideration.
They combine a carbon rim with alloy hubs and straight-pull aero spokes to form a package that aims to offer an enticingly low weight for the price.
Both options come as either rim or disc brake compatible, and there are Shimano and SRAM XDR options for the alloy free hubs.
Vision SC 40 DB
- 40mm depth carbon rims, clincher or tubular ready
- P.R.A hubs with 2:1 aero-bladed direct-pull spokes with ABS self-locking nipples
- ISO 6-Bolt and Centerlock disc brake rotor mount
- Six sealed cartridge bearings, two front and four rear
- Shimano 10/11spd or SRAM XDR 12spd freehub
- 1,556g claimed weight per pair without quick release skewers
Vision SC 40
- 40mm depth carbon rims, clincher only
- Hubs with 2:1 aero-bladed direct-pull spokes
- Six sealed cartridge bearings, two front and four rear
- Shimano 10/11spd or SRAM XDR 12spd freehub
- 1,410g claimed weight per pair without quick release skewer
Vision SC 55 DB
- 55mm depth carbon rims, clincher and tubular compatible
- P.R.A hubs with direct-pull 2:1 aero bladed spokes with ABS self-locking nipples
- Six sealed cartridge bearings, two front and four rear
- ISO 6-bolt and Centerlock rotor mount
- Shimano 10/11spd or SRAM XDR 12spd freehub
- 1,640g claimed weight per pair without quick release skewers
Vision SC 55
- 55mm depth carbon rims, clincher only
- Hubs with 2:1 aero-bladed direct-pull spokes with ABS self-locking nipples
- Six sealed cartridge bearings, two front and four rear
- Shimano 10/11spd or SRAM XDR 12spd freehub
- 1,510g claimed weight per pair without quick release skewers
One of the big selling points of these wheels is they offer many of the benefits of Vision’s pricier Metron wheels but at a lower price. Our product testers rated the Metron wheels highly, with 5 out of 5 stars and "near Zipp-like performance".
Like the Metron, the SC offers a carbon rim with an internal width of 19mm, alloy free hubs, aero direct-pull spokes and hand-built construction.
- SC40: £TBC / $999
- SC55: £TBC / $1,099
100% Trajecta full-face helmet
Protecting your head is no joke. Mountain biking comes with its fair share of spills to match the thrills, which is why investing in a good helmet is important.
There has been a lot of new technology on the market in recent months, all designed to help reduce the forces your brain experiences if or when you hit the deck. These include custom MIPS liners in helmets, such as in the MET Parachute, and the Koroyd developed Endura MT500 helmet.
100% 's new Trajecta full-face helmet features what the brand calls its Smartshock Rotational Protective System.
The helmet itself is constructed from an injection moulded polycarbonate shell with multi-density EPS foam.
The Smartshock Rotational Protective System works in a similar way to MIPS (Multidirectional Impact Protection System) in that it’s essentially a mechanism that isolates and protects the wearer's skull from direct and rotational forces.
The Smartshock system does this by using a series of 13 Smartshock elastomer pegs that join a padded layer around the rider's head to the EPS foam liner. When an impact is experienced, these pegs deform to allow the inner layer to move independently of the outer by a limited amount, dissipating force.
The brand also claims it’s lightweight, breathable and comfortable. We will of course be testing those claims, so keep your eyes on BikeRadar in the coming weeks for a full review.
In the meantime, we can say that it has 24 large vents, including five ports at the front of the helmet, plus seven in the chin bar. Vents are also located low at the rear and sides of the helmet, and are designed to channel air around the wearer's head.
The visor can be adjusted to different positions to allow a wider field of view or make room for goggle stowage. 100% has opted for a D-ring chin strap closure rather than a clasp, and the liner is both antimicrobial and washable, which should help avoid helmet pong or forehead spot.
The Trajecta is available in four sizes: small, medium, large and extra-large; and five colourways: Essential Black, Black/White, Charcoal, Slate Blue, and Red (pictured).
- Price: £229 / $250 / AU$TBC
- Weight: 904g for the size large
Peaty’s XXX Solvent Degreaser and Disc Brake Cleaner
British downhill mountain bike legend Steve Peat has been producing his own range of bike maintenance products for a few years now.
Peaty’s range started off with valve caps and sparkly tubeless milk and has expanded into lube, cleaning spray, rim tape and more.
Two new products joining the lineup are the XXX Solvent Degreaser and Disc Brake Cleaner.
The degreaser is designed to be strong stuff, capable of removing grease, oil and wax, including bitumen and tar.
Incidentally, you may not want to use this on parts such as your drivetrain unless you are looking to strip all the lubricant off. Instead, Peaty’s recommends using its alternative product Foaming Drivetrain Degreaser, which is designed to only remove chain lube and everyday dirt, and not go near your waterproof bearing grease.
The degreaser bears the tagline ‘kills grease, not the environment’, is water-soluble and is listed as biodegradable, which is good news for riders who are concerned about their environmental footprint.
The Disc Brake Cleaner is a solvent spray designed to remove contaminants and improve braking performance, and help you lose that awful squealing noise that comes with contaminated pads. It can be sprayed on all brake components including the calipers, discs and pads and is even biodegradable.
Both products are listed as carbon safe, so you’ll be okay using them on your shiny (or matte) high-end steeds too.
They come in colour-coded 400ml cans and are available via Saddleback and through many good local bike shops in the UK and internationally, including the US and Australia.
Peaty’s XXX Solvent Degreaser: £7.99 / $TBC / AU$TBC
Peaty’s Disc Brake Cleaner - £7.99 / $TBC / AU$TBC
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CeramicSpeed OSPW X for SRAM Eagle Mechanical
If weight is all important and price is only secondary (or lower) in your concerns, then the ridiculously light Oversize Pulley Wheel system for SRAM Eagle mechs is going to be right up your (nice part of town) street.
CeramicSpeed, purveyors of beautifully lightweight bike bling, has created a pulley wheel system that weighs a scant 85g.
Handmade in Denmark, it features the narrow-wide tooth profile required to work with an Eagle chain, which gives it excellent chain retention and is constructed from a combination of aluminium (the pulley wheels themselves) and carbon reinforced cage.
Compatible with 12spd Eagle drivetrains, it works with Eagle XX1, X01, GX and NX mechanical and yes, there is an AXS version for those of you who’ve already gone full wireless.
There are currently two versions of this mech. The standard version retails at €479 and the coated bearing version retails at €559. There’s also a gold version in the works too, which will coordinate nicely with the other gold elements on the premium Eagle drivetrain.
In the box you also get 15ml of CeramicSpeed Bearing Oil.
Standard: €479 / £TBC / $TBC
Coated: €559 / £TBC / $TBC
