This week has been a rather wet one here in the UK, and as if Rapha was expecting it, it announced its first-ever Rapha Gore-Tex waterproof jackets. We also updated our waterproof jackets best list and there's something for roadies and mountain bikers alike in there.
- Scott Gambler 900 Tuned review
- How SRAM’s $15 universal derailleur hanger could end bent hanger woes
There have been announcements too from Roval about its new Terra gravel wheelset, which use the widest rims on the market and will take 55mm tyres, and there was more news from the off-tarmac scene with Time launching a new range of gravel and ‘cross-specific pedals.
We've had reviews too of Manitou's excellent Mezzer fork for both 27.5in and 29in wheel sizes, Shimano's RX8 gravel shoes and plenty of tests on mountain bike saddles to help you choose a new seat if you're on the lookout.
- Trust launches another bonkers linkage fork with longer travel
- 2020 Devinci Django Carbon 29 GX LTD review
But in this week's First Look Friday we've got a sneak preview of some of the lights we're currently testing to get you ready for the winter months – keep your eyes peeled for full reviews soon – as well as some nice kit from DMR and Hutchinson.
Exposure Lights Diablo MK11 helmet-mounted light
Shining out an impressive 1,750 claimed lumens on full power, the Diablo Mk11 has a claimed 1-hour run time at maximum. It weighs a paltry 128g, including the mounting hardware.
Light is pumped out by three LEDs and comes pre-programmed with 10 modes that offer up to 24 hours of battery life.
Its all-in-one anodised aluminium body includes a 3,400mAh lithium-ion battery. There's a single mode selector button on the rear of the light but the Diablo has Tap technology, which means you can switch between modes by simply tapping the body of the light — it senses the tap and changes output accordingly.
This sounds like a great feature for lid-mounted operation.
- £215 / $283.30 / €239.99
DMR OiOi saddle
Our favourite ex-Marines mountain biker, Ben Deakin, is a prolific character in real life and, more recently, on social media.
His first signature product, the DMR OiOi saddle, promises to be a versatile and durable seat with a Marines-inspired snow or jungle camouflage finish.
Made with CroMo rails, it weighs a claimed 270g and won't break the bank at £35.
- £35 / $43.99 / AU$59.99 / €44.99
Hutchinson Overide tan wall gravel tyres
The recent resurgence of tan wall tyres is, in my opinion, a welcome one. If your bike's the right colour they make it look great. So, if you're a Gravelista, the Hutchinson Overide gravel-specific tan wall tyres look like just the ticket.
With a smooth central area that should help reduce rolling resistance and more textured sides for when you're cornering or leaning over, we reckon they'll hook up great on most gravel surfaces.
In 650b only, the 47mm wide rubber is pretty chunky. The tyres are tubeless-ready and weigh a claimed 490g.
- £33.95 / $69.99 / €36.90
Knog Cobber Mid rear light
Knog's got a reputation for making no-fuss products with stylish designs. The Cobber Mid is no exception to this and provides up to a claimed 170 lumens in its flash mode and will last a claimed 6.5 hours.
It's got a 330-degree beam spread, which is ideal for being seen at night, in the wet and from the sides.
Supplied with two mounting options, the USB-rechargeable light weighs 44g with its smaller mount and is claimed to be 100 per cent waterproof.
- £59.99 / $69.95 / AU$99.95 / €69.99
