The weekend is almost upon us and that means we've got new things to show you — welcome to First Look Friday!
This week we've had a sneak peek at what could be an entirely new approach to rear suspension, a leaf-spring based system from Icelandic brand Lauf.
Our Alex Evans awarded the Marin Rift Zone Carbon 2 four out of five stars, we kicked off our Christmas gift guides and I wrapped up my Trek Emonda ALR long-term test after a year of fun with the purple beauty.
We also published our smart trainer mega-test — required reading if you're looking to get into indoor training — and we're building up to next week's Black Friday bonanza, with bargains already popping up all over.
Keep an eye on our deals page for all the best savings, and read on for the latest bikes and kit to show up at BikeRadar HQ.
Enigma Escape Mk II
Enigma has updated its Escape titanium gravel bike and the result is this rather tasty looking machine.
The Mk II Escape features larger tyre clearances, accepting rubber up to 700c × 45mm or 650b × 50mm, and now has size-specific tubing for more consistent performance across the size range.
The frame is compatible with virtually all drivetrains, with removable guides keeping things tidy, and there are mounts for mudguards, luggage and up to three bottle cages.
This bike is fitted with the 'ADV' version of Enigma's CSix carbon fork, which includes bosses for an 'everything' style cargo cage and routing for both a brake hose and dynamo lighting through the fork leg.
This Shimano GRX RX810 (Ultegra-level mechanical) build with Hunt 4Season Gravel Disc wheels weighs 9.3kg for a size 54. The bike is also available as a frameset or in a choice of alternative builds — there's even a Pinion gearbox option!
- Enigma Escape Frameset (frame, fork, headset, seatclamp): £2,187
- Enigma Escape Complete GRX600 1×: £3,499
- Enigma Escape Complete GRX810 2× (as pictured): £3,899
- Enigma Escape Complete Force AXS 1×: £4,799
- Custom geometry and features (8-week lead time): £300
- Custom finishing and paint: from £300
Targus Work + Play Cycling 15.6in Laptop Backpack
Targus sent us this rucksack aimed specifically at commuter cyclists and it has an extraordinary number of compartments and features built-in.
As the name suggests, it's designed to carry a medium-sized laptop safely and there are various dividers and mesh pockets to store small items neatly.
The lower front of the bag opens to reveal a separate shoe compartment, so you can wear your cycling shoes for the bike and then swap them for kitten heels at the office.
The outside of the bag has lots of loops and straps, which should make transporting a D-lock straightforward, and there's a specific one onto which you can clip a rear light.
A lower compartment unzips to reveal a tool roll, a really neat feature that means you can keep emergency supplies separate from your everyday possessions.
There's also a rain cover in there, which looks the part in bright orange, but seems a bit on the baggy side. It's likely it will fit better when the rucksack is loaded up.
The back section of the bag is nicely padded, with channels to allow some airflow and hopefully keep sweaty backs under control.
- £79.99
Rapha EF Education annual
Do you have fond memories of flipping through Beano annuals as a child? If so, it's likely that this rather lovely book from Rapha and the EF Education First pro team will appeal.
Produced in the style of a classic comic annual, this hardback is packed with stories, comics, quizzes, interviews and more, detailing the team's 2019 exploits.
It doesn't feel like a phoned-in piece of merch either — it's obviously been assembled by people who care and it will appeal to cycling fans both young and old. One for Christmas, perhaps?
- £15
Raleigh Super Tuff Burner
Keeping with the nostalgic theme, this is one for the Gen-Xers out there. 36 years after the launch of the original Super Tuff Burner, Raleigh has brought this gold beast back.
Raleigh has form here, having previously resurrected the Aero Pro Burner and the Team Aero Pro Burner.
The Super Tuff Burner follows much the same pattern, and Raleigh has updated the geometry to give more room up front, reducing the likelihood of unwanted knee–bar interfaces.
Otherwise, the bike strongly resembles the original, right down to the Dia-Compe brakes and the distinctive five-spoke wheels.
Will you be reliving your misspent youth?
- £600
