Welcome to another edition of First Look Friday, where we review the events of the week and give you a taster of the latest tech to catch our eye.
We had boots on the ground at the Tour Down Under at the start of the week, with John Whitney poking around the pits reporting on the tech the pros will be riding in the 2025 WorldTour.
Bad news followed on Tuesday, with the announcement that Eurosport UK is being axed and British-based cycling fans face a 343% price hike to watch professional cycling.
Tom Marvin got hands-on with Atherton's A.200.G gearbox-equipped downhill bike and gave his suggestions on why it might change bike tech forever.
We shared reviews of Hammerhead's Karoo 3 bike computer, the MiRider 24 GB3 electric cargo bike and Specialized’s Turbo Levo SL II Comp Alloy.
Thursday saw a double announcement from Shimano, with the Japanese brand finally unveiling CUES components for drop-bar bikes and bringing drop-bar shifting to its affordable ESSA groupset.
There were plenty more highlights, so don't forget to go back and make sure you're up to date on all the news, reviews and features.
Without further ado, though, here's the bike tech that rolled over our desks this week.
Endura MT500 waterproof jacket
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The MT500 waterproof jacket has received an update which, according to Endura, has been redesigned to be kinder to the planet.
Not only that, but the MT500 has received a new DWR (durable water repellent) coating to its ExoShell DR fabric, which is said to keep you dryer for longer.
If you start to cook on the climbs, not only are there zipped pit vents, but the main opening now features a trio of poppers, which enable you to unzip the jacket, but keep it secure enough from flapping about, all the while letting in some nice cool air.
Other features include zipped pockets, adjustment in all the right places and a helmet-compatible hood that’s not only adjustable but can also be tethered down to avoid wind noise when coming down a trail.
- £269.99
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Forged By Speed – Steve Peat's autobiography
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Steve Peat has a place in history thanks to his incredible results between the tape, his battles with the biggest names in downhill and, of course, his efforts to clinch the rainbow stripes.
This book covers his life growing up in Sheffield, his journey onto two wheels and the shenanigans that came with it.
There are insights into how the sport of mountain biking grew in the UK, what those early races were like and what it took for Steve to forge a path for himself, just as things were kicking off.
He also shares what it took to compete at the very top of the sport for so many years, winning just about everything there was to win.
Naturally, it being a book about Peaty, there’s no shortage of lively stories from on and off the race track, with the likes of Andrew Titley, Rob Warner and Shaun Palmer all featuring regularly.
- £25
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Sidi Atomus shoes
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Sidi is synonymous with top-performing road and cross-country shoes but isn’t the first brand you’d consider when it comes to trail riding or enduro racing.
The Italian shoemaker is hoping to change that with the Atomus, though, which is said to be “made for comfort on rough ground”.
The upper is made from a tough, ripstop fabric, with toughened PU sections to boost durability in the areas that are subjected to knocks and scrapes.
Below the lace closure is a padded tongue, which is connected to the shoe’s upper down either side to help keep the elements out.
Underneath, the chunky tread should help with any off-the-bike efforts, while the long cleat slots should offer most riders ample adjustment when it comes to setting them up.
Sidi rates the sole a three on its stiffness index, so you’d hope there’s enough flex to keep things comfy when walking.
- £150
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G-Form Pro-X3 Knee Guards
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G-Form's Pro-X3 knee guards are designed for all trail use, with the brand’s SmartFlex protection said to allow plenty of articulation for your knee.
Similar to D30, SmartFlex uses non-Newtonian padding that remains flexible as you ride but hardens when impacted.
Unlike the orange foam, it is completely waterproof, meaning there shouldn’t be any fiddly pad removal when you want to wash them.
A softer inner foam features on the inside of the pad, which G-Form says ensures comfort, while also providing an extra layer of protection.
The sleeve is made from fine-kit lycra, with silicone grippers used on either end to hold it in place.
G-Form says the pads are PPE II certified and the sleeve is made from UPF 50+ fabric, which should lead to the only marks on your legs being sun tanning around the Pro-X3s.
- £69.99
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