Welcome back to another First Look Friday. There was big news in the cross-country world this week as Specialized released its latest Epic and Epic EVO bikes.
The first of these is set to take centre stage as a race bike for ever-more demanding XC World Cup courses and the second is designed to handle speedy trail-bike duties.
You can check out our review of the Specialized Epic S-Works 8 to see how it fared.
What's more, RockShox released Flight Attendant on its cross-country forks and shocks to coincide with the launch of the Specialized Epic.
Is electronic suspension the future for everyday trail hounds, or should it be reserved for the racers? We’ve got tons of coverage across our YouTube channel, podcast and the site to help you make up your mind.
It’s been a big week for Specialized all-round, with the brand also releasing an alloy version of the lightweight eMTB, the Turbo Levo SL.
Fear not our skinny-tyred brethren, there was plenty on the site to keep you engaged too. If you're looking for a gravel event this year, we've put together a list of the 14 best UK gravel events for 2024. Make sure to check this out if you’re keen for an adventure.
Basso released the new, more affordable Venta R. Plus, we highlighted the best road bikes under £2,000 for newcomers and the budget-conscious. We also looked at some of the weird and wonderful things coming out of the Taipei Cycle Show.
ISM P1 Gravel saddle
ISM’s radical saddle designs have long been a favourite of time-trialists and triathletes, and the brand has now expanded its range of noseless saddles to gravel with the new P1 Gravel.
ISM says the noseless shape is designed to eliminate pressure from soft-tissue areas, ensuring maximum bloodflow and no genital numbness.
The narrow 120mm profile and deep HR (high rebound) padding, which ISM claims absorbs 30 per cent more vibrations, point towards a saddle aimed at long-distance gravel racing with an aggressive position.
- £185 / €215.95 / £229.88
Giro Coalition Spherical full-face helmet
Giro’s new Coalition Spherical is an exceptionally lightweight full-face helmet designed to offer robust protection. Weighing a mere 800g in medium size, this mountain bike helmet is certified by the NTA and features MIPS Spherical Technology.
The design integrates MIPS between independent EPP and EPS foam layers to optimise management of both high-speed and low-speed impacts, and reduce rotational impact forces.
Giro claims the Coalition Spherical helmet rivals the ventilation and cooling abilities of certain road bike helmets, boasting large front intake ports and efficient rear exhaust vents connected by deep internal channelling.
A significant innovation lies within the helmet: the Halo system combines a chin bar with Pebax and elastomeric bushings integrated into the EPS to absorb and dissipate kinetic forces effectively.
This helmet is said to surpass standard chin-bar deflection certification testing by almost double. It also incorporates Ionic+ treatments to control odours and features two sets of removable cheek pads for customisable fit.
- £299.99 / $325
Torq Explore Adventure food
Torq’s new range of dried food isn’t your average dried rations. Each recipe has been created to follow Torq’s Supercharger system for bike fuelling. The meals, whether savoury or sweet, are designed to deliver the same amount of nutrition, totalling over 500 functional calories, 100g carbs, 25g protein and less than 3g of fat.
All of the meals just need the addition of water and are ready in 10 minutes. The savoury menu comprises chilli non-carne pasta, creamy mushroom pasta, and tomato and basil pasta – all using vegetarian proteins.
For dessert, it's either hot apple crumble or rhubarb and custard. Both are based around a hot semolina dessert with a rich sauce flavour. Savoury meals are priced at £8.95 and desserts £6.95.
e*thirteen Grappler Race Carbon Enduro wheels
The e*thirteen Grappler Race Carbon Enduro wheels are designed to meet the demands of aggressive trail riding and enduro racing. Developed and refined through extensive testing across multiple World Cup racing seasons, with feedback from the likes of Aaron Gwin and Dak Norton, e*thirteen has enhanced its LG1 Race Carbon and created an even more durable wheel.
Constructed from high-modulus carbon fibre and featuring a 30mm inner rim width, e*thirteen claims these wheels offer lateral stability and precision, crucial for maintaining speed and absorbing impacts, while reducing rider fatigue and enhancing grip.
With a low 19mm rim-profile height and double-butted spokes, they're designed to deliver a responsive and dynamic riding experience. Additionally, e*thirteen provides its Lifetime Carbon Rim Warranty, ensuring riders can push their limits with confidence.
Featuring a six-degree freehub engagement, these wheels strike a balance between quick response and pedal kickback. The captive thread end-cap design allows for tool-free removal of the freehub, facilitating easy greasing and cleaning for longevity and performance.
- Front: £609.95 / $679.95 / €679.95 – 902g (with tape and valves)
- Rear: £709.95 / $799.95 / €799.95 – 1,011g (with tape and valves)
