It's time to turn off the news and distract yourself with some of that latest gear to land here at BikeRadar in our latest instalment of First Look Friday.
This week we've also been taking a look at Lapierre's new Aircode DRS, Canyon's updated On eMTB and taken an in-depth look at the Specialized Sirrus X 5.0, our latest Bike of the Week.
Elsewhere, you can read up on how to measure your bike frame and watch Jack and Joe as they discuss the best kit and component upgrades you can make to your XC mountain bike.
If you need some aural entertainment, our new podcast is now available too, which discusses which mountain bike discipline is the hardest, but will you agree?
But on to this week's first looks…
[acast acastid="thebikeradarpodcast-what-sthehardestmountainbikediscipline-" accountid="bikeradarpodcast" /]
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
Not only is Patagonia's kit top-quality stuff, it's a Fair Trade certified brand that often uses recycled or environmentally-friendly materials while minimising the environmental effects during the manufacturing and supply chain processes.
Patagonia claims the Micro Puff provides the best warmth-for-weight of any jacket it's ever made. It does this by using synthetic PlumaFill insulation – as a down alternative – to provide warmth even when it's wet.
There are two zipped handwarmer pockets with internal drop-in dividers. The left pocket also doubles up as a stash-bag for the jacket.
The hood's designed to go under helmets and the cuffs are elasticated.
For the discerning mountain biker, this jacket should be at home on colder days under a shell or after rides when you need some immediate heat to take away the chill after some naked carpark changing.
- £250 / $299 / €280
- You can buy it directly from Patagonia here
DMR Vault Brendog Edition flat pedals
Like the DMR V12 pedal, it would be fair to say the Vault has gained legendary status since its launch in 2010.
Although the main shape hasn't changed — why fix it if it ain't broke — there are now multiple flavours of Vault pedal in the guise of signature editions that have been styled by their namesakes: Brendan Fairclough and Andreu Lacondeguy.
This tasty matt black number is one of two colour options — the other being white — and features Brendan's Instagram handle, his SFORP (Sorry for Partying) brand, and 'BF' initials laser-etched on the platform.
You get all of the performance of the standard Vault with the added styling of one of mountain biking's greats.
- £110 / $154.49 / €128.99
Granite Design Pita pedal covers
There aren't many details on Granite Design's Pita pedal covers just yet, but we do know they'll come in two sizes and cost $19.99 for the larger ones. It looks like there will be a whole host of situations where they'll be useful, too.
If you transport multiple bikes in the back of a car they should help reduce damage, especially if you've got spiky flat pedals. Similarly, if you're storing bikes at home and they're resting against each other, the pedal covers should help protect your paintwork.
They should also protect your house and car from pedal strikes as you wheel your bike around or transport it.
- $19.99
OneUp Components EDC tool system
The EDC tool system has been around for a while now, but its compact design and clever stealth-like storage solution is still impressive, despite a lack of updates.
Having tools permanently bolted to your bike means that you should never get caught short on any ride without at least a fighting chance of getting it fixed.
The tool comes with 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm Allen keys, a T25 Torx, a tyre lever, chain breaker, flat head screwdriver, spoke keys, Presta valve core tool, a spare chainring bolt and space for a quick link, CO2 canister or the EDC plug and pliers kit to help plug punctures and rips on tubeless setup tyres.
The only catch is that to fit it to your bike you'll either need the steerer tube tap to fit it to your existing setup or the OneUp Components' EDC compatible stem.
- £49.50 / $59.00
Pivot Phoenix Factory lock-on grips
Pivot's new grips were announced at a recent press camp where it launched its brand-new Switchblade bike. The grips have a tapered profile, a single lockring and an inbuilt bar-end plug.
The grip's surface is claimed to help dampen vibrations, too.
- $29.99 / €29.99.
