A host of new road products have arrived on our desks this month, many of them destined for the pages of Procycling magazine. They include the new power meter from Power2max, Edco's Furka Competition carbon clinchers, Spiuk's updated Nexion helmet plus two pairs of sunglasses, Northwave's new Extreme Tech shoes and some Clif Shot energy gels. Here's a quick first look.
Power2max
The power meter market is exploding for 2012 and the latest company to join the fray are Germany's Power2max. First seen at Eurobike, their chainring spider based system is compatible with cranks from SRAM, Rotor, Lightning, TA, Tune and Bor.
Prices start at €690; the version shown here costs €1,165 complete with a set of BB30-compatible Rotor 3D Plus cranks. At 776g (power meter, chainring spider and bolts, crank arms and bottom bracket), it's the lightest option currently offered by Power2max.
Edco Furka Competition wheels
Swiss brand Edco are back in the UK thanks to new distributors Veroli, who also import Kyklos bikes. The Furka Competition is their take on the full-carbon clincher. The 58mm-deep aero rims feature a ceramic brake track and a 'marble' finish. They're laced to Edco's own sealed cartridge bearing Super G hubs via Sapim Aero spokes (20 front, 24 rear).
Out back is a Shimano and Campagnolo compatible dual freehub. Claimed weight is 1,675g per set (732g front, 943g rear); ours weighed in at 1,851g (821g front, 1,030g rear), including rim tape and quick-release skewers. They come complete with wheelbags for £1,530.
Spiuk Nexion helmet
We liked the original Nexion lid from Spanish company Spiuk and the mk2 version looks even better, with a sleeker, more angular look and a whopping 31 vents and exhaust ports. It's reasonably light at 258g (M/L size) and available in a choice of nine colours. UK pricing is TBC but the original was £74.99.
Spiuk Nexion
Also fresh in from Spiuk are two sets of riding glasses, the single-lens Arqus (£89.99) and the dual-lens Ventix (£59.99). Both have vented polycarbonate lenses, with photochromic options available. A choice of lenses is provided, along with a soft pouch and hard case.
Spiuk Arqus
The Arqus has rubber on top of the arms and on top of the frame at the temples to avoid slippage, while the Ventix has a pronounced curve to the main frame, with the arms joining it further back than usual, for improved coverage.
Spiuk Ventix
Northwave Extreme Tech shoes
We first spotted Northwave's Extreme Tech shoes at this year's Interbike show. The uppers are mostly seamless, with plenty of ventilation, a ratcheting main strap and new Boa-style lacing system. The carbon sole works with three-bolt cleats or Speedplay's four-bolt pattern via a special adaptor. Our samples weigh just 512g/pair (UK size 8.5). RRP is £274.99/US$324.99. They're available in the UK via I-Ride.
Clif Shot energy gels
Clif Shot energy gels are new to the UK. They apparently use two carbohydrate sources – maltodextrin and evaporated cane juice – to deliver energy to the blood stream in less than five minutes. Four flavours are available: Citrus, Double Expresso, Razz and Chocolate. RRP is £1.29 per 34g sachet.
The Double Expresso contains 100mg of caffeine – Clif say this is comparable to two shots of espresso; more than any other energy gel. The Citrus contains 25mg and the other two flavours are caffeine-free. Other ingredients include sodium (60-90mg) and potassium (55-80mg).
Each serving contains 100 calories and 24g of carbohydrate, except for the Double Expresso which contains 110 calories and 22g of carbs. The packet features a neat Litter Leash cutout design, which means the top stays attached after opening. Clif Bar & Co products are available in the UK via 2Pure.
