Although slightly controversial on aesthetic grounds, some swear by handguards. Whether it’s to make the punch a little less painful, to help you get through thick ferns, or just to keep your hands from looking like baked potatoes after the cold winter weather, they no doubt have their square.
Sendhit recently released the Nock V2 guards. The new versions weigh only 168 grams per pair and feature an aluminum backing. The guard itself is made of impact-resistant plastic, with foam on the inside edge to soften the blow transmitted to your hands.
The guards aim to provide compatibility regardless of brake or shifter configuration.
They have two side adjustments and two front adjustments for the perfect fit. Nock says they are compatible with all brake and shifter designs, and won’t interfere with any other controls because they only use 10mm of bar space. The mount itself features a 28mm screw and is hinged for easy installation and removal.
The plastic protection itself uses two zones to provide the right level of resistance to big hits and the ability to watch the impacts. The central area aims to provide a decent level of stiffness. It does this by its curvature and its thickness. The side area is designed to deform, not only to attenuate shocks, but also to avoid overloading the clamp and causing it to break on impact.
The new Nock handguards are available for €74.99. Please visit sendhit.net.
Selle Italia SLR Boost 3D Saddle
While more suited to the rigors of road cycling, it’s not entirely uncommon for the mountain, or dare I say in the odd eventuality some read, gravel cyclists, for running lightweight road saddles on XC bikes, especially those that aim to provide some degree of relief or comfort. The SLR Boost 3D might just be that style of saddle.
The saddle has already warmed up Brian Park slightly under the collar with its 3D printed pattern that will attempt to eliminate road surface sting and vibration. The saddle claims to have progressive absorption and comes in two sizes – the 130mm wide S3 and the 145mm L3.
A weakly claimed weight of 170g is impressive – but so it should be, with prices starting at $399.90 for the titanium rail version.
The saddle is also available with titanium or carbon rails. For more information, visit sellitalia.com
Fizik Terra Artica GTX
Fizik is also releasing a new winter shoe, which sees updates over the model we reviewed last year. The Gore-Tex insulated model hopes to be the ultimate clipless wet weather shoe. The shoe has a fleece-lined interior, which should help wick away moisture and keep your feet comfortable and dry.
It uses a BOA ratchet for added security on a ripstop upper, as well as a velcro strap around the ankle for added security. It also features a new X5 nylon sole for better grip off the bike. Sizes: from 36 to 48 are available, from 37 to 47 also in half sizes. The shoes have a claimed weight of 432g.
The shoes are available in a vibrant purple and brown colourway, as well as a more muted black. They have a price tag of US$260. For more information, visit fizik.com
Industry New
Industry 9 has released a special edition of their 305 wheels – The None More Black enduro wheels, with end caps up to eleven, are a limited run that involves a different anodizing process to create a two-tone effect that makes the one shade laser engraving.
The wheel uses Industry 9’s own straight pull spokes and the 305 rims are a proprietary 6000 series alloy. At the heart of the wheels is their Hydra rear hub, which offers 690 points of engagement and a distinctive buzz. As the name suggests, the rims use a rim width of 30.5mm.
There are only 100 sets of this limited series available and will sell for $1455 USD. Please visit industrynine.com for more information.
POC Sports
POC’s new range of Air Indoor Cycles are here to keep you comfortable and dry during your winter session. Looser cut, the vest moves away from the body without clinging for increased comfort. The vest is exceptionally light and the shorts have no straps to reduce excess material. The vest, for men or women, retails for US$60. The shorts cost $140.
There are also new lightweight mesh bib liners. The MTB Air Layer Bib Shorts feature fabric as thin as the inner range, as well as suspenders and pockets on the back and thigh. They sell for US$130.
POC also offers a new range of jerseys, helmets and goggles for children.
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