A fancy Db holdall, Smith’s latest urban lid, a weather-proof Le Col jersey and a neat tool from Fizik
Another week flies by and winter is definitely coming to an end – the clocks are turning this weekend folks!
Even more kits have found their way to BikeRadar HQ ready for testing in the coming months. But first, of course, that means it’s included in our weekly First Look Friday roundup.
But before you read on, take a moment to look back on the week and see what else is new in the world of tech.
Of course, the biggest news was the introduction of SRAM’s latest mountain bike groupsets, prefixed by the T-Type.
Remember when SRAM launched their universal derailleur hanger in 2019? Well, it looks like it was a sneaky (or rather obvious) plan to convince the world’s bike manufacturers to ready their bikes for this new breed of direct-mount derailleur.
Shimano has tried in the past, but the smart money is in SRAM filling the spec lists of high-end mountain bikes with their derailleurs that no longer require a hanger.
Needless to say, our drivetrain expert, Alex Evans, has been doing laps in the new gears for a few months, lots of miles and a great deal of elevation gain and descent.
Full details on SRAM’s T-Type Eagle transmission, our SRAM T-Type review and a guide to installing the SRAM T-Type on your bike are available on the website (and on our YouTube channel and podcast).
Also, Canyon released the latest version of their Neuron trail bike. It has refined geometry, some nice touches and 140mm of travel. It looks like the perfect UK trail bike on paper, but what happened when Luke Marshall reviewed the Neuron?
Sticking to bikes with flat handlebars and knobbly tires, Cane Creek may have brought out the Gucci upgrades – titanium cranks for your e-bike. I dare you to look at their price.
Turning to the curly bar world, we saw the launch of new tires from Pirelli and Goodyear.
We also did a review of the Salsa Warbird gravel bike and our Bike of the Week was Giant’s new Revolt X.
Le Col Pro Aqua Zero Long Sleeve Jersey
Even if the winter cold has left us in the meantime, it is certainly not bone dry out there. A breathable, windproof and weatherproof three-season jersey still has a permanent place in the wardrobe.
The Le Col Race Jersey is made from a microfleece fabric that is both soft against the skin and has a degree of stretch – ideal for conforming to the contours of your body for an aerodynamic fit.
The material is hydrophobic, designed to repel rain and drizzle while remaining as breathable as possible.
A full-length waterproof zip provides air ventilation, while three deep pockets at the back provide ample space for all your en-velo gear.
Finishing details include a zip garage to keep the zip from catching in the neck, a reflective stripe on the back pocket and silicone grippers along the hem to prevent the jersey from riding up and leaving you with a cold lower back.
There is also a fourth zipped pocket to keep keys and cash safe.
It may not be suitable for warm and wet rides but will hopefully work well over a base layer in single digit temps and on its own when it’s a bit warmer.
- Le Col Pro Aqua Zero: £170 / $215 / €200
Smith Dispatch helmet
The explosion of urban cycling, particularly since the first Covid outbreak, has been heartening to see. On my daily ride along the Bristol to Bath cycle path, it’s striking how busy the route is, from dedicated commuters in Lycra gear to people leisurely going about their day.
As a result, room for more ‘urban’ inspired kits is growing and Smith is expanding its range of urban purpose helmets in the form of the new Dispatch.
Although the helmet is built in a more relaxed style, there’s still a lot of tech inside.
Koroyd – a straw-like material – is used in some areas of the helmet, along with EPS foam in others. The safety of the helmet is aided by a MIPS liner designed to reduce the impact of angled hits.
There are also ventilation openings on the helmet. It might not be up for a fast-paced alpine climb, but the internal channeling should keep air flowing at a friendly rate, while those located in the rim of the lid further enhance performance and, in theory, help keep the goggles fog-free (tech I’ve got the first one Seen in ski and snowboard helmets).
There’s a neatly adjustable retention system with a vertically movable bracket, while the straps are connected by a Fidlock buckle – allowing the helmet to be removed with one hand.
Also included in the box is a rechargeable light that attaches to the back of the helmet, with steady and flashing modes.
- Smith Shipping: £159.99 / $170 / €170
DB Roamer split duffel bag 50l
With northern hemisphere summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about your luggage transportation needs. If you have deep pockets but love minimalist design, the Db Roamer might be for you.
The bag is made from recycled nylon 840D material with a carbonate outer coating – it’s tough, strong and has a smooth finish that gives it a reassuringly premium feel.
Hooks on the outside allow the bag to be attached to Db’s pull-along bags when you need to carry a lot of gear. There are also some meaty handles for when you need to lug your bag up and onto racks and wrap-around belts.
Further around are padded shoulder straps with a sternum strap for stability – all with heavy-duty hardware.
The chunky main zip encircles the bag on three sides, opening it like a book and revealing the 50 liter capacity (70 and 90 liter versions are also available).
This reveals two mesh-enclosed compartments to divide your kit in two. There isn’t much else to split up your stuff. But if you like a simple, chic and well-made bag, the Roamer might be for you.
- DB Roamer Split duffel bag 50l: £229 / $279 / €269
- DB Roamer Split duffel bag 70l: £239 / $309 / €279
- DB Roamer Split duffel bag 90l: £249 / $339 / €299
Fizik Alpaca wagon kit
As the most forgetful man in the world I keep forgetting my gear. While I may not be a fan of decorating my bike like a bike luggage Christmas tree, I do like to have some important pieces of gear stowed safely on my bike permanently.
Designed for use with the Terra and Gravita Alpaca saddles, the Carriage Kit offers bagless storage of two 16g CO2 canisters and a mini multi-tool with integrated CO2 chuck. You can even run zip ties through the carrier if you need them.
The carrier bolts to the back of your saddle with a small Torx screw and feels pretty solid to me.
A rubber strap secures the tool in place and at the same time serves as a practical damper between the carrier and the saddle base, which is intended to prevent annoying rattling.
It is equipped with 12 tools – 2-8mm hex wrenches, T10 and T25 Torx, flat and Phillips screwdrivers and the CO2 chuck.
- Fizik Alpaca Wagon Kit: £39.99 / $39.99 / €40