More awesomeness from OneUp, Reynolds, DMR and Melon

And the top stories of the week

Liam Mercer

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Jun 30 2023

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Once again we've got Five Cool Things fresh out of the oven, featuring kit from Melon Optics, Reynolds, Endura, OneUp and DMR. In this week's edition, we cover everything from goggles to some pretty high-end wheels. As always, we'll highlight the best stories we saw this week.

Starting with the most interesting news, additive manufacturing spells new grounds for Deviate Cycles which is moving all bike manufacturing into the UK. CeramicSpeed has launched a maintenance-tracking Bike App, Hunt has updated the popular XC Wide wheelset and Privateer adds the E161 e-MTB to its portfolio. To add to the bike releases, Fearless's Vulture is back but with a titanium frame.

We've also been hot on the features, starting off with cycling motivation: 8 tips to get you back on the bike which is mega handy if you're not feeling bikes at the moment. Lance also takes a look at the South African MTB brands you should know. We also published a complete guide to Stan's NoTubes wheel range.

As always, there are a number of thorough reviews on products such as Lake's MX177 shoes, Leatt's Ultralite Airflex knee guards, and Hunt's Proven Carbon Race Enduro wheelset.

OneUp Components EDC V2, Tool Threadless Carrier and Plug Kit

£24.50 - £69.50

Heading our compilation of the coolest tech to reach our office is OneUp's EDC tool. It's one of the first multitool solutions that integrate into a fork's steerer tube. The EDC (every day carry) is a comprehensive bit of kit, offering a fully sorted set of Allens, including options ranging from 2-8mm as well as a T25 Torx and a flathead screwdriver. There's also a tyre lever, 0, 1, 2, 3 spoke keys, a Presta valve core tool and a spare rotor bolt holder. It can also store a spare quick link.

On top of all of that, there's a chain tool and two storage capsules, one of which can become home to the jabber tubeless repair tool and a bacon strip and the other can store whatever you like.

Before now, the EDC tool required threading the fork's steerer; if you choose that option, it still does. However, thanks to the Threadless Carrier, it can fit in a huge range of steerer tubes without the risk of voiding your fork's warranty. However, this comes with the small sacrifice of that second storage capsule.

oneupcomponents.com

Melon Optics Parker goggles

From £45

The Parker goggle from Melon Optics is the brand's affordable option that comes complete with a Lexan lens that's said to blend lightweight and high-impact protection. It also offers 100% UV protection, measures 17.5cm offering a wide view.

Adding to the feature list, the Parker comes with triple-layer foam for sweat absorption and a soft lining for extra comfort. Venting is covered thanks to a 360-degree system that provides airflow around the whole frame. The goggle is compatible with Rip N Roll systems, and the strap can be swapped easily if you fancy a fresh look.

Of course, the icing on the cake is the Parker's colourway and the lens tint is customisable, which explains the rather loud variation we've got on test.

melonoptics.com

DMR Stage 2 saddle

£40

The Stage 2 is DMR's latest saddle and uses the very same shape as we saw on Ben Deakin's signature Oi Oi saddle. However, this one comes with a much more subdued look, benefitting from a microfibre cover and Chromoly rails.

This saddle is built with dynamic profiling to boost comfort and its shape is rather low profile to help keep the saddle well out of the way when pulling shapes. Its blunt nose is said to maximise the saddle's usable space and its side panels are reinforced to help it fend off knocks and scrapes.

www.dmrbikes.com

Reynolds Blacklabel 309 Enduro Pro wheelset

£2,200

Yep, this wheelset is a bit spendy but when it's built using carbon fibre, Sapim CX-Ray spokes and Industry Nine Hydra hubs, you'd expect it to be. Reynolds says that the Blacklabel 309 Enduro wheelset improves rider control, traction and speed without compromising durability.

The rims get a lower profile and a wide channel that's said to increase cornering speed, direct power transfer and add compliance. There's then an asymettric rim profile to create a more even spoke tension. The Industry Nine Hydra freehub offers 0.52-degrees of engagement.

hayesbicycle.com

Endura Women's Hummvee

£70

The Hummvee is a staple short in the mountain biking world that came to life as an option designed with urban cycling in mind. However, it was such a versatile product that mountain bikers started using it off-road.

The latest iteration of the much-loved shorts gets a tonne of storage with two hand pockets, two cargo pockets and a brace of rear pockets. It's designed to work with Endura's Clickfast liners. As for fabrics, it uses a tough nylon thread which is double stitched in areas that need extra reinforcement.