Sonder Sedona gravel bike and OneUp Components V3 dropper

Plus the best stories of the week.

Liam Mercer

Feb 2 2024

Another exciting Five Cool Things have come in for testing. This week, we'll take a look at Sonder's new titanium framed gravel race bike, some fresh kit from OneUp Components, new consumables from Styrkr and more from Fox.

But let's go through some of the stories that have cropped up this week. First off, Colnago went all-out on its new C68 gravel bike that follows the brand's handmade philosophy using a modular design. There was also big news from Scott as the brand handed my off-road tech predictions for 2024 an early win and revealed the all-new Ransom enduro bike. Shimano has added three new lightweight cycling glasses to its range that are well worth checking out.

However, what's likely the most invigorating news of the week is that Orange Bikes rides on. After a few weeks of turmoil and uncertainty, the industry stalwart has found a way out of its difficulties and will continue trading.

On top of several reviews, Lance highlighted the difference between gravel and road bikes, and we brought you our best winter cycling gloves for 2024. As always, the reviews have been rolling out, too. We took a look at Castelli's Perfetto Max gloves, Zefal's Gravel Mini pump, and Funn's Python flat pedals. To round things off, we also brought our thoughts on Crankbrother's top-end carbon Highline 11 dropper post.

Sonder Sedona GRX1

£2,849

The Sedona is one of two brand-new bikes from Sonder that takes the form of a titanium-framed gravel race bike. Built for full-gas gravel, the Sedona is built around a 3A1/2.5V titanium frame that benefits from a hydroformed downtube that's been chosen for stiffness. The bike is built to be responsive and agile wherever it's ridden while balancing the natural compliance of titanium.

Geometry-wise, a medium frame gets a 71.5-degree head angle, a 74-degree seat tube angle and there's a 395mm reach with a 557.1 top tube. As for specs, this model boasts a carbon fork and Shimano's new GRX 610 12-speed drivetrain with 410 hydraulic brakes. It rolls on a set of Sonder's own wheels that are wrapped in WTB Vulpine tyres.

alpkit.com

OneUp Components V3 Dropper Post

£290

Now in its third iteration, the OneUp Components V3 Dropper Post has just hit the market. OneUp has graced its dropper which was already a fan favourite with new low-friction IGUS bushings and SKF seals amongst a host of other very interesting updates.

As usual, its travel is adjustable and the range provides plenty of drop options from 90mm up to a whopping 240mm – and the dropper post is completely user-serviceable, too. Not only can it be fettled within the comfort of your home but OneUp has managed to extend its service interval up to 350 hours.

The exciting stuff continues as the brand reckons that this is the lightest dropper post on the market, claiming to be lighter than posts such as the Fox Tranfer SL. It also gets a super-low stack which means that riders can fit longer travel droppers to get that saddle well out of the way.

oneupcomponents.com

OneUp Components 70cc EDC Pump

£65

It's a bumper week for OneUp Components goodness as we've also got the 70cc EDC Pump. This pump isn't just your ordinary tyre blower though as, in true OneUp fashion, it makes use of the spare space inside of the pump to store the brand's much-loved EDC tool.

This means that the EDC Pump might just be a one-stop shop for all kinds of trailside bike repair as the EDC tool is impressively comprehensive. The pump allows for normal tyre inflation and also houses a hidden CO2 inflator for those tricky jobs.

For the same money, the EDC Pump is available in a 100cc option for even faster tyre inflation and there's an EDC Inline Pump Mount on offer that allows the pump to be attached to the double-bolt accessory mounts that are becoming increasingly common.

oneupcomponents.com

Fox Rampage helmet

£190

The Fox Rampage is a full-face helmet that benefits from the inspiration of the brand's high-end Rampage Pro Carbon. It's sorted with big vents for all-day comfort and airflow and the visor is fully adjustable. Those vents also get mesh screens to keep dirt and bugs out of the lid.

On top of that, it's equipped with a Mips liner for a further boost in protection and its shell is made using injection moulded ABS. Cinching up the helmet is a D-ring closure and the Rampage meets CPSC, EN 1078AS/NZS 2063, ASTM 1952-15 downhill and ASTM 2023-15 BMX certifications.

foxracing.co.uk

Styrkr GEL50 Dual-Carb Energy Gel

£30 for 12

Styrkr's new GEL50 Dual-Carb Energy Gels are formulated to deliver 50g of carbohydrates to keep you fuelled for big days on the bike. These gels are vegan friendly and packaged in a material that uses 35% less plastic, which is always a great thing to see.

The gels are tested against the WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) banned substance list and Styrkr claims that it's gentle on the stomach and pH-balanced.

styrkr.com

Author block

Liam Mercer

Tech Editor here at off.road.cc Liam can also be found photographing bikes as well as revelling in cycling's intricacies. Whether it's gravel, mountain, or e-MTB as long as it's a bike on dirt, he's happy.