Specialized's Stumpjumper, techy Lizard Skins grips and more

And a look back at this week's best stories

Liam Mercer

Jan 12 2024

This week's Five Cool Things spans trail bikes right through to some of the most technical grips we've seen to date. We take a glance at Specialized's Stumpjumper Carbon Comp, and we also have eyewear from POC, 3D-printed grips from Lizard Skins, Fox's body protector and a pannier rack from Aeroe. There's plenty to sink your teeth into, so let's get straight to it.

We start without taking a look back at the top stories of this week, with perhaps the most exciting being news of Greg Minnaar being signed by Norco Factory Racing. After his shock exit from Santa Cruz Syndicate, questions were raised about his future before rumours of him joining another team were confirmed. Team news has been a bit of a theme this week as Scott DH Factory has announced its new riders, too.

Our mix of features has been broad as we first brought you the best MTB flat pedals, showing off our curation of the top flat pedals we've tested, and we have presented you with six ways spending more can save you money. That's right, it can be done.

The selection of reviews to hit the site has been pleasantly mixed, too, with Pat showing his thoughts on the Microshift Sword 1x Groupset which looks to be a very competitive option against the big brands. We also took a look at Factor's Lando HT cross-country, and checked out Magicshine's Monteer 6500S V2.0 light and Peaty's HoldFast Trail Tool wrap.

Specialized Stumpjumper Carbon Comp

£3,900

Late last year Specialized brought fresh spec updates to its beloved range of Stumpjumper trail bikes and it's a bike that we've reviewed in many of its guises to great acclaim. For 2024, the Stumpjumper Carbon Comp still boasts a carbon frame but ditches the Shimano kit for a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and SRAM G2 RS four-piston brakes. Elsewhere, there's a Fox Float 34 Rythm fork with 140mm of travel which is combined with 130mm of travel at the rear wheel that's damped by a Fox Float DPS. It rolls on 29-inch wheels.

As the more trail-orientated version of the Stumpy, it forgoes the mass of geometry adjustability that's found on the Stumpjumper EVO and, instead, uses a flip chip that tweaks the angles by half a degree and the reach by five millimetres.

It's been out for a few years now, but it'll be great to see if the Stumpjumper's classic formula still has what it takes to compete with its even more modern contemporaries.

www.specialized.com

POC Opsin goggles

£50

POC's website says very little about its Opsin goggle but it looks to provide some serious bang for buck as it's sorted with a Zeiss lens, which isn't common for a goggle at this price point. That lens comes with a slight tint and sits a CAT 1, making it ideal for overcast conditions, and for riding under tree cover.

It's available in two colours, Black and this Himalayan salt with the former costing £10 more.

www.pocsports.com

Fox Baseframe Pro D3O Vest Guard

£190

This body armour from Fox is crafted especially to take the hits while keeping you as protected as possible. But that's without impeding your full range of movement.

The Basefram Pro D3O is constructed of a moisture-wicking fabric for breathability but it's super stretchy, so it'll fit close while maintaining mobility. That vest is home to a CE EN161-1 level 1 chest protector and a VE EN1621-2 level 2 central back protector, both made using D3O. The back protector can also accommodate a neck brace.

Closing up the protector is an offset zip and there's a pair of elastic straps adding a bit of adjustment. A great feature is that the D3O panels are backed by a removable mesh spacer that's said to boost ventilation further.

foxracing.co.uk

Lizard Skins 3DGRP grips

£52

They may well be some of the most expensive grips on the market but are also the most technologically advanced using a 3D-printing method that comprises liquid resins and digital ultraviolet light projection. On top of that, it uses oxygen-permeable optics. Very scientific, yes, but we'll get into all these claims and details when we publish the review.

This is all in the pursuit of creating a super lightweight and comfortable grip, claiming to weigh 68g a pair.

www.lizardskins.com

Aeroe Spider Pannier Rack

£135

A few weeks ago we tested the Aeroe Spider Rear Rack and loved it for its simplicity and stability. The Spider Pannier rack changes things a little as it's designed to carrier panniers, as its name suggests. It's designed to sit on a mountain bike's seat stays and Aeroe says that it can work with any brand's pannier.

But the best bit is that the Spider Rack doesn't require any unique fixings or axle mountings, so it straps on and is ready to go. It can carry two panniers and another bag strapped to the top.

aeroe.com

Author block

Liam Mercer

Since beginning his mountain biking career while working as a resort photographer in Greece in 2014, Liam became a freelance contributor at off.road.cc in 2019. From there, he’s climbed the journalism job ladder from staff writer to deputy technical editor, now finding his place as technical editor.

Partial to the odd enduro race, heart rate-raising efforts on slim-tyred cross-country bikes, hell-for-leather e-MTB blasts or even casual gravel jaunts, there’s not a corner of off-road cycling where Liam fears to tread. With more than 40 bike reviews under his belt and hundreds more on MTB, e-MTB and gravel parts and accessories, Liam’s expertise continues to be cemented and respected by the industry.