In for test this week we've got two gravel bikes in very different price brackets, the Genesis Croix de Fer Ti and the Merlin Malt G1-X Apex 1, road.cc will be testing those for us later this month. We've also got a signature 'Deakinator' saddle from DMR and a new lid from Italian brand Kask. Dig in....

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Genesis Croix de Fer Ti

Everything you like about Genesis' classic Croix de Fer, but in luxurious titanium... this 2020 version of the Croix de Fer Ti comes equipped with Shimano's new GRX gravel-specific groupset, and the frame is in 3Al-2.5V double-butted titanium. Genesis say the tube profiles are designed to give "a stiff and efficient pedalling platform, retaining the same connected feel and 'in-saddle' comfort for which the steel CdF is famed". 37mm gravel-specific WTB Riddler tyres with nice tan sidewalls should make for a comfy ride, and of course you get 12mm thru-axles with disc brakes as standard. A titanium delight? road.cc's Mat Brett's test report is due later this month.  

• £3,799.99
• freewheel.co.uk

Merlin Malt G1-X Apex 1

With a glowing review of the Merlin Malt G kitted out with a Shimano Tiagra groupset appearing on road.cc back in November, now it's time to test the 2020 edition, called the G1X, dressed with a Sram Apex 1x groupset. The frame gets an upgrade from double-butted tubing to triple-butted 6061 aluminium, paired with a full carbon fork to bring the weight down and stiffness up. Thur-axles front and rear with flat mount disc brakes provide plenty of stopping power, and there is internal cable routing for the brake and gear cables for a clean appearance; we also think it looks hot to trot with the army green colourway. Can the new Malt G1X do its thing better with a single chainring? Stu Kerton's review is coming soon on road.cc.

• £1,099
• www.merlincycles.com

Kask Caipi helmet

Italian brand Kask, better known for their road helmet recently introduced a new MTB lid to their lineup the Caipi. Claimed to weigh just 250g, the helmet features extended rear coverage, lots of vents and a leather chin strap. Unfortunately, it only comes in two sizes, it looks like the peak isn't adjustable and it might be rather pricey with the price in Euro's sitting at €139. 
 

• €139
• www.kask.com

DMR Oi Oi Saddle

New from DMR is the signature Ben Deakin saddle, the Oi Oi Seat. The tough, rugged looking saddle gets a fabic camo covering in grey or green, CroMo rails and comes in just one size - 147mm width (270g). If you are a fan of the Deakinator, you can get these in bikes shops soon.

• £35
• www.dmrbikes.com
• www.upgradebikes.co.uk

Galfer Disc Wave brake rotors and Pro disc brake pads

Galfer is a brand possibly better known for its moto stuff, but they do a wide range of bicycle pads and discs too. We've got in some of their gravel and mountain bike replacement discs with their signature wavy-edged rotors, plus some 'Pro' compound pads which are claimed to need no running in. 

• About the £30 mark for discs
• galfer.eu
   

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