Thought the tyre lever couldn't be re-designed? Muc-Off have a new and updated lever in the form of their Rim Stix in 5 cool things this week. We also have a new gravel bike in from Merlin, men's gear from 100%, plus two sets of winter gloves from the same brand. Lastly, Race Face sent their Conspiracy jacket to be put to test through Autumn and winter. 

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Merlin Malt G2X GRX
£1,168

Weighing in at 10.18kg, the 2021 Malt G2X with Shimano GRX components is Merlin's top-of-the-range aluminium gravel model despite the attractive price, and is now in its third iteration. Featuring revised geometry to enhance comfort for long rides, it has a triple-butted aluminium frame with 12mm thru-axles front and rear, and Merlin says it's ideal for tackling a wide variety of terrain: muddy trails, gravel tracks, green lanes... the Malt G2X can handle it all. Cable routing that is mostly internal also gives a cleaner look than most similarly-priced gravel bikes, and offers more protection from grit and grime.  
Did the Malt melt the gravel tracks around Stu Kerton's neck of the woods? His test report is due shortly. 

• www.merlincycles.com

Ride 100% R-Core-X jersey and pants
£70 and £130

R-Core-X is 100%'s performance enduro and downhill gear. It's light and stretchy with laser cut venting on both the jersey and the trousers. Plus it's all pretty slim fit for your aero gains.....  The trousers get a Boa dial to fasten the waist and DWR water resistant coating throughout too.

• www.100percent.com
• www.silverfish-uk.com

Race Face Conspiracy jacket 
£200

Dubbed as a 'season extender', the hooded Conspiracy jacket from Race Face is a light waterproof that is simple and relatively light on features. There is reinforced elbows, an inner pocket, elasticated cuffs, underarm vents and a tailored fit. It's has a 10k waterproofing and 10k breathability rating, Liam will be testing it out shortly, as soon as this Indian summer is over! 

• www.raceface.com
• www.silverfish-uk.com

Ride 100% Hydromatic Brisker and Hydromatic gloves
£34 and £32

The Hydromatic Brisker gloves are a weatherproof version of the regular Brisker which we loved last year for winter riding. These are a low profile glove with a single layer over the palm and a lightly insulated top covering with breathable waterproof layer. There is also an extended weatherproof neoprene pull-on cuff for more coverage. 

The Hydromatic gloves are the fully waterproof option. !00% says there is laminated mesh with waterproof breathable insert blocks out the water while maintaining dexterity and control of your bike. Again there is an extended cuff this time is waterproof and pull-on for more coverage. Liam will be testing these back to back to find the difference between them. 

• www.100percent.com

Muc-Off Rim Stix
£5

Muc-Off claim their Rim Stix aren't just any old tyre levers, saying they are designed specifically for easy tyre removal without the danger of damaging your rims or pinching tubes, no matter how tough your tyres are to fit. High strength materials make them sturdy and grippy, "making even the toughest of tyre removals painless", say Muc-Off. They say the tip is engineered "with the perfect scoop angle", and there's even a handy valve core remover built in. 

• muc-off.com

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