This week on test we have new gear from Alpkit brand, Sonder Bikes, in the form of a Transmitter hardtail, plus uber light handlebars from Pro Taper. It might not be the most exciting thing to all but we are pretty stoked on a new stealthy bell from Fibrax, plus there's a couple of new bits of kit from the same brand to neaten up our cockpits. Dig in....

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Sonder Transmitter NX Eagle

£1,199 from Alpkit brand Sonder Bikes gets you the version of the Transmitter hardtail. Along with the alloy frame and the SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, the bike is specced with a RockShox Reve;aation fork, 27.5" wheels, 2.6" WTB tyres and a load of the brands 'Love Mud' finishing kit. There will be a full first look of the bike coming up next week. In the meantime, you can have a look at our review of the 11 speed Transmitter NX1 with a Revelation fork here. 

• £1, 199
• www.alpkit.com

 

Pro Taper MTB Carbon handlebars

We had a few new handlebars in last for test last week and are now adding to the pile with these from Pro Taper. This bar we are testing is made from carbon and is 35mm in diameter but the brand also does alloy bars and ones with a diameter of 31.8mm. Our bars use a PFL (Plastic Foam Lamination) manufacturing process. The brand says PFL utilises tiny particles and steam pressure in the carbon lamination process to expand and shape the structure of the bars, a process uses less excess resin and fewer plys, resulting in a 15% lighter bar. In their 800mm width, these are claimed to weigh 190g.

• £139.99
• www.protapermtb.com
   

Ergon SMC Sport Gel women's saddle

Our Rach is always on the hunt for a good women's saddle so when the option arose to test the newest offering from Ergon, she jumped at the chance, This is the SMC Sport Gel women's saddle and whilst the name might conjure up thoughts of shopper bikes, this is a trail bike saddle specifically designed with sensitive areas in mind and to reduce genital pressure. Sounds ideal. 

• £80
• www.extrauk.co.uk

 

Fibrax gear

Fibrax produces a load of UK manufactured cycle components from brake pads and rotors to a load of useful spares and accessories. We've just received some new kit from their range of accessories, check it out below. You can order any of this gear from Fibrax with any orders over £30 getting free postage.

Fibrax Cable Wrap

A spiral 'cable tidy' these plastic spiral tubes slip over gear and brake cables at the bars, holding two/three/four together, stopping then rattling around and neatening up the cockpit area. They come in lengths of 1m and in 10mm or 12mm diameters and a pack (pictured) costs £9.99. 

Fibrax Garmin/Wahoo GPS top cap mount

A top cap, that fits any bike and holds either Garmin or Wahoo devices, positioning them on the top of the steerer tube rather than on the bars. It's small, it's neat, it tidies up your bars and only costs £9.98.

 

Fibrax Quick Link Connectors

Available for 9, 10 and 11 speed chains, these quick links all cost under £3. It's something we never go riding without, in fact Rach has two in her pack in case a buddy should have a problem too. 

 

Fibrax Stealth Bike Bell

The most unobtrusive bike bell we've ever seen, the Stealth bike bell looks like it will go pretty unnoticed on any black handlebar. Great for those who have to spend any time on busy cycle paths or roads in the course of their ride. The bell is available in two sizes, 31.8mm and 22.2mm, both are priced at £9.96. 

• www.fibrax.org

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