Off-Road Arrivals
Like the fashionista's that we are (debatable) we've figured out the colour to be seen in this season. It appears to be burgundy, we've had kit flooding in from all different brands, including Rondo, Dhb, Ion, Ortleib to name a few with one thing in common - a colour that makes us think of our favourite pressed grape drink and curling up in front of the fire with a glass. So with the mulled wine sadly on hold, here's what we'll be getting mucky in this weekend.
Rondo Ruut AL
The Rondo Ruut AL is a gorgeous looking gravel bike in what our reviewer calls, 'Scab Red', a throwback to his memories of Kona's in the mid-nineties. You can read his first look here. The Ruut AL is the alloy framed version of the Polish brand's lineup of gravel bikes, all of which feature a flip chip near the fork axle allowing the geometry to be adjusted from an endurance position to racer style in a simple move, well two actually. We'll be using this bike for all its intended purposes - commuter, grave explorer and racer and will let you know how we get on soon.
- £1,600
- www.rondo.cc
Dhb Women's Trail Jersey
Wiggle's in-house clothing brand, Dhb are known for producing road and commuter kit at very reasonable prices. This is the first bit of kit from the brand we have had in to test and are looking forward to seeing how the jersey performs. Dhb says its breathable, lightweight and has an anti-stink factor, all things you'll find in it's pricier peers too.
- £35
- www.wiggle.co.uk
ODI F1 Vapor Grips
The F1 Vapor Grips from ODI are a lightweight choice of grip designed to minimise vibrations whilst being ultra-tacky in all weather situations. ODI says the material used is their "A.I.R.E compound which infuses air into the grip reducing weight by over 30% and providing a slower rebound and response for improved comfort". The grips don't 'lock-on', they slip on just like a silicone grip would but ODI have positioned a durable rubber layer on the inner surface of the grip to prevent slipping or twisting.
- £17.99
- www.ison-distribution.com
Dhb Troika and Dorica Shoes
The Troika shoes are a part of a new range of MTB shoes in the Dhb range. With an XC flavour, the Troika features a perforated outer a nylon sole and a simple three strap fastening set up. They look like a versatile shoe for all manners of trail riding.
The Dorica (below) is very similar to the Troika just the lace-up version, they look like they'll suit a cycle cross or gravel bike setting very well.
- Both £70
-
www.wiggle.co.uk
Scott Syncros Trail Fender
It's time to stick a mudguard on your bike and leave it there for the next 6 months. If you are anything like us your mudguard is likely to be a permanent fixture on your bike! Scott sent us through their Trail Fender, a guard designed to work specifically with Fox 34 and 36 boost forks. The Trail Fender bolts directly to the fork via two (provided bolts) and offers protection from spray at the rear, but with limited front coverage, we're looking forward to finding out just how much muck this neat little fender dispells.
- Unkown price
- www.scott-sports.com
Ortleib Commuter Daypack City
This waterproof backpack from Ortleib follows the winter colour theme of burgundy well. It's a city pack with plenty of enough room for a laptop and a change of clothes when you reach your destination. There is some serious looking back padding for ventilation and also chest and waist straps that are removable if that's your preference. There are also attachments on the front to house lights and locks which is handy, leaving more room for your lunch inside.
- £140
- www.ortleib.com