Scott's new Tago helmet, Plush ESI grips, more from Seido and SQlab
As well as Mudhugger's brand-new rear mudguard
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Merida's downcountry bike and fresh threads from Rapha makes their way through the office
We're sorted for shoes with a couple of Bontrager's offerings while Muc-Off keeps them fresh
Super bendy bars, monster bottles and some blingy pedals all in for testing
This is the week for bikepacking bags and mtb trousers
This week we've got a vast range of cool kit from brands such as Scott, ESI, Seido, SQlab, and Mudhugger. Each bit of cool tech we've got in for testing should get your mouth watering, regardless of whether you prefer the cross-country life or all-mountain rowdiness.
- Ten top tips for Alpine riding trips
- 15 terrible pieces of mtb advice - ask the audience
- What is downcountry?
As always, we'll highlight the coolest stories of the week, my favourite being the new Danny MacAskill Postcard from San Francisco video. This time around, he revisits San Francisco and takes us long for a thrill-packed, trick-filled ride around some of the city's most iconic landmarks.
Moving onto reviews, we've put the Rapha Men's Trail Gore-Tex Infinium jacket through its paces, liking it for its breathability and weather protection but it could do with some refinement. Matt has tested the Tubolight EVO Gravel tyre inserts, praising them for their support and ease of installation.
And rounding off this week's highlights, take a look at our latest competition where we've joined forces with the guys at Cube to offer you the chance of winning £450 worth of Cube kit, including a helmet, a bag, and a pair of pedals. This is not one to miss to check out - Competition! Comment to win £450+ of Cube kit.
Scott Tago Plus helmet
£120
2022 scott tago 5ct.jpg, by Liam Mercer
The Tago is Scott's latest trail lid that's designed to be right at home whether you're cranking uphill, or hanging on for dear life down the steepest of tracks. Scott says that it's compatible with eyewear, whether that's specs or goggles and it comes built with Mips, for that extra rotational impact protection.
A big plus is that the EPS foam and straps are made using fully recycled materials. The visor is adjustable too and it's claimed to weigh 350g.
SQlab 711 grip
£33
2022 sqlab 711 grip.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Last week we had the 70X grips from ergonomics-loving, SQlab, which came with very slight contouring designed for gravity-fed riding. Here, we've got the 711 grips that feature heavier contours and a more pronounced taper to further the brand's ergonomic offering.
The brand says that this grip is built for long distances thanks to the fatter outside portion of the grip that has been shaped to offer more cushioning. This grip also uses the brand's Ergobar profile on the front and right sides. Ergobar is a wave-shaped profile that forms a flat and slightly angular grip at the bottom, offering what SQlab reckons is the perfect fit for bent fingers.
ESI Plush Silicone grips
£24
2022 esi plush grips.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Yep, we've got even more grips but ESI's Plush Silicone grip is a rather different animal. These are designed to add comfort to any handlebar as the soft silicone absorbs vibrations. As they're made from 100% silicone so they won't fade, crumble or start to spin on the bar over time. They're also non-porous so they should stay tacky, even in the wet.
This particular grip is 35mm in thickness and is made for bars with a 22mm grip diameter, though it can fit bars down to 19mm.
Seido Roots saddle
£47
2022 seido roots saddle 5ct.jpg, by Liam Mercer
The box that landed from Seido was a pretty big one and we've got even more to show off from the components brand. This time, we've got the Roots saddle. The Roots is built with a PU vacuum-bonded cover that sits upon CrMo rails. It measures 242 x 142mm and is waterproof with no visible seams. As for its weight, Seido says it weighs 243g.
Mudhugger MK2 Rear Mudhugger
£35
2022 mudhugger rear mk2 5ct.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Mudhugger, the brand famed for its effective front and rear Mudguards, never stops tweaking and improving its product. This time the brand has turned its attention to the Rear Mudhugger. Coming in two sizes the Rear Mudhugger gets quick-release velcro straps for easy installation and removal and there are rubber inserts to protect your frame where the mudguard sits.
The two sizes have been designed to fit different bikes, so the medium should fit bikes with a seat stay angle from 34- down to 27-degrees, whereas the large fits seat stay angles of 28- down to 22-degrees.
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