Five cool things coming soon from Dahon, Thule, dhb, Smith and Pirelli

It's been a windy old week in Blighty, but not quite windy enough to stop road.cc's tireless team of reviewers testing bikes and kit to help you make informed choices on your cycle-related purchases. Well, in all honesty one of the items mentioned is a roof rack which didn't involve much riding to try out, but reading instructions can be a bugger sometimes...

dhb 22L Waterproof Pannier

£34.99

This roomy pannier looks like a very good buy, and is described as "your perfect commuting companion" by dhb themselves. Purported to provide complete weather protection, it's got a welded seam construction and secure roll top to protect your stuff from inclement weather, and an adjustable quick-release rack mounting system designed to work with any bar size. Hi-viz complements the smart grey colour for some safety points (there are also light attachment loops), and there's a plastic handle cover for carrying it off the bike. Is it pannier perfection? Siobhan Kelly is finding out now...
wiggle.co.uk
 

Thule EasyFold XT3

£675.00

This deluxe rack from Swedish storage experts Thule weighs 22kg, but will take up to three bikes and a maximum of 60kg to have you covered for your next cycling trip. It's fully foldable, and has detachable bike arms that lock in place when the optimal torque has been reached so you know your bikes are safe. It's got rear lights, and the extra-long wheel straps can take up to 4.7" wheels so you can even fit fat bikes on it. To make the unit easy to transport off your car it's also got integrated wheels and a carrying handle. Is it a safe investment? John Stevenson has the EasyFold on his motor now...

madison.co.uk

Dahon Qix D8

£750.00

Dahon have a large range of folding bikes, and the Qix D8 represents one of their mid-priced options and weighs in at 12.5kg. With a flush vertical folding frame, the bike has a Shimano 8-speed drivetrain, a steel front fork and alloy v-brakes. 20" wheels, twist shifters and mudguards make it a highly practical-looking commuter, while a 53 tooth chainring means it will still be able to go some on flat roads or downhill. Is it a genuine Brompton-toppler in the folding bike market? John Stevenson's verdict will be in soon...
dahon.eu

Smith Maze

£85.00

Somewhat resembling a tin army helmet , this lid from optics and headwear specialists Smith is very much for cycling, and has the MIPS protection system inside. It's got a lightweight in-mold construction, weighing in at 282g, and a self-adjusting lifestyle fit system. There are also 9 vents and it's got Smith's X-Static performance lining for added comfort. Is it style over substance? George Hill is finding out now. 
smithoptics.com/uk

Pirelli P Zero Velo 4S 

£43.99

We've already reviewed the standard clincher versions with very positive feedback, and now it's the turn of Pirelli's four season tyre to get the road.cc ridearound. Coming with a £4 levy for the extra puncture protection, these tyres have increased wet grip and a unique tread design to help with shedding water out of your path. It's got a higher mileage longevity than their 'silver label' P Zero Velo tyre, and has Pirelli's patented SmartNET Silica compound inside which Pirelli say gives you unparalleled grip. Will they rise to the challenge in bad weather and on dodgy road surfaces? Dave Arthur is riding the tyres now with a verdict coming soon...
extra.co.uk

For all the latest road.cc test reports, head to our reviews section. If you need more advice and want to contrast and compare, check out our buyer's guides.