Five cool things from Lapierre, Silca, 3 West Design, Giant and Fizik

Well it was an eventful end to last week down here in the south west, with a full on pile of snow being dumped on our doorstep which hindered our riding somewhat! It's back to business this week though as the air turns milder, although not on the Bristol to Bath Cycle Path as one of our staffers discovered this morning, because it still pretty much resembled an ice rink in places...

3 West Design Halcyon Road Saddle

$155.00

We thought we'd seen it all when it comes to elaborate/unconventional saddle designs, then up pop 3 West Design with this business at the front, party at the back madness. There's a method behind that madness though so they say - their patented 3/4" mid saddle drop paired with a soft foam insert is designed so your perineum and soft tissue rests on a "pillow soft area of comfort". It weighs 252g and sits on a set of hollow titanium rails. Does it work? The road.cc verdict is imminent.   
www.3westdesign.com

Lapierre Pulsium SL 500 Disc 

£2,199.00

Lapierre's unconventional 'elastomer' shock absorption technology, namely that extra triangle between the top and down tube, is purported to provide extra dampening against shock and vibrations to ensure a comfortable long day in the saddle. The Pulsium is built for endurance, and Lapierre also say it's also versatile and sturdy enough to deal with rough roads and asphalt. The 500 disc spec comes with a Shimano 105 drivetrain in a 50/34, 11-34t chainring and cassette combo to get you up any climb, and tough Mavic Aksium wheels with plush Continental Ultra Sport 2 28mm tyres. Did this endurance workhorse do its job over Stu Kerton's test period? His review is coming later this month. 
lapierrebikes.co.uk

Fizik Terra Microtex Bondcush Tacky Tape

£32.99

This new bar tape from Fizik is "for the brave breed who take their drop bar bikes off-road"; although we think you'll be just fine using it on the tarmac too. Fizik claim the tacky non-slip finish provides a firm grip and enhances your control, while being comfortable and just 3mm thick. You can find out if our reviewer Dave Atkinson thinks this tape is top draw in the upcoming review soon... 
www.extrauk.co.uk

Silca Superpista digital floor pump

£275.00

Nope, we haven't misprinted that price... 275 quid for a track pump might seem excessive, but if ever a pump had all the mod cons, this one fits the bill. The gauge is illuminated, giving you an audio alarm that Silca say makes it much easier to monitor accurate tyre pressures - and it's located at the top of the barrel so it's easier to see. It has a metal shock piston and a hefty aluminium base to provide up to two times more stability than the competition according to Silca, and the hose chuck stores magnetically at the top to prevent you having to bend down to begin pumping. Have Silca made the silkiest pump money can buy, and is it really worth it? We'll be intrigued to hear Dave Arthur's verdict later this month.   
saddleback.co.uk

Giant Quick Fix Kit Road

£34.99

This handy set of tools promises to offer everything you need to fix a flat and make minor on-the-fly adjustments while you're out on a ride... everything except for an inner tube that is, but it still appears pretty good value for what you get - a mini ratchet with nine ends, two tyre levers, a CO2 inflator with two cartridges and a bag to stick it all in ain't bad at all. Has it bailed Dave Atkinson out on a ride yet? His verdict will be coming soon... 
giant-bicycles.com

To see all of road.cc's latest test reports, head over to our reviews section. If you want some more advice before splashing the cash, check out our buyer's guides.