It's not all about the bikes at The Cycle Show (athough there are lots of lovely ones)... there was plenty of cool new tech, gear and clothing on show too when we visited this week.
Best new bikes from the Cycle Show 2019
Here are some of our highlights, with brand new lights from Cateye, new helmets and bags from Oxford Products, plus some things you may have seen before but we thought were worth giving another mention now we've seen them in the flesh...
Prologo Scratch M5
Prologo have launched the Scratch MS and Scratch M5 PAS saddles that they say are suitable for multiple uses, including road, off-road and triathlon. The rounder shape of the M5 (above) should ensure the pelvis moves with a natural rotation, distributing pressure over a larger surface area. It's also recommended for both men and women, and it measures 250 x 140mm.
Oxford Products Aqua Evo
Oxford Products have updated their popular Aqua Evo waterproof backpack, making it even lighter and more comfortable. There is now two raised inserts that rest against your back to stop any potential discomfort, and as before there is some reflective detailing, a roll-top closure system for the main compartment and adjustable straps. Prices are still TBC as the updated bag is completely brand new.
Kali Therapy helmet
Oxford Products' helmet sub-brand Kali had their Therapy road lid on show in some funky new colours. Inside Kali have used Composite Fusion technology to merge the shell and EPS foam liner, with additional Low Density Layer (LDL) tech which consists of soft gel padding that provides impact protection against rotational forces - this kind of looks like mini soft Lego bricks inside the helmet, and is similar to the way the MIPS impact protection system works. The price is £94.99 for 2020.
Cycle of Good recycled inner tube bags
You may have seen purses and wallets made out of inner tubes floating about on eBay and Etsy, but the not-for-profit Cycle of Good project have ramped things up by offering a whole range of backpacks, messenger bags and small goods made out of recycled rubber. 100% of the money raised pays for not-for-profit enterprise and childcare in Malawi, and Cycle of Good also train tailors in some of the world's poorest countries so they can make a decent living. Other products in their range include panniers and baskets made from palm leaf, fairly-traded African cloth products and an Elephant Bike project which guarantees one bike donated to Africa for each one bought.
Continental Terra Speed gravel tyres
The faster of Continental's two new gravel tyres, the Terra Speed has a less knobbly tread than their Terra Trail tyre and is available in four sizes: 650 x 35B, 650 x 40B, 700 x 35C and 700 x 40C. Conti recommend the Terra Speed for rides and races in dry, dusty and loose conditions, with their ProTection technology involving a tyre casing tread with 240 TPI over the top and 180 TPI through the side walls.
Zefal Pulse L2 bottle cage
This carbon fibre cage from Zefal costs £18... and weighs 18g! Zefal say the design will ensure your bottle is stowed securely, and it also comes with its own light aluminium screws.
Cateye AMPP headlights
Cateye have launched the new AMPP range of front lights, coming with 400 lumen (£34.99), 500 lumen (£44.99), 800 lumen (£84.99) and 1100 lumen (£109.99) strength beams. Cateye's Flextight bracket holds the AMPP securely to your bars up to widths of 35mm, and their Opticube lens technology promises 'supreme light distribution'. The 1,100 lumen version promises 1.5 hours of run time on the highest setting, and up to 50 hours on the economy flas mode.
Saris MP1 Trainer Platform
One of the key new pieces of tech at Eurobike last week, we had to give another mention to the unique Saris MP1 - call it a 'wobbleboard' if you must, but Saris claim this suspended platform will offer you the most realistic indoor riding experience ever paired with their H3 Smart Trainer. The build quality is top notch with a birch base plate and numerous rocking and rolling parts underneath to move you side to side and fore/aft, replicating how you would move when riding outdoors. It does come with a sizeable price tag at £999, and you can buy it with the Saris H3 for £1,700.
Lake CX332 road shoes
We'll leave you with these super-fancy versions of Lake's CX332 performance road shoes, for those times where you need to head out for a ride but you're due to hit the dance floor straight after. The CX332 is made with kangaroo leather for extra durability and comfort, based around Lake's 'Race' last which is a little narrower and tighter at the heel than their Competition last. The reason they're perched on top of a mini oven is because Lake's shoes have a heat-mouldable chassis to obtain the ideal fit.
If you still fancy heading up to the Cycle Show tomorrow, it's not too late! road.cc readers can use the code RDCC to save 10% off the ticket price. With the discount applied you'll pay £13.95 for an adult ticket, £10 for a child (11-16 years) and under 11's go free. Head over to www.cycleshow.co.uk to book your tickets.
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