Five Cool Things is all about showcasing some of the most interesting products that we've currently got for review, and this week instalment includes Wahoo's dual-sided power pedals, a pair of lights that 18 factories said were "impossible to make", Bollé's latest and greatest Mips-equipped helmet, a Gore-Tex jacket with an over the helmet hood and winter tyres with reflective bits! Check them out below with full reviews coming over the next few days and weeks...
Wahoo Powerlink Zero pedals
£849.99
This dual-sided power meter system managed to slip through our reviewing net when it was launched earlier this year but fear not, John Stevenson has since been racking up the miles to see whether they're worth the wait.
> Buyer's Guide: Best cycling power meters
The pedals are based on the Wahoo/Speedplay Zero design so you can clip in to either side. They also claim +/-1% power accuracy, automatic temperature compensation and a battery life of up to 75 hours.
The pedals also offer "exceptional durability", according to Wahoo, and left/right balance. This version weighed in on our scales at a tidy 278g.
For riders looking to spend less, there is also a single-sided power measuring option.
Would you consider the Wahoo Powerlink Zero pedals for your bike(s)? Let us know in the comments section below...
www.wahoofitness.com
Knog Cobber Lil Light Twinpack
£89.99
We've previously rated Knog's 'be seen' lights very highly so we're excited to see if the latest addition to the range also impresses. The Cobber Lil Light Twinpack consists of a 110-lumen front light and 50-lumen rear and Knog claim that they provide 330° of coverage and are some of the "safest lights you could choose."
Like many Knog lights, these offer cable-free charging and have an IP67 rating – meaning that dust can't get in and they can stand being immersed in a metre of water for half an hour with no ill effects.
> Review: Knog Cobber Big Rear Light
Both front and rear mounts are designed to be quick release and claimed burn times are up to 60 and 40 hours respectively. Knog claims that these will fit a huge range of bikes and that 18 factories told them the Cobber would be impossible to produce. We'll see if it was worth the effort!
www.knog.com
Bollé Avio Mips Helmet
£235.00
Bollé might not have the same foothold in the UK as it does in the rest of Europe but it's keen to change that with a host of new products. We're currently testing some sunnies, an "eco" helmet and this top-of-the-range Mips-equipped helmet which Bolle claims is its fastest ever.
Find out all you need to know about MIPS
> All you need to know about MIPS
There are currently three colours to choose from – white, silver or black – and our size medium helmet weighed in at 255g. Bollé says that the helmet has been designed with glasses storage, ventilation, speed, safety and ponytail compatibility in mind. Stu might struggle with the last one but you can read his full verdict on the rest in the coming weeks.
www.bolle.com
Gore Lupra Jacket (Women's)
£179.99
The Lupra jacket has been popular with the mountain bikers for a little while now but how good is it as a commuting jacket? Emma Silversides has been tasked with finding out. The Lupra is available in both men's and women's cuts, and in three colours: utility green, black or uniform sand. It has a hood that's designed to fit over helmets.
> Buyer's Guide: Best casual cycling commuter wear
Gore claim that the jacket is windproof and water-resistant in critical zones thanks to Gore-Tex Infinium fabric whilst still providing optimal freedom of movement. Other features include taped seams, reflective accents, a dropped tail, partially pre-shaped elbows and highly breathable, quick-drying materials. Emma will be providing her full review very soon.
www.gorewear.com
Pirelli Cinturato TLR Reflective tyre
£66.99
Pirelli says that the Cinturato TLR Reflective tyre is designed to be ready for grandfondo and adventure riding with a serious focus on puncture protection. The Cinturato is available in three colour options: classic black, tan wall and this reflective sidewall version for increased visibility. Four sizes make up the range: 26mm, 28mm, 32mm and 35mm. We've been putting the 28mms through their paces revolutions.
Pirelli says that the Cinturato uses SmartNET Silica and Armour Tech technology added to the 60 TPI nylon casing to slow down the penetration of foreign bodies. Aramid fibres have also been used to create a tyre that claims a strong performance in both dry and wet conditions. Pirelli says it is capable of high mileage with excellent contact feeling. Should this be your next winter tyre? We're here to find out!
www.pirelli.com
For all the latest road.cc test reports, head over to our reviews section. If you want some more advice before splashing the cash, check out our buyer's guides.
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16 comments
I'm not a manufacturing engineer but those lights don't look impossible to make, what are they, leds on a curved surface?
I, too, was wondering what was so hard to make about them. My best guess would be the overall small volume and squeezing in a large enough battery to give the desired runtime/brightness, and also have space for the other tech required (e.g. bluetooth connection to control via app).
I think reflective sidewalls are a no-brainer. Cyclists lights are often of limited worth side on, but these sorts of tyres really light up from a distance under car headlights. However, I get the sense that they are looked down on by proper cyclists.
I wouldnt not buy them for having a reflective sidewall, Im just not convinced on how effective they actually are as a thing, how often is a car at distance from you side on that it becomes a problem if you dont have reflective sidewalls ?
err..if you're in any sort of urban situation then every junction and drive/entrance is a potential risk from side on traffic....i've always made sure i try and use lights with good sideways visibility and my giro empire shoes are the highly reflective ones....motion aids visibility.
yes but my point is the moment at which every junction and drive entrance is a potential risk from side on traffic that can hit you, its far too late for them to see your reflective sidewalls and react to that.
if the only value is then reflective sidewalls allow traffic side on to see you at distance, then they werent at risk of hitting you anyway.
I nearly posted the exact same thing yesterday...but couldn't be bothered arguing with people tbh.
There's no harm in them and I don't believe 'proper cyclists' have a problem with them - it's just they are normally only available on a couple of heavy duty commuter tyres which are not suitable for everyone
Roundabouts
I've had some, if you have alloy rims with rim brakes then they get covered in filth very quickly, especially when the going gets wet.
I rather reflective spoke straws.
Chrome do reflective laces.
If I ever buy anything directly from them I shall get a pair.
Scoffed at spoke straws as the modern Spokey Dokeys - then realised "reflective AND moving". For which reason I also keep a collection of snap-wrap reflectives on all bikes for ankles and wrists. (Get yellow AND pink for the Adam Hart-Davis look!) Sadly ankle ones are hidden from the back on the recumbent and often behind panniers on the utility bike.
spokey dokeys are apparently still available AND are now reflective
Ooh... but the low speed rattling would kill me. Found some available e.g. here (and they have you covered for most other reflective stuff).
Aaah Adam Hart-Davis, that's a blast from the past, as a science obsessed child I used to love watching local heroes, that pink and yellow combo was definitely eye catching!
He loved the single legged fork.
Disappointingly when he appeared on celebrity mastermind, he rocked the specialist subject but his general knowledge was awful.
Not great on University Challenge Alumni Christmas Special either. But then watching that was quite niche.
I installed these black reflectives on my black wheels. They're nearly invisible in daytime, but stand out at night. I actually ordered only enough for one wheel, cut each stripe into six pieces, and evenly distributed them across both wheels. That way they're visible, moving, and half the cost.
https://www.fiksreflective.com/products/reflective-wheel-stripes
Non-flash vs. flash photos in broad daylight with weak cell phone flash, but you can still see them.