A rack-free on-bike rucksack? Plus fresh affordable kit from Endura, new Oakley sunnies, MAAP and Quoc release gravel shoes + more

The sun is out and we can smell the Factor 50 wafting through the house. But before you reach for the Belgian beer and start thinking about plonking yourself on the sofa for a weekend of Classics racing, we've rounded up some of the best and weirdest tech in the road cycling world. 

From a rucksack that's actually a pannier bag that doesn't need a rack to fit to your bike, to new Oakley sunglasses, gravel shoes from Quoc and MAAP, new Endura kit and more, we've packed it all in for you in this week's Tech of the Week...

Rackless backpack riding (credit: EasyCyco)

A "revolutionary" rack-free on-bike backpack?

Everyone loves a bit of problem solving kit don't they? This week we've found this "revolutionary" rack-free on-bike backpack. Quite a mouthful, but essentially it's a backpack that you can mount to your bike like a rear rack bag, but without needing a rack. 

Rackless backpack mounting (credit: EasyCyco)

'How does it work?' I hear you cry. Well, it appears to work by using a seat post mounted extension, upon which the rucksack slides and locks onto. Thus, elevating it above the rear wheel and not requiring any rack mounting points on the rear of the frame. 

If you're sold, or maybe not sold and just want to see what the craic is, EasiCyco (the brand) has the bags available at super early bird pricing now on Kickstarter. 

Endura Loop jersey and shorts womens (credit: Endura)

Endura launches affordable clothing range

Perhaps better known for their sponsorship of the MTB legends, the Atherton's and the baggier side of cycling, Endura does have a reasonable range of Lycra bits too. And they've just launched a new, more affordable collection called 'Loop'.

Endura Loop jersey and shorts mens (credit: Endura)

The collection features cargo shorts, jerseys, gloves and even a helmet. The kit is available in men's and women's fits, with prices starting at £25 for the mitts, £75 for the bib shorts, £55 for the waist shorts and £50 for a short sleeve zipped jersey. 

The collection is available to shop now on the Endura website. 

MAAP x Quoc Gran Tourer XC (credit: Quoc)

Quoc and MAAP collaborate on off-road shoes

Quoc has partnered with Australian clothing brand, MAAP to redesign Quoc's flagship off-road shoe: Gran Tourer XC. The new 'fog' colourway has been designed to fit in nicely with MAAP's Alt_Road clothing collection. 

MAAP_QUOC_WHS-PR Selects_4x3_4 (1) (credit: Quoc)

There are a few design updates beyond the colour, too. These include a lightweight ribbed TPU tongue to mould to your feet, bigger ventilation holes and an Alt_Road branded webbing pull tab on the heel. 

If you want to get hold of a pair, be quick as they're a limited edition. They're also priced at £250. 

Alex - Atom Studio-3 (1) (credit: Wattbike)

The Wattbike Atom is revamped (just in time for summer)

The indoor bike, the Wattbike Atom has been relaunched with several updates. Wattbike says it gathered insights from "over 2,000 Atom owners" to help develop the new model. 

In terms of updates, the Atom now features an enhanced ERGO mode, which is apparently smoother to use, and offers more stable resistance adjustments during intervals. The saddle has also been replaced with a 'performance' option, and aesthetically there have been some changes too, with "bold black legs for a modern, premium look."

Alex Dowsett - Atom Shoot-1 (credit: Wattbike)

Adjusting the saddle and handlebar is now tool-free, with quick-release adjustability. This is set to make matching your road bike setup easier, as well as switching between users less of a chore. The Atom is available now for a price of £2,495 from the Wattbike website. 

CYBR ZERO POLISHED NAVY WITH PRIZM LOW LIGHT (1) (credit: Oakley)

Oakley introduces CYBR ZERO sunglasses

As we edge closer towards Robocop-inspired names in the world of cycling, Oakley has introduced CYBR ZERO glasses. They are rimless designs, to increase the field of vision, and use Prizm lens technology alongside "optimised ventilation."

CYBR ZERO (credit: Oakley)

The new glasses are available with several lens options for differing light conditions, and prices start from £158. They're slotted under the 'one size fits all' category with a regular fit, and are available to buy now from the Oakley website. 

Woolf helmet (credit: Woolf)

Another foldable helmet, but this one is smart

The idea that won't just die? Maybe, but this folding bike helmet from Woolf isn't just a one trick pony. It also integrates smart technology into the functionality of the helmet. What that means in reality is that it has lights - a strip of white LEDs at the front and red ones at the back. It also uses an integrated inertial measurement unit (IMU) to activate indicators, depending on the way your head is turning. 

This IMU can also detect when you suddenly slow down, and activate the rear lights like brake lights. It will also send a signal to an app on a paired smartphone if you get into a crash, and message an emergency contact and emergency services with your location.

Woolf helmet (credit: Woolf)

And how does it fold? Unlike many other folding options, this one actually sort of looks like a helmet, even with that little light strip visor at the front. Simply push it in from both sides and the magnetic quick-release mechanism is triggered, folding the helmet down to apparently just 83mm. 

The creator, Jeff Woolf claims the helmet will be granted CE EN 1078 certification before shipping out to Kickstarter backers. It will eventually retail at $219, but you can still pledge £76 for a super early bird price, with first shipments expected in November 2025. 

CADEX-Amp-3D-Saddle-@120000216-4-1 (credit: Cadex)

Cadex ups its 3D game with the Amp 3D saddle

A new saddle created from 3D printed "gyroid-shaped infill padding" has hit the market today, courtesy of Cadex. The new saddle uses a carbon base and is designed for performance oriented riders, and weighs 147g. 

CADEX-Amp-3D-Saddle-@120000216-5 (credit: Cadex)

According to Jeff Schneider, the Global Head of Product at Cadex, the gyroid structure "dynamically adapts to the rider, minimises weight, and maximises power transfer without compromising comfort."

Sounds like a win-win to us. It's available in just one width for now - 145mm, and 245mm length. The downside is, it costs a pretty penny - £350 to be precise...

2_MY25_P1_3Q (credit: Trek)

Trek releases new Project One colourway in collaboration with Shimano

Two big names in cycling have collaborated to create a new paint scheme for Trek's Project One personalisation tool. The new bike is the third to come out of the collaboration between Shimano and Trek, and is available only on the Trek Madone SLR 9. 

8_Shimano Chainstay (credit: Trek)

The design is called "ICON Chroma Dura-Ace" and is inspired by finishes on Shimano Dura-Ace components, with an all-black frame apparently inspired by the Dura-Ace crankset's "sleek design." There are also hints of blue, which signify the blue LED on Dura-Ace derailleurs. 

If it tickles your fancy, you can add it on to your custom Madone SLR 9 build for £3,850. It does include a full Dura-Ace setup as well as the paint, we should probably add. 

In case you missed it:

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• Fancy shoes, another Chinese groupset and a cut-price radar light — five cool things coming soon from Rapha, Farsports, L-Twoo, iGPSPORT and Hiplok

• Fizik launches its first range of bike helmets, featuring unique adjustment system, integrated rear lights and huge vents on the road model

• Could Garmin's new front light with built-in 4k camera rival Cycliq? £459.99 Varia Vue with auto-incident detection launches

• Castelli launches “the ultimate equipment to turn your watts into speed”

• The Paprika 53 Model 25 is the first e-gravel bike powered by DJI's Avinox motor