Although slightly different for aesthetic reasons, some people swear by hand guards. Whether it’s to make hitting wood a little less painful, to help you drive through thick Muru, or just to keep your hands from looking like baked potatoes after the winter cold, they definitely have a place.
Sendhit recently released the Nock V2 protectors. The new versions weigh just 168 grams per pair and feature an aluminum bracket. The cover itself is made of impact-resistant plastic, with foam on the inner edge that softens the impact on your hands.
The covers aim to provide compatibility regardless of brake or gear configuration.
They have two side and two front adjustments to ensure a proper fit. Nock says they’re compatible with all brake and derailleur models and don’t interfere with other controls because they only use 10mm of bar space. The bracket itself has a 28mm screw and is hinged for easy installation and removal.
The plastic cover itself uses two zones to provide the right level of shock resistance and the ability to look away from impacts. The aim of the central zone is to provide decent stiffness. It does this because of its curvature and thickness. The side zone is made to shape, not only to absorb shocks, but also to avoid overloading the press and making it snap.
The new Nock handguards are available for €74.99. Visit sendhit.net.
Selle Italia SLR Boost 3D
While it’s more suited to the rigors of road cycling, it’s not entirely uncommon in the mountains, or dare I say on the odd occasion that anyone happens to be reading gravel bikers, for riding lightweight road saddles on XC bikes, especially those intended to provide some relief or comfort. The SLR Boost 3D could very well be this style of saddle.
The saddle has already got Brian Park a little hot under the collar with its 3D printed design that tries to eliminate stinging and vibration from the road surface. The saddle is claimed to have progressive absorption and is available in two sizes – a 130mm wide S3 and a 145mm L3.
The low claimed weight of 170g is impressive – as it should be, with prices starting at $399.90 for the titanium rail version.
The saddle is also available with titanium or carbon rails. For more information, visit selleitalia.com
Fizik Terra Artica GTX
Fizik is also releasing a new winter shoe that sees updates compared to the model we reviewed last year. The Gore-Tex insulated model hopes to be the ultimate wet weather clipless shoe. The shoe has a fleece-lined interior that should help wick away moisture and keep your feet nice and dry.
It uses a BOA ratchet for the security of the ripstop upper, as well as a Velcro strap around the ankle for added security. It also has a new X5 nylon sole for better grip on the bike. Sizes: 36-48 available, 37-47 also in half sizes. The claimed weight of the shoes is 432g.
The shoes are available in intense purple and brown Grape, and in a more restrained black. Their price is 260 USD. For more information, visit fizik.com
Industry nine
Industry 9 has released a special version of their 305 bike – the None More Black enduro bikes, with end caps that go all the way up to eleven, are a limited run that includes a different anodizing process to create a two-tone effect. laser etching into the shadow.
The bike uses Industry 9’s own straight traction spokes and the 305 rims are a patented 6000 series alloy. At the heart of the wheels is their Hydra rear hub, which offers 690 connection points and a distinctive buzz. As the name suggests, the rims use a 30.5mm rim width.
Only 100 sets of this limited edition are available and retail for $1455 USD. For more information, visit industrynine.com.
POC Sports
POC’s new Air indoor cycling kits will keep you comfortable and dry during your winter turbo-sweat session. Cut with a looser fit, the bodice hangs off the body without clinging for added comfort. The vest aims to be exceptionally light and the shorts come without shoulder straps to reduce excess material. The vest, in either men’s or women’s fit, retails for $60 USD. The shorts cost $140.
There are also new lightweight mesh pads available. The MTB Air Layer Bib shorts have the same thin fabric as indoors, as well as shoulder straps and pockets on the back and thighs. They sell for $130 USD.
POC also has new kids jerseys, helmets and glasses.
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