Sports eyewear pioneer Oakley are bringing 2020 to a close with many new models and reissued retro models. In addition to the newcomers, a couple of old acquaintances will be available in a new frame/lens combination. Check out our news to find out if the right specs are available for you. Oakley Origins With the Oakley Origins collection, the Californian eyewear specialists look back on more than 40 years of company history and re-issue the most popular models. Featuring lenses with the latest Prizm technology, the retro frames are designed to look great both from the viewer’s and wearer’s perspective. The new Oakley Sutro Lite Blade, Oakley Frogskins and Oakley EVZero Blades are inspired by the design and colors of the original Oakley Razor Blades. Oakley Sutro Lite Celeste | Prizm Black lens | Manufacturer’s-Website googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-0'); }); Oakley Frogskins Lite Matte | Prizm Jade lens | Manufacturer’s-Website Oakley EVZero Blades Navy | Prizm Road lens | Manufacturer’s-Website Oakley Sutro and Oakley Sutro S Known for its high-wrap shield glass, the popular Oakley Sutro collection for cyclists has been extended by six new colors. Designed specifically for smaller faces, Oakley has developed the Sutro S frame to provide the same protective properties as the larger frames in the rest of the Sutro family. The new lenses include Prizm Snow Black and Prizm Snow Jade, designed to provide optimal contrast in snowy environments. Oakley Sutro Polished Black | Prizm Snow Jade lens | Manufacturer’s-Website Oakley Sutro S Polished Black | Prizm Road Black lens | Manufacturer’s-Website Oakley Prizm Trail Torch, Radar EV Advancer and photochromic lenses Oakley Prizm Trail Torch lenses are designed to provide the best view in different trail conditions. For the late 2020 collection, the Prizm Trail Torch lens will be extended to the Oakley EVZero and Sutro models. For changing UV light conditions, Oakley are offering the Clear collection of photochromic lenses. Depending on the light conditions, the lens darkens automatically. Now you can purchase the Oakley EVZero Blades and the Radar EV Pitch frames with photochromic lenses. In addition, the Oakley Radar EV Advancer model will be offered with Prizm Snow Black and Prizm Snow Sapphire lenses. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1408638783102-1'); }); Oakley EVZero Blades Matte Black | Prizm Trail Torch lens | Manufacturer’s-Website Oakley Radar EV Pitch Matte Black | Photochromic lens | Manufacturer’s-Website Oakley Radar EV Advancer Polished White | Prizm Snow Sapphire lens | Manufacturer’s-Website For more information visit oakley.com Der Beitrag New Oakley models: we give you the scoop on all Oakley 2020 newcomers erschien zuerst auf E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine.

The mud has once again welcomed the world’s best DH athletes for the opening of the short but intense 2020 UCI DH World Cup season with race #1 of the two part Maribor event. The rain that wet the Slovenian track until this morning made it even more challenging but equally spectacular and the final was exciting and thrilling. An impeccable Loris Vergier crushed the track, setting incredibly precise and flawless lines which where made all the more critical by the mud while he kept a frighteningly high pace, managing to set the fastest time with a clear advantage over his opponents and winning the first race of this World Cup season, two years after his last victory. Second position at 2 seconds and 6 tenths back for Remi Thirion, who laid down an incredible run with his classic aggressive riding combined with excellent concentration that allowed him to earn his result, reaffirming the excellent performance of Leogang’s world championships where he won the bronze medal despite a couple of spectacular mistakes. The very young Thibaut Daprela proves to be a rider with enormous talent and potential, finishing in third place in his first World Cup race as an Elite after dominating the Junior category last season. Despite a nervous and at times rough ride, which shows the impetuousness of his young age, Daprela finished less than 3 seconds from Vergier’s incredible time, sealing an entirely French podium. Fourth position for Matt Walker, consistent and effective in his run, while in fifth position we find veteran Greg Minnaar who excited his many fans by staying in the hot seat for quite some time as the holder of the time to beat. Excellent performances also for Luca Shaw, sixth, Jack Moir, seventh despite a big mistake at the beginning of the track, and Troy Brosnan eighth. Once again disappointing, after the World Championships in Leogang, the performances of other top riders such as Loïc Bruni and Aaron Gwin, who finished on the edge of the top 20. The World Cup season started out very badly with a truly unlucky day for the new world champion Reece Wilson, who also won yesterday’s qualifying round, and had to give up racing in the final heat of race #1 due to a crash this morning during practice. However, it is possible that he will be able to return for race # 2. On a track that proved to be even more challenging for the female category, wetter and even more slippery than it was for men, Marine Cabirou was able to make a huge break from her rivals, landing an aggressive and on pace run with few significant errors despite the conditions of the terrain. And thus she claimed her fourth consecutive World Cup victory. Second place for Myriam Nicole who, with a good but not flawless run, failed to upset Cabirou, finishing more than 6 seconds behind. Third place for Tracey Hannah, winner of the World Cup circuit last season and holder of the fastest time in yesterday’s qualifying round. Fourth place for Eleonora Farina, more and more constant at the top of the standings and ever closer, also in terms of time difference, to the leading position. Monika Hrastnik closed out in fifth position in front of the home crowd while the new champion Camile Balanche had to settle for an eighth place. In the junior categories it is again the new world champion Oisin O’Callaghan who earned himself the fastest time, but finding in Dan Slack a very fierce opponent who placed himself behind O’Callaghan just 9 tenths of a second behind him. Third place for Nuno Reis. Complete Maribor Finals # 1 rankings Elite Men Elite Women Junior Men Junior Women World Cup overall Elite Men Elite Women Junior Men Junior Women  

Dynaplug has a new product, the Cover Bard End Tubeless Repair Kit, to help you quickly seal your tubeless tires in the event of a puncture. Details inside from Dynaplug. We’ve posted a few of the Dynaplug products in the past like the lightweight Carbon Racer and below the Carbon Racer is their new bar end offering! This is the people’s tire plugger– made by popular request from Dynaplug customers, the Dynaplug Covert tubeless tire repair kit features Twin Tube technology, which allows you to store 2 plugs in each tool. That’s 4 plugs ready-to-go! The Covert tools threads into mounts that snap into an ODI-compatible grip lockring, adding new functionality to the riders- favorite locking grip system. Even better, the Covert kit includes a free pair of ODI Vans LOCK-ON grips! Just lock on the grips and you’re ready to go. Stealth Game Strong Riders everywhere are going stealth, with mini tools, spare tubes and other repair accessories hidden inside frames, steerer tubes, crank spindles and even thru-axles. Now Dynaplug jumps in to dominate the plug side of the hidden tool revolution with a stealthy version of their fan-favorite, award-winning, Meerkat-approved plug system. A couple turns of the Covert tool removes it from the end cap. The snug snap-on cap protects the plug tips when not in use, just pop it off and the plug is ready to deploy. The Twin Tube technology plug tube unscrews from the tool body to flip around with the other size plug ready to deploy. Fit one side of your bars with the Soft-Tip ready and one with the Megaplug, and you’re ready to go with both sizes, or set ‘em up the same if you tend toward a standard size hole when getting flats. Following in the pattern of their Racer-series tools, the Bar End Racer is double-sided, with one standard Soft Tip plug and one Megaplug ready to plug almost any type of puncture. Megaplugs are (as the name implies) extra-large for big holes, while Soft Tip brass plugs fill garden-variety small tire holes. Both plugs can be doubled up or combined to fill super-sized holes. Covert kits include 3 spare Soft Tip plugs and one Megaplug. Dynaplug® Covert Kit Highlights:  Kit includes:2 – Dynaplug® Bar End Tools2- ODI VANS LOCK-ON GRIPS1 – Megaplug3 – Standard Plugs1 – Standard Twin Tube1 – Standard/Megaplug Twin TubeMSRP: $ $69.99Product Page: http://www.dynaplug.com/covert.htmTool Construction- Anodized Billet 6061 Aluminum and Hardened 304 Stainless Steel with Brass/Alloy and Viscoelastic rubber plugs.Weight: 38.5g (2 tools loaded with plugs)Limited Lifetime Warranty The post Dynaplug Covert Bar End Tubeless Repair Kit appeared first on Sick Lines - mountain bike reviews, news, videos | Your comprehensive downhill and freeride mountain bike resource.

It’s been a busy couple of weeks at BikeRadar’s virtual towers thanks to a host of drool-worthy – and in some cases rather expensive – kit being released from a host of big brands. Not least of which was Specialized’s brand new Aethos road bike, the range-topping Founders Edition model breaking bank balances around the globe thanks to its £13,000 / $14,500 / AU$22,000 price tag. In the (slightly) more sensible world of mountain bikes, Specialized was at it again with its brand-new ever-popular Stumpjumper trail bike (after releasing the gnarlier Stumpjumper Evo last week). I managed to spend some time on the bike in the Tweed Valley in Scotland, so be sure to check out my initial impressions here. We’ve also seen Nukeproof launch a brand new 2021 Mega – its Enduro World Series-winning, Sam Hill-riding monster – that now has an updated frame with space for a water bottle inside the front triangle. We’ve also tested a Santa Cruz 5010 CC X01 RSV, awarding it four out of five stars, Specialized’s Turbo Vado SL 4.0 electric bike and Canyon’s (slightly more) budget-friendly Spectral:ON electric mountain bike. And because it’s hill climb season in the road cycling world, we’ve listed our top picks for bikes that love to ascend. Pembree R1V flat pedals Buy now from {merchant} ({price}), {merchant} ({price}) and {merchant} ({price})."> (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = "//bikeradar.com/pricecomparison/widget/intext/app.bundle.js"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: "bikeradar.com/pricecomparison", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); //trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })(); Pembree’s pedals are built to last. Alex Evans You shouldn’t let the 621g weight for a pair of R1V pedals from UK brand Pembree bother you because they’ve been made to last. Not only do they have SKF sealed ball and needle bearings – two cartridge ball bearings are located on the outboard end of the pedal, while the needle bearing is closest to the pedal crank – that run on a hardened stainless steel axle, there’s also a dedicated spindle seal made from Nitrile rubber to really help keep the crud from penetrating the inside of the pedal’s body. With ball and needle bearings, a spindle seal and top craftsmanship, these look like seriously reliable pedals. Alex Evans The pedal’s main body (its black section) has a concave shape to help improve grip, it also has chamfered edges to help shed mud build-up on the platform and deflect rock strikes. It’s made from 2014 T6 alloy that Pembree says is significantly stronger than the alloy used in most other pedals on the market. On top of that, it’s increased the thickness of the anodising to keep them looking fresh for longer. The concave shape should help improve grip. Alex Evans The ‘traction plates’ – the bronze sections of the pedal where the majority of the pins are located – are replaceable should they break, and are also made from the same 2014 T6 alloy as the body so should resist damage well. They’re fastened to the pedal body using two Torx bolts per end. There are ten stainless steel pins per side, each replaceable and removable. Made in England. Alex Evans Pembree also prides itself on sustainable manufacturing processes and each of the pedal’s parts are easily recyclable by Pembree. The pedals are carbon neutral – including transportation to the customer – and the Pembree factory uses 100 per cent renewable energy. The pedals are delivered in card and paper packaging that can be recycled and any waste material from the manufacturing process is also recycled. Check out the Pembree website for more information. £179 / $232 / €197.38 / AU$324.63 Latest deals DT Swiss EXC 1501 Spline One wheelset Buy now from {merchant} ({price}), {merchant} ({price}) and {merchant} ({price})."> (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = "//bikeradar.com/pricecomparison/widget/intext/app.bundle.js"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: "bikeradar.com/pricecomparison", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); //trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })(); They’re a good looking set of wheels. Alex Evans DT Swiss’s 1501 wheelset has been a go-to favourite for enduro racers thanks to its no-nonsense performance, easy to maintain hub and fairly light weight. So when DT Swiss announced the 1501s would be transitioning from aluminium to carbon rims along with a price hike, it came as a bit of a surprise. The rims are made from carbon fibre and have a 30mm internal width. Alex Evans However, the updated 240 hub with Ratchet EXP freehub, DT Competition Race spokes and decreased rim weight – thanks to the use of carbon – all make for a compelling package despite the $1,899 / €1,499 price tag. The enduro wheels, denoted by the EXC name, feature a 30mm internal width and weigh 919g for the rear wheel with XD freehub driver and 148×12 axle spacing, and 833g for a Boost 110×15 front wheel. The freehub body is easy to replace and spare parts for the hubs are widely available. Alex Evans They’re tubeless-ready with DT Swiss rim tape. Alex Evans The 240 hub is highly regarded. Alex Evans The DT Swiss Competition Race spokes are 0.2mm thinner than the old ones. Alex Evans I recently reviewed the cheaper DT Swiss EX 1700 Spline wheelset, awarding it four out of five stars thanks to its enduro-ready credentials. I’m going to spend some time on the more expensive 1501s soon, so stay tuned for a full review. From $1,899 / €1,499 Latest deals Fox Vue goggles Buy now from {merchant} ({price}), {merchant} ({price}) and {merchant} ({price})."> (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = "//bikeradar.com/pricecomparison/widget/intext/app.bundle.js"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: "bikeradar.com/pricecomparison", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); //trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })(); We’re going to be testing the Vues over the coming weeks. Alex Evans Fox’s Vue goggles have been developed to provide a wide field of vision thanks to the ‘outrigger’ design. This is where the goggles’ straps are mounted to an extra structure either side of the frame to increase the lens’s width and therefore, to use Fox’s words, the “viewport”. The lens is a pre-shaped polycarbonate affair that should help reduce distortion and improve optical clarity while protecting your eyes should the worst happen. It also has post mounts for tear-offs, of which five were supplied with the goggles. The frame is made from an ABS and nylon mix that’s claimed to be super-durable. Fox’s Vue goggles are striking-looking. Alex Evans The outriggers permit a wider field of vision. Alex Evans The strap has bold logos, but the frame is fairly subdued. Alex Evans The frames have a three-layer foam construction to help wick away sweat from their wearer’s face and there’s plenty of venting to help reduce fogging and heat build-up. The 45mm strap has a silicone band to help it grip helmets and keep the goggles in place. From £100 / $134.95 / €110 Latest deals Endura MT500 Waterproof Trousers II Buy now from {merchant} ({price}), {merchant} ({price}) and {merchant} ({price})."> (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = "//bikeradar.com/pricecomparison/widget/intext/app.bundle.js"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: "bikeradar.com/pricecomparison", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); //trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })(); They’re fitted and designed to have knee pads worn underneath. Alex Evans Endura recently revamped its MT500 range with a host of updates including a focus on durability to increase the lifespan of its garments and reduce landfill. The Scottish brand has also started an initiative to plant one million trees per year to offset its emissions. It’s admirable stuff. The MT500 Waterproof Trousers II are made from Endura’s ExoShell40DR material that’s claimed to be waterproof and breathable, thanks to a fluorine membrane sandwiched between the inner soft-touch fabric and outer durable shell. The outer layer is treated with a poly-fluorinated chemical (PFC)-free DWR coating to help repel water. The sitting area is reinforced to help improve the trouser’s lifespan. Alex Evans The zips open from the thigh to the ankle to help with ventilation and removal/putting on. Alex Evans Endura’s ExoShell40DR material is claimed to be robust, breathable and waterproof. Alex Evans There are zips at the thigh on each leg to aid with venting, and taking the trousers on and off. There are also water-resistant hand pockets, and the waterproofs are pre-shaped to be most comfortable in the riding position even with knee pads. The inner ankles and seat area have been reinforced to handle additional abrasion. The trousers are available in sizes small to extra-extra-large. £179.99 / $249.99 / €214.99 Latest deals

A’hoy there to all you Frothers Of The Flow! It’s great to have you back and to see all your lovely faces, even if a few of them are partially covered. We bring this zingy episode of Flow’s Fresh Produce from the business side of spring, which this year has evolved into peak bike launch season. There have been a tonne of new launches going off left, right and centre, not least of which includes the arrival of the new 2021 Specialized Stumpjumper & Stumpjumper EVO. We’ve been whooping and hollering aboard both bikes for the past couple of weeks, and there is a lot to get excited about here. If you’ve not watched it yet, be sure to check out our video on the two bikes below to see what’s changed, and how the two bikes have evolved into two very different platforms; Lots of new reviews on the website, including our verdict on Giant’s new carbon trail bike, the Orbea Oiz, and the brand new Trance X E+. Giant has also been mega busy, having launched both the new carbon Trance X and the motorised version, the Trance X E+. Check out those links to hear our thoughts on both bikes after riding them on our home trails. Speaking of reviews, Wil recently delivered his verdict on the very impressive Orbea Oiz. He’s also just got his hands on a very special Project One Trek Supercaliber – if you’re keen to hear how it stacks up agains the Oiz, Scalpel, Lux and Epic, then stay tuned for that one – it’s gunna be juicy! If you’re jamming on the XC tip, but you’re looking for something that doesn’t cost a kerbillion bucks, then have a gander at the new Specialized Chisel. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, the freeriders and huckers amongst us will be frothing to hear that the Norco Shore is back for 2021! While it looks badass, it also terrifies us at the same time. There’s lots of other fresh whips amongst the travelling Flow Caravan, including the very beefy Commencal Meta TR 29 and the newly rejuvenated Trek Rail, so there’s plenty to look forward to – be sure to keep tabs on the Review section of the website to keep up to date with all of those. Right, all up to speed with what’s been happening in Flowland? Wonderful! Now it’s time to get you up to speed with all the new goodies that have arrived at HQ. Click your way up into 12th gear, get that scrolling thumb ready, and feast your peepers on the freshest of Fresh Produce – yiew! Crank Brothers Synthesis AL Enduro Wheelset We dug the original Synthesis carbon wheels, and we’re eager to see if these sub-$1000 alloy versions deliver the same feels. Around two years ago, Crank Brothers introduced the original Synthesis wheel range. The result of a heady collaboration between the founder of ENVE Composites, Jason Schiers, and the Aussie carbon wheel guru Mello Bouwmeester (who was specifically poached by the Selle Royal Group -the owner of Crank Brothers), the Synthesis wheels featured low-profile carbon fibre rims that were front and rear specific. The concept was to provide a compliant and smoother riding wheel up front, with a stiffer rear wheel for improved acceleration and handling response. And it worked – we loved the ride quality when we first tried out the Synthesis Enduro wheels. Since then, Crank Brothers has sought to capture that same ride quality and package it into a more value-friendly package utilising alloy rims. To see if that goal has been achieved, we’ve just got our hands on the sub-$1000 AUD Synthesis AL Enduro wheelset. Just like the carbon version, the Synthesis AL wheels get front and rear specific rims. The front rim has a 31.5mm inner width to support a nice big-bag tyre, and to improve compliance, it uses 28 x Sapim D-Light spokes. Meanwhile the rear wheel uses 32 x Sapim Race spokes to create a stiffer build, while the 29.5mm rim width is suited to a slightly narrower tyre. The rims are sleeved and welded, and they’re made from 6013-T6 heat treated alloy. You get two options with hubs – we’ve gone for the standard build that uses Crank Brothers own 6-bolt hubs, or you can hop up to a set of Industry Nine 1/1 hubs for an extra $700 AUD. Otherwise the rims and spokes are identical between the two sets. From: Lusty Industries Price: $945 AUD Maxxis Dissector EXO+ 3C Maxx Terra 29×2.40 WT Tyre To go with the Synthesis AL wheels we’ve got some fresh Maxxis rubber. And we mean fresh! The EXO+ version of the Dissector is a brand new offering – it’s got a burlier casing than the regular EXO version, which should give it a little more pinch-flat protection. It’s still a competitive weight though – our test tyre weighs 925g. We’ve gone for the 2.4in Wide Trail size, which suit the 29.5mm rim width well on the rear Synthesis AL Enduro wheel, and it features Maxxis’ all-round 3C Maxx Terra triple rubber compound. From: Lusty Industries Price: $94.95 AUD Maxxis Minion DHF EXO 3C Maxx Terra 29×2.50 WT Tyre To go with the wider front rim, we’ve gone for a big 2.5in Maxxis Minon DHF in the slightly lighter EXO casing option. Up front we’re fitting a 2.5in wide Maxxis Minion DHF tyre in the standard EXO casing for a little more volume and flexibility. This goes along with Crank Brother’s concept of getting a little more compliance and traction up front, and combined with the wider rim, we should be able to get the pressures down a bit lower compared to the narrower rear tyre. Though we’ve gone for a matching 3C Maxx Terra compound, the Minion DHF is available in a tonne of different options, including cheaper dual compound tyres, Double Down casings, softer Maxx Grip rubber, 2.6in widths – if you can think it, it’s probably already there. From: Lusty Industries Price: $79.95 AUD Effetto Mariposa Tyreinvader Inserts Constructed from high-density EVA foam, these inserts weigh less than 100g per tyre, making them one of, if not the lightest option on the market. If you’ve thought about running a tubeless insert inside your wheels but have previously been put off by the weight, then these inserts will likely get your attention. It’s called the Tyreinvader, and it’s from Swiss brand Effetto Mariposa. Constructed from high-density EVA foam, these inserts weigh less than 100g per tyre, making them one of, if not the lightest option on the market. They’re sold as a pair in five different widths. We’ve gone for a set of the 50s (2.1-2.4in tyre) and the 55s (2.25-2.6in). The concept is pretty close to the Huck Norris inserts – the rectangular strip sits inside the tyre above the bead, creating an additional layer of material between your rim and tyre during hard compressions. The goal is to reduce pinch-flats and rim damage by absorbing some of the impact energy. Unlike CushCore, the Tyreinvader isn’t designed to lock your tyre beads down into the rim, and there are no claims to any added damping or change in tyre behaviour. Instead, these are simply adding some protection, while coming in at half to a third of the weight of a CushCore insert. From: Echelon Sports Price: $113.95 – $181.95 AUD (sold as a pair) Effetto Mariposa Caffélatex Sealant 1 Litre Foaming sealant you say? Faster reacting you say? Go on, tell us more then… To go along with the Tyreinvader inserts, Echelon Sports also sent us some of the Caffélatex sealant. The claim with Caffélatex is that the sealant actually foams up on the inside of the tyre when it’s agitated – something that mountain bike wheels tend to do well. The foaming action supposedly spreads it more evenly around the inside of the tyre, so that the sealant is faster acting in the first place. Effetto Mariposa claims this sealant will plug holes up to 5mm on an MTB tyre, and because it’s so effective, you don’t need so much in the first place. From: Echelon Sports Price: $59.95 AUD Effetto Mariposa Vitamina CL Sealant Additive If you’re particularly worried about punctures, Effetto Mariposa has an intriguing product called Vitamina CL. Rather than just adding more sealant and making your wheels heavier, Effetto recommends adding this special polymeric powder (no it’s not drugs this time, we promise). Vitamina CL is designed to mix with the sealant, and the larger particles will help to plug bigger holes – up to 8mm apparently. You don’t need much – about 1/10th the volume of the sealant (so just 10ml of V-CL powder for every 100ml of sealant). That should see this 120g jar go a long way. So why doesn’t Effetto just put the V-CL powder in the sealant to begin with? Well since the particles are quite big, they can cause issues with plugging up valve cores. Effetto says it can’t really be injected through the valve, so you’ll need to peel one side of the tyre off the rim, and add the powder in that way. With that in mind, it’s really designed as a race-day additive for extra protection. If it works, then for some riders, it could just be the added peace of mind they need. From: Echelon Sports Price: $53.95 AUD ELK Titanium Tubeless Valves Yes, these are titanium tubeless valves. Because why not? Whereas most valves on the market are made from brass, and many others are made from alloy, these are built out of titanium – the material that pricks up the ears of every mountain biker anytime it’s whispered in hush tones. Titanium makes them a bit lighter, but don’t expect huge savings on such a small product. The main appeal here is strength and long-term durability. Believe it or not, these aren’t the only titanium valves on the market. They are however specifically designed for mountain bikes in that the heads are also drilled laterally, which makes these compatible with tyre inserts like CushCore. It also makes them harder to clog up over time. Produced by Aussie brand ELK, the titanium valve kit includes two valves, two spare valve cores, anodised alloy collars and matching valve caps that double as a core remover/tightener. The 44mm valve length is designed to offer maximum rim compatibility, even with deep section carbon rims. From: ELK Price: $67.50 AUD Specialized Reusable Face Mask ‘Tis the season for staying safe and all that. For Wil, who resides in Sicktoria, mask-wearing is currently mandatory as a preventative measure against the spread of both COVID-19, cooties and bad breath. And since you can no longer wear a Buff/neck scarf, the timing of this delivery couldn’t have been any better. It’s a reusable 2-ply face mask from Specialized, which is made with a cotton outside and polyester/spandex inner layer, and features adjustable elastic straps. It’s very light and breathable, and it’s easy to stow in a pocket and whip out when needed. While these masks are currently being circulated amongst Specialized staff, athletes and ambassadors all over the world, it’s also available for sale for $15 in a variety of styles. From: Specialized Price: $15 AUD Stan’s NoTubes Tyre Sealant – 946ml (Quart) More tubeless sealant, this time from the OG brand – Stan’s NoTubes. Is it still the best? More sealant! Perhaps this is a sign from the MTB gods? If it is, then we’re ready for whatever they can throw at us thanks to a delivery of fresh sealant from Stan’s NoTubes. We’ve got the just-shy-of-1-litre jug, ideal for home workshops. It’s the original sealant and it’s still by far the most popular, but perhaps we’ll have to test it out on a couple of wheelsets alongside the Caffélatex stuff? From: Jet Black Products Price: $50 AUD (approximate) Stan’s NoTubes Tubeless Valves & Rim Tape More workshop goodies to re-stock the shelves before a load of new test bikes turn up. There’s a huge 60 yard role of Stan’s NoTubes yellow tubeless tape. We’ve gone for the 30mm width (yes, weird metric/imperial mixing going on here, but hey, what did you expect from the bike industry?) though there are others available. To go along with it, there’s a set of Stan’s NoTubes universal tubeless valves. From: Jet Black Products Price: $39.95 AUD (valves) – $100 AUD (rim tape) RockShox ZEB Mudguard Zip ties are so 2019. Slightly delayed, but not to worry – we’re glad RockShox sent us out this ZEB-specific mudguard, as we’re about to come into the dusty season anyway. This heavy duty guard is designed to bolt on discreetly on to the back of the arch on the lowers, giving you protection without having to resort to unsightly cable ties. Oh you’re wondering what the ZEB is? Check out the full story and our ZEB review here. From: PSI Cycling Price: $39.95 SRAM AXS Rocker Paddle Another new doo-dad, this time from SRAM. It’s the new AXS Rocker Paddle, and it’s designed to replace the stock shift paddle found on AXS wireless controllers. You can buy it on its own for $35, or you can buy a whole shifter with it. We were sent the Rocker Paddle on its own, and with a 3mm hex key, it takes about two minutes to install. The function is exactly the same – it still shifts gears, but the paddles have deliberately been separated to give them a more familiar, mechanical feel. Wil’s currently got one on that flashy Trek Supercaliber, and he’s digging the tactile vibe, which is likely going to suit riders on bigger travel bikes who want a more defined shift feel. From: PSI Cycling Price: $35 AUD Mo’ Flow Please! Enjoyed that article? Then there’s plenty more to check out on Flow Mountain Bike, including all our latest news stories and product reviews. And if you haven’t already, make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel, and sign up to our Facebook page and Instagram feed so you can keep up to date with all things Flow! The post Flow’s Fresh Produce | Rim Protection, Titanium Tubeless Tech, New Wheels & Wireless Upgrades appeared first on Flow Mountain Bike.

I’ve always fancied myself as an ‘above average’ cyclist. There, I said it. However, the confidence I have in my ability is totally unfounded. To date, my race wins (and starts) sits at a nice round zero. In fact, I know it’s sacrilege to admit it, but I’ve never even been a member of a club. I do own a bike (or two) though, so I’m definitely a cyclist. And I enjoy riding my bikes – a lot. Over the years, I’ve gone bikepacking coast-to-coast across the south of England, tackled some of Europe’s epic alpine climbs, and have a couple of Ride London 100s under my belt – including a 4hr 45m finish last time out. So, while I don’t have a ProCyclingStats profile, I know I’m no plodder either. But, at the age of 28 and with no prior racing pedigree, can I make it to the professional peloton? Charlie Allenby (left) has ridden some of Europe’s epic climbs but is now turning his hand to something very different: the Zwift Academy. Mike Brindley Although the short answer is an abrupt ‘no’, the Zwift Academy offers up a very slim chance. Back for a fourth year, the virtual training platform’s training program puts subscribers through their paces over eight weeks, with a series of workouts, races and group rides. While the majority of riders who sign up use it as an opportunity to follow a late-season training schedule before winter truly sets in, for one lucky (and seriously powerful) rider, there is a one-year professional contract with UCI ProContinental team Alpecin-Fenix on the line for men, and the same deal for the Canyon//SRAM Racing women’s WorldTour team. If my current power stats are anything to go by, then the closest I’m going to get to Mathieu van der Poel next season is watching him tearing it up on TV It’s not just some marketing gimmick either. Previous winners of the men’s category include NTT Continental Cycling Team’s Drew Christensen and Martin Lavrič, who both impressed enough to have their contracts extended past the initial 12 months. And three past winners of the Zwift Academy are still with the Canyon//SRAM team, so it does serve as a genuine talent ID program. Will I, Charlie Allenby, be part of this illustrious group in years to come? If my current power stats are anything to go by, then the closest I’m going to get to Mathieu van der Poel next season is watching him tearing it up on TV. But that won’t stop me trying my hand at this year’s Zwift Academy. The Zwift Academy offers riders the opportunity to compete for a contract on the Alpecin-Fenix and Canyon//SRAM teams. Zwift Like a lot of cyclists, I fired up the turbo trainer and turned to Zwift earlier this year when the pandemic struck and made riding outside a bit difficult, so I’m not completely new to the concept of virtual training. My most recent FTP test on Zwift saw me hit 248 watts (3.64w/kg) and I think with a bit of fine-tuning (and not going off too hard at the start), that number can only go up. Like a lot of cyclists, I fired up the turbo trainer and turned to Zwift earlier this year when the pandemic struck and made riding outside a bit difficult To take on the challenge and ride myself into contention, I’ll be using my trusty Specialized Tarmac SL6, a Wahoo Tickr Fit heart rate armband and a Wahoo Kickr Core smart trainer, capable of measuring my power and varying resistance in Zwift, whether climbing Alpe du Zwift or enduring an internal training session. And that’s about the extent of my pain cave setup. My laptop screen will have to do for the whole ‘immersive experience’ and nature is my fan – I’m hoping that positioning myself next to an open back door will provide all the cooling I need. Charlie’s summer riding included a coast-to-coast bikepacking trip across the south of England. Charlie Allenby In the coming weeks, I’ll be writing a diary of my progress in the Zwift Academy. As well as exploits of explosive race starts and getting dropped on the first climb, I’ll also be peppering my entries with any tips I can glean from the team at Dig Deep Coaching, who have come up with this year’s training plan, as well as last year’s men’s category winner, Drew Christensen. For now though, I’ve just got time for a quick spin around Watopia to familiarise myself again before the competition kicks off for good. See you on the start line.

Autumn is well and truly here, but in the UK at least, summer seemed to finish with a flourish. And, in a neat segue, we hope that the week finishes with a flourish for you, as we bring you First Look Friday. Plenty has been going on at BikeRadar in the last week, with a whole host of tasty treats to get you in the mood for some autumnal riding. Alex’s mountain bike light reviews have started dropping on site – illuminating reading, I assure you. We refreshed our guide to the best autumn riding outfits, so there’s no excuses for not knowing what kit to wear out and about. We’ve also posted a guide on how to replace your brake and gear cables – getting your bike in tip-top shape pre-winter is a great way to prevent you from fiddling about with tiny adjusters by the side of the road when a gale is blowing! Outside of autumn-related content, make sure you catch up on the rather pricey co-lab between Contador and Ivan Basso, a lovely piece on riding the highest road in the Julian Alps, and the long-awaited return of the ability to track heart rate via your phone on Strava. Finally, if news really is your thing (and you’re reading BikeRadar, so we assume it is), don’t forget to check out the latest BikeRadar Podcast, where Jack and Matthew give us a review of the hottest news from the past month. Endura MT500 Waterproof One Piece II Buy now from {merchant} ({price}), {merchant} ({price}) and {merchant} ({price})."> (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = "//bikeradar.com/pricecomparison/widget/intext/app.bundle.js"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: "bikeradar.com/pricecomparison", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); //trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })(); Yes, I love a onesie! Tom Marvin / Immediate Media A couple of years ago a number of waterproof onesies were released, and I got very excited. Yes, they look a bit weird, and aren’t exactly cheap, but in my experience they’re ideal when the weather turns and you want to stay as warm and comfortable as possible out on the trail. More recently, you might have read my piece on Endura’s new MT500 line-up, and commitment to environmental protection. Within the refresh of the MT500 range was an update to its Waterproof One Piece, and as if by magic, here it is! The jacket and trouser sections are only joined at the back. Tom Marvin / Immediate Media The cut has been improved (it was, in my opinion, rather voluminous previously), the materials are updated and should be even more breathable, and the design as a whole is slightly different. The jacket and trouser sections still join at the back, but not the front, however the ‘jacket’ overhangs at the rear to give improved aesthetics. The hood is re-modelled to perform well over a helmet, while there’s buckets of ventilation to keep you cool. The lower legs zip off too, should you want even more air flow around your legs. Plenty venty. Tom Marvin / Immediate Media At £419.99 it is an expensive piece, but if you consider it’s both Endura’s top-line jacket and trouser in a one-er, it’s easy to see where the costs come from. Searching through Endura’s website, I did spot this more value-orientated Singletrack One Piece, listed for a more palatable £199.99 / $299.99 / €229.99. If we can get hold of that, we will! A lift-pass pocket is a handy addition for park riders. Tom Marvin / Immediate Media £419.99 / $549.99 / €459.99 Latest deals Knog Oi Luxe Bell Buy now from {merchant} ({price}), {merchant} ({price}) and {merchant} ({price})."> (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = "//bikeradar.com/pricecomparison/widget/intext/app.bundle.js"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: "bikeradar.com/pricecomparison", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); //trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })(); The pinger sits nicely in front of the bars, handy for a quick flick of the finger. Tom Marvin / Immediate Media This has been an absolute revelation. While bells are required to be fitted to new bikes, they’re often removed hurriedly, if they’re ever actually fitted in the first place. However, having followed a friend on his gravel bike along a well-used path, with him happily tinkling his bell away, walkers friendlily moving aside with a smile, I decided it was the way forward. The Oi Luxe is as luxury as bells come! Tom Marvin / Immediate Media There are two versions of the Oi available: the Classic and the Luxe. They perform the very same role, but as you might expect, the Luxe does it in a slightly more luxurious manner. The CNC’d alloy ringer is pinged by the brass dinger, mounted on a well-shaped, and easily positioned lever. Inside, the injection moulded alloy shim sits nicely over your bike’s hoses and cables, and is held firm by a rather swish vegan ‘leather’ shim. The vegan leather strap adds a classy finish. Tom Marvin / Immediate Media Thus far, the Oi has proved worth its weight in vegan leather. The ping is crisp, loud (but not obnoxiously so), and lasts long enough that you can warn others from a reasonable distance, without coming across as passively aggressive. Over bumpy gravel tracks, it has remained remarkably quiet, too. The Classic version has a slightly different pinging mechanism, and is cheaper at £16.99 / $19.95, but is likely just as effective! £34.99 / $39.95 Latest deals Sector R26 wheels Buy now from {merchant} ({price}), {merchant} ({price}) and {merchant} ({price})."> (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = "//bikeradar.com/pricecomparison/widget/intext/app.bundle.js"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: "bikeradar.com/pricecomparison", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); //trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })(); This mid-priced alloy wheelset will become a second set of wheels for my gravel bike. Tom Marvin / Immediate Media I am one of those people who’ve fallen heavily for the gravel bike trend, getting out on a weekly basis on my long-term Lauf True Grit test bike. But, like many gravellistas out there, I want maximum versatility from my drop-bar bike. As such, I’ve managed to get hold of these Sector R26 wheels, onto which I’ll be sticking a pair of smooth rubber for when the desire to tick off some tarmac miles kicks in. There are plenty of adaptors available for the hubs. Tom Marvin / Immediate Media The wheels feature a pair of CNC’d hubs, which can take a wide range of axle standards (including the 142x12mm rear and 100x15mm axles built in to the Lauf), as well as all the freehub standards (mine has an XDR driver for my XX1 cassette). The spokes have an ovalised form and are called Pillar Wing Spokes. These, Sector says, offer better lateral stiffness under disc brake loads, and have less lateral deflection in use. Furthermore, this bullet-nose shape deals with airflow from a range of angles better, reducing drag. Centerlock rotors are required on these wheels. Tom Marvin / Immediate Media At the edges, the 26mm deep alloy rim is said to occupy the sweet-spot between comfort and stiffness, aerodynamics and weight. With an internal width of 19mm, it’s designed to work with tyres between 23mm and 36mm, though is optimised for 28 to 32mm rubber, and is ready to accept tubeless tyre systems. The alloy rim is… you guessed it, 26mm deep. Tom Marvin / Immediate Media £450 Latest deals Peaty’s Clean, Protect, Lube gift pack Buy now from {merchant} ({price}), {merchant} ({price}) and {merchant} ({price})."> (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = "//bikeradar.com/pricecomparison/widget/intext/app.bundle.js"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: "bikeradar.com/pricecomparison", shopId: 608, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); //trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })(); A washing spray, water dispersant and chain lube from Peaty. Tom Marvin / Immediate Media A clean bike is a happy bike. A happy bike makes you a happy rider. And, we’re sure that if you bought this triple pack of cleaning and protecting products, Steve Pete would be a happy chappy too. Yes, Peaty’s range of bike cleaners, lubes, protection sprays and various other items, including tubeless sealants, tapes and valves (including a Chris King collab valve, natch) is brought to you by the man himself, Steve Pete. Okay, it’ll likely be brought to you by the delivery person or bike shop assistant, but you get what we mean. Loam Foam is designed to be sprayed on, before helping mud get dislodged by your hose and/or brush. Tom Marvin / Immediate Media There are a number of triple packs available, saving you a few quid on the standalone prices. These also include a Clean, Degrease and Lube kit, as well as a Tubeless Conversion kit. Ours comes with some Loam Foam cleaning spray, a biodegradable PT17 Maintenance Spray and some Link Lube for your chain. The selection pack comes in a nicely branded box! Tom Marvin / Immediate Media The Loam Foam helps dislodge dirt on a mucky frame, speeding up the process of spraying mud off. The PT17 displaces water from areas such as your drivetrain, as well as offering a touch of lubrication to moving parts, while the residue it leaves means mud is less likely to stick in the future. The Link Lube needs shaking to activate, helps drive dirt from the chain and provides all-weather lubrication. (Bike Wheel Cushion – Bébé Bicyclette – incase you were wondering) £23.99 Latest deals

PLUGGING THROUGH 5000+ MILES Many people who buy a mountain bike, whether traditional or pedal-assist, are lucky if they put a few hundred miles or so on their bike per year. Don Kelley is not one of those people. Don’s been a life-long motocross rider. He loves the dirt. He was introduced to electric mountain bikes a couple of years ago, and now he is hooked! He bought a Haibike Xduro Nduro Pro in 2016 and started riding it all the time. He and a group of friends ride together at least three times a week, sometimes four, covering 12–20 miles or more per ride and often carrying a spare battery for longer rides. To date, he’s racked up over 5,000 miles on this bike. CHANGING IT UP As with most any mountain biker, nobody runs the stock setup for any length of time. Don started changing parts to match his needs and riding style almost as soon as he brought the bike home. This is a first-generation Bosch motor that’s been rebuilt by Don. To give you an idea of what this can wear out, check the finish on his crankarm. He’s rubbed the anodizing completely off, down to the bare metal!   The first thing he did was swap the front 14t sprocket on his Bosch Performance Line CX motor from the stock 18-tooth. The older generations of CX motors have a sprocket that rotates 2.5 times for every time the crankarms rotate, so going to a smaller sprocket in the front makes climbing hills easier. He and the guys he rides with keep their bikes closely spec’d because they’re a competitive bunch. The more level the playing field, the more fun they have. The man and his machine.   Other modifications include rebuilding his Fox fork with a Push ACS3 kit, replacing the air component with a spring. That took him a couple of tries, because the first spring he put in was too light, bottoming out too easily. He’s also replaced the handlebars with Fasst Company Flexx bars that retail for over $400 to ease some of the stress on his hands and wrists from big hits and drops. After that, he learned that he’d have better results with RevGrips, a type that allows a small amount of rotation that accomplishes the same thing for less than a quarter of the cost. “Those RevGrips are crazy good!” says Don.   “Not only is that annoying, it’s a sign that the bearings need to be fixed or replaced.”   He swapped the stock wheels for a set of DT Swiss 240 wheels. The 240 hub has a ratchet system that’s not only more durable and dependable than a traditional pawl setup, it also engages quicker. This is a first-generation Bosch motor that’s been rebuilt by Don. To give you an idea of what this can wear out, check the finish on his crankarm. He’s rubbed the anodizing completely off, down to the bare metal!   Since Don’s group frequently goes out for night rides, he runs two (one on his bars and one on his helmet) Serfas USL-1200 lights, each putting out a blinding 1200 lumens. He says it makes him go faster at night than he usually does in daylight because he has less visual distractions. He uses a Park Tools chain checker to let him know when his chain is worn to .75-percent stretch, then he replaces it. He also replaces his sprockets every 500 miles, but replaces the chain two to three times during that interval. REBUILDING THE MOTOR After he’d put a couple thousand miles on his bike, the motor began to get noticeably louder. Though it’s fairly well-sealed, between all the dust and dirt and the occasional stream crossings, the bearings inside the motor get dirty and start making noise. Not only is that annoying, it’s a sign that the bearings need to be fixed or replaced. When we photographed this, his odometer read 5,338.9 miles.   Thankfully, Bosch realizes this and makes a kit that comes with a new side case, new bearings, nylon gears, lubricant to extend the life of the motor and, in some cases, the warranty. He’s used the kit multiple times on his bike and helped friends with theirs. He originally watched videos online to show him how to do the rebuild. The kit costs around $165, and a Bosch-certified shop can do the rebuild or riders can do their own, though the latter may affect the warranty. The guys do night rides some nights, so he’s come up with a great bike light mount to deal with the location of his Intuvia display.   It’s great to see that a well-maintained machine can handle over 5,000 brutal miles and still keep going. You can definitely see signs of wear on some parts of the bike, such as the crankarms are nearly stripped of their black anodizing from his shoes wearing against them. Don’s proven that proper maintenance can keep a bike rolling along well for many miles and years.   Subscribe Or Renew Here ELECTRIC BIKE ACTION MAGAZINE For more subscription information contact (800) 767-0345 The post Plugging Through 5000+ Miles appeared first on Electric Bike Action.