It all started in Paris-Roubaix last weekend, with riders tackling the cobbled roads of the iconic spring classic.
Bikes and bodies were beaten, but amidst the chaos, we picked 13 tech trends that reigned supreme, including the Scope Atmoz tire pressure adjustment system.
Eagle-eyed BikeRadar editor George Scott also spotted an unreleased Specialized Mondo tire. Although the new tire couldn’t stave off the tidal wave of punctures synonymous with Paris-Roubaix, we suspect Specialized was pleased with its performance in the women’s race, with Lotte Kopecky making it into the top 10.
MBFR The first long-term test bike report from video presenter Will Soffe went live this week. The mustachioed man has an Intense Tracer 29 for the year, running 29-inch hoops front and back. Will the ultimate mule fan upgrade to a smaller rear wheel? Watch this place.
Elsewhere we’ve seen Garmin release updated versions of its popular series of GPS cycle computers, the Edge. New to the range are the 540 and 840, both of which now feature solar charging like on the Edge 1040 Solar which was also recently updated.
Mavic has announced its first e-bike motor, the X-Tend. The French brand claims it’s the lightest e-bike motor to date and could help create e-road bikes under 10kg.
Canadian brand Devinci has released a high-pivot park and enduro bike called the Chainsaw, which tech writer Luke Marshall spent time on. Mixing long travel, a slack head angle, adjustable geometry and a steep seat tube angle, Devinci hopes the chainsaw will be as comfortable pedaling towards the start of the trail as it is on a shuttle towards the summit.
Rapha Brain Dead Trail Bum Bag
Rapha’s collaboration with Brain Dead – a “creative collective of… artists and designers” – is meant to give the brand’s usually understated approach to style a boost.
The 293g Trail Hip Pack got the Brain Dead design visual makeover; its once muted olive green or black color is now a showy bright orange, deep purple and showy green.
The functionality of the pack is however unchanged.
There are two zipped pockets, totaling a capacity of 3 litres; the larger pocket has internal elastic organizers, while the smaller one on the outside has a key clip.
On the sides are two mesh pockets ideal for storing water bottles, handy given that there is no dedicated pocket for a hydration bladder.
An elasticated loop sits at the top of the bag, designed to store clothes such as waterproof jackets or other items.
Its strap uses a single clip, but its length can be adjusted from either of its anchor points. Meanwhile, its back cushion has three thick and soft sections designed to improve comfort.
Deity Deftrap flat pedals
As the more affordable little brother to Deity’s five-star TMAC pedals, the Deftrap’s nylon fiber body is claimed to be 28% stronger than the nylon composites used by other manufacturers.
At 403g a pair they are lighter than the TMACs and measure 113 x 103mm, they are also slightly larger.
Deity claims they have 1.5mm of concavity throughout their length, measuring just under 18mm in the center and 19.5mm at the leading and trailing edges.
They feature eight removable, long, pointed prongs on each side, with two additional molded inner prongs.
Running on two sealed bearings and a DU bushing, Deity claims they are fully rebuildable. The nylon body is also said to eliminate rock strikes without getting snagged or “stuck” on impact.
They are available in 10 colors, including black (pictured).
DMR Sect Rail DJ Saddle
DMR’s Sect Rail DJ saddle continues the brand’s dirt jumping heritage, most likely appealing to the niche world of trail riders.
Every aspect of it is chunky, as dirt riders demand.
Weighing in at 368g, with a 140mm width and CroMo rails, it’ll roll with the punches on your local trails.
Its camo design – available in snow and jungle patterns – should match perfectly with the grime-driven underground DJ scene.
A durable cover wraps around foam padding, designed to provide a relaxing bench between sessions.
DMR claims it’s big enough to use to maneuver the bike through the air, but isn’t so big that it constantly gets in the way.
Incomparable Dust Up Mountain Bike Flat Pedal Shoes
With 20 years of experience in climbing shoes, Unparallel has branched out into the world of MTB and BMX.
Offering five models, the Dust Up is the brand’s gravity-focused flat pedal shoe.
It has a dual compound outsole. Its inner part uses a softer rubber than the outer part, designed to improve grip and absorb vibrations. The outsole has two traditional patterns to further improve grip.
The midsole is designed to be stiff to improve stability.
It has a traditional cross lacing pattern and Velcro strap, so the fit and tightness can be adjusted.
Made from synthetic materials, Dust Ups are also vegan.
A pair of size EU42 shoes weighed 842g and felt closer in weight and stiffness to the Endura MT500 Burner flat shoe than Five Ten’s Impact Pro.
Stay tuned for a full review soon.
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