Plus, the best from BikeRadar this week
If the spring classics haven’t got you hyped enough for cycling, hopefully BikeRadar will, with our plentiful deliveries of all the latest news and reviews.
To get you in the mood, check out our article about how to watch Paris-Roubaix, so you can catch all of the action from one of the biggest races on the cycling calendar.
If you want to keep up with the latest tech from the WorldTour, find out how teams Jumbo-Visma and DSM use a wireless tyre pressure control system to eke out any advantage across the cobbles.
In the world of mountain biking, we rounded up the best hydration packs for quenching thirst and hammering the trails ready for when summer rolls around. Also, check out our 11 tech innovations that changed mountain biking. You can speculate over what advancements are coming next.
We also brought you all the details of EXT’s new air shock, the Aria, which features some exciting tech.
There are plenty more in-depth news stories, features and reviews online, but if that’s all too much, put on a brew and listen to the BikeRadar podcast, where we tell you how to get your mountain bike ready for spring.
Reynolds Blacklabel 329 Trail Pro wheels
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In the UK, at least, it’s fair to say when you think of wheel brands Reynolds isn’t the first name that comes to mind.
Still, Reynolds has been quietly supporting the Pivot Factory Racing team and putting riders such as Bernard Kerr on the downhill world cup podium and Morgane Charre second overall in last year’s Enduro World Series (now the Enduro World Cup). So, the brand must be doing something right.
These new Reynolds 329 Trail Pro wheels are the brand’s top-end trail wheels. They use Reynolds’ asymmetric, hookless MR5 IDM TSS carbon fibre rims with a wider-than-usual 32mm internal rim width and shallow 19mm rim depth.
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The Impact Dispersing Matrix (IDM) technology and MR5 layup process are created explicitly for speed, durability and comfort, claims Reynolds. In addition, the TTS inner rim channel works for wider tyres to keep them seated on the rims while running lower tyre pressures.
The Pro version has 28 Sapim CX-Ray spokes laced to Industry Nine Hydra hubs with their near-instant 0.52-degree freehub engagement. These wheels weigh a competitive 1,583g, so they tick many boxes. Maybe all but the price.
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In the past, Reynolds’ wheels have had a reputation for stiffness, so I’m keen to see how this latest model stacks up with its new design.
- Reynolds Blacklabel 329 Trail Pro: £2,200
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DMR ODUB handlebar
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This should be right up the street of DMR fans and Olly Wilkins supporters. The ODUB is Wilkins’ signature bar, made possible after 20 years with DMR and a decade of product design.
If you’re a mountain biker who prefers functionality over exotic tech, it might be worth a look too. This alloy handlebar uses a 7075 heat-treated spiral butted aluminium construction to balance weight and strength.
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For the all-important shape, Wilkins designed the bar to have a common 8-degree backsweep and 5-degree upsweep to provide a form that will cover a wide range of riding, from dirt jump bikes to electric bikes.
It’s available in 31.8mm and 35mm clamp diameters, with 20mm, 35mm and 50mm rises to cover all riding needs. The 35mm clamp bars come in 800mm widths, while the 31.8mm clamp bars are 780mm.
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An interesting feature is the bar comes without packaging to save throwaway material, and the barcode is printed on the product.
Suppose you’re cautious about clamping a carbon handlebar with stems and brakes, or damaging it in a crash. In that case, this alloy option may be the way to go.
- DMR OBUD Signature handlebar: £75
Mucky Nutz MugGuard Rear
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While the Northern Hemisphere winter might be ending, we’ve just had the wettest March in 42 years here in the UK, so the trails aren’t drying out yet. If, after a winter of slop, you’re fed up with getting a wet backside every time you go out, this rear fender from MuckyNutz might be a saving grace to get you through spring.
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The MugGuard Rear has several neat features. Using reusable Velcro straps, the guard is attached to the frame by rubber base mounts to protect your bike’s paint. In addition, you can customise the tyre clearance with the innovative dial feature to set the guard up optimally for any frame shape.
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You can keep the guard short or attach the extension for full coverage when the conditions are at their grottiest. There’s also an integrated guard to protect your shock from mud and grit.
The fender has been made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles rather than virgin plastic. If you can see past the looks of a rear fender, the MugGuard should be a quality piece of kit.
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- Mucky Nutz MugGuard Rear: £38
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Oladance Wearable Stereo earphones
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Earphones are not a product that comes across our desks too often and we don’t recommend riding while wearing traditional in-ear headphones. However, these Oladance Wearable Stereos might be a terrific addition to a cyclist’s outfit.
What makes these different is the earbud sits outside the ear. The design is claimed to improve comfort because you don’t have to insert earbuds inside your outer ear. Instead, these rest over the tops of your ears.
That open-ear feature still enables you to hear the world around you, much like bone-conducting headphones. However, unlike bone-conducting headphones, no vibrations pass through your head, which apparently can cause discomfort and headaches over time.
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I’m interested to see how these stack up in the real world. As for the specs, they use 16.5mm drivers and connect to devices via Bluetooth to control music, calls, volume and phone-native voice control. In addition, they have a claimed 16-hour battery life and charge in two hours via a USB-C case.
They benefit from skin-friendly silicone and have an IPX4 splash-proof rating. For those riders who enjoy a BikeRadar podcast on the commute to work or a solo ride, these might be a great option to maximise comfort while keeping you aware of the world outside.
- Oladance Wearable Stereo: $179.99 USD (+ shipping)